Elmo's Diner

Flies and Attitude. We went to Elmo's a couple of years ago and recently figured we'd take a drive and go again. There were about 5-6 flies that kept buzzing us, our table and food. When I mentioned it to the waiter, he said that for some reason, our table in the back corner is where the flies tended to go. I replied that the hostess should keep that in mind when seating people (the restaurant was relatively empty at the time). He didn't apologize, but instead took on an attitude from that point forward.

He brought the check soon after while we were still eating, did not ask if we wanted dessert and as he set it on the table, actually said, "I'll give this to you now so the flies don't carry you away".

Finally, I paid with a credit card and he requested to see proof of identification. Now I was nicely dressed as was my wife and daughter. I felt there was no reason to ask for ID unless he was purposely trying to be a jerk. In my 52 years, I have never been ID'ed in a Diner!!

So, belligerence and inensitively of the waiter aside, I won't knock them for one bad staffer, but the flies really were annoying and made for an unpleasant meal.…

Mmmmmm... try the turkey and dressing!. With one exception everythign I ever ate at Elmo's was delicious. I can't say enough good things about the turkey and gravy plate. They'll gladly substitute fries for mashed potatoes and I love that. In fact, they'll work with you on most anything.

My favorite special was the turkey and dressing. Just like, no wait-- better!-- than my mom made it.

Check out the recession menu for some good deals!…

Know your Elmos. I've dinned at Elmos both in Durham and Carrboro on and off for years. For basic American cuisine, especially non-greasy, either location is fine and the food is comparable and consistently good. Weekends and holidays both places get too crowded and one may well have to line up and wait too long.

I usually plan my trips during off peak hours and then it is dream service and great food.

I do have a perferred breakfast omlette. It is a custom four: with calamata olives, spinage, mushrooms, and feta cheese. I get it with rye toast and sliced tommatoes instead of home fries.

Just about anything on the menue is good.

I used to be a professional cook and Elmos is one of those locally owned places that it is well worth discovering.

Don't over expect anything, but it tends to be better than most American gernics around. Much better than any of the chains.…