Sometimes known around the hood as Decapitation Diner, since in '89 one of the cooks was decapitated by a hoodlum. Now take a good look at that ham on the bone sitting on the counter.... I love a place where the only vegetable to be found is in the ketchup bottle and they make no apologies for it. Oh yea, they do have some of the whitest lettuce I've ever seen for BLTs. There is no place greasier this side of town. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you've been slamming them back all night you probably aren't worried about your clogged arteries anyway. Try the slinger if you dare. There is nothing to sop up a tummy full of alcohol like one of these plates. The ambience is what is special here. There is a smoking section (the last three out of twelve stools at the counter) and the cooks are almost always entertaining. Diner Grill becomes an old man counter in the daytime and when the bars close it is usually packed with a younger set. Diner Grill is dining like your grandpa did after he fixed a dozen toilets in the neighborhood. Burgers and eggs and flapjacks done the way they used to be made before we gave a damn about our bodies. read more

The Diner Grill = the best way to avoid further late-night drinking and offset some of the damage already done. It's 3am on a Sat night (or Sunday morning), and we have worst intentions of continuing to imbibe at the Green Mill. But someone's hungry... REALLY hungry. And as the driver, he holds the reigns to our after-hours fate. He's wondering where he can get a burger. Not a burrito, oh no... boy wants his burger. Me: McDonald's! D: NO! Me: I think there's some Mexican joint that also serves burgers 'round the corner from Green Mill! D: No, you're just making that up! Me: Ok. Probably. We end up finding the Diner Grill and all 14 counter stools are filled with what appears to be standard-issue raucous frat boys. There's a wait, and some of these intoxicated customers are hanging out outside the door. Pass! We make a detour to the ledge along the window behind the counter stools and improvise by jumping up (well, one of us couldn't make it up but she's a petite thing) and ordering burgers and corned beef hash. We devour our burgers there, without a counter, without chairs. Totally a smart move. 'Cause we don't wait! Me: Hmmm. This burger smells funny! D: Um, it's called grease. It was indeed a pretty greasy burger... but really rather good. And it thwarted further tomfoolery uptown at the Mill. $2 burgers that save you from yourself? Priceless. read more

I'm mad at myself for giving this place less than five stars. But then again, I wrote my initial review in 2007. And in 2007 I was young and stupid. I have since seen the error of my ways: The Dinner/Diner Grill is a five-star establishment. Where else are you rewarded with a certificate printed on a 1995 dot matrix printer for consuming upwards of 1500 calories at once? Where else will you get a pancake in the shape of a dick if you tell the cooks that it's your birthday? Where else will the cook perform a fake marriage ceremony because you and your friend are drunk and decide that your shared love of the Diner/Dinner Grill is enough to bond you two for life? Where else does the fucking name of the place change depending on which side of the sign you look at? (One side says "Diner Grill" - the other says "Dinner Grill.") Nowhere. There is only Zuul/the Diner/Dinner Grill. read more

went with some friends late night after going out and it was great! hit the spot! service was quick and the food was fresh

I follow yelp reviews: If it is recommended by either Oscar the Death Cat or Max Power I'm heading out at warp-speed and will never be disappointed. This was a lot of fun. It was dinner and theater my friend... The cook was filled with witty one-liners and hearty banter, the food so gloriously greasy I should've scheduled an angioplasty yesterday and despite my rather conspicuous yuppie-dink-ness- I felt charmed. That's CHARMED, not wasted. Hence, why I was not brave enough to face the Slinger (despite colorful description and recommendations) . Some day.... until then, ask about the album- yes the album filled with photos of the Slinger-conquerers. You won't be sorry- in fact, you will be forced to laugh! read more

