Amazing restaurant with deliciously delicious food! It was crowded when we arrived, but we were seated in less than 10 minutes.. so surprised. The staff is so organized, friendly and efficient that tables are turned frequently but you don't feel rushed. The decor is adorable! There are lots of booths and tables, very colorful and bright. Again, the food was great! read more

Elmo's Diner - Delicious bowl with sweet potatoes and other yummy treats. - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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So far one of the best places I've eaten in Durham. The biscuit was amazing, the breakfast was cooked perfectly and the staff was very accommodating during a busy lunch hour. You can't go wrong going here for breakfast! read more

An excellent diner near the Duke campus. We ate here for breakfast during a recent visit on the recommendation from the local hotel and Yelp. The restaurant wasn't too busy and were able to find convenient parking in the adjacent lot. The menu had something for everyone. Traditional breakfast, vegetarian, and even Mexican options. We tried the grits, sausage biscuit, banana bread, and the chilaquiles. The coffee was actually very smooth and mild which I found quite exceptional. The service was friendly and prompt. The food came very quickly. Everything was delicious and well prepared. I found the prices to be very reasonable for the quality of the food provided. Food: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Value: 5 stars Overall: A great 5 star diner experience! I highly recommend Elmo's and look forward to coming back on my next visit. read more

Elmo's Diner - Chilaquiles and banana bread - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Food and service were fabulous! One of our party has a peanut allergy and they were super accommodating and respectful about it. Great American old fashioned diner vibes. Our favorite is the apples over waffles or baked French toast. Yum! read more

Elmo's Diner - Booth, brick wall, three people waiting for breakfast. - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Really neat diner inside, I guess you could consider this your typical diner. Really friendly staff. I'd say if you're expecting unique food or more healthy options this may not be a top option. Good selection of food, had the BBQ Chicken Plate, wasn't 100% what I was expecting but decent. I'd come again, not sure when but at some point. read more

Elmo's Diner - Quiche, Florentine - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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This place is always great. I went with a customized Huevos Rancheros. The service is always good.  Yet,  it's is usually busy. However, they move pretty quick. Highly recommend. read more

Elmo's Diner - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Cute spot near Duke. Large portions at an unbeatable price. Would definitely recommend for a hearty breakfast.

I was craving some breakfast food for lunch today and suggested going to a diner for lunch with my coworker and wanted a spot near downtown. We ended up at Elmo's-it was a first time for her and it's been awhile since I've been there. There was a good crowd but we were greeted by the hostess who seemed to be pushing towards seating folks at the bar but accommodated our request for a table with no wait. Our serve took our drink orders in a timely fashion. Our food service was quick. I ordered the huevos rancheros and they were really good-flavorful! It was a good portion that I'm surprised that I was able to finish. I did bring my home fries home with me bc the meal was very filling! I hate that I forgot to take a picture! This is a great local spot with a comfy, low key vibe! read more

This was my go to diner. Their cornbread was fabulous and their food was always hot and good . Last visit yesterday was a disappointment. The waitstaff was still fast and friendly but our meals were not good. My father and I got the meatloaf with brown gravy, he had mashed potatoes and gravy, black beans and cornbread. I had broccoli casserole , Mac and cheese and cornbread. The meatloaf was very bready and sweet like sugar was mistaken for salt it was dense too. I attempted to eat and finally gave up after 2 bites my dad did give up. His mashed potatoes were bland but sice the gravy was sweet he couldn't eat them. The black beans had a lot of spiciness but no flavor. He couldn't even chew the cornbread and gave up on the meal. I too gave up on the cornbread and brought it and the meatloaf home in hopes at least my dog would enjoy it but he too wouldn't eat it so it was thrown away. I put the cornbread out for the birds and squirrels they attempted it but most of it remains. My mother had the dinner bot which she enjoyed and ate every bite and said the fries were good till the ceiling fan made them too cold to eat. It was $50 for our three lunches and our waitress was really good kept our tease full kept checking on us. We did tell her about the cornbread because it was such a disappointment. We used to get extra cornbread to go home. It really bothers me to have a bad Experience at Elmo's. My father has said to take it off our lunch place to go when we're down at the doctors. Ambience wise it's busy but very comfy. The fans that they put up they're unable to turn them down so it created quite a breeze which chilled many some people asked to be moved so they weren't under the fans and it does cool your food down quickly hopefully they'll figure out what happened with the meatloaf, which was our favorite and the cornbread and be able to go back to the way they were read more

