The Chicago Diner: Meat-Free Since ’83 – Lakeview Menu & More!

Step into The Chicago Diner, a Lakeview institution serving up delicious, meat-free comfort food since 1983! Located at 3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, this iconic diner has been a haven for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a satisfying and compassionate meal. With its retro charm and friendly atmosphere, The Chicago Diner offers a unique dining experience you won’t forget.

They’re open seven days a week, so you can satisfy your cravings any time! Their hours are: Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday & Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Need to get in touch? Give them a call at (773) 935-6696.

Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or simply curious about plant-based cuisine, The Chicago Diner Lakeview is a must-visit. Get ready to explore a menu packed with flavorful and innovative dishes that will redefine your perception of vegetarian food!

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Menu Highlights

Appetizers

Buffalo Tenders: Crispy breaded tenders tossed in buffalo sauce, with vegan ranch.
Fried Pickles: Dill pickle spears, battered and fried, served with a tangy dip.
Vegan Quesadillas: Grilled tortilla filled with vegan cheese, veggies, and southwest spices.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries served with a maple-cinnamon dipping sauce.
Hummus Plate: Creamy hummus served with pita bread, veggies, and olive oil.
Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with vegan cheese, black beans, salsa, and guacamole.

Salads

Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, vegan parmesan, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing.
Cobb Salad: Mixed greens, avocado, vegan bacon, tomato, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Southwest Salad: Black beans, corn, avocado, vegan cheese, and a spicy dressing.
Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, vegan feta, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach, mushrooms, vegan bacon, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Chopped Salad: Mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a vegan ranch dressing.

Sandwiches & Burgers

Radical Reuben: Corned beef seitan, sauerkraut, vegan Swiss, and Russian dressing on rye.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich: Tangy BBQ jackfruit on a bun, served with coleslaw.
Vegan Chicken Sandwich: Breaded and fried vegan chicken on a bun with lettuce and tomato.
The Chicago Diner Burger: A hearty veggie burger with all the classic toppings.
Black Bean Burger: House-made black bean burger served on a toasted bun.
Tempeh Burger: Grilled tempeh burger with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of toppings.
BLT: Vegan bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread – a classic!
Grilled Cheese: Classic grilled cheese with vegan cheddar on toasted bread.

Entrees

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: Lentils and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked.
Mac & Cheese: Creamy vegan mac and cheese, made with a cashew-based sauce.
Vegan Pot Pie: Flaky crust filled with vegetables and a creamy gravy.
Seitan Skewers: Marinated seitan skewers served with rice and vegetables.
Tofu Scramble: Tofu scrambled with vegetables and spices, served with toast.
Vegan Lasagna: Layers of pasta, vegetables, vegan ricotta, and marinara sauce.
Chili: Hearty vegan chili served with cornbread and your choice of toppings.
Stir Fry: Mixed vegetables stir-fried with tofu or tempeh in a savory sauce.
Enchiladas: Corn tortillas filled with vegetables and vegan cheese, topped with sauce.

Desserts

Vegan Milkshake: Choose from a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Vegan Brownie Sundae: Warm vegan brownie topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts.
Peanut Butter Fudge Pie: Creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate drizzle.
Carrot Cake: Moist carrot cake with vegan cream cheese frosting.
Cheesecake: Creamy vegan cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.
Chocolate Cake: Rich chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
Apple Pie: Classic apple pie with a flaky crust.
Cookies: Freshly baked vegan cookies, including chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin.

Drinks

Smoothies: Freshly blended fruit smoothies.
Juices: Orange, apple, cranberry, and grapefruit juice.
Coffee: Regular and decaf coffee.
Tea: Hot and iced tea.
Soda: A variety of sodas.
Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade.
Iced Coffee: Iced coffee with your choice of milk and sweetener.

Ambiance, Service, and Vibe

The Chicago Diner Lakeview location boasts a retro-diner aesthetic, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It is decorated with vintage signs and comfortable booths. The service is generally friendly and efficient, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. The pricing is moderate, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the generous portion sizes. The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for families, friends, and solo diners alike. The restaurant is often busy, especially during peak hours, so be prepared for a potential wait.

Conclusion

The Chicago Diner Lakeview is a vegetarian and vegan haven that has stood the test of time. Their Radical Reuben and Mac & Cheese are legendary and definitely worth trying. This diner is perfect for anyone looking for comforting, plant-based meals in a relaxed and friendly environment. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just curious about meat-free options, The Chicago Diner offers a delicious and satisfying experience. I’d give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!

“some of the images and information is taken from other sources”

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