Big Top Restaurant

Permanently Closed

Big Top Restaurant

Permanently Closed

Diner with classic American menu, friendly service, and huge portions

Information

6348 W Higgins Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 Get directions

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

20 of Chicago’s Most Beloved Closed Diners

"If diner signage is an art unto itself, Big Top Restaurant might well have been the Louvre. Housed inside an otherwise unremarkable squat suburban building, the diner was crowned by a red-and-yellow replica of a circus tent and had a soaring neon sign that proclaimed it “famous for our fountain creations.” Big Top encapsulated the essential elements of any diner: solid breakfast items, friendly service, and affordable prices. The diner closed in 2019 after more than four decades in business. Right down the block, another famed diner, Golden Flame, was extinguished after CVS bought the property." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/historic-chicago-diners-closed-nostalgia

Big Top Restaurant

kay G.

Google

Went here for lunch one day. We loved the sign! The place was spacious and clean. The waitress was super nice and after telling her that it was our first time she gave us suggestions and helped us narrow down the extensive menu. I had the spaghetti and loved it. It came with a salad and the portions were ample. The place had lots of regulars. The waitresses knew lots of people by name and customers knew one another. Would def go back

Urawsum

Google

I went yesterday morning around 8:45 am, our waitress was an older lady. She was an absolute sweetheart and perfect at her job, she was patient with my questions and didn't make me feel bad for asking! I had a mushroom omelette with rye toast, it was delicious!!! They even had Louisiana hot sauce! The decor is still classic, but beautiful and very clean. I would definitely recommend this place if you want a happy start to your day!

Trevor C.

Google

The food is average but the eggs are consistently under cooked in skillets and omelettes. Lunch food is much better but overall nothing special. Service is friendly enough but one particular server never seems to remember all her tables and I have had to ask for her more than once.

Tom Z

Google

I had a great breakfast here. It's one of the few places open really early. The pancakes were made just right. The eggs were cooked to perfection. Also, very good bacon. The people are nice and friendly. And the place is clean. When I'm looking for an early breakfast, this is the place.

Steve S.

Google

Food tastes great. The pancakes and crepes were both delicious. The service was awesome. Our server was very attentive and welcoming. The food came out hot and fast. The food is fairly priced. It can get busy during breakfast hours on the weekend, and seating is limited. I would recommend this spot.

Tony M.

Google

First time here an the place was crowded for breakfast. Sat down an the waitress asked us if we wanted coffee. Checking the menu and we were ready to order. The waitress was very nice and service was good . The only down fall was we waited longer than usual to get are food. The waitress let us know the delay was because there was a large order placed in front of ours. Over all the food was good an we would come back.

Barbie H.

Google

Love this place and wish they were still open 24 hours...Ordered the turkey dinner to share with my boyfriend..Waitress brought it to us separated onto 2 plates without even asking...That was awesome! The portion were so huge on those 2 plates we thought she misunderstood us and brought us 2 dinners...That's how much food was on each plate. Food was excellent. Great service!!

Julia C.

Google

I go here all the time for the chicken fried steak or the breakfast skillet. Really good, reasonably priced diner food. Everyone who works here is always so friendly. Plus they're one of the few places in the immediate area open 24 hours (except on Sundays). EDIT: Sadly, they’re no longer open 24 hours - they close at 9pm now. No more late night chicken fried steak. :(

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

20 of Chicago’s Most Beloved Closed Diners

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/historic-chicago-diners-closed-nostalgia

Big Top Restaurant

kay G.

Google

Urawsum

Google

Trevor C.

Google

Tom Z

Google

Steve S.

Google

Tony M.

Google

Barbie H.

Google

Julia C.

Google

Big Top Restaurant

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20 of Chicago’s Most Beloved Closed Diners

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20 of Chicago’s Most Beloved Closed Diners