Lola's Diner on Busse Hwy in Park Ridge is a cool little 50's style Diner. They have a pretty large menu to select from, but I'm trying to be a good boy and eat lighter (baaaa how boring ) I ended up ordering a Cobb salad. When it arrived it was loaded with so many toppings I called the waitress Vivian over and asked her if there was any salad under all the toppings. There was chicken, bacon, bleu cheese, cheddar cheese, cucumber, avocado, tomatoes & boiled eggs with Lettuce underneath. It was all good except I don't care much for iceberg lettuce (they should have had spinach or spring greens) as it really doesn't have much nutritional value. This was a huge disappointment to me (I knew I should have gotten the angus burger w/cheddar & bacon) The waitress Vivian was very nice and provided good service. Unfortunately I can't give it a higher rating then 3 based on iceberg lettuce. I do want to come back and try some of their other menu items as they have a nice selection of meals at very reasonable prices read more

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Always a great place to have breakfast food!!!!! Fat service, hot food and a happy belly!!!!! I live family owned places!!!! Not many left and Lola's knocks it out of the park. Before Covid they great!!!! Now post Covid with supply chain issues and help issues, Lola's still delivers a great experience!!!!! Thank you so much!!!!! read more

GOOD FOOD, GOOD SERVICE, GOOD VALUE Lola's Diner will take you back to the early 1960s. There is a lot of nostalgia in the restaurant. From the artwork of antique vehicles on the wall to the clear acrylic towers with old-fashioned knick-knacks to the design on their bar countertop and turquoise chairs and booths. Lola's offers good food, good service and a good value in a casual, relaxed, retro ambience. I had the granola French toast. The granola was not consistently crunchy throughout. Parts of my French toast had soggy granola. Regardless, it was good and I ate all 4 slices. The French toast is sprinkled with cinnamon and only the top part of the French toast is dipped in granola. My husband ordered the country fried steak served with scrambled eggs, hash browns and 2 large buttermilk pancakes. He rated his breakfast with 4 stars. I asked him to describe his breakfast. All he could come up with was, "It's good, it's breakfast -- what else do you want me to say?!?!" The parking lot is small. It's free parking. Even street parking is free. We arrived at 7:30 a.m., Saturday. It was not crowded, loud or crazy busy. In addition to the parking lot and street parking, there is also ADDITIONAL FREE PARKING behind the restaurant at the Metra train station. You can park at the Metra train station on weekends ONLY. We were told to "sit anywhere." We waited 5 minutes before I finally asked for 2 menus. No one seemed to notice we did not have menus. They always have "Breakfast Specials." The "Specials" are on the last page or the very back of the menu. Their breakfast specials are also served with your choice of coffee, juice or a beverage (under $9). Service was swift. Our food arrived quickly. Water glasses were refilled without interruption. My 4-star rating for Lola's Diner is based on eating here more than 10 times. Their food is always consistent (except for the French toast I had July 27th). This is a diner with repeat customers and people from the neighborhood as well as people who don't live in the area -- like us. Finally, this is not a touristy restaurant. The restaurant is always filled with locals from Park Ridge, DesPlaines and other nearby 'burbies! BTW, I am going to coin the word "burbies." Lola's offers good food, good service and a good value in a casual, relaxed, retro ambience. read more

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Was treated to Lola's for breakfast on fathers day. Besides the large amount of customers that day, Lola's didn't disappoint!!

If you want to waste your time, go here. Attempted to go and eat, walked in and they said we could sit anywhere outside.. After 10 minutes, and NO SERVICE, went in to ask staff, who stated "Someone will be right with you". Five minutes later.... We left. It wouldn't be so bad, but people who came AFTER us, sat inside, and were taken care of.... Obviously, if it's busy, don't bother... Went to another spot, sat outside, and enjoyed our meal. Never going back. read more

Breakfast food was very tasty, but the service was PAINFULLY SLOW. Hostess said we could sit anywhere, but didn't even bother bringing us menus, we had to ask 10 min later. The hostess kept disappearing, long lines of people just waiting to pay, there were only 2 waitresses and they had to keep stepping in to do the hostesses job, which meant they couldn't serve their tables properly. read more

Great classic diner serving everything from breakfast to hearty lunch dishes. Their soup is always excellent as is the quality of their food. The chopped salad was freshly made and huge. The patty melt featured a 1/3 lb burger with grilled onion on grilled rye. The extensive menu has something for everyone. Service is good and the restaurant is clean. The decor is nostalgic of the 50s. They will take a reservation for a group. read more

Delicious food, great service, fun atmosphere and reasonable prices! Local places like Lola's that do it right make us all proud.

