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Diner Grill
Category: Restaurants Diners Diners [Edit]
1635 W Irving Park Rd(between Ashland Ave & Marshfield Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 248-2030
- Nearest Transit:
-
Irving Park-Brown (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
137 reviews for Diner Grill
Review Highlights
"Three words: Ken, Slinger, Awesome."
(in 65 reviews)
"I got an omelet and some hash browns, and man oh man."
(in 26 reviews)
"Diner Grill is greasy spoon perfection."
(in 13 reviews)
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137 reviews in English
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Review from Marvin A.
1/11/2012 4 Check-ins Here
This place is exactly what it says it is "Diner Grill". The good 'ol flat top grill diner. If anyone knows anything about flat top grill diners, they will know these places are very receptive to the regulars/locals and the blue collar crowd. If you're not privy to some grease, you know to put some meat on those bones, then you are not setting realistic expectations when entering this place.
Don't expect being coddled here, this isn't a Denny's. If you're used to those off the beaten path diners that are ubiquitous with road trips and most southern diners, then welcome home!
The best way to grade a diner (or any chef for that matter) like this is to ask them to make eggs. Have them make sunny side up, over easy, over medium, and over hard. You can do this at one sitting or multiple trips. In my experience, my eggs in each instance have come out perfectly, so here's to a perfect score. -
Review from Mike A.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2011
Wow what a great little find I have drove past this place many times and never stopped in. We'll there is a first time for everything. My buddy and were leaving a local bar down the street and I was hungry as all hell and told him let's grab a bite to eat at this dive. We found some parking in the front which was not to hard to do at this late hour of the night. Walked into what looked like a old train car at one time or a trailer home. The place was brightly lit up and not very crowded which was a plus because there were not many seats in the place to start off with. So we flopped our ass at the counter and looked over what they had to eat. From looking at the grill I knew this was going to be another butter pit were everything was caked in butter for flavoring. I was wrong about that. My friend ordered a bowl of chili and a double burger and fries. I ordered some dish called the Slinger which consisted of the following toppings.
A plate full of hash browns, Covered with Chili and onions with cheese, a hamburger pattie and two sunny side up egg's.
I was told if I could eat it all It would be free. Well I tried my best to eat it all there is just to much food there for one man to consume with a gut full of beer to go with it.
The dish as awful as it sounds was pretty damn good with a little hot sauce it was even better. I don't think we will see Rachael Ray showing how too make this anytime soon it was real good. My buddy said he really enjoyed the chili and his couple burger.
I can tell you one thing I came away with from that night was a toilet bowl ring around me ass for the next 2 day's. I might have even lost a few pounds from eating this meal. I give them 4 stars for having a very friendly cook and making a great middle of the night meal for 2 under the influence idiots. -
Review from Rosemary G.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2011
Wow. The Diner Grill is more then a neighborhood diner...more then a late night greasy spoon..the Diner Grill is an experience.
My first experience eating at the diner occurred on a Saturday night after a Charlie Sheen drinking binge. Hungry and incapable of making rational decisions, I stumbled into the diner. After constructing a playlist on the Juke Box (selections included everything from Animal Collective to Prince), I proceeded to the counter where I was greeted by Kenny.
Kenny is an older gentleman who seems to live in the Diner. Watching Kenny cook is like watching an audition for the Royal Ballet. Everything is so effortless and fluid. In one swift motion, fries are tossed into the deep fryer, a pork chop is laid upon the griddle, and eggs are cracked, shells tossed.
So I asked Kenny for an egg sandwich. I then proceeded to lay my head upon the counter and moan in drunken agony. Kenny interrupted me to ask if I wanted cheese on my sandwich. I replied with some long, exaggerated story about my love of dairy products. After hearing my response, he winked and finished up my dish. I actually don't recall eating the sandwich. I think most of it ended up in my hair, on my lap, and on the counter.
THE POINT IS, the Diner served me well in my time of need. Thanks to Kenny (and the egg sandwich) I awoke at 7am that morning, ran 10 miles, and wrote a novel.
So the next time, you find yourself painfully drunk, questionably hungry, and somewhat lost...stop in the Diner..you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Calvin B.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
Seriously amazing...the cook's (Kenny and Fernando) are fast at taking orders, cooking and are very funny! I've gotta order a "Slinger" every time I'm in! The best after party spot in Lakeview! =) There's also a juke box if you'd like to keep the party going! Definitely go in and check it out!
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Review from Johnny M.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
Go here when it's late. Go here when your drunk. Be respectful.
It's an amazing little place that never closes. The operation is run by a one man spectacular, who handles all the of the orders right in front of your dazzled eyes. The food is cheap and delicious.
When you're unsuccessful at finding someone to take home. Diner Grill will fill the void with a good time and good food.
She said she had to go find her friends. I got breakfast, then I chased it with a burger. And I didn't have to wrap anything up. I might be in love with this place. -
Review from kourtney l.
Chicago, IL
6/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Want to know how to avoid a raging hangover? Eat something before you go to bed, drink some water and walk home instead of taking a cab. The first two are old standards but trust, the walking is what will save you.
Diner Grill fills the "eat something" requirement of hangover prevention. They're always open, will have a plate of eggs and hash browns mere minutes after you order it and won't cost you much more than a couple of beers. Can you really ask for more at 3 a.m.? I know I can't.
Ps, you're welcome about the tip to walk home. Try it, you can thank me later. -
Review from Matt S.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2011
Diners are my thing. I had heard about this place because of a particular item: the Slinger. This is a plate of hash browns with two cheeseburger patties, two fried eggs, all smothered with chili. Bread and butter is also included. The Slinger will set you back $10 but everything else is pretty reasonably priced. Any other meal probably won't cost you more than $10. Menu is fairly extensive too. Service is super fast.
The inside is pretty small. You eat at the counter which seats about 15 people. They cook everything right in front of you. If you really wanted to, you could probably reach out and touch the kitchen. Two cooks are usually working and they're pretty friendly with everyone. It makes for a nice little atmosphere because everyone can chat with one another. I'd definitely come back in the future. -
Review from Tony c.
IL
12/11/2011
Well it was a cold night about 11.59. I was sitting in a corner in my bedroom with tears in my eyes and a glass of juicy juice grape flavor YUMMMM . I Had a really bad case of gas not sure if it was from the burrito I had or maybe the meatloaf that was a week old. I though to myself hmmm what can I do i need FOOD in my belly. I got my winnie the poo sneakers on and my mr rogers glothes and my underoos on. I love my velcro shoes i even criss cross them if i want to be naughty. So i got out the door. I found this place with bright lights THE Diner it was calling my name. I went in there and met a guy BOSDAR. What a man when i came in he was snorting and chopping ham up and kept yelling more and was laughing like a mad man. I said Sir can i please have a egg and some juice grape if you have it. He gave me the stink eye and said TRY THE HAMM BOY!!!!!!!. I did what the man said. The ham was thick and even could taste the juice squirting out. The egg was big and yellow. I paid my tab and walked in the cold air through dark alleys and people yelling from the bars. Im still scared ohhh what did i Just eat.
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Review from Payton J.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2011
I laughed when I read some of the reviews about the food in this place. First off.... Realize you're about to embark on a culinary journey that takes place in a trailer!!!!!! If you're expecting edible roses and foie gras then you've come to the wrong spot.
Yes.... They pick up your raw beef patty, wipe their hands on their stank apron then touch your pickles. I wouldn't have it any other way. News flash.... When the line is around the corner and there is 15 orders hanging the cook is not going to spend a minute washing up his grubbers. This is at ANY establishment. Just because you can see the kitchen doesn't make it worse then others.... Just means you have never worked in a real kitchen before.
Decent food at a decent price being served around the clock. If you don't like the sanitation practices do me a favor and make the line shorter!!!! -
Review from Matt M.
5/5/2011
I have to give the late-night chef credit where credit is due. He's a very real type of guy. Walking in, he was watching the cubs game and the grill rearing and ready to go.
There are clearly regulars at his place. So head up.
The food was fine, it was nothing to write home about. It was standard diner fare and just fine by me.
What really piqued my interest was my bill. You see the old-school board with the prices, but my bill was significantly higher than I anticipated. I'm pretty good at mental math and it just did not make any sense.
That being said be sure to look for the large air duct that makes the back end of the place sound like you sitting next to a loud furnace, the speed of food preparation, and the creepy neighbors that stare out the window relentlessly at passers-by. Enjoy! -
Review from jay s.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm sure this is a place that, if you grew up with it, would carry great sentimental value. For out of towners like me I will clarify: Diner Grill is an old style lunch counter with a slew of hamburger shack classics. However as a visitor, I have to say meh because the fries were over salty and the rib eye sandwich had no excuse to be on bread. My husband was wrestling the thing attempting to eat it on the bun. It might as well have been on a stick!
The enjoyment of joining other revelers @ 5 am is not lost on me though. So for an after bar nosh it's got 3 stars. -
Review from Neil R.
This 24 hour diner spot will take you back in time and probably to the bathroom later. Totally worth it for both. Only been there once during normal dinner hours (can't count the times between 1AM -4AM) and the service is still great. Ask about items that aren't actually listed on the menu. The "Super Slinger" isn't up there, but is definitely a drunk challenge and great for hangover removal. Highly recommend if you want great breakfast/drunk/break up food. Not much seating inside so don't plan to take a first date.
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Review from Christopher D.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2011
Ah, the Diner Grill--or Dinner Grill, depending on which side of the building you read.
My senior year in high school, my English teacher recommended this place to my friends and me. When you're in high school and an English teacher with full tattoo sleeves who plays in a hardcore punk band under the name G. Haad gives you a restaurant recommendation, you go.
Of course, we went for the slinger, but we kept coming back for more and eventually realized everything on the menu is damn good. Try the pancakes, especially after someone else has just ordered bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Some people have complained about the service, but Kenny and Fernando are great guys. If you're bothered by crudeness, this is not the place for you.
Don't go during the day. It just feels...wrong. -
Review from Sean L.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went and got a slinger which was excellent, but the service was piss poor. I asked the guy about the slinger challenge and he didn't even acknowledge that I had asked him a question. All in all I probably won't return to this location unless I am completely desperate for food.
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Review from Julie H.
Chicago, IL
10/8/2011
I love so many things about this place. I love the circa 1978 color tv in the corner stuck on channel 83, which is the Home Shopping Channel for the Hindi community. I love that everything is cooked right before your eyes. I love that the chefs here wear professional whites and paper hats. I love how at 3am there is often a wait for a seat. No tables here, only seats at the counter. I love that facing this establishment from the east the sign says "Diner" and when you face it from the North it says "Dinner". The eggs, hash browns, and corned beef hash here are fabulous. Absolutely fabulous!!
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Review from Tory C.
Chicago, IL
9/15/2011
Me and my boyfriend are completely diner obsessed and this is the diner to top all diners.
The perfect traditional diner atmosphere: open 24 hours, only a counter to eat at, no menus except the one on the wall, food cooked in front of you, fast, delicious, just perfect!
My boyfriend swears they have the best burgers he's ever had in his life, but I have yet to try them, because they have the best pancakes I've ever had in my life.
If you're not a diner fan or want to have someone waiting on you at a table, this won't be the place for you, but if you want affordable quick delicious food, you can't go wrong with the Diner Grill. -
Review from Meghan P.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2011
I don't think I would ever in a million years give this place more than 3 stars from looking at the outside. Nor would I give it three starts for the quality of food, but it earns its more than 2 star diner review because of my experience.
Admittedly, I went here after hours as in after 4 am bars close... So needless to say I NEEDED this. Not only was it the perfect greasy food. I was also given a hot cake that would turn heads in boys town even though this is definitely your average dive in ravenswood/uptown.
Go experience the best diner car experience in Chicago. -
Review from Courtney W.
Chicago, IL
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I only eat here after quite a long night of drinking but I have never been disappointed. People literally throw down for seats at the little counter. I have waited half an hour for such a coveted seat. It is quite amazing to watch a bunch of drunk people being diplomatic about who gets what seat. The two men behind the counter know whats up and can handle the entire counter all by themselves, my hat goes off to you. I always order a slinger because at that point in the night, I don't care about calories or grams of fat. What is a slinger? Two hamburger patties on top of hash browns, two slices of American cheese, two runny eggs, all covered in chili. You also get toast even though I have never been able to finish everything. My boyfriend loves the corned beef hash and everything is pretty reasonably priced. If you enjoy drinking in the city, this place should be on your list of grub spots.
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Review from Dan G.
4/6/2011
This is diner food! Don't expect more or less. Decent burgers, great breakfast, a show! There is something about watching someone cook up 15 orders at once that blows me away and keeps me coming back. Always open and a great stop after having some beers at the Ten Cat or The Longroom. The guys cooking are always friendly and you never know if a dance party may ensue when the jukebox is on. Good chili to that goes even better with fries. I have yet to try the infamous Slinger, but I have seen it prepared and it looks like ambrosia. Hyperbole, maybe.
So don't go here and expect something mind-blowing. This is simple food cooked correctly and served fast and fresh. -
Review from Nick C.
Hinsdale, IL
9/22/2011
Had the Slinger. It was amazing. $11, but worth it.
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Review from Phillip Y.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2011
Man... oh man....
When I lived in wrigleyville.. this was my go to spot! 3 am.. hungry.. boom.. 3 minute drive and that was settled...
I've only been to this place between 3-6 am.. so I don't know about no line.. or any of that... but you do occasionally have a group of drunk assssssssssss people coming in screaming and stumbling.. but hey what do you expect at that time in that area...
dude there always took care of me.. ignoring the missing teeth and grimy looking apron/chef jacket.. dudes legit.. a REAL diner feel.. I went back after like 3 years of absence and he still remembered me!
I'm not too big of a traditional breakfast type of guy.. pancakes, toast, bacon, eggs is not my thing... BUT wtf.. a slinger?! man that is the sloppiest.. craziest thing that I have eaten at 4 am...
hash browns... a couple patties.. well when I useto go 8 or so years ago.. i would get 3 patties.. but the last time I went I got 2 so I don't know.. maybe he just ran out or something.. but anyways... 2 eggs sunny side up.. AND CHILI! poured on top.. wow.. greatness... i remember taking my first 'female' here and she was just disgusted at what I was throwing down.. lol said I'm going to die before I hit 40..
sometimes I consider moving back down in the area just so I can have a place to eat super late/early.. because man the burbs just blow... -
Review from Rob K.
Chicago, IL
1/1/2011
I once saw a guy eat 3 slingers in one sitting (he turned purple). It was an amazing feat that Adam on Man vs. Food couldn't tackle.
I started eating here in 2005 late night almost exclusively. The staff is matter of fact, a lil grouchy (you would be too if you were dealing with drunks all night), but the food is nothing but Greasy Goodness.
I recommend the ham and cheese omelette and the bacon cheeseburgers.
I was a little scared to eat here for lunch, fearing that I would ruin my opinion of the place, but it's just as good during the day.
I think the bathrooms are original - try not to use them.
The diner now accepts credit cards. -
Review from Ben B.
No.
This place is the worst. Granted, I arrived here at 5 a.m. on New Year's Day. But the place is dirty and the food is gross.
You can see the ingredients as they cook. A loaf of white bread sits there as if to say, "You're about to eat me, and you will regret it." I had the French toast. Bland as hell.
The cooks are inattentive. You may sit at the counter for 15 minutes before you finally flag one down. I put my money on the counter after eating and it sat there for another 15 minutes. Do you want my money or not, guys?
Some people will defend a rat hole like this by saying it has color or local flavor. Yeah, I suppose nightly food abortions can be fun if you hate your stomach lining and love watching salmonella in the making.
Great place to go if you're a fan of a rancid toilet filled to the brim with an unflushable wad of toilet paper.
Avoid Diner Grill at all costs. -
Review from Zach J.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2010
Now this is my type of diner. It's just one long counter and that's it. No table or booth seating, just the counter, which seats roughly 10-12 people. Because of that, you get the benefit of watching your delicious breakfast being cooked before your very eyes by the cooks, who also act as the waiters as well. It's a beautiful thing.
The food is really good too. It's your typical diner fair, but they're not afraid to throw in some pork chops or a steak with your eggs if you so desire (which I typically do). It's a "greasy spoon" type of place, and that is a beautiful thing. I'd take this place anyday over any of the Pancake House chains, or the Lincoln, or the Alps up the street on Irving. These guys make the best, greasy, filling breakfast. It hits the spot everytime.
So I guess the name of the place says it all: Diner Grill. Two words you really can't go wrong with, especially at this place. No frills joint, a counter, couple of cooks, and great breakfast. -
Review from Joseph D.
Chicago, IL
12/1/2010
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON EATING AFTER 4 AM.
After a late night of drinking, we ate here. I thought to myself, "Damn, this is good food." Of course, crackers at 4 am would taste great to me.
I would never eat here for any other reason than to grab food after drinking. -
Review from Andrew T.
Bartlett, IL
9/4/2011
Good food, friendly people, the place to be after a long night out.
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Review from Alex P.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2011
Super cheap and tasty. Classic greasy spoon. Was cooked right in front of me fresh. 2 eggs over easy, with hash browns, 4 slices of bacon, toast and coffee was $8.
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Review from Joe M.
Chicago, IL
I refer to this place as "the Dinner Diner Grill" as the sign facing Irving Park says, "Diner Grill" while the sign facing Marshfield says, "Dinner Grill." I'd like to think that when ordering a sign, the owner either wasn't sure what to call the place or perhaps wasn't sure how to spell the choice he wanted. Not wanting to waste his time on such a decision, he said, "Aw fuck it, have it say both!" and then left the room to drink a case of beer and watch the Bears.
The internet jukebox in the corner and the weekend post-bar crowd are the only things that detract from the authentic seediness of the joint. Otherwise you really get the feeling that this place hasn't changed much since it opened. As a matter a fact, I don't think Kenny - the paper-hatted, burger-slinging, fry-cook extraordinaire - has so much as changed his shirt since then.
The fryer recently went up in flames so for the time being all orders of fries are replaced with hash browns. Your meal, which will be greasy and delicious, will be served on a paper plate and ready for you before you know it. You will pay with cash and if you come in enough, Kenny may pour you a free shot from a $7 bottle of whiskey he keeps under the counter. You will drink this out of a styrofoam cup.
You know that Edward Hopper painting "Nighthawks" (you do, do a Google image search). Take that exact image and make everything a little seedier, the patrons more disheveled, the walls a little dingier and the ambiance a touch grungier. The Diner Grill is a place where unshaven bears of men come to wreck havoc on their stomachs and laugh in the face of obesity.
I anxiously await the day when I'm tanked enough to order and devour "The Slinger". I've got just the place for the certificate on my fridge. Though it will be the pride in my heart that will last forever.
This is a good place to go if... you enjoy going to places where eating 1500 calories in a single sitting is rewarded with a piece of paper. -
Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
8/19/2009
Impromptu Chicago Institution Visit Mission: Diner Grill!
I may have gone here last night (morning?) at 2am.
Yes, I realize it was/is a Tuesday.
No, I wasn't blitzed out of my mind. Not even a little bit, actually.
But, they ARE open, so it IS fair game.
The cooks wear white hats, and watch the Sox game highlights.
They never close? Never.
Possibly I ordered a "Garbage Omelette."
--consists of basically all of their toppings at DG + eggs.
I ate all of it.
Potentially I could've considered a "slinger."
I will come back on a week I haven't eaten, it's only $8.50!?
(PS. The "slinger" has its own Wiki entry, it's legit).
http://en.wikipedia.or...
Diner Grill is cheaper than McDonald's.
AND.
Best diner Diet Coke I've EVER had.
(I'm a purist, straight up)
My diner expedition=success, even SOBER.
So, next time...a little more booze, perhaps a slinger. Let's do this.Listed in: Diner Delights., Lakeview/Buena Park Delivery!
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Review from Bryan G.
Cary, IL
7/2/2010
After a relaxing night at one of the local bars I stopped by for a late night bite with my date.
The place was small... semi crowded... a little loud... and frickin' sweet!
Tons of unique charm to the place, the ceiling is low, counter is slanted, the crowd is definitely a pretty eclectic mix late at night.
Food wise, it was cheap, quick, made right in front of you by a man who is well versed in the art of the griddle. Oh, and it was good!
I will be returning here without a doubt. -
Review from Karen A.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2007 ROTD 5/18/2007
Sometimes known around the hood as Decapitation Diner, since in '89 one of the cooks was decapitated by a hoodlum. Now take a good look at that ham on the bone sitting on the counter....
I love a place where the only vegetable to be found is in the ketchup bottle and they make no apologies for it. Oh yea, they do have some of the whitest lettuce I've ever seen for BLTs.
There is no place greasier this side of town. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you've been slamming them back all night you probably aren't worried about your clogged arteries anyway. Try the slinger if you dare. There is nothing to sop up a tummy full of alcohol like one of these plates.
The ambience is what is special here. There is a smoking section (the last three out of twelve stools at the counter) and the cooks are almost always entertaining. Diner Grill becomes an old man counter in the daytime and when the bars close it is usually packed with a younger set.
Diner Grill is dining like your grandpa did after he fixed a dozen toilets in the neighborhood. Burgers and eggs and flapjacks done the way they used to be made before we gave a damn about our bodies. -
Review from Jelena Z.
11/22/2009
The Diner Grill = the best way to avoid further late-night drinking and offset some of the damage already done.
It's 3am on a Sat night (or Sunday morning), and we have worst intentions of continuing to imbibe at the Green Mill. But someone's hungry... REALLY hungry. And as the driver, he holds the reigns to our after-hours fate. He's wondering where he can get a burger. Not a burrito, oh no... boy wants his burger.
Me: McDonald's!
D: NO!
Me: I think there's some Mexican joint that also serves burgers 'round the corner from Green Mill!
D: No, you're just making that up!
Me: Ok. Probably.
We end up finding the Diner Grill and all 14 counter stools are filled with what appears to be standard-issue raucous frat boys. There's a wait, and some of these intoxicated customers are hanging out outside the door. Pass! We make a detour to the ledge along the window behind the counter stools and improvise by jumping up (well, one of us couldn't make it up but she's a petite thing) and ordering burgers and corned beef hash. We devour our burgers there, without a counter, without chairs.
Totally a smart move. 'Cause we don't wait!
Me: Hmmm. This burger smells funny!
D: Um, it's called grease.
It was indeed a pretty greasy burger... but really rather good. And it thwarted further tomfoolery uptown at the Mill. $2 burgers that save you from yourself? Priceless. -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2008
I follow yelp reviews: If it is recommended by either Oscar the Death Cat or Max Power I'm heading out at warp-speed and will never be disappointed.
This was a lot of fun. It was dinner and theater my friend...
The cook was filled with witty one-liners and hearty banter, the food so gloriously greasy I should've scheduled an angioplasty yesterday and despite my rather conspicuous yuppie-dink-ness- I felt charmed.
That's CHARMED, not wasted. Hence, why I was not brave enough to face the Slinger (despite colorful description and recommendations) . Some day.... until then, ask about the album- yes the album filled with photos of the Slinger-conquerers. You won't be sorry- in fact, you will be forced to laugh!Listed in: Drink Me!
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Review from Penny S.
8/15/2008 4 photos
Yelp Event. Free Beers. Holiday Club. More Beers. Closing Time. Say Bye To Friends. Start Walking. Stomach Growling.
Behold: Diner Grill.
Crowded. Loud. Smells Delicious. Bacon on Grill. Grab Seats. Order Burger with Bacon. Fries. More Bacon on Grill. Eats. Awesomeness. -
Review from Alexis B.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2008
I beg of you not to tell my boyfriend that I gave Diner Grill 3 stars. Please! He worships this place and still has his first "Slinger Completion" certificate. When we came in with a group of hungry drunken Rugby players, I was eager to see what the hoopla was about. Having stuck to my annual "Sober October" ritual, I was completely coherent and hungry for some good diner style grub.
The space is T-I-N-Y with only a few seats at the counter. Get there during peak bar hours, and you'll be greeted with a nice wait. I usually have no problem waiting to be seated, but at 3am, my patience wears thin! Sadly, the food didn't live up to the hype. I LOVE greasy spoons, but the food was so so. I had a burger. It was ok. I wish they served fries, but the hash browns had a nice flavor. Those 3 sentences are the most I can muster about my meal. Naturally, the rest of my group ordered Slingers and woofed them down like they were in an eating contest. As the plates were cleared one was bragging at the speed of consumption vs my boyfriend's boast of taking down the dish with an additional side of bacon.
In the end it became painfully obvious that the appeal of Diner Grill was being able to get the nasties goopiest meal possible to kill the drunken munchies in a North Side institution. We had a good time during our short (eat and get out - people are waiting for your seat!) visit, and the Touch Tunes machine made for some great singalongs to some horrible songs. Based on atmosphere alone, Diner Grill might get the nod on another night in another month. However, that night, sober Alexis spent her time in Diner Grill wishing she'd gone to a few blocks over to (the still delicious without drinking) Wrigleyville's Dog.
One thing that really bothered me was despite the friendly well oiled service, the man assisting the cook was also handling the money. Call me a germaphobe, but I dislike seeing someone count money before they put food on my plate. Would I have been this perceptive if I were drunk? Probably not. Will I let myself return after drinking? Most Definitely. Singing Celine Dion at the top of my lungs while eating a greasy mess of slop always sounds good after putting back a few. -
Review from Michael E.
Charlotte, NC
1/27/2009
Diner Grill......
its 24 hours......
their cheese burger is hot, tasty and cheap (sorry Carol K)...........
The Slinger is sure to fill you up!
Cash only.......
Great when you are driving home after a LONG night in Wicker Park.....
I always seem to find a parking spot out front....
Order, eat......outta there..........and I'm outta here.
PEACE!
IListed in: 5 Star Eateries - what I…
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Review from Jenny A.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2007
The first time I came in here, I needed bacon, and lots of it. My three orders of delicious, greasy bacon were ready very quickly, and they were so cheap! I was sold, and now I come in here frequently for double cheeseburgers, corned beef hash, slingers, and hash browns.
The slinger is intimidating, but if you get it without chili, it's actually really good. If you finish one, you get a certificate!
Also, my roommate refers to the cuisine here as "meef." I don't think you get any better than that.Listed in: I like food
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Review from Stacey A.
7/22/2007
"And remember, if you're not sure about something, rub it against a piece of paper. If the paper turns clear, it's your window to weight gain!"
The above quote is from the Simpsons episode where Homer wants to go on disability, and he goes to Dr. Nick, who advises him on the the foods he can eat in order to gain the most weight.
Let's just say that Dr. Nick would endorse the shit out of the Diner Grill. Everything is greasy as all get out, but so very delicious. Roommate and I are saving the legendary "Slinger" for a night when we are so drunk, we can't think about what damage it will do to our digestive tract. This place is the kind of greasy spoon that you expect to see along the side of a highway in Tennessee or something. There's a counter, some stools, and a jukebox. The end.Listed in: Hey! I can see my house from…
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Review from John H.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2009
70+ reviews for this place? Chicagoans must be pretty hard up to visit a diner, because I'm not sure what the fuss is all about.
The burgers are alright, if a little undersized. Get the triple if you're hungry, the double if you had a late lunch, and the single if you're on a diet. The bacon is a fine addition to it, nice and crispy. The fries are pretty average.
I went to Diner Grill several times before even trying what it's known for, the Slinger. The Slinger, made for the late evening meal, is an enormous plate of hash browns, grilled onions, two cheeseburger patties, and two eggs over easy, all completely enshrouded with a few ladles of chili. I, unlike most other patrons, attacked the Slinger while completely sober. It's not even that bad, but they need to use a better chili. You are getting chili in nearly every bite of the Slinger, so this is crucial.
Service has been fine each time I've been. There's only been one guy working, but he doesn't even break a sweat cooking ten different meals on the grill at once.
I don't think the food at Diner Grill is good enough to warrant the ratings it's picked up here, but it's worth at least one trip just for the experience, whether you're gearing up for a night of hard drinking, in the middle of one, or coming off one the night before. -
Review from Jack S.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2008
Every time I eat here- I get diarrhea. So why do I keep coming back?
I'll tell you why.
Because it's good. It's very, VERY good.
I have a refridgerator covered in 'I Ate The Slinger' certificates and it's open at all hours of the day and night(The Diner, not my fridge).
Although they are currently undergoing some remodeling, I intend to stock up on Immodium b/c I can't wait to go back again.
I love you Diner Grill. Don't ever leave me.
