Irene's Finer Diner
Diner · North Center ·
Farm-fresh diner classics, creative twists, house-made sauces
Farm-fresh diner classics, creative twists, house-made sauces
"Irene’s Finer Diner in North Center is a decent, utility breakfast spot. Its bright space has lots of tables and retro leather booths that give it a classic diner atmosphere. Nothing on the menu is mind-blowing, but dishes like their breakfast burrito and skillets are still satisfying. Just know that the waffles are a bit dense and chewy, like pancakes that took a detour into a waffle iron." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Irene’s Finer Diner is an update on nostalgia. It features a classic diner menu from the ‘60s but uses farm-fresh ingredients and meats from reputable vendors. It’s a spacious dining room with plenty of high chairs and a children’s menu. Touches like house-made hot sauce will keep parents wanting to come back, while the kids have plenty of attention from a waitstaff who doesn’t act like kids are some bother." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman
"Suffered a recent fire and has closed indefinitely while owners assess damage and recovery plans; they emphasized gratitude that no one was harmed, expressed that they have invested significant heart and effort into the breakfast-focused diner, and said they will provide updates when they are able to reopen." - Ashok Selvam
"As the name suggests, Irene’s Finer Diner raises the standards on diner staples by using eggs and meat from local farms for its omelets and skillets along with adding creative twists to dishes like a waffle with mascarpone, orange peel and Nutella, and grilled cheese made with braised short rib, gruyere, raclette, cornichons and honey. The North Center restaurant also offers a kids menu, high tea and desserts from Bang Bang Pie. While the restaurant is new, the space has a long history as a diner where the current co-owner worked as a child." - Sam Nelson
"Irene’s has quickly become my go-to diner in North Center by elevating and reimagining diner classics with high-quality ingredients—think 63-degree Slagel Farm eggs on an amazing bennedict menu, Bang Bang pies and biscuits, and a breakfast sando built on a honey-baked ham and white cheddar croissant—and their biscuits and gravy, with house-made sausage gravy over Bang Bang biscuits, is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten." - Ashok Selvam