Eleven City Diner
(312) 212-1112
1112 S Wabash Ave
Chicago,
IL
60605
41.869
-87.626
Neighborhoods: Central, Loop
What People Are Saying About Eleven City Diner
The Editor
Valerie Moloney
Citysearch
The Scene
A revolving door constantly in flux hustles couples and singles into this bi-level diner in the South Loop. Retro touches stand out everywhere: a deli case up front, gleaming tile floors, roomy booths, a wall-sized chalkboard offering the day's specials and various desserts displayed in glass dome platters. The owner and his mother prowl the scene to say hello and provide backup support to servers.
The Food
From the enormous Reuben sandwiches to the old-fashioned soda jerk, the menu is a love letter to classic comfort food. A giant matzoh ball arrives in a delicate broth with tender carrots. The open-faced Blank Blank Special--a shout-out to Marshall Fields, before the owner was compelled to rename it--is worth every bite of its multiple layers of warm turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese smothered with Thousand Island dressing. Coco's Eggs--a feta cheese, tomato, scallions and spinach scramble--is a tastier alternative to its chorizo counterpart.
User Reviews
alflynn
June 23, 2009
I'm a big fan of Eleven City Diner. It's one of my favorite spots in the South Loop So last week I brought my Dad in for Father's Day, figuring he'd be into the cozy, old school feel of the place. I had my favorite, the Woody Allen. I've ordered it so many times I didn't even have to tell our server what I wanted. Awesome as usual. My dad had the brisket because when the Brad the owner came out to say hello (he's always really welcoming like that) he was saying he'd just smoked the beef that day. We loved it. We loved everything. You can totally tell Brad puts the love in his food. I don't mind spending a couple extra bucks for a sandwich here at all. Its worth it! I promise! PS. You'll really have fun with the 1940s soda fountain feel. Sometimes restaurant owners that try this wind up making the space feel tacky and overdone or museumy. Its not like that here. The nostalgia and modern touches mixed together make everything feel very warm, inviting, classy, and straight out of old New York. This would be a good place to start a casual date night if you are looking for something unique and fun.
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Love4Yoga
June 22, 2009
I love, love , love the atmosphere of this place! Very high ceilings and beautiful decor - its a great casual place to have lunch with someone visiting the city for the first time. Most of the staff is friendly and welcoming - although I've had a few experiences with the managers being unpleasant to the wait staff - not very professional or appetizing. The food itself is great, the portions are large so bring your appetite or prepared to take some leftovers home. They keep the coffee mug full and the waitstaff is always willing to offer suggestions that may suit your tastes! An overall great experience!
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StephanieLASVEGAS
May 20, 2009
I am surprised reading all the negative reviews! I Travel to Chicago several times a year, and never make a trip without visiting Eleven City. The food is incredible, the OWNER and wait staff makes me and my clients VERY welcomed and we always have excellent service- The vibe is fast paced, yet chill enough to relax. You can bring your computer to catch up on emails, read a book, write in a journal or just take in all the activity around you. The music is great, they need to sell an Eleven City Diner CD mix!! LOVE YOU, ELEVEN CITY DINER!!!!
read full reviewThe Details on Eleven City Diner
Parking:
Valet is $10, but there is also a lot next to the restaurant that charges $6 for two hours.
Catering:
The restaurant can cater private parties for 10-45 guests.
When to Go:
An all-day breakfast menu and generous Saturday and Sunday hours that extend into the early morning make this the perfect last stop of weekend bar crawl.
What to Drink:
For an old-fashioned date night, snag a couple of counter stools and ask the soda jerk for an egg cream or malted milkshake to share.
Category:
Restaurants, Catering, Delicatessens
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Breakfast, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Brunch, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar
