After a concert on Saturday night, we ended up at Zak’s Diner on Elgin without particularly high expectations, it was late, we were hungry, and we mainly just wanted something quick and comforting. What we got instead was a genuinely great diner experience that surprised us in the best way.
First off, the burgers were really good. Juicy, well seasoned, and cooked properly, not the dry, slapped together kind you sometimes get late at night. You could tell some care went into them. The fries were equally impressive: hot, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and actually seasoned properly. Simple diner food done right, which honestly isn’t as common as it should be.
I ordered a Caesar, and flavour-wise it was delicious and nicely balanced, savoury, and refreshing. That said, I didn’t taste or feel any alcohol whatsoever, which was a bit surprising. Still, as a drink, it was enjoyable and paired well with the food.
The atmosphere was another highlight. Zak’s has that classic diner vibe, a retro decor, comfortable booths, and a lively but relaxed energy. It felt welcoming, especially after a concert when you want somewhere casual where you can unwind and refuel. The place was busy but not chaotic, and the overall mood was upbeat.
All in all, Zak’s Diner on Elgin exceeded expectations. It’s the kind of spot you might underestimate, but it delivers solid food, a fun atmosphere, and exactly what you want from a diner, especially late at night. We’d absolutely go back, concert or not.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M Pariente
Too expensive for breakfast
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Shady Bee
Everything one would one expect from a Diner. The atmosphere is wonderful and great service and food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophia Nasrallah
5 stars for the service, the food was average though, except for the milkshake that was very yummy
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Glen Sheppard
Great food, good value, great staff, relaxed atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abdelhak Sami Bagou
I am a delivery driver I went this morning to take a order and the waitress who worked this morning was a bit rude in her way of speaking even though I spoke to her gently
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
mahdiyar sabouri
Hi everyone, I ordered an omelette, and after my third bite I found a hair in it. Once I saw that, I completely lost my appetite. I told the waitress and asked her to take the plate away because I didn’t want anything else.
Surprisingly, they still charged me for the meal, even though it was clearly their mistake. I honestly couldn’t believe it. Very disappointing experience, and I will never return to this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Mike Piazza
Got uber eats. I three two simple requests. Put the poutine grave on the side so that it doesn’t get soggy (wrote it out just like that). For the brownie I asked for the toppings on the side. I also asked for extra pickles.
I got the extra pickles, which showed they read my entire request, and still served me a really soggy poutine and a brownie drowning in things I didn’t care for.
Really disappointed
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Kimm McCallum
Perfect spot for late night eats! Fun atmosphere and food and drinks are always on point!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diane Crotty
The portion were huge! The food was very tasty and the staff was excellent!
Zack’s Diner never disappoints! The milkshakes are absolutely amazing — rich, creamy, and worth the visit on their own. The food is great too; I especially enjoyed the poutine. Friendly vibes, good portions, and a place I’ll definitely be coming back to!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa Elminowski
Server was nice and very accommodating to our large group, but she got lost as the night got busier (which also made the place REALLY loud). Good food overall - GREAT milkshakes! - but I was disappointed by the burger. It was very processed, as in the meat was more pureed into a patty than ground :/ Would go back but order something else.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Roxane Matin
Sadly had the worse breakfast burrito plate today at Zac’s diner on Elgin. No taste of salsa or guacamole at all. Very dry with an omelet in it. I opened it up and found a faint hint of guacamole. Disappointed to say the least. Usually like their food. My friends eggs Benedict were good. Suggestion: serve with salsa on top of it or in cup instead of baked beans lol
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Kristian Gosbee
One of my regular spots in town. The staff are great, the food is delicious, and the happy hour deals are amazing.
The '50's diner vibe is fun, and the foods on offer match the vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph Sena
Great old school diner with very friendly staff. Food was nothing fancy but very tasty and exactly what you'd expect and want out of this kind of establishment.
After a concert on Saturday night, we ended up at Zak’s Diner on Elgin without particularly high expectations, it was late, we were hungry, and we mainly just wanted something quick and comforting. What we got instead was a genuinely great diner experience that surprised us in the best way.
First off, the burgers were really good. Juicy, well seasoned, and cooked properly, not the dry, slapped together kind you sometimes get late at night. You could tell some care went into them. The fries were equally impressive: hot, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and actually seasoned properly. Simple diner food done right, which honestly isn’t as common as it should be.
I ordered a Caesar, and flavour-wise it was delicious and nicely balanced, savoury, and refreshing. That said, I didn’t taste or feel any alcohol whatsoever, which was a bit surprising. Still, as a drink, it was enjoyable and paired well with the food.
The atmosphere was another highlight. Zak’s has that classic diner vibe, a retro decor, comfortable booths, and a lively but relaxed energy. It felt welcoming, especially after a concert when you want somewhere casual where you can unwind and refuel. The place was busy but not chaotic, and the overall mood was upbeat.
All in all, Zak’s Diner on Elgin exceeded expectations. It’s the kind of spot you might underestimate, but it delivers solid food, a fun atmosphere, and exactly what you want from a diner, especially late at night. We’d absolutely go back, concert or not.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Too expensive for breakfast
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Everything one would one expect from a Diner. The atmosphere is wonderful and great service and food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
5 stars for the service, the food was average though, except for the milkshake that was very yummy
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Great food, good value, great staff, relaxed atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am a delivery driver I went this morning to take a order and the waitress who worked this morning was a bit rude in her way of speaking even though I spoke to her gently
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Hi everyone,
I ordered an omelette, and after my third bite I found a hair in it. Once I saw that, I completely lost my appetite. I told the waitress and asked her to take the plate away because I didn’t want anything else.
Surprisingly, they still charged me for the meal, even though it was clearly their mistake. I honestly couldn’t believe it. Very disappointing experience, and I will never return to this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Got uber eats. I three two simple requests. Put the poutine grave on the side so that it doesn’t get soggy (wrote it out just like that). For the brownie I asked for the toppings on the side. I also asked for extra pickles.
I got the extra pickles, which showed they read my entire request, and still served me a really soggy poutine and a brownie drowning in things I didn’t care for.
Really disappointed
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Perfect spot for late night eats! Fun atmosphere and food and drinks are always on point!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The portion were huge! The food was very tasty and the staff was excellent!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Zack’s Diner never disappoints! The milkshakes are absolutely amazing — rich, creamy, and worth the visit on their own. The food is great too; I especially enjoyed the poutine. Friendly vibes, good portions, and a place I’ll definitely be coming back to!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Server was nice and very accommodating to our large group, but she got lost as the night got busier (which also made the place REALLY loud). Good food overall - GREAT milkshakes! - but I was disappointed by the burger. It was very processed, as in the meat was more pureed into a patty than ground :/ Would go back but order something else.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Sadly had the worse breakfast burrito plate today at Zac’s diner on Elgin. No taste of salsa or guacamole at all. Very dry with an omelet in it. I opened it up and found a faint hint of guacamole. Disappointed to say the least. Usually like their food. My friends eggs Benedict were good.
Suggestion: serve with salsa on top of it or in cup instead of baked beans lol
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
One of my regular spots in town. The staff are great, the food is delicious, and the happy hour deals are amazing.
The '50's diner vibe is fun, and the foods on offer match the vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great old school diner with very friendly staff. Food was nothing fancy but very tasty and exactly what you'd expect and want out of this kind of establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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