10/29/09

GIVE THEM FIVE STARS

by ScottSand

This deli diner in the south loops hits the spot. Ate here twice. A great old school deli and diner menu. Big portions. French Dip was tender and juicy. French Toast was heavenly. I mean it blows Bongo Room away.

The atmosphere is really a throw back to classic diners. Lot of classic Jewish deli feel to it as well. Big booths. Great music. A nice bustle to it without being overwhelming. Just a cool feel all around.

The owner, Brad came by, made sure everything was alright both times we visited. Service was attentive. Love it. Five Stars. Way to to go.

• Pros: Best Deli food in the South Loop
• Cons: Nothing

10/02/09

Couldn't be better!

by LisaVazquez

Eleven City Diner in the South Loop nails it. The food is superb. I've had pasta for diner and two different sandwiches for lunch. All were great and plentiful. And i mean plentiful. Never been there for brunch but people do rave. Next time!!

The decor is really unique. The booths are extremely comfortable and the place just takes you back to another place and time. Candy store is a cool idea.

Service was very friendly. Our waitresses have always been courteous, fun and patient. We had a group of 8 and everyone got their order just right, and in good nature.

The owner that every talks about (Brad), was nothing but friendly and helpful. He always stops by to make sure we are getting what we want. The guy is definetley a live wire but he takes pride in his place, that for sure. I have no idea what some of these other people are yapping about. It seems mean spirited and does not match with my experience. His mom runs court in the back. Very nice lady.

My only issue is the parking situation out front. The city is doing construction. I can't wait until it done and the have seating outside.

• Pros: Atmosphere.
• Cons: Parking. Needs it. And the patio wasn't open this summer.

10/01/09

Just say no!

by Haircut100

Tried to have some fun with friends, tried a diner recommended by the Sperus Museum and left feeling miserable the rest of the day.

Food was overpriced. My wife and I for lunch-$70 w/out tip! or good food.

Brad was overbearing and very argumentative every time he stopped by.

The place was too load for me to talk to one of my friends across the table.

• Pros: are you serious
• Cons: Mostly Brad

09/03/09

Five stars in my opinion.

by MAcosta

Wow.

After reading a few of the reviews about Eleven City Diner, I was more than intrigued. I had to find out for myself; who was this legendary owner that people either love or not? Was the food as good as some rave about? And was this a classic Jewish Delicatessen or another poser?

After three visits, here is what my opinion. Take it for what it’s worth . . .

The owner, Brad, has a big personality, no doubt. To us that was a big plus. He adds to the character of the place. The guy is passionate. He seems to love what he is doing. He was very kind to my father when we came in for dinner. They chatted about old American Family diners and what not. My dad had a smile the rest of the night. He gets 5 stars from me just for that. The legend is all about your perspective. My various friends and I really liked him. But enough about Brad. Here’s what really matters – The food.

The menu is HUGE and had a lot of good stuff. For me that meant the Monte Cristo for lunch, the French toast at brunch, and the lox platter for a late breakfast another time - LOVE IT, LOVE IT, and LOVED IT. The portions are huge. I mean, BIG. The meat is fresh from the deli case. If you want your pastrami warm, just ask. The coffee was perfect. I love their pickles. My only issue is I wish they had more condiments to pour on my Monte Cristo. I like to embellish. Ha! You get everything you pay for and more. The staff always treats me well, and the quality for me is worth the price (not Greek coffee house prices).

As for the space itself, it is not meant to be some old Jewish delicatessen. That’s not the vibe at all. The place is more of family diner from the 40’s. It pays tribute to a time gone by with big comfy leather booths, a really long diner counter, a soda fountain (that was cool), an old candy store counter, and a fresh meat and deli case. The meats in that case are definitely fresh. My friend took home pound of smoked turkey and three tubs of deli faves, which we sampled during the cab ride home.

I think Eleven City is great. Anyone who has come with me thinks it is pretty cool,too They are working hard which in my opinion is a good thing rather than a bad thing, and they are not trying to be something they aren't. It’s just seems like they are trying to do something right. You can’t please everyone, but after three visits, my friend and family walked away more than pleased.

Five stars my friends. Five stars.

• Pros: fabulous Monte Cristo!
• Cons: could have used more condiments

08/05/09

Favorite place in the South Loop!

by hollyelise

I don't hand out five star ratings to restaurants very often but Eleven City Diner has definitely earned one from our family.

We live around the corner and are not ashamed to say that we are regulars at Eleven City Diner. We've tried all the big names in the South Loop but nothing compares. This is cross between an old school Jewish deli and a real family style American Diner. We love the concept and bring our family and friends here all the time.

Here are my five reasons for the five stars:

1. The food is fantastic. The menu is ideal. Brad makes huge classic deli sandwiches, tasty soups and breakfast is served all day long. I'm not talking about your typical greasy spoon diner fare here. Everything is piled high, fresh, thick, creamy, juicy and just damn delicious.

2. The staff knows what they are doing. They love their menu, they love making recommendations and serve it up with plenty of personality. We've met Brad Rubin the owner several times. Rubin is a genuine character, a genuine person and has gone out of his way to makes us feel like part of the family.

3. You can get in and out quickly but don't feel like you can't stay a while. It is a place you can bring the family or a bunch of friends and really make an event out of it.

4. They serve a Bloody Mary you could almost eat. The Mimosa tastes like it was squeezed from the tree.

5. The place looks great. It's classy but timeless and comfortable. The salvaged diner counter with the vintage soda fountain and milk shake machine adds the perfect touch. Around the corner there is a real deli cases filled with all the classics and you can have them slice you up a pound of Roast Beef to take home. My ten year old daughter loves the candy counter and hot fudge sundae. The turkey pastrami make my mouth water.

There...I've said my peace.

• Pros: This is a great place to take your family and friends.
• Cons: None that I can think of!

07/13/09

Very Noisy / Overpriced average food/ and rude waiters

by goaldcoastfoodie

I saw this restaurant on the WTTW-TV show "Check Please" and even thought it got mixed reviews - we decided to go there and try it. BIG MISTAKE! 2 of the 3 reviewers on the TV show were right - this is a restaurant that offers no real value for the money.

There are so many other good Jewish delis and diners in town that this one should be avoided so you can go somewhere else where the food is good and fairly priced - NOT AT ELEVEN!

• Pros: $6.00 parking next door
• Cons: Very Noisy / Overpriced average food / rude waiters

06/23/09

Big fan. Try this place.

by alflynn

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.

• Pros: Classic NY Delicatessen. Friendly little neighborhood spot
• Cons: Wish it was in my neighborhood.

06/22/09

Great comfort food!

by Love4Yoga

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!

• Pros: Big portions - bring your appetite!
• Cons: Unfriendly staff (even if its only a few bad seeds!)

05/20/09

Great Food! Beautiful place!

by StephanieLASVEGAS

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!!!!

• Pros: customer service
• Cons: too far from Las Vegas

05/16/09

Love Eleven City

by wdkamper

Great food. Great and authentic atmosphere. Super Staff. This is a real Jewish Deli. We had lunch there with friends and we all had something different. Big classic deli sandwiches. Everyone had their fill. The owner Brad Rubin was great. He checked in with us twice and made sure we were happy. Thanks. Love the touches of this place. Well run.

• Pros: Classic Atmosphere. Superb Food