Came here for the first time after reading the reviews, EVERY WORD IS TRUE! Had the breakfast burrito, spicy nachos and Santa Fe for breakfast. Everything was phenomenal. The nachos and lettuce was fresh. Everything came out within seconds. Marcus, our waiter, was an amazing waiter! Atmosphere was amazing, loved the classic 70's/80's music. Everything was worth it! 100/10 going to come again!
Great service. Eggs and bacon overcooked. French toast excellent.
Affordable. Delicious. Always a wait. Friendly staff.
While not a "real" diner still has great food at a good price.
Service was good and food was also good (I had an omelette and the wife pancakes). It was a busy place on Sunday when we were there, but worrh the wait.
Delish! Sante Fe Bowl with Shrimp The host and waitress were so sweet and accommodating... Will definitely be back if I'm ever in the area again.
The epitome of a diner in Durham. No surprises, good or bad.
This has been a Durham institution for as long as I've been alive and it's not the nostalgia that keeps me coming back 25 years after visiting for the first time as a child with my father. The service is fast, and the staff are expertly trained full timers. Over the course of a dozen trips this year alone, the food is always what I expect and remember, which means the line cooks stay around, which is further evidence, in addition to the amazing staff, of the overall quality of this operation. The pancakes are a highlight, but all of the dishes on the menu, from eggs to sandwiches to gravy with biscuits are tried and true. Finally, there is no better place to come after a long night shift at work (or at the bar (or both the bar and work)) and Elmo's practically invented amazing family dining.
I really want to live this place ... It's so charming and the staff are so friendly. The food is what you'd expect of diner food but doesn't do it for me. I keep going back in hopes that I'm ordering the wrong items
Love the atmosphere here! Food has always been good no matter what I order. I personally over the fish tacos, the sweet potato and black bean wrap, and heir cobbler is yummy!
Great service and food! Creative French toast, tastes like bread pudding.
Really great American food with a nostalgic feel. Great location, too.
Great food and awesome service, we try and get there when we are in town.
Full house, had the chicken burrito and a spinach artichoke dip as well.
Good diner food, and fast.
Nice staff also.
Delicious diner style food and friendly staff. Great restaraunt in historic downtown Durham. My family frequents here and we are never disappointed!
Very good place to have breakfast for lunch or for dinner with the family
Our favorite breakfast all day place. Diner atmosphere; gourmet food
A little piece of home (NJ) in NC.
The only true diner in Durham, Elmo's serves breakfast all day in their fun and bustling environment, chrome and vinyl stools at the counter and kids colored drawings papering the walls. Is it going to be the most original, innovative cuisine you've ever had? Of course not. But they've got the standards down pat - very tasty and always exceptionally fast, even when they're slammed. Very reasonable prices too. Be sure to order your coffee when you put your name in with the hostess if you're coming on a weekend, because you're likely to have to wait upwards of 30 minutes. It'll be worth it though!
Been going here for years. Good selection of well prepared diner food. Friendly and accommodating staff.
There are lots of good looking food options. The service is friendly and welcoming.
I ordered dinner and didn't care for it, but my husband ordered breakfast and it was pretty good. I would stick with breakfast here. Parking can be a challenge.
There was a wait [about 45 minutes] but it was totally worth it I got the eggs with bacon and a fruit dish and my mum got the same thing but with homefries instead of fruit and my grandma got the same thing as my mum. The food came out really quickly even though they were packed.
Excellent food, service, and atmosphere!
They also had fantastic service dog etiquette. They have signs everywhere about their pandemic policies, and I appreciate them taking safety seriously. Highly recommend!
Local town diner scene that is clean and spaced out. Friendly and attentive waitress. Good size menu with options. Salmon cakes where a big hit as the where good sized and the salmon came through and not hidden. The meatloaf was good not great as far as the meat the spicy red sauce was really good. Prices in line for what you get with good portion and above average diner quality. Would go again.
Busy for early lunch but not unexpected Durham to the area. Food was fast to arrive.
Great little diner. Awesome staff and great food. Lots of vegetarian options, only 1 vegan item, but it's the delicious hummus sandwich.
Decent Breakfast and service. Nothing out of this world. But delicious and worth it. Good prices, but get there before the church crowd on the weekends.
Does a lively business but staff handles the crowd well. Don't be discouraged by number of folks in line. The wait is never too long. The classic diner menu is diverse and everything I've tried has been excellent.
This place was recommended by the folks at our hotel and I knew as soon as we pulled up that we were in good hands. The parking lot was packed, and if you've ever traveled and saw a line to get in to a restaurant then this is the place to be. The locals know this spot was great and I was more than happy to fight for a parking spot way in the back. ;)
We were there on a Saturday around 11:30am or so and we had a 20 minute wait for 2 people. The wait wasn't that bad for anyone - the host kept everyone moving and you'll quickly find out that the wait staff are like a well-oiled machine (everyone works together smoothly). I think our drinks were refilled by 2-3 different people, including our waitress.
