A diner that will be there for you when you need it. The food is simply prepared and comes out fast. We ordered a spread of eggs, hash browns, French toast, waffles, oatmeal, and biscuits with gravy. The oats were instant, the hashbrowns were a little soggy, and the waffle didn't taste like much. But it didn't matter because we needed to hit the road and the price was right. Even better, the egg yolk was a rich orange, the French toast was moist, and the gravy was peppery. When the dishes land, they are delicious. read more

Great diner to stop in for food! Service is quick, direct, and friendly. Booths are a little small, so bigger parties may need to split up. Great, diverse menu. Waffles, breakfast burritos, and omelets are all great, and the hash browns are perfectly browned! Definitely recommend to stop in and have a meal at this Champaign staple! read more

There are many styles and menus available. There are also differing days and times to eat. Ours was the first day on a cross country trip headed to the East Coast when we decided to cancel our airline tickets and drive. We started in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It was such a quick decision that after 2 hours on the road we stopped at a small place near Des Moines to decide which direction and road we were going to take to get to our destination. We arrived in Champaign late. Thanks to wifi, we had a place to stay but needed food. I did not drive to this place directly, we started into the city and once again did an internet search for someplace open. This place popped up. There were only 2/3 groups when we walked it. An old-fashioned diner, a favorite of mine. The guy working there was willing to tell us about the place. One thing he said that proved accurate was it was impossible to predict how busy it could be. He was prescient because between 12:30 and 1AM it went from only 2 tables being used to nearly full as we were waking out. The eggs were good also the pancakes. Coffee was hot and he would refill it for me. Would we return? definitely! Growing up there were a few places similar to this where I lived. Is the food great? NO!....it is good and plentiful. I should mention the clientele is varied!!!! read more

The food was excellent. I had a BLT, my husband had the hamburger with fries, and my son had chicken tenders. All together the bill was like $30 excluding tip so very nice pricing with good quality service. We loved how the environment felt exactly like a diner. read more

It is what it is! Its a 24 hour diner set up very similarly to the Waffle House. In fact, its very similar to the Waffle House (without waffles maybe?). You come here for diner food, simple enough. Eggs, pancakes, maybe a burger, you get the drill. I wish I could write a longer review, but its pretty self explanatory. I think their bacon and eggs are great! The service is also better than average, but I could see them maybe getting a little cranky at slow people. This is another place that can turn over seats real quick. The only downside is that its mostly booths so if you are handicapped or a larger person, you are going to be waiting longer for the handful of tables they have. Its mostly booths! read more

MEAL: Breakfast ORDER TYPE: Dine-in EST.: 1983 FIRST LOCATION: 1983 - Champaign, IL MY ORDER EXPERIENCE Am I in a movie or real life? Do you know this place runs for 24*7 365 days? As we went in, just like my buddy said, the place was crowded, and we had to wait in line to be seated. 15 mins passed, and we were finally seated. The menu was old school printed on paper which I liked. As I was Vegan for a day, I had a hard time finding a vegetarian meal. I asked the server for their house special, but it turned out to be meat. Upon investigating and scanning through I found Harvest Burger from their Sandwiches section and ordered a limited time Caramel Milk Shake. The Harvest Burger came with Bread where patty and cheese was placed in between. On the side they gave me onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles with mayonnaise. Along with the burger I also got hash browns. The burger was soft, and all the veggies looked fresh. Mayonnaise was the best. The Caramel Milkshake was delicious. As we were eating, one of the staff explained about the Diner's history. The fun facts were that the diner opened in 1983 and since then the diner has not been renovated except for the roof. So, we were experiencing and seeing the same diner from 1983. Isn't that amazing? The owner wants to keep it that way. The other interesting thing is all the tables are around the kitchen area where there are gaps. The server can come between the gaps where he can take and serve the order in the quickest possible way. Overall, the food was good. The staff was humble. This was my first time going to a diner, where it reminded me of the diner from the 2 Broke Girls TV series. The prices are super reasonable and affordable considering the students coming in which was thoughtful of the place. Sometimes, finding a parking spot can be challenging if there are any major events going on in the college. I will go back again for more experience. I would suggest this place to anyone who has old school experiences. read more

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The quintessential diner vibe can be had at this 24 hour spot on Neil Street, convenient to the university and many Champaign businesses and hotels. Expect fast, friendly service and good basic diner food at incredibly reasonable prices. Great diner coffee too! Tip your server very well! read more

This place is always crowded and is a UIUC establishment. We luckily got a table on a Sunday morning while some of the college students were away on break. I ordered a coffee and an omelet. The food is nothing special. The service was great, everyone made sure my coffee was kept full. The prices are decent in comparison to other places. This is a fun place to try once. read more

Merry Ann's Diner - Menu - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

We had a fantastic breakfast here. The food arrived pretty quickly. The waitress was on the spot and knew all the right questions to ask. I had the two egg breakfast and chose bacon and it comes with hash browns. Husband ordered a Denver omelet and he thought it was good. The booths were comfortable. read more

