The Chicago Diner, Lakeview

I'm really happy I finally made it to dine in at the Chicago Diner! I've ordered takeout from here but this was my first time eating in the restaurant, which is an experience in itself because it's so cute! The booths provide a lot of privacy and they have coat hooks which is great in the winter. The Chicago Diner has not been my favorite in the past BUT I was ordering wrong. I am not a huge fan of fake meats, which I learned pretty quickly. In the past I've had the reuben which while well done, was not my favorite. But this time, I chose a dish where fake meat was not the star and I loved it! I ordered the taco salad with real cheese and it was so good. I love how much stuff they piled into the salad, but I did have to ask for more chips because the ratio was a bit off. For dessert, we tried the chocolate cake. So yummy! I love that everything here is vegan but there are some options for dairy if you want it. They also have a full bar! This is a must stop if you're vegan and in Chicago!

I've been a vegetarian for eight years. This is the worst meal I've had in those eight years and for the first I ate solely microwave veggie dinners. I ordered the bbq seitan wings. Not only did they look like the most unappetizing play doh like Barbie food I've ever seen but they tasted disgusting. They were way too moist, too thick, and as someone who makes seitan a lot at home, obviously not kneaded for long enough. I have to admit though- the barbecue sauce was good.Even if my food wasn't a factor the experience wasn't the best. I will admit that I came on a market day which is usually busy, but my waitress came only to take my order and never returned- with the bar delivering my food and drink. Because of this, I wasn't able to send my food back until my family was finished eating, and by then I didn't want to hold them back an hour so I could eat. I also never received a refill of my water, which came warm and without ice. I was extremely disappointed as this was my first time at an all vegetarian restaurant and I brought my family here for my birthday, all the way from joliet, an hour drive away. I will thank them for taking my wings off the order, but even with that, my birthday 8.50 off coupon, and all of us drinking water, the total was nearing 45$ for 4 people.

We wandered in because of the 'diner' sign and the hostess informed us as we sat down that they were vegan and asked if that was OK. We're not vegan but dine with several friends who are and are familiar with basic ingredients.It's been several weeks and after looking at my photos and the online menu, I can't recall exactly what we ordered but everythino was very good. The ambience of the tight dining room is cozy and service was great. We would definitely return if we lived in the area.

So many options for a vegetarian!! Usually there's a few options that I can choose from at most restaurants but had heard that Chicago Diner was a meat free diner and so I decided to check it out. I was not disappointed with the sheer number of options both vegetarian and vegan on the menu. There wasn't much of a wait even though we didn't have any reservations which was great because I came in HUNGRY. As someone who has heard how good reubens can be but can never have them as a vegetarian, I was excited to try the reuben on the menu.Service was efficient and our waiter was very nice and accommodating. The reuben was HUGE! It came with a side and I chose the sweet potato fries which were sweet with some salt for a perfect sweet and salty combo. The sandwich itself was a lot.. I think there was too much "meat" and it led to the sandwich falling apart after two bites. The flavor was nice and while I wouldn't get it again, I'm glad I tried it!

One of my favorite digs to come to whenever I'm in Chicago, especially with vegetarian/vegan friends. I crave their reuben constantly, and it's what I always get. The Reuben has always the perfect amount of "pastrami", sauerkraut, sauce, and cheese and the bread is toasted perfectly. The pickle is the cherry on top with the right level of crunch & brine. I got the soup of the day, which was corn chowder which was fine. The peanut butter cookie dough milkshake is also to die for, and while I don't normally go for those flavors since they're usually too decadent for me, Chicago diner's one is perfect. Portions are huge with quick, attentive service and cozy decorations and seating. Must go, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan!

Lovely diner. I strongly recommend the Reuben. Hot chocolate is amazing too. Friendly service. Nice booths. Great for brunch. Plenty of street parking. Don't park at 7-11.

I've loved this restaurant ever since I first ate here almost a decade ago. There are a few other locations. The ice cream shakes are AMAZING. I would come here just for them. My mom said her taco salad was just okay & she wouldn't get it again. Normally I really adore the Cajun black bean burger but for some reason this time it wasn't as good as I remember it. I think they just had an off night bc normally the food is killer good. The Lavender Gimlet tasted like gin and lavender, haha, so if that's EXACTLY what you want - then get it. I'm really sensitive to the taste of alcohol so I wished it was sweetened or more sweet. I ended up pouring it into my strawberry milkshake, hahaha, which did the job...ALSO. They played Cigarettes After Sex ('Sweet'), Mazzy Star ('Fade Into You'), & LANA. DEL. REY. ('Let the Light In' ft. Father John Misty). Hearing ur favourite music in a public place is insaaaaane. Would highly recommend to everybody, even non-vegans! Thanks Chicago Diner :)

Fun progressive plant based option. Went here on a Tuesday with a friend and enjoyed every minute of it. Adorable diner vibes with adult beverages. The staff were fun, friendly, and helpful. The location is in Boystown, so parking is a tighter experience than what you may be used to for the area. But close to transit, so traveling is an easy option. We sat in a booth and didn't have to wait too long until drinks and food arrived. One of the reasons I chose this place is the plethora of gluten free options for my dining guest. The place is very colorful, and the clientele unique compared to the suburbs. Spicy Crispy Chicken with Sweet Potato FriesTexture experience; crispy, crunchy, creamy, and chewy. A great choice! It's not greasy like some chains cooking in the deep fryer, so you may miss out on that. The spice level is on the lighter side. The toppings were fantastic and you get to select your side. I went with sweet potatoes and ate and left no crumb. Strawberry milkshakeVery decadent and creamy. The fruity flavor is on point and while you can use a straw, I think a spoon provided a better mouth feel.

The food here is consistent. I love everything on the menu. I drive 45-90 mins to enjoy food here. The vibe is ALWAYS welcoming. The service is quick and the quality is great. I would recommend for any vegan.

I'm adding a star because it's my fault that I went for brunch. Brunch is often trash, even at good restaurants.Today, we got an omelet (disturbingly overcooked) and a country Benedict with undercooked vegetables. No. You do not want raw onions on a Benedict.And why in the HELL can these guys not poach an egg? How can you even serve a Benedict if you aren't willing to try to poach an egg? Do what we all do, and watch a YouTube video.Service was wonderfully pleasant but wildly inattentive. No offer of a coffee refill until we were well-finished our meal. Practically had to throw a shoe at him to get the check.I was thinking we should try for dinner to give them a fighting chance. My dining companion disagrees. We aren't going back.There are some very good vegetarian/vegan restaurants out there. This ain't one of them.