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Huck Finn’s skillets are yummy.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

The Most Iconic Diners in Chicago

Fulfill those greasy desires with eggs and burgers

by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated
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Huck Finn’s skillets are yummy.
| Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago
by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated

Diners are one of the most enduring fixtures of America’s restaurant landscape for good reason. They provide food at affordable prices in a casual setting, letting customers get a hearty breakfast not just in the early morning but any time of day. They also offer other comforting fare like milkshakes or burgers that are equally perfect for kids and adults nursing a hangover. Chicago has a huge variety of diners ranging from century-old institutions to early leaders in vegan dining to a spin on the concept from James Beard-winner Stephanie Izard. These are the 20 best to try.

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Alexander's

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Edgewater’s favorite longstanding establishment has been in business since 1960. Breakfast skillets, half-pound burgers, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and Grecian specials like the Kayana — an egg scramble with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and feta cheese — are all on offer here. Like any good neighborhood spot, Alexander’s won’t let patrons down. A second location opened in December in Jeri’s Grill’s former spot.

6158 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 743-3841
(773) 743-3841

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Pick Me Up Cafe

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Pick Me Up Cafe has been a haven for vegetarians and vegans since 1997, moving from Wrigleyville to Uptown in 2020. Decorated with works from local artists, the Andersonville restaurant serves breakfast all day and night with options including a tofu scramble, huevos rancheros, and a bacon benedict for meat eaters. The focus on dietary restrictions also extends to a solid selection of gluten-free items.

4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 248-6613
(773) 248-6613

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Golden Nugget Pancake House

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With four locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has Belgian waffles, crepes, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, meatloaf, enchiladas and milkshakes.

1765 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-6700
(773) 769-6700

Irene's Finer Diner

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As the name suggests, Irene’s Finer Diner raises the standards on diner staples by using eggs and meat from local farms for its omelets and skillets along with adding creative twists to dishes like a waffle with mascarpone, orange peel and Nutella, and grilled cheese made with braised short rib, gruyere, raclette, cornichons and honey. The North Center restaurant also offers a kids menu, high tea and desserts from Bang Bang Pie. While the restaurant is new, the space has a long history as a diner where the current co-owner worked as a child.

2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
(872) 272-0303
(872) 272-0303

The Chicago Diner

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“Meat free since ‘83” is the slogan at this venerable diner, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in April. The restaurant, which has also had a location in Logan Square for a decade, serves vegan and vegetarian spins on comfort food classics such as a Cajun black bean burger and a gyro featuring housemade seitan and vegan tzatziki. Come before 3 p.m. daily for brunch dishes including a country benedict with seitan sausage gravy. There’s also a full bar serving cocktails and vegan shakes.

3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-6696
(773) 935-6696

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Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House

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Get cozy at one of the booths at this family-owned diner and start the day with a bloody mary or mimosa and a giant omelet served with a generous serving of crispy fried hash browns. There are piles of pancakes for diners craving something sweet and a Fiesta Skillet with jalapeños and salsa for a bit of heat. Breakfast is the focus, but there are burgers and a Cubano sandwich for the lunch crowd. Cozy Corner also has locations in Hermosa Park, Edgewater and Norwood Park.

2294 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-2215
(773) 276-2215

Dove's Luncheonette

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Grab a seat on one of the stools around the counter and try a Tex-Mex spin on classic diner fare such as masa pancakes with mole-spiced maple syrup, a patty melt with chipotle-glazed mushrooms, or buttermilk fried chicken with chorizo verde gravy. The seats provide a great view of the bartenders at work mixing mezcal and tequila cocktails while grooving to tunes played on vinyl records.

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 645-4060
(773) 645-4060

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3rd Coast Cafe

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3rd Coast Cafe has been serving all-day breakfast in the Gold Coast since 1985 — once a haven for nearby high school students to rebel against their parents to smoke a cigarette. The cafe uses locally sourced eggs and meat for three-egg omelets, pulled pork hash, and breakfast burritos. Scones are always a favorite, made with raspberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips, and served at the bakery counter alongside brownies and cookies

1260 N Dearborn St, W Goethe St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 649-0730
(312) 649-0730

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Nellie’s Restaurant

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Open since 2006, this Humboldt Park restaurant specializes in Puerto Rican breakfast and lunch, known for its massive weekend breakfast buffet. It has a full espresso bar that turns out flavorful coffee drinks that put the chain shops to shame. The breakfast jibarito is also a genius way to go carb-free for those who engage in that sort of behavior. And don’t forget to try the coconut oatmeal, a unique treat that makes many a repeat customer.

2458 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-5520
(773) 252-5520

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Ed Debevic's

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Streeterville’s Ed Debevic’s has been transporting customers to a particularly raucous version of the 1950s for almost 40 years. Notoriously sassy costumed servers mock customers and even dance on top of the soda counter when they’re not delivering skillets, pancakes, burgers and malts. The place is popular with kids and parties, so expect to find plenty of groups posing for photos in soda-jerk paper hats. Book a table on Tock.

159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 374-8497
(312) 374-8497

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Uncle Mike's Place

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Instead of the usual bacon and sausage, opt for Spam and longaniza in the morning. This Filipino diner mixes things up with Southeast Asian favorites such as bangus (milkfish), marinated skirt steak, and bone-in pork chop. Don’t fret if those sound a little too hearty though; patrons can still order an omelet or short stack.

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5318
(312) 226-5318
A griddle filled with pork. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

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Au Cheval

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Au Cheval doesn’t take reservations so there are often long waits as crowds flock in for one of the best burgers in Chicago. Arrive early and try to snag a seat at the bar to try one along with a strong cocktail and a side of thick-cut pepper bacon or hash browns. The roasted marrow bones are a decadent starter, and fans of Jewish diner fare can opt for matzah ball soup or chopped liver.

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580
(312) 929-4580

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Palace Grill

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Located just minutes from the United Center, Palace Grill is primarily a breakfast spot but stays open late when the Blackhawks play at home to feed fans before the game. Take advantage of the free parking and stop in for a chorizo burrito, a plate of eggs with bacon and hashbrowns, or a patty melt. Great for groups, the restaurant also has a dog-friendly patio.

1408 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-9529
(312) 226-9529

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Lou Mitchell's

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It doesn’t get more old school than the experience at one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants. Celebrating a century in business in 2023, Lou Mitchell’s continues to operate like a well-oiled machine. Guests are treated to complimentary donut holes upon arrival before sitting down to fluffy pancakes, jumbo omelets, fresh eggs, homemade pastries, and cups of the self-proclaimed “world’s finest coffee.”

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
(312) 939-3111

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Stax Cafe

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Pancakes are the specialty at Stax Cafe, which offers variations including lavender lemon, cookie butter and oatmeal coconut banana along with monthly specials. With locations in Little Italy and River West, the family-owned restaurant offers fun spins on diner classics such as cinnamon roll waffles and an adult grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, avocado and blueberry lemon jam. A kids menu includes pancakes cut into cute shapes while adults can enjoy a bloody mary or bellini.

1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9871
(312) 733-9871

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White Palace Grill

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Whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., there’s always an eclectic mix of students, workers, and bar hoppers at this iconic greasy spoon. It’s comfort food at its best, which means a varied selection that includes Tex-Mex dishes, pastas, burgers, chicken & waffles, meatloaf and beef sandwiches. Fast, filling, and cheap, White Palace Grill is everything a diner strives to be.

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-7167
(312) 939-7167
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Huck Finn Restaurant

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Sometimes, dessert is just as important as the main course. This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers, but make sure to save some room for one of Huck’s doughnuts topped with ice cream and whipped cream. Since it’s open 24 hours, a late-night sugar rush is always an option.

3414 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 247-5515
(773) 247-5515
Huck Finn Donuts’ sign hanging outside. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

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Valois

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It's counter-service only, but Hyde Park’s beloved institution has all the makings of a greasy spoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served cafeteria-style and customers should look forward to reliable omelets, a mean plate of steak and eggs, and daily specials like baked pork chops or barbecue ribs. Need more convincing? It’s one of President Obama’s favorite haunts.

1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 667-0647
(773) 667-0647
Yelp

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Daley's Restaurant

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Nestled in the heart of the South Side, Daley’s has been serving residents homestyle fare since 1892. Generations upon generations of Chicagoans have grown up on its skillets, waffles, chicken wings, and patty melts. Dinner brings meatloaf, fried catfish and T-bone steak, all served with corn muffins or grilled Texas toast and a choice of sides such as mac & cheese or collard greens with smoked turkey.

809 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 643-6670
(773) 643-6670

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Little Goat Diner

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Stephanie Izard moved Little Goat Diner from Restaurant Row to Lakeview in April, setting up shop in a smaller space that provides more of the traditional diner vibe. Swing by the walkup window for coffee, a breakfast sandwich (offered from 7 to 10 a.m.), or a freshly baked cookie or sit down in a booth or on the patio for a meal of pancakes, corned beef hash & eggs or a patty melt.