Merry Ann's Diner - a refrigerated refrigerator - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

A good place to go when there's no where else open at the moment, food is mediocre but it gets the job done. But honestly I don't know anyone who goes to a 24 hour diner for the taste. Good waffles and sundaes. read more

Small, older, but reasonable menu. The turnover in tables was pretty quick, but the restaurant is so small you are on top of each other. Anything above a party of 4 is tough - assume you'll have to wait for a second table, which means you won't eat together. We sat 5 with a chair in the aisle, but there was no room on the table. The food was greasy spoon - quick, tasty, but no fancy. You know what you're getting - frankly because the grill is in front of you and it the menu is t large. read more

The diner was clean and the service was prompt, though not very friendly. The server was quite busy but still followed up with coffee refills. The food was terrible. What they claim to be corned beef hash is the worst imaginable representation of the dish.The sausage gravy tasted like it came from a box with sparse pieces of sausage and minimal flavor. Overall, a disappointing experience. read more

Since this is my first review on my new yelp page. Let's go ahead and address the grading rubric. Vibes, service, and food quality (what we all truly care about right?) Vibes - quintessential diner vibes. Clean and has that classic feel to the interior. This is the waffle houses' hot sister if we're being honest. Same identical set up, just much cleaner and kept up. Yes, you can grab the syrup bottle without the worry of having to go to the bathroom to wash your hands immediately after. You won't be risking infection using their house utensils. Service- my goodness the fella that helped me was outstanding. He was either really digging me or he's just that nice - and considering my appearance well side with the latter of the two. He was great. Food came out quickly, I didn't even have time to finish my coffee. Not that I had to worry about finishing it though as it was topped off each time I was about half empty. Food- first off I apologize for not having photos. Rookie mistake I know ... I essentially got their version of the WH classic all star special. For those who don't know it's basically two eggs how you like. (I did scrambled like a f***** jabroni, sue me. Don't care). Choice of meat, which is just a test of course. I went with the bacon that was about as sub par as it gets. I'd recommend ham or sausage. Hashbrowns or grits, which let's be honest. Is it up for debate these days? Who does grits? Grandma Gretchen and your 70 year step dad? Gimme the hashbrowns cooked extra crispy. I polished it off with the French toast. French toast was okay. Nothing I'm calling my old hag of a mother about. All in all I'm going 3 stars. The people are great. But let's be honest. We're talking about a Waffle House with make up. Lots of it, to be fair. Hashbrowns portions were rather small and the bacon quality was pretty poor. Outside of that it's a great place to go and try! I will be back to try a different order, next time I will include photos. Thanks for your time read more

Great service. Fun atmosphere. We went grad weekend and of kids and families. Good fresh and tasty.

Came here for a late night dinner. Can't complain about the food because I received exactly what I ordered. Greasy, quick and inexpensive food makes this place a step up from a waffle house. Service was friendly and the joint has that classic diner aesthetic. read more

Merry Ann's Diner - Chicken fried steak sandwich - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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Open 24 hours, parking, great air conditioning and friendly staff! Typical diner food: Some good, some so so in quality. Does the trick.

Really awesome little spot on a strip that has seen better days. Its bussling and filled with people on a friday morning, but its so efficient that people keep rotating in and out rather quickly. I like the open kitchen concept because you see every employee cleaning everything constantly! I love that. My waitress was to the point and also quick and efficient. The food was pretty great for the price! Biscuit and gravy, toast, 3 sausage links, hashbrowns and scrambled eggs with cheese was only like $12. And my partner had 2 sunnyside up eggs, hashbrowns, ham steak, and upgraded from toast to french toast for only .50! Totalling to 10.50. That is when i knew this was going to be an awesome and sensible joint, when I saw their prices and simple menu, i smiled. This spot is a prime example of why we all should keep diving into the diner! read more

This is a great 24 diner, it was open New Year's Day when most other places are closed. The quality of the breakfast offerings is very high. In particular, the Belgian waffle is better than most, crispy outside and soft and not chewy inside, significantly better than the original pancake house. Crispy bacon arrives as advertised. Veggie omelet was good and the rye toast was perfectly done. Highly recommended for food quality, authentic diner vibes, and fast and efficient service. Can't comment on non breakfast items but the onion rings looked good. Btw the best onion rings in the world come from the varsity restaurant chain in Atlanta. read more

Good food fair process good ambiance friendly service. Very accommodating staff, didn't have to ask for any refills.

