So who here lives in/near Chicago? Who's eaten at the Chicago Diner? For non-Chicagoans, the Chicago Diner is an all vegetarian/nearly all vegan restaurant on the near north side, which was dubbed "The hub of the Animal Rights movement of the midwest" by The Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Food Restaurants.

I've only been there once, and it was pretty damn good. I got the nacho plate with seitan "chorizo", and the lentil loaf. The loaf was actually not that good, but the nachos were great, the cornmuffin great, and the samples I grabbed from other people's plates were much better than my loaf. :)

I'm probably going to back next month if I can make it into the city, but am looking for recommendations on what dishes are really good so I know what to try next.

mmmmmm. that sounds wonderful. i've never been to chicago, but i know where to go if i ever end up there.

have you ever checked out www.vegdining.com? they often have really informative customer reviews of different restaurants.

I have a friend who lives in Chicago that I have been trying to get to post on this board. I bet she's been there. You've given me one more reason to go visit her.

I've never been there but I'm only about two hours away. Vegan friend of mine goes on and on about how good it is and I would love to get up there! :lick:

I visited chicago just last november, and I did get a chance to eat at the Chicago Diner - I forgot what i got there, but it was quite good! I also got to try a couple of the cakes, which were incredibly good - I'd recommend to any one going there to make sure to save room for dessert! :drool:
Also while i was there I got to go to Blind Faith Cafe, a bit pricey, but very, very good! I had these seitan chicken fingers as an appetizer, and the marinara dipping sauce that came with them was simply the best that I have ever had in my life and i would practically kill to get the recipe for it ;) .. and, if i remember right, I had the Mongolian stir fry - i do recommend this dish.. Well, I must admit i wasn't too impressed with the piece of cake that i had there - the frosting was super rich and the cake itself was a bit dry, but still yummy overall.
Dangit .. I miss Chicago .. Here in the orlando area of florida, there's only one all-veg restaraunt, and just a small hand full of other vegan friendly places around.

Kreeli - I've never been to that website, I'll check it out.

Michael - If you wanna make the drive we could go there sometime.

ObsidianZebra - Chicago is indeed one great place to live. The AR scene here is pretty lively, even if the environmental scene is a bit lacking. Not only that but northern Illinois has quickly become one of the most progressive spots in the country. Although the weather here sucks! It's reaching -30 windchill here tonight, and in 6 months, it'll be 110 with the humidity. :)

I'll be up there sometime, don't know when. I'd be willing to meet there for lunch. Talked to my friend tonight and she said she really likes the gyros there.

The best veggie place in Chicago is Amitabul! An "oil free" totally vegan Korean restaurant. Chicago Diner is fantastic, but the desserts totally suck. I don't know if there is a worst vegan cheesecake in the world. Can they make the cakes any drier? The Pick Me Up Cafe is a vegan's best chance to convert their non-veg friends from the dark side. They still serve carved up animals, but they have a good selection of vegan/vegetarian items as well as the best vegan desserts in Chicago.

In Chicago? Come to the next Vegan Meet Up! http://vegan.meetup.com/

I'm about two hours from Chicago as well, and have been wanting to check out the Chicago Diner as well. When I went to the yearly animal rights conference in chicago last fall, the chicago diner catered all the food. Pichula, that's interesting that you didn't like their desserts, because the people I've talked to so far have said the best part of the place is their desserts. hmm... one of these days I'll check the place out for myself.

Also, Earthsave Chicago has monthly vegan potluck dinners with different animal rights speakers, 4th sunday of the month that I'd like to check out too....

Originally posted by kpickell
I'm about two hours from Chicago as well, and have been wanting to check out the Chicago Diner as well. When I went to the yearly animal rights conference in chicago last fall, the chicago diner catered all the food. Pichula, that's interesting that you didn't like their desserts, because the people I've talked to so far have said the best part of the place is their desserts. hmm... one of these days I'll check the place out for myself.

Also, Earthsave Chicago has monthly vegan potluck dinners with different animal rights speakers, 4th sunday of the month that I'd like to check out too....

Where do you find out about these events (the monthly potlucks, and annual AR conference)? I'd like to know when these are happening in case I can make it. Thanks. :)

They're both put on by Earthsave Chicago. Their website is http://chicago.earthsave.org/ -- if you join their mailing list they'll send info through email about the monthly potlucks and other events.

Also, the Animal Defense League of Chicago sends out a monthly list of upcoming AR events. Website is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADLChicago-announce/

kpickell :

"Pichula, that's interesting that you didn't like their desserts, because the people I've talked to so far have said the best part of the place is their desserts."

I have had people tell me that Chicago Diner makes the best desserts. I honestly don't get it. They SUCK. Their cakes, brownies, and cookies are stale and tasteless. Their cheesecakes are lumpy and rather gross. I love their food, but they should give up on their desserts. Pick Me Up Cafe makes much better desserts. It's like night and day.

Chicago seems quite grand. I've never been there, but on my next move, it's definitely on my list of places I'm going to consider.

Is it a bike-friendly city?

It's a Mike-friendly city. I'm only 2 hours away. :)

I'm going there the weekend of the 28th! Can't wait.

Im from California but visit chicago often. I eat at the dinner almost everday when Im there. I love just about everything. I always get the ' chicken" cesar salad. I love the artichoke dip (always is a little different) I have had and love the rueban sandwich....the ravioli dish...the nachos....the 'bacon" burger...the 'chicken parmesean" sandwich..quesedillas...u just cant go wrong here ;) I also love the chocolate cake when its fresh or it can be 2 dry...also the chocolate torte is great. Another fav in Chicago is Karens Cooked its a bit more upscale in decor...the lasanga is so yummy and I have also had a great chocolate cream pie there however the dess. are usually better at the diner. Also another great find is sweet occasions ice cream parlor. They make GREAT soy ice cream and I am picky on what I like in the soy ice cream dept. Thet rotate out the flavors they have 2 during the busier months and at least one when slowers I had chocolate chip (vegan chips 2) yesterday. I really love the strawberry but ive missed that one in the rotaion for awhile. Happy eating...now Im starved headed over 2 Karens Cooked YUM!!

holy 3-year BUMP Batman!

no kidding! There's been a lot of that lately. :dizzy:

I love the diner! I have found that the appetizers are usually better than the main courses, especially the nachos, vegan quesadillas, and the wings. The sandwiches are also very good, but stay away from the gyros!!
(I eat there way too often:) )

PS: I think that the deserts are great, especially the chocolate cheesecake. It didn't seem lumpy to me...

My parents and I are going to Chicago in August and I am taking them to Chicago Diner. I have heard and read so much about it and I can't wait to go. I pulled up the menu online and I was sitting at my desk at work drooling on the computer. I don't know how I am going to choose only a meal's worth of food!