This superb diner/restaurant/deli was discovered on my first full day in Oak Park. It sits just two minutes walk south from the Write Inn at 107 N. Oak Park Avenue and offers a staggering array of food at very reasonable prices, both sit down and take away.
I walked in on this beautiful morning just as they were opening. It was warm inside and very evident from the great aromas emanating from the kitchen that they were "all fired up and ready to go". I took a table in the window then walked up to the large counter to order. It was a real challenge to choose from the huge menu but I was pretty hungry after my long sleep and needed something that would hit the spot.
I eventually chose a type of wrap that, although I don’t recall it’s proper name, I’m sure someone can see the picture and tell me what is was. It consisted of two thick slabs of fajita-type pastry and was stuffed to the edges with avocado, bacon, ham and chicken pieces, with a thick sauce to bind the ingredients together. This was served with a large side order of delicious homemade fries and believe me, it was as tasty a meal as I’ve ever enjoyed. I took my time as I wanted to savour this new culinary treat for me and to be honest, if I’d rushed it, I would never have eaten it all. This was all washed down with a large diet Coke and cost me the princely sum of $7.95, or around £4.25, an absolute steal.
An important part of any restaurant for me are the washrooms – let’s face it, if the toilets are dirty, then it always make me wonder what the kitchens are like. But top marks to Erik’s, the gents’ washroom was spotless and well provided with liquid soap, piping hot water, and paper towels.
I returned to my seat and was pleased to see that the place was starting to fill up. It was after all pushing 11:30am so I guess the first of the day’s lunch takers were piling in. I have to say that the service was excellent and the staff, as with anywhere I went in Oak Park, were polite, friendly, and courteous.
A few details about "Erik’s"…
There’s seating for 150 diners with wheelchair access. They are totally kid-friendly and offer a huge children’s menu. They boast the largest salad bar in Oak Park and offer a full take away service. They have a drinks licence to serve beer and wine and have a good range on offer. Their specialities include gourmet sandwiches, soups, ice cream, desserts, and appetizers and they cater for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. On-street parking is usually available right outside the restaurant.
A tasty meal, well cooked, good atmosphere, reasonably priced, and great staff. Don’t miss it.
Opening hours are: Mon-Fri 10:30am – 9pm; Sat 9am – 9pm; Sun 9am – 8pm.