Elmo's Diner

run by a couple of bitches more

We went to Elmo's a couple of years ago and recently figured we'd take a drive and go again. \r \r There were about 5-6 flies that kept buzzing us, our table and food. When I mentioned it to the waiter, he said that for some reason, our table in the back corner is where the flies tended to go. I replied that the hostess should keep that in mind when seating people (the restaurant was relatively empty at the time). He didn't apologize, but instead took on an attitude from that point forward.\r \r He brought the check soon after while we were still eating, did not ask if we wanted dessert and as he set it on the table, actually said, ""I'll give this to you now so the flies don't carry you away"".\r \r Finally, I paid with a credit card and he requested to see proof of identification. Now I was nicely dressed as was my wife and daughter. I felt there was no reason to ask for ID unless he was purposely trying to be a jerk. In my 52 years, I have never been ID'ed in a Diner!!\r \r So, belligerence and inensitively of the waiter aside, I won't knock them for one bad staffer, but the flies really were annoying and made for an unpleasant meal. Pros: Menu Cons: Flies and Wait Staff more

With one exception everythign I ever ate at Elmo's was delicious. I can't say enough good things about the turkey and gravy plate. They'll gladly substitute fries for mashed potatoes and I love that. In fact, they'll work with you on most anything. \r \r My favorite special was the turkey and dressing. Just like, no wait-- better!-- than my mom made it.\r \r Check out the recession menu for some good deals! Pros: Good prices, great food, friendly service Cons: brunswick stew more

I've dinned at Elmos both in Durham and Carrboro on and off for years. \r For basic American cuisine, especially non-greasy, either location is fine and the food is comparable and consistently good.\r Weekends and holidays both places get too crowded and one may well have to line up and wait too long.\r I usually plan my trips during off peak hours and then it is dream service and great food.\r I do have a perferred breakfast omlette. It is a custom four: with calamata olives, spinage, mushrooms, and feta cheese. I get it with rye toast and sliced tommatoes instead of home fries.\r Just about anything on the menue is good.\r I used to be a professional cook and Elmos is one of those locally owned places that it is well worth discovering.\r Don't over expect anything, but it tends to be better than most American gernics around. Much better than any of the chains. Pros: fresh and wholesome, friendly service Cons: too crowded during peak hours and holidays more

I was visiting my daughter in Chapel Hill who said I absolutely had to go to Elmo's. We went for late lunch - 4-5pm and had a wonderful meal. The waitress was more than accomodating and the food was great. Her burger was exceptional and we both shared fries. I had soup and sandwich (Chicken) and dessert....all was good quality and the check was reasonable for the amount of food we had....needless to say this will be a regular on my list to visit when I come back to NC again. I am from PA and it was well worth the trip to Carrboro.....:o) Pros: Thumbs Up! more

someone told me this place was owned by whoever owned breadman's, so i started eating here when my friends... more

someone told me this place was owned by whoever owned breadman's, so i started eating here when my friends started bitching that we were eating at ... more

Elmo's is a cozy little diner-type neighborhood restaurant that's perfect for breakfast or lunch. Sit outdoors on the small, covered patio or indoors in a open, wood-planked dining room. It's a popular place so grab a coffee in the waiting area and sit tight. Basic comfort foods for breakfast and lunch populate the menu: eggs, grits, sausage gravy, burgers, meatloaf, all the basics. Breakfasts typically come with a wide variety of sides (grits, toast, fruit salad, etc). Nothing too interesting or exciting, just solid comfort food in good portions at a good price. Service is friendly and reasonably quick, no complaints here. Overall, a good spot to meet up with friends or start the morning off on the weekends before heading off to Weaver St Market Pros: Free Coffee, Nice Open Dining Room more

Our Elmo's experience makes me reevaluate all of those dining awards. Seeing all those ""family friendly"" awards for Elmo's makes me think those reviewers don't know what family friendly means. From the gruff ""hostess"" who found it impossible to state the wait time to every single person who walked in and each one had to ask the same question (don't you think she would get it?) to the cramped booths (I guess family really means single parent one child) to the so so food, to the fact that we had to ask for a single sheet of paper to draw on, I would not go back to Elmo's again. How does it win awards? It seems like it might be the only place in the triangle area to get breakfast any time. Maybe that was it? Pros: They serve breakfast all day Cons: not worth the wait or experience to eat pancakes at 2pm more

I enjoy Elmo's for the relaxed atmosphere and menu variety! The prices are very reasonable, to boot! When I'm in the mood for breakfast out at an odd time, that's my restaurant of choice. They have great omelettes! more

I always stop when I go by Carborro. Try the Quiche of the day. The Gaspacho is also great but they d onot have it out of season. The atmosphere is between ""artsy"" and diner. I highly recommand if you want a casual place with great value. You are also a few doors away from Weavers Market which is a great Natural Food COOP. That make my visit always great Pros: Food, Service, price Cons: sometime crowded more

Took my sister and brother-in-law to Elmo's for a late Saturday morning breakfast and the place was bustling. Thankfully, they've got a huge coffee urn and cups sitting out for everyone who's waiting, and because they're located at the Carr Mill Mall, you can even take your cuppa joe wandering through the shops while you wait for your table. The food was fantastic--I recommend the huevos rancheros or the biscuits and gravy, with tomato slices on the side--and I found the service to be excellent. Pros: service, location, food Cons: crowded more

Enjoyed a late lunch (no crowds) and would definately go back. more

Great food, good prices, above-average value. The service isn't the best, but I keep going back anyway, simply because the food and the prices are right. They have some of the best cornbread I've had since my Grandma died, and that's no joke. Their blueberry pancakes are better than my Mom's, and their burgers are especially good. It's best to go in early or late, though, since prime Lunch and Dinner rushes are truly slam-packed, and it takes forever to get seated or served. Pros: Great Food, Good Price, Amazing Pancakes Cons: , Crowded, Noisy more

Elmo's in my favorite restaurant. The one in Durham is the best, but the one in Carboro is great too. There are so many great things to try, but my favorite has to be their cheddar cheeseburger and fries. more

This is a great place to get a full meal, sandwich/salad or just dessert. A reasonably priced menu and good service keep me coming back to this great restaurant. The 9th Street location in Durham is enjoyable too. Pros: good food, reasonable prices, nice atmosphere more

Good old country cooking. Their broccoli casserole is awesome as one of the 2 sides that come with the chicken and dumplins as well as your choice of biscuit or cornbread. The basil tomato soup tastes like lasagna (it's good) and their veggie burgers are incredible. Pros: great food, fast service, inexpensive Cons: crowded, bad sweet tea, limited daytime menu more

A landmak and deserving of it. Hands down the best breakfast in Durham. Pros: excellent food, cheap, great for breakfast Cons: wait on sat/sun morn, not great for supper more

Is that what they call home fries? (Chopped up potatoes with no spices, thrown in a deep frier.) The food is not good and that's all I can say. more

Elmo's Diner has the best food in town at the lowest prices with the best atmosphere and service. Laid back and friendly, it's the best place to go if you want to eat great food and hang out with friends or family. A huge selection of food ranging from hummus sandwiches to roast beef, plus breakfast all day (try the pecan waffles!). Every one who visits me from home goes to Elmo's and every one has loved it. There's hardly ever a wait, but when it is busy you can drink coffee while you wait. Great place!!! Pros: Great food, Great prices, Great service Cons: There are none! more