Chicago Diner - Logan Square

Tonight we had dinner at the Chicago Diner, Logan Square location.  I ate at the Lakeview location years ago, completely by accident - by accident meaning that my friend and I and her little boy were looking for a place to have lunch and didn't realize it was a vegan restaurant.  At that time, we decided to stay and were not disappointed, her toddler son included.

We had a party of nine and the center portion of the restaurant is set up with small tables with long benches on either side, so the tables can easily be pushed together to accommodate a larger party.

We went to the restaurant tonight to celebrate the birthday of my youngest brother, who is vegan.  My husband and sons are both major carnivores.  My sons being autistic, are usually resistant to trying any new flavors or textures.  The way the food is prepared at Chicago Diner, you will not miss the meat.  

We had seitan buffalo wings as an appetizer - perfect seasoning and meaty texture, as well as guacamole and salsa with chips.  My kids both devoured their orders of sweet potato fries.

For our entrees, I had the spicy Thai basil stir fry - fantastic and a huge portion - love when there is enough left over for my lunch the following day.  My husband had the taco salad and liked it.  My kids shared a big veggie burger, loved it, and my brother had a seitan Reuben - excellent.  My Dad ordered the black bean soup, which was way too spicy for him - the waiter was so nice, he brought a sample portion of the chili to see if that would work for my Dad and it did, so a big bowl of chili was brought out to replace the soup.  Excellent service!  

My brother and sister-in-law got a chocolate mint chip shake to go and said it was delicious.

I'm not a big meat eater, but I do eat meat and I'm a big fan of dairy.   That said, I love Chicago Diner - the food is prepared so well, you truly will not miss the meat or dairy.

As many autism parents, I worry about bringing my boys out - especially in the city - sometimes the crowds can be too much.  This outing, we went to the restaurant at 4:00 in the afternoon - right at the beginning of the dinner shift.  The place was just starting to get crazy loud and busy as we were finishing.  My boys did great!