Almost done with suggested by family member to eat breakfast, the diner is quaint and the service was by the young lady that was serving us. Coffee cups were a little small so she had to come by and refill several times since the cup must've been a 6 ounce cup, the food was OK if you're looking for breakfast in Durham, how much done would be a nice place to take the family? read more

Tried Elmo's Diner which serves a variety of breakfast items! Love how they open super early in the morning and how friendly the service was. We ordered: Warm blueberry compote waffle ($8.40) - Aesthetic! Greek omelette ($9.50) - Egg was kinda bland but loved the spinach, feta, and mushroom toppings! Big omelette with fries and biscuit Eggs all the way ($8.25) - 2 eggs with home style fries and biscuit Overall, food was mid but they give pretty generous portion sizes (we got food coma after) for reasonable prices and our waitress was super nice. read more

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OMG! The food is so good and the prices are amazing! I have 3 Elmo's shirts. The staff is awesome and they remember who you are

Came in for a quick lunch while passing through downtown Durham. Cute name and cute restaurant. Staff is friendly and even during lunch, the food came out quick and hot. Flavor was good and we will be back to try more. read more

Elmo's Diner - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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If you are looking for the fastest breakfast that will fill you up this is the place. We came in Saturday morning right before the rush. We opted to sit are the counter. We had a wonderful waitress, I think her name was Denise, I could be wrong. Food was ordered and came out very fast. Like less than 5 minutes fast. Everything was affordable and tasty. You will have to add your own salt and pepper for flavor though. My husband had an omelet and it had some good things in there it just wasn't seasoned. And we are used to seasoned "home fries" or potatoes with peppers and onions and garlic etc. this didn't have that and they were a little dry. Other than that I can't complain. And when traveling to Durham will travel again! read more

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Great, solid, no-frills brunch spot. Entire menu looks great. Had a long wait but I took this as a positive sign. Food was well worth it! I got the biscuits & gravy and it was excellent. If comfort breakfast & lunchy food is what you're looking for while in the area, this is the perfect spot. read more

We went brunch time on a week day and there was a wait. Nothing long, enough to know it's a popular spot. Food was hot, fast, and good! I am not a breakfast fan so having full menu all day is always a win for my family. Will return when we are in the area. read more

I absolutely loved this place! Came to Raleigh area for a short stay, Elmo's wasn't listed on any of the must try places but if you love diners and great food, you must stop by for a meal. Sat at the counter, had great service by Meagan, got the onion rings which were fantastic, a Greek salad and cornbread. The Greek salad was perfectly executed and delicious, saved the cornbread for the trip home and it was divine! read more

Elmo's Diner - Eggs over easy, biscuit and breakfast potatoes - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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One of our favorite go to places...we love just about everything here..I use to have to go to the Cancer Center at Duke & after visit my husband would take me to Elmo's afterwards because we love it so much..We take our granddaughters who also love it... read more

A Durham institution. Not to be missed. Surprising find: best grilled salmon filet I've ever had. read more

Elmo's Diner - Salmon filet sandwich with fries -- incredibly delicious. - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

A staple for brunch/breakfast foods! I can't tell you what makes their oatmeal taste better than the kind I make at home but it's always a great experience and kid friendly as well read more

Classic delicious breakfast! I went on a busy Sunday, but luckily they were able to seat us fairly quickly. All the workers were very nice, as well as fast. I'm gluten free and they have delicious gluten free toast. My friend always gets the French toast and loves it. Affordable, overall great food. Only con is that the parking isn't ideal, especially on a rainy busy weekend morning. My friend got there 10 minutes before me and they held our table. Will be our go to breakfast place! read more

