The Chicago Diner, Logan Square

what a pleasure being able to enjoy one of Chicago’s oldest plant-forward eateries!!!! our server was well informed on the menu and i appreciated the unique options! cool diner theme!

I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago on a business trip. Since then, I’ve actually volunteered to go back to Chicago for work—just for a chance to eat here again. This place genuinely changed my opinion of what vegan food could be. It’s absolutely amazing. I even bought the cookbook and have tried to recreate the experience at home, but it’s just not the same. If you're vegan and in the area, you truly have to check this place out. Not only is the food fantastic, but the service is also exceptional—something that’s, unfortunately, not always common in vegan restaurants. In my experience, many vegan spots are run by people who are passionate about the lifestyle first and restaurant owners second, and that can lead to poor management. But The Chicago Diner is the best of both worlds: incredible vegan food and a well-run, welcoming restaurant. It’s truly impressive.

I went 3 times during my visit in Chicao some 10 years ago.. The best diner food in the world Updated from previous review on 2025-04-24

I’d give it two stars because it wasn’t good but it wasn’t necessarily bad… which is what’s expected from any diner. Updated from previous review on 2025-03-20

So delicious and popular amongst vegans and omnivores alike. Some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had.

Visited while in Chicago. It was pretty good. What you expect from a diner. Food was abundant and pretty good.

Food was so good! I’m vegetarian and have been searching for good plant based sausage, biscuits, and gravy for a while now and this is it.

Food: 5

Service: 5

we enjoyed the steak and tofu scramble and the cinnamon roll french toast. tofu scramble is some of the best we’ve had.

Very bland. I asked if the spicy quesadilla was spicier than Cajun black bean burger and waitress said the burger was spicier.

It was not disgusting, but it was bland. Tired of vegan restaurants acting allergic to seasonings!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Food is always great. This place is one of the reasons I decided to move to Chicago!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Radical Reuben tm

You just can't beat how delicious the food is!! For over 30 years, I've been eating their food and have never been disappointed. How is that possible??
Service is prompt and friendly.
Tiny side note .. the staff wear their hair down and shaggy, and I just can't help imagining hair in my food. Is that okay by the health department??

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Thai Chili Wings, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake, Country Fried Steak, Salad

The food is delicious, I am gluten free and dairy free and I had lots of options. Dairy free blueberry shake was especially amazing!

the food was bland and difficult to eat. the waitress was trying to rizz up my boyfriend the whole time. and it was way too cold in there.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

This establishment is located in Logan Square, on the western edge of the Chicago city scene. Our food was delicious and plentiful. Service was kind and attentive. The Mac and cheese was a favorite. The appetizer portion was plenty. The Thai wings were nice and chewy, and spiced just right. The flautas, with beans and rice, was a good comfort-food option- filling without overloading. I had half the next day for breakfast.

We came to Chicago and the Vegan Columbus FaceBook page recommended us to come to Chicago Diner and even though it’s not vegan, it’s almost all plant based unless you specifically ask for eggs or diary cheese. Everything is vegan by default. Also we were told is a Chicago vegan rite of passage so of course we had to check it out. We ordered the Rueben and the strawberry ? milkshake as also recommended. Also got the pierogi quesadilla. It did not disappoint! Everything was delicious. The place itself it’s very cool decorated. The staff was very attentive. We had a great experience. Will definitely come back again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5