I love The Chicago Diner, and have for years. I love the fact that they now have two locations! I went here with my one and only vegan friend to get some cocktails and food on a lazy Sunday. We ordered our mimosa's which were yummy by the way. I ordered  the chili and  potato flautas off the GF menu. I wish they had a bigger gluten-free menu to tell you the truth, and unfortunately the flautas tasted funny. Don't stop reading after I said that, because it's what they did after wards that makes me love this restaurant. Our waitress took back my food to the kitchen, and flat out said that the chef's noticed it too, but couldn't figure out what it was. I have a very sensitive palate, I am a trained chef and believe me when something is off, I can taste it. Anyways, the waitress asked me if I would like to get something else, and I decided to go with the avocado tostadas, which are excellent BTW. After wards, I was feeling like dessert so both my friend and I decided to get vegan shakes to go. Well, my friend didn't even make it out the door with hers. They were that good! Also, when the check came, they comped one of my mimosas because of the tostada incident. Was I expecting this, no, was it appreciated, very much so. The fact that the restaurant went out of their way to make it right, speaks volumes. I was a fan of the Chicago Diner before, and I am still a fan, I even forgive them for their lack of gluten-free variety, because coming to eat here is like coming home. I will always recommend this place to friends or family, vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Review Source:Still realitively new to veganism (3 months dairy free, 19 years meat free!), The Chicago Diner has become my special once-monthly reward for my lifetime commitment to my animal friends. Â If only my pocketbook would allow me to eat here everyday. Â I've ate at the Halsted location a handful of times, but there's sometimes about this new Logan Square location that has a special place in my heart (perhaps it has to do with us both arriving to reside in Logan Square around the same time) Â
My favorite entree on the menu thus far is The Portabello Truffle Melt. Â I usually like to get some sort of faux meat when dining out at a vegan restaurant, but I have a hard time resisting anything truffle. Â Our server agreed that this was also her favorite thing on the menu, so that reassured me of my choice. Â It was absolutely delicious. Â Since there was no faux meat it in, it seemed very authentic -- like it wasn't trying to be something that it wasn't. Â
I've also had the Radical Reuben. Â The reuben was good. Â I never ate a reuben in my meat days so I can't really compare it to the real thing, but for me all faux meat kinda tastes the same, especially when it's being served as a burger with all the fixings. Â This isn't a bad thing -- just my opinion! Â
My favorite thing about the Chicago Diner is for sure the dessert! Â It is so nice to reward my vegan body with some tasty chocolate that feels well deserved. Â I've had both the Choc Chip Cookie Dough Shake (yum yum yum yum) and the Chocolate Mousse. Â Both exceeded any of my expectations. Â I've wanted to try the carot cake, however both times I've asked for out they have usually been "sold out." Â I guess that means it's good, right? Â
Love you, Chicago Diner. Â Thanks for joining me in Logan Square.
I love the Chicago Diner. I have been a big fan of the original location for a long time. When I heard that there was gong to be a second location I was super excited and couldn't wait to check it out.
The vibe of the new location was cool. I loved all the reclaimed wood throughout. What was also nice was the fact that there was plenty of space around the bar area to wait for your table. This is a major plus! Â We were told that the wait was going to be 45 minutes, but only waited about 25 minutes. The restaurant was extremely busy, which is always a good sign!
The food is the same great vegan comfort food that the DIner is know for. I had the soul bowl and it was really good. I must say that I prefer the original diner location. It just has so much character, but they did a really great job designing the new location!
I love it.
I walked in with my dad, he's a big guy and he was really satisfied with our portions, quality of service and food. Our server was attentive and helpful. She split a mikshake for both of us because we didn't want to get too full.
Chai Tea Milkshake....awesome.
Buffalo Wings .....Very delicious
Flautas....super good!
Being a huge fan of the original Chicago diner, my friends and I decided to venture out here for dinner. I got here a little bit early and what was is that there's a little bar area you can wait at. What I didn't like so much was that your whole entire party must be present in order to get a table. However, that's not a big deal.
The vibe of this place is definitely different than the Original CD. It feels like somewhere you could take a first date to, then when you and your date are more comfortable/laidback, then you go to the original Chicago Diner. Â There's a huge "MEAT FREE" sign in the back, which I thought was pretty cool.
My only complaint is that it feels like the portions are a bit smaller. Well, at least to me. I love sweet potato fries, and I feel like I didn't get as much as I normally would. Again, however, it's not that big of a deal. Food is still great.
After going to the original Diner for years, I made it to the new Logan Square location on a recent trip. It was fun to see the new atmosphere for the same great menu and I loved the classy (as classy as bright lights get) "MEAT FREE" lit-up sign in the back. Note to Chicago Diner: "Meat free" should be hyphenated! :)
The vibe was cool but I do prefer the original diner, which seems a bit more relaxed. On this last visit, I enjoyed the Dagwood sandwich (my fav sandwich there) and some sweet potato fries - delish! It was my birthday so I had a free piece of cake - an incredibly delicious carmel chocolate torte. I will be going here for my birthday every year!
Definitely a step up from the original Lakeview location in terms of ambiance. Â Â Doesn't feel so rundown and cramped. Â Â Nicer booze selection as well.
Food is the same amazing comfort vegetarian food we've known and loved in the other location. Â Â Service is friendly. Â Â Would surely gain weight if we lived closer.
We went during a non-peak hour, so I'm not sure how tough it is to get a table here normally.
Maybe I'm biased because I love the original ChiDi so much, but I think this location will show it up in time. It's the same vegan menu that you know and love, but in a beautiful restored space full of reclaimed wood and happiness. Â
One huge improvement over the Lakeview location is the addition of a bar. Â It's wonderful to be able to have a seat at the bar and order a beer while you wait for your table. Â
The Radical Ruben is the best thing on the menu by a landslide. Â I struggle to order anything else, but the Gyros are a good second. Â If you want a magical vegan treat, try a chocolate chip cookie dough peanut butter shake. You'll never believe it's dairy free.
As a vegetarian who doesn't really seek "meat replacements", Chicago Diner wasn't the most appealing, but it still is pretty good. If you sift through reviews, the people who love it the most are generally people who eat meat, while those who do not can see a lack of quality from time to time. The shakes are seriously better than those made with milk, I have to get one every time. The Logan Square location is designed more efficiently than the Lakeview location, but still feels so tiny. The decor is appropriated to the culture in the area in general, with a very modern feel.
Review Source:Very good, took my first trip to the Logan Square restaurant last night for my bday. Â It's not the exact same as the Boystown restaurant, and I think that's a good thing. Â It's the same, but a little different.
The location is much, much nicer, there is a real bar section where you can sit and drink while you wait. Â The recipes are the same, but obviously prepared a little differently. Â I had the "reuben," my wife the black bean burger, both very good. Â Sweet potato fries were great, as was the spicy vegetable & potato soup.
The deserts, as always, are to die for. Â The best carrot cake I've ever had, and the best milkshakes I've ever had, even though no dairy in them.
FWIW, I'm not vegetarian or vegan. Â I'll eat nearly anything, which includes meat, but also vegetarian. Â I usually don't get fake meat, but the sauerkraut & thousand island they make for the reuben are outstanding.
If all vegan food tasted as good as it does at The Chicago Diner, I might actually consider going vegan. (Sadly, it doesn't so I'll keep eating meat.) I've been to this place several times, and I'm delighted with each new thing I order.
I also have to say that this place actually gives a damn about food allergies and preferences. I can't eat avocados, and they were so thoughtful with how they prepared my food! I also said I didn't like spicy food, so the server took it upon himself to have them put the spicy ingredients on the side so I could try them and sprinkle them in if I liked it. That was so nice of him!!!!
The original Chicago Diner was one of the first places I visited in the city, and I had very fond memories... alas, no more. Â
Ordered "chicken wings" and a "hamburger." Â I'm not sure how to explain this - they both tasted good, but something was wrong... Â over-seasoning? Â Too heavy a reliance on sauces? Â An unappetizingly spongy texture? Â
I have a vegetarian stomach of steel, am very familiar with fake meats and haven't had a bad reaction to restaurant food in three years. Â I left here feeling quease-tastic and it continued for several hours afterwards.
I'm sorry, Chicago Diner, I really wanted to like you. Â I remember your old lovely neighborhood charm and formerly delicious grub. Â But the new branch's combo of tummy ache-inducing food, a trying way too hard atmosphere, and menus that advertise Diner themed merchandise before even mentioning food items, left me wanting to stay far away.
Holy moly I love this place! Â And I'm a carnivore! Â
I've been to the original location so many times and was excited to check out their new location in Logan Square. Â Awesome ambiance... such a 180 to the original, but in a good way. Â I like the original's decor just fine, but the Logan location is just... cool. Â
Why not 5 stars? Â Well my favorite menu item is now gone: the philly "cheesesteak".. but the reuben is my new #1. Â Also, the wait staff is kinda... i dunno... not the friendliest. Â Not outright rude, but just not a lot of personality...
Our table of 4 shared the vegan nachos (awesome) and the brussel sprouts (pretty good). I had the reuben (of course- NOM!) with a side of mac & cheese (it's dang good for "fake" mac & cheese)... the salads are great. Â the peanut butter cookie dough milkshake is wonderful.... so are some of the brunch/breakfast items. Â
full disclosure: my husband is not a fan overall, but he said what he ordered was "good for meatless"...
This, this is a place for bringing a date, your mom, your dad, your puppy (no), your sister, everyone you know, go by yourself, go with a book, just go. Incredibly excellent service that was quick and attentive. I'm a vegetarian so having a FULL menu to choose from was so difficult. The server helped me choose between five different menu items, which now I have to go back here at least four more times. My date was a happy carnivore but he was so pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness going on. Cool decor, cool shared tables. There's also a bar. Have to go back.
Review Source:Was very excited for this location to open, but it doesn't live up to my expectations. The "original" diner is great and offers consistent food. This location is a bit disjointed, and the layout is pretty meh. It's not bright and happy and full of personality like the original spot. It's dimly lit and laid out pretty weird. Our waitress was fine, but for some reason our vegan shakes came in tiny to-go cups when we re dining in?? And she didn't even bother to switch it up for us. $6 for a plastic cup... Alright.
I ordered the dumpling salad and it was pretty decent. I just don't think I like this place as much as I like the original location. I bet they are still trying to figure things out maybe, but I like consistency and so far this place does not impress me.
Mr. Man and I love the "Chi Di" on Halsted, so were eager to visit the Logan Square outpost. I ran in to get a table while he parked and, alas, was told I couldn't be seated (and get a badly wanted beer) unless he was with me. So I sat glumly until he arrived. We got a nice table (decor and spacing are much more diner-friendly than the Halsted location) and fully enjoyed our beers, veggie burgers and sweet-potato fries. And, to me, the measure of a restaurant is not the problem you have, but the way the restaurant handles it. After we paid, we asked to talk to the manager about the customer-unfriendly seating policy. Maggie, the manager, explained it well, all while smiling and apologizing for the inconvenience, and gave us each a vegan treat to take home. I left happy and looking forward to our next visit. Thanks, Maggie.
Review Source:Good looking dining room, really attentive service, an inventive menu, and truly delicious food. I have little to add. Oh, the prices are, for the most part, reasonable. This place is a meatless marvel. It's worth noting that parking is a pain, and that you may end up walking some distance to and from your car.
Review Source:Went here on a tip from a friend and was not disappointed. Â The vegan buffalo wings were tasty. You dont feel disgusting afterwards like you would w/ regular wings. Â Sat at the bar waiting for a table because it was paackkkedd. Â The table configurations are pretty neat. Â Interested to see how it compares to the sister location in boystown (That one has a parking lot). Â This one is convenient for all the CTA riders being less than 2 blocks from the California blue line stop.
Brian waited on us, both busy but attentive to all his tables. Â All the other workers were also friendly.
The milkshake was the best I've ever had. Â In all, Â a quality vegan-friendly restaurant.
Had three servers: someone brought water (no eye contact or greeting) another took our order, and a third brought the food. Â The woman who brought the food was the only one who seemed at all interested in being a decent server.
My food sat before being served to me. Hot tofu, cold crusty beans, warm yam, barely warm quinoa.
Would have sent it back to be warmed but server did not ask how was the food and I was starving.
Server removed my BF's plate without asking if he was finished; in fact he said nothing at all (would have been a nice time to ask us if the food was okay).
Satellite radio was distracting; I don't want to hear a deejay talking while eating.
Door was locked when we went to leave and we were left to ourselves to unlock and let ourselves out. I'm not saying it was difficult just added to the feeling of being ignored and uncared for.
Disappointing because my food (if it had a consistent temperature) was good but I probably won't be back.
*NON-FOOD REVIEW*
Basically, I came here for a single beer while waiting for the rest of my crew to meet me next door at Revolution Brewery. While sipping my beer I looked over the menu and chatted up the bartender, asking him questions about the Vegan menu which he sold quite well. Unfortunately for me though, I had to lie again and again how the food sounded good and that I would be back again sometime with my appetite. However anyone who knows me knows how adamant I am about eating something that crawled once and also had parents. That just the way I roll...
Enjoy Suckas'!!!
The bbq "cheeseburger" was so-so. The sweet potato fries were delightful, but so are the ones I make at home.
I ordered a Black Rainbow Unicorn cocktail and hardly touched it, as it tasted like congealed cough syrup. When I commented on it to one of the employees, he couldn't tell me what the Hum Liqeuer was and just gave me a deer-in-headlights look instead of offering to go find out or offering to swap out my beverage.
The decor is nice. I'm not super eager to go back, but it's close and has lots of options for my veggie friends.
So glad to have another vegan-friendly restaurant in the neighbourhood! This location gives you more room to breathe. It was great to sit at the bar for a beer while waiting for a table instead of passing the time outside. The atmosphere is brighter and greener.
Food is more or less the same as the other location. The portobello sandwich and Titanic burger, as well as the soups, were delicious. Milkshakes are still best for splitting.
I wish they had more dishes without the faux meat/cheese, but by golly, sometimes I just want a big, juicy "burger".
So glad that they opened this new location. Â It is much more convenient for me. Â Although I have been to their previously location, it has not been for a long while. Â I stopped in at their new place for lunch and remembered how much I love their food and the fact that I can order ANYTHING off of the menu, as it is all 100% vegetarian friendly. Â I ended up ordering the Chipotle Firehouse Wrap. Â That was so delicious and came with a side of the Corn Black Bean Salad. Â Also very tasty. Â My sister ordered the Reuben. Â I gave it a try but it was too "meaty" textured for me. Â I know that might sound funny to some, but if it is too close to meat in taste or texture, no can do! Â That is totally my hang up and not a reflection on The Diner. Â Anyway, I am so happy for their new location. Â I will deflintely be frequenting this location often. Â I had great service whiel there, too!!
Review Source:Had the pleasure of visiting for the first time last week. Waitress was attentive, food was delicious, my friend and I were happy.
The milkshakes are amazing, even if you aren't vegan. Yes, they're $5... but shrug it off like Mia Wallace. They're real fuckin' good.
I legitimately believe that this location has opened around the corner from my place simply to make me fat. You can not convince me otherwise. Thanks a lot, dudes!
As great, if not better than the original location. Â Still a must-try. Â Same great menu and friendly staff, if not more so. Â The ambience is a big change. Â More clean and modern than the urban diner vibe. Â And in case you were curious, they do indeed carry local (as in next-door) beer from Revolution.
Review Source:We had dinner there and the food was tasteless. They were also doing a special on Mimosas and Bloody Marys. They had run out of Mimosas, so we tried the Bloodies. I am not sure they even had vodka in them, and for sure they had nothing else in them such as tabasco, worcesteshire sauce, celery salt or any stick of anything, like celery. Â If the food was good, we would not have cared, but it was all bland. The place is cute, but that is it.
Review Source:Maybe things will get better, maybe this is just how they are going to be.
I've only been to the original Chicago Diner once and thought my experience was a 3/4 star worthy time.
I've now ordered take out for dinner and had brunch at this new location.
As for my take out, the gyros sandwich is pretty damn tasty. The seitan is very close to the real thing and the tzatziki sauce is spot on. The sweet potato fries were very soggy and uninspired. And while the chocolate peanut butter shake tasted good, I think $5+ for a small is a bit much.
At brunch, we were on the later side, coming in around 12:30 on a Saturday and they were out of the herbed biscuits, which effected a few dishes I really wanted to try. I settled on the Greek omelet, which while good, isn't doing anything your local diner couldn't also do. The homefries were fine, though nothing to write home about. No sweetner for the coffee kind of bummed me out, along with not getting a spoon to stir my almond milk with (very minor complaint). My friend ordered a dish that came with breakfast "sausage", which the table all found disappointing.
Service was fine and I plan on going back. I suppose in general, my experience was just OK, though I appreciate the location and more vegetarian options in the neighborhood.
The Chicago Diner reminding us that just because it's vegan doesn't mean it has to be healthy. Chicago Diner offers all of your favorite comfort food options without the animal products (although they do have some dairy and egg options for those of you who prefer that). I ordered the veggie reuben along with the sweet potato fries as apparently Vegetarian Times noted that it's the best in the Midwest. I've had a lot of veggie reuben's in my day and this one definitely takes the award for being the most authentic looking. If I wasn't at a place that was entirely vegetarian I probably would've sent it back or at least double checked before digging in because it looks like it's piled high with corned beef. All the fixin's the vegan cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand island were awesome. Also in a total "I was meant to be here at this moment" moment they made up an extra cookie dough shake and brought it to our table. I'm a fan! Thanks so much Chicago Diner for doing it right, vegan style!
Review Source:They say you shouldn't review a place when they first open. I know they'll need some time to get their rhythm down...but thought it might help to give them a first-timer's perspective. The staff was incredibly overbearing. When you're actually chewing your food, no, you're typically not done, and don't want anyone to take your plates. Observe your patrons. If they're still eating, they still need their plates. And when five people ask if you're done and if they can take your plates, it makes it incredibly difficult to enjoy what you'd hope would be a leisurely meal. We were going to have more drinks....but got pissed off at all the requests to take everything away. Fine, my wife said, take the plates if you want us to leave so badly.
The Bloody Mary's were overpriced, watery, and the garnishes tasted off. I expected more from a veggie diner than bruised, browning, bottled cocktail olives that had an odd aftertaste, in a horrible Bloody Mary. Check out the bloodies at revolution. The "fruit" on my plate included the edge of an orange, mostly rind...no fruit that I could pick off. And the thinnest sliver of melon. The fake bacon was rubbery. The fake sausage pasty. And the potato pieces were incredibly small. I expected a more hearty meal. Hope they up their ante as time goes on.
I'm a Blue line girl, so having Chicago Diner open up in Logan Square is great!
For those used to the Halsted location, you'll find the same menu, but vastly different decor. You get a more modern aesthetic here - all brick, wood, and fancy lightbulb fixtures. As Neha mentioned in her review, seating is much improved with several large booths smack in the middle of the room and tables set off on either side.
I generally prefer fresh vegetables and tofu over a meat substitute like seitan. I got the Soul Bowl (with avocado) and it was really good and healthy. My dinner date got the Salisbury Steak which he said was okay but felt it was more meatloaf-like in thickness and texture. My other dinner date got the Dagwood which he was satisfied with.
Service was good with a server who checked in with us often.
Stopped by on their opening night, and was completely surprised by the whole non-diner feel of Chicago Diner.
The other location has a cute homey feel, but the spaces can get tight, especially if you are in the middle tables. This location has planned out the spacing just right. There are several large booths in the middle of the restaurant that can either seat multiple groups or up to ten people!
The bathroom door and shelves are from an old apartment in Chicago, love the way it looks!
The drink menu is extensive....10+ cocktails, four beertails (i.e. Black and Tan), and a variety of vegan beers (including a gluten-free one) and wines. I've had a vanilla chai milkshake at the previous location and I was envious of the tables next to me who had them, but I wanted to save my appetite for the food!
I got the black bean burger with avocado and vegan cheeze, and it was good but not mind blowing. The sweet potato fries on the side was awesome!! I got a side of ranch to dip them in....mmm!
The bf got the dagwood panini, which basically like a reuben and it was way too much seitan for me, but he enjoyed it.
Overall, the new location has a nice modern look with artwork of the chicago skyline on the walls.
This is vegan paradise, but they do have real cheese fyi.
I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to eat at the new Chicago Diner location last night - it was amazing, as expected! Â
I was expecting this location to be reminiscent of the Boys Town location, but the decor resembled the surrounding restaurants in the area - which is a good and welcomed difference in my opinion. Â Mind you, the original location is 29 years old, this one is simply newer - I love them both.
Service was great for their first night, I especially give kudos to Brian who has always been a friendly and attentive server, he's been my server many times at the original location and has always been great.
Now to the important part, the food! Â The food was quite amazing, just as I expect from Chicago Diner. Â I had the nachos and BBQ Burger with vegan mac and cheese. Â Everything was quite amazing and my favorite was the BBQ Burger by far, it was quite tasty. Â I have been eating at Chicago diner for over 12 years now and will say that all of their food is amazing, so you can't order anything bad here! Â I highly recommend this location!!!
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