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    Stella's Diner

    4.0 (911 reviews)
    ModerateDiners, American
    Open 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Stella's Diner Photos

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    STELLA'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Stella's Diner

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    Reviews With Photos

    Scrambled Eggs and Toast
    Lydia W.

    Always a good time here!! Just wanted to add some more pics of food from my last visit in.

    Berry french toast
    Megan K.

    My go-to diner in lakeview! They have everything a diner can offer, and they don't use too much grease in their cooking. The ingredients are always fresh and their menu can accommodate many different tastes. It is always busy, but with the attentive service a table will usually open within 20 minutes of arrival. Sometimes it does take a while for someone to pour us water after sitting down as it does get so busy, but the food is amazing and it is a nice local spot.

    Spinach Spinwheels
    Jazmine P.

    Good food, great service! They had all the components of a good local diner. a full menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, drinks, apps, desserts, and malts/shakes! YUM!!! The diner was nicely decorated and felt very homey, family business for sure.

    Sarah P.

    Very traditional diner. Was pretty busy for a Sunday morning but the skillet I got came out fast, was delicious and I finished the whole plate! Service was kind. This was a classic experience and would come again.

    French Toast
    Diana M.

    A nice simple diner with fast service. My friend and I didn't have to wait at all when we came in on Saturday for brunch. Their French toast combo was solid and I have no complaints here!

    Buffalo Chicken Salad (Grilled Chicken)
    Nate T.

    I love Stella's. I used to eat here on a weekly basis when I lived nearby. The service is always top notch, the food is delicious and the restaurant's atmosphere is great. Today I stopped in for lunch and got the buffalo chicken salad. It was served within 10 minutes and had a very generous helping of chicken. The others in my party got breakfast dishes (one omelette and the other scrambled eggs) and the portions were huge and looked delicious. Additionally, the waitress came by several times to ensure our waters were full and ask if we needed anything. Overall, great dining experience. I can't recommend Stella's highly enough.

    Dean Q.

    Closer to 3.5 stars than 3 but nonetheless felt like pretty typical diner fare. Prices are pretty competitive and I did really enjoy the bustling ambiance here. I ordered the country style Benedict and my wife got the spinach/feta omelette. The Benny was okay; eggs were a bit overdone so not as runny as I would like. The sausage gravy was watery and overall didn't really impart a ton of flavor. Which is a shame because the hash browns are basically devoid of seasoning. The best part was definitely the generous helping of country style ham, which had great texture and brought the smokiness and savoriness this dish needed. I tried the omelette but also felt pretty meh about it; had to jazz it up with a lot of hot sauce. I would probably come back and try some other items but paying your bill also annoyed us as you pay on a Square reader so you don't get a physical copy of your bill till after. We didn't know there was a service charge and then the tip was calculated post-tax and post-service charge so the total ended up being inconceivably high for two entrees and coffee. I might come back to try the egg skillets but otherwise would rather try other diners.

    Shayan P.

    High quality ingredients, delicious, good dining experience, kind waiters, and welcoming atmosphere.

    Smoked Lox and Onion Omelet
    Kayla D.

    Stella's is your classic American diner in the heart of Chicago. The service was fast, efficient, and attentive. Great bang for your buck! The food was great and large portions were served. The server offered us an iced coffee to go - a rarity these days. Overall, very satisfied with the quality of food and service - we will absolutely be coming back.

    Christina H.

    Stella's Diner truly screams old school diner. I went there this morning for the first time and thought it was a great breakfast experience. The service was incredible and attentive. The food is your typical breakfast skillet- nothing ground breaking but still delicious. Portion sizes were also pretty good. I wish Yelp allowed 0.5 ratings because I'd give them a 3.5/5 because they were good but nothing about it stood out to where I'd go again. Would still recommend checking them out if you're in the lakeview east area!

    Menu
    Eric G.

