Neither "new" nor "modern" accurately describes this corner joint full of dudes hangin' out at the long counter, but here one must look beyond the name. Inside, manager Chris Karountzos hollers at the chef, Frank, to "get eggs for Lyle! Easy on the oil, okay?" The friendly elderly gentleman Lyle, who held the door open for me despite his unsteady step, is one of the many regulars who've been coming here for ages. Karountzos says that the Grille has "been in the family since '88, but the place has been a grille for almost 60 years." A reliable menu of cheeseburgers, Reuben sandwiches, sirloin steak dinners and classic American breakfasts like two eggs any style all go for under $10, and the staff makes everyone feel right at home in the intimate, greasy corner spot.
Karoutzos and her staff also help out folks from Thresholds and Counseling Center of Lakeview, programs that help people being released from mental institutions and hospitals re-adjust to society. She keeps a running tab for them, and is warm and welcoming when they stroll inside. So many of the customers are welcomed with "hey buddy," and everyone sits at the counter watching the chef cook. All the food is made fresh daily, especially the crispy hash browns.
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