Breakfast eggs and toast very good. Coffee refills abundant. Service excellent. It was crowded and noisy Sunday morning but that's part of the charm. read more

Nothing beats an old school diner lunch on a Sunday morning! It seems that the breakfast menu is much more elaborate than the the lunch menu with a variety of pancakes, eggs, waffles, and toasted bread. I ordered the #1 and hotcakes with strawberry toppings. Both were so delicious and I left feeling full and satisfied. Suffice it to say, this is a the place to go for high quality, comfort breakfast food! read more

Merry Ann's Diner - Hotcakes with strawberry toppings - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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I think this is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. At the end of the day a Diner Stack is basically just meat, hashbrowns, country gravy, and eggs, which are all staples at virtually every single diner and breakfast joint in America. Surely this creation can easily be replicated literally anywhere, right? Not so. I've tried to re-create this masterpiece a la carte at other places, but it just doesn't compare. Maybe it's how they crisp the hashbrowns just right on the griddle, or it might be the peppery country gravy that has the perfect consistency: thin enough to bind all the elements together but still hearty enough to clog your arteries. Personally, for me it could be the combination of a half pound cheeseburger and gravy in the late night Hangover Stack, that perfect fusion of breakfast and lunch, a true symbol of the essence of brunch. In any case, there's something magical about the final product that just hits the spot for me. The juicy burger, crispy hashbrowns, runny egg yolks, and a mound of country gravy just work harmoniously to make every bite perfect. It's such a simple concept but I swear I haven't had a breakfast creation as satisfying as a Stack from Merry Ann's. The nostalgia of capping off those epic college nights at MA's to soak up the liquor will forever be associated with a stack. Merry Ann's has history, memories, a great staff full of friendly people, and the legendary Diner Stack. It's my first stop every time I'm in Champaign. read more

Merry Ann's Diner - The legendary Diner Stack - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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It was busy but everything moved quickly and was delicious. People were stacked up at the door.

We love diners and this was a great one! Great diner food and loved the variety in the menu for breakfast. Super clean, friendly and fast service. Also can't beat the prices for the quality food. read more

Pandemic safety practices not enforced- so consider this before coming. Even to pick up - the place is packed without any measures or safe practices. The food is adequate to good. We had breakfast and nothing was bad. We left fulfilled. The service was very good. Fast and friendly. All things considered we might come back after the pandemic but might not.... read more

Quaint diner. Service was friendly, quick and the breakfast burrito was wonderful! Will stop here again next time we pass through!

Great service and great pie! Quick service and delicious warm apple pie! It was busy and they assisted us quickly! Definitely be back! read more

Merry Ann's Diner - Front entrance! - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Food was ok. Ordered blue berry pancakes. The pancakes were ok but the blue berries were in a pile on top straight out of the refrigerator. The set up was the same as a waffle house. They mostly left you alone while you ate. read more

Just what you want from a diner. There were 4 of us after a night out. Everyone was friendly, the service was fast and the food was solid+++. Loved the hash browns, french toast and pancakes. Would definitely visit again. read more

The food was good standard diner fare. Wait times can be long on weekends when there is a game or event. I got the Stack. It was good. Once your seated, service is quick and my waitress was pleasant. It is noisy in here. Lots of people and an annoying jukebox. I recommend it when it is less busy. I'd go back. read more

I love merry Ann's. The staff is always so friendly, food is always good. Service is great. Atmosphere is fantastic. There's not much more you can ask from a diner. read more

Great diner meal. Very friendly, fast and good. Had the veggie omelet, side of pancake, and side salad. Crowded, but tables turnover fast. I'm not a local, but will return next time I'm visiting UofI. read more

Looking for gourmet food? Spacious seating? Super clean kitchen? Then this is not for you! This diner is classic old school diner style. Cheap prices. Basic comfort food served hot and fast. Cheap. Coffee is so-so. Small diner seating. Has been in business at this location since 1983. Caters to hung over college students. Great place to eat and go. read more

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Overall, good food for great prices! Expect to wait a bit to be seated as it does get busy at night. read more

Merry Ann's Diner - Whole Beef Burger Onion Rings - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

This place is nostalgic. It's got that classic diner booth setup where the servers pass plates right from the center, and they're both friendly but abrupt like a diner should be. If the coffee even tried to be good here I'd probably be here more often (they usually always keep it topped off!). But it's consistently the worst coffee in town. You can taste the stale. Even so, it's a diner. I still go back for friendly people, cheap eggs, the clanking of dishes, and the grease rolling on the edge of the plate. read more

Merry Ann's Diner - Menu - Diners Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

While Merry Ann's is open 24/7 which can be super convenient, I was not impressed with the food or the service here. Ordered wheat toast and a Diet Coke alongside my veggie omelette, received neither and was charged for both. When I questioned the bill at the counter, I was asked to prove where I was sitting. I had been sitting literally right next to the register... that being said, the veggie omelette was pretty good and the portion sizes are perfect. read more

Great food, and great service in wonderful retro setting. I highly recommend it.....

This is all I'm gonna say... Merry Ann's is the best in Champaign. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever you want 24/7! This is one of the best diners I've been to in my entire life. Definitely the best of Champaign for sure. Tremendous! read more

They changed their portion sizes to about half of what they used to be and raised their prices. This has happened so many times recently it's clearly intentional for them to cut corners. I understand it's hard for everyone right now. Even if you have disposable income, I just can't/don't recommend coming here anymore. It's just not worth it. Pretty disappointing to their loyal customers. read more

Great home food and proudly support them staying open and exercising FREEDOM of each person to make their own decision wether to go out or stay in. read more