Eleven City Diner

Approval Rate: 84%

84%Approval ratio

Reviews 50

Sort by:
  • by

    ste119edd8

    Thu Jun 03 2010

    After we sat down 3 different servers approached us and never returned. Finally the 4th one took our order. They were much disorganized. It was after lunch time and not that busy. I ordered chicken noodle soup and 1/2 sandwich. The soup had hardly any noodles. I expected more meat on the sandwich for the price and being a deli. They don’t put the standard Jewish deli bread basket like bialys and rolls. Instead they charged us 95 cents for bread (holly). I asked the manager about charging for bread and he said theirs was fresher than the other delis. bigger issue is no bread basket than 95 cents, just seemed cheap on their part. The background music was very loud for any restaurant let alone a deli. This place doesn't compare to places like Max's and Max and Benny's in the north suburbs or Manny's on the west side. It wouldn't last there in my. It seems like one of the few places to dine in that area on the south loop.

  • by

    cookiemonsterc_hac18d

    Mon May 31 2010

    I’ve been going to Eleven for about three years. The old school Jewish Delicatessen feel is certainly a plus, but it’s the food that brings me back. The owner is quite a personality who adds to the experience and cares about the product his kitchen and waitstaff are producing. I’ve never had anything that wasn’t incredible—the corned beef is as good or better than Manny’s, but everything from the homemade soups, the Schwartzie and breakfast goodies are equipped with generous portions and tasty flavors.

  • by

    bewee13e689

    Sun May 30 2010

    This place is great! I love the atmosphere, the food's even better! Definitely worth the wait. My favorite dish for breakfast/brunch would be the basil pesto omelette and a side of the chicken sausage (any of the three will do). I even wake up craving the eggs. For din din, i like to start with the a diet doc brown's black cherry soda with the bowl of matzo ball soup followed by the sam levy's sandwich. That comeback sauce is to die for. For desert go with the carrot cake or the chocolate cake or wait the authentic cheese cake is great too. There is so much to choose from its hard to pick settle on one item. Every time I go I attempt to try something new and have never been disappointed. I don't wanna forget the family oriented service is awesome. The owner and his parents actually serve the food and make me feel like I am part of their family. enjoy!

  • by

    whiterabbit817_a5cb

    Sun May 30 2010

    SO I discovered this place on a whim one day. Walking around the South Loop- which has become such a nice neighborhood btw- and I saw these big neon lights. Juniors Cheesecake. I have loved Juniors for a long time and couldn't believe I found a place in the city that serves it. I wasn't even hungry but I needed a piece of cheesecake. It made me think of home and was such a comfortable place. It was really casual and laid back. And I don't mean slow paced and boring when I say laid back I mean the servers are wearing jeans and t-shirts. It was really face paced with great show tunes and theme-appropriate genres playing on the radio. I was in and out really fast. I'm sure you can linger if you want but I got just the taste I needed. I went out that night with some friends from out of town and came back for breakfast the next day. SERIOUSLY. Twice in 24 hours. So worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I don't live in the South Loop but the commute is great. The ambiance and the ... Read more

  • by

    citysearchuser_1172a174651278_2

    Sat May 29 2010

    How can you go somewhere and expect great food and not have to actually pay for it? C'mon people!! This is amazingly delicious food ...

  • by

    mikeyg14b11b

    Fri May 28 2010

    So you walk in and immediately you are speaking to this amazingly beautiful hostess. Next thing you know you are following someone to a great table or booth where you will dine. Perhaps you are solo and can sit at the bar, yes the bar! Next, you peruse the menu full of tons of options. First conundrum, breakfast or lunch? Should I get the french toast or the Woody Allen? Maybe the Schwartzy? No but the Blank Blank Special looks so good. Wait, maybe I want scrambled eggs or an omelette. Fear not fellow food lovers, you can't go wrong with any of the choices and you can always come back and try what you do not get that time. I suggest you do. If you like corned beef, there is no better place in the city to get it, Jewish deli style. I love the thinly sliced goodness. Everyone I have taken here has also expressed their love for the corned beef as well. These sandwiches are much better than Perry's Deli, Goodwin's, Manny's and NYC Bagel, hands down! Once you make your de... Read more

