Oh, The Diner. This place will always hold a special place in my heart, as it is about as classic an example of a Chicago diner as you can get. I have witnessed a brawl, people taking wedding pictures, and pretty much everything else minus people having sex at this diner. Also, it was about a 3 minute walk from my apartment and it's open 24 hours. I always get the denver omelet, hash browns, and toast when I go here, which is AMAZING. But they also have burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. Pretty much the regular fare for a diner. Only problem is, it is a bit overpriced. But for some reason...I don't care, and I keep coming back. Go figure? Maybe it's the classic white counter, too-bright lighting, red cushiony diner stools attached to the ground, and cooks in white uniforms. Gotta love The Diner. read more

This is diner food! Don't expect more or less. Decent burgers, great breakfast, a show! There is something about watching someone cook up 15 orders at once that blows me away and keeps me coming back. Always open and a great stop after having some beers at the Ten Cat or The Longroom. The guys cooking are always friendly and you never know if a dance party may ensue when the jukebox is on. Good chili to that goes even better with fries. I have yet to try the infamous Slinger, but I have seen it prepared and it looks like ambrosia. Hyperbole, maybe. So don't go here and expect something mind-blowing. This is simple food cooked correctly and served fast and fresh. read more

Used to be my secret spot for late night food.........now its just way too packed. I drive by now and laugh at the idiots who pack in the place and stand around waiting to sit down and eat!! "huh huh I gotta get a slinger....duh" The joint is tiny and you think I am gonna stand inside and hover over someone waiting for them to get up so i can eat? ha, yeah right. If it's late night, you have Garcia's, and even Golden Nugget. If you don't like those options....GO HOME & GO TO BED! read more

The Diner Grill is a super place for cheap post-bar eats. Order the Slinger-a super sexy, steaming pile of hash browns, eggs, cheese, hamburger patties and chili (forgive me if I've missed any ingredients) When I finished eating all of mine, the cook presented me with a certificate of achievement, and proceeded to make me a penis-shaped pancake with ice cream for dessert. The bad thing about this place is that oftentimes your fellow diners are so drunk it's hard to avoid talking to someone in booze-speak. Even if you aren't trashed the environment will make you think you are (or wish you were) Bring cash. read more

Came in around midnight for a bite to eat. I got the pancake and sausage and added an egg. The restaurant is pretty small, and only space to sit at the bar but they cook right in front of you which is cool. He didn't ask me how i wanted my egg cooked and i forgot to say it so I had to ask him to cook it more after he plated it. He wasn't too pleased about that. The atmosphere is very diner -like with a juke box. Very good food, especially late night. read more

After a relaxing night at one of the local bars I stopped by for a late night bite with my date. The place was small... semi crowded... a little loud... and frickin' sweet! Tons of unique charm to the place, the ceiling is low, counter is slanted, the crowd is definitely a pretty eclectic mix late at night. Food wise, it was cheap, quick, made right in front of you by a man who is well versed in the art of the griddle. Oh, and it was good! I will be returning here without a doubt. read more

My family and I have been a regular here! We all love the food, but try not to make the burgers taste like sausage lol. I think the aesthetic change to the logo is awesome! read more

I finally made it to the Diner Grill after a few drinks. We showed up there before the bars let out, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. The guys behind the counter were talking about how crazy the place gets after bar time, and gearing themselves up for it. The food here is super cheap, and good. You can sit right in front of the grill and watch them do their work. Their jukebox has quite an array of choices, from Willie Nelson to The Supremes to Red Hot Chili Peppers to Ricky Martin. My friend and I were wondering about the big red words "Slinger" on the menu, but didn't ask about it. After reading this, part of me really wants to try it, but at the same time, my brain and stomach are screaming "NO!!". Maybe next time I'll challenge a friend to take it on. Avoid the bathroom here at all costs! It was probably the worst that I've seen, this side of India. At one point, I almost felt like I was in an outhouse with the chilly breeze coming through the vent...The diner itself is fairly clean, but there was a smell reminiscent of a house that was home to an old lady and maybe a couple of cats in existence. read more

A friend and neighbor affectionately calls this place the Dinner Diner because (contrary to the current photo) one side of the sign says Diner and the other says Dinner! I concur with my fellow reviewers; you can't beat this greasy dive after a long night at a nearby watering hole. read more

