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The Chicago Diner
Categories: Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Vegan Vegetarian, Vegan [Edit]
3411 N Halsted St(between Roscoe St & Newport Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighbourhood: Lakeview
(773) 935-6696
- Nearest Transit:
-
Addison-red (Red Line)
Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri 11 am - 10:30 pm
Sat 10 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
1041 reviews for The Chicago Diner
Review Highlights
-
"Don't forget the sweet potato fries ya hear." In 104 reviews -
"I am in love with the black bean burger." In 29 reviews -
"Can't wait to go back again for this sandwich." In 20 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
1041 reviews in English
-
Review from sheridan r.
San Carlos, CA
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wait, what? VEGAN RESTAURANT? This is nothing new to me. I live with a vegan. Some my know him as my husband... My brother's wife is a veggie, too, and they recommended The Chicago Diner to us while we were visiting them in IL. After browsing their menu online, we decided it was worth the adventure on the L to check them out. (side note of excitement: Cubs game that same night so the energy on the train was great!)
I could have easily just eaten the BBQ VEGGIE WINGZ and been 100% satisfied. But no. I had to go for more. Hubby got the Radical Reuben and it was fantastic. I ordered the Chicken Fried "Steak". HOLY CRAP. ALL of the food was absolutely amazing. Even carnivores would be pleasantly surprised. Taste, texture, all of it. Totally rad.
I guarantee when we go back to Chicago, we'll hit up The Chicago Diner again. Better yet, howsabout you guys open up one in SF?! -
Review from chris g.
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
It took me nearly 20 years to try their crispy bacon.
Yes I had the audacity to type that and we know that this is one of Chicago's hottest and oldest vegetarian spots. It's a shame that i've worn the concrete out in Boystown but never popped into this place and I've wanted to for so long.
Our BBQ Vegan wings came to the table and while you know you're not eating meat, you simultaneous pee your pants slightly after slurping the exceptional BBQ sauce. I believe the wings are Seitan and they taste the slightest bit bready but these are quite wonderful and crisp!
My BBQ bacün cheezeburger is a delicious housemade veggie patty with seitan bacün and tangy BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion, melted cheeze. The wheat buns remind me of Epic Burger and the fake bacon was on point.
Since summer '91 I rid my diet of pork and in 1993 I slashed all red meat. After 2 years of being vegetarian, I began eating seafood and poultry again while still loving many meatless or meat free dishes.
The service is very friendly, though I think they definitely get a bit overwhelmed when there's a packed house. On second thought, maybe they're just trying to leave you alone to enjoy the food and convo with your guest.
Will be nice to go back. -
Review from Annie N.
5/17/2012
After a long time listening to my vegetarian/vegan friends hyping this place up, I finally took a hike up here for dinner one night. Perhaps the 3 star might have said how I feel about this place (It's ok), but if you're curious as for why, and whether or not you'd like it, read on.
First off, I don't eat meat, and I dislike any form of fake meat. My dinning companion, on the other hand, eats meat. But he can't have gluten, dairy products, or eggs, so basically the two of us eating out is semi-impossible. But we've managed in the past, and Chicago Diner has gluten free, vegan and vegetarian menus that would serve both of us well.
I ordered the Bi Bim Bap, and he ordered a grilled cheese with vegan cheese (lame, I know, but his excuse was that he LOVES grilled cheese, and never really makes it himself, so now is one of the few chances). The food took a bit longer to come out, but the place was packed, so I don't blame them. When our waiter finally delivered out food, both were actually quite small in portion. Mine came with a hefty amount of vegetable, but a rather small scoop of brown rice. His sandwich was small too, but came with a side of fries. As for the taste, mine was good, but not out of this world. Truth is, I ordered this so compare it with my own version of Bi Bim Bap, and I think mine is better. In addition, they came with a "softer" version of gochujang (korean red pepper paste) that was a bit too sour for my taste and not spicy enough. I was expecting the real deal, or at least something that comes close to it, but the sauce that came with my dish didn't deliver. In fact, it was rather a let down. The fake meat (which is ironically the part I usually hate the most), was my favorite part of the meal, because it at least had some flavor.
The grill cheese was good according to my dinning partner. Our waiter was nice, but nothing special. Place was crowded, and you'd feel like you're screaming at the people sitting at the table next to you, while in fact, you were trying to communicate with each other.
So, to sum it up, it was an ok for me. I'm pretty good with cooking vegetable and converting all meals to vegetarian. The Bi Bim Bap definitely wasn't a good choice since I can make a pretty tasty one myself. I should have gone with a sandwich or a wrap. If asked, I would say yes, give it a try. It's somewhat of a Chicago-thing (or maybe Chicago vegetarian thing). But I wouldn't rave about it the way it has been by others. -
Review from Tiffany W.
Denver, CO
5/3/2012
Ehhhh... Maybe I had my hopes up too high for this one. Maybe I didn't order the "right" thing. Maybe the bar has been set ridiculously high by Real Food Daily in L.A. Or maybe (I hate to think) The Chicago Diner really is just A-OK (and not mindblowing-ly amazing like I thought in my head).
I appreciate places like TCD for providing vegetarian and vegan comfort foods to the veg-head and flexible meat-eating masses. While mostly simple in design, sometimes a veggie just doesn't feel like cooking. Or you want to introduce a friend or family member to something different. Or you're looking for your own ideas to try at home. I get it. But what I don't get is faux-meat and faux-cheese parading around in an attempts to be end-all vegetarian cuisine. Honestly, it's just meatless.
Like I said, maybe I didn't order the right thing, my stomach deciding for me with the BBQ "Bacon" Cheeseburger with mac-n-"cheese" for a side. And deep-fried seitan chunks tossed in Frank's for an appetizer. And truly, my friend's flash-garlic greens (whatever that means) were the best part of either of our meals (in my opinion). Why? Because it was the vegetable. I face this same hang-up with Denver's sole meatless monopoly (Watercourse Foods and City O' City [same company/owners])--that it's mostly salty, fatty stuff that just happens to have no meat. And terrible vegan cheese.
Perhaps my long-running lacto-ovo status has turned me that far off vegan cheese (because I really only dig cashew ricotta), but the mac-n-cheese was just a little to "off" and plastic-y for me. The burger was quite good; not going to lie it was exciting to be able to order a "bacon cheeseburger" without having to "sub a veggie patty and no bacon" (because usually at restaurants the bacon cheeseburger comes with some other toppings that I enjoy). We also ordered a chocolate-chile cupcake for dessert that was divine (vegan baking always having a dear spot in my heart). But overall TCD just lacked the "wow" factor I was hoping for. And that bums me out.
I will add: I am glad to have tried it. If I visit Chicago again I might try again and go for a more vegetable-centric dish. I also realize I'm breaking the mold with this review (just like with my stance on Denver's Watercourse) because TCD's less-than-4-star reviews are few and far between. But I will review and post with integrity and honesty. And that honesty stands at three stars. And three stars only. Lastly, if I were rating just the walnut brownie that I purchased to take back to the Mile High with me, then that would surely receive four stars. So maybe... come for the baked goods and stay for the meatless mains? -
Review from Michael F.
Frisco, TX
5/11/2012
I really, really like this place. Granted, it's not a healthy vegan restaurant...you can walk out with 1000 plus calories if you're not watching yourself. But the food is so tasty and well done. So I'm writing about this place from an indulgent perspective. I had the gyoza appetizer....a vegetable based potsticker....dough was a little thick but overall really good. Had the Titanic BLT burger with mashed potatoes and gravy and it was very full of flavor. I added the cheddar Daiya cheese and it hit the spot. For dessert it was chocolate peanut butter shake....and it was really good.
I walked out feeling a bit more full than I liked but I only get there once a year. Service was great and so was the value. Get there early to avoid the crowds and tip well. You won't regret the experience. -
Review from Kara E.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2012
As far as vegan/vegetarian restaurants, Chicago Diner is the best it can get! I reluctantly visited CD for lunch with my now vegan sister. She tried convinced me the on our car ride to the restaurant that this place was really, really good, and that I would like it. And, she was right!
Although I didn't have the most adventurous thing on the menu, CD has perfected the black bean burger! The "burger" was really flavorful, absolutely handmade (not some frozen patty) and the creole mustard was pretty darn tasty. The burger came with a side of sweet potato fries- yum! I cleaned my entire plate. My sis went with one of the specials, Tostados w/ faux chorizo, lettuce, tomato, etc. and even vegan nacho cheese sauce! I was a little skeptical of the cheese sauce, but I had a taste, and it tasted like the real thing.
