Reviews of Sarkis Cafe (Coffee Shop)

Stephen Lieto

If you are looking for a legit dinner that is not a chain this is it. Great spot. Great coffee too.

The Concept

A meal was a bit on the pricey side but the food's portions are nice and its pretty tasty. A sandwich, hashbrowns, and a drink for around 12 bucks.

Lucio DiPaolo

Best omelette I've had in a long time! Tasty, flavorful and just the right size. Crowded, but nice clientele and awesome service.

Andy Lehmann

The food is terrific and the service is fast. It looks like a hole in the wall kind of place, but don't let the outside scare you, everything tastes terrific, even the coffee is outstanding! Don't forget it's CASH ONLY!

Adrian Mazur

This is the teen spot to eat. Great food for hangovers since its greasy as hell

jam well

Delicious food!

Mindi Newman

Yucky. Dirty. Bad service

Samantha Brunker

Can’t go past the bacon Loretta with cheesy hash. And the coffee is great!

Avital Tidhar

Good food large portions

Julie Koslen Diehl

Too crowded. Low ceilings and no windows made me feel like we were eating in someone's basement. (Sort of smelled like that too.) Food came out fast but coffee did not. No one offered refills and we had to hunt down our check. Omlett came with nothing on the side. And the 'sausage' in it just tasted like ground beef. They offer gluten free bread only if you do one of their sub sandwich things. Won't use it to make toast or French toast. We weren't impressed and won't be back.

Valantina Hawel

The food is so good

Dispatch Team

I can't believe this place has such high rating. First - it's filthy and old place. The stairs, the restroom, greasy kitchen, old paint, falling apart building. I'm sure they will fail normal sanitary inspection. Okay, now service. I was waiting for a server to come over for like 20 mins. No kidding. She constantly ignored me. Well, maybe that's just me - maybe I'm scaring looking or ugly. Whatever. Food - greasy, unhealthy. Coffee with cinnamon only. No regular option. I'm SO amazed why in the world this unsafe, unhealthy, filthy place has so many customers. Literally amazed. Crappy service, unsafe building which I'm sure doesn't meet fire codes and for sure anti-sanitary. Food is soooo greasy. Sure they don't care about changing their cooking oil regularly to meet safe guidance - their food is POISON. Hey city of Evanston! Go ahead and inspect this place before it's too late.

Abe Ruben

Came here to eat last Sunday. Sure it was busy and we got seated, but soon we realized that getting a server to help take our order wasn't happening and we left without eating. Total let down..

Christopher Bartlett

The Armenian sausage was excellent as we're the spicy hash browns.

Alex Kanatzidis

A little expensive and a little bit of a wait. But once u get your bacon loretta its all worth it.

Nima Shams

It no longer is as great as it once was, but still consistently good! Lots of parking, good service, and a good food option at any time of the day!

Sonia Vasquez

It's good food. On Sunday so busy that service is slow.

Tom Albano

BACON LORETTA W/ CHEESEY HASH! That is all.

Sand King

Nice staff and good food

Kimberly D

Might be ok if you are under the age of 18. Teen run establishment with obnoxious rap music blasting at full volume non stop. I couldn't have a conversation at my table. I couldn't hear the waitress. Dirt everywhere. Napkin holders covered with smeared food. Walls splattered with dried food. Omelette was good. They can toast bread. Yay.

Latoya Brown

Wonderful food and staff

Jacques Klein

Love the guys there, they are great to all!

yeidra martin

I was very disappointed. I had came here a few times in the past at least maybe 5yrs ago or so. I decided to go again with high expectations because my last visit was great. Well, this time around it was not a good experience whatsoever. My table and seat was still dirty with food even after the wipe down. My food was a sloppy mess with no flavor at all. I ordered the steak sandwich. The steak had no flavor and it was overcooked. The vegetables were cut in huge dice chunk pieces that made it in possible to eat because it was either hard to chew or falling out of my sandwich. The cheese was way too thick it was a gooey mess; it honestly looked like a paste on top of my sandwich. The cheese looked like a Mexican cheese that u would use for tacos or Quesadillas. The taste of the cheese was sour too. I kept taking it off my sandwich. Since my steak sandwich was so bland I drowned it with ketchup. I shouldn't have to do that. Also, the hash browns I ordered was horrible as well. It was burned and undercooked. I was very disappointed and surprised because the other times that I did come it was a good experience. The restaurant was not busy at all when I was there around 1pm or so. My food came out to me extremely fast maybe that's the reason? I don't know but it was just not good. I wasted about 15 dollars on awful food. That's not fair. Sorry.

Nathaniel Morrison

I am 6'7" cielings in back like 5' i like bread

Cole Schilling

Why go anywhere else for breakfast

Patrick Campbell

You have never been to Sarkies? Only the Bill Murrays of this world appreciate this place!

Alex Bendersky

Great Breakfast and Unique Sandwiches!!!

Amy Bowen

We’ve been here a few times. Good wholesome breakfast food. My son liked his pancakes with M&Ms. I enjoyed the Mexican surprise omelet. Yum. The ambiance is cheeky. A hole in the wall. Overall very good!

Meowmeow Meowmeow

Usually pretty packed but the food is so good it’s worth it

Nachi Cohen

Awesome neighborhood breakfast place known for their omelettes, mom and pop atmosphere, and pancakes. They're M&M pancakes taste like birthday cake!

Rosie Sallinger

Great, no-fuss American breakfast!

Kurt Stricker

Been going to Sarkis since the 80s. He was a character with a huge personally bigger than life. This place is an original greasy spoon. Fantastic food that sticks in your belly and just makes you feel good. Isn't that what food should do?

George E. Brennan

Good breakfast, friendly staff.

Anwar Khan

Crowded but great food!! I got the rib eye steak sandwich :) Beware it is expensive!

Hector E. Garcia

Best bacon lorettas! Super fast service and workers are all fun and nice! Love to go there, it is cash only so be prepared!

Bob Hughes

The bacon Loretta is amazing. I highly recommend the hash browns with cheese. Whenever family comes to town this is the first stop.

Ed Chubin

Nice hole in the wall. Large parking lot. Good food and prices. A long time classic. I was last there about 30 years ago.

Robert Lorenty

The disaster is the best breakfast sandwich in America. This specialty Armenian sausage will have your mouth watering after the first bite. Kids love this spot for the M&M pancakes and the fresh squeezed juice. If your in Evanston/Wilmette and are hankering for a treat this is a must stop. All of the staff is attentive and capable to cater to any needs you have. In the summer time it's hard to find a seat. So happy that they expanded and now have an outdoor patio to take in the view of Gross pointe road. I stop anytime I can and you should too.

David Connell

Weird place but you should check this place out once if you never have been there. Drove past this place for 30 years, finally checked it out. Service was so-so, food was good. But the weirdness is worth checking it out. I don't think you would regret visiting this place once. Sat in the back room, had these bright lights shining on us like head lights, but food was pretty good. Mostly just trying to figure this place out was entertaining enough.

James Knorpp

Cozy little "greasy spoon" and it was wonderful. My wife had the Brandon special grilled cheese which comes with 2 kinds of cheese along with fried egg and ham on French bread and it was the best breakfast sandwich she ever had. I had the disaster omelet and the tomatoes and onions were grilled to perfection. They only take cash but they have an ATM in the building. There is not much space so I can imagine that it gets pretty crowded at times. We would definitely go back.

Dmitry Proskochylov

Unhealthy food, filthy place. You can break your neck on the stairs. Never again

Joseph Richter

Bacon Loretta is AMAZING.

Michael Skiba

Best sandwiches, great breakfast spot

Justin Bergeron

Cult following, I've been going here for over 30 years. The disaster is the thing to have, nothing like it anywhere. I add bacon and take off the vegetables cause I love meat. I always bring out of state friends to enjoy this secret spot. Sarkis was a great man, I cant count the times he feed people in need with no money, a true friend of all who came to hear his stories and eat his food. RIP sir.

