Glenn's Diner

10/18/09

Rude Host

by Hoosier Girl at Citysearch

Food was really good. Waitress was charming, helpful, accommodating and top-notch. Idiot in charge of seating customers was beyond rude.

We made reservations for 5:30. My son and I arrived at 5:28. In front of me, another lady was greeted saying she also had a 5:30 reservation. She was meeting a friend. The host informed her that she would be sitting at a lovely table about six inches from her left hip, but it was their policy not to seat incomplete parties. Then I told him I had a reservation for three and my husband was on the way. He said we'd be sitting at the lovely table six inches to my right as soon as he arrived.

Now, because the place is about as big as your average suburban master bedroom, there is no waiting area. So she and I and my son stood in the doorway, waiting for the missing people. Had I been seated, I could have ordered drinks -- for myself and for my husband (who was driving in from Schaumburg).

After ten minutes, the host informed me that if my husband didn't arrive soon, they would have to give my table away because (as he pointed to his clip board) "as you can see, I've got a lot of people who want to get in here."

Even though my husband arrived shortly thereafter and we had wonderful food (I had the pan fried catfish, hubby had the scallops) served by a friendly waitress who went the extra mile to charm our 13-year-old son with samples of various breakfast cereals, I still can't get over the unnecessary rudeness. The policy of not seating partial parties is short-sighted at best and should be stated in advance when reservations are made. And it costs nothing to be polite. Rudeness, on the other hand, just got you this mediocre review.

• Pros: Great Food
• Cons: Host with an attitude

02/09/09

Glenn's Diner, not really a diner at all!

by roroloves2eat at Citysearch

If you are looking for a new place to try I would highly recommend Glenn's Diner. The decor is charming and warm, and the selection of fresh fish is like none you've ever seen. I went with 3 others for dinner and we all REALLY enjoyed it. With over 20 different kinds of fish prepared in creative ways, such as pretzel crusted walleye and apple jacks tilapia, there is something for everyone. I had the crab cakes where were all lump meat crab, no b.s. fillers. Everyone I went with enjoyed their meal. The service is top notch and whats even better is that there are BYOB and there is a full service bar. The have a full menu which features your typical "diner" type food, which we didnt even open. There is also a full menu of fresh fish that I would concentrate on that is written a huge chalk board on either side of the restaurant walls. Glenn's diner is a great date place, group dinner or if you are just looking for a unique place to eat. They also take reservations which is great.

02/01/07

Best Bloody Mary in Chicago!

by anonimouse at Citysearch

Don't be squeamish when you see the ceareal boxes stacked to the cieling- that's just the decor. The food is outstanding! The drinks sublime! Sophisticated salads without a shred of iceberg lettuce!

The specialty is allegedly fish-- but GO for the leisurely Sunday Breakfast. Order The Bloody Mary- it's the best in Chicago, generous with a skewer of shrimp and veggies- delicious! If that's not your thing, go for the chocolate chip pancakes and a mimosa- the champagne, O.J. and Grand Marnier is a beautiful way to begin (or end) your week!

07/08/06

Great service, great food, great prices

by rockafellershank at Citysearch

Glenn's is a welcome addition to a restaurant starved area, it's built a loyal following in the time it's been open. I've been there several times and have yet to be disappointed. Staff is helpful, Glenn himself makes it a point to stop by and see if he can do anything to make your meal better. If you are looking for an inexpensive BYOB meal, this is the place.

• Pros: Good food, good service, good prices
• Cons: Not very big, no good place to wait for a table