You are not logged in | | Sign Up

Eleven City Diner

User Reviews

Customer Service

Posted by T.Yvette Guzman on Thursday, April 23, 2009

Initially this was a great find for my husband and I. I've been there several times, twice in one day. We've been their with family and friends. I was so excited about finding great pastrami & corn beef. (Manny's is better) The cheese cake is incredible. But stay away from the red velvet. It's too dry. My dream restaurant came to a screeching halt when this great place we found went very bad. We had introduced my friends and family to this place and it failed me. Absolutely failed me. My mom decided to take my dad. We had been talking this place up. When they arrived the owner pushed my my mom through the revolving door (she is 5' 3"). She advised the owner of what had happened and he denied it. My dad gave the owner the benefit of the doubt. Went to talk to him about the situation the owner stated he knew what he was doing (with attitude). The owner made a big scene and stated my dad was threatening him. He wanted them out of his restaurant. My parents are in their sixties and petite. The owner is about 6 feet tall or taller. My mom was totally embarrassed. The owner stated he was going to call the police unless they'd left and he never did. My mom contact ed the police. The officer stated that the owner is high strung and a bad business owner. All that was needed to rectify the situation was an apology. To sum it up the food is good and customer service is bad. Thumbs Down! Don't send the parents the owners spoiled.

Eleven City Diner: Love the Deli

Posted by billk on Tuesday, June 09, 2009

We just found the Eleven City Diner in the Chicago's South Loop by chance today. If you love cool diners with great food, Eleven City is a five-star spot. The minute you walk in, you know you are in for something different. This is not your usual deli or diner. Its a full fledged delicatessen - Jewish-style. You have a real deli shop counter and old-style candy store on one side, and an all-american diner with comfy booths and a long single seat counter on the other. It even has a full bar and an in-house soda jerk Classic American swing and blues have you tappin' as soon as you walk in You really feel like you are going back to another time. A good time! So the hostess sat us in one of the booths. Bloody Marys and Mimosas to start. Excellent!! The menu had about every thing you would ever imagine a classic delicatessen would serve up; sandwiches like "The Shappy" Salami Sandwich, the "SCHWARTZY" and the "Blank Blank Special". To early for a sandwich, I had "Rito's Hoppei Poppei' (or three scrambled eggs and with fat slices of salami, peppers, onions, and potatoes. It filled the huge plate. Toast, jam and more potatoes on the side. It was all tasty. My friend had something called the "TOM WAITS 2A.M. BREAKFAST 1987." It was like a meal for two (You're a hog, Pete). Let's just say we got our $$ worth (yeah, it's a little pricier than the Greek pancake house, but it's worth it) Our waitress was great and on top of the coffee. The owner came over and introduced himself. When I came here to write this review I read some of the other reviews that were less than kind about this guy. I really don't get it. Brad Rubin was really interested in our take on the place. You could tell Brad is really into the whole Jewish deli guy thing: Real passionate and a true foodie. Brad is a guy who is really into making sure his customers are loving the whole experience. At least that is my take. He took the time to answer all of questions regarding the idea behind Eleven City and talked about the plan's for the outdoor patio later this year. I really have to say, Brad has done great job making this a one-of-a-kind spot. I really can't believe some of these one star reviews. Did they really eat here? Can't wait to come back and try the Woody Allen. P.s If you go to the men's room, you have to check out the framed napkin with a great quote tacked on the wall. I just leave it at that... P.s. The only issue i had was with the outdoor construction which made us walk through a maze to get to the place. Another Chicago City work project in progress. Oy!!! (I had to say that once)

Eleven City Diner: The best

Posted by beckryan on Saturday, July 11, 2009

If you are looking for a fun and authentic Jewish deli and diner in the south loop you will love this place. I did. Great food and lots of charm. A lot has been written about the owner, Brad Rubin, who I found to be the "real" thing: A passionate guy who loves what he does. Brad gives the Eleven City Diner personality. It's all part of the authentic Jewish deli experience. I took some out of town friends here for brunch and everyone raved about it. I had the French Toast. Came back for lunch and had a triple-stacked Turkey club with fries. I was stuffed. I also found the staff extraordinary friendly. The manager came over and brought me a paper to read at the bar while I waited for my order. Nice touch. There's nothing like it in town. Superb!

Brad Rubin Serves it UP

Posted by meancatmonday on Saturday, July 11, 2009

First time in. Took the parents. Eleven City Diner was great. There is something for everyone. They have a great and varied menu of classic deli sandwiches and a full bar. Brad the owner moved us from the back to the front window. He didn't have to do that. He really made us feel comfortable. Thanks for taking care of us. That was really cool. They have full bar which we ordered some Bloody Mary's. Hit the spot. The food was very good and you got a lot of it. I had the Turkey Pastrami. Two thumbs up. The decor is not some greasy spoon diner. It's a real step up. Almost from the 30's or 40's. Really liked the whole vibe. Great Job, Brad. NIce meeting you

Submit Your Lowdown

Login to to submit your own Lowdown.
Claim This Listing!

Is this your venue? Click here to claim this listing and add perks and more.

Nearby Venues