Many, many moons ago, I used to visit Evanston with some frequency, and especially Main Street. I loved Goods, Toys Et Cetera, Vogue Fabrics (moved to Hartrey), and Dave’s Rock Shop (which is blessedly still going strong since 1970). The older I get, the more nostalgic I become for old-school, authentic businesses like Sher-Main. So many places I loved in Evanston are no longer – Tom Thumb moved from Davis Street to a dingy, somewhat depressing warehouse in an industrial area in Niles. Betty’s of Winnetka is long defunct, as is the Tokyo Shop, Protex, Walter Burt Adams, and many other places from my youth.
It is fitting that this old-school diner is on Main Street. It could very well be on any Main Street across the USA. But I am thinking a dusty old town where time stood still, not a decidedly progressive, upscale, ever-evolving, but always hip town like Evanston. This place brought back memories of the Lincolnwood Coffee Grill and Fountain Shop and funky, old school diners I went to during my art school years in Providence, Rhode Island. It is getting harder and harder to find places like this and actually impossible in my second city, NYC – at least in Manhattan.
We opened the door and were greeted with, we only take cash. This was already obvious from all of the signs and the article I read on the Evanston Round Table. “Since its inception in 1959 the restaurant has been cash only, as no fewer than four large signs on the window and door proclaim.” We tried sitting in one of the decrepit old booths that have seen better days in the front. We’re very petite, so I think only a child could comfortably slide into one of these booths. The proverbial sleeping man mentioned in another review awoke quickly from his catnap – the cook and maybe owner, I presume.
Everything here is old school – from the classic stools and booths to the quaint, laminated menus. We both ordered the deluxe hamburger and the fries were cooked to perfection. We mentioned we like them crispy and they actually listened! The server was a very sweet and friendly woman who knew all the regulars by their names. The only thing that wasn’t old school here was the surprisingly clean bathroom. If I lived in Evanston, I would definitely be a regular patron of this charming diner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
rawand faeq
When you think homey american diner ran by a lovely family/group of friends, this is the place for you to go. The food is incredibley simple, yet freshly prepped and with good prices and absolutely delicious. Must go if you're around Evanston or Rogers park.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
j g
My friend brought me here I had the best breakfast sandwich ever I swear!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick Donnell
An underlooked delight in Evanston. Nothing fancy, just good diner food. Omelettes are excellent, especially the Sher-Main. The grilled ham and cheese sandwich with grilled onions sandwich is not on the menu but they don't bat an eye when I request it. The ham is terrific. It's casual, relaxed, and low key. Service is great. Friendly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Debora Gonzalez
The food is amazing and the place is very chilled. It fits one of those movie style old school type of diners. The food is amazing and the prices are sooo cheap compared to other places. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a hidden gem to try out. I always venture out and try new places so I know a good place when I’ve been in it. NOTE: CASH ONLY. Make sure you take cash, they don’t accept cards. Other than that, it’s clean and yummy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jango IG88
Go back to the wonderful days of yesteryear and you will find a simple clean, aroma filled with delicious meats chicken eggs and diary products. Each order is made fresh right in front of the dining room. Breakfast is bountiful with a wide variety of hearty items and lighter selections, fresh fruit cereal and toast. Lunch is very satisfying with some of the finest hamburgers and hot sandwiches. I love their French fries. Every age group can find a meal that is old fashioned with very reasonable prices. People come here in the morning to meet catch up on current events and consume a homemade feast. Attend!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jurgen Bastian
tasty food, super fast and very friendly service and atmosphere, also inexpensive, if I lived in the area you would find me there often, very cozy
William Ristow
Love Sher-Main Grill! Great service, solid diner food, low-key atmosphere, excellent prices (cash only). They have regulars for a reason
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Meiri
This place is a gem!! An old school diner, sweet and attentive staff, good food at a fair price. It is cash only, be prepared. Definitely planning to make this a regular spot!
Charles
kids from reba park use to love going here back in the late 80's for a large cheese fries.