I once saw a guy eat 3 slingers in one sitting (he turned purple). It was an amazing feat that Adam on Man vs. Food couldn't tackle. I started eating here in 2005 late night almost exclusively. The staff is matter of fact, a lil grouchy (you would be too if you were dealing with drunks all night), but the food is nothing but Greasy Goodness. I recommend the ham and cheese omelette and the bacon cheeseburgers. I was a little scared to eat here for lunch, fearing that I would ruin my opinion of the place, but it's just as good during the day. I think the bathrooms are original - try not to use them. The diner now accepts credit cards. read more

Upset to hear about the fire. I've had many quick lunches at this place, and it's great for what it is. No gourmet food, no fancy coffee, nothing to surprise anyone, but the skillets are good, the fries are good, the chili is good, and the price is always right. Not too many seats, but the service is quick. As tiny local diners go, this is one of the best I've seen. read more

Man... oh man.... When I lived in wrigleyville.. this was my go to spot! 3 am.. hungry.. boom.. 3 minute drive and that was settled... I've only been to this place between 3-6 am.. so I don't know about no line.. or any of that... but you do occasionally have a group of drunk assssssssssss people coming in screaming and stumbling.. but hey what do you expect at that time in that area... dude there always took care of me.. ignoring the missing teeth and grimy looking apron/chef jacket.. dudes legit.. a REAL diner feel.. I went back after like 3 years of absence and he still remembered me! I'm not too big of a traditional breakfast type of guy.. pancakes, toast, bacon, eggs is not my thing... BUT wtf.. a slinger?! man that is the sloppiest.. craziest thing that I have eaten at 4 am... hash browns... a couple patties.. well when I useto go 8 or so years ago.. i would get 3 patties.. but the last time I went I got 2 so I don't know.. maybe he just ran out or something.. but anyways... 2 eggs sunny side up.. AND CHILI! poured on top.. wow.. greatness... i remember taking my first 'female' here and she was just disgusted at what I was throwing down.. lol said I'm going to die before I hit 40.. sometimes I consider moving back down in the area just so I can have a place to eat super late/early.. because man the burbs just blow... read more

Get the double dick burger and penis pancake....seriously. Awesome food at 4 am and the stuff mentioned above is off the menu. The dick burger is a burger with hash browns and eggs. Pancake is jut a huge pancake...nothing fancy just good greasy food. read more

Diner Grill - Dick burger as pancake. - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is so cool! An old fashioned single bar diner with amazing food and amazing prices. Perfect for a small group of friends to come in and have a quick lunch. I had the corned beef hash and eggs and even though it is such a simple meal, it was possibly the best that I've had. Everything is made right in front of you on a single flat-topped grill and a small deep fryer. If you're thinking about stopping in, you should! read more

Diner Grill - Corned beef hash and eggs. - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Grease, grease, grease, salt, and grease. Back when I lived a couple blocks away, I made the mistake of stopping in here. Hey, I like greasy spoon diner food as much as the next guy. Well, OK, maybe not. I've seen some of the "next guys." But I do enjoy the occasional greasy little delight. I got an omelet and some hash browns, and man oh man. Grease city. Actually, I'd say a thriving grease metropolis. Complete with grease suburbs. I felt sick the next day. I never went back. read more

I think I just got my hopes up. Went for the famous slinger (hash browns, two bunless cheese burgers, grilled onions, and two eggs over easy all smothered in chilli, with white toast; $8.50). The flavor just wasn't all that. Much better gluttonous breakfasts in Chicago include Ohio House Coffee Shop's "Dueces," and many things from Valois. read more

Diner Grill - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place executes on what it is - a small diner with exposed-kitchen. If you don't want drunks, don't go to a diner at 2AM after a Friday/Saturday night. If you don't want any of the other myriad annoyances of a diner, avoid it. If you want a damn good chocolate shake and grilled cheese (a fellow patron ordered a grilled cheese w/a hamburger patty and bacon - wow....) when you have the hankerin for one, it does it just right. Burgers and slingers, etc., are all good and just what you'd hope for from a diner. read more

My absolute favorite and go-to late night diner in Chicago. The same awesome chef works every night, making you made-to-order delicious greasy diner fare from a classic counter. Everything is cheap and delicious. It's cash-only, but they've got an ATM. You never know who you'll be sitting next to in this joint, as it's a very colorful place. read more

Happy to have Diner Grill back open! They're still cheap, still small, still tasty... but now a lot newer and shinier, too.

