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Category: Diners
Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, LakeviewMontrose (Brown)
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Last night I dreamed that my boyfriend was Harry Potter, and I was really excited about it (even though dating a star has never been high on my list of priorities). So everything could have been perfect in my world except for the fact that I was slowly morphing into a sheep.........
Disturbing, and true. I didn't want my new found boyfriend to look at me.
Anyway - when I woke up you can imagine how hungry I was, and how excited to know that Glenn's was on my schedule.
I arrived around 11:30, put down my name with the hostess who told me that it would be around 20 min wait (table for two) but who called me 5 min later ti give you a little table in the corner. A lot of people, and a galore of babies; it's obviously very popular. And when you look at the menu it's easy to understand why: I could have eaten the blackboard. That is just HOW GOOD everything sounds. Heavy on egg dishes and scrambles with the occasional fish dish to keep things fresh and interesting (the trout hash was really calling my name, siren style but I resisted heroically)
Pancakes had been in my mind since the middle of the week and chocolate chip pancakes I had. They were just delicious with butter and syrup. Our waitress was sweet and super fast, just the way I like them.
Loads of carbs worked wonder on my nightmares of the night, and I left happy and satisfied, waving at the baby a couple of tables away and swearing to myself that I would come very soon to try one their insanely appetizing dinner items. Maybe one day before 6 when 1/2 lb of seafood with soup, potato and salad are an insane $13.95....
DEEE-LICIOUS! Went for Brunch on Sunday and was afraid there would be a line - so I showed up by 9:20 (they open at 9am) and there was NO WAIT!
Excellent and unique tasting Bloody Mary - more sweet than savory and with a giant skewer of cocktail shrimp!
LOVED LOVED LOVED my Louisana Omelette - would you like some eggs with your shrimp? My whole plate was full of succulent spicy shrimp! My next visit will entail trying out their crab cake eggs benedict. From a distance, I could see that the crab cake was the size of a hockey puck! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Too bad this place isn't closer to me. I'd be there for breakfast lunch and dinner. Worth the trek to Montrose/Damen!
I initially came here on a first date with my wonderful boyfriend. We returned last night with another couple for their all you can eat Alaskan King Crab Legs (for $33.95 per person).
I was slightly worried that we'd be getting some imitation crab meat or some tiny skinny foul smelling crab legs for a deal this good to be true. And for the first time in my food lovin life I was wrong!
They start you off with 1.5 pounds of legs. Along with coleslaw and parmasean corn on the cobb. Oh, and don't forget the butter!!! And boiled potatoes by request!!! They def don't stiff you on the portions here! My advice- wear yer stretchy pants and leave any confining clothing (such as belts) at home.
My table had a crab eatin throw down. The guys thought they could out-eat the girls. How wrong they were! Not only did the girls match the guys leg for leg, but us gals also indulged in dessert.
The crab legs were huge and succulant. Well worth the 5 battle wounds I now sport on my fingers due to the mechanics of getting that tender meat out of the shell. Ah well, it builds character!
They just keep the legs a comin. Need extra butter? Just ask! Want some more corn on the cobb? Right up! We ate so much that we actually got sick of crab! The boys ate so much that their bellys hurt! You MUST come on in for all you can eat night! This place is never ever a miss. It's a homerun every time! If you haven't been, you are truely doing yourself a disservice!
TIP: Call a week in advance for reservations for this All You Can Eat night. The reservations book up quickly (as we found out 2 weeks ago when we called day of and couldn't snag a table).
They are BYOB so hit up the liquor store next door and save a few bucks!
When I think about this place my tummy growls and saliva trickles down my chin. This place is tied… Read more »
Crab legs are really good (Tues all you can eat). Hopefully will get a chance to sample the fish and brunch soon!
Ever since they were on TV...this place is IMPOSSIBLE to get a table. So I get takeout now...
Awesome variety of fish dishes...and crab cakes are awesome. They have an outdoor area during the warmer months...but get there early.
Oh...and don't forget the black and blue sirloin steak...WOW!
I'm not a brunchie, never have been and, God willing, never will be. I went to Glenn's Diner for one reason--fish.
Arrived on a Saturday afternoon (12:30) while the brunchies were slowly filtering out. Requested a table for 2 and was seated immediately.
My friend and I were both pretty hungry so we didn't fool with the menu and ordered off the fresh fish board. Friend went with the Sea Bass, and I went with the Arctic Char.
