My boyfriend and his father have a tradition of breakfast at Salonica that goes way, way back, so on trips to Chicago, we usually end up eating here at least once. It is a greasy spoon located near the U of C, and it is the type of place that has regulars. It is very retro inside probably because it hasn't been updated since the day it opened, but that suits it well. They have several tables and if you're dining solo, they also have a bar. The prices are reasonable, and they always make sure your cup of joe is full. I've had a number of things on the menu. I usually go with the two egg breakfast--be sure to order your bacon crispy! I also have had the breakfast burrito, which is super filling! The food is exactly what you'd expect from a greasy spoon, so if you are looking for somewhere fancy, you may not enjoy Salonica. read more

Just happened to find myself in Hyde Park and saw that Salonica was still open. I haven't been here since I worked at University of Chicago in 2000. Meal was average, arrived quickly and was tasty. I have Celiac Disease so eating at diners is always risky for me since everything is cooked on the same cooktop. I am happy to say I did not get sick (that's a big thing for anyone who has Celiac, trust me). I had the huevos rancheros. Wasn't bad, but just barely enough salsa to tint the eggs pink. I expected enough to give the eggs some flavor; yeah, not so much. Our server was kind. Nothing special, but reasonably priced. read more

Salonica - Entrance on 57th St. - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Pretty good greek diner restaurant, as I chose to go here, when I was recently down at the MSI, and had a change of heart from wanting to go to Medici, and wanted something different from Mello Yello(my traditional go-to breakfast/lunch diner in Hyde Park over the years). Soulnaki here is really good, and what my friend got was also decent, too(though I stupidly now forget what she ordered). And since it's a greek diner, you get the nice bonus of seeing varied reactions to the saganaki/flaming cheese being lit, lol. Prices are very fair, and the portions are excellent. Finally, I totally love the slightly-raised booths on both sides of the front room, for some reason, and the decor on both sides of that part of the restaurant are nice. Overall, I'd definitely come back here, whenever I'm in this part of Chicago again. read more

Its the nostaglic booth seating that makes me want to give this place 4-stars. The food comes out quick and fast. It's always packed with local regulars from the neighborhood. I enjoy this place because the price is right and the food is pretty good. I had the french toast with the eggs. Sorry yelpers, I'm pretty basic when it comes to breakfast. Just give me the basics and I am a happy camper. These folks understand the idea of getting folks in and out of the door. But one thing that they don't leave out is the freshness of the food. Yummy, yummy, yummy! I say go here just for the service alone. If you live in the area, it makes it even better to patronize a local watering hole near the house. read more

Looking for a casual low priced meal...this is the place. The decor is dated, there will be no linen table cloth, but a tasty meal delivered promptly by a friendly waitress followed by a check surprisingly inexpensive. I had the chicken dinner, it was a winner. Will Bobby Flay rave about it...no, but this place is A-OK with me. read more

Really loving weekends lately because I am obsessed with getting their lemon egg soup. It's the best I've ever had, and I've sampled a lot. There is something way too simple about theirs - it tastes too good (and impossible to recreate). Their Greek specialties are consistently fresh and flavorful. Most everyone raves about their breakfast. More often than not, I walk into an almost full house. There's going to be a short wait once and a while, but the servers are always pleasant, they're attentive without interrupting your meal and they've never screwed up my order. Hyde Park is not a hotbed of culinary greatness. I'm more disappointed with most of the dining options in the neighborhood than not. The places that get it right at a decent price are few and far between, and Salonica is at the top of that short list. If you don't like the food or the decor, there's always somebody right behind you that will gladly take your spot in a booth. read more

Food was actually good. The Mexican omelette reminded me of my hometown in Tijuana. But as I wiped away the tears that were forming I realized it was because no one acknowledged my presence as I frantically waved my hands and conducted aggressive eye contact. Frustrated, I toppled to the floor and started bawling. Sometimes it is good to cry, even if you are a man. read more

Good, honest diner food. Ignore the Greek food and go straight to the all-day breakfast menu! Omelets, scrambles, pancakes and waffles are what this place is loved and known for. read more

Came here for a quick bite to eat this weekend. Food was great. Service was fast. Don't know what the inside is like since we sat outside and just went in to pay. I had the Monte Cristo. It was delicious. Just the right about of ham and cheese to not be overwhelming. read more

Fast, efficient and totally delicious!! The Salonica omelette is outstanding and totally unique!! read more

