About Us

The Chicago Diner is a groundbreaking vegan and vegetarian diner changing the notion of traditional comfort foods. The menu features vegan versions of American classics like shakes, Buffalo wings, mac and cheese, Reubens and cultural fusion options like our Cuban sandwich and Cajun Black Bean Burger.

On April 2, 1983, in a city known for meat packing and hog butchering, a brave pair of optimistic vegetarians opened a ground-breaking meat-free diner called The Chicago Diner. Since then, co-owners Mickey Hornick and Jo Kaucher have built a reputation for wowing carnivores as well as vegheads with unique and innovative dishes.

With two current locations, The Diner has managed grand feats: garnishing Michelin Guide recommendations, Zagat ratings, and awards from Chicago Reader’s Readers' Choice Poll, VegNews Magazine, Vegetarian Times, and WGN’s showcase, Chicago’s Best.

In November 2012, having grown into a popular Boystown destination spot, The Chicago Diner opened a second location in Logan Square at 2333 North Milwaukee Avenue.

Both locations offer the same food menus inventively recreating meatless American classic comfort foods like The Radical Reuben™, Buffalo wings, mac and cheeze, burgers and country fried steak as well as dairy-free desserts and milk shakes. Both locations have bar menus offering locally crafted beers, wines, and cocktails featuring small batch liquors.

The Logan Square location takes sustainability to a new level: housed in a US Green Building Council LEED Gold certified facility, incorporating repurposed materials and fixtures throughout, as well as employing other earth conscious initiatives like eco-friendly disposables, FSC & Rainforest Alliance certified menu paper, container & waste oil recycling, high efficiency appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems.

No matter which Chicago Diner location you choose, there’s a comforting feast in store.

Check out our website for more info about our history and philanthropy activities.