Best Diners in Chicago

"Lakeview, Logan SquareA Chicago classic serving up meat-free dishes since 1983The Chicago Diner has a cult following as one of the OG veggie-friendly spots in the city. Comfort food classics like wings, nachos, and poutine get a vegan spin, while entrees span global cuisines from Thai basil stir-fry and gyros to a pierogi quesadilla, plus plenty of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The expansive menu means there’s something for everyone."

"The Chicago Diner has been meat-free since ’83, and boy are they proud of that fact. Local and seasonal ingredients have been used here long before those became buzz words in the restaurant industry. Visit the original Halsted location in Chicago’s Boys Town — if it’s nice, eat outside on the patio — or pop into the one in Logan Square and have a beer at Revolution Brewing afterward."

"Restaurants Vegetarian Boystown. Even non-vegetarians know Chicago Diner. The vibe is that of a normal, everyday diner, albeit with soy whip, tofu and tempeh on the giant menu."

"Culinary wizard and Top Chef winner Steph Izard brings her innovative cuisine from The Girl and The Goat to a more casual setting at Little Goat. Especially on the weekends, you’ll find tables filled with young families ready for one of the best brunches in Chicago. Breakfast is served all day, and kids can choose from fluffy pancakes or delectable egg dishes."

"This carbo-loaded attachment to Stephanie Izard's Little Goat Diner sells some seriously decadent goods, like "fat bread" (smoked duck fat, pickled mustard seed, and beer), crusty tortone made with garlic and mashed potatoes, onion rye bagels with kimchi cream cheese, and don't-knock-it-'til-you've-tried-it chocolate, peanut butter, and Cheez-It cake."

"Chips drenched in cheese and sour cream and covered with bbq pork, beans, peppers, and avocado. It’s food porn heaven. Just don’t forget to share them, so you leave room for the rest of the meal."

"While age doesn’t always guarantee quality, it is difficult to ignore one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants in Lou Mitchell’s. The restaurant has been serving up breakfasts and brunches for 98 years and will celebrate 100 years in the business in 2023. The family diner was started by ‘Uncle Lou’ back in 1923 specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes before being handed down to his son Lou Mitchell."

"Opened by “Uncle” Lou Mitchell in 1923, this West Loop staple claims it’s cracked enough farm-fresh eggs over the years to wrap at least a few times around the world. Beyond the omelets, skillets and pancakes, the best part might be the complimentary homemade doughnut hole you get when you walk in. Oh, and women and children receive mini boxes of Milk Duds—don’t ask why, just smile and chew."

"A photo posted by Paige (@paige_sheridan) on Jul 31, 2016 at 10:19am PDT. Lou Mitchell's is one of the most well-known diners in the city, and for good reason. It's always crowded on weekends, so customers are offered free, freshly made doughnut holes while they wait (you'll probably end up buying a few to bring home as well)."

"Most people haven't tasted Filipino food unless they have friends or family but if you find yourself craving for an authentic Filipino breakfast in Chicago, head to Uncle Mike's Place. The Longaniza (sweet anise-wine chorizo sausage) and Tocino (annat and anise cured pork shoulder) can be ordered separately but also together as a combo that arrives with garlic fried rice and two eggs any style. It also serves bangus (boneless grilled milkfish) which is popular among Filipinos."

"A photo posted by Infatuation Chicago (@infatuation_chi) on Oct 28, 2016 at 9:17am PDT. Uncle Mike's Place may look like a fancy breakfast spot, but it's actually a Filipino-inspired diner. Save yourself the time of reading through their extensive menu and just order one of their Filipino breakfast plates, which come with your choice of meat, two eggs, garlic fried rice, and lugao (Filipino porridge), all for under $10."

"Instead of the usual bacon and sausage, opt for Spam and longaniza in the morning. This Filipino diner mixes things up with Southeast Asian favorites such as bangus (milkfish), marinated skirt steak, and bone-in pork chop. Don’t fret if those sound a little too hearty though, patrons can still order an omelet or short stack."

"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."

"Since its founding in 1987, the Catherine Edelman Gallery has established itself as one of the leading galleries in the US devoted to the exhibition of prominent living photographers, alongside new & young talent. To date the Catherine Edelman Gallery has hosted 245 public exhibitions, featuring more than 200 artists. The gallery is currently open by appointment only."

"The artists exhibited at the Catherine Edelman Gallery push the boundaries of what can be done with a camera. The gallery focuses exclusively on the medium of photography – from landscape and fashion editorial to street shots and socially conscious work – with shows by established names, including Sebastião Salgado and Annie Leibovitz, as well as up-and-comers."

"The main focus of the Catherine Edelman Gallery is on the medium of photography. From landscapes to fashion photoshoots to street shots and socially conscious shots, at this gallery, you can experience it all. The artists represented by this gallery go beyond their boundaries to do something different with their cameras."

"The Crepe Shop has the best crepes in the city, but did you know that their coffee is equally impressive?. They have a handful of flavored lattes on the menu, and they all taste excellent. It’s a one-stop-shop for breakfast/brunch, and they have the cutest space."

"Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty American meals all day, but regulars swear by their donuts.|© Salim Virji / Flickr. Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty home cooking all day long in three Chicagoland locations. While best known—or perhaps most appreciated—for its donuts, the diner has excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, too."

"This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers but make sure to save some room for a donut delight. The signature treat features one of Huck’s donuts topped with choice of ice cream and whipped cream."

"Bar Siena's walk-up dessert window, BomboBar, offers a riff on doughnuts - the "bomboloni" - an Italian hole-less doughnut Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani serves at his restaurants, Siena Tavern and Bar Siena. It's the specialty of the house at BomboBar and works wonderfully in the West Loop for dessert or post-party hunger pangs. Order one, four, six or a dozen and any of six rotating custard flavors that you inject into the doughnut."

"If you’re a donut lover, then you absolutely NEED to come to Bombobar. After opening up as a humble walk-up window, Bombobar has expanded to two locations including one 30-seat restaurant in Old Town. If you like over-the-top donuts and shakes, Bombobar is your spot."

"Description: BomboBar serves coffee, hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches, gelato and its signature bombolini (an Italian hole-less doughnut). Location: 832 W Randolph St, Chicago IL 60607"

"For nearly half a century, Buritt Bulloch, or Mr. B as he is known by customers, has been Chicago’s king of donuts. While times have changed, and social media sites like Instagram trend more-eye catching treats with all the pizzazz and razzle dazzle, Mr. B keeps things simple, deep-fried, and delicious, with glazed doughnuts, apple fritters, doughnut balls, long johns, and giant Texas doughnuts."

"If you think something is the best, someone else is likely to have an objection. This rule does not apply to the apple fritter ($3.19) at Old Fashioned Donuts, though. Anyone who eats this agrees: It’s the best ever."