Elmo's Diner - 2 Eggs All the Way, French Toast, Coffee - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I can't fathom what all the hype is about on this diner. I ate there on Sunday. The food and even coffee weren't very good. I won't be going back. read more

Not sure what the hype is about this joint. I ordered a ham and cheese omelette, and got that but with the thickest black eyelash inside it??? I told the waiter and he had it remade. However, when I asked for a new fork, as the original had combed through that beautiful voluptuous lash, I got a very attitudinal response. When I did get my new plate of food, my appetite had already fled, not to mention the potatoes were burnt and salty. Overall, not great experience and won't be returning. Additionally, it's important to note that parking is an absolute nightmare here. read more

I loved Elmo's! Clearly a super popular brunch spot on 9th street. We had to wait for a bit but the atmosphere was so nice and service was fast when we did get a table. The cheesy grits and pancakes (both brunch specials) were clearly the highlights of the meal. They were super generous with the apple cranberry granola topping on the pancakes and it was delicious. We also ordered a veggie sausage (not pictured) with the pancakes that they make in house and it was so good. Definitely try it if you're looking for a vegetarian option. The omelet was just okay- the veggies were a little undercooked and it was undersalted, but overall this was a great spot for brunch. read more

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I have eaten at Elmo's since childhood. The service is great, and the food is solid- especially the Greek grilled cheese, and the tomato soup, which are uniquely good. It is important to understand this: This is a salt-of-the-earth kind of place. Not kitschy in the least, but not attempting to be a gourmet, instagrammable place either. It is a place that people go to to talk as much as they go to eat. It preserves a sensibility that would be almost impossible to base a restaurant on today, and probably started to wane in 2008. It has no gimmick. It serves everyone. read more

Ambiance: typical diner vibes, a little crowded but that's just the nature of the space since it's small with lots of seating. Service: quick, attentive and very delightful. My server was Denise (680) her energy made the experience that much pleasant,she also put us on to sunflower toast! Food: Our main entres weren't as flavorful as they look so I used a lot of salt but the grits were made to perfection. Sad about the waffles, a bit dry. Proportions were perfect though! read more

Elmo's Diner - The Pecan Waffle - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Came in this past week and ordered the chicken Caesar salad which I loved!! Haven't had a chance to explore the menu as of yet but definitely coming back!! read more

A nice diner, worth the trip! I love a good diner and I was generally rather impressed by Elmo's. Though the place was clearly busy, we were seated almost immediately. From the start, the service was quick, friendly, and attentive; our server was funny and kind, which got our visit started off on the right foot. The food was lovely. I had the biscuits and gravy while my friend had an omelette. Both were good--I'd certainly order the same thing again if I could. As for ambiance (Yelp always wants me to write something on this lol), it's a diner. It's a cute diner at that--very classic, very cozy. If you're expecting a diner atmosphere, you'll get exactly what you're looking for! All around a good visit. I'll be back when I'm in town next! read more

We always eat here when we come to town for my annual appointment at Duke Cancer Center. Usually it is always enjoyable. Today was extremely disappointing! My husband ordered the biscuits and gravy, and I ordered the eggs combo. I requested that my bacon be super crispy almost burnt. The bacon was far from crispy and mine & my husband's home fries were burnt. Both of us were extremely disappointed in our visit this time. read more

Excellent breakfast! Really enjoyed my omelette and they definitely know biscuits in the south! Super friendly staff. Great prices! Can't go wrong with this place! We'll be back! read more

Elmo's Diner - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is a classic diner and I highly recommend sticking with the reliable pancakes, waffles, hash browns and eggs. If you go with those you'll have a great breakfast. If you get swayed by the fancier options in the menu (they make their own soy sausages) it is pretty hit or miss. I've had some of their baked goods (a pumpkin apple bread most recently) and it was just okay. My hunch is that most of the vegetables are canned - which may not appeal to everyone. Come here for a big breakfast of traditional diner food after you've stayed up to late and you'll be happy. read more

An excellent place. I always try to make it to Elmo's when I'm in the Durham area. The staff is wonderful and kind. The food has always been exactly as I expected. It is busy, be patient and you will be rewarded. read more

This place has great food large portions. Good service gets busy pretty quick, but all in all it's a great little diner.

