Venerable Diner Grill To Finally Reopen Thursday After 558 Days Closed

It’s been 555 days since Chicagoans have tasted a “Slinger.” That’s how much time has passed since a 2016 Christmas Eve fire tore through the Diner Grill, the then-77-year-old late-night greasy restaurant near the corner of Irving Park and Ashland. The restaurant, open 24/7 every day — except Christmas Day — has remained closed as owner Arnold DeMar and crew have rebuilt the interiors and added new signs to the old-school diner. While there have been some false calls, management finally announced today when the “Slingers” will return — Thursday is the official reopening date for the rebuilt restaurant at 1635 W. Irving Park Road.

The “Slinger” is the Diner Grill’s signature dish. It’s a mess of two hamburger patties, two sunny side-up eggs, cheese, hash browns, onions, covered with chili and served with a side of toast. Worry not, ownership isn’t tinkering with what endeared the restaurant to locals over the last 78 years. Don’t look for any changes to the menu. They did add a new charcoal grill, according to the Tribune. The signage is different and there are new red stools inside. But the classic Midwestern diner experience remains very much intact. Too lazy or hungover to dine in? They’re also allegedly adding GrubHub delivery, though a page isn’t yet active. Keep an eye out.

The restaurant will maintain its 24/7 hours, except for December 25. In this topsy-turvy world, Diner Grill was a constant. Chicagoans can welcome back an old friend in just three days.