The 2 best fish dishes I have ever had in Chicago. Both were cooked perfectly, the Diablo sauce that came with my Char was perfection...a nice, tasty, heat. The dishes came with a potato pancake (a little soggy, but I really didn't care) and asparagus.
Service was good. Ambience was pleasant. Fish is fresh and delicious. I will be back. Often.
Glenn's has to be one of the best restaurants for seafood in the city of Chicago in my opinion. Located right next to the Brownline, Glenn is a favorite of mine when getting off work on Monday nights. They have this fantastic special where most of their sea food and fish dishes are only $14.00. I think I'm addicted to their creamy potato pancakes-yum yum.
The restaurant itself has both outdoor and indoor seating. Tables are in the square, so seat a party of four very comfortably. While you're waiting for your food, take a peek near the wall in the back for the day's triva question. Answer correctly and you can get a free bowl soup. Of course, I've never answered correctly.
I also am impressed with the neighborhood flavor of this casual restaurant. A lot of the visitors are Ravenswood and Lakeview locals, who enjoy the casual and laid back experience of dining at Glenns. Truth be told, I'm also facinated by the umpteen number of cereal boxes from yester year on the shelf near the kitchen.
Anyhow, if you are looking for some really great sea food at an affordable price, I think this is your best bet.
Glenn's is phenomenal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The food is incredible. I would highly recommend the shrimp cocktail, french onion soup, scallop appetizer, scallop entree, apple jacks tilapia and fried perch. I don't think you can go wrong with anything here. It is an original concept with incredible execution. The only thing is that is gets VERY busy, so call ahead and make a reservation.
Ok if you like fried, creamy seafood this place is for you. I could not believe how awful the seafood selection was. Pan fried everything with Alfredo this and that. Come on. I figured the must have to hide the last of the fish with all the "spicy hollondaise". I was very unimpressed and the service at night was just nothing compared to the morning breakfast diner that this place should develop and drop the seafood wanna be place.
I thought this place was solid. I was surprised to see that someone would pay $4.50 for cereal. (all… Read more »
Don't tell my boyfriend.
I'd promised him I was going to Browntrout and that we'd go to Glenn's another time. But when my friend picked me up for a post-5K brunch, I just had to have Glenn's. Oh, the guilt.
Reading my original review now, after birthing at least five or six Glenn's food-babies, is almost laughable. And now I can say that I've been there with the sweat-clingy post-run clothes, too.
The Bloody Marys are insane; most recently, I took my first sip and exclaimed, "This drink is made from angels' wings!"
The chocolate-chip pancakes are unfairly delicious, and I can't not get them, even though I want to try something else at some point. Try the short stack if you're intimidated by the huge piles of 29 pancakes that show up in the full order
And, the potato pancakes that come with the egg dishes are to die for.
Better still: The staff is so sweet and conversational. Even on their busiest days, they're never short and always patient if you're slow to order or want to have a quick conversation about your hair stylist, the music that's playing or what EXACTLY is so good about the corned-beef hash.
If you're ever up early on a Saturday morning, sit at the bar and shoot the shit with the guys making drinks and pouring coffee. A lot of starving artists -- though who could starve working there? -- and inoffensive intellectuals with plenty to say.
I cannot recommend this place enough. Glenn's is my brunch go-to in the neighborhood!
Glenn's Diner: Where Chicago's jogging elite goes to get fat.
I'm fairly certain I broke some sort of…
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What a great diner! In truth, it's a diner plus fish house, and boy do they do it well - the specials are great, and the fun fresh fish boards are updated routinely. They will make any fish with any prep; you just have to ask. (I tend to get a seared tuna with whatever prep struck my whim.) They have specials many nights: all you can eat king crab legs on Tuesdays, all you can eat baby back ribs on Wednesday, all you can eat "u-peel-em" shrimp on Thursday. Tuesday through Saturday, 11a-6p, however, is the best: 1/2 lb of you choice of fish (there's 1 or 2 exceptions) and sides for $13.95. You can save a ton of money with that offer. They have a wall of breakfast cereals which is a really cute display - and also is an actual part of the menu for the breakfast crowd (served all day).
I have enjoyed the soups when I have had them, which I tend to only if I win the daily quiz for "name that movie" (which makes it free). Look for the little chalkboard by the kitchen entrance.