CD even has a pretty extensive dessert menu from vegan shakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, etc. We went with the Peanut Butter Puck. A peanut butter cookie, filled with chocolate and peanut butter. It was sooo good, I couldn't believe it was vegan!
Service was a little spotty, but no big deal. My sis was right, CD is really, really good! I'll be back to try other items on the menu. -
Review from Sara K.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2012
If I could eat here every day I would totally become a vegan. I went here for the first time last night and it was very much worth the 25 min wait on a Friday night. I had the BBQ "bacon" cheezeburger with mac and cheese and my friend had the Gyro with the sweet potato fries. Everything was so good. Then I ordered a peanut butter and chocolate shake to go. I definitely plan on coming back to eat and try new menu items sometime this week. Prices are also very reasonable. Very impressed
I also recommend trying the "chicken" pesto. so yummy. -
Review from Bryan R.
Bloomington, IL
5/15/2012
Fantastic vegetarian food, and all items are available vegan as well. My wife and I really enjoyed the brunch menu. We plan to come back any time that we are in town.
I loved the "steak & eggs" breakfast. They have the best tofu scramble I've ever tried, and it stands up as a good substitute for eggs. The real highlight, though, was the delicious breaded seitan steak. It's not health food or fancy dining - just satisfying down home comfort. -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
4/17/2012
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in Chicago. I was a vegetarian for close to 10 years and even living in Chicago found that it was at times difficult to find vegetarian friendly restaurants. Needless to say, I was really happy when I found the Chicago Diner, being that their entire menu is vegetarian!!!!
They also have delicious organic vodka lemonades served nice and strong and in a tall glass perfect ! I love to sit out in their beautiful garden patio in back when it is warm out and sip a couple of them.
This is not a place to miss; the service is very good always friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. And even if you are not a vegetarian you will be pleasantly surprised by how great the food is~ I have brought many of my "meat and potato" guy friends here and they were blown away by how flavorful and delicious the food is my favorites are the gyros with sweet potato fries and the enchiladas -
Review from Dave J.
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, but that doesn't matter. The food here is great. This is a must stop place any time I'm in Chicago, and my most recent trip was no exception. The restaurant was full, so we ended up in the heated tent out back. This was my first time back there, and it was cozy and a pleasant surprise that they are confident enough in their cleanliness to walk customers through the kitchen on the way to the tent/patio area. My friend ordered the Chipotle Firehouse Wrap and I opted for the Bi Bim Bap, and we both went with a couple Two Brother's beers. Our food arrived in a timely manner and was absolutely delicious. The service was great as always.
I'm most definitely looking forward to returning ASAP. -
Review from Frances H.
Highland Park, IL
5/15/2012
I'm a meat eater but Chicago Diner's food doesn't make me feel like I'm missing out on anything. So far I've had the Titanic BLT (it had a surprisingly meaty texture),the Dagwood (reminded me of a philly cheesesteak, the chili (an incredibly hearty dish) and the potato skins (which had a delicious creamy filling, probably my favorite thing to order there). The servings here are generous and the waitstaff is attentive. I like that this restaurant isn't in-your-face vegan, it's actually incredibly welcoming so I recommend this place to anyone who likes to try new things.
-
Review from Felice O.
Noble Square, Chicago, IL
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Meat Free since the 80's and they still haven't gotten it right.
Yes, I speak blasphemy. Yet, I went here expecting AMAZING vegan food. What I received was a poorly orchestrated meal with OK service and an entree that lacked A. Nutritional Value and B. Variety/Creativity/Spice.
I ordered the Buffalo Salad @ 10.99 which is essentially Vegan ranch dressing, a spring lettuce mix, and burned (overcooked) tofu smothered in BBQ/Buffalo sauce. Normally, when I order salad at a vegan restaurant, specifically an entree salad, I expect to have not only lettuce, but also a mix of carrots, beets, onions, fennel, seeds or other legumes. Vegans really should know about the importance of vegetables more than ANYONE else, yet, I am mistaken. My mom ordered the Black Bean Burger and needless to say, she was unimpressed. I also ordered a side of Macaroni and Cheese which (AT BEST) tasted like a Vegan version of the 99 cents Kraft Mac N Cheese found at nearly every supermarket/convenience store.
This place simply serves up Vegan junk food (and it is not even very tasty). I highly suggest patronizing other Vegan restaurants that are capable of providing more nutritious or even tastier vegan junk food.
HOWEVER...
The Chicago Diner is responsible for serving up some of THE BEST vegan cake, I have ever had. I shouldn't be surprised, cake is the epitome of junk food BUT they do it best. And the best part of all, I don't have to drive from River East to Belmont for a slice, they also serve it at Whole Foods South Loop for a similar price. -
Review from Daniel H.
4/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I hit up Chicago Diner three times during my trip out there and each time came away impressed. Really awesome vegetarian/vegan place that no doubt lives up to its reputation and all the great reviews. First trip through I got the chicken fried steak and it was decent, and the cookie dough shake was very good. That trip I missed the Texas mushroom melt, and I'm so glad I came back to try it because it's beyond delicious. The patty they make is so flavorful and I love the Texas toast.
Plus, the mashed potatoes and gravy were also excellent, and this is big for me because I'm a big gravy person and I had yet to find a vegan restaurant that made gravy that wasn't a bland mess. Chicago Diner makes it great. Big points scored there. We also then tried the caramel torte recommended by our server and it also was delicious. Thanks, dude.
Chicago Diner was one of my favorite places to eat on my vacation. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from kat v.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012
I have special dietary needs right now (can't eat gluten, nickel, or lectins) and even though they were pretty busy, they accomdated my needs without acting like I was trying to make their lives difficult. The gluten free beer float was yummy and didn't upset my belly :) I'll go there again just to know that I wont have to fight the servers in order to walk out of there feeling good and healthy. Their other vegetarian food looked good, too, mmmm I wanted to dig into that vegan mac n' cheese so bad!
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Review from Misty B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/7/2012
Seems a little unhealthy, and for some reason I Always felt sick after eating there. The Rueben was ok, but if anything get the sweet potato fries. Or just head over to Native Foods, because they're out of this world!
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Review from Sasha L.
Mountainside, NJ
4/14/2012
All of the food here is great - they essentially take "typical" diner food and make it vegan. I thought I did not like seitan until I tried the Gyros here....they are unbelievable!!
Also, the desserts are amazing. Do not leave without getting a milkshake!!! If you are a peanut butter lover, the cookie dough peanut butter milkshake will be one of the best decisions you could make. The "Peanut Butter Puck" dessert is the only item on the menu that is somewhat disappointing.
Unfortunately you cannot make reservations, so you should plan to get there at least 45 minutes before you actually would like to sit down. But by the time you have finished your meal, you will be happy you waited! -
Review from Eli S.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
First off: I'm a carnivore. I love meat. And this place is incredible!
I took a stint where I went vegetarian for a while and got to try this place out. If I could eat at this place all the time, going vegan wouldn't seem that bad. The key to this place is that whatever meat lovers might miss about the lack of meat, is made up in pure flavor.
I got the BLT burger and it was incredibly flavorful, very filling as well. I tried also the Rueben and it was amazing--they even colored the seitan too look like roast beef. It's in the details!
The atmosphere is cozy and the service is really friendly. We got there at around 6:30 and it was packed out with a 40 minute wait. They had a heated tent in the back so we didn't have to wait out in the cold =]
Yay vegan! -
Review from Sara J.
3/26/2012 5 photos
I love this diner! Okay, they do serve a lot of omnivorous imitation stuff, but sometimes that's what I want. I wanted to see why they were so well recommended and compare their imitation to what I know. I recommend this place to everyone, but especially to new vegans as you make the transition from animal based to plant. I also find that omnivores actually prefer more of the veggie vegan foods to the imitation meat vegan foods. If you are an omnivore and are going to order imitation meat stuff, go in with the mindset of trying something new, otherwise you may end up a bit disappointed. Some imitations are great, others are yucky. I totally understand as I'm not into everyday imitation food (but it makes a good treat sometimes). :-)
Understand that you could be waiting outside a while. When we arrived we were told to wait 20-25 minutes. When we were entering, newly arrived people were being told 40-45. They have a few benches in front and a patio in back (I didn't check out the patio). When you arrive, go in and stop just inside the restaurant. Someone will take your name, the size of your party, and how long a wait you will have.
I ordered the reuben with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy along with a strawberry banana shake. My husband ordered the country "steak" which came with pesto veggies and mashed potatoes with gravy. He also ordered the chocolate chip cookie dough shake. Break down:
*Reuben: I have got to remember to order my food free of cheese. Vegan cheese, at least to me, has a very powerful flavor which can (and did) dominate the flavor. I couldn't taste the thousand island dressing. I ordered the sauerkraut on the side because I wasn't sure I'd like it, but it was pretty bland. Sloppy sandwich, but I still enjoyed it. My husband really liked the bit he tried.
*Mashed potatoes with gravy: I almost divorced my husband and was ready to marry any employee there who could replicate them. So. Flipping. Yummy. My husband also loved his. Highly recommended.
*Strawberry banana shake: Amazing! It doesn't say strawberry banana shake on the menu, but when I saw strawberry I asked if they could make strawberry banana and she said yes. Even my husband, who usually thinks banana overpowers most foods, thought it had the right strawberry/ banana balance of flavors. Highly recommended.
*Country "steak": It is made with seitan. My husband loved it, and I loved the piece I tried. Reminded me of mock chicken leg only better then the kind they give you in school for lunch. Highly recommended.
*Pesto veggies: meh, plain even with the pesto.
*Chocolate chip cookie dough shake: My husband almost divorced me and was ready to marry any employee there who could replicate it. His eyes absolutely lit up when he tried it, he said it was the best chocolate chip cookie dough shake he's ever had. I tried a bit and loved it. I usually can't find a good vegan liquid/ syrup chocolate, but they've figured it out or found it. Highly recommended. -
Review from Gary K.
Salt Lake City, UT
4/14/2012
I was very impressed with the variety of foods they were able to make with seitan. I had the buffalo wings and the gyros, which were both excellent. A lot of the vegan restaurants I've been to try to be all artsy and serve things like sprouts and seeds over quinoa, in micro portions. The Chicago Diner serves hearty meals made of foods people actually want to eat.
The Chicago Diner has inspired me to begin cooking with seitan instead of tempeh or tofu. -
Review from Pete J.
3/3/2012
Who would think there would be a 20 minute wait for a counter seat for one person at 2 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon? Well, it was worth the wait. The waiting area is actually a big heated tent behind the main restaurant. Much to my surprise, there were about 30 other people waiting in this primitive yet comfortable area. The meal was worth the wait.
The soup of the day was barley with mushrooms. Very good, not salty, a nice balance. The chocolate chip cookie dough "milkshake" was rich, delicious. The "Radical Reuben" was vegan, with a sauerkraut, veggie "mozzarella", slices of seasoned seitan indistinguishable from corned beef with vegan thousand island dressing, served on marbled rye. The only downside of this was they served peppers and fried onions on this. Peppers and onions on a Reuben??? The side salad of kale daikon was fresh, crisp, tasty. Service was prompt, efficient.
I highly recommend the Radical Reuben, but tell them to hold the peppers and onions, if you yearn for a vegan substitution of a real Reuben.Listed in: Yelp 100+ 2012 Challenge
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Review from Francesca M.
Tempe, AZ
3/24/2012
Look, I live in Arizona. There are very few vegetarian restaurants out here. I know for a lot of people in Chicago, vegetarian food is old hat and easy to find. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and say, of all veg restaurants I've been to (including great places in San Diego, San Francisco, and even one or two in good ole AZ), the Chicago Diner is far and beyond the best.
If I could give the Chicago Diner 300 stars, I would. Five stars is just not enough for how absolutely perfect and delicious this restaurant is.
First, the ambiance is really cute. Diner-y, of course. The service is awesome, the servers are all super sweet and so helpful. We shared an appetizer of buffalo wings with THE BEST vegan ranch I've ever eaten.
I ordered the philly cheesesteak with a side of mashed potatoes. OH. MY. GOD. I haven't eaten beef in almost five years and man oh man oh man, do I miss it sometimes. And man oh man, did Chicago Diner fake it perfectly well. It tasted like a real, meaty meat philly cheesesteak. The meat was even slightly greasy (probably thanks to the copious amounts of cheese they put on the sandwich, mm). I swear - it was almost identical to a real meat philly cheesesteak. My boyfriend got the reuben and wow - same thing. It was PERFECT.
I've been trying to convince my boyfriend to move to Chicago for a long time and The Chicago Diner is always one of my reasons why it'd be a perfect place to live - it's just that good. -
Review from Tony G.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite vegetarian/vegan restaurants I have never had an item from their menu that I didn't like.
That said, I usually go for their buffalo wings, titanic burger, cookie dough peanut butter shake and their cookie and cream cake.
So good!!! -
Review from Julie R.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2012
After living in Chicago for nearly ten years, and sticking to a completely vegetarian diet for nearly three, I am shocked - shocked I tell you! - that last night was my first trip to the Chicago Diner.
But certainly not the last.
I gave up meat cold turkey (or cold...tofurky?) three years ago and haven't missed or craved a thing. Except - and don't judge me here - chicken fried steak. But last night dreams came true at the Chicago Diner when I ordered their Chicken Fried Staek - a spot on, absolutely delicious, seitan version of that classic guilty pleasure comfort dish.
The vegan milkshakes? Stunning. Our server? So kind, efficinent, and helpful.
Definitely a place I'll be visiting again and again. -
Review from Maggie G.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2012
I am not a vegetarian or vegan, but one of my friends is. She made me come here and suprisingly, it was delicious. Lots of options, I didn't know what to get. I'll def be going back soon.
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Review from Cheryl S.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I give the Diner three stars for the food and five for the service. I think the food is a bit over-priced for the portion sizes, but if you're a vegetarian or vegan it's great to have this many options. I have had their chili, which is delish, and on my most recent visit I ordered the Bi Bim Bop (I think i just butchered the name) which was a mix of veggies and quinoa. Tasty but not gonna lie, I was still hungry when I finished eating! I also ordered a bloody mary, and for the first time in my life, I had to send something back. It tasted really awful and was undrinkable. I had serious anxiety about telling the waitor but I just couldn't take another sip. Our server was super cool about it and didn't charge me for it-don't worry I tipped well.
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Review from RayMundo D.
Lake Forest, IL
4/3/2012
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I recently turned vegan, and was not sure if I could do it...but this place satisfies my every craving! They also have organic margaritas, beer, bloody mary's, & more alcoholic beverages. Everyone must try their delicious bakery items. My all time favorite menu item is the Titanic burger, but I recently attended their 29th anniversary party and had the Chikun pesto panini...looks like the Titanic may start sinking.
My father, who hails from a cattle rancher/ industry family, recently tried some of the items...could not believe it was organic & vegan. His opinion speaks loudly in regards to what this restaurant offers.
It is slowly becoming my families choice for dining. So long Ruth Chris, McCormick, Alinea, & Lawry's. Hello healthy, vegan, & organic Chicago Diner! -
Review from Lauren R.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2012
Chicago Diner is the number one spot for hearty vegetarian/vegan food on the North Side, in my opinion. I've never eaten anything there that I didn't dream about later. My favorite is the Titanic BLT burger... it's so tasty and so filling! I always get it with a side of sweet potato fries.
Also, everyone who works at Chicago Diner is so nice! I sat at the diner counter a few weeks ago, and was hungrily eyeing everything they were bringing out. The dude behind the counter must've noticed this, because he gave the leftovers from a peanut butter chocolate shake... and he made it all pretty, with chocolate syrup and chocolate chips. So nice!
Of course the downside is that if you want to eat at a normal hour, you have to wait at least 20 or so minutes for a table... but if you can get over that, you must... MUST... try this place. -
Review from Shai L.
Dixon, IL
4/2/2012
HOLY CRAP! This place was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot BELIEVE that I used to live in Chicago for 7 years, and it is now, 5 years later, that I am hearing about this place! as a vegetarian, it is so nice to finally have a place where I can go for some delicious vegetarian breakfast food! We were in a group of 6, so there was a bit of a wait, but I can tell you that it was completely worth the wait!
Now, I have never actually eaten meat, as a life-long vegetarian, so I cannot truthfully compare the meat-less options to the real thing. However, that being said, I was extremely impressed with the taste of the seitan patty (that I actually stole off of my sister's plate...). Everyone in our group had something different and no one left unsatisfied!
I ordered the Hazelnut coffee with whipped cream, the potato skins, and the Huevos a la Mexicana. (I stole part of the seitan patty from my sister's French Toast Combo).
I cannot WAIT until I'm in the Chi again so that I can have breakfast at the Chicago Diner. :) -
Review from Stephanie H.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2012
* I would give this place 2.5 stars* I finally got to try Chicago Diner last weekend. Very cute location right off Halsted, but it's a tight space. You will probably need to wait. The menu is not that impressive. I felt it was very repetitive. There weren't a whole lot of things I wanted to try.
I had the huevos mexicana and it was good, but surprising greasy. I have to remind myself that just because it's vegan or organic doesn't mean it's healthy. I'm sure they cook with healthy oils, but it's still oil.
I'm not opposed to going back and the place is certainly crowded enough most of the time so they're doing something right, but.... it's not high on my list to do again. -
Review from Daniele N.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had better Vegan food in the city... just saying.
I went there with my husband's cousin after a day of shopping, and to be honest I was starving! I saw that they had brunch options, so I decided to go with that. I had some sort of sausage/eggs on a bun with some sauce in that. I took too long to write this review, I don't remember the name of the plate, but you can find it in the "popular options". It didn;t really make my taste buds happy, but it was "ok".
Service was great, the place gets crowded and tables are not enough far apart. Price is ok.
If I go back I will try different stuff from the dining menu. The chocolate chip milkshake was awesome thou. -
Review from Freddie L.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2012
Step into a diner that captures a bit of a retro feel, serving up some delicious appetizers, soups, sandwiches, and a mean shake. The best vegan Gyro sandwich this side of town! Crazy long wait time, but definitely worth the wait.
Ideal for a cocktail, dinner or a snack. -
Review from Izzy N.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's COLD and I'm going to die! Yeah I had to say it again in another review this year because it's true. It's c c c cold! Mama! I need a warm hug. How about a hug for my stomach? (Yeah, so?) this calls for some comfort food and I'm in the mood for something different and I'm with a vegetarian coworker. So here we were.
I've had seitan before many a times in good ole granola Portland and I'm not the biggest fan of that nor tofu. And just to let you all know: brownies made with tofu isn't fooling anyone! Blech. But atleast they serve eggs and lentil stuff. I found me a blackbean burger with a side of sweet potato fries and a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough vegan shake. It's all a tad pricey though I'm just saying. When it's a touch pricey then my food better be having hot sex with my tastebuds and stomach. My tastebuds and stomach have needs!
The blackbean burger was pretty good and filling. I got it with no lettuce and onion, add avocado and I drizzled it with sirarcha sauce. I love how all the tables have a bottle of it. Nice. The fries were standard- nothing different or out of this world about this. You'd have to be brain dead to eff up frying up sweet potato fries. The most fabulous part of the meal was the shake. Topped with whipped cream, nuts (next time I'll say no thanks), and chocolate chips. I don't know the chips are named in the vegetarian/vegan world so don't flame me. It was a nice touch though. The shake itself was outrageously delicious! So good, so satisfying, rich and made me smile after every sip! Along with our server which was beyond sweet, super happy and really smiley it kinda freaked me out. Er in a good way I guess. Not to be confused with the happy robots at Pinkberry on state.
Lunch on a weekday here while it's snowing outside was perfect. Pretty much empty yet cozy and I got an imaginery hug from my meal. Now time to go back outside and have snowflakes fly into my eyeballs cuz I want to see where I'm walking. Forgot my sunglasses at home again. -
Review from Cheryl R.
Portland, OR
4/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Of course Chicago Diner gets 5 stars!! It was the final deciding factor in my move to Chicago a few years back.. after visiting a few times, eating at Chicago Diner every time (sometimes multiple times) I thought.. "I'm moving here..." lol. My love affair with Chicago didn't last.. but my passion for the Diner did.
On my latest trip, we stopped here 3 times. The menu had changed a bit since I left town.. but the changes were all good. I got tostadas the first night and a vegan cookies and cream shake. On our next visit I got the grilled cheese and veggies sandwich.. (there's a clever name for it.. but it's just a grilled cheese with fresh veggies on it) and mashed potatoes and gravy.. oh and the caramel torte or whatever it was called.. caramelly, crunchy pie-cake. haha. And on our third visit... I got another sandwich and mashed potatoes... but this time I ordered the berry cheesecake.. I've had some really good vegan cheesecake in my life, so I had to try it.
The mashed potatoes and gravy just blew everything out of the water. Sweet Jesus that shit is good!
I also really liked that grilled cheese sandwich. make sure to specify that you want daiya on that sucker though.
The cheesecake was so-so. Good enough that I had to TRY not to eat the whole thing to myself.
Anyway.. I love this place. I especially like that it's become more of a vegan establishment and not just vegan friendly. Although you should still be sure to specify "vegan" during your order.
If you want to split the check, you HAVE to tell them before you order. And the typical wait for a table or booth is about 15-20 minutes.. but they've mastered the fast, friendly, get the fu-- out service. -
Review from J. P.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2012
I'm really not sure how this place attained an average of four stars.
My friend and I had plans to meet yesterday at 10:30 for brunch. She arrived just before I did and asked to be seated. They refused to seat her w/out the whole party, though I was right down the block. Okay, fine. The staff decided to seat another party that walked in seconds before I did. They got a nice cushy table while my friend and I got put at a tiny table for two. I was almost okay with it until they seated someone right next to us. Unfortunately, I didn't get to catch up with my friend because even whispering the guy sitting next to us could hear everything since we were now a table of three. It also didn't help that everytime a server walked by, they were all up in our space. Ass for breakfast? No thanks.
It honestly didn't matter to me if the place was vegetarian, vegan, or if people were dancing around donned in cloaks of meat; the food wasn't good. The omelette and hash browns were greasy and inedible. The coffee was nasty. I ended up having several glasses of water and toast.
Throw in the customer sitting nearby belting out Journey (and whatever else was playing ovrerhead) and you have quite a delightful time! -
Review from Doug P.
Pensacola, FL
2/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Outstanding vegetarian & Vegan food. They have been doing it for nearly 30 years and obviously they have a good formula, "Meat-free since 1983", as they proudly proclaim. Over the years they have improved the appearance of the interior, while preserving the unpretentious ambiance. The menu is dynamic and continuously evolving, yet certain "fan favorites" stand the test of time, in particular, the shakes.
Even if you are not a vegan or vegetarian, you will enjoy the food. -
Review from Valaria D.
New Orleans, LA
4/18/2012
Easily the most diverse, interesting, friendly eateries in Chicago. I've gone with everyone from long-term vegans to meat and potatoes guys and I haven't had anyone not leave happy and intrigued.
The last few times I've been I've ordered the same thing - the Dagwood has been a savior since it's twice the size of an normal even American sandwich and I always seem to be on a tighter budget than planned.
The staff is really friendly too! Although I don't think I've seen the same face twice after going there for a few years now. -
Review from Michael L.
Warrenville, IL
4/3/2012
Good food
-
Review from Kristina A.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
"Vegan" "food" "kinda" "makes" "me" "nervous" "and" "so" "does" "the" "excessive" "use" "of" "quotation" "marks" "around" "words" "like" "bacon," "pork," "and" "chicken."
I had the sweet potato quesadilla which rocked big time. The Chicago Diner is a tiny place that is always packed, so be ready to wait. I would've done anything to try a dessert that I've heard so much about from my fellow yelpers, but I was there with my skinny friends. Boo. -
Review from Terrence B.
Elgin, IL
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I know the chicago diner is beloved by vegetarians and while the food was decent, I can't say I was wowed. Chicago Diner is always busy but I have never had to deal with much of a wait to get seated. Inside is cramped and flat out grimy. The wait staff (for the males at least) were very much hipsters all with some form of a knit cap. Service is decent, orders are promptly taken and the food comes out timely. Although when waiting for your food, its hard not to look around in the nooks and corners and wonder when the last time its been scrubbed clean.
Foodwise, I have always stuck with the mexican style dishes, which unless you told me, I might not have noticed that wasn't real meat. But I can't confuse that statement with saying the food wow'ed me, it didn't. I will say their beer lineup is pretty solid and 5 Rabbits brewery has always pared well with my meal.
I'll still go back and have an enjoyable meal but its far from the top of my list; vegetarian or not. -
Review from Elizabeth G.
Washington, DC
1/20/2012
I'm not vegan, but I could be if I had unlimited access to this menu!
I was in town with a veg friend and decided to give this a try based on reviews. It was fabulous. We got nachos for the table, and I got the veg chicken fried steak and my friend got the veg BBQ chicken wrap and a pumpkin shake. Soooooo, good. Tasted as good as the real deal (if not better) with a fun hipster-meets-diner vibe.
