Mike and I love Chicago.
On our way from Denver to Michigan we decided to plan a couple of days in Chicago to eat and enjoy the city.
Boy did we enjoy it.
For our vegan readers, this post might disappoint as we only ate at one restaurant, the Chicago Diner. With only a couple of days in town we decided to go with what we know and stayed at the diner.
Vegan chocolate peanut butter milkshake. Need I say more.
Their brand is "Meatless since '83". I have been going to the diner since 1996 and although they aren't always perfect, I have always loved going there. Service can be hit or miss and we experienced totally great service all three times. I always get a shake. This time we both tried the grilled Caesar Salad with blackened tofu and it was DELISH! Christine and Brian were our serves and both are super-friendly and fun to be with.
We happened to be in Chicago during gay pride weekend and were stoked to see Mercy For Animals, one of our all-time favorite animal rights groups and one that we financially support, having a booth at pride. They were also in the parade. This might not surprise many of you, but it is great that an animal rights group brought the voice of the voiceless to gay pride.
There are a ton of vegan options in Chicago. Happy Cow has a great list, including new ones: http://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/illinois/chicago/
This trip we stayed at the historic Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Avenue. I can't write enough wonderful things about this hotel. Incredible rooms, great, friendly staff, perfect location, great views. The hotel is two blocks from the red line which takes you right to the Chicago Diner's neighborhood.
If you haven't been to Chicago we definitely recommend a trip there. Let me know if you have any questions that you think I might be able to help with regarding a trip there. My email is vegandude@msn.com
Chicago is awesome for vegans. Our good friend used to live two blocks from Chicago Diner and we were sad when he moved (to River North, but that is closer to Karyn's Cooked which is a whole different kind of awesome). I think Chicago Diner service has improved over the years we've been going there. If we didn't live a couple hours from Chicago, I doubt we would still be living in the Midwest.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Chicago for 9 years and enjoyed many meals at The Chicago Diner. I miss living there quite a bit. Glad you enjoyed your trip! Dave in Boulder
ReplyDeleteI’ve been to Chicago and in general in USA but it was so long ago and never to San Diego! You’re definitely making me want to plan a trip!
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