The menus and store attitude are great; they're perpetually short a waiter or two, but we still tend to get decent service (of course, we go at off hours). For those who care, they have wine and beer and some bar stuffs but are also BYOB - but you can't BYOB on the patio, only indoors.
I can't speak to the quality of the general "diner fare" because I've never tried it. Yes, it's pricier than a regular diner, but you go here for the fish and the fun, not the slung dime-a-dozen diner fare. The owner really cares about making sure your order is right and the fish is properly done to your liking - or he'll make sure it gets done that way - unless it's physically impossible in his kitchen, in which case he'll tell you upfront.
Parking is annoying, sometimes. Public transit works well (if it's an option for you). It's worth it to catch THIS fish. Go see Glenn and find out what all the buzz is about.
Glenn's has three things that are music to my ears:
1. excellent brunch (served all day!)
2. fresh fish
3. BYO option
I LOVE Glenn's hash browns! The potatoes are crispy and there is a delicious tangy creaminess going on. The pecan pancakes are from heaven. Omelets and corned beef hash/eggs... yum! yum!
You can tell that Glenn's background is in seafood. The fish selections are always really fresh and prepared in a flavorful, but simple way. I have yet to have anything that I did not enjoy.
I also appreciate that they have a good wine and beer list, yet still allow you to bring your own with a minimal corkage fee. Sometimes, you are just in the mood for something specific.
The real reason I am giving Glenn's the fifth star though is the service. No matter how busy it gets, you get attention and a smile. Glenn will often walk around to check on you himself. Quick story... Every year, my friend and I share our birthday party. This year, I had just moved to Minneapolis and came back last-minute. We could not miss our traditional Hoosier Mama pie though! I called HM directly, but that was delivery day and they were closed for sales. So, I called Glenn's. They not only sold me a whole pie, they trusted me with one of their own pie pans. It is things like that which make a place really stand out with me.
Yes, there can be a wait for brunch, but you can kind of figure out the traffic patterns if you go a few times. They are also pretty good at estimating wait times if you call ahead to ask.
Coming from the northwest, I have been slightly disappointed with the seafood in Chicago. A friend of mine turned me on to Glens. We happened to be there for all you can eat king crab legs. They do all you can eat one day a week. The food was fantastic as well as the service. I ate crab until my stomach hurt and I hope to do it again. I took my mother there when she visited Chicago and she said the crab was some of the best she has ever eaten. I had trout on my second return and it was so good!!
Good fish, for good fish prices. Took my boyfriend here for his birthday and he LOVED it. He raved about the clam chowder and his char-grilled salmon (personally, the clam chowder was a bit too thick for my tastes.) I had the pan fried alaskan halibut with the bleu cheese-horseradish sauce on the side. Sauces are what do it for me, and it was good sauce.
Service was great, atmosphere was great. The prices are high for dinner, but for good reason.
He calls it a "diner" but it seems to me more like a cute little kitschy restaurant. The fish dishes are to die for and prices are so reasonable! Highly recommended!!!
Last Friday my date and I were running fifteen minutes late for our reservation. This made me nervous because when I originally arranged the table they told me it would be given away if we were more than fifteen minutes tardy for our party. The host called and I told him we were on the "L" and wouldn't be long. The place is right next to the Montrose brown line stop. When we arrived we were seated right away in the stage left corner one row away from the window. Seating was small and cramped, but that's what I expected so I wasn't bummed.
The waiter pounced on our table right away and opened our wine for us. We brought a couple bottles of white in anticipation of fish. I was impressed they allow byob for a $5 corking fee considering they also serve a full bar.
We ordered the mussel appetizer. It came with Texas toast to sop up the white wine buttery bottom of the bowl goodness. The mussels were covered in melted parmesan. They tasted pretty good, but I noticed about ten of them were still sealed shut. There were probably 35 in the bowl, but still not an awesome ratio. I think the Paramount Room's mussels were better than these.
For my entree I went with Sturgeon in a cream mushroom sherry sauce. I was psyched for the sturgeon because I'd never had it and my little brother and dad had both caught six foot long monsters on a sturgeon fishing trip on the Snake River they didn't invite me to; motherfuckers. My lady friend went with Sea Bass in a garlic butter sauce. I definitely planned on some bites of that.
The sturgeon came on a plate with asparagus and redskin potatoes. The cream sherry sauce was a bit heavy, but so were all the sauce options on the blackboard menu. The sturgeon wasn't as fluffy and perfect as ladyfriend's sea bass so that slightly bummed me out.
For dessert we split the maple pecan pie with a scoop of ice cream. The pie company that made it did a great job, however it doesn't touch my Mom's sweet potato pecan pie with kahlua whipped cream.
I can't see giving pretty good more than three stars. The main dish was $22. It was east coast American old school seafood, pretty good but I like that Asian fusion shit that isn't going to nail me to my chair for the rest of the night. I'll be back to test out a lobster roll for lunch.
After an 11 mile run, there is nothing so welcome as the friendly waitstaff at Glenn's, who made sure we were seated immediately (runners always appreciate that because we're HUNGRY!). Coffee was promptly served and we were never made to wait for a cup. I've been here once before and they have delish French toast. However, I needed a protein boost and opted for Classic Eggs Benedict, which come with Canadian bacon and a potato pancake. They were lovely - not as good as Bongo Room's but very nice. The potato pancake was cheesy, which I didn't expect but good.
Aside from really good food, I really like the great service I've received both times and the atmosphere,which is very inviting - love the cereal boxes on the wall and the HUGE chalkboard with all the specials and the coffee canisters on the table, which they use for salt, pepper, hot sauce, creamer, etc.
Cool spot, very good food, great service.
Overrated. Overpriced. Over it.
Didn't care for it. Not at all. I ordered the softshell crab po boy. It was terrible. It was excessively greasy like it had been fried in oil not nearly hot enough. It was completely inedible. For a restaurant supposedly known for it's seafood it was a big disappointment. My husband liked what he had but I was so disgusted I won't go back.
I agree with Lauren H, I used to really like this place, but my brunch experience last weekend had made me want to throw in the towel for this place. Mostly it was the hostess.
The hostess told my boyfriend and me that there would be a 20 minute wait despite the 5 open tables, because those were being held. I was surprised that they were taking brunch reservations now, because most small restaurants don't. But, okay, I understand, so we waited. And waited as these 5 tables remained open and more opened up as diners left. But what irritated me was that as tables cleared, she just stood there with her clipboard. See, when I was waiting tables, whenever I hostessed, I also bussed tables when I wasn't busy. And since this place only had once busser who seemed to be running his ass off, those recently vacated tables stayed dirty and we stayed hungry. And the hostess just kept standing immobile with her clipboard, looking around the room. Not clearing tables, not running drinks. Just standing. And those 5 original open tables stayed open the whole time we waited.
So yes, it took the full 20 minutes to get sat. Another 10 for our server to stop by. And after the food came and was just mediocre, I decided I never need to go there again!
Food = amazing. Service = seriously lacking.
Four of my friends and I went for brunch today and although one friend called to put a name on the waiting list while we waited for everyone to wake up and get ready, the person on the phone said that there was no wait and to come on by. When we got there 10 minutes later, the wait had exploded to half an hour. Whatever.
The hostess (my primary suspect for the phone call wait list situation) seemed scattered and after telling us that she was ready to seat us, she stopped at the entrance to write down another name on her clipboard list which resulted in us being very much in the way of the bussers and common sidewalk citizens. I was already annoyed with her, in addition to severely hungry and a little hungover. Oh and she stuck the five of us at a four top, and I sure did see a six top open up less than two minutes after we crammed in at our table.
But the food does make up for it. I had the eggs benedict crab cakes, which were phenomenal, and it came with a potato cake. And I'm not exaggerating when I say that the potato cake thing was AMAZING. Yeah, all caps. It was delicious. I had some of my friend's New Orleans scramble (minus the sausage because we're both veggies) and it was also super delicious. A little hot for my taste, but it lived up to its title.
Waiter was decent, food was phenomenal and the hostess is a scatterbrain. Oh, and they have an oil painting of Scott Stapp by the TV... WTF???
Let's start off by saying....I WILL BE BACK. First if you do bring wine do not let them sit you outside. They are not BYO on the patio. We had no idea they brought the wine in which was fine but then after they opened they brought it out it was just strange.
So we all went on Monday night and the special is any of the fish but a few are only 14.95. I had the sturgeon and it was phenominal. We did have some issues because they were out of crab legs to begin with. Then one of the people in our party kept ordering and they were out of those fish as well. He finally picked something and enjoyed what he had. We all tried a bit of everything and they were all good...but mine was the most flavorful.
Tuesday night's special we heard was all you can eat crab legs for 34 dollars. I will be back on a Tuesday for sure.
The service was just strange. The waiter seemed overwhelmed. I brought a 1999 bottle of wine and he broke the cork. When i looked at the cork it was in good shape but he wasn't paying any attention and just assumed it was a young easy bottle to open. We did end up asking them to remove some of the corkage fees because of the debacle for the fish being out and the cork being broken. They did remove 2 corkage charges which was nice.
Service-
We had conflicting info on whether we could make reservations or not. Before we couldn't now we can... maybe? Four to our party 2 arrived at 6PM were not allowed to be seated unless everyone in party is present fine if its busy, but more than half the restaurant had open seating. No hostess yet, just waiter who said we will reserve your table until next 2 arrive. When the two arrived at 6:03PM, hostess was clueless, and seemed frazzled like was her first day and had masses of people coming at her. She said all tables are reserved, how about the bar? Some open, but even bar reserved. WHO RESERVES BAR SPACE!!? Luckily we talked to same waiter as earlier and he straightened every thing out. Our server was good
Food- Ordered
1.pretzeled walleye 5 stars (Great)
2. Mushroom soup 2 stars
3. Clam chowder 4 stars (nice smokey flavor
4. Mussels 2 stars (had better sauce)
5.Shrimp po boy (heaven on seven does better)
6. Shrimp Ceasar salad (shrimp good, but not enough) 3 stars
Conclusion
2 Stars for now because did not live up to hype of other reviews for food, it was just ok. Would go back because of other good reviews for second chance, but would try 11- 6PM specials, for more inexpensive dinners and just order their fresh catch fish dinners only. Also only decent seafood I know in this area.
This place is OK... but "best food in the world?" I wouldn't go that far.
I heard about this place from a friend. Now maybe I was expecting something different. I mean, I hear the word "diner" and I assume it's reasonably priced. This place seemed way too pricey to me for the food and the overall experience. I mean, yes I get the fish is fresh. But for these prices the fish should throw in a show tune or a lap dance, too.
First, we had to wait an hour and a half for a table. So if you go, MAKE RESERVATIONS! There are a few restaurants in town that I routinely wait over an hour to get into because they are totally worth it. This place, to me, just wasn't. And they give you a wonder basket containing packets of crackers to hold you over for all that time. Yeah, if you are going to charge this kind of money, maybe you should spring for some bread.
We had the crab cakes and the scallops. They were really fresh and good but I feel like I could get the same thing somewhere else for the same money. The servers were wonderful. We sat outside and they were very attentive.
I do feel like I owe it to them to go back and maybe try something unique like the Apple Jack encrusted fish. Maybe then I will be hooked. But maybe not.
My boyfriend and I were going out on a date and chose Glenn's because a seafood lover in my office recommended it. Our reservations were for 7:30, it was about 7:20 and we were still at my house as I finally decided on what I should wear...typical. We walked as fast as we could without losing our breath to the el and got on the brown line north to the Montrose stop. My date was freaking out because A. he hates being late and B. Glenn's told him they would give away our table if we were more than 15 minutes late. It was now 7:35, five minutes late already and still at least a 10 minute ride left on the el. Then my boyfriend's phone rang. It was Glenn's calling to make sure we were still coming to dinner. The first generous guesture of the night to make me feel like Glenn's is a nop notch place.
We arrived at the restaurant at 7:45 and a nice table for two was waiting for us. The ambiance of the restaurant was friendly, homey and casual - exactly the kind of place I like. The waiter immediately brought over a carafe full of ice for our 2 bottles and started our night off right. We ordered the mussels for an appetizer, since I'm pretty sure one of my boyfriend's favorite things to eat is bread soaked in the mussel juice. The mussels were great and there were more than enough for the two of us. For the main course, we asked the waiter for his recommendations and he gave three: the sturgeon, the sea bass, and the halibut. I ordered the sea bass and he ordered the sturgeon. The sea bass was cooked perfectly and the sturgeon was in a really rich sweet tasting glaze, which I really enjoyed but my boyfriend could have done without. For dessert we had the maple pecan pie which was really sweet and delicious, hats off to the local bakery who made it.
When the check came I was pleasantly surprised that the corking fee was only $5 for the two bottles of two buck chuck we brought with us. However, I noticed that my sea bass cost was higher on the bill than what was on the chalk board. Honestly, most people would've let it go because if I tell you the price difference you would smack me for being the cheapest person alive, but after about a bottle of wine, I wanted justice. I asked the waiter about the mix up in the nicest, most innocent manner possible and without a missing beat, he took the bill away, had it corrected and brought it back with his most sincerest apology.
So, all in all, Glenn's has the food of a fine dining restaurant, the prices of an upper scale chain, and the atomosphere of your mom's kitchen - all three in one make a fine restaurant. I'll definitely be back.
I've only been here for breakfast, but everything on the menu is quite tasty, especially the pancakes.
I have never had dinner here but I am always blown away by the seafood menu on the wall. For such small place it look like they have everything in the ocean!
Will update after a dinner run there.
Just a note: I hate writing a less-than-perfect review for a place I wanted to be perfect. Ugh, it just hurts my heart! Irregardless, here goes:
A friend and I made plans to eat at Glenn's Diner as we both had heard tales of fantastical fresh fish. Being a Yelper (therefore being in the know!), I made a reservation, and the manager I talked to was super friendly and accommodating, squeezing us in at a busy time.
So we arrived and were seated right away. Waters had already been poured and a cracker basket awaited us. The chalkboards were filled with delicious-sounding fresh fish options--I really couldn't decide between the salmon and pretzelled walleye, so I asked our server which was better, and she said walleye, hands down. My friend chose the lake perch po' boy, and we eagerly awaited our meals while chatting and admiring the wall of cereal (25 kinds, so they say!) Also, we noticed the vast options the menu offered besides fish, which made me reconsider my choice--however, I was on a mission so I stuck to the fish.
So, my pretzelled walleye came and it was HUGE! A nice, thick, long piece of walleye covered in crumbled pretzels over green beans and roasted potatoes--what else could anyone possibly want? Well--I was underwhelmed. I know, right?! So sad, so sad. It was good, it was tasty, it was fresh, it was NOT the buttery yet crunchy goodness I expected out of this piece of fish. Come to think of it, it was kind of bland. Booooo! My friend said her po' boy would have been better had it come with cheese and tomatoes--maybe just a personal preference, and I don't know what's standard for a po' boy, but as far as I could tell, hers was just okay, too.
Man! I've read good review after good review--maybe my expectations were too high? Maybe I was expecting fireworks in my mouth? I mean, if anyone can tell me how and where to experience that...(for all those dirty minds out there, out of the gutter!) but until then, I'll probably go back to Glenn's during a non-peak time and try some other menus on the item. I'm all for boosting that average if they deserve it!
When you call a company, and you're put on hold, you get that sadly reassuring voice over, "We're sorry, all of our customer service representatives are busy. Please stay on the line." There is a reason they play it once every minute: to remind you that they're still there.
I wish I could have got the same treatment today when I went to Glenn's Diner. Granted, it was the lunch rush hour. However, I walked in the door and wasn't greeted by anyone. Do I sit down at the open table? Is another party waiting for it? I'll just wait to hear from the hostess.
A waitress waves at me from across the room and tells me it will be just a minute. No problem! A minute goes by: nothing. Another minute goes by...nothing. An employee looks at me, smiles, and walks by. Not less than a minute later, the same employee repeats those steps.
A couple walks in and goes straight to the counter to pick up some food. That same employee stops what he is doing, greets them friendly, asks how they're doing, and gets them their food. Hmm...I must be missing something.
So, here I am standing in the entry wondering if I should stay and see how long it will take them to serve me, or just walk out. Figuring I'd get faster and more attentive service elsewhere, I walked out.
Yet another place seen on TV. After making the trip up to Chicago, started feeling the need to feed. Jumped on the Brown line and that's the first plus about the place it is literally right next to the "L" stop.
I really liked the atmosphere of the place, it appears to have a great local crowd. The servers where more than helpful in reviewing the menu with us.
I got the Halibut w/ Roasted Red Potatoes. The Halibut definitely tasted fresh and was cooked nearly perfect. The other dishes at the table included Sea Bass and Snapper. All got good reviews for the freshness and flavors.
I will be stopping here again.
This place was a little gem we just found recently... what a great and cozy place. We went for a late dinner on a weeknight and it was great. The service was spot on -- the waiter made recommendations, told us about special dishes, etc. And, the food was really good for being called "glenn's diner"... we weren't expecting all of the seafood.
the crab cakes were great, mac and cheese was really rich, but tasty. I'm a little torn on the potato pancakes... just a bit too rich in my opinion. But, all in all, great food at pretty reasonable prices. We'll be back!
Best Seafood in Town for Cheap. Get the Clam Chowder - It's stocked full of the entire cast of the Little Mermaid.
YUM! My parents were in town one weekend and I heard so many great things about Glenn's so we went for dinner and it was sooo great that we went for brunch the next morning. Fish was obviously ordered around the table (for dinner) and WOW...so yum and quite fresh-tasting.
Also, I was a big fan of the decor and atmosphere...quaint and quirky would sum it up.
I went back a couple of weeks ago for brunch, and ordered one of the breakfast special and the shrimp cocktail. Didn't care for the potato pancakes, real latkes are not creamy inside (I do miss NYC and Boston) and the shrimp cocktail is not the ordinary kind of cocktail, they're made up of shrimp from Malaysia and look like the size of a lobster tail. I kid you not, the bf took a picture of it. The cocktail sauce was eh, Trader Joe's makes a better one and the oversized shrimp was somewhat tough not like gulf shrimp. I'm still a fan of the fish plates and sea scallops, maybe one afternoon before the Tuesday night crowd, go for the All you can eat crab legs :)
First attempt: Went there for dinner a little before 9p on a week night, and there was no indoor… Read more »
I've been here 3 times now and I've enjoyed myself every time. One of my favorite dishes is the Arctic Char in Diablo sauce. The sauce is spicy and has chucks of shrimp in it, really really good. I've gotten the Jerk Marlin and that in itself was good but the pina colada sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste. It was good every other bite but the fish was quite enjoyable on it's own. I always leave stuffed but yet I still make room for Margie's across the street. Service here is okay, not over the top but could be a little more attentive, but whatev.
This place is a great bizarro world. They seem to serve a great breakfast and brunch and really focus on homey diner food. On the other hand they serve the quality and preparation of fish and seafood that you would find in a swanky place. We had the catfish, clam chowder, potato pancake and salads. All were really good and incredibly reasonable. I loved the cereal bar but even with the 25 cereals they had, I would have liked some wow.....Boo Berry, Quisp, Count Chocula, something different. These were all very run of the mill and at 4.50 a bowl....hmmmm, I will stay home for cereal but I will be back for the fish
Pleasantly surprised! I went with my wife to meet some of her friends for dinner. We got there about 45 minutes early so we went straight for the bar. However, unlike a "normal" bar where you would see rows and rows of bottles lining the back wall, this bar had rows and rows of CEREAL!!! Captain Crunch, Apple Jacks, Wheaties, etc. I was thinking "what the heck is this?!?!?!?!"
Second, I'm a Miller/Bud Light guy and they didn't have either - strike two I thought.
When my wife's friends arrived, we sat down at our table. The first thing you will notice (after the cereal boxes) is the long list of seafood specials they have - good stuff. As you would expect, one of the specials was an Apple Jacks crusted Talapia. This is not something you will see at your local Houlihans, so I had to try it . Bottom line - EXCELLENT!
The waitor was VERY attentive and social which made the experience even better. An interesting beginning ended with a great evening. Ill definitely be back.
Fantastic!
Can you say fish, more fish and fish on top of that! OMG, there must be a shortage of places where one can get their fish fix, these Shed leftovers. Too many options, a lot of that fish must go bad and a greater probability that it isn't fresh. Don't tell me that they cheat and freeze their fish, how could they? If an item is popular, virtual gaurantee that it is fresh or they are out of it. The latter happens often.
Who in their right mind goes to a yuppified diner to get cereal? Hey, let me get an overpriced bowl of cereal instead of buying an unopened whole box at the store. All you can eat cereal, now that says a lot about the remainder of the breakfast selection. Wow, such variety, all these cereals, what a concept, not. What are the chances of something crawling around the restaurant getting into one of those boxes of cereal?
Can you call yourself a diner with over 20 small square tables, massive chalk boards and maybe 6 stools? It feels more like being back in school than in a diner. Teacher, could I have a fresh bowl of fish cereal? C'mon having all this cereal and selling a limited amount of pub food is supposed to be an authentication in being a diner. Hello, many quality breakfast places don't put themselves in the diner catagory, M. Henry, Ann Sathers.
This place proves what you have to do in attracting the numbskulls from the neighborhood, call it a diner, that's in. They are educated, have money to burn, lack a certain aspect of sophistication and rather chow down and waste more money at their damn little rib fest than eat a decent steak at Morton's. You can't be classy, a little more elegant in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Hmm, didn't Zephyr's do the same thing, but without any big expectations.
If you want to go to a real diner, go to Jerry's on Montrose and Western or a little further west, West River Cafe on Kedzie. Probably beneath most of those that frequent Glenn's. In the meantime, keep on fooling yourself that Glenn's is a diner and enjoy the food. True, some of the things are really good, most things are expected to be good or better considering the price. Don't expect typical diner prices!
When you finally do get over to Glenn's, save some room in that psuedo sophisticated little tummy of yours for Margie's Candies Duo across the street and on the other side of the tracks.
Love at fish sight.
The West Coaster in me misses fresh fish. A lot. Glenn's hits the spot with its huge, fresh fish selection, laid-back atmosphere (who says eating fish must always be at a chi-chi place?) and reasonable prices. I had the Columbia River Sturgeon, and it was thick, substantial, and delicious. Clam chowder was great and full of clams (hey, that's pretty uncommon). If you're getting both, like I did, I'd suggest the sturgeon w/o the cream sauce--after two servings of creaminess I felt like a dairy cow). I believe there's some kind of early-bird special for $14.95, but I forget the times--call to check.
Best part: when you give your name to the waitress, they take down your cell number so you can go get a coffee or walk around instead of hovering next to the door waiting for your table. Awesomeness.
I can't remember the last time I had seafood in Chicago. So this might explain my mis-understanding of portion sizes.
On a night when something wicked was coming our way (severe storms), we decide to walk somewhere for a quick drink and bite. I know, I know, completely tempting fate. Our destination, Glen's Dinner.
My drink was strong. Good sign. My bf's drink was served to him in a chilled wine bucket. It was a 40 oz. The classiest 40 oz. I've seen.
We wanted to go light, so we ordered two apps. Scallops and crab cakes. Both delicious!! The scallops melted in our mouths. The djon mustard was a bit too bitter for me, but I ate every bite of my crab cake.
My only qualm was that there was hardly anything on our plates! 3 tiny scallops and 2 tiny crab cakes! I get that these were apps, but doesn't an app usually feed at least 2 people? And it usually fills me up before I get my entree!
Now, again, my judgement of seafood ratio to price may be entirely off. We did notice that other diners were not being skimped on in the portion size department. I think we just ordered the wrong items.
This requires a re-do. We may just have to take another walk as the next severe thunder stom approaches.
FYI: Make reservations!! Even though only 1 table was being occupied, we were told we had to sit at the bar. Not a big deal. Yet there were still plenty of tables open when we left.
So now that I've been here for dinner and sampled the seafood, I can honestly say I'm a huge Glenn's fan now.
Another stop on my mom's Food Network Chicago tour. We arrived 15 minutes early for our Friday night reservation, and they told us we couldn't be seated until our entire party was there, even though our table was set-up and ready to go. I was irked because we were only missing one person, but no worries, we headed up to the bar.
"Sorry, unless you order food, you can't sit here."
Wha? Totally lame. I was REALLY irked at that point. But we headed outside to wait for our other party, who was now stuck in traffic.
Five minutes after our reservation, the nice hostess said if we order drinks at our table, she'll break the rules and seat us since it was starting to rain. Score! Drinks and crab cakes all around.
Our final person arrived, and crab cakes were consumed by all. And oh.my.god were they good! The sauce that comes with them is amazing, and my only regret is that I didn't have more than one.
I got the potato encrusted white fish, which was to die for. Light and fluffy and generous with the potato coating. The 'slaw and veggies that came with it were also perfection.
Everyone at the table was delighted with their meal. My mom's scallops were incredibly rich and decadent, and the Applejacks Tilapia was surpringly good!
Overall, a wonderful meal, and I get the feeling I'll be coming back a lot more for dinner since my veggie fiance is in love with the HUGE $6 veggie sandwich.
Anyplace that has a plethora of cereal to chose from is okay in my book.
Glenn's is better than okay,…
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Neighborhood: Sauganash
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Diners
Chicago, IL
Category: Diners
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Diners
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