Now this place has a mean breakfast menu! This diner is a perfect spot to get some great breakfast and then walk around to do some shopping. They are open inside and are doing carrying during COVID. The staff is absolutely amazing and extremely friendly. I can't wait to come back and try lunch and dinner read more

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A great Diner experience! My son, grandson (2yrs.) and myself arrived famished after trying to visit Dukes Gardens on a weekday. Forget it, it was impossible to find any parking that was near. Anyways, we never been at Elmo's Diner, we were greeted with big smiles and promptly seated. The food was delicious and the portions were big. My son ordered biscuits with gravy and sausages, I ordered a Santa Fe Breakfast bowl that was delicious with a side of banana pancakes. The food was very good, as well as the coffee and the service was excellent, fast, friendly and with a smile throughout regardless of how busy they were. Highly recommend this place in Durham, NC.! read more

Tried this place out with the family on a Friday morning around 11:00. It was a lot of people in there but we didn't have to wait to be seated. The staff was very nice!! That's super important these days ti recognize because I know some of these restaurants are stretched thin with staff. So kudos to them!! I ordered the salmon cakes and it came with eggs, grits, biscuits and fruit (which was two slices of cantaloupe). It was good. I'm not a fan of eggs but my family said they were good. The salmon cakes weren't as big as I was expecting but still tasty nevertheless. I had water to drink so I can't speak on the mimosa but there was one on the menu. This place is classic diner food. THE PANCAKES WERE DELICIOUS!! I tasted some of my moms because I'm watching my figure but they were so good!!! The price was right too! It was 4 of us and the check was $52!! Unheard of these days and they weren't stingy with the food portions either! They do have a gravel parking lot that can be kinda full but there is street parking too. Go check them out you won't regret it. read more

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I was absolutely appalled by the service I received at Elmo's Diner on 9th Street. I went there to catch up with a friend, and we both ordered entrees and drinks. After only an hour, the manager approached our table and asked us to leave because they had "other hungry customers waiting for a table." At this time, I still had food on my plate. I found this to be incredibly disrespectful and uncalled for. I am from the area, but will NEVER be back to Elmo's, and I would not recommend the place to anyone expecting the bare minimum in customer service. read more

Veggie breakfast burrito with home fries. Was one of the specials so not sure if they will have it every day. Was very flavorful and filling. I asked for home fries extra crispy and they were perfect. Service was friendly and quick. Harrison did a great job making sure all was good. I would definitely come back to this breakfast/lunch place when in the area. read more

Elmo's Diner - Veggie breakfast burrito with home fries - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

What's not to love here at Elmo's?! Convenient, clean, friendly, delicious and a bargain. The location is great and parking was a breeze. When we walked in, we were met with smiling faces, warm greetings and the familiar smell of pancakes and bacon before being promptly led to an awesome little table by the window with a nice view of the area. The server was again, super fast and so sweet. She knew the menu well and asked up front if we wanted Texas Pete or Tabasco, a nuance that I was ecstatic about. The coffee was pretty good and kept flowing which was greatly appreciated. The food, again was super fast and well prepared! Those were the absolute crispiest potatoes I ever had and the chef was generous with the bacon and avocado in the omelette, yumm. I couldn't shove it all in my face fast enough. My friend's fruit was fresh, tasty and high quality as well. The prices are incredible for this quality of food and service especially. Everything was so clean, relaxing, friendly and tasty. Will definitely return here during my visit back to the area. Kudos to the staff and a shout out to management for curating an awesome team focused on providing a fab customer experience. Tasted like home. But better because they didn't make me do dishes. read more

Elmo's Diner - A while lotta yumm. California omelette with bacon, cheese and avocado, crispy potatoes and a biscuit made of clouds. - Diners Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

First time here trying the food service so far is great Would recommend it to everyone read more