Sarkis Cafe
Anthony Elisarraras · 155 Google reviewsSarkis Cafe — honest american in Evanston, where the Disaster is worth ordering. Loud in the best way, with real pulse to the room. The menu goes beyond what you'd expect. No long waits, cash only. "The Loretta is the best sandwich here" — Sal Gutierrez [patio]
What 1,114 diners keep saying
What 1,114 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I’ve been in the area a long time, but today, May 05, 2026 was my first time visiting this place. Saw a video on YouTube, figured I would give it a try. Enjoyable breakfast, the pans are a nice touch. Also, plenty of ketchup, and other condiments, and pump bottles of the Alcohol Gel (which a lot of places no longer offer). I had the Disaster Omelet. An enjoyable breakfast, I will be back. Also, plenty of parking.”
“A beautiful day to have breakfast outside no pompous just good food and coffee, place is cash only”
“Classic spot. Just order a Bacon Loretta w/ everything + cheesey hash. Don't deviate.”
“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.”
“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!”
“Honest review from someone who has been eating here for 22 years; -Bacon Loretta still slaps like it always did -Hash browns are not as good as they used to be. It’s probably the same brand of hash browns, but whatever that brand is, it’s just not as it was 20 years ago. -Fountain drink Sunkist doesn’t hit like the cans did back in the day; the mix isn’t as good as it is in the can. -The skillets look cool, but they are made out of plastic. Glass plates were better than plastic skillets. If you’re gonna do skillets, use metal Atmosphere: Pros: -Glad they still have the inner part of the cafe I grew up with: Cons: -Get rid of the Covid tent! The last thing anyone wants to think about when they come to eat is covid -consider starting to take orders how you used to; ordering from the covid tent just doesn’t feel right. This place used to have a vibe. Unfortunately most of that vibe is gone, but there is a sliver of nostalgia because of the Loretta’s.”
“Been coming here over 15 years. Best sandwiches in the state. 1000/10. Bacon Loretta is my go to. If i had to choose one meal to eat the rest of my life it would be the Sarkis bacon Loretta. Cooks are amazing and kind as well.”
“Very Evanstonian. Cash only. Omelettes made well. French bread is a nice alternative to toast.”
“The best diner in the north burbs hands down. Been going here for years and am sad to see they have to sell the real estate to make ends meet. Support this restaurant if you can, some of the best breakfast food around and a long standing family owned business. They make good food, will not bs you, and will treat you well as they have for over 50 years. Support this restaurant if you can. They're among the best and yet are often overlooked for the usual chains”
“I decided to give it another try. Cashiers were so much nicer. Abraham, I believe he’s the manager. Awesome, courteous, loved him. I will be coming back!”
“We was passing through Evanston and we seen the sign, said world best omelette we stopped in, had a great breakfast services. Excellent the layout for the restaurant is very comfortable easy-going people it’s worth the drive to come here. I will stop by anytime. I’m in Evanston. Food was excellent. Omelette was good. Breakfast sandwich and pancakes was excellent.”
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