The Chicago Diner

[Mera'din]

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.

[Kreeli]

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.

[Thalia]

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.

[Michael]

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!

[ObsidianZebra]

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!
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.

[Mera'din]

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.

[Michael]

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.

[Pichula]

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/

[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....

[Mera'din]

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.