Sarkis Cafe

Sarkis is a Armenian local Evanston hole in the wall Institution breakfast spot perfect for Potheads and Hangovers! But their breakfast was quick, affordable, and delicious. I got the Animal sandwich with side of cheesy well done hash brown. Also get everything on your sandwich, the combo of ingredients works perfectly together. Service was awesome and remember first come first serve tables. 100% recommend!

Sarkis is steeped in tradition as this restaurant dates back decades into the fabric of Evanston history. There’s not much to the place, in fact it looks like a little house on the intersection of Gross Point and Crawford. The interior is adorned with HUNDREDS of photos of customers throughout the years, many of them washed out but still discernible as to who is pictured. The menu is fantastic. There’s so many uniquely named items - such as my favorite sandwich the Loretta - that are oddly familiar the first time you eat it. And the taste is absolutely fantastic. Apparently they’ve kept the same recipes and quality throughout the years, and the pride they put into the business is evident with every bite. Very simple diner setup otherwise. Only a few tables inside, a few more in the tent outside, and an even more on the sparse patio out back. Highly recommend anyone who likes fun and tasty diner food.

If you’re searching for an authentic, down-home breakfast experience, this local gem is a must-visit. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling goodness and a vibe that immediately tells you this place is the real deal. It’s a small business, cash-only, but trust me, they deliver on flavor and atmosphere in a way that’s hard to beat. They serve their meals on adorable cast iron skillet-style plates, giving each dish an “off-the-griddle” authenticity that feels both rustic and inviting. The cooks behind the counter are hard at work, flipping and clinking their greasy spatulas, filling the space with a comforting, nostalgic feeling that lets you know you're in for something special. Ordering here is a relaxed, casual process—just walk up to the counter, place your order, grab a number, and find a spot to settle in. There’s plenty of seating, both indoors and outside, so whether you prefer the bustling interior or fresh air, you’ll find a cozy spot to dig into your meal. The packed parking lot speaks volumes; word is clearly out that this spot has mastered the art of breakfast. And if you’re a coffee lover, don’t miss the subtle hint of cinnamon in the brew—a Mexican-inspired touch that adds a warm, comforting note to your morning cup. The food arrived promptly, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer volume of hash browns on their grill. It’s something you have to see to believe—an incredible mound of crispy, golden potatoes, perfectly prepared to accompany any breakfast plate. While the kitchen staff politely declined my request for a photo or video of the hustle, I respected their focus and dedication to their craft. Honestly, this spot doesn’t need photos to convey its charm; it’s a local treasure that’s best experienced in person. For anyone seeking a unique, unchained breakfast spot with authentic flavors and a welcoming, lively atmosphere, this place should be high on your list.

Sarkis Cafe is fire. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. They cook the food fresh and ready to eat and they maintain the restaurant clean. Owner Maria is nice. Amazing bacon Loretta. Must come back. 10/10.

Cheezy hashbrowns are perfect anytime. Cash only, bring cash. Super quick service. Omlettes are fantastic but get a Loretta and you will be coming back for life. Excellent coffee with a hint of cinnamon, now I sprinkle some in my coffee pot at home because of them.

I grew up in the northern Chicago suburbs, and Sarkis is an absolute institution. I’m pretty sure the original owner, Sarkis, is no longer involved and that the business was purchased by longtime employees years ago, but the soul of the place hasn’t changed one bit. This is the quintessential no-frills neighborhood breakfast spot. It’s a diner in setup and vibe, counter seating, quick service, familiar faces, but the menu is uniquely Sarkis. While they can make standard breakfast fare, they’re truly known for their outstanding signature sandwiches. Two classics stand out. The Disaster is excellent and lives up to its reputation, but my personal favorite is the bacon Loretta with an egg. It’s perfect. Bacon, cheese, diced peppers and onions, plus an egg if you order it, all served on a fresh Italian white roll. I add the hot sauce that sits on the table and pair it with a side of cheesy hash browns. From a health perspective, it’s completely reckless. From a taste and nostalgia perspective, it’s flawless. If I had to compare Sarkis to a movie genre, it’s the John Hughes equivalent of a restaurant. It belongs in the same North Shore nostalgia collage as The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. It’s iconic in the way it marks transitions, junior high to high school, high school to college, first hangovers, and early adulthood. Over the years, Sarkis has made some thoughtful upgrades, including outdoor seating when the weather’s nice, which is a great addition. It’s cash only, though I believe there’s an ATM on site. The staff is welcoming, kind, and efficient, and it’s a natural reunion spot for people who grew up in the area. Prices are fair, the food is consistent, and it’s just as delicious as you remember. The only minor note, and this is truly nitpicking, is the coffee. I believe the default is hazelnut. It’s fine for a quick caffeine fix, but I’d personally love a plain regular coffee option as well. I absolutely love this place and make a point to meet old friends here every time I’m back in Chicago. Sarkis is a reminder of how special it was to grow up in this area. It’s one of a kind, deeply nostalgic, and uniquely Chicago.