Came here on a busy Friday evening and was thoroughly disappointed by both the food and the service. However, my coworkers said it's normally pretty good (which is why it's getting 3 stars instead of 2 stars). My coworker and I both ordered the skirt steak. I got mine medium-rare and he got his medium-well; the steaks we actually received were not cooked like we wanted. Mine was extremely dry and significantly overcooked, and my coworker's was almost burned. He, who proclaims he likes dry meat (what the heck?), said it was even too dry for him. On the bright-ish side, the soups were good. My other coworker got the chopped liver and seemed to enjoy it. But not only was the steak not very good, but the service was also just so slow. We arrived at around 6:15, and order by about 6:30. However, we did not receive our food for about an hour. So naturally, no one was very happy (the tables around us weren't receiving their food either, and were visibly significantly more pissed off than us). Maybe my trip was just an aberration, but I likely won't be coming here again. read more

This place has Greek and Mexican food . They give huge portions and the food is great ! it's pretty inexpensive as well ! The service is great as well ! I had the chicken wrap and it was huge with a good amount of chicken . my friends had : the French toast with eggs the chicken sandwich the chicken salad We all left stuffed! read more

Aww yeah Greek food and breakfast and good vibes. I've loved everything I've eaten here, especially When dining in. Nice waitress and good food and not feeling rushed- all very appreciated in a dining experience. That being said- delivery has been kind of abysmal. One of the times the delivery guy didn't come to the actual door despite the instructions for the buzzer and apt number listed. I've ordered delivery three times, and each time there has been a slightly larger mistake. From forgotten sides to messes up order, delivery kind of drops the ball. Once we ordered some juice and horchata came instead? Or pastichio that came drenched and soggy (not good pastichio soggy- bad soggy) because the sauce was practically soup with a weird pastichio topping... I want to give a higher rating but I can't with how bad delivery has been. Won't order from there again- but I'll definitely still come in. read more

We have eaten here a couple of times. Both times were really good experiences. They are in the middle of Hyde Park. We never have had problem parking. The location is nice as there are a couple of shops around and the Museum of Science and Industry is a few blocks to the east. The restaurant is kinda a throwback as it has the old diner feel. However, every time we have been it's nice and cozy. The first time I went, I had the gyro sandwich and it was pretty good. The second time I had a Rueben sandwich, and it was good as well. Their menu generally consists of Greek and diner food. They also serve breakfast throughout the day if that is your thing. In addition, they make a nice cup of coffee. Lastly, I think the prices for everything is quite reasonable. Recommend going here if you want to meet with a friend or want to get a quick bite to eat. read more

Quick and tasty Breakfast in Chicago. There for a visit, we kinda drove until we found the place by chance, and we were so hungry we didn't care. Lucky for us they were cheap and tasty Pancakes were golden brown, and loved the taste. The hash browns could have used a bit more browning, but they tasted good. Three big guys ate and we all liked it. Good for another stop at some point. read more

Salonica is what it is. A great little breakfast place. The decor looked ancient ten years ago, and they haven't changed it. The food is good and cheap. The coffee is tasty and plentiful. Service is pleasant and efficient. Way better local option in Hyde Park than anywhere else. read more

What a great little neighborhood joint. Good food, generous portions and a friendly staff always make this a place to have a quiet good meal. Lots of your standard Greek diner fare, but oddly, no appetizers. Warning to my fellow travelers from the Northeast, you will not find a seven page, poster size menu filled with every dish ever made in the Western Hemisphere, but you will find something tasty. And there's live music. Okay, a harp player who sits in a booth and seems to play for his supper. Not a nuisance, just a wonderful quirk of the place. read more

Been here many times over the years - in many ways a typical diner. And in many ways the food is typical diner. But they have a great gyro. And that for me is worth five stars because I struggle to find a gyro that has good pita, meat and sauce. These do. read more

My friend and I were in Hyde park visiting a friend and wanted to grab a quick bite to eat before we started our day. This place is extremely fast and cute. The food is very affordable and you get what you pay for! Definitely a good place to grab a quick and filling bite before your day starts! read more

I really wanted to give them a three and a half. I love salonice but my favorite meal from them is the chicken and they randomly changes the entire recipe and this is the third time this year that that has happened. The first time they didnt have any seasoning on it, the next time there was no seasoning and the totally changed the bbq sauce.... I was let down : ( oh I also recently had their pecan pie it was really good read more

Very friendly, attentive, and courteous staff. Food was great and place was clean...even the bathrooms. Affordable prices. The booths in this restaurant are just as cozy as they can be. read more

Salonica - Clean and cozy! - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

