Elmo's Diner Reviews

So yummy and kid friendly! The cinnamon apples are just right.

The prices are great and there are menu items that are close to what you would have at home including meatloaf, shepard's pie, and chicken dumplings. Food has always come out fast and hot and the staff is friendly and attentive.

What's there NOT to love about elmos. The classic diner on 9th. Great for families. Home cooked fare. Some southern dishes and mexican inspired dishes. Often busy. Very friendly staff.

I ordered the chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and sliced tomatoes. It was amazing!!! Just like home cooking. Xander was an awesome waiter, very attentive and polite. Will be back again!

Had breakfast this morning on the lunch cusp, so no crowds, yay! Service was, as always excellent. The breakfast platter I ordered had two eggs cooked to order, a nice portion of bacon, home fries and toast. The kale and orange garnish was a nice touch. I ate both. The home fries were very sad looking... kind of overcooked (probably due to being tail end of breakfast). The "sunflower" toast was dry and in need of jam/jelly intervention. The sunflower seeds supposedly in this bread were barely perceptible and it just looked like lame old white toast. I sat in the front dining room, facing 9th Street, which is charming and alone worth the price of admission. I think they could do better on the hash brown situation and probably bump up their bread quality, especially since Panera's moved in next door. A charming venue, a predictable and lackluster menu. Happy Pride Weekend!

I do not throw the five out lightly. Just don't know why I haven't tried this place before. I had the fish tacos and they were very fresh. I love the lighting, I could see the menu and my food. Had coffee and dessert. Our waiter was very personable. Great prices, we will return, great job cooks!

Food and service very good, casual place, family friendly.

Decided to be brave and come during COVID-19 times. I felt super confident in eating here and feeling safe. They absolutely took every minuscule precaution you wouldn t normally think about to make sure everyone was safe (including asking exact amounts of sugar and creamers needed as not to waste but also to not reuse packets) and prepackaged hot sauce etc. plus. The food is always on point and the service is always exceptional!

Always great service, coffee, mimosas and breakfast. Need to arrive early for seating. I m not too happy with their burgers.

Typical local diner that is a favorite for a lot of people in Durham. I come frequently and have never had bad service. I was really disappointed with the biscuits n gravy and the grits.

ALWAYS a great place to return to for comfort food!

Great food and great service! Loved the spinach and artichoke dip.

I went to Elmo's with a long time friend of mine who suggested this after mentioning that I wanted breakfast food in the evening. lol Everything was great. The waitress was patient while we made our selection. We both got the spicy breakfast special with cornbread fritters, chilaquiles sauce and sweet mashed potatoes (among other things). We both also got pancakes. I got the blueberry pancakes and she got the pumpkin spice pancakes. Everything was delicious. I was here for business but if I should ever return to Durham, I will definitely come back. I highly recommend Elmo's!

Was in the mood for a bit of breakfast and decided to stop in at Elmo's. Was not disappointed at all. The service was quick and food was hot and filling.

Excellent staff. Good portions. Imaginative soups, specials and desserts. Parking is not great. I suggest parking on the street.

They didnt have coffee ice cream, but breakfast and customer service is amazing

Went for brunch on Sunday and the food was pretty good. I had the Elmo's Benedict. I would recommend getting there early because the wait can be long.

Unique dishes, v flexible servers and kitchen team.

I love the place ...when in the Durham area ya gotta go. I wish that I lived closer. It's good that I have family there to visit.....Ahhh... Elmo's (Dreaming in Philly)

Great food and great service. If you are in the Durham area, give this place a try!

Good food, friendly staff, quick service although there's often a line to get in for weekend breakfast. But I think it's worth the wait!!

A vary quaint little dinner. The burger was very tasty, and the vibe was very old school in a good way.

Elmo's is fantastic. You wander in, grab coffee while you wait for a table, and sit down for some simple breakfast. But you don't get simple. You get GOOD FOOD with a hint of creativity. The place is crowded, but the servers somehow don't forget to keep your drinks full. The atmosphere is unimposing and relaxed. Great place to stumble into while strolling through town.

Seemed ok. You have to have mask on whenever you arent eating or drinking. First time I seen this kind of rule and didn't want to play the mask on and off game while sitting down

Very good, reasonably priced food and a very friendly staff. Trans friendly.