Cafe Sarkis offers a laid-back and cool atmosphere that immediately reminded me of a spot you'd find in the Florida Keys. During my visit, I ordered the steak sandwich and was surprised when a Philly Cheese Steak arrived at my table. As someone who isn't a huge fan of Philly Cheese Steaks, I was initially disappointed by the mislabeling. However, despite my initial reservations, the sandwich turned out to be quite tasty and really hit the spot. While I enjoyed my meal, I believe it's important for Cafe Sarkis to accurately label their dishes. If you're serving a Philly Cheese Steak, just call it that to avoid any confusion. Despite this minor issue, the overall experience was positive, and I will definitely be back to try their other dishes. The ambiance and the food quality make it worth another visit.

Always bringing my beautiful wife to dinner, obviously! Sarkis blew us away with how simple yet delicious the food is. Maybe it’s just because we don’t have to make it ourselves; or maybe they’ve got some kind of secret ingredient?!? Either way, it’s absolutely flavorful in it simplicity. She had the Loretta, I had the Animal — both were incredible. Definitely not a miss. A must-try.

I've been going to Sarkis for a year now. I always got the same thing a bacon, Loretta with egg which is an amazing breakfast sandwich! This past week I tried something new for the first time. I tried an omelette with white cheese, mushrooms, broccoli bacon, tomato, and onion was so good. Highly recommend the m and m pancakes as well. I will be getting that again. Prepare to be full! The service is amazing and they truly act like you are family when you walk in and order. The ambience is interesting because it is a small diner/shack. It's not the fanciest looking place, but it is a great place to eat.

This is a staple in the area. You'll get a ton of food provided you bring your cash! Personally I enjoyed the omelet more than the sandwiches. Several folks at the table were not fans of the Armenian sausage, order at your own risk. Coffee was fine. Hot sauce options were meh.

Have been coming here for 10+ years! (Since I was in elementary school). A classic located in Evanston. I will always drive to eat here. I've tried multiple things off their menu and haven't been disappointed yet. Not sure if they're renovating because they have outdoor seating setup only. Don't be fooled by the exterior though - the old look gives this place its character! If it's your first time, you gotta go with the classic Loretta. Very filling and just makes you feel at home. Ingredients always taste fresh.

College vibe with good energy and no frills. All the food was delicious with some of the best blueberry pancakes we have had in awhile. Cash only, but worth the inconvenience. Service was also very good.

This is a classic northshore staple. I have been here several times over the past 20 years and it never disappoints. Its under different management than it was years ago, so there have been some upgrades, but I believe it is still cash only. Its a small diner/cafe that mainly serves breakfast options. They are most famous for their Loretta sandwiches. My most recent experience was delivery and of course I recommend going there or eating it shortly after its prepared as its most fresh! I got a Bacon Loretta sandwich with Special Hashbrowns. You can get a Loretta with different or combo of meats (bacon, ham, sausage) and it standardly comes with mayo, seasoning, cheese, and diced tomato, onion, green pepper. You can add an egg or remove toppings. Special hashbrowns are topped with cheese and diced tomato, onion and green pepper. I recommend using hot sauce and ketchup. I have also had their pancakes, french toast, other sandwich options and they are great. This is a simple breakfast spot that serves great food. Overall experience 4/5.

Absolutely amazing place with extremely tasty food and super cute ambiance. Service was great and portions were very generous for the price. Would 10000% recommend to anyone wanting a quick and tasty breakfast. Do be advised they only take cash so be prepared!

I came here for lunch with a few coworkers around 1130. They have their own parking lot(free). You have to order your food before you seat down. It has indoor (I think only a few seats) and outdoor seating under a tent. They have physical menus or you can scan QR code. It's cash only. They do have an atm you can use. I ended up ordering an Animal Loretta sandwich. It's filled with bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, green peppers ,onions and tomatoes. It had great taste everything was cooked perfectly. It also comes with an order of hash browns. They had good service. If it was hotter it woulda of been hard to eat outside. All in all great place!

I literally survived on sarkis throughout my years... always the best. 5 a.m.' they got me... not today.

Im not an Omelette person but these are a must have ! It's small and busy at all time that's the sign u want lol the staff is nice couldn't complain. One more thing the ice coffee is perfection

I've been going to Sarkis since the 80s when Sark was keeping it going great with his hot pan and omelette with brick cheese. It's a very cozy little place with a counter and some tables inside I think they've got some outdoor seating too. Go and get an omelette and some disaster sausages. Good food there and prices there right too try it.

Classic spot! LOVE Sarkis. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. An absolute institution.

Great omelettes and pancakes. Very affordable too! Was very surprised to see the prices here on yelp were about twice as high as in store.

Neighborhood classic. If you live in Evanston, there's practically a law that you must eat here.

Food here is ok but zero effort made on upkeep comfort or decor. Very small inside and the patio consists of whatever random tables and chairs that they could find. It's definitely a staple in the north shore but I feel the food quality has decreased over the years. Used to come quite often but this place hasn't been able to keep up with the other breakfast spots in the area. Has not evolved at all and actually has gone backwards. Probably won't be coming back anymore.

Got lunch here yesterday at Sarkis. The menu has expanded quite a bit over the years, but the Lorettas are still the go to here. Couldn't decide between a disaster or a bacon Loretta, so I went with an Animal Loretta to get best of both worlds. Still tasted the same over the years. Same consistency of being awesome with fresh ingredients. Hash browns not as crispy as in previous experiences, but still good. Service here was great. The food comes out fresh and quick. Everyone working here was super nice. Still has most of the original Sarkis vibes here as a diner, but with more seating outside in the tents. Still prefer to sit inside though. Overall, still a great place to get breakfast or lunch with family and friends. It is now on the pricer side. My meal and a fountain drink was around $20. Still cash only after all these years, but they do have an ATM. Parking situation is still the same. They have their own lot, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

Sarkis is one of a kind! I used to skip high school MANY years ago and drive 30+ minutes with a bunch of friends to get the same (and arguably the best) order every time: "A Bacon Loretta, with extra mayo, a side of Cheesy Hash and an Orange Fanta." I went this past weekend and it STILL rocks - So delicious! It was nice to see that they grew their outside dining option by adding a large heated tent. FYI they are still cash only, but they have an ATM in the back if you forget (like I did).

10/10 every time!!!!!!!!!! we love the disaster and bacon loretta's with cheesy spicy hash.

Great neighborhood place that my family has come back to when we want consistently good brunch. The vibe is great with the crew's happy, positive energy is so contagious that guests get happy bellies AND spirits! The food is perfectly cooked and brought to your table promptly by the crew that makes you feel like family. The price is affordable with the average entree below $15. The coffee is good, too, with a hint of cinnamon. No frills but great place to go for a meal with family and friends!

Amazing, bacon Loretta hits every time. No wrong choices when you go here. Only wrong choice is not to go.

Place is an institution. I do feel the bacon Loretta's are not as good as they used to be though. And you have to take a nap after. But this place is Forsure worth a try

The service was great, food was amazing. Prices are worth it. The employees really care about their customers. They only take cash so there is an ATM in the restaurant which really makes it easier, and there are two water jugs there to help yourself with water for free. I like the variety of seats outside, with all the sauces and seasonings there already on each table. I really recommend going here. And the pancakes really hit the spot!

No good service order take too long to wait it's not happy place it's very bad experience to have brake fast it's no good

Best spot for greasy breakfast! Nothing like it! Bacon and ham Loretta combo with cheesy hash is unbeatable.

Avery casual but comfortable and service focused restaurant. Breakfast is a definite plus and worth repeat visits

This place is a Chicago staple and needs to be protected at all costs. Unreal breakfast food. Stands the true test of time. Come here to cure a hangover or to get more drunk, it does both. Service is awesome every time.

Don't tell my wife about this review. See, I love this place so much. I've been coming here for over 2 decades. (wtf. That can't be right.) Anyways.. my goto is always a Disaster and Hashbrowns. I've seen people order other things, which I'm sure there's other good stuff. But trust me. Just start with a Loretta (with whatever meat you want) and Hashbrowns, and you can try other items at a later visit on your own time. You can't go wrong on their Loretta sandwhiches. Their hot sauce is amazing too. (What's in it? Just a combo of Crystal Hot sauce and something else? Let me know what you discover.) Also, pro tip, they're on the delivery services! My only negative, is that we've used one of the order services to place an order for pickup. And the order wasn't even started when it said it was ready. Causing a super long wait. And a super upset, hangry wife. That wasn't fun. She'd be pissed I'm even giving you 5 stars if she found out I'm posting this. So mums the word! Because we'll keep coming back for 20 more years. (just please don't keep pissing off the wife. She really likes the food here too.)