    Stella's is a gem. Wonderful service and food is very good. This diner has many things on the menu and you should be set as far as choices...they have full menu all day. Everything from breakfast to supper, eggs and bacon, breakfast skillet, burgers..1/2 pound burgers mind you. They have steak, they have salads and soups, pies, cakes!! Like I said, lots to choose from. Prices are very good...located in a nice area. My score is a B+

    Butterfinger Shake
    Melanie B.

    This place is old and worn, but gives you a real sense of nostalgia. A true Chicago diner. Filled with regulars dressed in well worn Bears attire talking sports and many young adults looking like they're nursing hangovers. lol I listened in on glassy eyed college kids talking about their Bumble hookups while I ate my breakfast. It seemed fitting. Lol The menu is very old school. Skillets, omelettes, hash browns etc.. You're not going to get trendy menu options, but that's not meant as a negative. I enjoy old diners sometimes. You can schlep in in your sweats and not feel the need to impress. I had a chorizo skillet. Didn't love the jarred jalapeños, but the chorizo wasn't overly greasy which was a win by itself. -I've had some really greasy ones in other diners. Service was good. Friendly. I'd never go out of my way to eat here, but if I lived in the neighborhood I might show up if I wanted a very casual sit-down breakfast. Grabbed a Butterfinger shake on my way out. It was the kind you can easily drink (eat?) with a straw. Not my favorite consistency for a shake, but since I ate it on the drive home, it was kinda perfect.

    Vegetarian Omelet

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    14 days ago

    Most delicious cheeseburger with bacon egg and cheese. J so juicy I could have eaten another one

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    2 years ago

    Decent diner experience in Lakeview. Good service, they seat you quickly and food comes out fast.

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    Page 1 of 23

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    Lou Mitchell's

    Lou Mitchell's

    3.9
    (1.3k reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    Lou Mitchell's is one of those classic Chicago spots that feels like stepping back in time. We…read morearrived around 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday and were greeted by a pretty long line, but it moved efficiently and we were seated within about 30 minutes. They were a bit short-staffed that morning, so service was slower than usual, but we weren't in a hurry and the staff remained friendly throughout. I ordered the daily special French toast, added fruit and pecans, plus a side of bacon. The French toast was absolutely massive and could easily be shared. My only complaint was the $3.75 charge for pecans, which felt a little steep for the amount included. Overall, the food was good, the diner atmosphere was exactly what I was hoping for, and there's something special about dining in such a historic Chicago institution. If you're visiting the city and don't mind a bit of a wait, Lou Mitchell's is worth experiencing at least once.

    It was... outdated. Could use a good remodel. Maybe VINTAGE is a kinder word. And I know they got…read morethe money to do it cuz... my husband ordered a skillet (and upgraded to pancakes) and I got an omelette (which needed to be sent back cuz it was still runny on the inside). We ordered a coffee and a Diet Coke. Our bill was OVER $70. SEVENTY dollars. I always say I believe in paying good money for good food but the juice just wasn't worth the squeeze. And this is on top of the city parking you have to pay to eat there. It's just craziness. I will say that the toast was pretty delicious. The server was nice enough. The bathrooms were downstairs and needed attention.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Grilled Thick French Toast
    Grilled Thick French Toast
    Old comics

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    Old comics
    Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House

    Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House

    4.1
    (351 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $

    My husband and I recently visited for breakfast, and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was so…read morecute and charming, and as a Shameless fan, it was especially fun knowing this was the spot where Fiona worked on the show. Everything we ordered was delicious. I had the corned beef hash, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, while my husband ordered the Mexican omelet with taco meat, and he couldn't stop talking about how good it was. We also enjoyed an iced coffee and a chocolate shake, both of which were fantastic. Of course, we couldn't resist trying a few extras, so we ordered the chocolate-covered pancakes and potato pancakes for the table. Both were incredible and the perfect addition to our meal. Between the delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service, this was such a great experience. We will definitely be back the next time we're craving an amazing breakfast or brunch. Highly recommend!