I love this place for a good homemade breakfast. The stuffed French toast with whip cream is my favorite!! The hash brown potatoes, the eggs, the bacon... everything is just sooo good. The wait staff are awesome too running around the whole time waiting on people with a huge smile on their face. Once I came with a group of mom's and kids. The kids spilled a couple of drinks and made a little bit of a mess, but the wait staff helped us clean it up without batting an eye or making us feel bad. Another time I came with just my husband and they first offered us a seat at the tiny tables by the windows, but I asked if we could have a bigger table and they said no problem at all and seated us at a bigger table. Now, that's how you earn a big tip!! I love everything about Lola's Diner!! read more

Friendly nice staff, but food was really sub-par. Tried while in the neighborhood- cute diner but did not enjoy food. Coffee was good. read more

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Family ran restaurant. Great service and even better food! Will be back. Pancakes were my kid's favorite.

Stopped by for brunch this weekend and they had a really good steak skillet! Pancakes were yummy and waiter was extremely enthusiastic and helpful! Will definitely return and recommend to everyone in the area! Such a cute breakfast gem! read more

My family and I used to love this restaurant and were excited when they announced they would be staying open for dinner now. The last two times we went, though, one of the meals sat up in the service window for 10+ minutes while the rest finished cooking and came out cool. The burgers were cooked super rare when we ordered medium well, and two items were forgotten all together and came out once we were almost finished eating. The server seemed irritated when we asked her if the missing items would be out soon as we were almost done. Every time we have gone during their previous morning hours the food and service were consistently great. We won't be going back during their new later hours again as it is like a different restaurant. read more

Lola's was an excellent experience, characterized by fast and efficient service and delicious, freshly prepared food (LARGE PORTIONS). The diner's retro aesthetic added a unique and enjoyable touch to the overall atmosphere, with its vintage decor providing a delightful blast from the past. The menu was diverse and well-rounded, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy. We got a Chicken Philly with soup and side of choice and veggie skillet with avocado and pancakes. Lola's is a great find and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a flavorful breakfast in a fun and memorable setting. read more

I just love going to adorable casual places like Lola's. We heard that the owner or chef was the same as sunrise in Des plaines, which we also love. I did get confirmation on that and not surprisingly this foods is excellent and the best value in town! I mean really, where else can you get soup, a coke, and a chicken wrap for under 7 bucks!? We'll certainly be back! read more

The food is good and came quickly. Got plenty of food for the price. The atmospere is like a 1950's diner. Its pretty clean and the workers are very friendly. The restaurant is bigger than it looks from the outside and it has a small parking lot with additional parking on Busse Rd read more

We have been driving past this place for years. Stopped in for breakfast today. We ordered the Southern Benedict and Meat lovers skillet. Such a great meal, big portions and could not finish all of our breakfast. Service and food are quick, hot and super good. If your driving by, make sure to stop in. Recommend this place. If you're into mid century modern kind of diner, this is the place for you. Almost expected to the the Fonz to pop out with a "Aaaaaa"! read more

Lola's Diner - Diners Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

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we had kunch here on 3/10. the waitress was not personable or friendly and only checked back once. the food was mediocre. my friend and I had the monte cristo and the meat was extremely dry. the lemon chicken soup was just ok. my hubby had a skillet and it was so so. the most frustrating part was that they were trying to clean up for closing even 45 minutes out. the cleaning chemical was strong and they were putting chairs up on the tables surrounding ours. I haven't seen my friend for over 5 months and we are only here for a short time. it was making us feel very rushed. a quality restaurant provides the same service and atmosphere despite the proximity to closing time. we then got to the register before closing time and they they have the gall to post a sign that asks that you limit your time to 60minutes. are you kidding me?!?! customer service is certainly lacking and the food was just ok. we all were disappointed as it was our first time there...and our last. Too bad that Restaurant Impossible isn't still doing shows because this place needs a complete makeover and attitude adjustment. read more

Oh my goodness, first time in~ so surprised someone who works there opened the door for us, everyone greeted us and this place is run very smoothly! Everyone takes care of you, food came out quickly and was great. I asked for crispy bacon on my croissant and I got it, meaning they had to crisp it before putting it on!! The pancakes were good too as I'm always leery pancakes are going to taste too sweet, reminding me of cake batter. They were fluffy! Great place ~everyone thanked us as we left! WOW! read more

Went there with a gift certificate from 2020 that we didn't use due to covid and when we went to pay the said they were "under new management" and wouldn't accept the gift card Despite the fact that we recognized most everyone running the place Terribly disappointing and will never go back. read more

Lola's never disappoints for breakfast. The food is great and the staff is so friendly. Haven't tried them for lunch but if it's anything like the breakfast, I'm sure it's good. read more

Good food. Excellent service. Reasonable prices. Good Sunday breakfast place. We had 6 people and a baby and they gave us a high chair. Was not too crowded even after 11 am. Recommended this place. read more

Another Chicago café. As we seem to get here when traditional breakfast is still being served but it is after the noon hour I have ordered a hamburger both of my visits. It is a typical diner hamburger cooked on a flat top seared in flavors served on a awesome bun. I would not say this is the best of anything but Lola's does not have to be the best they have to be good and they are. read more

Lola's Diner - The new leader of the K family - Diners Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

