The 20 best diners in Chicago

What is it? A timeless diner near the starting point of Route 66.

Why we love it: Thinking of spending your Sunday morning at this classic Chicago diner? Better check the weather: The line snakes out the door and onto Lou Mitchell Way well into the afternoon. Customers are treated to fresh, sugar-dusted doughnut holes when they're seated, but the real feast starts after ordering. Stacks of “meltaway” pancakes are perfectly browned, omelettes come in hot skillets (try the sweet, rich apple-and-cheese variety) and juicy, gooey patty melts seem too big to finish. But as with the rest of the irresistible dishes, you’ll find a way.

Time Out tip: Even if there's a wait, the line moves quickly.

Address: 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6am-2pm; Sat, Sun 7am-2pm

What is it? A diner from one of Chicago's biggest restaurant groups.

Why we love it: Hogsalt Hospitality’s vintage-yet-modern diner is one of the most popular spots in town. Folks wait in line for hours to try the ballyhooed burger, which lives up to the hype (make sure to order it with bacon), but don’t overlook the rest of the menu. The fried bologna sandwich is similarly satisfying, the fried chicken arrives covered in sweet and tangy “General Jane’s” sauce and the potato hash with duck heart gravy is well worth the calories.

Time Out tip: Au Cheval now takes reservations, so you can skip waiting in line.

Address: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-11:45pm; Sun 10am-10:45pm

What is it? A 24-hour greasy spoon.

Why we love it: There are no seats here—just stools. There’s barely a menu, either. The burgers are thin little things, but stacked up two or three on a bun, they’re exactly what you come to diners for: food that’s hot, greasy, cheesy and cheap. First-timers should order the famous slinger, which is a mess of hashbrowns, two cheeseburger patties, grilled onions and eggs all smothered in house-made chili. It's not pretty, but damn if it won't keep you full for days to come.

Time Out tip: It’s the perfect way to cap off an evening across the street at the Long Room.

Address: 1635 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

What is it? A vegan Lakeview institution.

Why we love it: Even carnivores know Chicago Diner. The vibe is normal, everyday diner, albeit with soy milk, tofu and tempeh on the giant menu. Waits for weekend brunch can get painful (even though the menu is served daily), but patient non-meat-eaters are rewarded with vegan cinnamon rolls. Of the non-brunch options, the tofu and veggie-packed soul bowl is a healthy pick, and if you still have room, try the Key lime cheesecake or the thick, perfect milkshakes for dessert.

Time Out tip: Much of the menu is also gluten-friendly.

Address: 3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat, Sun 10am-10pm

What is it? A favorite for Filipino breakfast.

Why we love it: Omelets and club sandwiches will never go out of style, but a little variety never hurts. At this cozy Filipino kitchen in West Town, the focus is on homey Southeast Asian specialties. You’ll enjoy rice plates with proteins such as marinated skirt steak, bangus (marinated milkfish), longanisa (sweet sausage) and tocino (cured pork), as well as complimentary bowls of rice porridge. No worries if you just want some eggs and bacon, though—American breakfast options are available too.

Time Out tip: Weekends are especially busy, so expect a wait.

Address: 1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Daily 6am-2pm

What is it? A classic late-night destination.

Why we love it: The waitress calls you doll, hun or honey. You’ll let her call you whatever she wants if it means getting some of the best diner food in town. A scoop of soft butter and warm syrup transforms a stack of plain pancakes, and they’re flanked by the city’s only diner bacon worth its fat.

Time Out tip: It's one of the few 24-hour restaurants in Chicago.

Address: 1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

What is it? A Tex-Mex spot in the heart of Wicker Park.

Why we love it: This new-wave diner from One Off Hospitality offers southern-inspired Mexican eats in a groovy, '70s-homaging space. There's almost always a wait list going at the front counter (especially on the weekends), but diner stools turn over quickly. No one leaves hungry with menu options like the burnt ends hash and the chicken fried chicken, and no meal is complete without the breakfast magarita.

Time Out tip: Stop by during happy hour, from 3 to 6pm Thursday through Sunday, for $10 Oklahoma onion burgers and drink specials.

Address: 1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9am-3pm; Thu, Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 8am-3pm

What is it? A retro-style, Jewish deli and diner.

Why we love it: Owner Brad Rubin scoured the country to do research for Eleven City Diner. His pastrami is tender, fatty and full of flavor; the milkshakes are thick and oversized; matzo balls are enormous; and the brisket is good enough that any grandmother would want to claim it, Jewish or not.

Time Out tip: Its location near Grant Park and the Museum Campus makes it a convenient stop before or after a day of exploring.

Address: 1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat, Sun 8:30am-8pm

What is it? A new-school diner with a focus on quality.

Why we love it: Irene’s takes familiar diner dishes and gives them a thoughtful upgrade, sourcing ingredients from purveyors like Slagel, Nueske’s and Rare Tea Cellar. The menu offers plenty of classics, but items such as the short rib grilled cheese and shakshouka keep things interesting. And it manages to feel polished without losing the warmth and approachability of a neighborhood spot.

Time Out tip: Visit sister shop Irene’s Bagels in Ravenswood for a variety of flavors and breakfast sandwiches.

Address: 2012 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Daily 8am-2pm

What is it? A playful diner with creative takes on classic comfort food.

Why we love it: After a decade-long stint in West Loop, Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard moved her old school-inspired diner to the Southport Corridor. With breakfast served all day, guests can dig into Bull's Eye French Toast with eggs, fried chicken and barbecue maple syrup or Nutella pancakes. Add on creamy grits, hash browns, milkshakes and more to complete your meal.

Time Out tip: Save room for a slice of Sugargoat's famous fry pie.

Address: 3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Daily 8am-9pm

What is it? The oldest restaurant in Chicago.

Why we love it: Although it relocated across the street in 2019, Daley's is the oldest eatery in the city, having been in operation since 1892. But there’s no time for this homey diner to dwell on the past—the space bustles with a mix of Woodlawn locals and University of Chicago students, especially in the mornings, when they gather for the ethereal Belgian waffles (offered with a side of juicy chicken wings), hearty Denver omelettes and warm, buttery biscuits.

Time Out tip: The restaurant is just steps away from the Cottage Grove Green Line station.

Address: 6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Opening hours: Daily 7am-5pm

What is it? A Ravenswood diner blending Filipino and Cuban flavors.

Why we love it: This Filipino-Cuban fusion restaurant spun off from its tasting menu sister, Bayan Ko, in 2024. Filipino breakfast staples take center stage in the daytime, including silog with house-made tocino, longanisa and bangus. For heartier dishes, stop by during dinner service for lechon kawali and ropa vieja.

Time Out tip: If you like Bayan Ko Diner, check out Bayan Ko for a more elevated dining experience.

Address: 1820 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Daily 9am-3pm, 5-10pm

What is it? An old-school, cafeteria-style diner.

Why we love it: Valois has been a Hyde Park institution for generations. It’s the kind of place that feels deeply rooted in the community, serving affordable, no-frills breakfast and brunch fare. Order the steak omelet or the generous stack of French toast for something sweet. The daily specials are also worth a look, with options ranging from baked chicken to corned beef and cabbage.

Time Out tip: Cash is king so bring bills.

Address: 1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Opening hours: Daily 6am-3pm

What is it? A Swedish-American brunch spot best known for its cinnamon rolls.

Why we love it: Ann Sather is not the best dinner, lunch or breakfast in town. It may not even be the best diner food. But that doesn’t matter, because Ann Sather has the sweetest cinnamon rolls in the Midwest. If you must, you can order some “real” food—crab cake Benedict won’t disappoint, and neither will Swedish meatballs with noodles and gravy. But let’s get real: You’re only after those fluffy cinnamon rolls, which arrive too big for the plate and submerged under warm icing. Luckily for you, they come with almost every order.

Time Out tip: Want to recreate the cinnamon rolls at home? Ann Sather shares its recipe online.

Address: 1819 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Daily 7am-3pm

What is it? A bright, airy diner that doubles as a workspace.

Why we love it: Located near the University of Chicago, this diner keeps hungry students and Hyde Park residents fueled up with a selection of Southern fare from Lillie’s Q chef Charlie McKenna. Drop in morning, day or night for comforting classics like biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, fried catfish and chicken fried steak. It’s counter service, and you’ll see plenty of people settling in to get some work done.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for something stronger, Roux also offers a small selection of alcoholic drinks.

Address: 1055 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 7am-2:30pm; Thu-Sat 7am-9pm

What is it? Wicker Park's late-night diner.

Why we love it: Born in 1995, this colorful, retro spot feeds hungry Wicker Parkers 365 days a year. Like many great diners, you can always order breakfast items such as crepes, skillets, pancakes and eggs. The rest of the menu covers serious ground with salads, steaks, sandos, milkshakes and so much more.

Time Out tip: Hollywood Grill has its own parking lot, which is a big plus in Wicker Park.

Address: 1601 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

What is it? A classic Greek diner.

Why we love it: This family-owned greasy spoon offers all of the usual suspects—skillets, patty melts, omelets—along with Grecian specialties like broiled chicken. It's not reinventing the wheel, but Alexander's is a reliable spot for when you need an early morning pick-me-up.

Time Out tip: Alexander's boasts three locations across the North Side: Edgewater, Rogers Park and Lincoln Square.

Address: 6158 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660

Opening hours: Daily 7am-3pm

What is it? A neighborhood diner serving hearty comfort fare

Why we love it: Boasting three locations, Huck Finn has been a greasy staple on the South Side for decades. While the McKinley Park location closes at 8pm, both the West Lawn and Oak Lawn outposts are open 24/7, so you can get breakfast for dinner whenever the craving strikes. Expect familiar choices like omelets, club sandwiches, burgers, steaks and more.

Time Out tip: For dessert, grab one of the humongous donuts to share (you can even get it topped with ice cream and whipped cream).

Address: 3414 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Daily 6am-8pm

What is it? A 24-hour diner from the owner of late-night haunts White Palace Grill and Hollywood Grill.

Why we love it: There aren't a lot of options for diner fare in River North, especially ones that are open all hours of the day. The menu is exhaustive, featuring breakfast plates, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, pastas and much more. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a night out, no matter how late it is.

Time Out tip: Griddle 24 serves alcohol, so enjoy a beer, wine or boozy milkshake with your meal.

Address: 334 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

What is it? A retro-themed diner known for its '50s-era decor and sassy servers.

Why we love it: The wise-cracking waitstaff at this Disney-esque diner is as much a part of its gimmick as the old-school memorabilia and music. While the food may take a backseat to the experience itself, you can’t go wrong with the classic burger, french fries and gravy, and kitschy-cool desserts like the world’s smallest ice-cream sundae (basically a shot glass–sized portion).

Time Out tip: Expect some attitude from your server, but remember, it’s all part of the schtick.

Address: 159 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Daily 8am-9pm