After the barkeep has flipped on the lights and you have polished off that last beer, many night owls need to find that special all night diner that serves up more than a bad cup of coffee and silver dollar pancakes. Fortunately for us, we Chicagoans have quite a few options available to us that have nothing to do with the “International” chains. Here’s my picks!
Hollywood Grill: Located within walking distance of the Wicker Park / Bucktown scene, this retro diner is where just about everyone goes. Stick with the eggs, get some decent coffee and chill for an hour while you people watch! And be sure to tip the wait staff well, because boy howdy do they earn it!
White Palace Grill: Yes, there’s a lock on the front door, but “Why?” begs to be asked – they never close! Almost everything here is home made, and it shows! Try the veal parm or the Greek chicken – you’ll be really impressed!
Huck Finn Donuts and Snack Shop: Just what praytell is all that “Nom Nom Nom”-ing all about? The food is decent but nothing too special, the coffee is surprisingly good but nothing fancy, so what is it? Why, the fresh donuts, of course! You’ll never look at other donut shops the same way again! (Boston creammmmmmm!) Just be sure to hit the one on Archer, because that’s where all the cool kids are at!
Golden Nugget Pancake House: If you’ve spent more than a week in Chicago, you have probably found yourself at one of these seven locations. Golden Nugget is an institution around these parts and have probably employed half of all diner waitresses over the last forty years. The decor is awful tacky, but the pancakes are incredibly good and the prices can’t be beat. Oh – and be sure to go either the one in Ravenswood or the one in Irving Park; they’re the best overall.
Golden Apple Restaurant: They changed the Nugget to an Angel, and they improved on the speed. That’s really the major difference here. Well, that and their biscuits and gravy are pretty good. Just good, plain ole greasy drunk food, located in a good spot. If it’s before 11pm or after 5pm, go to Sam and George’s across the street instead!
So go ahead and check a few of these out. Your waistline won’t be too happy about it, but who cares – it’s good!
Whoops! We can't seem to find any.
If you happen to take any, send some our way