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The Chicago Diner
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Chicago Diner
8.9
At this Lakeview East landmark, plates of vegan and vegetarian comfort food almost always land with a side of crisp fries or sweet potato fries that actually compete with the mains. Since 1983, locals have used it as the go-to spot when they want diner-style baskets of fries, burgers, and shakes without the meat, making it one of the most culturally important fry stops in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet Potato Fries, Seasoned French Fries, Radical Reuben Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A meat-free diner where crisp fries and sweet potato fries are baked into almost every classic plate.
Who should go: Vegetarians, vegans, and comfort-food fans sharing fries.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak waits.
What to order: Sweet potato fries, Radical Reuben, a thick vegan shake.
Insider tip: Ask to swap in sweet potato fries on burger plates for a small upcharge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots on Halsted and limited neighborhood side-street parking; expect competition during evenings and brunch.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at off-peak times, livelier during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially in warmer months.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of peak brunch days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Extensive vegan options, including fries, shakes, entrées, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly substitutions (buns and bread swaps), but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — the diner vibe and comfort-food menu keep things relaxed rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it is primarily walk-in; arrive early for brunch or add your name and plan for a short nearby stroll during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly seating, approachable comfort food, and shakes make it a good fit for kids and younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Meat-free comfort classics, vegan shakes, and consistently good fries that feel like main-event sides.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale dinner or a menu centered on meat-focused diner classics.
The Chicago Diner
8.8
Open since 1983, The Chicago Diner is Chicago’s landmark meat-free diner, serving plant-based takes on classic comfort food in the heart of Northalsted. Huge portions, beloved staples like the Radical Reuben and country fried steak, and a full dessert and shake program make it a go-to for both vegans and curious omnivores.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Radical Reuben, Country Fried Steak, Vegan Milkshake
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Chicago’s original meat-free diner where classic comfort food is reimagined plant-based.
Who should go: Vegans and omnivores craving indulgent plant-based comfort food.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak waits begin.
What to order: Radical Reuben, country fried steak, a soy or oat milkshake.
Insider tip: Save room for dessert—sharing a shake or slice of cake is the move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — mostly metered and can be competitive on Halsted and nearby side streets, especially evenings and weekends; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and everyday wear are standard; no need to dress up unless you want to.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak brunch and dinner hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes is common without a reservation, longer during prime brunch weekends or holidays.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though small midday rushes can occur.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian or vegan by default.
Vegan options: Yes — most dishes are vegan or can be made vegan; substitutions are clearly noted on the menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — several items can be made gluten-free (e.g., buns/breads on request), but cross-contact may be possible; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for relaxed, personality-forward vibes rather than formal dining — the portions are generous, the atmosphere is playful, and it works well for casual, conversation-friendly dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during weekend brunch and peak dinner hours. Arriving early, joining the waitlist, or visiting on weekdays improves your chances of being seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the menu is approachable, portions are shareable, and the diner setting is welcoming for families; best for school-age kids and up during busy hours due to space and noise.
Best For
Better for: Indulgent, nostalgia-driven vegan and vegetarian comfort food, large portions, and classic desserts and shakes that feel celebratory.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet, fine-dining–style vegan cooking, very light/health-focused plates, or a setting suited to formal business or special-occasion dining.
The Chicago Diner
8.8
The Chicago Diner’s original Lakeview location has been meat-free since 1983, turning out vegan takes on classic diner comfort food from stacked sandwiches to hearty bowls and milkshakes. High-volume reviews and decades of repeat business point to reliable execution on staples like the Radical Reuben and Buddha’s Karma Burger in a casual, neon-accented room that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a health-food spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Radical Reuben, Buddha's Karma Burger, Vegan milkshake
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Chicago’s original meat-free diner since 1983, serving vegan comfort classics and shakes.
Who should go: Vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores craving hearty comfort food.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening before Halsted nightlife gets busy.
What to order: Radical Reuben, Buddha’s Karma Burger, a thick vegan milkshake.
Insider tip: Portions are large—split an entrée so you can finish dessert.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots on Halsted/Belmont; can be difficult on weekends and evenings
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are completely appropriate
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, but can feel lively during peak brunch
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, longer if there’s nearby nightlife traffic
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait except during prime brunch holidays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the menu is fully vegetarian and built around comfort-food staples
Vegan options: Yes — most items can be made vegan and many are vegan by default (clearly marked on the menu)
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free buns and substitutions are available on select items, but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for low-key, conversation-friendly dates — the vibe is relaxed and nostalgic rather than formal or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — they operate primarily on a waitlist; arrive early for brunch or dinner to avoid peak delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, approachable food, and a friendly staff make it suitable for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic vegetarian comfort food, nostalgia-driven dishes, and reliable vegan substitutions with decades-long consistency
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale dining, quiet white-tablecloth ambiance, or grain-/salad-forward health-food cooking