This place is like a throwback to my college days. Classic diner food, open 24 hours, and located right across the street from a bar (the Long Room)! I came late on Thursday and loved the camaraderie amongst (happy/young/buzzed/drunk) patrons here. It wasn't rowdy, just fun. My burger was $2.40. This is a diner burger with a thin patty. It sort of reminded me of a glorified McD's burger which I don't have too much pride to admit there are certain moments when I can REALLY appreciate a burger like this. I like to believe most people have a special place deep within their soul that recognizes food like this has it's own time and place to be savored. The man behind the counter seems happy to be working and accommodated requests at ease and with a smile (including the grown man who requested a tall glass of cold milk to go with his pancakes. Cute.) read more

I think I may have found our go-to diner! Stopped in to this neighborhood fave on a cold Saturday morning to shove my face full of the best diner chilaquiles I've ever had. I love that you can put chorizo on them! The service is friendly, and fast-we were literally in and out in 30 minutes; I think we had been waiting longer for seats than we actually spent there. The only downside to this place is that it's tiny, and if the counter is full then you're going to wait. Totally worth it though! read more

The first time I came in here, I needed bacon, and lots of it. My three orders of delicious, greasy bacon were ready very quickly, and they were so cheap! I was sold, and now I come in here frequently for double cheeseburgers, corned beef hash, slingers, and hash browns. The slinger is intimidating, but if you get it without chili, it's actually really good. If you finish one, you get a certificate! Also, my roommate refers to the cuisine here as "meef." I don't think you get any better than that. read more

Diner Grill...... its 24 hours...... their cheese burger is hot, tasty and cheap (sorry Carol K)........... The Slinger is sure to fill you up! Cash only....... Great when you are driving home after a LONG night in Wicker Park..... I always seem to find a parking spot out front.... Order, eat......outta there..........and I'm outta here. PEACE! I read more

One of my favorite diners of all time. I have been here many times, and everything I've had has been nothing but the Tastiest of the Tasty. Late night is when this joint is hoppin', and you might have a brief wait while you ponder all those tequila shots you did that night. The cheeseburgers are one of my faves--make sure you get a double; the single just isn't the same. Hash browns are the best, order them with onions and cheese. For fun, have a look at the photo albums. One of these days, I'll win me one of those Slinger certificates. read more

70+ reviews for this place? Chicagoans must be pretty hard up to visit a diner, because I'm not sure what the fuss is all about. The burgers are alright, if a little undersized. Get the triple if you're hungry, the double if you had a late lunch, and the single if you're on a diet. The bacon is a fine addition to it, nice and crispy. The fries are pretty average. I went to Diner Grill several times before even trying what it's known for, the Slinger. The Slinger, made for the late evening meal, is an enormous plate of hash browns, grilled onions, two cheeseburger patties, and two eggs over easy, all completely enshrouded with a few ladles of chili. I, unlike most other patrons, attacked the Slinger while completely sober. It's not even that bad, but they need to use a better chili. You are getting chili in nearly every bite of the Slinger, so this is crucial. Service has been fine each time I've been. There's only been one guy working, but he doesn't even break a sweat cooking ten different meals on the grill at once. I don't think the food at Diner Grill is good enough to warrant the ratings it's picked up here, but it's worth at least one trip just for the experience, whether you're gearing up for a night of hard drinking, in the middle of one, or coming off one the night before. read more

I laughed when I read some of the reviews about the food in this place. First off.... Realize you're about to embark on a culinary journey that takes place in a trailer!!!!!! If you're expecting edible roses and foie gras then you've come to the wrong spot. Yes.... They pick up your raw beef patty, wipe their hands on their stank apron then touch your pickles. I wouldn't have it any other way. News flash.... When the line is around the corner and there is 15 orders hanging the cook is not going to spend a minute washing up his grubbers. This is at ANY establishment. Just because you can see the kitchen doesn't make it worse then others.... Just means you have never worked in a real kitchen before. Decent food at a decent price being served around the clock. If you don't like the sanitation practices do me a favor and make the line shorter!!!! read more

Every time I eat here- I get diarrhea. So why do I keep coming back? I'll tell you why. Because it's good. It's very, VERY good. I have a refridgerator covered in 'I Ate The Slinger' certificates and it's open at all hours of the day and night(The Diner, not my fridge). Although they are currently undergoing some remodeling, I intend to stock up on Immodium b/c I can't wait to go back again. I love you Diner Grill. Don't ever leave me. read more

