Chatterbox Pub
Restaurant, Bar
$$ - average
American
Bar/restaurant with games and food.
The owners of the original Chatterbox Pub purchased what used to be a Perkins and developed it into a new Chatterbox Pub. This one is much like the original (custom brews, lunch and dinner food, Atari and board games) except that it is larger, offers breakfast and is more upper-class (to better fit into the Highland Park neighborhood).
There are a smattering of vegetarian options on the menu (which is nearly identical to that of the original Chatterbox). Pizzas can be made vegan if you omit the cheese (the soy substitute contains a "small amount of casein").
On the southeast corner of Cleveland Ave S and Ford Parkway.
Added by vaxjo on May 15 06 (updated May 15 06)
Reviews
I was all set to give them a good rating but then I actually tried to order something. There is not a single vegan item on the menu; I had to ask the server about numerous modifications before I found something I would eat. Most disturbing, perhaps, was the server's comment about the pizza's soy substitute cheese: "...the owner says there's very little casein in it so it's okay if you're vegan". I ended up ordering a pizza with no cheese. Both servers I talked with were receptive to our complaints about the lack of vegan options and went so far as to tell me that they've brought it up with the owner before but that he remains resistant.
I've since lowered my rating because in the few times I've returned to the Chatterbox there has always something bad about it (mostly poor service - I don't even bother with the food and how can you possibly screw up tap beer?).
I had a good experience at the Chatterbox Pub. I was with a group of 8 - I was the only vegan. After learning of my veganism, the manager came to my table and offered to whip up a special wrap sandwich for me. It was delicious and he mentioned that it was going to be put on the menu in the near future. It's very similar to the Cinco de Mayo dip listed on their current menu - except without the dairy. I really appreciated their efforts. The bartender even veganized their bloody mary for me.