ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
Golden Apple Grille & Breakfast House
8.3
Golden Apple Grille & Breakfast House is a 24-hour Lakeview diner serving Greek-leaning comfort food, big breakfast plates, and late-night chicken and waffles. Since the 1980s it’s been a reliable fallback for night-shift workers, bar spillover, and neighborhood regulars who need a full meal when almost everything else is closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corned beef hash and eggs, Avocado Benedict with hash browns, Chicken and waffles
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic 24-hour Greek diner serving full breakfast-and-dinner plates around the clock.
Who should go: Night owls craving hearty diner plates and breakfast anytime.
When to visit: Very late nights after bars or before early shifts.
What to order: Corned beef hash, an avocado Benedict, and chicken and waffles.
Insider tip: If you’re starving, build-your-own skillets run huge and easily feed two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots on Lincoln/Belmont and side streets; easier late night, tighter around bar close.
Dress code: Casual — hoodies, jeans, work uniforms, and late-night comfort wear all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for conversation, but can spike during post-bar rush.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; brief 5–15 min backups during late-night bar spillover.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically — seating is immediate outside of brunch-style midday surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — omelets, pancakes, grilled cheese, salads, and customizable breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and salads can be modified; most classics include eggs or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Informal accommodations — omelets, eggs, and some grilled plates can be ordered without bread, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for relaxed, low-pressure hangs than romantic first dates — it shines for late-night comfort food and conversation over coffee.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and 24 hours; you’ll almost always be seated quickly outside of post-bar peak windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — booths, big portions, and a broad breakfast menu work for families; earlier hours are calmer than late night.
Best For
Better for: Round-the-clock meals, big diner breakfasts, and dependable late-night service when most restaurants are closed.
Consider Alternatives If: You want trendy ambiance, craft cocktails, or specialty dietary programs with strict gluten-free or vegan controls.