They should have pocketed the fire insurance proceeds, and sold the place off to a developer. I went today for its first day open since the fire. Exorbitant prices for the same slime as before. Before part of the charm of the slime food was that it wasn't too expensive. Now, you can get far better food almost anywhere else for the same prices, or less. read more

This place is incredible. I came here with three friends for hangover brunch, and it was PHENOMENAL. First of all, they had tasty coffee. I was very pleasantly surprised. Also, the guys (2) behind the counter were super friendly and know how to use a griddle like nobody's business. The counter seats probably about 12 people, so you might have to wait a few minutes, but it's a legitimate hole-in-the-wall diner that feels like you stepped back in time about 40 years. Absolutely loved my corned beef hash with eggs over easy. The hash was crispy and the eggs were perfect. This is a big win in my book. read more

Best breakfast spot in the city hand down. Fast, good food, and just any other old school diner. Don't hesitate to come here

The word "amazing" is used way too often! Expand your vocabulary people! Nothing about Diner Grill is amazing and it doesn't strive to be amazing. It is good, cheap and fast. No one should go here expecting "the best _________ ever!" If you do, you are an idiot. I don't get the Slinger like most people because I don't like my food looking like it....ya know, poop. I also don't like eating stuff that is basically the same mushy texture in every layer of every bite. Some people love the Slinger and more power to them. I just can't understand how some people eat more than one Slinger in a sitting. I usually get a burger and an egg sandwich with easy mayo and cheese. The grill cooks have always been cool and easy going and they make your food fast. I would avoid anything with sausage because I don't think it tastes very good. Heed the advice of other reviewers, avoid late night Fri/Sat. The drunk idiots flock to this place after the bars close and they are just THE worst. I'm all for a good time with your buddies but it's a little much. read more

Diner Grill - Guy asked the cook to make THE special pancake for his girlfriend - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Could not be more of a greasy spoon unless the building itself was actually shaped like a spoon, covered in lard. I have tried the slider and I must say: it is an experience that stays with you long after you have finished. Some good memories and some bad but no regrets. THE place to go when its late at night, you are on the verge of bedspins, and only a greasy meal can bring you back. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE. IT IS PURE. IT IS BARE BONES. IT IS SIMPLE. NOTHIN BUT LOVE. it's super cheap, kinda greasy n' always easy food! burgers, breakfast, coffee in a styrofoam cup and plastic fork type of place. the chefs are hilarious, it's good (drunk) food, there's always nice/funny company and it is what it is. :) read more

Day 303: Diner Grill: Going to the Diner Grill was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I had seen it on the extracrispy.com list of America's Best Diner's, and so we went to check it out. It's set in an old railroad car with the grill in front of you and a sassy guy named Kenny working at it. We both got the famed Slinger, a concoction of hash browns, grilled onions, two grilled burger patties with cheese and two eggs over easy topped with chili, mostly because it's hard to turn down any dish that comes with a certificate for completing it and, allegedly, the chili recipe had been bought off a hooker for $100 in 1946, which is a hell of a pedigree. It had quite a lot going for it, so I'm a little disappointed that the food was only decent. The burgers and eggs were terrific, but the chili was a little bland and the hash browns unsalted and mushy. There was a lot of food for the price, and I can see why the place is popular for drunk/hungover eats, but I'm iffy on if it's really the best diner in Illinois. The quest for 24hr perfection continues... read more

If you're a night owl who enjoys drinking and you need some food in your stomach to soak up some of that alcohol. Hit this place up. Not sure why it looks like a shanty though, guess you overlook things like aesthetics when you're wasted. read more

Went here on a Saturday morning for breakfast, they weren't busy but dishes were being cleaned by the same rag and hand washing so sanitary was worried. But the food looks and is a basic breakfast & sandwiches. The biscuit & gravy was too salty but my friend had the slinger which looked good. read more