To kick off our vacation, the girlfriend and I stopped by Salonica for our first meal in Chicago...an early breakfast! We were seated in a booth right away and our waiter was very prompt and cordial. Our coffees came out almost immediately and we both ordered the "Thursday Special," an omelet, grits or hash browns, bacon or sausage, and French toast or pancakes - all for 7$! Our food came out within minutes and it was all delicious - the omelet was cheesy and the pancakes were warm and fluffy. Our waiter was sure that our coffees were always full. This place has a real hometown feel and was a great stop for a quick bite. read more

Salonica - Salonica from the street - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great breakfast excellent prices and easy parking. In one of my favorite communities, Hyde Park. Specialist in home made soups. Three soups that change everyday, but are the same every week. Chicken noodle was great $4.00 for a small which WASN'T small and they put a ton of fresh bread in the bag with butter and crackers to boot. Greek and Mexican twists to their breakfast menu. Older wait staff but they move quickly. read more

Salonica - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let me address some of the main complaints about Salonica. One -- the prices, esp. in comparison to Valois: yes, it's cash only, and yes, it's probably more expensive than Valois in most cases, but... still. Way wider range of options than Valois, and there's actually waiter service. I eat breakfast at Salonica almost every Saturday morning when campus dining is closed, and I end up tipping about 30% because I always feel kinda bad about the measly summation of my bill, which generally comes to a whopping $2.45 for my "cup" of (cream-not-broth-based) egg-lemon soup and the basket of bread that comes with it, which is more than enough to fill my tummy. Never mind $10, I can eat for $5 here. I thought at first that these guys were accidentally giving me the larger size of soup, until I ordered an actual bowl -- it's huge. Their portion sizes are generous, but not ridiculous, and it shows in the pricing. Their fresh-squeezed orange juice, while pricey, is better than the from-concentrate stuff you get at other restaurants. In general, it's pretty easy to get a meal for under $10, even including a drink and perhaps an extra piece of toast or two. That said, Salonica is definitely one of my favorite Hyde Park breakfast restaurants, and the lunch and dinner menus are equally appetizing. read more

It is a good choice if you want to eat steak and don't want to drive far from Hyde Park. Their price is really cheap. I love the fresh orange juice they make. Service is ok. read more

Salonica - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been coming here for breakfast for many years. First as a student at the UofC, then with my husband, now with the kids for weekend brunches. I bring everyone here - friends, relatives, visitors from out of town. Everyone raves about the french toast and pretty much every item from the breakfast menu. I personally love the broccoli and pepper cheese omelette, especially with a little bacon. The staff is great, warm and friendly, they all know us and always have lollipops ready for the kids. It's a real family place, we love coming here and my kids think miss it when we skip a few weekends. :-) Salonica breakfasts make all of us happy, the yummy food and the homey service are tough to beat, we always have a good day afterwards. read more

Went here after reading the reviews that this was a good diner in Hyde Park, it is definitely not good, in taste, value, and in overall experience. Sadly, I had reasonably high hopes for this place but it appears the owners either gave-up or do not care. No sugars or coffee creamers are available, only black coffee, not even decaf. This is odd. The OJ is from a machine and tastes like it was made in 1980. The cost of the food is roughly 17.95 for a plate and they offer heavy, Mexican-themed dishes which is odd. Unfortunately, I ordered all of their Mexican-themed breakfast dishes from the green salsa steak and eggs, the huevos rancheros, and the traditional corned beef hash, eggs, and potatoes. All of the potatoes, shredded, were terrible. Burnt and raw at the same time. It appears the owners have no clue what a good, Mexican dish tastes-like because the cook at this establishment has fooled the owners into believing that his cooking is good and what a traditional Mexican dish should be, including their salsa, which is not good at all. Even their pancakes tasted raw and bland. Sadly, this place has no competition that would compete with good, reasonably-priced, and a well-kept diner. If it did, this place would collapse. I do not recommend going here for breakfast unless you want to spend money on food that is bland, not good, and you could make yourself at home. You are better-off going to a drive-through, at least you will be served consistently warm, cooked, and okay-tasting food. Plus the worker was a bit curt and borderline rude. This all reflects on the ownership which is either apathetic or on-board with all of this. Too bad. read more

Chicken. Gumbo. I've been going here for 3 years and it hasn't disappointed yet. Granted, my expectations were low, but I always know what to expect. The prices are cheap, service is quick, and food it hot. I recommend a large bowl of soup or chili, coffee, omelets and hash browns, or one of the Greek casserole dishes like Pastichio. read more

Neighborhood restaurant with old style Greek charm. Unfortunately lacking in quality and depth of flavor. Steak and eggs were under seasoned and undercooked, (the t-bone was blue around the bone) sent the food back with the hope of a finished medium product. But I was presented with a well done unchewable mess. Then to top this I was charged for the steak and told we don't cook steak that way. Never again... read more

