Donna O.
Yelp
Ari's Diner is a solid choice for a traditional breakfast or lunch. It's a neighborhood restaurant, and obviously popular with the locals - it's super busy! [Note: if you're on a tight timeline, wait until you're not in a rush to come here.] The decor is simple, with city prints on the walls, local news kudos, etc. Those brown diner tables and chairs? Yep! Bring your parents, bring the kids, they'll feel comfortable here.
The staff are busy, but friendly and attentive (you'll need to ask for refills or extras, but they'll get them to you pronto). The owner is also out and about and has no problem directing traffic - and good thing, as this is a "Please Seat Yourself" setup. Everyone was happy to wait their turn for a table, and not chaotic.
We showed up at the right time on Father's Day, and managed to score a table for nine. Hot coffee, cold OJ, and BIG pancakes. Half of our party was drooling before we sat down. The menu is classic Greek diner - those pancakes, gyro-meat options for omelets, burgers, and paninis. Soups and salads, and a good selection of side dishes. They serve breakfast all day...and did I mention that it is SO value-priced? We're talking $7.50 for breakfast, and $8-9 for a full lunch plate! Four adults = $33. Three kids, two adults = $33.
The food is good, in addition to being a great value. Pancakes are fluffy standards, and yes, they are big! French toast is regular white bread, thin and ready for all the syrup an 8-year-old boy can load on them. I had a greek veggie omelet, which was good - not too fluffy, with small chunks of veg. They serve spicy sausage patties, too. The two-year-old plowed through his kid's meal (scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, and toast!) like a crazy man - high praise, methinks.
It's pay at the register, and that means waiting until someone is free to ring you out (they do take credit cards). The staff here wear dri-fit shirts with their names on them for a reason...but they are all smiles and friendly helpfulness to the last. Great spot for a good breakfast, and worth the little trip down south side.