Diner Grill - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Maaannnn oh man!!! I'm not gonna lie, we did visit this place after going to a couple of bars but we sobered up with the walk (came from Sandlot, another great place) and the food and service were really good. They're not expensive and you get good food. Orlando puts in work! So manager, if you're reading this, that guys good. Definitely recommend. read more

This place is exactly what it says it is "Diner Grill". The good 'ol flat top grill diner. If anyone knows anything about flat top grill diners, they will know these places are very receptive to the regulars/locals and the blue collar crowd. If you're not privy to some grease, you know to put some meat on those bones, then you are not setting realistic expectations when entering this place. Don't expect being coddled here, this isn't a Denny's. If you're used to those off the beaten path diners that are ubiquitous with road trips and most southern diners, then welcome home! The best way to grade a diner (or any chef for that matter) like this is to ask them to make eggs. Have them make sunny side up, over easy, over medium, and over hard. You can do this at one sitting or multiple trips. In my experience, my eggs in each instance have come out perfectly, so here's to a perfect score. read more

I need to give a bit of background on this, because this restaurant almost made me not want to move into the neighborhood. How wrong I was! My uncle took me here when I was a youngin', oh so many years ago. The food was beyond greasy. A stool was missing. Being the obstinate child that I was, I asked. His response? This is Yelp, so I'll keep it PC. That said, this Irving Park location gave me the willies a bit until, yes, I ventured there as an adult. It's amazing how a visit to a notable grill like this many years later (15) can change your opinion. This is possibly the greatest diner I've been to so far (as young as I am in my adult years). This place doesn't have ambiance, it is ambiance. The hamburger? Greasy as ever? Good when sober? Yes. Good after imbibing the libations? I cannot say from experience (although I wonder if the Long Room crowd ventures across the street after it closes). read more

Diner Grill is greater than six black steads pulling a chariot made of human corpses and skeletons being driven across the plains of Hades by a 9 foot demon with a flaming sword in one hand and a case of Old Style in the other. Go there and eat and be awesome. Say hi to Miguel and tell em Dirt sent ya. read more

Sat for 15 minutes and was never acknowledged by staff to place order. Non people of color were acknowledged and ordered before I could even place an order. I can understand if it's busy but the fact that the customer service was that poor and I was excited to go as I just moved from out of town and hear the food was good. Guess I'll never know. read more

I just saw my first Slinger today. Wow. It disgusts me how they fit that much food onto one plate, in one sloppy mess, and still make it come out delicious. The three other guys with me all struggled across the finish line and had stomach aches as we walked back to the car. If you finish a slinger, they give you a certificate. read more

Get to this place before gentrification forces it out of business! Back in my younger days we load up on weiss beer and jager shots at Lashett's before heading here for a drunken feast. As you could imagine, you would not want to be around us the next morning. Everything is great here for that late-night purpose of filling your gut with starch, protein and grease. My favorities are the grilled ham and cheese sandwich (ham of the bone!), cheeseburger and chili washed down with a bottomless cup of hot coffee. Just beware the bathroom here might be "out of order" when you need it the most. read more

This place epitomizes the word 'diner.' It's a simple yet wonderful set-up: one counter, one menu, and one working counter top jukebox. On the first visit, we played 'Rhinestone Cowboy,' which induced a few crazy looks from the regulars. I've behaved myself since. The Grill is open 24/7, but the place really starts bumping after the bars close. If you're craving CHEAP, greasy food that you can chow down on without feeling guilty, come here. The burgers are only $1.75, and they toast the buns! I watched someone actually finish a Slinger (an inexplicable concoction) on Saturday night, which was an impressive feat, and now my boyfriend wants the challenge. I think I'll avoid his bathroom for 24 hours afterwards. Speaking of bathrooms, don't go in the one here. As divey as the grill looks like from the counter seats, it's much worse in the loo. But that's what makes this place so damn cool. Bottom line: come here and feel like a true local at this classy Chicago establishment. read more

