Ray's Diner

4.8 ( 1893 reviews )
Checking... 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM See Hours
$10–20
801 St Charles St, Elgin, IL 60120, United States
+1 847-741-7110
Ray's Diner, located at 801 St Charles St in Elgin, IL, has built a reputation as a beloved local gem, known particularly for its hearty breakfast offerings. Patrons rave about dishes like the chicken fried steak and pancakes, reflecting the diner’s commitment to quality and flavor. The menu stands out with a variety of options, from mouthwatering 1/4 lb cheeseburgers to delectable Belgian waffles, making it a haven for both comfort food lovers and breakfast enthusiasts. Customers consistently highlight the top-notch service and inviting atmosphere. Reviewers like Jeff Gregory and Robert Ferguson commend the diner’s efficient and friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment reminiscent of classic American diners. The cozy setting and the skillful preparation ensure every meal feels personalized and satisfying. While parking may be limited, the culinary experience at Ray's Diner certainly outweighs any inconvenience. Many diners describe their food as "unapologetically amazing," noting generous portions and a diverse menu that caters to a mix of cultures. Whether indulging in the corned beef hash or the chorizo omelette, guests leave feeling delighted and eager to return. If you’re in the Elgin area, Ray's Diner is a must-visit for a taste of homemade charm and tradition.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Offers delivery
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Has counter service
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Usually has a wait
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot

Reviews For Ray's Diner

Sandra Gomez
Jun 1,2025
Service is 10/10 be ready to be jacked up on coffee. We got the chicken fried steak pancakes and my family got the Rays Omelette. Highly recommend both! (Was too excited to eat and forgot to take a photo )
MonsterGirl 3.0
May 15,2025
It's small, but a local. I'm 26 and I say it's still friendly to young students and family members. I've never had an issue :)) mix of cultures and all our fun experiences. Wish there was more parking but the location is small business. If you curious there is a door in the back you can walk through to get seated .
Jeff Gregory
May 13,2025
As far as I know, this place is still considered the best breakfast in America for a while now...& I can see why! Today I had the corned-beef with 3 scrambled eggs, hash-browns & 2 slices of buttered Texas toast...delicious! The food is unapologetically amazing! Simple, great quality & affordable! The service was equally as wonderful! The atmosphere was that of an authentic American diner! Will absolutely visit again!
Joseph Johnson
Apr 13,2025
Great food and service! They have a surprisingly big menu for a small family diner. The wait was long but definitely worth it. The service was quick and food was hot and tasty!!!
Robert Ferguson
Apr 8,2025
Ray’s Diner in Elgin is a “Must Visit”. It is very rare for me to give any establishment a perfect score, but Ray’s has done the impossible and earned every last word in this review. This establishment is run like a very well oiled machine. From the time you walk in, to the time you are seated to the time it takes for your food to arrive, the staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcomed. The food....some of the best breakfast I have eaten anywhere. I had the country fried steak and eggs, my wife had a chorizo omlette and my son had the biscuit and gravy skillet. The portions were generous and the quality was top notch. You can tell the cooks take pride in the food they serve, and there’s only two of them back there hustling to get the orders out. The food was absolutely delicious. I have never had sausage gravy that had hints of smokey bacon flavor in it. It was definitely complimentary of the country fried steak. The atmosphere was cozy. Every inch of this restaurant was used effectively and while it might seem overwhelming at first, the end result is a space for making thousands upon thousands happy on a daily basis. If you like small town diners, this is definitely that but in a bigger city. Give Ray’s Diner a whirl, you’ll be glad you did.
gayle frankovitch
Apr 1,2025
Quality and quantity at a good price. Wonderful local area diner style restaurant. Food has been constantly wonderful for years. Fast efficient and friendly service. Your cup of coffee will never, ever be empty.
Ramnu Reviews
Feb 9,2025
Total nostalgic diner, great food , great service old school way of doing business, opened in 1969 Big menu. Cooked as requested, tasted great from eggs to biscuits and gravy also hash browns and crepes. Prices are amazing too
Jordan D
Feb 6,2025
An excellent gem of a restaurant that's been open since 1969. Very diner vibes inside with lightning fast service, excellent staff and delicious food. Would definitely come here again. Get the banana milkshake, it's made with real bananas and delicious. The vegetable soup was excellent come as was the Reuben and the breakfast options. My son ate the entire enormous Belgian waffle with ice cream and whipped cream on top and he's only 8.

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