This place used to be a fun and unique greasy spoon with decent food and a fun atmosphere. Now it's a joke of what it once was. Instead of eating inside at a nice counter, they make you eat outside in a gross tent, with dust everywhere, plastic furniture, and the overwhelming smell of disinfectant. It's like dining in a third world country. Their prices for a spam sandwich has increased to an absolutely absurd level, but yet their portions have shrunk drastically. There is no wait staff, just a couple of clueless teenagers acting like deer in headlights. What was once a local institution is now a shit show motivated by greed. Want to experience what restaurant dining was like at the peak of the pandemic? This is your place.

I have been coming here since high school as this was the hotspot before during or after school. I am now over 40 years old and this is actually one of the first times I have gone back in a very long long time. It was great to see some things that haven't changed like the parking lot but it was also surprised to see a lot of things change even from the outside which was that there are a lot of tents that are now erected with lots of seating options. This is a good thing though. I learned that the dynamic has also changed in that you order underneath one of the tents or they have set up a POS area and then now they bring out the food to you depending on where you sit outside. You still can sit inside but as we all know it is very limited seating. A lot of things have not changed with the food especially some of the core menu items like the Loretta or the disaster. Portions are very fair considering the price and the location. I do miss Sarkis himself as I was always used to seeing him there. Also great to not have to fight a bunch of teenagers at the counter trying to yell out your order as well as trying to get your finished plate. Love this place cannot complain about it whatsoever this is a must visit and it is what I consider a true institution.

Been coming here for the last 30 years! Now I bring my kids. Hands down the best greasy spoon! Sarkis is one of a kind. Everyone who works there is great. Food always on point

An institution. Cheap and delicious food. Quirky as all get out. Food comes out fast and service is insanely friendly.

Best breakfast ever. Bacon Loretta is amazing. Cheese hash is amazing. Omelettes are great. Evanston / Wilmette / north shore classic spot.

A great concept with a fun menu but Poor execution. Been here a handful of times as a lifelong evanstonian, and this past time solidified my take on it being extremely overrated. Their signature item the "bacon Loretta" is average at best and the mayo is a bit weird for a breakfast sandwich. Skimpy portions of bacon and heavy on peppers and onions. You HAVE to ask for a fried egg on it because they decided it was ok to offer a breakfast sand which that didn't already come with eggs but I digress. The cheesy hash is good, not great. Their house made hot sauce saves the day, that stuff is good. What really pisses me off about this restaurant isn't even their food-it's their operations. Cash only in 2022 AND charge for water. Didn't realize we were in California but ok. All diss aside, it's a fine way to revive a hangover after a night out and it's in an area of northwest Evanston that lacks restaurants so props to them for that.

The food is 5 stars. No question about it. I went today and ordered a Disaster sandwich with cheesy hash, it was just as great as the first time I ordered it. The physical condition of the place is what knocked a couple stars off. Their attempt at enclosing their patio makes it look like a shanty straight out of the third world. It's not 2020 anymore, there's no need for your restaurant to look like this. Having people eating inside, including behind the kitchen is what gave this place its character. Maybe it's run by a germophobe or something now but they only have a handful of seats on the patio and most of their business is takeout. Very sad to see. Tear down the crappy looking shanty and let people eat inside. We'll be fine. Literally every other restaurant is back to normal.

Food was good not great. The wait was horrible. My friend and I waited 45 mins for our food and didn't even get drinks until the food was coming out. There was even a table that waited 2 hours for their food because they lost their ticket and they went to get a refund and leave and the food was ready instead of offering a refund and the food they only gave them a refund. That's just flat out bad customer service. I will try it again I'm sure maybe this was a one off day. Nice outdoor seating area for Covid

I can say I tried it and I'm good... this was the nastiest meal I had in years. I ordered the Brandon special and the toast was soggy, my bacon was extra gummy, and my hash browns tasted like it was frozen. I also ordered a side of bacon....well you can see the picture. What did I pay $20.00 for? What is all the hype about? All I got was bag of grease and inedible garbage. I won't be back at all, I'm soooooo good. Also, the young hostesses are dressed really skimpy, and inappropriate; you could see their butt cheeks, not professional at all. I will not be back!

Some of the best food around. Quality service! The breakfast sandwiches are a must try!