They sat us at the counter, which was totally cool/fine. Lots of food choices, but I was here for breakfast - which I can eat all day - and I was pumped to see they serve it all day! Food was great - I had the eggs with a biscuit and gravy. I'd totally come back here again. :)
Went here for my birthday breakfast
Yummy
Enjoyed a fabulous BLT with some cheddar cheese and delicious sunflower seed bread.
Best Chicken and waffles EXCELLENT Choice Downtown Noth Durham Associates A Nights Outting ON The Town ;photo's by Alaonda Person IN Association with AUTHORITY GOGGLES MAPS Goggles Play Store and INSTAGRAM And FACEBOOK .
Not very consistent. I've ordered the same dish 3 times now and it's gone from amazing, to overcooked and too soggy. Their mimosas are good for a diner
Friendly Staff, wait list is a little too long but it is worth it. Food is delicious!
This place has amazing foods that needs to be tried. You will have to get it for yourself to understand the goodness they are making from this place.
Fast, friendly service. Fluffy omletes and tasty waffles with real whipped cream and fresh fruit. My coffee cup never went empty!
Love the food and the people who wait on you. I have a great time there when I go to eat at Elmo's Diner. They ask me and my grandma how we are going today. I want to keep going back when I'm in Durham NC.
Had heuvos rancheros and salmon patties. Good standards. Home fries continue not to disappoint. Very good. Denise is a good waitress. We get her frequently, and all servers have been nice as well.
The service was bad we had to go get our own food after putting the food in that machine they're supposed to bring the food out had to wait 10 to 15min
Good food for a reasonable price. Parking very limited
Relaxing Atmosphere, friendly wait staff. Food average American fare, diner type food.
Great service, great food. Loved the lemon berry pancakes!
I loved the Greek Grilled Cheese, it was amazing. I totally recommend this to anyone wanting to try something new. Oh, and the milk shakes. I loved them, they were extraordinary.
Always a family favorite. You can't go wrong and there is something for everyone.
Great food. Quick service. Very friendly staff. Close to Duke University East Campus. Best diner in Durham.
Elmo's has a large selection with weekly specials. Breakfast is King here in my opinion. Friendly staff and affordable prices. However, your entire party must be present in order to be seated, especially during the week. Also, limited parking.
One of the best places to eat in Durham. Cranberry apple pancakes are amazing!!
The food was great. The service was good too. Thank you Ethan! Even though the place was packed I was seated with a very short weight. Just be wary of the upcharge if you are substituting a side.
This is a really awesome restaurant and it has a great environment for people! IT is popular with NCSSM and Duke students too. The wait can be long but it is worth it because the food is excellent.
I really like this place but wouldn't suggest the pancakes
Great customer service! Chocolate chip pancakes, waffles and cheese grits are our go to. Carbide pickup is very convenient.
Food: The vegetarian options were great, especially for diner food. We had a veggie burger with fries, and an omelet with veggie sausage and a biscuit. Everything was killer.
Service: Despite being packed out, the service moved at a good pace. The high-energy waitress was very friendly and attentive. She also found time to show off her sibling's cute lil' kiddo - who happened to be dining that morning as well - to everyone.
Environment: it's a diner. Yep.
Overall: folks with special diets can be accommodated here - at a diner, of all places - and nobody has to skimp on taste or service.
Great little restaurant with innovative twist on traditional fare.
Classic dinner style restaurant. Typically long waits.
Well done Blue berry pancakes, eggs over medium, friendly helpful server, bacon could be thicker, better quality. It's tasty, but three pieces only amounted to one thick center cut piece. Took off one star for the bacon.
Great shrimp and grits. Place was hopping, but very well run.
Our first visit to Elmo's but it won't be our last! The staff was quick and courteous, the food was excellent: well prepared and plentiful portions at very reasonable prices. We will definitely be back!
I haven't been here in a few years. I introduced it to a friend who had never even heard of it. She loved it and intends to return and bring her husband.
Elmo's Diner has always been a mainstay for me in Durham. Whether I'm starting or ending my day, I know I can get a hot and hearty meal at Elmo's for a great price.
It's no wonder they're always packed on the weekends, so be prepared if you go then. The wait is worth it though!
Brought my parents here when they visited me. Came on a weekday late morning and had a 2 minute wait. Had a very attentive and friendly waitress (Denise), and the food was great! Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a local diner with some health-conscuous options.
Elmo's is a local favorite. The servers are fun and friendly, and the food is delicious. Elmo's is extremely busy for brunch on the weekends; get there early if you want to eat then!
I really Enjoy coming to Elmo's Everytime I come to Durham N.C, Since I Live in Newark Ohio.
elmosdiner.com