Zoey's Family

Small spot, but outdoor patio was cool. Plenty of parking. I kinda wish the young girls shorts weren't so short short. Too many perves watching.

James Lynch Coach

First time, last time. Chicory coffee? Had to ask for second pour of coffee multiple times. Asked for corned beef hash, got hash browns. Dirty floor, cramped, sorry that I got a look at food prep area, and more issues than just having the waitress who starred in Clueless. Stay away - especially if you’re over 5’5” - low ceilings everywhere. Yuch.

Jonathan Kim

Great place! It's crazy busy on the weekends but the afternoon weekdays are better. Soooo good here.

Ron Smith

I love their omlettes!

Deborah Olaughlin

Used to go alot back in the 80's. Live in North Carolina now.

Ken F

A definitely return visit will be soon

Jeff Brook

Best greasy spoon joint I can think of. Cures whatever my be ailing you (hangovers, hunger, etc). I look for any excuse to make my journey to Sarkis. Bacon Loretta and hash browns (with hot sauce) are my go to on every visit. But, you can't really go wrong with anything you order.

Sam Kang

The wreck omelet with their home made sausage is the best. Good hash brown. Cooked right in front of the counter so you know what your getting.

S. Landsman

Great omlettes (f l a t , not fluffy, really taste like eggs), excellent "disaster sausage," good coffee, good, friendly service. NOT fancy. Way too crowded on weekends.

Shawn Phillips

Sarkis is a great "breakfast all day" place that is famous for its Loretta sandwiches filled with a meat of your choosing(you can get one with bacon, ham, turkey, chorizo, or the "Disaster" which has Armenian beef) and piled high with fresh veggies, mayo and white cheese. Or you could go traditional and get an omelette, pancakes, French toast, etc. The staff is always friendly and they work quick, even when it's crowded. The dining area inside is small, but that's just part of the charm. Plus there is seating out front for the nice days. There is plenty of parking too. A classic place with a classic menu.

priscilla watson

This is another hot spot

Michael Quinn Cashion

Bacon Loretta every single time

Cristobal De La Sierra

Best place only this location is the original no Chinese knockoffs here. Get the disaster A+

Vitaly Godun

Visit every time we are in Chicago! Food is amazing just how it was 10-15 years ago when I first started coming here. Special hash + Loretta is a must!

Oriebir Ribeiro

Reliable oldie but goodie. Bacon Loretta is bomb

Michael Shenberger

My favorite place up north to have breakfast I have been going here for 30 plus years and the quality of the food is always consistent I was so sorry to have heard my man Sarkis had passed God rest your soul if you go here check out the disaster sausage omelette the cheesey hash browns and French bread instead of toast man I'm getting hungry just talking about the food the service is great it can get a little slow when it gets busy but it's worth it

Matt Stopka

Best Loretta ever

Susan Keenan

Absolutely YUMMY food! You won't leave hungry, that's for sure!

daniel zarletti

Amazing people spectacular food

Graham Derfner

Yummy yum yum

Steve Gus

Excellent food I heard of this place through a couple friends of mine, next time I'm in the neighborhood I'll stop back. It is cash only but they have an ATM.

Christian Ortiz

really good sandwiches small area 1 thing tho take cash when you go or prepare to take out of there atm machine lol

Brian Chan

too many bros-in-the-making populating the establishment, but the food is great.

John Dodge

Really awesome food. Better than most the stuff we ate downtown. Would definitely be a regular if they were local to me.

Adrian Coardos

Great service and politeness! Wide variety of sushi.

Joe Delvecchio

The food and the service are excellent

Roger Moore

Locals had recommended that we needed to try this place. There's a huge wait and they only take cash but it was totally worth it! Definitely get their signature dessert.