A ton of local hype. I could see how this place would be nostalgic to people growing up in this area. Food was good - if you're getting something, listen to other reviewers - bacon Loretta (+/- cheesy hash). Right now it's seating in the back, they bring you your food in to-go like containers. Lots of flies, so maybe would recommend eating at home. No prices on the menu but we got 2 baco no Lorettas and a cheesy has for ~$22/23. A little overpriced for what it is but def worth a try!

Every time I go to Sarkis to give them another chance, they disappoint. Over 50% of the time, the order has been wrong. The portion sizes keep getting smaller every time as well but the prices are the same or higher. It's getting to be ridiculous how much smaller the portions are. I guess I need to make my own or find somewhere else - it's no longer worth it to go to Sarkis - no matter how much I love the Loretta. Sad.

If you're a lover of bacon, don't even bother skimming through the entire menu. Just order the bacon Loretta. You won't regret it, promise. Unless you're craving bacon and other meats. In that case, there's the animal Loretta, which to be quite honest I didn't even know existed until the other day. Either it's been too long since the last time I came here or just never paid attention, who knows, but it's perfect for meat lovers. I am already plotting my next visit so I can sink my teeth into one of those. Anyway, the bacon Loretta is so darn simple but incredible. It's highly satisfying. Yes, the bacon is the star, but the white cheese and the chewy French roll are the best supporting actors. Like really, I thought for a sec that I can easily replicate the sammie at home, but the secret lies in the cheese and the bread. Ngl, I have kinda forgotten about this place so it was nice to get reacquainted :)

I've been coming here since high school. I'm now 43. Came here pregnant. Best food, best memories Its an institution

This place has been around for as long as I can remember. The menu is limited (burgers and lorettas), but that's what they're known for. Order the Disaster (sausage) loretta and call it a day.

Not sure what the hype is about this place the food was ok not great. Coffee tasted like it was yesterday's brew. We ordered a side of ham with food when we asked if it was ham off the bone server said yes. Disappointed because it sure wasn't ham off the bone. The hash browns need to be cooked longer they were undercooked. The steak sandwich was ok bread was semi hard. Pancakes dry not moist overall not somewhere I would go again.

I ate here one time back in 1997 when I was still in high school. The food was average and the owner was a jackass. They would add hashbrown even if you didn't order it and add $1 extra. I told them I didn't order hashbrown and I didn't even eat it and the jackass yelled at me and called me cheap when I was a freaking high school student back then. He got away with ripping off customers and cheating on his tax for years apparently

Food is 5 star, staff are polite and friendly . But wait times are so long! I don't think phone orders are any better. But I wait anyways because it's that good!

For my century mark reviews, I've been trying to do them at special places, typically Chicago area "institutions" that have been around for awhile. Sarki's is just that type of place for my 900th Yelp submission. The food is pretty good and a few dishes have a twist to them. I was there on a Monday morning for breakfast, not the same atmosphere from a people perspective had it been on the weekend, but given the small layout, always interesting nonetheless. I opted for scrambled eggs, hash browns and the disaster... a sausage item created by the Sarki's team, topped with Jack cheese. The hash browns were good, the disaster was fine, the eggs could have been a tad more plentiful. Still a fun breakfast was enjoyed eating in a space that's smaller than our family room. I'll be back. Even though there are better breakfasts to be found, the combination of food and circus here is pretty unique.

Used to love this place! Went there the other day, and my carbon footprint was too big. My order came in a Styrofoam container wrapped in tinfoil packet salt and pepper packet a knife and fork napkins in a bag. Catch up in plastic containers along with hot sauce in plastic containers coffee in a Styrofoam cup with a lid sugar in packets by the time I dressed everything I've got it all done I could've filled a trash bag. I hope when Cove it is over they go back to the good old days of a plate knife and fork and all the condiments on the side and bottles and we just get it done because I found once I've eaten I had to guilt trip of wondering where all that trash was going to end up.

Awesome. Best omelette anywhere. Consistently excellent. Highly recommended. I have been a customer for decades.

Simply put: Loretta! The GOAT for breakfast. If you say there is a place that serves better food, I say you're lying

A north shore staple, especially for hungover highschool & college kids. If you're looking for greasy delicious food that might give you a heart attack then this is the place for you. Do yourself a favor and order the Bacon Loretta. There's no better option in my opinion. I add an egg to the sandwich to give it a little extra substance. Make sure to order your hash browns well done so they're extra crispy! Sarkis has been great with outdoor seating during COVID since the restaurant is so small. Once COVID is over I highly recommend eating inside because wow is that an experience.