- Top Rated Bakery in Chicago
-
The Chicago Diner - Lakeview
-
412Loading...
-
Vegetarian
Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
American
Beer/Wine
Delivery
Take-out
Bakery
Catering
Providing all vegetarian and mostly vegan American comfort food for brunch and dinner with organic beers and wine, margaritas, vegan bakery, and desserts. Meat free since 1983. Patio seating available. Confirmed open May 2020. Open Mon-Fri 11:00am-10:00pm, Sat 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 10:00am-9:00pm.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
Loading...
-
- Accepts credit cards
-
-
Last update on 06 Jul 2023 by geometric-noise
Update business info -
Are you the owner?
Claim this business
-
-
280 Reviews
First Review by amargrav
RachelJoy
Points +24
Love it! - Edit
The gyro plate and peanut butter cookie dough milkshake were amazing. Loved the 90s Rent vibe too. It was an incredible experience!
Read morePros: Atmosphere, Gyro plate, Milkshake
Cons: Too much plasticky cheese on the Reuben
Guest
BarryY
Points +152
The vegan motherland - Edit
So many vegan friends have rhapsodized about Chicago Diner that I was eager to make a pilgrimage to the vegan motherland. I was taken by local friends who are omnivores but eat there regularly because of the quality of the food. The place feels like an old school city diner, and the menu is pure comfort food: burgers, wings, Reubens, gyros, omelets. I had the (seitan-based) Philly cheese steak and the mac-and-cheese (made with tapioca- and coconut oil-based "Teese"), and they tasted sentimental, like childhood. We shared a couple of desserts, too, and my favorite was the cocoa mousse cake.
Read moreGuest
squirrelboy
Points +333
Great almost-vegan diner - Edit
All dishes are vegan by default. The gravy is great and so are the milkshakes.
Read moreGuest
hannahsweitzer
Points +2485
The Best Reuben of all time - Edit
The absolute first thing I did when I landed in Chicago was check out the Chicago Diner and I was NOT disappointed! Multiple people recommended it to me (specifically, the Reuben) and I knew I had to try it! I ordered the Reuben with waffle fries and a peanut butter chocolate shake. I was totally blown away!! I’m not a huge Reuben fan but this was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had
Read moreGuest
veganqueenofqueensnyc
Points +1299
First Time for Everything - Edit
Being in Chicago for the very first time and for just a little more than 24 hours on a cross-country trip from NYC to San Francisco, I just HAD to make a point of visiting The Chicago Diner, after hearing so many raves about it over the years. So, I opted to visit the Lakeview location (which happens to be the original, with a 2nd now also in Logan Square.)
Read moreI was originally going for brunch, but I ended up ordering the Radical Reuben with a side of waffle fries and a Lemonade after talking it over with Alex, who offered fantastic, friendly service. I was very satisfied with my choice overall, though I have to say that I do still recall the flavor of a traditional Reuben Sandwich from my long-ago pre-vegan days (yes, a VERY long time ago, to be sure.) Although they have most definitely captured the texture of actual corned beef (which is the meat utilized in a traditional Reuben sandwich, and NOT pastrami as some may assume,) there was a lack of saltiness, and yes even "fatiness" (is that even a word?) Healthier, to be sure, and quite frankly, when biting into the entire sandwich, with the saurkraut, vegan thousand island dressing and the toasted rye, it was just as satisfying as any other Reuben from days gone by. The Waffle fries were also crispy, perfectly seasoned as was the Lemonade, which was barely tart with the slightest hint of sweetness.
After all was said and done, I had no room for dessert, as the portion was quite substantial and filling as well. I guess I'll just have to make a point of returning to Chicago and Chicago Diner, and perhaps it will be for brunch - and dessert! 😋
Pros: Customer service, Quality of food, Portions
Guest
janabee_
Points +101
Still so good! - Edit
Visited in 2015 and had the Reuben Sandwich and I have to say, if possible, I think it was even better this time!
Read moreGuest
karolciad
Points +176
My fav place in Chicago - Edit
My fav dish was a Caesar salad and seitan strips. And a cheesecake from this place?!if heaven exists, it tastes like this!