The food is terrible. Tasteless, incredibly greasy, and the eggs are very much over cooked. As a university of Chicago student I would rather eat at the dining halls...which is saying something. I've been here a total of three times each of which resulting in being unsatisfied as the food is completely tasteless, while simultaneously feeling gross as the food is incredibly greasy. I got a pesto chicken wrap of some sort, and by the end of the meal my entire plate was covered in oil. Disgusting. Don't come here. Seriously. Take an extra five minutes and walk down to street to the Medici or Noodles Etc. read more

Stumbled upon it while visiting the Museum of Science and Industry. It's located just a couple blocks west of the Museum. I had a great garden wrap with spinach and mushrooms. The fries were fresh cut and delicious. We sat outside and had a very enjoyable lunch. read more

I live in Hyde Park and this is a go-to for a solid breakfast/brunch for me. There's nothing fancy about brunch at Salonica (so if you're looking for omelet pizza, cappuccino eggs or anything else hipster, go elsewhere). You will get great service with a delicious and cheap meal. This is the best diner breakfast near U of C I've been able to find. read more

Bad experience, the bread of sandwiches is soft which makes sandwiches unshaped. The service is cheap just like the price.

I love the food. A great place to go and have conversations with your meal and not be rushed out. The hash browns and french toast are delicious. The saganaki cheese is to die for and their french fries are unbeatable! Fern T. read more

MY REVIEW IS ON BREAKFAST ONLY: My sister and I went to Salonica for the first time yesterday. I chose this place because of the 4+ star average on Yelp and at the recommendation of a co-worker. I ordered pancakes, hashbrowns and an egg scrambled well with cheese. First of all the pancakes were hard to the touch and very thick. They soaked up all the syrup and made the pancakes mushy and they completely fell apart. the hashbrown's had absolutely no flavor (no salt or pepper added to taste) and the egg I ordered scrambled well with cheese, came to me folded and brown. The only reason I am giving Solonica's 2 stars is for the menu price. You can't beat breakfast for under 10.00 in Hyde Park. However, I liked the location and the quaintness of the place even though it needs a little TLC. read more

Can't say enough great things about this place! It has become a weekly event for my group of friends to have breakfast here, not only for the food but for the hospitality the staff gives us. The food has never disappointed us, either in its quality or its quality. read more

7mins drive from the house. 10mins looking for a free parking space. Throwing in the towel & paying $3.00 to park. Seated for over 10mins with NO acknowledgement & other Individuals(arrived after us) around orders being taken. Walked OUT & will NEVER return. **I Beg NO BITCH to take my money! read more

How does this place have such a high yelp rating? They serve an omelette with chopped up hotdogs for christ's sake! That's like something my dad would make in his underwear on a sunday morning. Everything on the menu looks and tastes like something someone's crazy grandma made. It's all super greasy, old, weird, or pickled. I go here for breakfast mostly because it's hard to screw up an egg, and because it's down the street. I used to get their soups all the time, but then I saw this old guy that runs the shoe repair shop across the street just walk in and help himself to a bowl right out of the pot. That kind of grossed me out so I stopped ordering it. I mean, it's all edible - but it's not all that good. read more

OMG no no no no no. This place was horrible. I have the chicken parm sandwich. The bread was all soggy, which is the worst. Also, the chicken was tasteless. There was not enough sauce on the sandwich. The worst part, they put the chicken parm on a HAMBURGER BUN... WHAT? This makes no sense. Isn't it pretty standard to put it on a hoagie or something nice than a Walmart (assumption) hamburger bun! I couldn't finish this sandwich. I couldn't believe how nasty it was. UGH. read more

I would have to say Salonica's reputation will likely precede them. For starters, it's a very small diner set up and is always packed so expect to probably wait 10-20 minutes on a seat and then you'll likely be seated very close to other guests. They are always busy and unfortunately their service just can't match the rush. They need to probably staff 2x the amount of servers to have any shot at good service but they probably can't because of how small and narrow the spaces are. I've been multiple times (I try to give people multiple chances) and the service has been bad every time. I've never once been greeted by a server, never known their names, no suggestions, nothing. Everybody just runs around in a Frenzy, just dropping your items off at your table without really talking to you. Though, there is one plus but, it comes with a price (no pun intended); the prices here are pretty good. But in turn, the portions aren't very big. I got a meat lovers type of omelette and I can count on one hand, how many pieces of meat were in it, it was 90% just egg. The food isn't very good and every time I've left still hungry. Not really sure how they are always so packed; I'd imagine it's probably a lot of regulars. I wouldn't recommend going here; service and food are both lack luster. read more