  • by

    isaacm1dccab

    Tue May 25 2010

    I LOVE Eleven City Diner! As soon as you walk in the door you know you're in a real special place. The Rabbi paintings and other Jewish kitsch is super hip and fun. It's sort of an Urban Outfitter's version of a Jewish Delicatessen. I love the style of this place, it's gorgeous. If you want a real life changing meal this is the place. I went with my family for lunch and we had an amazing time. The owner is a real mench. He came over to our table and charmed us with meat samples and chopped liver. He is fantastic! We had the 11 City French Toast which is to die for, lox box platters, a corned beef sandwich and the life changing Schwartzy sandwich. Seriously. This sandwich is absolutely life changing and I thought the corned beef was better than what I've had at Katz's in New York. This is Chicago's answer to those famous delis in NYC. I'd argue that it's even better. Please get to ECD. It will change your life...probably for the better.

  • by

    promei1f793f

    Sun Apr 11 2010

    I have always enjoyed venturing out into the city and going places I haven’t gone before. On a recommendation from a friend a group of us went to Eleven City Diner. What a find! Great food, great atmosphere, and great service. This spot more than the typical diner. It is a blend of a soda fountain, Jewish deli, and diner all wrapped up in look straight from the 40’s. It timeless. But it was more than just the décor that made this a treat. The food was delicious. I am a huge fan of deli sandwiches and melts, this place did not disappoint. I ordered the Reuben because it is my personal favorite, and it was amazing. My friend who is loves to have breakfast for every meal of the day and ordered the French toast which she loved. The other friend ordered a burger. We all left full and happy. Five stars!!!!!

  • by

    koconnor1e04f3

    Sun Apr 11 2010

    This is my second time gong to Eleven City Diner. I took my parents there for lunch on Saturday when they were visiting. I knew they would love this place. It was really busy when we went, but we were seated very quickly. The manager greeted us warmly and chatted with my parents for a bit while we waited to be seated. He was very warm (thanks). When we were seated the server got our drinks right away and was very helpful when my parents asked for suggestions. We were seated in the downstairs, which is great because the feeling of the restaurant is so energetic and fun! (You can even see them prepare the food!) My mom had the Rubin’s Reuben and my dad and I had the Woody Allen, which is a pastrami and corned beef sandwich. The food was excellent! When we were done eating we wanted to go sit at the bar and have a few drinks, so the server went over and got us seats right away! I couldn’t have been happier with the whole experience, which is why it is my favorite place for lunch!

  • by

    teacherisme1f9_67b

    Sun Apr 11 2010

    Since I live so far North, I rarely ever go to the South Loop, but several friends had recommended Eleven City Diner that I thought I should try it this weekend. Now I see what it’s all about. I’m glad I made the trip. First, the place has a great vibe: Part Jewish Deli, part American Diner, part corner candy store, part old school malt shop. There is a lot of hustle and bustle. A lot of energy. Very cool space. We were there for brunch (they serve breakfast all day). They have a killer menu. All the standards and a few surprises. I opted for The “Sam Levy” which is a Cajun chicken sandwich served open face and was delicious. My boyfriend had the French toast everyone seems to rave about. He raved, too. I had heard that Eleven City makes a great Bloody Mary. Turned out to be too true ☺ The staff was extremely pleasant and attentive. Someone’s Mom greeted us, got us seated and checked in on us….sweat lady. The price… a bit higher than the local greek diner, but you get a ... Read more

  • by

    jlgorman1170b0_3

    Sun Mar 28 2010

    I absolutely love the Eleven City Diner. My friends and I really like exploring Chicago, especially when it comes to trying new restaurants. We were down in the South Loop and visited this killer, old-school diner with great food, Eleven City. It is really unique in the sense that as soon as you walk in, you know you are in for something different and extraordinary. You definitely feel like your time traveled to another time and place. Eleven City diner is not a Greek dinner, but it's more like a New York Jewish deli and diner all in one. That's not even the best part. What really makes this my new favorite diner was the food because the menu is really great. I had such a difficult time picking from all the great old school Jewish deli sandwiches, but I had the Turkey Pastrami. My friends on the other hand had the "The Schwartzy" beef brisket and the Monte Cristo. Other sandwiches that Eleven City diner has include a Woody Allen and Jerry Springer sandwich. I give this pla... Read more