    You want to know what's really cool about Golden House Restaurant and Pancake House? The condition…read moreof the vinyl! I would assume a place where the newest thing since the 1980s is the security camera would have vinyl with more cracks and patina than my trusty old leather jacket! But no, it's in fantastic shape. Especially given that, the vibe in here is awesome! It's like stepping through a time-portal. For food, I ordered an old favorite: Pigs in Blankets. The food came out fast, though, to be fair, there was only one other person dining in at the time. The sausage links were crisp, and the pancakes were lightly sweet and fluffy. All in all, great! While perhaps not enough to summon the Michelin Guide inspectors, it was better than the average greasy spoon. Finally, I really appreciate that the prices are reasonable, and that there is parking! Final verdict: I've had a small handful of spectacular breakfasts. I've also had criminal breakfasts, where two unsalted eggs, two bacon strips, and a tablespoon of potatoes costs $14.95. Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House finds itself in that sweet spot in between - it is neither a spectacular spot (often have prices to boot), nor is it an overpriced, underwhelming greasy spoon that stays in business thanks to regulars who have been coming for decades and don't want anything better.

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    Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House
    1-1-1-1 Special @ Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House. Chicago, IL  Breakfast Lunch Brunch . UPTOWN Legend . Cool!
    1-1-1-1 Special @ Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House. Chicago, IL Breakfast Lunch Brunch . UPTOWN Legend . Cool!
    Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House. 4744 N Broadway, Chicago, IL  Breakfast Lunch Brunch . UPTOWN Legend . Cool!

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    Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House. 4744 N Broadway, Chicago, IL Breakfast Lunch Brunch . UPTOWN Legend . Cool!
    Sam & George's

    Sam & George's

    4.2
    (613 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Tied for my favorite diner in America only with my childhood diner in MA…read more S&G's family friendly environment is why I will always come back. Frances and another amazing woman (I caught her name but I am now forgetting, sorry!) always greet my kids with a smile and conversation. The entire staff is incredibly kind especially Mimi. A quick story: my toddler was getting restless and I do my best to respect other patrons so I took him outside briefly. When we came back he was still restless but Frances walked him behind the bar and got him some additional coloring books. They are incredibly busy but they will go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. The food is awesome as well. So many great options and it's quick to your table but not rushed. And even if you don't have kids, this is a great spot. I can't recommend Sam & George's enough Easily my favorite diner because of the people!

    Food: 4.0/5. Ambiance & Service: 4.8/5…read more "Just good food," as their slogan promises - and they deliver. I always order the Denver omelet, and it's consistently prepared the way I like it. Nothing on the menu is especially show-stopping, but the food is reliably solid, classic diner fare. What truly makes S&G one of my favorites is the diner itself. It's a warm, family-run spot with the same familiar faces behind the counter, and you can feel how deeply rooted it is in the community. It's probably the most community-connected restaurant I know in Chicago

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    Sam & George's
    Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    Outside

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    Outside
    Au Cheval

    Au Cheval

    4.4
    (9.5k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    Wow! So happy I finally got to come here. They have recently started accepting some reservations…read moreand I was lucky enough to get one. I understand why they are famous for their burgers. I had the single cheeseburger and it lived up to the hype. I learned that the single burger is actually a double and the double is actually a triple. I was recommended to add an egg and bacon to the burger and I'm glad I did. Each bite was a glorious burst of flavor. The bacon is epic. Thick juicy slices. The cheeseburger was perfect. I didn't need additional condiments and that never happens for me. The fries were good too and came with a delicious aioli. For beverages, I loved my Arnold Palmer. I also tried a cocktail--the Long Island Iced Coffee. It was pretty strong. I added a shot of bourbon cream to it and that sweetened it up and made it perfect for me. Unfortunately, I didn't have room for dessert. Cute restaurant. Cozy inside. They have an outdoor patio as well. If you don't have a reservation, be prepared to wait. Excellent food. Excellent service. Jennifer took great care of me and made great suggestions. It's pricy but it's worth it.