Service a little disappointing but good great atmosphere good. I highly recommend this place for breakfast.

Elmo s is the quintessential Durham spot full of diversity in its diners and food. Don t be fooled by the simple decor and humble structure, the dishes are eclectic and funky and freakin delicious. All of the servers are attentive and it s just a fun place to eat. Elmo s forever :)

Good food, quaint diner, healthy options, gluten free options

I gave this a four star, because I had the corn beef hash and I had to really look for the corn beef. It was also lukewarm, but most eating establishments serve their food lukewarm, (afraid of getting sued I guess). I'll go back and try something else. The place was nice and reminded me of some diners I visited in my youth. 4 thumbs up.

The place was very crowded on a rainy Saturday, but once seated, the service was great and the food arrived fast.

Kinda tight for space but food was good.Fast service,would definately go again.

A local classic. The place is crowded and filled with a very diverse customer base. It s very familiar and you will waiting with students, professionals, kids, couples... Every type of people are mixed and this is part of the charm. You can also serve yourself coffee while you wait. You can pick your own mug in the lobby, just bring it at your table. Very crowded on weekends, you can request to be places at the bar to enter faster. service is friendly and fast

Great food, great service. Always something for everyone's taste.

This is one of the best places to go. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. Highly recommended.

I have been going to Elmo's for a few years now and have loved every visit. Their brunch offerings are always a good bet when your hungry in the morning. You should plan on a bit of a wait If you shown up during the weekend, with waits between 15 to 45 minutes.

Elmo's serves good food in a quiet, family atmosphere.

In a foodie city, with so many delicious choices, Elmo's still reigns as my favorite.

We had a large group and the service and food were both excellent.

Large variety on menu and good food a reasonable price.

One of my favorite restaurants anywhere, and has something for everyone!

Great Soul Food ..large portions..friendly employees..very accommodating..

My childhood favorite! Still the best in town I think.

I have been going to Elmo's Diner for a few years and have never been disappointed! I love this place.

Great food with enough variety for everyone. Many favorites and many unique choices. Excellent vegetarian options.

First time eating here and was very pleased with everything. As a Midwestern, city boy I grew up eating at local diners and it's something I've missed greatly since moving to the south. Elmo's was everything I used to know and love. I have to say the service was pleasant, quick, and my waitress was very helpful. The food was fairly typical diner fair with a slightly trendy/European feel and tasted wonderful. The ambiance was old school with a colorful flare. I don't get to Durham frequently as it's nearly three hours from home, but when I do, I assure you I will go back to Elmo's.

Elmo s diner served the kind of breakfast I thought only existed in dreams. It was beyond exceptional. Go Eat here. Friendly and efficient staff. Fun atmosphere.

Won't be back. They have a no firearms sign on their door, but no armed security to protect patrons. Food was average, nothing special. Waitress was nice.

Great food, prices and great service. I liked the food options that were available

customer service was excellent and my meal was good. Atmosphere was great. Will definitely go back again.

Diner has a nice vibe, clean and well kept. Food is mediocre. However, service is fast and friendly!

Hip Durham eatery. Good food, good vibe, good people watching and the staff strives to make your experience enjoyable

This place is always wonderful! The food choices are vast and service with a smile. The parking lot is small and you might have to wait but it is worth it. A true Durham staple.

Really wasn't expecting much. And that's exactly what i got. Hamburger was eh. Fries were good. Artichoke dip was good. Then i got the mud pie, expecting an explosion of chocolatey goodness. But got a dry and unimpressive dessert. Honestly unless you have kids i couldn't see why you'd come here.

Quiet more formal dining for a birthday celebration. Was able to get a good assortment of gluten free and soy free options, except for dessert. Larger servings than expected. Very attentive and helpful service.

Elmo's is a classic in durham good food great service morning day or evening today I had Logan as a server and she was fantastic. Elmo's diner is top notch

Great food, reasonable prices, very attentive wait staff, and cozy atmosphere. They were very accommodating to our large group with very little notice. Reminds me why we keep coming back here.

A very nice staff waiting to help you with plenty of delicious food options to pick from. I have been going here since I was young and it is a great place to take your family for some time out.