Review of The Chicago Diner, Logan Square

This is a casual, offbeat vegan/vegetarian restaurant right near the Blue Line California stop that also offers GF options. Service was good, food was mixed. We had a tofu and veggie stir fry (delicious!) and the mushroom and lentil loaf (okay, not our favorite) and a vegan vanilla Chai cheesecake for dessert (okay, not strongly vanilla Chai flavored.) Waitress was knowledgeable about GF and the menu had a few good GF options. Our big challenge and scare came when I noticed what looked like barley in the mushroom lentil loaf. I asked the waitress if there was barley in it, she did not think so, but she pulled out a handy-dandy loose-leaf notebook which listed absolutely every ingredient in every dish in the restaurant! The good news: it was NOT barley, just brown rice that opened to what looked like barley. The bad news: the restaurant used Better Than Boullion in the loaf dish, which is not certified GF! I informed the server who said she would inform the kitchen, but I waited nervously for the hour it usually takes for symptoms to kick in. I did not get sick - excellent news - but if I went back, I would ask for the ingredient list for any dish I ordered to ensure it only had safe ingredients.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies