Not the best
Came here for some awesome greasy hangover food since it's so close to my house. We sat at the bar which was a cool experience, except for the waitress rolling her silverware in front of me, literally, the whole time. I get ya gotta do your side work, but take it elsewhere lady.
I ordered a tex mix chicken panini which had cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and chicken. It was decent. Huge portion. The side salad it came with was all iceberg with a few other vegetables. It did not look or taste very good. The fresh fruit was good but grapes were uber sour. Coleslaw was good. My bf ordered some kind of skillet with ham, bacon, and sausage. He said it was just ok.
The pancakes looked so so good. We both immediately regretted not getting them.
I'm sure we'll be back.
Hollywood is the closest late-night diner to my house in Bucktown. Â My wife and I have been twice; both times, we said something that roughly translates to "yeah, that was decent, nothing special; in a pinch, they're open, the pancakes and skillets are good, and the prices are pretty cheap." Â It's perfect for my visits downtown when I come back via the L and walk up Ashland to stop off for a late-night meal, but nothing that comes close to, say, The Bongo Room.
Review Source:Three Stars! Three Stars?!? What the crap is that? Â Yelp reviews of restaurants should rank restaurants against similar restaurants and the only way I can justify a 3 star rating for Hollywood Grill is if it's being compared to more upscale eateries. Â As far as diners go, this is top notch.
Their menu is enormous. Â You will have a harder time deciding between multiple things to order than you will finding something you like. Â And the food is good. Its not the most delicious, well prepared food I've ever eaten, but it's certainly on par with any diner I've ever eaten at and far surpasses most (*cough cough* any Denny's I've ever been to *cough).
And you can literally walk in there at any time on any day and be seated in under 15 minutes, out of there in less than 30 from then. Â Seriously if the guy tells you the wait will be 30 minutes, I have a standing offer of a $1 bet that it will take less than that. Â Any takers?
Hollywood Grill is definitely one of the better late-night places to eat in Wicker Park. They serve breakfast 24/7! And it's better than IHOP.
Unfortunately, during the day when every other restaurant is open, Hollywood Grill faces stiff competition from every other restaurant. The food here really isn't all that great, although it definitely blows every chain out of the water, and every chain definitely blows Hollywood Grill behind the high school. For the price and service speed, this place will always be a great option, but if you're looking for something with just a bit more flavor, head over to Milwaukee or Division.
Food: burger was good, but the blue cheese on top was a bit bitter (more than blue cheese usually is); California omelette ad ham was great; biscuits + gravy were served colder than proper and wasn't very flavorful, although the biscuits had the best texture; crepes were typical.
Great place for breakfast. Â Good food, they know how to cook eggs, (Not as easy as you may think). Â The pancakes a done in the middle. Â Friendly service and fast. Â My husband and I also stop in for dinner for something quick and easy after work. This is where they go wrong. Â
The waitresses spend more time talking to the regulars at the far end of the counter than they do waiting on the tables. Â One in particular, a thin dark haired woman spent all her time playing with a toddler on more than one occasion. Â One night I ordered a milk shake and thought it rather small. Â I realized she had given the mother and little girl two small glasses of my shake. Â Make them their own. Â
Now I do not mind paying for things, but I expect to get what I order. Â The menu lists a bowl of soup and bread basket for $3.49. Â We each ordered soup. Â The soup came but no bread basket. Â When my husband asked for some bread the waitress said "French"? Â He said fine. Â When we got the bill we were charged for the bread. Â I inquired and was told the French bread does not come with the soup. Â I mentioned the menu states it comes with a bread basket and was told "yes, but we don't bring it". Â I am confused? Â You soup comes with a bread basket you do not bring and when the customer asks for bread you suggest something that costs extra? Â Not good business.
So.. it was Saturday Afternoon.. 1pm..
You would be thinking it's time for lunch..
No.. it's time for Breakfast!
Seriously.. I dont eat breakfast.. but about twice a year I
get that old " I want breakfast food really bad" feeling..
And.. I have been thinking about doing breakfast for awhile..
But.. somehow it never happened.. until today..:)
And.. Hollywood Grill is a happening place and a great
breakfast place!
I was so excited.. they had banana pancakes and I did
order them and they were light and fluffy and kindda stuffed
with bananas..:)
had a couple of eggs and a couple sausages too!
My waitress was kindda cool.. I did;nt get her name but I
really liked her cause she was wearing antler ears..:)
The booths are nice and comfy too..
Menu prices are reasonable and they have a really great sized
menu with lots of variety and they serve breakfast all day!
Boy.. do I like this because I can have breakfast here anytime..
Even at nighttime!
And.. I really liked this place.. it was warm and friendly
and the people were nice..
It is the classic diner..and I loved that!
And they have banana pancakes! And Hot Chocolate!
So.. for someone like me who is pretty anti-breakfast this felt
really good.. I'm glad I had breakfast today!
Thanks Hollywood Grill..
Props to everyone there.. you all deserve it..:)
As a frequent customer, I'll give the diner 2 stars on its great food and somewhat of friendly service.
I'm not really one to write reviews but I feel that its necessary to share my thoughts on my last few experiences...im not sure what exactly the woman's title is I see her for the most part as a hostess and every once in a while as a server, older woman 50s maybe..but everytime I see her she's always talking to customers in an uncomfortably rude manner or talking to her coworkers rudely. I understand that the type of customers that come in real late at night/early mornings may be frustrating to deal with...at times. But theirs a line of professionalism as a "hostess" that shouldn't be crossed just makes the business very unattractive.
Another young lady now she's been working at the Hollywood for quite sometime very petit and not to judge but sort of "ghetto" has always had a horrible attitude the few times she's waited on me, personally I'd like to think myself and the people that join me are easy going customers...the young lady just gives off this bothersome vibe. Maybe waitressing isn't the job for her.
How can I describe this little neighborhood gem?
It's the equivalent of a great night pigging out and watching movies you can quote by heart with your best friend. In essence, it's comfort, greasy, nice, warm little joint that you could get used to.
Fast service, prompt food, parking always available and nice service. No, it's not the fanciest, but it's not a diner that caters to senior citizens only, either. Everyone from the north side comes here whether a quick bite after waking up late or delicious late night food.
Yum, yum.
It pains me to give you only two stars, Hollywood Grill, since we've been friends for so long. I love your comfy booths, tasty pies and endless coffee - which all fit with the homey, hey-day Americana, greasy spoon interiors.
As a  night owl frequently in search of good, quality comfort food, I'll admit this is one of my favorite neighborhood diners. Plus, it's reasonably priced, open 24-hours and has free parking. But more important, I've always had solid meals  and  friendly, attentive service there. I liked it so much, I'd hold meetings there if a team member was treating. That is, until today.
Had a story meeting with my exec. producer and was embarrassed by the service by a Latina waitress named Esther who was so busy cackling and talking loudly to other staff, she kind of forgot that she'd JUST asked for our order, before turning her head to yell across the counter. I asked her, "Excuse me, didn't you just ask us a question?"
It could've gone better after that. But, no. Esther then proceeded to give us attitude, ROLLING HER EYES and ignoring our table. We had to flag her down, literally, for anything. Zero coffee refills. No hot sauce. No dice. At one point, she barked at my friend, a start-up entrepreneur, to "move that menu back,' Â pointing at menu on the table with a spare finger, even when there was enough room on the table to set down the plate she was holding. Yes, pure class.
The guys didn't care because, as they pointed out, they were never coming back. I just wrote: "NO, bad service," Â on the line for tips on my receipt.
I really liked it up till now. Too bad. Owners, take note: It only takes once before you lose a loyal customer. Others, heed this: If you see a stocky waitress who looks like a drag queen from Juarez approach you at the Grill, run like your hair is on fire.
Three things I know about the Hollywood Grill. Â
1. Â Its always open
2. Â I know I can park there for free
3. Â Its fabulous for people watching
The food - Â I've never had a bad meal here. Except felt you skimped on the feta cheese in my omelet last week. Â I've been there early in the morning, early, early in the morning and late in the morning. Â Always friendly waitstaff, food comes out hot and fast and we leave full. Â
I was back in the old neighborhood last weekend and decided to stop by and see if things had changed. Â Nope. Â All good in the 'hood.
One of the better places to go to when you need greasy food to soak away all that Alcohol from the night before.
My last visit - this week - left me at a loss of words. I ordered Huevos Rancheros, expected them to nail the dish as their cook is Mexican. Guess again, what was served to be was an abomination of the dish. Why serve something when you are going to massacre it?! Please. Never returning to this place - well, unconsciously, I might.
For a late night place this is not bad. Â The staff is accommodating even late at night when the are dealing with a variety of customers. Â Yadira is one of the greatest servers there she has a funny sense of humor.
The waffles are good as well as the club sandwich. Â Chicken soup is usually on the menu daily and very tasty!
This is a perfect hangover restaurant, but give me more potatoes in my skillet then onions! Â I needed those greasy potatoes to suck up all the mojito's from the night before, but got bad breath instead...
When its busy, try to sit at the counter for faster service, but avoid people that are still stumbling a bit.
This was the worst experience I've had at a 24hr diner. The place is super commercial and totally sold out. There are drunk people everywhere, which is being in this location so close to Damen but it was just gross.
Everything was over priced and the quality was poor. I got a handful of squaggley onion rings thrown on my table and the worst blueberry pie I've ever witnessed-it was literally flavorless gelatin jelly in a broken piece of freezer-burned pie crust. It was the absolute worst. I will Never go here again.
Right in the middle just about does it.
This place hits the spot as your late night hash hall for soaking up those seven glasses of Left Hand Milk Stout and four shots of Jameson before you pass out. Â Nice diner feel that seems like a magnet for drunken conversation especially after the 9pm hour. Â The food isn't amazing but better than most diner fare and the personnel were very nice.
You know, next time you're in that cab home trying to fight off the spins just ask him to stop here. Â This is preventative hangover medicine.
If I could give two separate reviews, here's what I'd say.
Review #1: 4am on the weekend, famished after a long night of partying.
This place is amazing. Â THAT WAS THE BEST BACON I HAVE EVER HAD. Â Why is this so cheap? Â Someone tell the annoying blonde in the corner to shut up already.
Revew #2: 11am on the weekend, just went to the gym, getting brunch with a cute guy.
Ummmmm...how about Milk & Honey instead? Â Maybe Toast? Â This place smells greasy.
Eager to see what the buzz was about Hollywood Grill, I ventured into Wicker Park. Busy and teeming with people, I found a seat at the counter instead of waiting for a table or a booth. It was a while before I got a server, and seeing how they were all in constant motion, I understood why it took so long.
I ordered a skillet of eggs scrambled well with mushroom and spinach over hashbrowns. Hello! Add to that a stack of two fluffy pancakes that were light and airy. I was quite satisfied after it was all over.
Since it stays open twenty four hours, I may find myself at a counter one late night after hanging out downtown and hungry before going home. During the day on the weekends, it appears to be a bit too busy. But I am sure I can get food there any time. It will just have to be later than earlier.
Christmas Eve in Chicago, a night out on the town, no snow in sight. Â It's 3 in tha-mornin', with 2 drunk ladies at my side, one American Idol-wannabe. Â We were in the mood for some grub, eggs sounded optimal, these 2 were insistent we stop at Hollywood Grill for some grub to soak up that ethyl. Â
They were having their Employee Christmas Party but it was business as usual, the place had several patrons hanging out. Â The steaks they had laid out for the employees looked really good. Â I knew that cuz my friend Cathy walked by with her tongue dragging the floor. Â I nearly got one (should of) but instead opted for some omelet that had veggies and hash browns mixed in, my friends got the Country Skillet and Fried Mushrooms for starters. Â
Our waitress was really nice, she had some interesting art (Geisha girl tats), forgot her name but she was very patient and helpful, as were the other waitresses who were all in the Christmas spirit. Â The Fried Mushrooms were solid, my omelet / egg dish came out and it didn't look appetizing at all. Â It tasted okay, but a lot of cheese embedded as it got more greasier while you dug into it. Â I should have went for the Steak and Eggs. Â
Their Country Skillet looked good, I tried it and it was just okay, the gravy was luke warm and wasn't good at all. Â A bit on the gelatinous side, almost like it becomes a solid in a short period of time if not eaten right away. Â I was expecting more of a spicy / peppery kick to but it was more on the bland side. Â
There are so many choices on their menu, prices seemed pretty reasonable, I'm sure there's bound to be something really good there - we just missed the mark on this visit. Â The service was really good and attentive, so I would go back and try other options if I'm ever in the area that late and looking for some grub or good company.
Upon asking my son what he wanted for dinner, he declares "PANCAKES"! Â Ha, fine pancakes it is...after a long day at work the appeal of cooking, even pancakes, wasn't on my radar. Â Sooo, we trekked over to the Hollywood Grill for a bit of brekkie for dinner.
It had been yrs since going to the HG and I'm positive it was never before Midnight, prob closer to 2 or 3a. Â Now w a four yr old in tow we're there at a time when we could qualify for the senior citizen discount, 5ish.
The place was exactly as I remembered...ok, not so much.  The flashing lights outside were no so, umm, glaringly flashing as I'd remembered.  The inside  not filled w the copious amounts of loud, obnoxious drunks (textbook) and again, the interior not as bright as I might recall.  Service:  happy, obliging and sweet as the pie as the HG serves up.  Are we srs at the HG??
Anyway, the Mickey Mouse pancakes were a hit. Â As were my B&G's w a side of scrambled.
Will be back:
less than 1 month  [ ]
b/t 1 - 6 mo   [X]
6 months plus  [ ]
I really used to like this place, but now I know what conditions to go under. First of all, this is a great place to call and order carry-out; long menu and everything , well I guess nothing is awful. However, if you do decide to go inside and dine, make sure that you are in a party of 5 or less. They have signs up that state "Parties of 6 or more will be charged a gratuity" we had 8 people. Because the gratuity was coming, the service ended.
We got seated and then...sat. That is all. It was awful, but I would like to thank the person in our party for getting up and getting us coffee and napkins, and for the gentlemen at the table next to us that poured water since the server never returned. And yes, the soup took the longest amount of time to come.
I have a memorable story to go with my last visit there.
Wow have my tastes changed. My 2 year hiatus ended with a bang last night. I used to beg people to come here. If I was within a 5 mile radius you'd bet this is how I would close out my night. So when a friend suggested Hollywood as our 3 AM breakfast I was sure my usual omelet order would do me right. It did me wrong last night and this morning.
This place serves it's purpose for the neighborhood; drunk food 101. Greasy with no flavor. It's the recipe for success. But I'll be moving onto bigger and better things. I guess I won't be seeing you anymore Hollywood...
Alright, I know, technically, this is kind of a dive/diner place but you know what? Â They do dive/diner really well! Â Hollywood Grill always seems to be moderately busy, no matter what time of day you go. Â
The food is so-so. Â It's diner food, you know? Â But it's not bad! Â Last night, I had the chicken stir-fry. Â A little salty, yes. Â But geez, for $7.99, they brought me this GINORMOUS plate of food plus bread and soup. Â Where else in the city do you get a deal like that? Â And my dining companion had a beer with his dinner. Â That's right; they serve beer, too.
Oh, and did I mention the free parking? Â That they're open 24/7? Â Their servers are very sweet and fast?
I'd have given them 3.5 stars but since 'half star' ratings aren't an option for us, I gladly bump them up to 4 stars purely for their personality and reliability.
Go with the grilled cheese. Â Processed cheese and white bread is always a safe bet.
The chocolate shake was so weak. Â Where was the flavor? Â I took a slurp of my friend's strawberry shake--this was surprisingly a better choice. Â
It serves its purpose late at night. Â Next time it's Diner Grill on Ashland/Irving. Â It does not get any better than wiener pancakes.
I love that it's 24 hours first of all. Not nearly enough places in Chicago are 24 hours. I've been here after the bar, to cure a hangover in the morning and one random evening just cause friends and I were still hungry.
They actually have good food here. I love their breakfast. French toast is really good! I'm a sucker for French Toast and this always makes me happy! I also love their skirt steak breakfast or dinner. The skirt steak is so juicy and just delicious. I recommend it. Also, good chicken strips!
I think I'm updating at the absolute worst time, now I'm hungry!!
Oh, 3am drunk food. Â How I love thee!!
I found myself at the Hollywood Grill at 3 am after many beers, a few ciders, and something that was some type of whiskey. Â I'm still not sure what it really was, but it doesn't matter. Â I was d.r.u.n.k.
I don't remember much about the Hollywood Grill. Â I remember that the drunk people watching was funny, although I'm sure those same people were laughing at me. Â I remember that I ordered decaf coffee and I NEVER do that!
I ordered the monte cristo sandwich with hashbrowns, because at these types of Greek diners I always order the monte cristo and hashbrowns. Â The sammich was ok, but let's be honest here. Â The purpose of the 3 am drunk food is not to please your palate. Â It's to soak up the booze. Â
I left the Hollywood Grill a lot more sober than when I arrived thanks to Mr. Monte Cristo!
Late-night diner grub = recipe for a happy ending.
Late-night diner grub + liquor license = happy for those with a better tolerance that are not done drinking. (ahem, not me)
And, really...sometimes you just need an omelette at 2am. You just do.
*Free parking
*24 hours
*Friendly
*Fast
*Fierce eggs
*late night in Wicker Park, and it won't attempt to maim you like Flash Taco.
I challenge you to find someone in here post-2am that is NOT at least a little bit drunky... try this game with your party, it is fun!
I love 24-hour diners. After some New Year's Day imbibing, our group of four was ready for some serious sustenance. Wine had been consumed in generous abundance and the time for some precious grease had finally arrived. Can you believe after 3 years in Chicago I had yet to try the Hollywood Diner? Um, hello! I'm told it's a bit of an institution.
The food is okay-- it comes out fast, it's hot and it's greasy. Dare you ask for more at this time of night, er morning? I had a breakfast wrap filled with eggs, cheese and bacon. It was a bit on the bland side but standard breakfast plates were really good. Oh, and try their English muffins... extra buttery deliciousness!
Service is above average as compared to similar establishments and the best part of the 'experience'? The primo people-watching. Girls, what happened to your belts? Oh wait, those are skirts?!
I hear their soup is really good though I wouldn't know as my man stole my cup (not once, but twice... drunk soup Nazi!).
I am drunk and you serve me food... you are my best friend. With beer goggles on, this place is a total 5 star place, however, I'm currently sober and only willing to admit to like this place at a 4 star rating for now.
Open 24 hours and has a small parking garage for your designated driver to park in. It's your typical greasy spoon with a Hollywood twist... oh, did I say Hollywood twist? I mean no truck drivers and more scantily clad patrons with LOTS of smeared make up.
If you can look past the other patrons (or play the fun game of deciding if someone is a hooker or just dresses like one) and the prison tattoos on your server, this place is a gem.
I got eggs and toast and being a vegetarian, I had to give my side of meat away to my boyfriend and best friend to split but Jesus did it smell and look good. My boyfriend got the eggs Florentine and it was honestly the best diner dish I have ever had. I never would have expected such a delicious (and vegetarian) meal from here. I was pretty heartbroken when he wouldn't let me split it with him. I still have dreams about it.
Our server was really nice, especially when you take into account all the deadbeat and obliterated people she had already waited on for little or no tip. She was very attentive and had great attitude.
Give it go... and I don't just mean when you're drunk at 3:00 in the morning... I'm confident this food will look and taste just as good sober. No coyote ugly here.
24hrs.
Greasy goodness.
And yeah maybe its got a cheesy theme, but if you are lookin' for a mean breakfast anytime I'd say its pretty much going to satisfy your craving.
Nothin' fancy so feel free to go in your scummy I rolled out of bed clothes... and best cures for hangovers is another beer right?
Sooooo, about Hollywood Grill.
Call me a food snob, but I like good food and when I'm semi-drunk, most food tastes great - even if its fast food! We'd been at a crazy birthday party all night up in the north burbs and had a friend to drop off before we were going to get some Mexican food (STARVING, mind you). Well, our beloved Jamitos Burritos was closed. No homemade guac and delicious cheese filled, corn tortilla quesadillas. ::sighs:: Well we pass Hollywood Grill all the time and its open twenty-four-7 so we decided to grab it and go.
The good:
Easy parking, friendly waitstaff, quick service and the place was cleanly!
The bad:
TERRIBLE, non edible food. Like: lets buy the cheapest ingredients, terrible. Ugh.
Details? Well we drove the short 5 minutes back to my bf's apt and were ready to attack our food. My quesadillas were gross. The soft taco was clearly hard as a rock and stuffed with this greasy slimy cheese. It tasted about as good as it looked, salty, greasy and not very edible. I forced myself to eat one of the 4, ate some m&m's and threw the rest out. Oh I also asked for extra guacamole, which all i got was one tiny filled 30ml container and it was obviously out of a bag. You cant take the time to make guacamole? Seriously? Avocado, lime juice and spicy salsa - its pretty simple.
As for the boy he got a burrito which he didn't even eat. They put some gravy weirdness on top of the burrito which looked like bubble gum. He immediately threw it in the garbage, ate a banana and went to bed hungry and not a happy camper.
Needless to say, we will never be going to Hollywood Grill again. I'd rather drive another 15 minutes and get GOOD drunk food.
This place used to be my stomping grounds after singing at Louie's. I always see someone I knew there, of course, drunk as fuck like myself.
The food was magical, only because I was toasty as can be. I recall going one night, not blitzed, and the food lost it's magic. The biscuits and gravy lost it's homeyiness. The shake was just ok. And it didn't come with the leftover mixer cup! :( A total essential if you ask me) It's too decorated to be awesome. It's too much trying to be an awesome diner. And at the end of it all, it's not. It's just ok.
Nothing is better than a restaurant that is open 24 hours, with friendly service, and amazing drunk food.
I mean really, when it's 2am in the morning and McDonalds just isn't going to work skip on over to Hollywood grill and order a giant stack of pancakes to easy the hangover.
Oh, and the staff is really great. Â I'm sure they've seen their fair share of drunks, so, they know how to take care of the considerate ones. Â So, be considerate so future drunks can enjoy pancakes at 2am.
Typical Greek restaurant.* Â Diner coffee is always good, food decent, breakfast always available. Â Food is usually better if you have some alcohol in your system or you're hungover.
*: For those not from the Chicago area, these types of restaurants are usually owned by Greek people, hence the name. Â Apparently, transplants get confused when I use this term. Â Go figure. :)
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