This is a conditional review. This place is only 4 stars when you're drunk and it's after midnight. You MUST be good and drunk!!! The slinger's should be called the block artery special or something like that. I think if you enjoy the ER, it's a good option for you. I personally like the way the cook will cook the crap out of the hashbrowns if you ask him to. I ask every time I order those things and no one actually cooks the crap out fo them. The Diner does. If you can't find a seat too friggin bad. If you don't like a lot of grease, boo hoo for you, don't go. But if you're hankering for some grease accompanied by a slice of white bread, then this is your place. I highly recommend spending several hours in the long room, then crossing the street (look both ways, hold hands) and eating here. It's a good combo for a night out. read more

Order the Slinger = Order Charmin. Order the Slinger = Order a satisfying and delicious artery clogger. Order the Slinger = Order enlightment Bring cash and order the Slinger. Enjoy this no-frills diner. read more

I don't think I could imagine a place that better represents a no-frills, 24-hour, diner. Stopped into the diner grill around lunch time with my boyfriend and was so pleasantly surprised. The food was great, the atmosphere was classic diner, and the prices were just right. I had the Gypsy Skillet which was very tasty and a big portion. My boyfriend got a double bacon cheeseburger and fries which were fresh and juicy. It's a small spot with about 10 seats, but they do take-out. And it's cash only but there is an ATM on site. read more

Hands down my favorite post bar diner..... This place is classic, not much has changed since it was first built thats for sure. The same two guys pretty much work the place together and as long as you're not a drunk idiot they are pretty nice and talkative. Slingeria is worth it, brave the warning sign and go for it. Everything else is solid breakfast diner food for a really low price. read more

This place rocks! Literally 13 stools at a counter and that's it. Food is simple home cooked and delicious. Not diner slop. Best biscuits and gravy I've had in Chicago. And best in a long time period. Highly recommend this place. read more

It is finally back!!! I watched this place burn down Christmas Eve 2016. Since that horrible evening the neighborhood has survived a lack of food options in the hood. Yes there are hot dog joints, a chicken shack, some Thai, pizza... None of that comes close to The Diner. Whether you are in need of a quick meal, you are drunk, hungover, or too lazy to make breakfast The Diner is your best bet. 24 hour glory restored to North Center with the glow and bustle of The Diner! We missed you Kenny!!! read more

The name really says it all.. Hasn't been updated probably ever! From the outside not very inviting .. This joint is Old School!! Just good coffee and classic Diner food consisting of mainly breakfast items.. I have 3 reco's here that Never Fail... Pancakes, Slinger and Dbl Cheeseburger! Almost always get the Dbl with fries it just has great flavor...ALWAYS OPEN 24/7 read more

We refer to this place as simply, "the diner." I love it. I love the slinger. If you are going in knowing you won't finish it, you can try a slinger without the chili and still put it down pretty easily. To be perfectly honest, this is one of those complete dives that is truly a diamond in the rough. It is the perfect after the bar place to grab some food and have a few more laughs before the night is over. Positives: Mello Yellow to drink Slingers white bread with your order the cook is hilarious juke box for tunes (I recommend playing Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" on a continuous loop.) Negatives: bathroom is very disgusting cash only juke box - the place lost a little of its charm when it went all digital. I remember handing the cook $5 once and telling him that I didn't want to hear anything except Ring of Fire while I was there. read more

This 24 hour diner spot will take you back in time and probably to the bathroom later. Totally worth it for both. Only been there once during normal dinner hours (can't count the times between 1AM -4AM) and the service is still great. Ask about items that aren't actually listed on the menu. The "Super Slinger" isn't up there, but is definitely a drunk challenge and great for hangover removal. Highly recommend if you want great breakfast/drunk/break up food. Not much seating inside so don't plan to take a first date. read more

Diner Grill - Slinga - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Still amazing. How is it that Ken is working every time I make it in here? That man must never sleep. I was there around 9 on a Saturday, and it was completely empty. A great quick meal before my night of heavy drinking. read more