Dave Finkelstein

We have been coming here for several years and absolutely love it! This restaurant has some unique and fantastic menu items, the service is great and the staff is very friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Judd Nudelmaan

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Andy Martinez

The food is simply amazing - this old school diner in Evanston was a a completely welcomed treasure - Armenians flavors turned breakfasts into a memorable experience - obviously quite a few returning customers and I will be returning for sure - the Disaster omelet and breakfast sandwich can’t be beat!!!

Shawn Mccormick

Great food but pricey

Raymond Gillett

Small place and can get very busy but worth it. Would get 5 stars if they a debit/credit card machine.

Tom Stam

Apparently, the place is a landmark! I have heard much about it and was eager to try, but finally had the chance in early 2014. I must say I was very satisfied. The food was quite tasty, prices were reasonable. As a matter of fact, the pancakes served have got to be the best pancakes I have ever had! Over all, it has a humble home-cooked aesthetic (in the food itself, but even the interior has an almost residential look). If you like that, then you will LOVE this place! Admittedly, I still like Butterfield's better, but both places are phenomenal! Of course, they are a small-menu establishment, literally fewer than a dozen options, but it works in this case. Butterfield's goes the other extreme. I think the best approach is somewhere in the middle: have just over enough ingredients and dishes, but not so many that the customer is overwhelmed with options, but probably a little closer to the Butterfield's approach. (Interesting factoid: "Sarkis" might sound Greek to you, but they are in fact Armenian-owned. Perhaps the only brunch joint of note in Chicagoland not to be Greek-owned!) I have yet to try the Bacon Lorena and I am eager to return some time soon.

Nicholas Alexander

They arent joking when they say best omelets in the world. Disaster special omelete and the sandwhiches are amazing also.

Bmwftw 92

Good food but the prices have been steadily increasing

Paul Ribeiro

I've been coming here since I was a little kid when Sarkis himself was behind the counter, cracking jokes, offering bits of wisdom, kissing babies. The food was always good and it still is. Now there's a nicer, bigger outdoor seating area.

Alan Basford

Good food, nice staff, and friendly atmosphere.

Andrei Dolgin

Cash only greasy spoon place with ok dishes, cheap prices..... basically you get what you pay for.... probably worth it only for nostalgic value

Ed Manly

Get a LORETTA sandwich for the best

Allison Murphy

Cheap and yummy

willie zimberoff

ehhh. Used to be great, slipping a little lately.

Olivia S

Good food and great portions

Mike Servos

quick breakfast

William Jones

Love this place! I try to make it the same way at home since I live so far away. If I'm in the area I would stop any time of day!

Danny Kutcher

Best. Ever.

Shane Stewart

This place was great. It had a real old time diner feel and the service was great. The portions are huge. Be careful with the the disaster sausage.

Tom dmyterko

This place is a staple in the community. Everybody from the surrounding areas knows about Sarkis and if they don't, it's their loss. They have hands down the best breakfast, with a incredibly fast and friendly staff. I ordered the disaster omelette which comes with onions, green pepper, tomato and ground beef. It's fantastic, totally with the money. The omelettes come with a sidíe of French bread with jam or butter. Amazing place, definitely recommend.

Damian Faggi

I've been going here for over thirty years and have yet to be disappointed. The food is excellent and all the servers are friendly!

Anthony miniscalco

This place is lengendary. Amazing food, and great staff.

Nate Moreno

Super hole in the wall but the food is amazing and the staff is super friendly! I go at least 2-3 times a week.

Daniel Fletcher

When I grow old I'll still be talking about the sandwich I had here to my grandkids. The spicy sausage, the cheese, the peppers, onion and roll were perfection. Obviously its a ticking time bomb once it hits the guts but worth every moment.

Jeremy Jones

Cozy lil dinner with great food and fast service! *Note cash only. They do have a ATM on site which is great!

Brian Denesha

Bacon Lorreta = Happiness in sandwich form!

Christopher Stevens

Essentially a breakfast dive-joint always ready to support Evanston hang overs, Sarkis makes good eggs at a very reasonable price. Diners should expect a chaotic seating and generally inconsistent service as waitstaff tends to be minimally attentive (hit/miss). The restaurant itself is in disrepair but still casually appealing if you have time to spare, like cheap eggs, and don't mind a young and drifting waitstaff. Also, keep in mind it is cash only (ATM) on site.