Now this is my type of diner. It's just one long counter and that's it. No table or booth seating, just the counter, which seats roughly 10-12 people. Because of that, you get the benefit of watching your delicious breakfast being cooked before your very eyes by the cooks, who also act as the waiters as well. It's a beautiful thing. The food is really good too. It's your typical diner fair, but they're not afraid to throw in some pork chops or a steak with your eggs if you so desire (which I typically do). It's a "greasy spoon" type of place, and that is a beautiful thing. I'd take this place anyday over any of the Pancake House chains, or the Lincoln, or the Alps up the street on Irving. These guys make the best, greasy, filling breakfast. It hits the spot everytime. So I guess the name of the place says it all: Diner Grill. Two words you really can't go wrong with, especially at this place. No frills joint, a counter, couple of cooks, and great breakfast. read more

Go here when it's late. Go here when your drunk. Be respectful. It's an amazing little place that never closes. The operation is run by a one man spectacular, who handles all the of the orders right in front of your dazzled eyes. The food is cheap and delicious. When you're unsuccessful at finding someone to take home. Diner Grill will fill the void with a good time and good food. She said she had to go find her friends. I got breakfast, then I chased it with a burger. And I didn't have to wrap anything up. I might be in love with this place. read more

Ah, the Diner Grill--or Dinner Grill, depending on which side of the building you read. My senior year in high school, my English teacher recommended this place to my friends and me. When you're in high school and an English teacher with full tattoo sleeves who plays in a hardcore punk band under the name G. Haad gives you a restaurant recommendation, you go. Of course, we went for the slinger, but we kept coming back for more and eventually realized everything on the menu is damn good. Try the pancakes, especially after someone else has just ordered bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Some people have complained about the service, but Kenny and Fernando are great guys. If you're bothered by crudeness, this is not the place for you. Don't go during the day. It just feels...wrong. read more

THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON EATING AFTER 4 AM. After a late night of drinking, we ate here. I thought to myself, "Damn, this is good food." Of course, crackers at 4 am would taste great to me. I would never eat here for any other reason than to grab food after drinking. read more

This place rules. Great vibe with diner food actually done properly. I like the double bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions and a fried egg on it, along with some hash browns. The patties are frozen but still juicy, and the hash browns are amazing. Don't get the fries. They're frozen and completely forgettable. The hash browns are crispy and delicious. The bacon and egg sandwich on toast is great too; they fry the eggs over the bacon, which keeps the whole thing together when you eat it. If I lived anywhere nearby, I'd go 3x a week. So many diners manage to mess up such seemingly simple food that this place really is a diamond in the rough. read more

Five stars for a non-descript building made of cinder blocks with nothing to speak of in the immediate vicinity? Yes, Dear God, Yes. I was taken to Diner Grill for the first time about two years ago by a friend who lived in the area. She cautioned me that I would only like if I loved greasy diner food after a few cocktails, but who doesn't like that, so I was in. Ever since that night, every time I need a food fix after a night out, this is my spot. The food is spot on - great cheeseburgers, breakfast, etc. Limited menu, but it really hits the spot. The staff is great, and there is usually a pretty good group of customers too, with everyone being pretty chatty and friendly (it draws a pretty cult crowd). Great jukebox selection too. It's small, so if you are going around 1 or 2, you may have to wait. Also, cash only, but there is an ATM onsite. read more

So a little late night snack turned into a monster mound of greasy, fried goodness. What can I say? I was curious. The famous Slinger was everything I hoped it would be, and I was horrified that I packed it all in. I think the cooks were astonished too. If you're going to order this dish, my only suggestion is to sub sausage patties for the hamburger, or if you prefer hamburger ask for bacon on top. Diner Grill is greasy spoon perfection. It's dirty but not over the top. The cooks are surly but humorous And the food is swathed with the right amount of grease. The Slinger is the most expensive menu item at $8.50, but it's large enough to share with a couple of people. Stumble over there after a long night of drinking. You won't be sorry. read more

I saw alot of people standing outside this place so it caught my attention so i decidied to give it a try. I waited in line. When i finally got to order the Garbage omelet caught my eye so i decided it get it. To say the least the name suits it, it was aweful i will never go back again. PEPTO-BISMOL WILL NOT HELP YOU OUT. read more

Classic diner. Fast delivery and very reasonable. Friendly service. Have ordered from here many times.