3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 819-7673
(773) 819-7673

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Alexander's

6158 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660

Edgewater’s favorite longstanding establishment has been in business since 1960. Breakfast skillets, half-pound burgers, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and Grecian specials like the Kayana — an egg scramble with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and feta cheese — are all on offer here. Like any good neighborhood spot, Alexander’s won’t let patrons down. A second location opened in December in Jeri’s Grill’s former spot.

6158 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 743-3841
(773) 743-3841

Pick Me Up Cafe

4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Pick Me Up Cafe has been a haven for vegetarians and vegans since 1997, moving from Wrigleyville to Uptown in 2020. Decorated with works from local artists, the Andersonville restaurant serves breakfast all day and night with options including a tofu scramble, huevos rancheros, and a bacon benedict for meat eaters. The focus on dietary restrictions also extends to a solid selection of gluten-free items.

4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 248-6613
(773) 248-6613

Golden Nugget Pancake House

1765 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

With four locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has Belgian waffles, crepes, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, meatloaf, enchiladas and milkshakes.

1765 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-6700
(773) 769-6700

Irene's Finer Diner

2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

As the name suggests, Irene’s Finer Diner raises the standards on diner staples by using eggs and meat from local farms for its omelets and skillets along with adding creative twists to dishes like a waffle with mascarpone, orange peel and Nutella, and grilled cheese made with braised short rib, gruyere, raclette, cornichons and honey. The North Center restaurant also offers a kids menu, high tea and desserts from Bang Bang Pie. While the restaurant is new, the space has a long history as a diner where the current co-owner worked as a child.

2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
(872) 272-0303
(872) 272-0303

The Chicago Diner

3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

“Meat free since ‘83” is the slogan at this venerable diner, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in April. The restaurant, which has also had a location in Logan Square for a decade, serves vegan and vegetarian spins on comfort food classics such as a Cajun black bean burger and a gyro featuring housemade seitan and vegan tzatziki. Come before 3 p.m. daily for brunch dishes including a country benedict with seitan sausage gravy. There’s also a full bar serving cocktails and vegan shakes.

3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-6696
(773) 935-6696

Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House

2294 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Get cozy at one of the booths at this family-owned diner and start the day with a bloody mary or mimosa and a giant omelet served with a generous serving of crispy fried hash browns. There are piles of pancakes for diners craving something sweet and a Fiesta Skillet with jalapeños and salsa for a bit of heat. Breakfast is the focus, but there are burgers and a Cubano sandwich for the lunch crowd. Cozy Corner also has locations in Hermosa Park, Edgewater and Norwood Park.

2294 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-2215
(773) 276-2215

Dove's Luncheonette

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Grab a seat on one of the stools around the counter and try a Tex-Mex spin on classic diner fare such as masa pancakes with mole-spiced maple syrup, a patty melt with chipotle-glazed mushrooms, or buttermilk fried chicken with chorizo verde gravy. The seats provide a great view of the bartenders at work mixing mezcal and tequila cocktails while grooving to tunes played on vinyl records.

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 645-4060
(773) 645-4060

3rd Coast Cafe

1260 N Dearborn St, W Goethe St, Chicago, IL 60610

3rd Coast Cafe has been serving all-day breakfast in the Gold Coast since 1985 — once a haven for nearby high school students to rebel against their parents to smoke a cigarette. The cafe uses locally sourced eggs and meat for three-egg omelets, pulled pork hash, and breakfast burritos. Scones are always a favorite, made with raspberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips, and served at the bakery counter alongside brownies and cookies

1260 N Dearborn St, W Goethe St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 649-0730
(312) 649-0730

Nellie’s Restaurant

2458 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Open since 2006, this Humboldt Park restaurant specializes in Puerto Rican breakfast and lunch, known for its massive weekend breakfast buffet. It has a full espresso bar that turns out flavorful coffee drinks that put the chain shops to shame. The breakfast jibarito is also a genius way to go carb-free for those who engage in that sort of behavior. And don’t forget to try the coconut oatmeal, a unique treat that makes many a repeat customer.

2458 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-5520
(773) 252-5520

Ed Debevic's

159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Streeterville’s Ed Debevic’s has been transporting customers to a particularly raucous version of the 1950s for almost 40 years. Notoriously sassy costumed servers mock customers and even dance on top of the soda counter when they’re not delivering skillets, pancakes, burgers and malts. The place is popular with kids and parties, so expect to find plenty of groups posing for photos in soda-jerk paper hats. Book a table on Tock.

159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 374-8497
(312) 374-8497

Uncle Mike's Place

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Instead of the usual bacon and sausage, opt for Spam and longaniza in the morning. This Filipino diner mixes things up with Southeast Asian favorites such as bangus (milkfish), marinated skirt steak, and bone-in pork chop. Don’t fret if those sound a little too hearty though; patrons can still order an omelet or short stack.

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5318
(312) 226-5318
A griddle filled with pork. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Au Cheval

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Au Cheval doesn’t take reservations so there are often long waits as crowds flock in for one of the best burgers in Chicago. Arrive early and try to snag a seat at the bar to try one along with a strong cocktail and a side of thick-cut pepper bacon or hash browns. The roasted marrow bones are a decadent starter, and fans of Jewish diner fare can opt for matzah ball soup or chopped liver.

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580
(312) 929-4580

Palace Grill

1408 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Located just minutes from the United Center, Palace Grill is primarily a breakfast spot but stays open late when the Blackhawks play at home to feed fans before the game. Take advantage of the free parking and stop in for a chorizo burrito, a plate of eggs with bacon and hashbrowns, or a patty melt. Great for groups, the restaurant also has a dog-friendly patio.

1408 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-9529
(312) 226-9529

Lou Mitchell's

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

It doesn’t get more old school than the experience at one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants. Celebrating a century in business in 2023, Lou Mitchell’s continues to operate like a well-oiled machine. Guests are treated to complimentary donut holes upon arrival before sitting down to fluffy pancakes, jumbo omelets, fresh eggs, homemade pastries, and cups of the self-proclaimed “world’s finest coffee.”

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
(312) 939-3111

Stax Cafe

1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Pancakes are the specialty at Stax Cafe, which offers variations including lavender lemon, cookie butter and oatmeal coconut banana along with monthly specials. With locations in Little Italy and River West, the family-owned restaurant offers fun spins on diner classics such as cinnamon roll waffles and an adult grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, avocado and blueberry lemon jam. A kids menu includes pancakes cut into cute shapes while adults can enjoy a bloody mary or bellini.

1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9871
(312) 733-9871

Related Maps

White Palace Grill

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607

Whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., there’s always an eclectic mix of students, workers, and bar hoppers at this iconic greasy spoon. It’s comfort food at its best, which means a varied selection that includes Tex-Mex dishes, pastas, burgers, chicken & waffles, meatloaf and beef sandwiches. Fast, filling, and cheap, White Palace Grill is everything a diner strives to be.

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-7167
(312) 939-7167
Facebook

Huck Finn Restaurant

3414 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Sometimes, dessert is just as important as the main course. This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers, but make sure to save some room for one of Huck’s doughnuts topped with ice cream and whipped cream. Since it’s open 24 hours, a late-night sugar rush is always an option.

3414 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 247-5515
(773) 247-5515
Huck Finn Donuts’ sign hanging outside. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Valois

1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

It's counter-service only, but Hyde Park’s beloved institution has all the makings of a greasy spoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served cafeteria-style and customers should look forward to reliable omelets, a mean plate of steak and eggs, and daily specials like baked pork chops or barbecue ribs. Need more convincing? It’s one of President Obama’s favorite haunts.

1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 667-0647
(773) 667-0647
Yelp

Daley's Restaurant

809 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637

Nestled in the heart of the South Side, Daley’s has been serving residents homestyle fare since 1892. Generations upon generations of Chicagoans have grown up on its skillets, waffles, chicken wings, and patty melts. Dinner brings meatloaf, fried catfish and T-bone steak, all served with corn muffins or grilled Texas toast and a choice of sides such as mac & cheese or collard greens with smoked turkey.

809 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 643-6670
(773) 643-6670

Little Goat Diner

3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Stephanie Izard moved Little Goat Diner from Restaurant Row to Lakeview in April, setting up shop in a smaller space that provides more of the traditional diner vibe. Swing by the walkup window for coffee, a breakfast sandwich (offered from 7 to 10 a.m.), or a freshly baked cookie or sit down in a booth or on the patio for a meal of pancakes, corned beef hash & eggs or a patty melt.

3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 819-7673
(773) 819-7673

Related Maps