Howard Heim

I'm a big fan of the owner for president for sure!

Roy Lamphier

Disaster omellet amazing. Bacon Loretta delicious. Asking for cheesy hash with everything. You deserve it

Alyssa Stegman

Best and fastest service ever!!! The French toast is amaze and they do NOT lie, it TRULY is the best omelette in the world!!!!!!

DL Lashoff

Best. Legendary.

Richard Marsh

Very enjoyable breakfast. The menu is quiet creative and very nice.

Oscar Degraso

Food is always good

Morgan Ellis

Better than Disney world y’all.

Jeremy D. Becker

Sarkis is amazing. I'd take a disaster Loretta as my death row meal.

Rosalin W.

Great breakfast food, and staff. An Evanston staple.

Wolfgang Holzl

Still awesome. Brought an old Army buddy there for breakfast today

Katlynn Holt

Small quirky little cafe! One of the best omelets I've ever had!

Heather Fugate

Been going here forever. Hometown favorite for breakfast. Good food but a hole in the wall. Miss Sarkis :(

Mark Weber ,jr

Busy place, but the atmosphere was fun and the food was pretty great. I would definitely go again.

Miranda Steier

Went in on a Sunday at about 11:00 a.m. The cramped space was so packed that even the waitstaff could barely move. We grabbed a table for two and waited about 25 minutes with no service at all. We finally gave someone else the table and went up to the counter, which h was standing room only, and ordered our food to go. When we finally got our food and squeezed our way to the front door, the people at our table said they still hadn't seen anyone. We ordered an omelette and a Loretta. Both were very good but not good enough to make up for the terrible service. It was largely a young crowd and I've heard if you go in during the week while school is in session you can get decent service. Unfortunately I'll be working then so probably won't be back.

Marlena Jayatilake

I have been driving past this place for years. I have heard people rave about the food. From the outside I didn't think it would appeal to me and my taste. I gotta tell ya, NEVER judge a book by it's cover. I finally visited over the weekend. I Absolutely LOVE the food. It's not "pretty" but trust me on this one. You will love the omelettes, pancakes and the Loretta sandwich. Needless to say....I went back the next day with my family for seconds LOL

Kat Moore

Love this place - you need to try the armeanian sausage! Friendly and very fast service

Clarinet Girl

Good food and cheap

Kyra Avaritt

I frequent this place and absolutely love it! Amazing food every time and friendly employees. It's usually slammed on the weekends (for good reason!), but it's definitely worth the wait.

Christopher Start

Omelette was over cooked and more of a scramble. Coffee was burnt tasting. It did have a quaint, authentic diner feel to it and nice outdoor seating. Service was decent, even on a busy Sunday morning.

Henry Gomez

Always have loved this place. Almost 20yrs. Food comes out FAST and it's GOOD!

Mike Kramer

If you have A LOT of time to spend ordering and eating then I'm sure it's okay. However if you're looking for something to go then find another spot. No one at all will greet you or help you place your order. This is only for sit down eating!!

Graham Dirsmith

Loved this place as a kid and love this place even more now that I can take my kids! Delicious food!

Pat Nelson

Sarkis is a legend. I’ve been eating here for over 20 years and though the price has gone up, management changed, and now there is an awning, the breakfast fare here is as delicious as always. Lorettas, cheesy hash, and disaster sausage are King.

Blake Miner

Such a cool place my girlfriend showed me! I loved it and the food was AMAZING! I recommend you bring cash, as I believe they're cash only (I could be wrong, she bought) but it's tiny inside but damn if the food isn't worth a wait!

mindi newman

Service was awful so was our food.

Dani Veliciu

Great atmosphere, excellent service and good food.. Only reason I'm giving a 4 star rating is because this place is cash only..

Doug Oberman

By far the greatest breakfast place in the north shore. The bacon Loretta is the greatest thing on the menu.