I gotta tell you, no one was more surprised than I was at what an incredible meal I had here. The best food I've ever had from (what is essentially) a trailer, that's for sure. Fancy dining, this is not. A counter for ten and a menu that covers the basics; burgers, eggs, bacon, grilled cheese. Straight up diner food, and they do it right! I had a double cheeseburger with bacon and added a fried egg to it, and it was incredible. The bacon was crisped up right and the burger was cooked perfectly. The fries were nothing short of incredible. They dropped them right when I ordered, so they came out fresh, hot, and crisp. My friend got the Haystack and I have never regretted not ordering something more in my life. It was delicious! Hash browns, gravy, eggs, sausage, and biscuits. Heaven in my mouth! We went on a Saturday around 12:30 and there were about five other people there, but I hear it is packed to the gills if you go in the middle of the night on the weekends. Cash only and they have an ATM in the doorway. Seriously, I am so in love with this place and I cannot wait until my next trip back! read more

umm...overrated. I hate to say it but i really didn't like it at all. We came here after a night of drinking expecting to be wowed - and we were all very un-wowed. Sure, it was busy - no complaints there as we were expecting it. But the staff was sorta rude and the food was mediocre and lacked much flavor for any of the four of us that went. Maybe we weren't drunk enough? I'd rather go somewhere else. read more

I'm sure this is a place that, if you grew up with it, would carry great sentimental value. For out of towners like me I will clarify: Diner Grill is an old style lunch counter with a slew of hamburger shack classics. However as a visitor, I have to say meh because the fries were over salty and the rib eye sandwich had no excuse to be on bread. My husband was wrestling the thing attempting to eat it on the bun. It might as well have been on a stick! The enjoyment of joining other revelers @ 5 am is not lost on me though. So for an after bar nosh it's got 3 stars. read more

I lived in Chicago for one year, and I miss it dearly...one of the primary reasons is this fucking greasy spoon. The halfway point between my house and one of my best friend's, I cannot count how many nights we started at the Diner Grill, finished at the Diner Grill, or started AND finished at the Diner Grill. Greasy goodness sober, drunk, or hung over...this place brought me back to my old school Jersey roots when I lived in the Midwest. The internet jukebox obviously causes hilarity to ensue whenever my friends and I would go there, and half the time I walked in there, some kind of death-metal would be blaring from the speakers. And it survived a fire...not even Wayne Manor survived a fire. But the Pentagon did, as did the Diner Grill. God Bless America, and God Bless the Diner Grill. read more

I live a bunch of blocks down on Paulina but at night if you look down my street I see a bright ball of light and I know it's Diner Grill shinning bright telling me if you are drunk and want some drunk foods come forth! Perfect drunk food, not sure how it is without the beer goggles. I had a double with bacon and it hit the spot! read more

If you know what to get, it's a great place. Otherwise expect a mediocre experience. Breakfast is the best option, IMO. Tell the chef exactly what you want and they'll do it. What more could you ask for? read more

I have been coming to the Grill for years now and it is the only place I go late night when I am drunk. I have been in the loop and taken a taxi just to have the delicious "Slinger"...I actually have an album of all the certificates I got from finishing...and to this date, I have finished every single one..they are that good! Be prepared to wait, listen to loud people (prolly me), and dominate large amounts of grub read more

Traditional fast diner. They are open really early and really late and make the best hang over and late night grub. I love their skillets and the fact that I can see them make the food right in front of me. read more

This is one of the best diners I've ever been to. Fast, simple, and ever so delicious. So cheap and all done right in front of you. Great for breakfast or lunch. read more

No frills diner. Open 24 hours. Good Food. Great Prices. Pork Chop with cheese and scrambled eggs and hash browns please. Cures my hangovers everytime! read more

Diners are my thing. I had heard about this place because of a particular item: the Slinger. This is a plate of hash browns with two cheeseburger patties, two fried eggs, all smothered with chili. Bread and butter is also included. The Slinger will set you back $10 but everything else is pretty reasonably priced. Any other meal probably won't cost you more than $10. Menu is fairly extensive too. Service is super fast. The inside is pretty small. You eat at the counter which seats about 15 people. They cook everything right in front of you. If you really wanted to, you could probably reach out and touch the kitchen. Two cooks are usually working and they're pretty friendly with everyone. It makes for a nice little atmosphere because everyone can chat with one another. I'd definitely come back in the future. read more

Still haven't tried the slinger... Hopefully I will soon. But so far all their breakfast foods have hit the spot. I now have cravings for their breakfast sandwich with bacon and cheese every morning. Thank god they're open 24/7! read more

Diner Grill - Corned beef hash and eggs with a side of bacon - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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