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Can't Believe It's Not Meat - River North
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Can't Believe It's Not Meat - River North
8.6
Plant-based comfort-food counter where burritos, birria burritos, and chimichangas come in fully vegetarian and mostly vegan builds. Diners lean on it for indulgent burrito-style plates that still stay meat-free, from brunch through late lunch and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria burritos with plant-based protein, Loaded breakfast burrito, Crispy chimichanga with vegan cheese
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Vegetarian and vegan comfort food where burritos and birria burritos are headline items.
Who should go: Plant-based diners craving indulgent, burrito-style comfort food.
When to visit: Brunch and early dinner when lines are manageable.
What to order: Birria burrito, breakfast burrito, chimichanga with fries.
Insider tip: Pair a birria burrito with a shake and plan on leftovers—the portions are heavy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly paid street parking and nearby garages; metered spots can be limited during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Casual — athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle with music, but you can usually hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes at peak hours; to-go orders may queue longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with short lines during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the full menu is meat-free by default.
Vegan options: Yes — many items are fully vegan or can be made vegan on request (watch for cheese and sauces).
Gluten-free options: Limited — most burritos use flour tortillas; consider bowls or modifications and confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key first date — it’s counter-service and relaxed rather than formal or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in and counter-service; seating is first-come and can be tight at peak brunch and dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable comfort food and quick service work well for families, though seating is limited and high chairs may be unavailable.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based diners who want indulgent, comfort-style burritos and chimichangas without meat — big portions and bold flavors over fine-dining polish.
Skip if: You need a quiet, sit-down restaurant experience, strict gluten-free options, or lighter, salad-forward vegan fare.
Can't Believe It's Not Meat - River North
7.9
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat serves indulgent vegan takes on burgers, cheesesteaks, and Chicago-style comfort food in a compact River North counter-service space. It’s where plant-based diners and flexitarians go for loaded sandwiches and fries that feel like late-night fast food without the meat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Mik Burger, World Famous Chik'n Nuggets, Philly Cheesesteak
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Vegan soul-food classics and fast-food-style sandwiches with full comfort-food impact.
Who should go: Plant-based comfort food fans craving big, messy sandwiches.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before peak delivery and takeout rush.
What to order: Big Mik Burger, Philly cheesesteak, World Famous Chik'n Nuggets.
Insider tip: Plan on takeout or a quick dine-in; the compact space fills fast during rushes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited and competitive; most guests use nearby River North garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; streetwear and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate during rush periods with takeout traffic; easy conversation during off-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes for orders during peak delivery and takeout rush; seating is first-come, first-served.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, aside from a short ticket time for hot items.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian, built around plant-based comfort food.
Vegan options: Yes — the menu is fully vegan, including sauces and cheeses.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be made without bread, but cross-contact is possible; confirm details with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key hang than a formal first date — it’s counter-service with limited seating and a fast-casual vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is walk-in and fills quickly at peak times, so be prepared for takeout if the small dining area is full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families and older kids who like burgers and nuggets; space is compact and amenities like high chairs or stroller parking are limited.
Best For
Better for: Indulgent, fast-casual vegan comfort food — big sandwiches, fries, and late-night style cravings at approachable prices.
Skip if: You want a quiet, full-service dining room, extensive seating, or strict gluten-free handling with dedicated prep.
Can't Believe It's Not Meat - River North
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Chef Laricia “Chef Fab” Chandler Baker’s River North outpost of Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat is a vegetarian and vegan comfort-food counter where Chicago dogs, cheesesteaks, burgers, and gyros go fully meatless. Massive delivery and takeout volume backs its role as the indulgent, plant-based cheat-day stop in 60654.
Must-Try Dishes:
Who Betta Double Burger, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Chicago “Not Dog”
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A Black woman–owned vegetarian and vegan comfort-food shop turning Chicago staples into meatless hits with serious delivery volume.
Who should go: Vegans and flexitarians craving big, messy comfort food.
When to visit: Casual lunches and early dinners, especially before or after downtown errands.
What to order: Who Betta Burger, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, a Chicago Not Dog.
Insider tip: The menu is huge—pick one signature sandwich plus one shareable snack instead of over-ordering on a first visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Chicago Ave and nearby side streets; most guests rely on paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; gym clothes and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle with music, but you can still hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: Short counter line is common — expect ~10–20 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though online and delivery orders may queue ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the full menu is vegetarian with many comfort-food formats.
Vegan options: Yes — many items are fully vegan or can be made vegan on request (cheese and sauces are the main swaps).
Gluten-free options: Limited — several items use buns, wraps, or breaded components; ask staff about bowl or salad-style modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-key dates than formal ones — it’s counter-service and geared toward quick, comfort-food meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in and counter-service; seating is first-come and many guests take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable sandwiches and fries, quick service, and a relaxed setting work well for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Indulgent, plant-based versions of classic Chicago comfort foods with strong takeout and delivery reliability.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, sit-down restaurant, full table service, or extensive gluten-free options.