Triadichealer 22

One of my favorite places in the world!

Rob Oldenburg

Probably the only "greasy spoon" to restaurant in the North Shore. Perfect hangover food. Great for a fast bite.

david zier

Always crowded, perfectly greasy(Bacon Loretta). Love it!

Scott Giddens

Plate sized omelet and cinnamon roasted coffee. Doesn't get any better than this.

Brian Schoen

Disaster specal hash coke. Enough said.

jody wadman

I had a great experience. The food was good and so was the coffee.

Ramsin Gabriel

When Sarkis was behind this counter this place was amazing. Not only the food but to listen to the way he greeted each and every person who walked up to the counter to order. Today the food is good, the atmosphere is okay, but there just seems to be something missing. I hope Sarkis is doing well.

Ronald LaMell

Cash only wanted to 25 sandwiches in this day and age cash only is a turn off. They have a atm kind of hypothetical

John Meyer

Cash Only BUT good prices and great food. Get the Loretta and enjoy!!! YUMMY!

Blake D.

Well...i am just going to force myself to believe that "I never came here."

Tom Dahm

Sarki's is literally the best breakfast spot in Illinois. The loretta sandwich is a staple here. I order mine as a double bacon w an egg. For those of us from the area, Sarki's will always be a second home. Ive moved out of state many times and every time that Ive come back my first stop is always Sarki's. A legendary diner.

Cary Gershbein

Been going here for over 30 years. Excellent omelettes, great french toast. Great hash browns.

Jackie Tripoli

Been a favorite breakfast spot for years. A must-try for hash brown lovers. If you like sweets, get the Brandon's grilled cheese and the M&M pancakes. You won't regret it

Louis Sagan

There is nothing bad to say about the food, atmosphere, or service here. However, the fact that they remain a cash-only venue in 2018 and do not tell you that before you order, then make you use their ATM that carries a $3 surcharge plus whatever your bank takes as well, is quite frustrating

Grace

Good affordable food. Only accepts cash!

Linda Filippi

Small down home cooking

Tania O'Connor

Good food, tight squeeze.

Jp Garcia

I have been going here forever. This is the spot. They have amazing sandwiches and there pancakes are delicious. If you grew up on the north shore then you know what this place is and if you haven't gone its a place you need to visit.

Dan Edwards

Great food and service

Irwin Lieb

Fantastic breakfast with an Armenian twist, great find good people reasonable pricing, not as crowded as you might expect moves quickly

Benjamin Pfeifer

Awesome place, get ready to eat a ton and enjoy it all

Alex bolden

Best place for hangovers or even a quick bite to eat. Been coming here for a long time. Bacon liotta is like heaven.

Me Sicily

Get the animal with everything. If you dont like it, I will pay you for the rest of yours.

John J Jackson

Very good prices. Omelette was good, although very this it had good flavor and the bacon was good inside. The English muffin was different then a normal English muffin, but it was good also. This is a place I would go to more often if I lived near it.

Daniel Baus

I can't be in the area without getting a "Disaster" and cheesy hash browns!

Brian Ziemba

Awesome food, super fast, friendly staff but expensive. Have they significantly raised their prices? I've been going there for 15+ years and even in the last 5, I don't remember ever spending $9 on just a Bacon Loretta (sp?) and Cheesy Hash. I only order those two items.

Erics Towing

Good food just slow to go service

john canavan

Love this place but can get crowded on the weekends

Fish

The building is in total disrepair and the scenery isn't great. The coffee was really bad and the omelette was heavily salted. Service was slow and I was stuck near the kitchen constantly being asked to move my chair. Would not come back for sure.

Daniel Kramer

Though Sarkis is no longer running things, the traditions of good people, good food and a helluva Loretta are still being carried on gracefully. Truly a classic establishment!

Steven

Simply amazing!

Kim Barnard

Quirky atmosphere, nice staff and decent food.

Mary Toledo

So sad that we lost Sarkis a few days ago but your memory will live on at Sarkis cafe in Wilmette....great memories and great food