  • by

    keving19aaf7

    Sun Mar 28 2010

    I recently ate at this diner with a few of my friends and it was great! I can’t wait to eat there again! The food was really good and it had the feel of the old time diners. The diner reminds me of a New York style Jewish deli as well as the type of diners we all know and love. They have a really great menu with lots to choose from, especially the deli sandwiches, which include the Jerry Springer and Woody Allen sandwich! I had the Schwatzy beef brisket and an old fashioned vanilla milkshake which were incredible. Some of my friends had the Jerry Springer and the Monte Cristo, which they said were a great choice. I would really recommend this diner because the food is great, the staff is friendly, even the manager who made sure we left happy and satisfied, and it’s really hard to find a genuine diner like this.

  • by

    billydoug1981e_2

    Mon Mar 22 2010

    Great food. Great atmosphere. Super Staff. This is a real Jewish Deli. We had lunch there with friends and we all had something different. Everyone had their fill. The owner Brad was great. He checked in with us twice and made sure we were happy. Love it

  • by

    aric1a5551

    Wed Jan 06 2010

    I recently moved to Chicago from New York and finding a good Jewish stlyle deli has been difficult. Eleven City Diner is a great old school deli with the added plus of a big diner menu. I'm a sucker for good matzo ball soup and I have searched the neighborhood high and low -- this one (served in the style of one big matzo ball) does not disappoint. And the corned beef & pastrami hash scrambled eggs really hits the spot. I always have it with the freshly squeezed OJ. Eleven City is a bustling place with a comfortable modern retro atmosphere, which makes me feel at home. I love the long diner counter and corner candy store. The guy who runs the place, Brad, and the waitstaff, are friendly with a touch of NY attitude, which is a big draw for a transplant like myself. Highly rated.

  • by

    butlerkx139f58

    Tue Dec 01 2009

    Eleven City Diner is a must stop, whenever I visit Chicago. It is always a good cure for what ever ails you. This half deli, half diner seems family owned because the owner (Brad) is always near by to check in and say hello. I am amazed at how he always remembers me, even though I am only there a few times a year, at most. Very passionate about what he is doing and his customers. I even met his mom once. Nice touch ;) You can taste the LUV that goes into the food. Fresh, HUGE portions that are oh so hot and yummy!! They offer breakfast all day, fantabulous bloody mary's, and a massive menu of all-american comfort food The boyfriend, always orders the pastrami. It is piled high on a number of the menu items and is always enough for two. Their Challah is homemade and fresh. They use it to prepare the most heavenly french toast with fresh fruit that you will ever eat. The potato Latke's are light and crunchy, yes light and crunchy goodness like grandma used to make! ... Read more

  • by

    scottsand14911_9

    Wed Oct 28 2009

    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.

  • by

    lisavazquez1aa_3e7

    Thu Oct 01 2009

    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 parki... Read more

  • by

    haircut1001ad5_db

    Wed Sep 30 2009

    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.

  • by

    macosta1edfef

    Wed Sep 02 2009

    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 t... Read more

  • by

    hollyelise11a3_47

    Tue Aug 04 2009

    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... Read more

  • by

    goaldcoastfood_ic09f7

    Sun Jul 12 2009

    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!

  • by

    alflynn1d0776

    Mon Jun 22 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 N... Read more

  • by

    healthnut1b3b2_2

    Sun Jun 21 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!

  • by

    stephanielasve_g38e6a

    Tue May 19 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!!!!

  • by

    wdkamper1421b9

    Fri May 15 2009

    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.

  • by

    lettib7412f0c9

    Sun Mar 15 2009

    DO NOT EAT HERE!!! Owner is rude and should be put out of business!!! He treated our elderly parents, in there 70's like naughty children when they tried to join us by surprise for lunch! He does not like "joiners" or add on's. This guy is a joke! the restaurant was half empty on a Saturday afternoon. Brad ruined our dining experience and the food was overpriced and not impressive, We will not be back.

  • by

    lynnjp1ee6dc

    Sun Mar 15 2009

    I thought I was in the twilight Zone Saturday I took my family 9 people to eleven city diner for lunch I had been there a few times with friends and although I always thought the place was way over priced I liked the atmosphere. That all changed on sat As I said I was with my mother and father both in there late 70's,sisters, brothers,nieces, nephews you know one of those great family outings to catch up. I had heard about the owners melt downs but never witnessed it until sat. we arrived in a great mood everyone joking and laughing and enjoying themselves. I didn't even get everyone in the door and it started. Brad the owner started to push people around verbally talking down to us acting like we should feel lucky to be in his presents let alone his restaurant. ( Oh by the way did I mention it was a delicatessen not fine dining buy any stretch) he continued to run around barking orders at everyone he came in contact with. I felt like i was in the sienfeld episode of the soup i\ia... Read more

  • by

    citysearchuser_1de21d_794947195

    Sat Jan 17 2009

    The food is ok but not worth the price. My husband I went there for brunch with our 9 mo old. Our bill was $50 and we didn't have anything t...

  • by

    vhiler148848

    Sat Jan 17 2009

    The food is ok but not worth the price. My husband I went there for brunch with our 9 mo old. Our bill was $50 and we didn't have anything to drink! They charged $7.00 for the kids pancake! I also think the owner is horrible. He is such a micro manager and needs to learn how to treat his staff in front of the customers. I also think he makes customers with children wait longer so he can sit them in the back or away from everyone else. That is fine but over the loud music, regular customer noise, and his yelling customers names and trying to get them to order bloody mary's while they wait, you would never hear a child. This will be the last time I go there. I recommend Yolks around the corner on Michigan! We would have been better off waiting there.

  • by

    jordans321

    Mon Dec 22 2008

    so if you're sitting there right now looking through the hundreds of deli/breakfast places to go to in chicago you can stop. you don't want to miss this place. great bagels, lox, sandwiches and eggs, awesome atmosphere

  • by

    jb1970113252

    Fri Dec 05 2008

    This was my 4th and final visit to Eleven City. Service has always been slow and the cost on the high side. This visit I came in to order a take out sandwich. After ordering and telling them I would be sitting "right here" (which was 4 ft from the deli counter) and them saying "sure, we'll tell you when it's ready", I proceeded to wait 35 min for my sandwich (at ~3pm in the afternoon - not busy at all). After finally getting my sandwich, it was cold (it was supposed to be at least somewhat warm - corned beef) and the fries were cold and soggy, as if it had been sitting ready to go for 20 minutes while I sat waiting right there. I guess if you really want a good corned beef sandwich without attitude and in a reasonable amount of time, I would recommend Manny's. If you are paying $17.50 for a sandwich and fries I think it is reasonable to expect that it not be cold and soggy, particularly if it is not busy and you are right there waiting for it.

  • by

    lalah1225db

    Sun Nov 30 2008

    Wow, I am surprised at the negative reviews. I was in Chicago for a conference and went to this place at the recommendation of the Hilton staff. I liked it so much that I went again during the same trip. The food was good and this is a unique place, to me at least. I went there both times with my sweetheart and we loved the waitresses, very friendly.

  • by

    guccichi150201

    Fri Oct 24 2008

    I live in the area and have been to this place a few times and every time I ask myself, "Why did I come back?" The owner is a tool and honestly doesn't know one thing about customer service. It surprises me that he's made it this long. He treats his staff like dirt, I am not sure why they stay there and yells across the restaurant in front of all his guests. When you are seated it's like you should be blessed that you are able to sit there as it's almost like you?re an inconvenience. Don't even try to relax and enjoy your meal because if you sit there for more than 15 - 20 minutes he'll be pushing you out of your sit with your mouth full of food. The food is bland but that is all he has going for himself. Poor guy hopefully someday he'll realize he's not as cool as his thinks he is. Don't even waste your time people.

  • by

    bocuse16ab1e

    Tue Oct 14 2008

    Terrible experience. Slimy, not to be trusted, bi-polar owner/mgr. How could this place have anything above 1 star (you have to give it one for the review to be accepted)? Stayed at the Hilton, went w/ concierge recommendation. He was gone when I returned to correct his suggestion. Eat anywhere else...it'll be a better experience.

  • by

    richgeller71cd_245

    Sun Oct 12 2008

    The 11th city diner is a joke. The owner is rude, disrespectful, and argumentative. I will never go here again! The food is sub par. I went with my parents when they came to town to visit and was embarrassed by waiting for a table in an empty restaurant and being over charged for breakfast and harassed by the owner over the prices. Watch out the owner is a scammer. They make the prices up as they go along, your receipt will be wrong and then he will argue with you. The meal ended with the owner telling my dad to never come back (he was over charged!) and my dad calling him a a##hole.

  • by

    jbncubsfan12f2_6f

    Fri Oct 03 2008

    My wife and I love this place. We eat here when we come into the city. The atmosphere is great (of course it's Chicago) the food is wonderful, but a little high in price. Can't wait to come back.

  • by

    ranree197d10

    Fri Aug 01 2008

    WHAT A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE ! ! ! I gave 1 star because there's a parking lot next door What A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE ! ! ! We had 3 families of four, the food was okay, and the OWNER actually insulted me, disrespected me, and threatened me. WORSE RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE EVER... Hear me loudly, WORSE EVER. I am so angry that I came to the internet to find as many websites as possible to tell this story - In short, we were rushed to leave our table by the owner/manger because the line outside grew longer and he wanted the several tables that were pushed together for us. The thing was, we had not even been served all of our food. Can you imagine... When I politely talked to the owner/manager he was uninterested rude and obnoxious. The other adults and children were quite embarassed and very angry. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THIS RESTAURANT. Oh, by the way, when I asked the server what the owner's problem was he simply looked around, shook his head, leaned over to me and said "he's a major blankit... Read more

  • by

    neighborhoodga_lb6bbb

    Sun Jun 08 2008

    My experience at this diner was a real disappointment. I had heard the prices were high but that's about all. We were on our way to the Blues Fest. We ordered soup and a sandwich. The soups (tomato basil and chicken noodle ) were tasteless. After 30 minutes the waitress asked if she could get us anything else so I mentioned we had not gotten the sandwiches. She immediatley retrieved them from the kitchen where they obviously had sat for 30 minutes because the toast was cold. The chicken salad was awful--real sweet with way too much mayo. We just picked at our sandwiches, drank about half of the soup and didn't touch the cole slaw. All in all a bad expereience. We could have eaten in the park.

  • by

    citysearchuser_15e1b5

    Fri May 23 2008

    The service and management at this place are terrible. Don't be fooled by the initial charm of this place or it's management - looks are dec...

  • by

    donsgal18be9b

    Tue Apr 15 2008

    My book club went her on a Saturday Early evening (around 4-5). We called ahead and were told that there would be no problem with us meeting/eating there. They said we would have to go upstairs to meet, but they have no elevator. One of our members has a physical limitation and can't climb stairs. The owner or manager (not sure who he was) said they would set us up downstairs. We get our party all there and get seated and the guys says we can only be there for 1 1/2 hours! We have been going out to places for 4 years and NEVER had this kind of trouble. He CLAIMED that they would be so busy by then we would be taking up time from other patrons. Then he suggests that if we can't make that work that there was a restaurant in a nearby hotel that is usually empty and maybe we would be better off there! We have NEVER EVER been told that before by anyone before. We had called ahead and he did not mention any of these problems. Seems these things developed when we showed up in the p... Read more

  • by

    citysearchuser_1a697b_1710146644

    Thu Apr 10 2008

    Their takes on the classic sandwiches are all very good - the monte cristo, the reuben, brisket - just thinking of them makes my mouth water...

  • by

    knowledge31903_02

    Wed Apr 09 2008

    I don't know who the guy is that yells from the front desk overlooking the large crowd filling in on Sundays, but I waited only because I was extremely hungry. I ordered my food to go and the food was ready, but the waiter still had not arrived to give me the bill. The food was decent, definitely under staff and no minorities workers.

  • by

    frequentflyer9_955325

    Wed Mar 19 2008

    This restaurant was highly recommended by the Hyatt hotel where I wa staying as a great deli. I now know that the restaurant and the hotel do not know what a good deli is all about. Went there the day after St Paddy's Day since I missed out on Corned beef the day before. Asked for the Hot Corned Beef and Pastrami Sandwich called a "Woody Allen" and was told that it was a cold sandwich. So, I asked if I could have it hot and was told "No", we only serve it cold. So much for what is advertised as a good Jewish Deli. Ordered the Brisket dinner. The food could not have been more bland or tasteless. One visit to take order and one to deliver order and did not see the waitress again until I was ready to walk out before paying. Then, I finally got a smile in anticiation of a tip, I guess. Will not return.