Read morePros: Amazing food
Cons: We don't have it in Europe
Guest
ak13
Points +353
Loved it - Edit
Great food and lovely staff! Ate here twice for my first trip to Chicago. Their shakes are incredible!
Read more(Wish they’d remove all animal products though)
Updated from previous review on 2023-04-10
Pros: Delicious food, Large portions, Friendly staff
Guest
FrauBausFamM
Points +679
Vegan comfort food - Edit
After all the stellar reviews, Chicago Diner was on my absolutely-need-to-go-list when I visited the city. As it was the weekend, I reserved via their website which worked really well. And what can I say? The reviews were right! Not only was the whole staff super nice and friendly, but the food was amazing as well. I had a hard time deciding what to order, but went with my waiter’s recommendation: Reuben with Mac&Cheese as side, and both were delicious. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any room left in my tummy to try one of their shakes - best reason to return! Prices are more than fair.
Read moreGuest
bEzz
Points +1745
The Original - Edit
Chicago Diner is an institution and for a good reason! Diner classics reimagined as vegan taste sensations and then some. Get their spin on the Cuban. You won’t be sorry!
Read moreGuest
veg469
Points +638
All vegan options - Edit
The soul bowl was delicious and a healthy vegan option.
Read moreGuest
DavidDainko
Points +360
>>>> 5 stars - Edit
I’m only giving the Diner 5 stars because that’s all I’m allowed. In fact there isn’t a number high enough for me to properly rate this place. The app should fix that
Read moreGuest
noetsx
Points +222
Best comfort food ever! - Edit
Best milkshakes and comfort food in the area. Boystown is a very nice area as well. #Veganuary
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-01-29
Pros: Lots of comfort food, Great area, Beat milkshakes
Guest
cassiekay
Points +545
Great food and good vibes! - Edit
This is a legit diner! It's so tiny and old school which is one of the many things I loved about it. The food was delicious! We tried their buffalo seitan wings, I had their po boy special with plantains, Mac and Cheese, and my friend had the pot pie which was huge!! Staff were super friendly and gave great food recommendations. My bf and I got the salted caramel milkshake which was heavenly. I am 100% going back when I am in Chicago again this fall!
Read morePros: All vegan, Milkshakes, Great food
Guest
trenityw
Points +901
Classic Diner Food - Edit
I like the variety of menu options. My food was just okay- I had the Reuben with mashed potatoes and gravy and wasn’t blown away. Also the iced chai latte I had was lacking in the chai tea and just tasted like oat milk with cinnamon. However I did enjoy the spinach dip. I’d be Interested to come back and try something different and one of the famous milkshakes
Read morePros: Large portions
Guest
andyjng
Points +5372
Good Diner, Bad Dining Experience - Edit
My friends and I decided to go family style and split a couple of their veganized diner classics. We went with their Rueben Rolls, Country Fried Steak (made from seitan), Cinnamon Rolls, and of course a side salad because by this time, I needed to make sure I was eating my greens.
Read moreFirstly, the rolls were our absolute favorite. The slight saltiness of the mock meat was fantastic in the vegan fried roll. The sauce that it came with was also fantastic and we kept it for the rest of our meal. As for the other main entrees, we thought the side potatoes and veggies were better in the country fried steak. I wasn't a huge fan of the seitan's consistency but the gravy did make up for it in the end. We took our cinnamon rolls to go and thought these were okay - the sugar is on top and not rolled inside, so it was different and not quite what I desired.
While the food here was okay, the service here was... interesting. We had made a reservation at 19:00 but were a few minutes late. Our one friend got there on time and was seated, but apparently the hostess or bartender gave some slight attitude about us needing to be out before 20:00 closing. My friend helped us place our food order beforehand so by the time we arrived, it was ready to come out a few minutes later.
It was an interesting experience dining for sure. I felt that we were bothering the staff by eating inside even before 19:00. This doesn't mean that they weren't friendly when serving and checking up on us- they absolutely were. But I had this slight feeling that they were irritated either by us or members of their team. At a point, we thought we overheard someone crying in the back which took us by surprise.
I equated that to them getting a massive amount of take out orders right before closing which caused a lot of stress on the kitchen and team. I don't blame them for the experience but I wish it was slightly friendlier for us when we were dining in. We took responsibility for being late and apologized, and were also out promptly before 20:00, but not before feeling a bit unwelcome in the space.
Pros: Savory comfort food options
Cons: Unpleasant service when they get too busy
Guest
jadaruss
Points +1839
Yummy vegan food - Edit
Pretty good breakfast options!
Read moreGuest
diannec
Points +786
Yummy but dare I say…. A tad overrated? - Edit
Food is good but not always great. A little expensive and have been rushed out before eating much of my meal when it’s busy. Will be back regardless though!
Read moreGuest
CatherineMarch
Points +18
Good food and meat free since 83. - Edit
Whenever I go to a vegan restaurant I am a bit overwhelmed with the choices. The milkshakes are divine.
Read morePros: Entire vegan/vegetarian menu, Great waitstaff, Food was good.
Guest
tastinmusic
Points +57
My Favorite Restaurant in All of CHICAGO - Edit
10000/10! Love the Radical Reuben with vegan cheese and sweet potato fries. AND THE VEGAN SHAKES!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-10-10
Pros: Lots of Vegan Options
Guest
ClaireMaye
Points +82
AMAZING - Edit
A fab meal - great taste, textures and a fantastic menu
Read morePros: Amazing vegan menu and fab cocktails!
Cons: Absolutely none
Guest
Kallday
Points +301
The Thai Chili Wings!! That’s all ima say!!! - Edit
Let me start off by saying I have always wanted to try The Chicago Diner for about 7 years now. I didn’t even need a menu that’s how much Ive been anticipating on eating here.
Read moreI promise you the Thai Chili Wings will be the best thing you ever tried in your life!! From the first bite to the last bite, I was completely speechless at how good & fresh they were. Those wings were soooooo good my mouth is watering right now hust thinking about them haha! THATS A MUST every single time!
For my entree, I got the Pancakes & the Breakfast Bowl. They both were superb (the breakfast bowl being the better choice) & quite fulfilling.
Guest
CinemaSpinach
Points +819
Loved it - Edit
I made a list of places to try out while in Chicago and I did not expect to return over three times on my trip. The food was scrumptious, the price was good, and the portions left us feeling absolutely satisfied - I miss this place.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2021-04-18
Pros: delicious good portions, friendly staff, great value
Cons: Might feel a little crowded at first, Not any in California
Guest
Midwestveganfoodie365
Points +2004
Many many options - Edit
I wasnt too obsessed with the food but they do have such a grand variety including desserts and savory meals that i have to give it 5 stars. So many things to try and many different special. I loved the milkshakes but wasn't too invested in the savory food but it was still good.
Read moreGuest
AddieAnneSmith
Points +380
There is a reason this place has been around since 1983! - Edit
The food was on point! I had a VLT and my husband had the gyro. Both were amazing and we didn't leave a bite on our plates! The Moscow mule was also delicious! We have been here before and will certainly come here again!
Read moreGuest
Veggie46
Points +120
A Chicago classic - Edit
Great food and a regular spot for us to eat at. I love that they have new special dishes each month. Waffle fries for the win. Shakes are out of this worlds.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2012-08-27
Pros: shakes, Service , Brunch
Guest
aubreyj27
Points +2016
i love it here - Edit
the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming as well as the food! i’ve come here a few times now and the food is always delicious. the portions are generous, and i am always happy after i’ve eaten here:)
Read morei would recommend the smoked tofu club if they have it (seasonal), the radical reuben (flagship sandwich, it’s really good), and the thai chili wings if you want to try something a little different! they have a new spicy chicken that i got on a caesar salad and it totally blew me away.
for dessert, i love the s’mores brownie sundae - it’s huge and slightly different every time, so it’s a little bit of a surprise and i honestly never get tired of it.
they replicate a lot of typically meat-including comfort food dishes, and i’ve found it to please both vegetarians/vegans & meat eaters alike.
definitely recommend, especially for the atmosphere and the whole experience. it’s very enjoyable, and the dishes are comfort food heaven.
Pros: generous servings, lots of menu options, friendly staff
Cons: service sometimes on the slower side
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 49722 times.