I look at the clock. It's 2:15 a.m…read more This is a dangerous time to be hungry. You're no longer choosing where to eat. You're finding out what society is willing to feed you. I'm still learning Chicago and its suburbs, so I spend about 15 minutes on Maps and kept consulting ChatGPT on where to eat. To my surprise nothing worthy was suggested. I reluctantly drive to my usual spot, which I won't name because they've done nothing wrong and don't deserve to be involved in this story. I walk in. Look at the menu. Get ready to order. Then something inside me says, "No." I walk back out. Now I'm sitting in my car at 2:30 in the morning like a divorced man outside a casino, staring at Google Maps one last time. Then I see it. Johnnie's Grill. 17 minutes away. I've never been there. Immediately, I start thinking about every Johnnie I've ever met. Do Johnnies know how to cook? Is Johnnie still alive? Is there even a Johnnie? Maybe Johnnie sold the place in 1987 and some guy named Steve has been benefiting from his reputation ever since. Most importantly: can Johnnie be trusted with my hunger? While entertaining these bullshit scenarios, I somehow arrive. As I'm getting out of the car, four young guys are walking out. Perfect. I need intelligence from the field. I ask, "What's good to get here, guys?" One of them looks at me and says: "Everything, bruh. Anything you get is gonna be fire." That's all I needed to hear. I walk inside and meet Julie, who is genuinely one of the warmest people you could hope to encounter at this ungodly hour. She patiently walks me through the menu while I study it like I'm choosing a mortgage. Eventually, I order the Big Boy. And goddamn it, the boys were right. The Big Boy was delicious. Nothing fancy. Nothing pretentious. Nobody back there is reducing a balsamic glaze or explaining where the cow went to college. It's just a damn good burger. Oddly enough, it reminded me of the burgers my parents make at home, which might sound like an insult to a restaurant, but I mean it as one of the highest compliments I can give. It tasted familiar. Like somebody actually made you food instead of assembling a product. At 2:15 in the morning, I thought Chicago had abandoned me. Johnnie had not. I don't know who Johnnie is. I don't know if Johnnie is alive. I don't even know if Johnnie has ever stepped foot inside Johnnie's Grill. But Johnnie, wherever you are: I'll be back.

This spot is consistent! Great that is! Ole stool! Dont come here for frills.but if you want good…read moreol skool cooking? Good service and a full belly, this is the spot! The diner is small but does what is needed. I think its brighter since the last time. They have slots in the front but the counter is expansive and a few tables and chairs... This ain't the place you come and ask if they have maple syrup!!! Yea....i did that......and the looks i got.......oh my goodness.....made my day. Lololololol! My gurl said really??? Snob! Lolololol hilarious #dinerslove #greasenspoon #olschool #holenthewall #

I don't know what y'all talking about rude servers. First time here last night and it was so good!…read moreIt reminded me of In n Out burgers out in Cali. Simple and flavorful. Will definitely be coming back. Compliments to the chef last night.

Greasy yummy comfort food. Cheesy music overhead. Gambling section. Fast service and inexpensive…read more Cash only. Open 24 hrs. Can't go wrong w a quick easy dinner.

Great service and good the bartender pours nicely as well. This is me and my friends getaway spot a…read moretiny hidden gem

I have ate here 3 times in the last 2 weeks. I was not disappointed on any of these visits…read more Generous portions and excellent service and price. A hidden gem in the Best Western Plus in Hillside, IL. There is ample parking, even for large vehicles (buses, semis, etc.). Give it a try, you will definitely return again and again.

We were just traveling through the area and stopped here on whim for breakfast. So glad that we…read moredid! The service was great. Every employee we encoutered was extremely nice and helpful. The food was delicious and the portions were insane! The amount of food you get for your dollar here is definitely worth it and everything we ate was delicious! I definitely recommend it!

The warm, old school family restaurants that I grew up frequenting! I settled into a back corner…read morebooth with my laptop and expense report receipts and enjoyed a breakfast skillet. Small groups of 2-3 came in and out throughout my time there. The service was quick and attentive without being overbearing. There's a parking lot for convenience.

Come by Victoria's for some real food that tastes good. Omni omelette and steak skillet are both…read moredelicious. They're also good at keeping you topped off on coffee without having to ask. If you're in the area I recommend stopping by for a hearty breakfast.

I am a breakfast guy, I love breakfast. Victoria's seemed like a logical choice. It didnt look busy…read morefrom the road, I decided to swing in. The place is rather large with booths and tables alike. There were a few folks that beat me there and the one server already looked super busy. I ordered the ever simple Ice tea, that took forever to arrive. When she finally arrived to take my food order I asked for my tea too. The country fried steak with 3 eggs over easy has been my craving for the last few days. I also asked for crispy hashbrowns. The food took just under 30 minutes to arrive, much sooner than the tea somehow. The steak along with the gravy lacked any seasoning whatsoever. Notice the pepper that I added in the picture. The eggs were well prepared and the shining star this morning. Even the tea was weak and very bland. I will pass on Victoria's from now on.

Was in the area for an appointment and was craving some homemade breakfast. Came upon this quaint,…read moreretro, old school diner that should be frozen in time when neighbors and communities come together and share a hearty meal to start their day. You can tell that regulars frequent here, and enjoy the classic comforts of Americana breakfast and lunch fare. Coffee was not very hot, and eggs were a bit crispier than I hoped, but this brother and sister duo that runs the joint knows how to serve a meal with the freshest ingredients, and fluffiest pancakes. Must make mention that the potatoes are freshly cut, never frozen, and the breakfast sausage patties are made by hand, you can tell that love and effort were put into them. Friendly, and welcoming and will be sure to stop again if I ever have the chance.

Today I was adventurous and tried the Country Fried Steak…read more Really good choice, it has a lemon flavor on the gravy which was good. I'm a regular on Sundays but tried it Saturday Usually good service but today the male waiter was especially helpful. Coffee was never empty, he was asking before I had too. Saturday has a little more traffic than Sunday early morning but it did not take away from the coziness of the restaurant. Mood was actually more upbeat with all the chatter.

Dunk Donuts is a neighborhood staple. They have been around for years and have some of the best…read moredonuts! I always receive good customer service when I visit. They have donuts, apple fritters, strudel, cookies, turnovers and even muffins. I always get a few donuts and muffins when I stop by. Everything is made fresh, on-site daily. Its best to go early while there is more of a selection because by the late afternoon, many items are gone. It is definitely a great spot to check out.

Melrose Park, Il Mannheim Rd…read more Service is terrible. On time I arrived for a XL Ice coffee. They ran out. The following week, ran out of XL cups,the week after around 6.30pm they could not break a $20 dollar bill with my purchase. Shut it down

Excelente servicio nos brindó Milliana! La comida también fue excelente! Recomiendo este lugar.read more

Had breakfast one time and my breakfast came to me cold , butter wo even melt the butter on my…read morepancakes it's as if they fixed it and just left it by the time it got to me everything was cold I will never eat there again

Call at 6:45 to place a order for pick up they do not take any pickup orders past 3 PM. This should…read morebe posted on their Yelp and maps ad. When I asked what time they close, they said between 730 and 8 o'clock. I enjoy eating at original Pete's I won't be ordering Pete's 2 again shamefully considering they are minutes away from my home.

Have been in twice. First their famous burger then an Italian beef dipped hot. It was a decent chew…read morebut their beef lacked a lot of flavor. Employees are helpful and keep the dining room clean. I was expecting more.