Elmo's Diner

01/04/09

Just OK by Kristy F. at InsiderPages

Contributor at Insider Pages

Maybe its because so many people rave about this place, that I was expecting more. The food is good and the portions are ok. I've been there twice and had breakfast both times. It is cute/quaint and kid-friendly. The first time I was there the wait staff was pretty unfriendly (a lot of younger ones working there at the time that looked like the world had seriously mistreated them and not very happy to be there). The second time much was much better (we had a middle aged lady)

03/06/09

Mmmmmm... try the turkey and dressing!

by jimmyjams78 at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: Good prices, great food, friendly service
• Cons: brunswick stew

03/01/09

Know your Elmos

by revreader at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: fresh and wholesome, friendly service
• Cons: too crowded during peak hours and holidays

05/16/08

Excellent Food

by MagiMae at Citysearch

I was visiting my daughter in Chapel Hill who said I absolutely had to go to Elmo's. We went for late lunch - 4-5pm and had a wonderful meal. The waitress was more than accomodating and the food was great. Her burger was exceptional and we both shared fries. I had soup and sandwich (Chicken) and dessert....all was good quality and the check was reasonable for the amount of food we had....needless to say this will be a regular on my list to visit when I come back to NC again. I am from PA and it was well worth the trip to Carrboro.....:o)

• Pros: Thumbs Up!

03/08/07

Elmo's: Old-time Diner, No Tickling Necessary!

by howudoinsf at Citysearch

Elmo's is a cozy little diner-type neighborhood restaurant that's perfect for breakfast or lunch. Sit outdoors on the small, covered patio or indoors in a open, wood-planked dining room. It's a popular place so grab a coffee in the waiting area and sit tight. Basic comfort foods for breakfast and lunch populate the menu: eggs, grits, sausage gravy, burgers, meatloaf, all the basics. Breakfasts typically come with a wide variety of sides (grits, toast, fruit salad, etc). Nothing too interesting or exciting, just solid comfort food in good portions at a good price. Service is friendly and reasonably quick, no complaints here. Overall, a good spot to meet up with friends or start the morning off on the weekends before heading off to Weaver St Market

• Pros: Free Coffee, Nice Open Dining Room
• Cons: None

02/13/07

Over rated mediocre food cramped

by jsinger9999 at Citysearch

Our Elmo's experience makes me reevaluate all of those dining awards. Seeing all those "family friendly" awards for Elmo's makes me think those reviewers don't know what family friendly means. From the gruff "hostess" who found it impossible to state the wait time to every single person who walked in and each one had to ask the same question (don't you think she would get it?) to the cramped booths (I guess family really means single parent one child) to the so so food, to the fact that we had to ask for a single sheet of paper to draw on, I would not go back to Elmo's again. How does it win awards? It seems like it might be the only place in the triangle area to get breakfast any time. Maybe that was it?

• Pros: They serve breakfast all day
• Cons: not worth the wait or experience to eat pancakes at 2pm

11/13/06

Breakfast all day

by llooper at Citysearch

I enjoy Elmo's for the relaxed atmosphere and menu variety! The prices are very reasonable, to boot! When I'm in the mood for breakfast out at an odd time, that's my restaurant of choice. They have great omelettes!

Where you can get breakfast anytime or kick back with comfort food like mom used to make.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
A front counter evokes Small Town, USA. Lone diners read the newspaper. Waiters chat with customers and whip up milk shakes. Kids occasionally run past, since it's one of the best spots in town to bring the family. Large windows and wood-plank floors make the space feel as old and preserved as the diner tradition itself. Comfort food, like meat loaf and roast, hamburgers and all-day breakfast, including omelets, waffles and pancakes, are this kitchen's forte.

01/29/06

Mt prefered place in Carborro

by pierredanielroger at Citysearch

I always stop when I go by Carborro. Try the Quiche of the day. The Gaspacho is also great but they d onot have it out of season. The atmosphere is between "artsy" and diner.

I highly recommand if you want a casual place with great value. You are also a few doors away from Weavers Market which is a great Natural Food COOP. That make my visit always great

• Pros: Food, Service, price
• Cons: sometime crowded

06/29/05

Good Eats, Good Location

by czech37 at Citysearch

Took my sister and brother-in-law to Elmo's for a late Saturday morning breakfast and the place was bustling. Thankfully, they've got a huge coffee urn and cups sitting out for everyone who's waiting, and because they're located at the Carr Mill Mall, you can even take your cuppa joe wandering through the shops while you wait for your table. The food was fantastic--I recommend the huevos rancheros or the biscuits and gravy, with tomato slices on the side--and I found the service to be excellent.

• Pros: service, location, food
• Cons: crowded

06/17/05

Nice Place

by n2fud at Citysearch

Enjoyed a late lunch (no crowds) and would definately go back.