I love diners. Chicago has some great diners. Diners provide good meals at reasonable prices, except today due to rising food prices. They used to sell what was known as “American” food and a few ethnic dishes. Now, many sell more Mexican food due to changes in taste.
Diners are great places to get breakfast- eggs any way you want them, three or four egg omelets with hash browns, pancake stacks, waffles, or French toast. Some are only open for breakfast and lunch. Others are 24 hr. operations. Many are known for various dishes, especially soups, chili combos, or some sandwich favorites.
Most diners have extensive static menus- never changing- with plenty of choices to suit most tastes and appetites. They may have daily specials. Many diner portions are generous, so they are still a bargain even with higher prices.
Diners range from greasy spoons to pleasant places to eat. But they are not limited to what is known as ubiquitous “Greek” diners. There is one thing about diners. They usually have great coffee, especially when served in a heavy ceramic mug.
Here is a list of some local diners:
Daley’s at 6257 S. Cottage Grove is the oldest continuing operating restaurant in Chicago, established in 1895. It moved across the street, where it is still in operation today. They recently did a remodel and modernized the façade. Daley’s is located right off the 63rd Street Green Line.
The Palace Grill at 1408 W. Madison is my favorite diner. It has been operating for over 80 years and owned by the Lemperis family for over 60 years. I have been eating there for almost forty years. It is two-thirds larger than it used to be with parking and a catering operation. The food is terrific. The service is good. They serve alcohol and are open late for Blackhawk games. The place is festooned with the team’s memorabilia. The Palace is very popular with people from all walks of life, so you never know who you might see dining there.
Grilddle 24 at 334 W. Chicago is another excellent Diner. The staff is friendly and helpful, the portions are generous, the menus are varied, and the food is good. Some sandwich portions are large. They have great soups. It is easy to get to via public transportation. They are open 24 hrs.
The Golden Apple at 2971 N. Lincoln is another long-time Chicago diner. The menu is varied with traditional diner food and other specialties. They are open 24 hrs. On weekends they get crowded in the mornings and especially late at night when people leave the bars.
The White Palace Grill at 1159 S. Canal is another favorite. Open 24 hrs. They have a great menu, good food, and nice portions. Decades ago, it was the place to go for many people working the midnight shift, especially Postal workers from the Main Branch.
My friend, John Kass, is another diner aficionado. He recommends JC Georges in Countryside. If he says it is good, you better believe it. Kass is a foodie, mean cook, and BBQ master in his own right. His opinion carries weight.
The Diner Grill at 1635 W. Irving Park Rd. is another 24 hr. favorite. They originally opened in 1937. A fire shut them down a few years back, but they rose from the ashes and reopened. They are another late-night haunt for bar crawlers. The Slinger is their signature late-night or breakfast dish. It consists of hash browns, two burgers, cheese, grilled onion, two eggs over easy, and topped with chili. The challenge is to finish this behemoth.
I know there are several more diners in this city. The ones listed are those I patronize and am most familiar with. Get out there and eat.