Best Diners in Diversey Harbor

"The original Wrigleyville location opened in 1983 and they’ve been going strong ever since — a boon to all customers with dietary restrictions. It’s noteworthy that all menu items are either vegan or have a vegan option, and you’ll find many gluten-free dishes as well. They work magic with seitan, evidenced by their grilled “chicken-style” shawarma platter, complete with hummus, pita, lemon wild rice, fresh veggies and vegan tzatziki, or the “Radical Reuben” with corned-beef-style seitan on marbled rye."

"Proudly meat-free since 1983, Chicago Diner serves up classic diner staples without any animal products. Yep, there's steak and eggs, Reuben sandwiches and chilaquiles all without meat, cheese or eggs and just as good as the real thing. But it’s the oh-so-creamy milkshakes that will convert committed carnivores."

"For 32 years this restaurant has been satisfying vegetarians and meat-eaters alike with a veggie-centric interpretations of greasy spoon staples. Think country fried seitan steak, mushroom “meat” loaf, and cauliflower-kale burgers."

"Little Goat is a perfect interpretation of modern-day diner with swivel counter seating, tufted leather booths, and mid-century lighting. And one glance at the menu is bound to spark smirks here, thanks to names like This Little Piggy Went to China (a sesame-cheddar biscuit with eggs and Sichuan pork sausage). Leave it to "Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard (also behind Chicago favorites The Girl & the Goat and Cabra) to ensure the food is every bit as fun and flavorful as their printed descriptions."

"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."

"Restaurants Cafés West Loop. Thinking of spending your Sunday morning at this classic Chicago diner?. Better check the weather: The line snakes out the door and onto Lou Mitchell Way well into the afternoon."

"The iconic Lou Mitchell's sign has drawn patrons into the historic diner near Union Station since 1923. Come for hearty, classic diner fare at breakfast and lunchtime, alongside baked goods and complimentary Milk Duds. View this post on Instagram"

"Located just minutes from the United Center, Palace Grill feeds fans before and after Blackhawks and Bulls games. Nosh on “heart stopper” breakfast sandwiches at any hour of the day or classics like meatloaf, mac and cheese, and fish and chips."

"The West Loop‘s oldest restaurant has classic diner written all over it. Black and white striped awnings. A stainless steel counter."

"Nestled inside two converted streetcars, this 24-hour gem will satisfy your cravings for both retro kitsch and greasy food. (It’s a favorite among Lakeview’s late-night bar crowd.) The specialty is the “slinger,” a plate piled with two burger patties, hash browns, two eggs, and chili, but you can also get a simpler meal of buttered toast and eggs any way."

"Restaurants American Lake View. There are no seats here—just stools. There’s barely a menu, either."

"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."

"An ape house, birdhouse and a working model of a five-acre Midwestern farm are just a few examples of what makes this zoo special. Founded in 1868 and known as America's oldest free public zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo still manages to charge no admission and remains open year-round. Set on scenic park grounds with lush lawns and pleasant walkways, the zoo greets visitors with the beauty of Georgian Revival buildings and a spectacular greenhouse."

"Lincoln Park Zoo has one of the most extensive zoo-based conservation and science programs in the US, and pledges to take the best care of its animal residents. Spend the day with black rhinos, zebra, sloths and the delightfully named Allen’s Swamp Monkey – all for the price of zero dollars."

"The Lincoln Park Zoo is such a staple of Chicago that it’s sometimes called the “Chicago Zoo.”. The city doesn’t have its own, however, and it’s probably because the Lincoln Park Zoo is already doing such a great job. For starters, it’s one of the oldest zoos on the continent."

"An alternative to Lincoln Park is Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, located in the nearby western suburb of (you guessed it) Brookfield. Brookfield Zoo is spread out over 200 acres and offers larger, cage-less exhibits such as Tropic World, a massive indoor habitat with three distinct environments, filled with primates from around the globe. 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, Ill., 708-688-8000."

"The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992."

"This funky corner spot delivers dishes that are fast, filling and affordably priced. They’ve been featured on the Food Network favorite Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and their well-lit interior and overstuffed menu means you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the best restaurants in Chicago. BIG & Littles | 1310 N."

"Must-Try: Japanese Beef Taco ($3.29) or Soft Shell Crab Po Boy ($7.99). The flavors are BIG and the prices are little at BIG and Little’s. This hole-in-the-wall turned multi-location across Chicago knows how to serve up tacos, burgers, po’boys, and sandwiches."

"Beyond Burgers & Fried Fish, this quick-serve spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives & Chicago's Best along with multiply other TV appearances.Order Online for Pickup or Delivery @ bigandlittleschicago.com"

"Believe it or not, you can find a great Chicago-style hot dog in the Loop in 2018. Sure, most of the old-school hot dog joints have closed, and you're 20 times more likely to run into a Mediterranean concept serving falafel than a sausage served in a soft steamed bun, but all hope is not lost. Max's Take Out not only feels like stepping back in time to when a dill pickle counted as a serving of vegetables, but it also dishes out a flawless Chicago-style hot dog, complete with a snappy natural casing Vienna Beef hot dog."