  • by

    ghughze1101ab

    Sat Mar 08 2008

    Ambiance? Well, the 30 yr-old manager sure pulled off the crotchity-old-man theme, barking orders at his incompetent staff starts off our experience. Writing this place off before, we ventured in to give it another shot due to the DELICIOUS Bongo Room (next door - well worth a visit!) being closed (3:00PM). The Soup??? Well, at least it was warm... This bland blend of leftovers from the kitchen poured into a bowl left us guessing what soup our lispy-waiter had delivered to our table. Dirty knife? oh yeah, no big deal, other than the guy who took it and was asked to bring a replacement, NEVER CAME BACK. Water?? yeah, we got that after asking twice and waiting 15mins. Forgoten food? Why not!... Bagel with the LOX & BAGEL was left behind... brought to the table after asking again... 10mins after the meal. Coffee wasn't delivered until after the food and the 'to-go' box, after asking 3 people!! Didn't come until we decided to walk out the door... If it was possible to bill the rest... Read more

  • by

    citysearchuser_1ec169_366619728

    Fri Dec 07 2007

    The food is ok, the service is ok, but the owner is the worst! Last time I wnet there he swore at our waitress right infront of our face. No...

  • by

    audery18bf10

    Sat Mar 31 2007

    Never again. This was one of my worst experiences in a restaurant. I went with a group of friends and we were seated promptly. The menu was appetizing, but the seating was a little cramped.No problems until the order arrived. All my friends got their food, but I didn't. I tried to give the benifit of the doubt, though really a hamburger isn't all that difficult. The waiter never came back. After 10 minutes, in which time my friends were more than half-way finished the wiater hadn't come back. I went to find him and see if there was a problem, but he wasn't onthe main floor. I talked to the manager who was rather rude, offered no apologies and told me to go sit down. 5 minutes later our waiter came back, gave me the burger and told me everything was all right now. Still no apology of any kind. When the bill came I had been overcharged. I would try to dissuade anyone from eating there.

  • by

    chowfunner1a8f_5c

    Sat Mar 17 2007

    It's wonderful to have a Jewish-style deli in the South Loop, but don't expect the food to meet NY standards. Good service, nice atmosphere, although a bit loud and there is usually a long wiat

  • by

    cuddlysal1837a_8

    Wed Jan 24 2007

    My husband and I eat at this "treat" of a diner at least three times a week. The food is excellent and the host is more than any customer could ask for!!! At times the waitstaff is over-worked...but always pleasant and accomodating. We have always enjoyed our meals (and we've had almost everything) and when-ever they were running a little behind - the waitstaff informed us promptly. When a place is as-busy-as Eleven...we, as customers must be willing to be patient (up to a point)...because in the end - THE FOOD IS WORTH THE MINOR WAIT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU GUYS - AND BRAD, IT'S OK TO BE A CONTROL FREAK...YOU HAVE TO PAY THE BILLS AT THE END OF THE MONTH! Trust me, your keeping your customers happy!

  • by

    valeriemoloney_150dd7

    Tue Nov 14 2006

    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.

  • by

    consumatron17c_553

    Fri Oct 27 2006

    From the hustling busboys to the boisterous, yet charismatic, owner, Brad Rubin, Eleven City Diner offers good food, spirits and times. I, personally, love the Reuben sandwich which most purists will scoff at because it is served open-face. Good! More for me! Also, be sure to get a matzoh ball soup, Mexican scramble, cans of Schlitz (for the late night) and if you are really hungry, perhaps you can tackle the Tom Waits breakfast platter. From the deli, scoop a delish knish! Yes, this place is busy on the weekends and you will wait a bit for a seat, but maybe if you didn't overdo it the night before, you'd realize that this is one place where patience pay off. You are bound to overhear some great conversation or get yourself into one with your waitress. Not for the easily annoyed or those who need to be pampered. But not much is. To be able to pull this many ambitions together into one place and make it all work as seamless as the Eleven City is an amazing feat. Located just no... Read more