Welcome to Can't believe it's not meat
Can't Believe It's Not Meat is a vibrant culinary gem located in Chicago, renowned for its flavorful, plant-based comfort food. As a proud Black-owned establishment, it excels in creating irresistible vegetarian dishes that compete with traditional meat offerings. Customers rave about their innovative brunch menu, featuring standout items like the Mr. Patty Melt and meatless shrimp, both praised for their incredible taste and texture. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff enhance the dining experience, making it perfect for both vegans and omnivores alike. With heartfelt preparation and a focus on flavor, this eatery is a must-visit for delicious, guilt-free indulgence.
Can't believe it's not meat: Reviews & Ratings
Black-Owned Brilliance — Flavorful, Fresh, and Filling! If you’re looking for a Black-owned vegetarian spot that serves up serious flavor and comfort food with a plant-based twist, this is the place! The brunch menu alone is worth the visit — creative, satisfying, and made with so much love. Everything I’ve tried has been amazing, but let me tell you... the patty melt is next level. Crispy, melty, savory perfection that hits all the right notes. And don’t even get me started on the Oreo shake — thick, creamy, and indulgent without being too sweet. It’s the perfect treat to top off any meal (or to enjoy all by itself — no judgment!). What I really appreciate is the vibe — welcoming, soulful, and clearly run with passion. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is made with care from start to finish. Whether you’re vegetarian or just looking for a great meal, this spot delivers every time. Support Black-owned. Support delicious food. You won’t regret it!
6/3/2023 - My wife’s friend is vegan and we came here for her birthday. This is my first time eating any vegan food and what can I say, this place is exactly like the name of the restaurant. My wife and I got the Mr. Patty Melt, chicken egg roll, buffalo shrimp, and Tacos. Everything tasted great. I am not able to tell off the meat are real or not if I was to eat it blindly. They are all full of flavor. The one my wife and I was most surprise at was the shrimp, the texture just like a real shrimp. Thanks to the friends for showing this place. We need one restaurant of these in MN. Overall great tasting food, only thing is it is a big expensive, more expensive than your regular type of food, but I’ll try again something different when I’m in town.
My Co worker & I ordered lunch we both had pizza puffs; One with diary cheese & I had vegan cheese. The pizza puffs were fresh, hot and delicious!!! I also had an order of the meatless shrimp; Very flavorful!! If you’re looking for an alternative dish outside of yout comfort. I’d say check them out! You WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
At this particular, "Can't Believe Its Not Meat," you'll realize that this is attached to and/or inside of Soul Vibez. If you're looking to grab a seat and eat; it maybe close to impossible without waiting an extensive amount of time. I purchased my meal as a pick up online 30 minutes ahead and still waited roughly 15-20 minutes. I will say the meal itself was still popping hot after walking back to the hotel. Now for the meal itself; it was absolutely delicious! If you're wanting to try a vegan italian beef sandwhich (Because hey! Thats one of Chicago staples) try it from here! It was absolutely amazing. The meal came with fries. Don't forget to ask for condiments because they wont place it in the bag. It was reasonable priced for vegan food and worth every dollar.
The vegan food was so good and I'm glad it was near my hotel. I have to come back just to go here!. The staff was also very nice.
Absolutely love the place! I’m a vegan myself so this place is perfect for me. Thank you for building such a place like this. I still “CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT MEAT”.
The workers ? Pleasant, knowledgeable and patient. 5 Stars. The Atmosphere and decor & Music of the place? 5 Stars. The food? Anything recreating carnivore meats is nearly unbearable. But notice I say "nearly" . FIRE place indeed.
Their food is amazing, but they get so many takeout orders they tend to serve the same group separately. Half of us got the food when the other half finished. That's not a big issue though, next time we will order ahead of time. They have huge space, and street parking is quite easy on Wells.
Location
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226 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, United States Hotline: +1 312-624-9986
If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Chicago, make a detour to a hidden gem that promises to redefine your perception of plant-based dining: Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat.
Located at 226 W Chicago Ave, this Black-owned restaurant is not just a haven for vegetarians and vegans; it’s a culinary sanctuary for anyone seeking flavor and comfort without compromise. With a menu designed to tantalize and a commitment to quality, this establishment stands out in the bustling food scene.
As you step inside, the welcoming vibe envelops you—a blend of soulful energy and a passionate dedication to food. From the moment you are greeted by the friendly staff, it’s clear that this is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community space that values connection and creativity.
One cannot overlook the star dish, the Mr. Patty Melt. It is a crispy, melty masterpiece that encapsulates savory perfection. Reviewers rave about how each bite delivers a symphony of flavors, making it hard to believe it’s all plant-based. In the words of one impressed diner, you’d be hard-pressed to identify it as meat-free, even when indulging blindly.
But the culinary creativity doesn’t stop there. The menu boasts a delightful array of offerings, including buffalo shrimp that capture the texture of real seafood without compromising on flavor. The impressed customers have proclaimed it as “just like real shrimp,” while others boldly assert that the Oreo shake is a must-try—creamy and indulgent, yet not overly sweet.
Each dish is prepared with care, and the attention to detail is palpable. From fresh ingredients to innovative recipes, Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat embodies the philosophy that vegetarian food can be just as exciting and fulfilling as any traditional meal. Whether it’s the comforting pizza puffs with vegan cheese or the show-stopping vegan Italian beef sandwich, there is something for every palate.
Yet, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. Reviewers have shared that the atmosphere is filled with warmth and camaraderie, making it a perfect spot for everything from casual lunches to heartfelt celebrations of life’s milestones.
If you are searching for a place that champions delicious, soulful “meaty” alternatives while supporting a Black-owned business, then Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat should be at the top of your list. Don’t just take my word for it—visit, indulge, and discover why this establishment is quickly becoming a beloved staple in Chicago’s culinary landscape.