Retro diners have a unique atmosphere that makes a great place to charge up with a nourishing meal before work, enjoy a meal with the family or cap off a night on the town. In Chicagoland, you get an excellent mix of newer diners built in a retro style and storied establishments that have been around so long that their retro décor is as authentic as it gets. In the mood for a bit of a blast from the past? Try a trip to one of these 5 retro diners around Chicagoland neighborhoods.
Pick Me up Cafe – 4882 N. Clark St., Chicago, Il 60640
A Chicagoland favorite for more than 25 years, Pick Me Up Cafe has earned a reputation for having a diverse menu that caters to a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. They were one of the first restaurants in Chicago to offer extensive vegan and vegetarian fare, which still features prominently on the menu today. Their goal is to be a restaurant where everyone in your group can order exactly what they want, and you'll always have something new to try.
Eleven City Diner – 1112 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Il 60605
Enjoying a day around South Loop, but not sure what you want to eat? Eleven City Diner has you covered, with a menu that checks in at a whopping 20 pages featuring a near-endless variety of meals for you to try. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner, Eleven City Diner has something for every dietary preference. This popular restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch but doesn't have 24-hour service like other diners.
Golden Apple Grill & Breakfast House – 2971 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago Il, 60657
Golden Apple Grill & Breakfast House is the place to be when you're craving a hot breakfast, with an outstanding menu that's offered 24 hours per day. While the breakfast menu is great, it's far from the only thing you can enjoy at this Lake View location. They've also got some wonderful BBQ chicken, Greek chicken, Mexican dishes, salads, dinner entrees and kabobs, among many other options.
Golden Nugget Pancake House – 2406 W. Diversey, Chicago, Il 60647
Some retro diners focus primarily on one thing and do that thing exceptionally well. Such is the case at Golden Nugget Pancake House, where they've been serving up the best pancakes, French toast, waffles and crepes for more than 50 years. They also offer an extensive array of breakfast combos, with breakfast served all day. Taste the difference that more than 5 decades of tradition in every bite.
Daley's Restaurant – 6257 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, Il 60637
There's retro, and then there's Daley's Restaurant. With over 125 years of serving Woodlawn, Daley's Restaurant has a history that few restaurants can match. It's the oldest restaurant in Chicago, though it has recently moved to a new, more modern location. The result is the same outstanding experience and menu that you've come to expect, served in a whole new setting that effortlessly blends past with present. Sundays are a great time to stop by when you're in the mood for a retro diner meal, with a special Sunday Dinner menu packed with comfort food classics.
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