The Chicago Diner, Lakeview

Vegan at its finest.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Have been coming here for years snd just got around to a review! Love everything I've ever ordered here! Such a gem for the plant-based enthusiast who wants a comfort food treat! 😍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I went to Chicago Diner twice during my most recent visit to the city, and I’d go back anytime. It’s an amazing place for vegetarians- it has that classic American diner feel, but you don’t miss out on anything just because it’s all vegetarian.

The crowd is really diverse, the food options are great, and the service is quick and efficient. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Decent, solid food. Not the best vegan food in the city, but one of the most consistently fine.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I love Chicago Diner! It's such a fun, welcoming vibe and all the food is delicious! As someone who has been vegetarian/vegan the entire time they've been in Chicago, this is a go-to place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love the Thai chilli wings and the coziness of this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lots of really good vegetarian, vegan, and GF options. Nice place and cool vibes.

Worst service imaginable and poor seating. Every server was dropping drinks and not very accommodating, as I received coffee, some spilled on the table and me and was not given a “sorry” or an attempt to pick up the mess they did. Would never come here

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Delicious food and great service as always! I'm still grieving the Logan Square location, but Lakeview's chocolate shakes are helping me through!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything we ordered was excellent! The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. The staff was friendly and great service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve been using their cookbook for years and was finally able to try their food. Bbq wings, club sandwich, Mac and cheese, chili, green beans and turtle cheesecake all delish! Updated from previous review on 2026-01-14

My favorite vegan restaurant!!! I’ve been going here for years, I highly recommend the Reuben! It’s an adorable restaurant with great service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I chose this restaurant based on glowing reviews and a blog recommendation unfortunately, those portrayals were completely misleading. This was one of the most fabricated dining experiences I’ve ever had.

The food quality was extremely poor. I ordered a portobello mushroom sandwich that barely contained any mushrooms at all. The portion was skimpy and disappointing. The only redeeming part of the meal was the bread, which was fresh and tasty otherwise, the sandwich would have been inedible. The salad that accompanied it was visibly spoiled, with brown and black lettuce, as shown in the photos. I was shocked that such food would be served to a paying customer.

Beyond the food, the experience was made worse by the manager’s behavior, which felt discriminatory and unwelcoming. There was an unmistakable sense that I was not wanted there. The restaurant displays a sign stating “All Are Welcome,” but my experience contradicted that message entirely.

I left feeling disgusted not only by the poor food quality but by the overall treatment. This establishment does not live up to its reputation, and I would not recommend it.

Vegan here. Day three of painful stomach flu!! I’ll never eat here again

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

The vegan Philly cheesesteak was phenomenal. Pouting was delicious. Shakes are fantastic. Cocoa mousse cake was exquisite. Love this place every time I visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5