    Often recognized as having the most recognizable and hyped burger in Chicago, Au Cheval is a…read moreGilded-Age inspired diner (opening in 2012), serving up thick freshly made burgers along with a good selection of drinks. The process of getting seated through a busy period, and the service throughout was excellent. But as often happens with me, the food didn't live up to the hype. My wife and I were picking up my brother and his son from O'Hare at around 10 am on a Saturday. We had dinner plans with our uncle, but had not planned anything in between. The flight came in on time, and once confirmed we all had the time, my brother suggested going to Chicago to try Au Cheval. He knew about their location LV, but none of us had tried their original location in Chicago. So we drove into Chicago, arriving at the restaurant at 11 (it opens at 10am). There was a check-in stand set-up outside, where someone was taking names/phone numbers to put on the waiting list. We were quoted a 45 minute wait, and got the text to hurry back after about 30 minutes. There was a line to put your name down on the list, so we skipped that by going right in. The friendly hostess seated us in a booth, with a nice view of the kitchen where they were making the burgers in mass. The waitress explained that a single burger meant two patties (each patty is 4 oz, so basically a half pound burger), and a double meaning three. My brother and his son both ordered a double cheeseburger ($19.99 each), and I got a single with added sunny side up egg ($21.48). I wanted my wife to be able to take a bite, so asked for everything to be on the side (sauce, dill pickle slices, and grilled onion bits). We also ordered french fries ($8.99), cooked in duck fat. In the meanwhile, followed a fellow yelpers suggestion and got two Allagash Whites ($9 each) for me and my nephew. It's a really good beer that I've had many times during happy hour, and goes great with rich, greasy food. My wife got something else: the General Janes Chicken, which is their version of Korean Fried Chicken ($24.98). She enjoyed it (the coating was still crispy, and the sauce had that pronounced kochujang flavor that we like). Everything is a la carte here (except for the complementary pickle spear with burgers), so she shared in the ordered fries. Food came out together and was served hot. There is a mandatory 3.25% surcharge, and payment is taken at the table. As mentioned, service was excellent throughout. To be honest, I'm not the right person to judge a burger like this (I like it backyard style, with a lot of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles...and mayo/ketchup). But my brother and nephew are (they have tried many, many burgers all across the world, and don't like too much toppings on their burger), and they said the burger was just OK for them. I liked the frites (cooked in duck fat)...very light in color, but still crispy on the outside. However, nobody else really ate them, saying they weren't great. It's unusual for me to be the least critical after dining, but I'm sure it had something to do with the observation that I didn't have to pay for it (since it was my brother's treat).

    Photos
    The cooks were very attentive!
    The cooks were very attentive!
    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash
    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash
    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

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    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)
    Eleven City Diner

    Eleven City Diner

    3.6
    (2.5k reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    This is one kitschy diner and we love it! There's definitely a cozy 50's diner vibe to this…read morerestaurant, just without the attitude of an Ed Debevic's. The servers we've had were all wonderful and knowledgeable. We've had the pastrami and corned beef sandwich and, warning, the serving sizes are insane, so sharing is highly recommended. The sandwich was amazing with just the right amount of fat in the meat, the right warmth, and incredible flavor. We also shared the beef tallow fries, which are not to be missed. The spicy ketchup, which is an extra charge is good but can be skipped. The next time we got breakfast and the corned beef has was nearly all meat and wonderfully greasy and filling. The roasted potatoes were so incredibly crispy and perfect! We've had their home brewed bottomless root beer and that is absolutely worth the money to order!

    Late review. Came in yet again for a husband bday / Mother's Day lunch. My husband again got the…read moreclub. I got the turkey melt. The melt was fabulous. They grill the bread perfectly. I had to eat with a knife and a fork. It also reheats well (in the oven). It's an extraordinarily busy place but they are kind and efficient. Once you are seated you don't feel rushed. I wish we can come more often.

    Photos
    Chicago best Milk Shake
    Chicago best Milk Shake
    Chicagos best turkey burger. 100% white breast off the bone , use the bones to enrich our chicken soup
    Chicagos best turkey burger. 100% white breast off the bone , use the bones to enrich our chicken soup
    Chicagos best all day breakfast

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    Chicagos best all day breakfast

    Stella's Diner - diners - Updated June 2026

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