The Chicago Diner, Lakeview
luis alvarado · 106 Google reviewsThe Chicago Diner, Lakeview — brunch & breakfast in Lakeview. Order the Chicago Diner. Casual, established, and unapologetic about it, and good for vegetarians. "The potatoes and green beans on the side were perfectly cooked and seasoned as well" — Scott Perkins [$$]
What 3,352 diners keep saying
What 3,352 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Diner atmosphere with good service. Food is beyond belief especially if you are plant based or vegetarian!”
“Such an amazing place! Food was delicious, highly recommend the Ruben! They have a cook book you can buy with some great recipes as well.”
“Amazing Vegan and vegetarian place. The “wings” were delicious and their home made dressing just paired perfectly with it. Great portions and very savory food.”
“Chicago Diner is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The menu offers a wide variety of options, making it easy for everyone in the group to find something they'll enjoy. Every dish was beautifully presented, generously portioned, and made with fresh, high quality ingredients that were full of flavor. The service was friendly, professional, and attentive throughout our visit, making the experience even more enjoyable. This was the first visit for everyone in our party, and we all left impressed and completely satisfied. If you're in the area and looking for excellent vegetarian or vegan food, Chicago Diner is definitely worth a visit. I highly recommend it and look forward to coming back.”
“Fabulous meatless meal, tasty drinks, cozy atmosphere, and super friendly service. I couldn't ask for more!”
“The Chicago Diner has been serving meat-free comfort food since 1983, long before plant-based eating became a mainstream thing, and the Lakeview location in the Northalsted neighborhood carries that legacy with a classic diner feel, simple decor, friendly staff, and a menu that proves vegan food doesn't have to feel like a compromise. It's also proudly part of the neighborhood's LGBTQ+ community, pride flags displayed throughout, a welcoming space for everyone who walks in. We got the Reuben first, corned beef-style seitan piled with sauerkraut and melted cheese on marbled rye, and it genuinely tasted close enough to the real thing that it surprised both of us. The Thai chili wings came next, breaded seitan tossed in a spicy glaze, and they disappeared fast, packed with flavor and a real kick of heat. We also tried the spinach artichoke dip, creamy and rich, served with toasted ciabatta crostini that held up well for scooping. Someone in our group went with the mushroom and lentil casserole topped with a white truffle mushroom sauce, and reported it was one of the more comforting things they'd eaten anywhere recently, vegan or not. Shakes are a must here too, thick and genuinely good, the kind of dessert that makes you wonder why you don't order a milkshake more often. Portions are huge across the board, and the staff don't rush you out even when it's busy. Seating is limited, so going right at opening or making a reservation is worth doing if you don't want a wait.”
“I’ve been here dozens of times but today was different. Today I dined with my young family, a toddler and an infant. They are very kid friendly here! We got a kids menu with crayons. The kids menu had great options. Our toddler had chik’n tenders & fresh steamed green beans. Such a great healthy alternative to French fries. Everything we ate today was good and the service was very attentive and friendly. So nice to know that this is a place I can go to with the whole family.”
“Hands down the BEST vegan Reuben I have ever had. Everything about it was just wonderful. I also got the Thai chili wings as an appetizer and they were so delicious! The country fried steak was also very good and hearty. Parking is available in the back after 6 pm, but otherwise it is street parking. They also have breakfast items till 3 pm. Soo delicious and the Reuben is a must have!”
“I always love this place but I have to tell everyone about this relatively new dish the Coconut Lime Chicken. It's FANTASTIC. Very close to a real chicken breast texture so don't get it if you're sensitive to that. But it's INSANELY GOOD!! One of the best things I've ever had and such a mighty portion. Please try it so it stays on the menu!!!!!!”
“Very crowded Friday, pretty loud, everyone at ease, servers about business & getting u ye grub ASAP! TCD, an all vegan restaurant, offered 🍺 🍷 & delish vegan shakes & deserts. When sold out, that's it! Delicious and tostadas, quinoa & 🥑 🌶️ amazing ChimiChurri. Kinda pricey, eh. A rare treat 4 us from Ohio. Mac n 🧀=💋. Leak soup def needs some fresh taste, too🧂 & bland, but all else 😋. They have Parking Which I wish I knew of before paying fees!”
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