Many, many moons ago, I used to visit Evanston with some frequency, and especially Main Street. I loved Goods, Toys Et Cetera, Vogue Fabrics (moved to Hartrey), and Dave’s Rock Shop (which is blessedly still going strong since 1970). The older I get, the more nostalgic I become for old-school, authentic businesses like Sher-Main. So many places I loved in Evanston are no longer – Tom Thumb moved from Davis Street to a dingy, somewhat depressing warehouse in an industrial area in Niles. Betty’s of Winnetka is long defunct, as is the Tokyo Shop, Protex, Walter Burt Adams, and many other places from my youth.
It is fitting that this old-school diner is on Main Street. It could very well be on any Main Street across the USA. But I am thinking a dusty old town where time stood still, not a decidedly progressive, upscale, ever-evolving, but always hip town like Evanston. This place brought back memories of the Lincolnwood Coffee Grill and Fountain Shop and funky, old school diners I went to during my art school years in Providence, Rhode Island. It is getting harder and harder to find places like this and actually impossible in my second city, NYC – at least in Manhattan.
We opened the door and were greeted with, we only take cash. This was already obvious from all of the signs and the article I read on the Evanston Round Table. “Since its inception in 1959 the restaurant has been cash only, as no fewer than four large signs on the window and door proclaim.” We tried sitting in one of the decrepit old booths that have seen better days in the front. We’re very petite, so I think only a child could comfortably slide into one of these booths. The proverbial sleeping man mentioned in another review awoke quickly from his catnap – the cook and maybe owner, I presume.
Everything here is old school – from the classic stools and booths to the quaint, laminated menus. We both ordered the deluxe hamburger and the fries were cooked to perfection. We mentioned we like them crispy and they actually listened! The server was a very sweet and friendly woman who knew all the regulars by their names. The only thing that wasn’t old school here was the surprisingly clean bathroom. If I lived in Evanston, I would definitely be a regular patron of this charming diner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
When you think homey american diner ran by a lovely family/group of friends, this is the place for you to go. The food is incredibley simple, yet freshly prepped and with good prices and absolutely delicious. Must go if you're around Evanston or Rogers park.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
My friend brought me here I had the best breakfast sandwich ever I swear!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An underlooked delight in Evanston. Nothing fancy, just good diner food. Omelettes are excellent, especially the Sher-Main. The grilled ham and cheese sandwich with grilled onions sandwich is not on the menu but they don't bat an eye when I request it. The ham is terrific. It's casual, relaxed, and low key. Service is great. Friendly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
The food is amazing and the place is very chilled. It fits one of those movie style old school type of diners. The food is amazing and the prices are sooo cheap compared to other places. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a hidden gem to try out. I always venture out and try new places so I know a good place when I’ve been in it. NOTE: CASH ONLY. Make sure you take cash, they don’t accept cards. Other than that, it’s clean and yummy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Go back to the wonderful days of yesteryear and you will find a simple clean, aroma filled with delicious meats chicken eggs and diary products. Each order is made fresh right in front of the dining room. Breakfast is bountiful with a wide variety of hearty items and lighter selections, fresh fruit cereal and toast. Lunch is very satisfying with some of the finest hamburgers and hot sandwiches. I love their French fries. Every age group can find a meal that is old fashioned with very reasonable prices. People come here in the morning to meet catch up on current events and consume a homemade feast. Attend!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
tasty food, super fast and very friendly service and atmosphere, also inexpensive, if I lived in the area you would find me there often, very cozy
Love Sher-Main Grill! Great service, solid diner food, low-key atmosphere, excellent prices (cash only). They have regulars for a reason
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is a gem!! An old school diner, sweet and attentive staff, good food at a fair price. It is cash only, be prepared. Definitely planning to make this a regular spot!
kids from reba park use to love going here back in the late 80's for a large cheese fries.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a hidden gem 💎 in Evanston the food and people who work here are great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Immaculate vibes and the food was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Closes at 1 pm on Memorial Day
My son and I had breakfast here this morning. Food was great! Service was very good. Will certainly be back. Great job!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The grits are a Little watery
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Loading...