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Penny's Burgers
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Penny's Burgers
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-owned since 1969, Penny’s Burgers is a corner standby for charbroiled burgers, breakfast burritos, and old-school plates that cross between diner and fast food. It’s the kind of place where portions are generous, prices stay modest, and the menu quietly covers both American and Mexican comfort staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled cheeseburger with fries, Breakfast burrito with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, Carne asada fries or plate with rice and beans
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A 1960s-era neighborhood counter slinging burgers, burritos, and plates all day.
Who should go: Locals craving reliable, affordable diner-style burgers and breakfasts.
When to visit: Mornings for breakfast burritos; evenings are quieter and mellow.
What to order: Cheeseburger combo, breakfast burrito, carne asada fries or plate.
Insider tip: Use the patio for a slower meal; most people grab-and-go from the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on adjacent residential blocks; usually easy before 6pm, slightly tighter during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Come as you are—casual, everyday wear is perfectly normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation both inside and on the patio.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes, often no wait at all.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid picks like grilled cheese, veggie burrito, and customizable sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—can request modifications, but no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free program; some plates and salads work if you avoid the bun/tortillas, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a super casual, no-frills vibe. It’s more about comfort food than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Penny’s doesn’t take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, and usually available quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Ample outdoor seating, quick service, and a menu full of kid-approved classics make it great for families.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, affordable pricing, and old-school diner comfort that’s hard to find in Highland Park.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet burgers, craft beer lists, or a trendy ambiance—this is strictly classic and utilitarian.
Penny's Burgers
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Family-run since 1969, Penny’s is a retro roadside stand where locals hit the griddle for burgers, chili fries, and hefty breakfast burritos. The burritos lean diner-style—eggs, potatoes, meats, and cheese—served fast and priced for everyday neighborhood visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Works Burrito, Breakfast Burrito, Carne Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school Highland Park drive-in turning out hefty, affordable breakfast burritos.
Who should go: Early risers and longtime locals craving classic combos.
When to visit: Morning or lunchtime before the grill gets slammed.
What to order: The Works Burrito, classic breakfast burrito, chili fries.
Insider tip: Call ahead for larger orders; the tiny lot fills quickly at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with just a handful of spaces; usually fine on early mornings but tight during peak lunch. Ample neighborhood street parking on adjacent residential blocks.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, hoodies, and weekend errand attire fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate outdoors; easy to hold a conversation but expect some griddle sizzle and traffic hum.
Weekend wait: Not typically a dinner destination; if you go later in the day, expect 5–10 minutes tops.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on the rush; breakfast hours can get busier but move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—simple builds like egg-and-cheese, potato burritos, grilled cheese, and fries.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan burrito; you can request a potato-only burrito without dairy, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free program; burrito fillings without the tortilla are possible, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves old-school charm and ultra-casual counter service. It’s more about comfort and nostalgia than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. It’s counter-order with outdoor seating; turnover is quick, so snagging a table is usually easy.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Straightforward menus, quick service, and outdoor seating make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, diner-style breakfast burritos at wallet-friendly prices, plus nostalgic roadside charm you won’t find at trendier shops.
Skip if: You want chef-y sauces, specialty tortillas, or modern fusion burritos—this is classic, no-frills comfort fare.
Penny's Burgers
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
On this corner since 1969, Penny’s serves a sprawling menu of American and Mexican comfort food with classic drive-in energy. Breakfast burritos, chili cheese fries, and stacked burgers keep portions generous and prices friendly for locals of every generation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Pastrami burger, Chili cheese fries
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A decades-old corner spot where Highland Park has eaten burgers, burritos, and fried chicken for generations.
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners and longtime neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Daytime or early evening before the dinner rush builds
What to order: Breakfast burrito, pastrami burger, chili cheese fries
Insider tip: Go half-and-half—pair a classic burger with one of the Mexican combo plates to see both sides of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with a few spots; usually easy street parking on adjacent residential blocks, except during weekend lunch rush.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, shorts, and come-as-you-are attire fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—kitchen sizzles and takeout orders keep it lively, but you can chat without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled cheese, veggie burritos, salads, and sides like fries and onion rings.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable burritos or fries, but no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Partially—some plates can be ordered without bread or tortillas, but no strict gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for a casual, low-pressure hang. It's more about comfort food than ambience, but great if you bond over burgers and nostalgia.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service and first-come, first-served. Seating is usually available outside peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—affordable combo plates, simple classics, and quick service make it great for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Massive portions, ultra-affordable pricing, and a nostalgic drive-in vibe you won’t find at sleeker burger shops.
Skip if: You're looking for gourmet patties, craft cocktails, or a sit-down dining experience—this is strictly comfort and convenience.