Best Diners in Westchester

"One of the city’s classic veg-friendly establishments, The Chicago Diner is proudly “meat free since ‘83”. The entire menu is full of comfort food classics, like poutine, spinach artichoke dip, wings, nachos, country fried steak, and burgers — but every single item is meat-free and can be made vegan (and many of them gluten-free, too). Their flagship sandwich is the “radical reuben” made with corned beef seitan, grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, vegan Thousand Islands dressing, and vegan cheese on marbled rye."

"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."

"Totally meat-free since 1983, The Chicago Diner has its menu packed with meat alternatives like seitan for staples like the deliciously spicy Thai chili wings and both black bean veggie and sweet potato-tofu patties that you can't miss. Don't forget to try one of its vegan milkshakes in many flavors from carrot cake to vanilla chai."

"Little Goat Diner, by Stephanie Izard is notable for many reasons, including their “cereal killers” – breakfast options served all day. You can’t go wrong with any of the top quality diner style breakfast options here, but we highly recommend going for one of the Sammies. The Los Drowned is particularly tasty, and contains braised beef, Havarti, avocado, pickled peppers & onions, spicy mayo served on a hoagie and is served with its delicious au jus."

"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."

"Following the wild success of her flagship restaurant, the Girl & the Goat, Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard switches gears with this all...Read More"

"It doesn’t get more old school than the experience at one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants. Nearly a century since opening, Lou Mitchell’s continues to operate like a well-oiled machine. Guests are treated to complimentary Milk Duds and donut holes upon arrival before sitting down to fluffy pancakes, jumbo omelets, fresh eggs, homemade pastries, and cups of the self-proclaimed “world’s finest coffee."

"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)."

"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."

"A giant fist clenching eating utensils invites guests into this popular Lakeview eatery. Inside, they’ll find a warm dining room and items ranging from stuffed French toast and marvelous milkshakes to giant quesadillas and zucchini parmigiana. Go during off-peak hours or be prepared to wait since there’s usually a line."

"Stella’s has a pretty eye-catching exterior, and pretty hunger-smashing food. This place has been in Lakeview for around 50 years and despite many changes over the decades, it’s still around. Boasting classic diner breakfast favorites and delicious shakes at low prices, Stella’s has no trouble bringing in the crowd."

"Old School Breakfast Favorites: Coffee Simple Shake (Coffee + Milkshake!) ($5.50) or 2 Eggs with a Side and Toast ($6.95). Chicagoians have loved Stella’s Diner since the 1960s. This Lakeview institution offers the kind of breakfast your parents and grandparents probably love."

"Nestled in a dingy underground food court, Hello Jasmine is a modest boba place, but don’t let that fool you. The small shop stays true to the taste of Taiwanese boba, using the largest, most chewy balls that can be found in Chicago. Their grapefruit tea features pieces of real grapefruit (with peel), giving the drink a subtle bitter edge to accompany the sweet citrus taste."

"By the time Cellar Door co-owner/baker Ethan Pikas has a moment to break away from the morning rush to come chat with me, I've already downed one of his dreamy canelés, which are baked to a dark, caramelized sheen and flecked through with fragrant vanilla. "So I hear these things are a pain in the ass to make," I say to him. "No, no," he assures me, and then as he begins to recount the steps—the waxing of the molds, the careful mixing (too much air in the batter and you're done for), the oven temperature adjustments—he stops and considers."

"This hip Logan Square bakery and eatery serves a perpetually-changing menu of baked goods and treats made with a fine-dining sensibility from all in-house and local ingredients. Eaters never know what they'll find here on any given visit, but expect exceptional canneles, infused croissants, scones, breads, and more, plus BYO dinner service on weekends."

"It’s not an all-day cafe, but they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s not a bakery, but their pastries are masterful. It’s not a natural wine bar, but their list is decidedly funky."

"The Bourgeoise Pig cafe is Lincoln Park’s favorite hipster hangout. It’s a top spot for casual brunch, excellent coffee and cozy vibes. It’s one of those hidden gems that only locals know about."

"But not many are aware that it serves excellent caffeinated drinks as well. The menu has everything that a good coffee shop does. Its hot chocolate is a beverage to die for."

"The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory are both fun to wander through, but I love Lincoln Park for its cafes, boutiques, and adorable homes. Armitage Avenue is a perfect spot to boutique-hop for the afternoon. I love Art Effect for cute gifts (and travel accessories!), and Interior Define is fun to check out for home decor. If it’s one of those hot, sticky midwestern summer days and you’re not up for shopping, check out one of the nearby beaches along Lake Michigan."

"Situated next to Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park sits on over 20 acres next to the waterfront in downtown Chicago. The park's most popular kids' attraction is a mini-golf course, which has a series of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks at each hole. The Play Garden is a big hit with younger kids, where they can play pirate on a huge land-bound ship complete with rope bridges and plenty of room to imagine."

"Families love Maggie Daley Park's fanciful, free playgrounds in all their enchanted-forest and pirate-themed glory. There’s also a rock-climbing wall, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a winding, in-line skating track called the Skating Ribbon (used for ice-skating in winter) and tennis courts; these features have various fees. Multiple picnic tables make the park an excellent spot to relax."