True blue diner. Great food, fun shakes and above average service. The menu was awesome. So many…read morethings to try and we did.

If you're looking for a true Chicago neighborhood gem, Stella's Diner in Lakeview is it. Walking…read morein, you immediately feel the history and warmth of a family owned spot that's been around since the 60s. The staff treats you like you've been coming there forever and they're friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The menu is exactly what you want in a diner: classic breakfast served all day, plus comfort food favorites that taste homemade. I also love that they offer lighter, healthier options, so you don't have to feel guilty if you're not in full "diner mode." Prices are super reasonable for the portions you get, especially in the city. Whether you're stopping in for a quick coffee and eggs, a big family meal, or grabbing takeout through delivery, the quality is always consistent. Stella's has that rare mix of nostalgia and neighborhood charm........ Definitely a must if you're in Lakeview East and want a taste of Chicago comfort.

I haven't been here in a couple years & it was just as good as I remember it. The black bean burger…read morewas delicious. Sweet potato fries were thin & crispy. Came with a pickle. So many yummy veggies & the bun was perfect. My friend loved her vegan Mac & cheese. Also, the cookie dough shake was amazing. A little pricy at $9. Super friendly service. Cute, clean place. The whole menu is vegan & vegetarian options. Lots of comfort foods. It's like heaven for people with limited choices at other places. I can't wait to come back.

After the terrible experience I just had trying to order at a restaurant I was nervous. They were…read morelike a breath of fresh air. Friendly, willing to put through brunch menu orders a few minutes before the end and just welcoming. I've often gone to get takeout here because they have so much food I have to get it for home! I nearly always get a drink while I wait. They make great cocktails and their shakes are to die for. Never a bad experience here. I even enjoy watching the vintage movies from my childhood on old VHS tapes!

I finally waited in line to try Lou Mitchell's, a true Chicago classic that's been around for…read moreyears, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. One thing that really stood out is that everything is made from scratch, from the bread to the jam, which gives the whole experience a homemade, comforting feel. The portions are very generous, so you're definitely getting your money's worth. On top of that, the service was friendly and impressively quick despite how busy it was. That said, the pancakes personally weren't my favorite. They weren't bad, just not something I'd go back specifically for. Overall, it's a solid spot with great service and quality food. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu next time.

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.

This place is ope 24/7 and always seemed packed at night especially on the weekends. Finally got a…read morechance to try it and I can see why. Food was solid. Burrito was cooked fast and a lot of steak on the inside. Very tasty and came with a good sauce. Monte cristo was alright a little soggy but the taste was the there. Service was great, small staff but they were nice and efficient. Not a lot of seating but it is clean and smells good. A good late night spot.

Had a really good experience at Diner Grill. It's one of those classic late-night diner spots that…read morejust hits when you want something greasy in the best way. I came in the middle of the night and that whole breakfast-for-dinner vibe hit the spot. Parking is street only, but it was easy. Seating felt a bit limited(12 or so seating across the grill) since it's colder out, but I'd definitely come back to check out their patio when the weather's nicer. The staff was super helpful with recommendations. I ended up getting the southern omelette, corned beef skillet, hot cocoa, and a short stack -- and yeah, those pancakes are a must. Everything came out hot and satisfying, perfect late-night comfort food. Perfect spot for late-night eats or when you're craving something simple and filling. I'd go back for sure.

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.

Very nostalgic diner! It is a seat yourself situation and cash only. They do have an ATM available…read moreto take out cash if needed. The menu was what you'd expect from a diner. The French toast and pancakes were so flavorful. The hashbrowns left something to be desired. Eggs were a tad overcooked. Bacon was really good! All in all a nice little spot! The staff was very friendly as well.

dada was chill, he was tweeting n stuff but like it's tea. the food wasn't that good i had the…read moreburger n fries n my soda was flat. the service was mid they were rude per usual but they did their jobs so

Lived in Nashville area for 30 years after leaving Chicago. This was my favorite place to eat on my…read morebirthday. Different location but still doesn't disappoint! Only thing I have yet to find is the sign that says "wipe your feet before you leave, keep Chicago clean". Admittedly that was my favorite part. Still good food and good fun.

I love coming here! This time I went on a Friday around 5pm and there was plenty of seating. The…read moreplace can get packed with barely room to move, so I prefer going at a time where it's not so busy. I always love the atmosphere at the Chicago Diner; it's so fun and I appreciate the diversity. Instead of getting an entrée, I decided on a few vegan side dishes including the barbecuing, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy. The food looked so good that I took a few bites before I remembered to take photos. Their wings are my favorite! Our server was fabulous! I will definitely return again, and highly recommend the diner to others!

Always my go to in Chicago as they have an outstanding Vegan Ruben sandwich that I've been enjoying…read morewith every trip to Chicago. The owner is super friendly and went to school at KU University in Lawrence KS which is a 45 minute drive from Kansas City, my home. I enjoy this Midwest City, always have great conversations and friendly people to help when lost.

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

Went to Sam & George's for breakfast on a Sunday morning and the experience was a bit…read moreunderwhelming. The wait was long, which is understandable for a popular brunch spot, but once seated we were placed right next to the kitchen where it felt very hectic. The wait staff seemed a bit short with us, possibly due to how busy it was. I ordered the Gypsy skillet and it was just alright, it had a bit of a greasy taste that took away from the overall flavor.

so glad we tried this place! we actually only waited about 15 mins to get seated at the bar on a…read morewednesday night around 7pm. we came here for my boyfriends birthday and we were so happy we chose to celebrate here. the two people that helped us was antonio and issa and they made the experience 10x better. they were very attentive and friendly and just easy to talk to. gave us good recommendations and good vibes. we both really liked our drinks and were happy with the spread the food came out. we got to eat the bone marrow first which also came with this really good sauce it was almost like a meat jam but was so good on the bread and then put some of the bone marrow on for the perfect bite. now the burger, you just have to try it because it really is that good. the sauce in it was so good and it just had a really good flavor. it was just an elevated burger. we got fries as well and we shared the burger so it we were really full after. the server brought out ice cream with a candle and some sort of chocolate sauce too which just made the overall experience. we were really happy with the service and food and it just made my bfs bday that much more special and memorable.

Despite all the hype, it's really an average smash burger. This is a place that has capitalized on…read moresocial media hype and people wanting to say they've been here and thus are cool and trendy. But it is seriously just a greasy smash burger. Their fries are good, and actually stand out more than the burger. Everything is overpriced. I don't know why people complain about the wait; do some research like a responsible adult. I never just walk into a place and expect to be immediately seated, I call first - like anyone who has some sense. If they tell you the wait is 2 hours and you have 2 hours to kill, there are a bunch of bars in the area where you can have some drinks and an appetizer (and not feel like you're stiffing Au Cheval; they're the ones with the 2 hour wait, what do they expect people to do?) Not much to say about the decor or ambience; it's a typically loud West Loop bar with mostly 20 - 30 somethings all trying to one-up each other with their trendiness that instead makes them all basically clones of each other. It is crowded, and you're a moron if you think any place like this is suitable for your 5 year old. That's not the restaurant's fault - it's not Chuck E Cheese. Often I wish Yelp offered a 1/2 star option, because there are places that are a 4.5 or a 3.5. Not in this case. 3 stars is spot-on.

The atmosphere of this place feels comforting and home like. The food is outstanding. I got the…read moreenchiladas. They're so good, the staff is all so nice and our server made us feel so welcome like we're at home and family. This place is a 10/10 and I will definitely recommend this to anyone. I will be back here for sure!

You can't get good Mexican food in Chic....wait a minute !! Yes you can ! We stopped by this…read moreadorable little diner today and was greeted by the sweetest lady who introduced herself as the owner ! She kindly greeted this Houstonian and brought us some delicious coffee! A funny and very courteous gentleman took or order and continued to provide great chatter ! Then he brought out my "small" bowl of menudo -which wasn't that small and loaded with hominy and tripe! The taste before I made it my own was delightful! I tend to over do it with the limes and onions but even without it was nom nom ! The asada taco meat was seasoned so deliciously! The flour tortillas seemed to melt in my mouth! My friend ordered the chilaquiles and the order was HUGE! So she gave me like a quarter of it and the homemade chips and meat were amazing !! Even the sweet cook came and chatted and was so kind and we thanked her for a delicious meal !! I go home tomorrow but not before we stop here for another meal!