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Glenn's Diner
Category: Restaurants Diners Diners [Edit]
1820 W Montrose Ave(between Honore St & Ravenswood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhoods: North Center, Ravenswood, Lakeview
(773) 506-1720
- Nearest Transit:
-
Montrose-brown (Brown Line)
Damen-brown (Brown Line)
Irving Park-brown (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
640 reviews for Glenn's Diner
Review Highlights
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"This potato pancake is unlike any other I've had." In 57 reviews -
"I always start out with the clam chowder." In 63 reviews -
"They serve SIXTEEN different kinds of fresh fish." In 51 reviews
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640 reviews in English
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Review from Tera D.
5/21/2012
Glenn's was recommended to us forever ago as a great place to go during Lent since they've got great fish. Well Lent ended a while ago, but we finally had an excuse to be in Glenn's 'hood, so we gave it a whirl. Verdict: why oh why did we wait so long to get up here!
Lent or not, Glenn's is awesome. It is, in fact, mostly seafood, but instead of doing seafood in a fancy, haughty way, they just make it taste awesome. It really feels like a diner, but an uber popular one. Without reservations on a Wednesday evening we were relegated to the bar. But with the super friendly, honest and helpful bartenders, it was hardly a set back. Don't be intimidated by the huge menu they give you. Toss it aside and focus on the chalkboards on the wall - that's where the good stuff is. Fish of every make and model, in a huge variety of preparations, plus apps and desserts that looked amazing. We went with the shrimp in butter and cheese and goodness for an appetizer, then the jambalaya and the arctic char for dinner. All SO good. Seriously, pretend Montrose and Damen is a convenient location and get your butt up there ASAP! -
Review from Shane E.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2012
The human body is not conditioned nor designed to digest the amount of butter I put into myself last night. What's a guy to do when he has bottomless Alaskan king crab served to him all night?
Life is tough.
A helluva loss leader if you ask me. I definitely got my money's worth. ...oh right, the crab legs were amazing. Best you'll find in the city and I've been to Joe's Stone Crab. Got there right around 6 after work, waited 5 minutes for them to set up a table for two of us and we were off to the races.
DO WORK, SON. -
Review from Jason A.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012
What a great little place! My wife and I went there for dinner last night after seeing Glenn's reviewed on Check Please.
Despite hearing how there were so many seafood options it was still surprising to see just how many. The quality... fantastic! We both appreciated the high quality food without a hint of pretension. We found Glenn's to be the perfect neighborhood joint, only better!
Worth noting - I am on a gluten free diet. I had an easy time ordering. There are plenty of items on the menu that can be made gluten free, particularly if you're ordering seafood.
Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Brian C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/6/2012
I feel strange writing a third five star review for Glenn's. I love Glenn's. I could go on into a long and deep length about how I always enjoy the atmosphere, the friendly staff and the presentation of everything at Glenn's. I could further go on about the depth of the menu and how everything I've ever tried here has hit the spot. I could also mention how every time I have out of town guests this is where I like to take them and we've always had a great meal.
But I'm not going to mention those things. I'm going to talk about the last thing I ate there. I was dead set on having my Crab Cake Eggs Benedict but a recommendation from the waiter sounded so disastrous that I just had to try it: Seafood Strudel.
Seafood Strudel? Strudel is a desert? One I typically don't care for... how are they going to merge that with seafood I love? I read the menu description:Shrimp, crab, hardboiled egg, cheese, pastry, topped with mushrooms and hollandaise sauce.
"This could be terrible... Why am I considering this?" I thought.
I order, it arrives. You know what happens next right? I mean you saw the 5 stars above right?
It defies all odds. It's wonderful. It's one of the tastiest things I've eaten in months. Savory, complex flavors and filling. Mixed with a side serving of spinach... it's just tremendous.
My girlfriend asks me "Better than the Crabcake Eggs Benedict?"
My pause to ponder this surprised her...
"I don't know. All I do know is that before this weekend is over I'm writing Glenn's another 5 star Yelp review."Listed in: My Neighborhood
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/28/2011
A friend and I recently had lunch here and I decided to have the Veggie Burger.
They make a… Read more »
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Review from Tim R.
4/23/2012
Fish lovers rejoice! Another cliché-laden and completely unnecessary review about how great this place is!
Glenn's Diner had been on my radar for a while, and it didn't disappoint. Arriving around 5.30pm on a Saturday, the place was already fully booked for the rest of the night. The host allowed us to loiter until some seats opened up at the counter, and from the garlic bread with gorgonzola sauce to the rainbow trout with brown sugar and pecans, everything was perfect. Fish entrees came with a side of al dente broccoli and perfectly spherical baby potatoes, soaked in butter.
Glenn's is BYOB but also has a decent drink selection. I didn't partake for hangover-based reasons (see previous review of 4am karaoke experience).Listed in: You shall have a fishy
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Review from Veronica M.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012
I had to do a review on this place.... best seafood in the city and so many options. Went on a Sunday at about 4pm, brunch was over (the menu that goes only until 3pm is great) and we were told so many reservations that we could not be seated until 8pm!!!!! I was a little shocked a restaurant would reserve the whole place and annoyed, but we sat at the "bar" to eat.
We had a wonderful fish spread for an apptizer, but it was served with Ritz Crackers, yuck. We asked for the basket of crackers and ate it with those instead. For a main course, the fish pot pie was wonderful, warm, great crust but a little small in size for the price, but once I saw how many shirmp were inside, decided it was a good deal. Other meal was pretzel encrusted fish, so good. Only thing the veggies on the side were undercooked and when I mentioned to the server behind the bar he replied, "That can't be right, they cook those through all the time" What, do you think I was lying?
Service was very good except for that comment. Server took the food and its presentation almost too personal and was very excited over the menu, nice guy but gave out weird vibe.
Things to know about this place:
This was the "worst" experience I ever had here and still the food was awesome, so in summary, you can't go wrong, even on a bad day its great!
Very small, call ahead for reservations
The all you can eat crab is great, but good luck getting into the restaurant for a seat, outside patio is a good bet
Great beer list
Service is good, sometimes over happy, if possible
Tartar sauce is best I have ever had
Po Boy Sanwiches are great, especially the catfish
NOT a place for groups, only go with 2/3 people
A little expensive, but its season in a relaxed enviroment so enjoy -
Review from Eric D.
Evanston, IL
5/15/2012
We went to Glenn's for brunch on Mother's Day. We arrived about 12:30 and were seated immediately. My wife had the eggs benedict, I had the biscuits and gravy. The kids had pancakes. It was all delicious. Unlike many diners, Glenn's doesn't drench the biscuits in the gravy, so you could actually taste the nice, flaky, homemade quality. The seafood lineup also looked excellent. We will have to return for that. My only complaint would be that, while our waitress was very attentive and friendly up to the time we ordered, she kind of disappeared after that. But overall, an excellent new breakfast spot.
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Review from Dan L.
4/11/2012 1 photo
I've been here before for their Sunday Brunch. But the fact that they do ALL YOU CAN EAT KING CRAB LEGS is out of this world. You have to have a reservation on Tuesday's for the mere fact that people come on that day specifically for crab. I'm still full the morning after.
Aside from the Tuesday special, this is the place if you like a huge variety of fresh seafood.
Check em out on DDD.Listed in: Where I get full
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Review from John T.
5/1/2012
I'd usually write a lengthy review and highlight all the details of this place, but I don't know what to say past, "Wow." I have been to seafood places throughout the city and beyond, but this place was by far my favorite. They also have an extensive menu with other things, so don't feel pressured to go for fish. They also have gluten free options if you let them know. Check it out and thank me later. It was unreal.
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Review from James S.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2012
Simply off the charts. My only regret is my first visit here was for weekend breakfast. Which at Glenn's means we could not order off the "chalk board", mostly seafood dishes that sounded fantastic like halibut with blue cheese horseradish sauce. These items only available after 3pm on weekends.
What we did have was still amazing. A shrimp po boy with homemade tarter, avocado, bacon, tomato, and onion. The french bread it came on was thin and allowed for all the sandwich flavor to come out. One of my favorite sandwiches ever.
The crab cake benedict was also very good. Every thing homemade from the sauce to the crab cake.
If that wasn't enough the potato pancake that accompanied each dish was the best i have every had. Quickly pan fried and bursting with fresh flavors.
I cannot wait to go back.
A must do in Chicago. -
Review from Erin J.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012
Everytime we go here, we wait in line. But it's worth it. The service is fun and the food is great. I like the range of fresh seafood to burgers to breakfast served all day...its a place I can take my parents when they visit and we can ALL find something great to eat.
French Onion soup is to die for. Only if you dine in though...carry out french onion is not remotely the same. -
Review from Coralie B.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Best scrambled eggs I've ever had. The potato pancake was very original too.
Staff was super friendly, and while simple, I really enjoyed looking at the shelves of cereal behind the counter.
They have an amazing array of fish options posted on the walls, but it was too early for fish for me - maybe next time! -
Review from C R.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2012
It hurts my heart to give Glenn's Diner one star. The clam chowder is phenomenal and, until last month, it really felt like a warm and inviting atmosphere. For the third week in a row, I darkened Glenn's doorstep for delicious food and fun. The third time is definitely not the charm.
We felt a little rushed initially, even though it was a Monday. After having a hectic day, a relaxing dinner was what I wanted with one of my favorite gal pals. However, it gave dine and dash a new meaning. Before we finished our meal (clocking at almost an hour at this point, for reference), we noticed that five water glasses were staring at us (waiting for our table). When we asked if we could get one more beverage, we were told that they would gladly serve it to us if we moved to the bar. Huh? We a) had not totally finished with our bill and b) noticed that four tables of people who had been there prior to our arrival were still there. And, of course, our server said that she was also the manager on duty when we requested to express our concerns to a manager.
I have never experienced something like that before. And the hard edge is that they clearly did not care if I made it a fourth week in a row or not. That being said, I am waving a fond farewell to the clam chowder. Glenn's will never get my 20+% tipping or my good vibes again. One star is for the memories. If Glenn's is concerned about servicing more people vs. the quality of the experience, it should open up a drive-thru diner instead. -
Review from Matt F.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2012
This is the place I take my girlfriend whenever I do something stupid. Yes, it is so good that it will actually get you out of the doghouse! You can order anything on the menu and it will be amazing! If you want some of the best seafood in Chicago, without having to go to some posh bourgeoisie joint, then this is your place. The all you can eat King crab night is not only a dinner, but an amazing experience! Get reservations for the king crab night, cause it fills up. Great selection of beer and cereal, yes thats right, they have every kind of cereal you could ever want. A real jewel in the city, go check it out.
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Review from Kristen D.
Hawthorn Woods, IL
3/12/2012
Had dinner here to celebrate my birthday and started the evening off with the Crustacean Junction Pot Ppie. The crust was amazing and I wish there'd been more of it. The base of the pot pie was assorted seafood that was covered in a mornay sauce. It was baked to perfection and served with mushrooms on top. I think the combination of the mushrooms and mornay over powered the seafood a little bit. I like mushrooms so it wasn't a total downside. I noticed there was a spicy undertone to the dish. The more I had the more I noticed it. I am sensitive to spice but this didn't keep me from eating it.
One of my girlfriends had the jambalaya, one had the white fish and one had the swordfish. All were thrilled with their dishes.
For dessert, I had a piece of the Golden Carrot Cake. I had high hopes but was disappointed. Nothing quite meets my gold standard for carrot cake (Tavern, Libertyville). It was a little bland and dry and the icing didn't quite taste like a traditional cream cheese frosting. However I did get to taste the key lime pie and it was outstanding.
I would definitely return to Glenn's. It's a great small restaurant putting out great seafood. -
Review from Kwoky L.
2/23/2012
There's something terribly wrong with Glenn's Diner. I mean this is a diner serving primarily seafood, more than 16 different daily specials in the meat-and-potato Midwest United States. Are they out of their mind? This is almost unheard of in Chicago. And then they have the guts to serve not just seafood, but also cereal and breakfast. Wow, I like these guys already!
If you've live in Chicago, you know how hard it is to find quality seafood at an affordable price. You almost always can't get both. Well, at Glenn's, you can. First of all, the prices are a bit more expensive for seafood items, naturally. So, don't expect $5.95 for a fish meal. But them being a diner, they are definitely more affordable compared to other restaurants. Everything on the menu was so tempting; they've got crab cakes, halibut, blue marlin, perch and others.
I don't remember if I got the walleye, sole or yellow perch but it was simply pan fried and served with a side. The fish was seasoned correctly but it tasted a bit fishy. I wasn't sure if it was fresh enough. Presentation was simple and straightforward, just what I expected from a diner. For $16-$20, I felt there was something missing from the dish though.
Despite the fishiness, Glenn's gets an A for prominently featuring so many choices of seafood in a low key setting. Food was OK but I would love to come back to try other seafood items or their breakfast menu. -
Review from Brandon B.
Chicago, IL
3/4/2012
I've been reading the reviews for this place, and I wanted to check it out.
I went on a Saturday afternoon at 2 and it was rather packed. My friends and I were given a 30 minute wait, so we went down to Scot's for a drink (which was a great idea, by the way). When we came back, we wanted to order off of the blackboards, but we were disappointed that we were told we couldn't unless we wanted to wait around until 3--that miffed me a bit. "Never mind, we'll do the brunch."
And it was pretty damn good brunch! I had this smoked trout hash, which was absolutely delectable. My other friends had a shrimp New Orleans dish, which was very good, and some banana pancakes. The food was fan-freaking-tastic.
While our waitress was kind and knowledgeable, she was a little inattentive because she was just so busy. Normally that would frustrate me, but the food more than made up for it. -
Review from P M.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2012
Went on a Saturday night with no reservations. The friendly hostess said it would be 45 minutes to an hour so we gave our number and went down the street for a drink. 30 minutes later we got the call that our table was ready.
Our waiter was knowledgeable, helpful and was very attentive without being intrusive. Excellent service!
We were not able to order an appetizer because there was nothing available without garlic which I am allergic to. This is a pretty common scenario for me so no big surprise. After reading the menu and blackboards and getting a refill on wine and beer we ordered our entrees. I ordered the Sturgeon as recommended by our waiter. It was simply prepared, flame grilled with some sort of creamy mushroom and bacon sauce. Absolutely delicious and fresh! The sides, roasted potatoes and steamed veggies were OK but unimpressive. The only disappointment was the portion size. For $26 I was served a 1" x 3.5" slice of fish and was charged another $3 for an extra side of the sauce to fix up the bland sides.
My girlfriend got the Red Snapper which was lightly floured and fried. Pretty good but a little fishy for my taste. I think it was the skin which was strong tasting which is normal I guess.
For dessert we shared a brownie with vanilla ice cream. Not bad but not very chocolaty. Kinda tasted like a box mix and again for $7 it should knock my socks off.
We both liked the food and the great service and may try it again if we find a groupon or other discount but will probably go back to Devon Seafood Grill downtown first. -
Review from Jennifer E.
Chicago, IL
2/29/2012
Went here last night for the All-You-Can-Eat King Crab and it was okay.
Firstly, I had reservations for three at a certain time and we were seated 20 minutes after the reservation. Once seated, it took another 15-20 minutes to get our food. Once we got our food, it took 10 minutes for each crab leg to be brought to our table.
They give you 2-3 crab legs in the beginning and then they bring one crab leg at a time after that. I understand why they do one crab leg at a time in general but I'm kind of a pro at eating crab legs and they could tell. I would eat a crab leg in 3-5 minutes.
Food was great. Service was good. Hostess/reservations/table seating was under par.
Would I come in again? Maybe. -
Review from Becky S.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2012
Epically Disgusting.
I finally got around to trying this place, I figured there's always a wait so the food must be good, right? Wrong. I got the veggie burger and I can say without question that ranks up with one of the most disgusting things I've ever tasted, easily the worst veggie burger in Chicago. It was pureed into a paste and over spiced to the point of being almost inedible. I ate half of it, figuring "hey, it's protein, I'm hungry," but my stomach is informing me that eating half of it was a massive mistake, even the smell of it on my breath makes me want to vomit. I can't stress enough how awful the thing was. My also husband tried a small bite and proclaimed, "That's repulsive!"
My husband had an omelette with potato pancakes. He said the potato pancakes were good, the omelette was also fine (note, "fine" not "good," fine as in perfectly edible but nothing to go seeking out).
My 4 year old son got the chocolate chip pancake sticks. They arrived with melted butter all over the pile of melted chocolate chips on top (it may as well have been poured on chocolate syrup), sprinkled heavily with powdered sugar. You might think it would be a little boy's dream, but my son only ate around the edges because the rest was "yucky." Come on, if you put a plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of a 4 year old boy and he proclaims them to be "yucky" you've got something seriously wrong. This is the same kid that mixes shredded cheese into his ice water and drinks "cheese water."
There are better places to go, and the overall verdict from this family is: "That's $35 and a tummy feeling perfectly fine that I will never get back." Seriously, it's a beautiful day and I'm sitting here wishing I had some pepto because my lunch made me violently ill. -
Review from Mark W.
4/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Excellent fish! I've had the lunch special (which can't be beat) and have been there in the evening for some fine fresh fish. Seating is a challenge here just because the place is always packed. But go, wait for a table, and enjoy!
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Review from Dan N.
Bartlett, IL
4/20/2012
Great selection of seafood, it one of those places that you look and look and are never sure what to order, it all sounds so so good....and Delivers. I bet the Diner food is equally great but I cant see going and not getting one of the excellent seafood selections. We started with a very nice Crab Cake and the Shrimp cargots both excellent. The Clam Chowder is a real STAR, one of the best I have ever had. I had the Cioppino witch was good, maybe a touch too much celery, my wife had a amazing shrimp stuffed Cat Fish. Great service and many many other things I want to try.
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Review from Andy F.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012
I love Glenn's. Great food, great service. Only problem is you will wait at least 45 mins to 2 hours for a table even on a weeknight. I hope if / when they expand they don't move out of the neighborhood.
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Review from K T Y.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2012
Went for all you can eat king crab legs. Worth the $45-$50 price tag. Nice warm crispy and fresh crab legs kept on rollin'. The servers were attentive. Did not feel rushed at all. You can tell they appreciate the business. Just wished they had Corona...it goes great with crabs...
I will be back. Be prepared for my eating frenzy, Glenn's. -
Review from Amanda W.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2012
I went here last night (a Wednesday night) with two friends and to be honest, had pretty high expectations. Luckily we had reservations, the place was pretty busy and I had no idea how small it was. One friend was there before me, the other was running a little late. Our table was ready with water and everything, but they wouldn't seat us until the entire party arrived. Okay, I get that if they were going to give our table to someone else while we waited or on a weekend, but the table was there and empty waiting for us. Why couldn't we just sit there? Anyway. The service was just okay. The waiter was nice enough and knew the menu well, but the food came out pretty slow. I ordered the barramundi as my entree after asking the waiter which of three choices was the best (the walleye, the barramundi, or the crabcakes). It was just alright. I've had barramundi elsewhere and this didn't impress me. It was supposed to be served blackened with a honey lemon butter. I didn't taste honey or lemon, just butter, and it just seemed greasy. It was served with potatoes that were also equally greasy and broccoli that seemed to be formerly frozen. For $25, I expected something A LOT better. Maybe I just got a bad dish? Maybe it was a bad night? I'm not sure, but I won't be back.
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Review from Julie Z.
1/3/2012
Finally! I have been here!
I came for lunch and my oh my, it was busy. 30 minute wait but the host was very gracious and took down my number so we could grab a drink somewhere close before dining.
The menu is vast and reasonable. The seafood is fairly priced but that doesn't equate to cheap. The other items that aren't seafood are very reasonable.
This is what I tried:
Bloody Mary - if you like shrimp or shrimp cocktail, order this. It comes with a skewer of shrimp which isn't bad but I think the garnish should include something other than just shrimp, a carrot and celery. Also, the drink itself is very similar to eating shrimp cocktail. That's all it tastes like. Not my favorite.
French onion soup - SCORE!!!!! great soup. Get some!
Chowder - very creamy with tons of seafood
Lobster roll - LOTS and LOTS of lobster on perfectly toasted french bread. delish!
Everyone who works here is super nice. They are all in good moods which puts the customer in a good mood. I really enjoyed myself here and I think I'll have to come back for the "All you can eat King Crab". -
Review from Thomas K.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2012
I think everyone should eat more fish so that is why I gave it two stars. Aside from that I was very disappointed in the food. The crabcakes were mushy and not meaty at all. they actually stretched the truth saying they are like maryland cakes. I had pre made cakes at dirks and they were just as good. Swordfish was small portion and overcooked. Most of what I ate was overcooked. Really just go to bob chins if you cannot cook your own fish. Oh and lest I forget the soup was lukewarm and super thick cheap tasting. Very sad 100 bucks worth of food. I am a seafood expert and junkie and this was just not seafood well executed. Dont do it.
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Review from Lindsay Y.
Chicago, IL
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very low-key place, small and cozy. Great selection of fresh fish and unreal clam chowder!
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Review from Pascal M.
1/18/2012
I find it baffling what Glenn's Diner is able to accomplish. Especially in a relatively small setting. They serve excellent breakfast and brunch items, their seafood selection is impressive to say the least, and to top it all off they have perhaps the only cereal bar in existence.
Glenn's is a comfortable environment with an aw-inspiring chalkboard menu. When we dined there were all types of people, a large family, some couples, groups of friends, and a crowd of hipsters. Glenn's is a unique place that can appeal to just about anyone.
Our group all ordered different items. I had the crabcake eggs benedict. The crabcake itself was delicious, everything together was complete utter harmony. They gave me the hollondaise on the side too which I greatly appreciated since I only like a small amount. My friends omlette and another friends breakfast sandwich were also great (foodie crowd, we share). Their sweet items were tasty too, I think we got their French Toast. I personally didnt have any cereal, but I love the concept. Their OJ was really good too, likely ffresh swqueezed.
Glenn's rules, I need to go back and get some seafood becuase they truly know their way around a kitchen. -
Review from M K.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2012
Great place if you like to feel rushed and practically kicked out after a short meal. The staff is annoying in the sense that they are busy (I know, we are all busy; but I expect some common courtesy when I choose your establishment to spend my money). The food is ok, nothing special. The atmosphere is cramped due to the fact that the whole "restaurant" is smaller than a studio apartment. Be prepared to move a lot to accommodate others, loud ambiance, annoyed staff, and mediocre food.
* I have been here a few times, but during my last visit (a second date btw) we were sitting at the bar and one of the staff had the balls to ask us to give up our seats because another customer was tired of standing. I should have requested my check back and crossed out the generous 25% tip i left. Unprofessional and extremely discourteous. I will never go back. -
Review from Daniel G.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2012
Bulls Eye Bakery - Well there are many reviews for Glenn's Diner, but few for the business where Glenn buys his desserts. That is 'Bulls Eye Bakery'. I have to say that the dessert's made by owner, Richard, are fantastic. His lemon squares are 'just like mama used to make'! They are sweet, but not too sweet. One knows he/she is enjoying the lemon flavor, but they are not 'tart' which ruins many great desserts. His brownies (which you can enjoy on Glenn's menu) are wonderful. Add ice cream! Also, you can 'special order' from Bulls Eye Bakery. Try this great bakery business. You'll be happy and Richard will bring all your goodies right to your home on time for your special event. So, when you go to Glenn's for the 'over the top' fantastic seafood and other fare, please add on a dessert. That makes the meal complete!
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Review from Tim H.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2011
The story of my affair with Glenn's Diner goes as follows. This space used to be a crappy tapas place and when I saw a new "seafood diner" was opening in it's spot I got quite excited as I lived only a block away and needed an alternative to Caro Mio for dinner and LeSabre (RIP) or Golden Nugget for Breakfast/Lunch.
I patronized Glenn's within the first week that they were open and fairly regularly after that for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner. I loved that they have no deep fryer and that as the menu states "iceberg will never be allowed through our doors." the servers knew my face and I knew theirs. So many well cooked rotating fish specials on their chalkboard that there was often something new nearly every time I came. The word of mouth I gave this place was amazing, many of my friends also became lovers of Glenn's and we would meet there to hang out and have a great piece of seafood or one of their creative sandwiches (I miss the Russian Rueben), heck, I even brought my Grandma here.
Then all of the sudden Glenn's got too big for their britches. Now, I'm not one to begrudge a place their success but it saddened me greatly that a loyal customer who patronized their restaurant since the first week could no longer get a table without waiting 30 minutes or more and then eventually it became impossible without a reservation (which they never used to accept until all the groups from outside of the neighborhood complained about having traveled so far to visit and not able to get a table). I used to be able to walk down the block and grab a quick bite to eat, and for dinner the tables were always full, why change from a first-come-first-served diner to a you ain't getting in without a reservation?
My visits to Glenn's tapered off slowly as it became more and more difficult to get a seat and the "fame" of various TV appearances went to their heads. Glenn's was always good for what it was, a funky neighborhood diner that cooked a great piece of fish but sadly I can no longer recommend them as both service and quality as well as basic respect for loyal customers went down the crapper. At this point Glenn's diner is no more than a slightly over-priced and much over-hyped shadow of its former self. You will still get a decent (not great) plate of food that you will pay (slightly) too much for but Glenn's has lost its magic and I am doubtful that I will return.