Visiting Chicago from Florida and arrived early in the day so we wanted a sit down breakfast before driving into the city. Lola's sounded like what we were looking for. Parking is definitely a challenge, even on a Weekday. At first you don't feel very welcome at all and they make sure you know, limit your visit to 90 minutes, won't get seated until your whole party is there, (even with some empty tables). Once our server greeted us, instantly the place warmed up. Coffee was poured quickly, water dropped at the table and food was served soon after. I had the Spartan omelette, with the Feta cheese in he side, and it was great. Mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes. All tasted fresh and it was really good! The Feta in particular was super fresh and creamy. My daughter had eggs and corned beef hash, a pretty normal request and she loved the CBH, it was cooked just right, with enough crunch on some of the outside pieces to satisfy her. All in all it was a good meal in a pleasant atmosphere. read more

It's exactly what it looks like and what you'd expect from a diner. Classic breakfast options with big portions! My only complaint was that the service was extremely slow. read more

New owners as of Aug 2020. Was one of our favorite breakfast spots but won't be back. The old owners used to make homemade sausage for their Country Eggs Benedict, not anymore, tastes like a frozen patty now. They used to make their own roasted turkey for their club, now it's deli crap, their omelette used to be light and fluffy, now it's overcooked and greasy. Cutting corners is going to drive away loyal customers like myself. We told our waitress and she said she's been giving the new owners the customer feedback but nothing has changed which is unfortunate. read more

A cliche in the best possible way! I had the nest, which is sausage, scrambled eggs and cheese rolled in hash browns, really good! But the pancakes oh my god the pancakes, I would write them a haiku if I knew how, maybe even erect a monument! Fluffy perfectly sweet ,light. bundle of joy in your mouth. read more

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This old style hole-in-the wall diner hit the spot for us. Good coffee ($1.70) and good value here. Wife had their special - three eggs and pancakes for $3.25. I had a large American omelet (corned beef hash) and fluffy fresh pancakes for $7.25. Owner lady was friendly. Service was a little slow, but with the value here, really no complaints. We'll be back when in area. read more

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Friday night dinner with a friend. I ordered the hot beef-see pic- was very good. Service waitress, was super attentive, but then again it was before 5pm and we were the only patrons for half of our visit. She offered extra gravy for my hot beef. Friend ordered a grilled cheese said it was good (if you mess up a grilled cheese...then there is no hope for you) and enjoyed the chicken rosmarina soup. For as attentive as the waitress was, that all went to hell when she was preoccupied on a personal phone call and we waited too long for our check. Very reasonable prices and they have some really cheap breakfast plates. I will go back again. read more

Lola's Diner - hot beef - Diners Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

I ordered a broccoli cheese and added ham omelet.... I see ham and cheese but no broccoli in site. Pretty disappointed and not in the mood to go back. read more

Lola's Diner - Supposed to be broccoli cheese and ham omelet except there's no broccoli. - Diners Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

Waited for food over an hour. thought l would give it another chance No more. Messed up wife's order seems kitchen doesn't know menu! didn't fix it brought me wrong order maybe lucked out probably. Owner needs to know read more

The service was prompt and friendly. Lively patrons who enjoyed their visit. The crepes were good. The menu is large with many good choices. Past reviews led me here. It was worth the visit. read more

First time coming here and they were amazing. Service was top notch. They were on it with the refills. The food was great. I would come back again ! read more

This place is the best breakfast, lunch place around!! The most delicious food, great portion sizes and great service!! And did I mention super affordable compared to other places. It's always a pleasant experience I cannot recommend this enough. They have very talented cooks working here and the omelets, chillaquillas, Benedict's, skillets, and the pancakes are to die for!! read more

I just discovered this place! Really good food, generous portions, reasonably priced and they deliver! So great for sheltering in place during the pandemic. I will be ordering again! read more

Great warm vibe to this delicious cafe. Definitely felt welcomed by host and especially our wonderful waitress. Food was delicious and served quickly. Many locals eating here which is always a great sign! read more

Come hungry! The plates are big, cheap, and remind me of home cooking. Ordered 2 eggs, corned beef, with hash browns and rye toast. So filling!! The order came out with 3 eggs, a decent portion of corned beef, and lots of potatoes to fill the rest of the plate. Toast comes out dry so you can put butter/jelly/nothing on it at the table. Be ready to be very satisfied! read more

Love coming here. Very friendly owners and accommodating staff. Little gem in Park Ridge.

What a find! Half block from Metra station. Sparkling clean diner serving amazing breakfasts. read more

Lola's Diner - Southern haystack - Diners Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

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Good breakfast joint in park ridge. Usually breakfast options with rotating specials every week. Service is somewhat friendly...although in their busy times they are a little short - and don't ask for alternatives for the menu either. But food comes out fast and tasty. A bit of an older crowd due to the area but then again very family friendly. You won't go wrong if your looking for a quick no fuss breakfast in this area. Try the breakfast burrito with chorizo or BLT while here. read more

Lola's Diner - Breakfast burrito. - Diners Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois