When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Can't believe it's not meat
Why Can't believe it's not meat is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Can't Believe It's Not Meat is a vibrant vegan and vegetarian fast-food restaurant with locations in Chicago's Hyde Park and Orland Park neighborhoods. Founded by self-taught chef Laricia Chandler Baker, also known as Chef Fab, this eatery transforms classic comfort foods like Italian beef sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and pizza puffs into delicious, plant-based favorites. The menu is inspired by Chef Fab's cravings and Chicago roots, featuring standout items like "The Big Mik," a bestselling vegan take on a fast-food giant's burger, and meatless Chicago hot dogs. Fans continuously praise its flavorful, healthier alternatives to traditional fast food, making it a perfect hangout spot for friends seeking indulgent yet meat-free meals. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, and commitment to creating a welcoming space for vegetarians, vegans, and curious food lovers contribute to its popularity. The place fosters community and celebrates Black American vegetarianism, offering a unique culinary experience that's both fun and health-conscious. The fact that the restaurant gained instant long lines and now operates two locations speaks to its reputation and the loyalty it inspires among its patrons.
Here's what people think of Can't believe it's not meat
As of recent, Can't believe it's not meat holds a 4.3-star rating based on 837 reviews.
Customer reviews for Can't Believe It's Not Meat reflect a strong appreciation for the quality and flavor of its vegan offerings, appreciating the way the menu reimagines classic comfort foods with plant-based ingredients. Positive reviews highlight the food's taste and the nostalgic feel of the dishes, noting the friendly staff, welcoming vibes, and excellent music that create an enjoyable dining experience. Many customers mention the generosity of portion sizes and value, with repeat orders of favorites like egg rolls and The Big Mik burger. The restaurant is praised for providing a satisfying vegan "cheat day" option that appeals even to those who are not strictly vegan. On the other hand, some negative reviews cite issues such as long wait times due to high demand, occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, and crowded conditions during peak hours. A few reviewers expressed disappointment with specific menu items or service experiences, but these tend to be outliers. Overall, the reviews indicate a high level of customer satisfaction and enthusiasm, with many patrons returning to enjoy the flavorful, health-conscious food. The consensus is that Can't Believe It's Not Meat is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in innovative vegan comfort food in the Chicago area, combining quality, culture, and community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ke Ke
This place has 2 restaurants in one. We tried the Vegan side. Food was good. The Philly cheese steak egg rolls needed a little more seasoning but the rest of our food was amazing. We had the big mik and the patty melt which was awesome. The service was not as great. A lot complaints we heard from the servers, servers yelling at the cooks and talking bad about customers. We were going to leave but already waited 40 mins to get food and we were hungry.
John Love
Looking for a spot that’s Vegan and natural well here’s one of them! The Big Mik is insanely good! I couldn’t believe that there’s a burger which is pretty similar the Big Mac but instead healthy and vegan! The burger was so good I couldn’t stop ordering it honestly! It has its own Big Mik sauce which gives it this extra kick and every thing else is so fresh and good! The fries are all natural and usually taste very well with the sweet heat sauce. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is full of so many great flavors it’s also insane to think about! When I first had it I could’ve believe how good it was, made so fresh no grease and tasted like a true authentic Philly cheese steak. It’ll get you so full that you won’t even be able to finish it. The smoothies are all natural and very delicious. The cookies and cream milkshake is one of my favorites! It is all natural and worth the dessert after eating one of the fine meals from here. This place is a great spot to just get vegan food to stay on the healthy all natural side. The Hyde Park location is very professional with great customer service. They have an app which allows you to gain points and receive promos for food. Love coming here!
Angel Perry
First time trying the Big Mac. OFF THE CHAIN! My food was still hot. Delivery was fast. I downloaded the app it’s on 💕👍🏽🙏🏽🎉💯💋
Brian McBeth
The food at this location is absolutely delicious. I usually order the Vegan Big Mac Burger, which is incredible, and the Philly Cheesesteak Vegan Eggrolls, which are equally amazing. Both items are must-tries—I’d easily rate them a 10 out of 10. Highly recommend!
50ShadesOfDashiki 50ShadesOfDashiki
My favorite vegan spot to visit when I’m home! You can’t go wrong with anything here.
How to reach Can't believe it's not meat
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Why Can't believe it's not meat may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Can't Believe It's Not Meat with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Can't Believe It's Not Meat offers a uniquely delicious and socially conscious dining experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes and values. As a Black-owned, plant-based eatery in Chicago, this restaurant delivers familiar comfort foods—like Philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs, wings, and pizza—all entirely vegetarian, and easily made vegan. The astonishing authenticity of their vegan meats means that even hardcore meat-eaters are often surprised by how closely the flavors and textures mimic traditional meat dishes. This factor alone creates a fun and memorable shared culinary adventure among friends. Additionally, the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and the option for indoor bar seating or outdoor dining foster a great communal vibe. Since the menu is diverse and flavorful, groups with mixed diets—omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike—can all find something satisfying. Choosing this spot essentially transforms a casual meetup into a chance to explore plant-based cuisine together while supporting a local Black-owned business, which adds cultural significance and intentionality to your gathering.
What kind of food and drinks can you enjoy with your group?
Can't Believe It's Not Meat specializes in plant-based comfort food that friends can enjoy in a relaxed, no-frills setting. The menu features crave-worthy options such as vegan Philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs, chicken wings, and even fish sandwiches—all expertly crafted to resemble their meat-based counterparts in taste and texture. Vegan cheese, mayonnaise, and ranch dressings are available to customize your meal fully. Your group can sample a variety of these dishes without compromising on flavor or tradition, making it a perfect spot for friends who want to indulge together while keeping their meals cruelty-free. Beverage options include delicious vegan shakes and refreshing smoothies, complementing the hearty dishes nicely and adding a sweet or fruity element to the mix. The affordability of the menu ensures that you can feed a group without worrying about breaking the bank, and the quality and portion sizes consistently receive high praise. This combination of variety, flavor, and value creates an ideal setting for sharing food with friends and discovering new favorites.
What are the social and dining atmospheres that make it perfect for meetups?
The ambiance at Can't Believe It's Not Meat combines the casual vibe of a classic American diner with a modern, plant-based twist. Though the interior is cozy and relatively small, it features clean décor and a friendly, welcoming staff who are helpful and knowledgeable about the menu, making everyone feel valued and informed. Seating options include a bar area, which is great for solo diners or smaller groups wanting to chat with the bartenders, and outdoor seating that expands the social space, especially during warmer months. The connected kitchen setup ensures no cross contamination between this vegan kitchen and the adjoining Soul Vibez restaurant, which demonstrates thoughtful attention to food safety and guest preferences. Music and lighting contribute to a relaxed, upbeat environment that encourages lingering and conversation, making it more than just a quick eatery but a destination for socializing. The fact that this is a Black-owned business adds an extra layer of community pride and cultural relevance, enriching the experience of gathering here with friends.
What activities and experiences can a group enjoy beyond just dining?
While Can't Believe It's Not Meat primarily focuses on delivering high-quality plant-based food, the experience naturally extends into multiple social activities when hosting a meetup. Groups can bond over tasting and discussing the surprisingly authentic vegan menu items, challenging each other's expectations about plant-based cuisine. This shared culinary adventure often sparks lively conversations about food ethics, health benefits, and sustainability, enriching the social fabric of the gathering. The intimate setting encourages interactive dining experiences, where friends can sample dishes family-style or order a variety of items to share and compare. Because it’s a counter-service spot with limited seating, meetups might combine dining here with walks around the Hyde Park neighborhood or visits to nearby venues, creating a day-long group outing. Additionally, the friendly bartenders and staff often enhance the friendliness and cohesion of the group by offering recommendations or engaging pleasantly with guests. For those looking to raise a glass, the shake and smoothie selection acts as an informal "drink menu," perfect for toast-like moments among friends.
Why does supporting Can't Believe It's Not Meat matter for your group dynamics?
Choosing Can't Believe It's Not Meat for your group meetup goes beyond just enjoying tasty food—it becomes a statement of values and community support. As a Black-owned business in Chicago, dining here means helping sustain and uplift Black entrepreneurship in the local food scene. This can be a meaningful and uniting factor for groups who are socially conscious or interested in championing diversity and inclusion. The restaurant’s commitment to plant-based cuisine also aligns with growing environmental and ethical concerns, making your group’s outing both enjoyable and responsible. By supporting such spaces, groups actively contribute to the visibility, success, and survival of businesses that might otherwise face systemic challenges. This sense of shared purpose can deepen friendships and provide an additional layer of satisfaction to the meetup. Moreover, the inviting atmosphere and fresh, creative menu encourage everyone in the group to feel included and energized, reinforcing positive social interactions and memorable experiences.
How accessible and convenient is Can't Believe It's Not Meat for group gatherings?
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat is well-situated in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood with hours from 11 AM to 9 PM daily, providing flexibility for lunch, dinner, or early evening meetups. While the indoor seating is limited, the availability of outdoor seating helps accommodate groups, especially in good weather. The restaurant’s counter-service model ensures quick ordering processes, which helps keep wait times manageable for groups eager to eat and socialize. The friendly staff also assist with menu recommendations and can accommodate vegan and vegetarian dietary preferences, making ordering for a group straightforward and stress-free. Though some reviewers note occasional wait times, the overall consensus is that the food quality justifies a little patience. Additionally, its menu variety and approachable pricing make it easy to gather without needing complex planning or reservations, which is ideal for informal meetups or spontaneous hangouts. Parking and public transit options nearby further enhance accessibility, ensuring your group can convene smoothly regardless of transportation method.
What makes the menu at Can't Believe It's Not Meat unique and perfect for diverse groups?
The menu at Can't Believe It's Not Meat stands out because it blends classic American comfort foods with innovative plant-based ingredients that replicate traditional meat-based recipes in surprising ways. The signature vegan "meats" are so convincing that even those who typically avoid vegan options rave about the flavors and textures. This quality ensures that a diverse group of friends—whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous—can all enjoy the food without compromise. Dishes like the Philly cheesesteak and vegan fish sandwich are highlights and offer familiar taste profiles with a modern, ethical twist. In addition, the availability of vegan and traditional versions of condiments like cheese and mayo allows guests to customize meals to personal preference, accommodating a wide array of dietary needs and tastes. The extensive menu variety encourages exploration and sharing, making dining here a collaborative and interactive experience for groups. This leads to a fun atmosphere where everyone can try something new and express their preferences freely.
How do guests describe their overall experiences and customer service?
Customer reviews consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming staff at Can't Believe It's Not Meat as a defining feature of the dining experience. Many diners praise the staff’s ability to guide newcomers through the vegan menu, providing suggestions and making the ordering process seamless and enjoyable. The attentive service adds warmth and personality to the meal, which enhances group interactions and overall satisfaction. Patrons also frequently complement the food’s authenticity and generous portions, reinforcing the restaurant as a reliable choice for high-quality plant-based meals. Some reviews mention the small interior space and occasional wait times for food, but these minor drawbacks are generally outweighed by the excellent flavors and atmosphere. Many guests—whether vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eaters surprised by the taste—express eagerness to return, signaling strong customer loyalty. The positive energy from both staff and patrons creates a supportive environment ideal for groups to relax, connect, and savor their time together.
What is the cultural importance of dining at this Black-owned vegan restaurant?
Dining at Can't Believe It's Not Meat offers a culturally rich and socially significant experience, particularly in the context of Chicago’s vibrant food landscape. As a Black-owned business specializing in innovative plant-based cuisine, it represents a dynamic intersection of cultural identity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Supporting this establishment means engaging with a community of chefs and entrepreneurs who challenge conventional norms about food and business ownership. It serves as a platform that elevates Black culinary voices while promoting veganism—a movement often overlooked in Black food culture conversations. Hosting group meetups here signals a commitment to celebrating diversity and supporting businesses that encourage healthful, ethical eating habits. This awareness adds a meaningful layer to social gatherings, fostering discussion about food justice, cultural representation, and environmental impact within your friend circle. Thus, each visit becomes more than a meal; it becomes a participatory act in cultural appreciation and social change.