So sad for you Glenn's Diner, I loved you and I supported you from the beginning but you did not return that love. -Goodbye. -
Review from Patrick K.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2012
A great Chicago find. It a really small place, so it gets busy fast. I suggest going early. I had a shrimp po boy and it was very favorable. Also, I had their lobster roll. Honestly, one of the best in Chicago and fairly priced. Glenn's is a seafood house, but it has may other options. With a variety of different choices I will be sure to back to try something new. Cool trendy Chicago/east coast atmosphere. Check it out :)
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Review from H H.
Alexandria, VA
4/7/2012
I treated my parents here for their anniversary, and their Tuesday special on AYCE Alaskan King Crab knocked their socks off. Great plate of right-out-of-the-steamer giant crab legs, filled with big chunks of meaty/juicy crab meat, a side of hot butter, and sides of salad, bread, and cole slaw. The prices depend on the market price, the service was efficient and friendly, and the place itself is one of those hole-in-the-wall type of places where the decor and the exterior is not the place's top priority. Finding great seafood places in the Midwest can be a challenging task, but Glenn's Diner hits the spot with awesome fresh seafood for seafood lovers alike. The place itself is small, and reservations are highly recommended.
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Review from Dina L.
Chicago, IL
3/4/2012
I've been here about 5 or 6 times for brunch over the past 5 years and they are always consistent with service and execution. I always get something off the seafood part of the menu, while my better half always orders off the breakfast part of the menu. He is quite the breakfast critic, and he has always been surprisingly pleased here (he always expects the worst and hopes for the best with breakfast joints). And I am quite the seafood critic, and I am always pleasantly fulfilled...I have tried their lobster rolls, cioppino, crab legs...he has tried their eggs, pancakes, and biscuits & gravy.
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Review from Karolyn S.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2011
Have written many times regarding Glenn's, yet this time it's not a good one. Mediterranean scramble should have feta cheese, not parmesan. Toast should come with the meal, not 8 minutes into eating.
I usually love this place, but this time I was just very disappointed. Will probably only go for dinner. -
Review from Angel S.
Bartlett, IL
12/14/2011
I've been going to Glenns for several years, and you never to fail to impress me.
Staff is always welcoming, knowlegible and not over-intrusive.
You have a great thing going, and I try to dine here every time I'm in your neck of the woods. -
Review from Stephen H.
Winnetka, IL
3/17/2012
Great fish selections! Perhaps the best chowdah ...... evah!
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Review from Marc W.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2011
Stay Away.
Never have I experienced worse service. At least 7-10 open tables around 1 PM on Saturday and was told that I had to wait 10 minutes for the servers to get situated. What is that supposed to mean. There were about 5 servers and only 25 tables in the entire place, but it seemed like a chaotic mess. After our bitchy hostess mumbled something incoherently my party of two went to the bar where we were ignored for 10 minutes by at least 3 servers.
This place seems to be run by a bunch of people who hit the pipe a little too hard the night before or on their last break. After being told I could not eat what I wanted (which was on the chalkboard) until 3 PM, I was ready to leave. Had to wait another 15-20 minutes to get our check. Keep in mind that I am sitting at the bar where every server walked by me at least 3 times.
Will never go back. Your service sucks. Fruit Flies are not pets FYI.
Vitals
2 drinks
Side of Anger
Lifelong Grudge
$15.00 -
Review from David G.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2011
I love this place despite that in the colder months when the outdoor seating is dismantled it's difficult to get through the door. They have tons of fish specials on the chalkboards. Admittedly I've never come for straight up seafood, but I heard that the fish is the reason to really go. I've only been to Glenn's for breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast at Glenn's is nothing fancy. Don't expect anything mind blowing, just decent regular American breakfast food. Note the wall-o-cereal over by the bar. I've heard of restaurants that serve only cereal, but at Glenn's it seems to be a nice option for people who are too lazy to pour their own bowl at home.
For lunch the food is great. I always start out with the clam chowder. Note that it contains bacon, so it's not completely seafood, but it's creamy and served in a cup. I've had the grilled cheese and tomato, the BLT and the spinach salad. Can't go wrong with any of those. One surprise was the potato pancake. I'm not a big potato pancake guy, but they threw one on my plate anyway, and before I could protest I was already stuffing it in my face.
