Can't Believe It's Not Meat - River North
ZipPicks Awards
Best Burritos in River North
Best Vegan Restaurants in River North
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
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.