LTHForum.com

From Kristen's exhilaration to Erik M's washed and faded photos, the forum was quickly hooked. And after Tony C ignited a phone frenzy*, even he enjoyed his food.

The Depot is plunked down in a neighborhood that can definitely use a good restaurant. It is on the restaurant frontier (its neighbors are a tire store and a bus turn-around). The owners put a lot of love and care into the restoration of this storefront which housed a diner dating back to the early 1960s. The carefully reconstructed space features many of original, restored diner appointments designed by the owner's sister to resemble a 1940's Hopper motif. This setting has inspired both wordsmiths and shutterbugs alike. In fact, Kristen has expressed hope that The Depot will serve as an instrument of change in the area. And many patrons remarked on the crowd of locals that quickly grew into regulars. This restaurant is neighborhood with a capital N.

All of this would be wasted if the food was forgettable. But most of the pilgrims left charmed and sated due to the careful preparation of diner classics. Food here screams fresh, not canned or frozen. The Depot does the small things like a satisfying bowl of chicken soup with real flavor and an accompanying pretzel roll. Their soups were widely praised from clam chowder to broccoli & cheddar and other mid-century favorites. Burgers are made from never-frozen, fresh-ground beef. From the real beef chunks in the chili to the chicken and turkey roasted in-house, The Depot makes quality a priority.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the club sandwich as well as the pot roast with frizzled onions. Even a simple grilled cheese sandwich with tomato was well-prepared and tasty. The pot roast has been compared to the best sandwiches in the city. And others have praised the open-faced turkey sandwich, the apple pancakes, ham off the bone and various Blue Plate Specials

Other features that set The Depot apart are:
* Pies and cakes baked in house (not to mention a la minute donuts).
* And (after some controversy), JimInLoganSquare-approved biscuits & gravy

Wash it all down with a phosphate, an egg cream or a strawberry soda. You will also get kind, concerned service by Robert, Annemarie and the rest of the employees. Labor of love is an overused phrase these days, but Robert is passionate about this place and clearly enjoys coming to work. The friendliness shows.

Nearly all the discussion on this spot is confined to a single thread which undersells the splash the discussion made in the cold, first few months of the year. The best thing that I can say about this place is that I first tried it on Super Bowl Sunday. The food so delighted and filled us up that it put smiles on our faces and established a jovial air that helped temper the loss.

You probably couldn't sum it up any better than The Depot does at the top of their webpage:

Family Diner. Pot Roast. Red Velvet Cake.

I humbly nominate the LTH phenomenon of early 2007: The Depot.

*For superstition's sake, previous GNR winner Burt's Place also was praised for it's atmosphere and had a lively phone discussion


Photo Courtesy of Mike G

The Depot American Diner
5840 W. Roosevelt
Chicago, IL
773-261-8422

I recently paid a Sunday morning visit to Depot Diner after an all-too-long absence. The food was as good as ever and the jovial atmosphere and warm welcome from the staff had me feeling like a long lost friend. I'd love to see Depot Diner get a GNR and I gladly second the nomination.

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

Okay, that's the last of my three.

I too heartily endorse The Depot Diner, which seems to me to be everything a GNR should be (though doesn't have to be, by any means): a modest place, yet committed to doing things the right way, an important place for its neighborhood, and most of all, a place that LTHer after LTHer has visited and enthused over. I make the half hour drive there more or less monthly-- okay, maybe it's been six weeks now-- and never begrudge the time spent going for Robert's classic American food and the entire staff's warm welcome.

Plus, two magic words that signal the rarest of rarities in Chicago diners: homemade pie.



But enough about the food, let's talk about the phone.

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Big surprise, I'm sure, but I concur with gastro gnome's beautifully-written endorsement. To me, the Depot represents the best a humble Chicago neighborhood can hope for--simple but thoughtfully prepared food made and served by big-hearted people who also happen to be fun to spend time with. And the prices seal the deal. Oh, and the BLT.

I only have to walk a block and a half to visit the Depot, but I would surely walk a lot farther. To say that I feel lucky to have this place in my neighborhood is an understatement. (I must have done something extra good in a past life.)

Hear, hear!
Kristen

PS:

Mike G. wrote:

Okay, that's the last of my three.

(I though so.)

So I guess we should not expect Mike to nominate any place??? Hard to believe.

As to Depot Diner, all I can say is another heartfelt Amen. You get your good nominations, your great nominations, your not-so-good nominations and your archetype. I think the Depot Diner was a GNR from its conception, and he hit it just right. I also should go there more often.

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d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within

I did nominate one of my three, go back and look.

One was nominated before I even got back from Austin, this one... I felt confident someone would.

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Watch Sky Full of Bacon, the Chicago food HD podcast!
New episode: Soil, Corn, Cows and Cheese
Watch the Reader's James Beard Award-winning Key Ingredient here.

My bad - I just read your countdown, and assumed they were all others' nominations. Need to read better.

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d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within

I'm pleased to see this nomination appear for The Depot. Up to this point in the GNR process, I was back in the shadows, keeping sub rosa where I sometimes do my most rewarding work, e.g., the first Secret Menu entry at The Depot: Emma's (chocolate chunk) Pancakes. I was biding my time, waiting for the nomination to pop up as I was sure it must. Now that it has, I'm very happy to publicly lend my support as endorser.

Chef Robert & AnnaMarie Nava, partner James, their front-of-house staff (Alex, Reed, and Stephanie), grill man Miguel, and back-of-house staff (Shawn, Stanley, and Tiawan), to my repeated experience, collectively exhibit the sense of excellence and high standard of quality typical of a GNR. You can sense it in their attitude as well as in the ingredients, execution, and ambiance. Joie de vittle, I might be punningly calling it (with a nod to gastro gnome and his thread Subject), while perched on my stool at the counter, cradling a cup of serious coffee, watching the action, and listening to Janis belt out Piece of my Heart in the background over the buzz (no Muzak here, just as there's no faux leatherette-synthafood in this Chapel of the Night Hawk, thank-you-very-much!)

The food's already been talked about extensively, so I don't feel the need to go into great detail. I would, however, like to mention another example of this atypical diner's atypical quality, viz.: Mike G justly touts the homemade pie, but don't let that completely divert your attention from the creme brulee cheesecake with its top freshly-torched into a brittle shell of carmelized crispness. No, I don't have a photo--when I have a slice of the stuff in front of me, I tend to just ask for another cup of that coffee and get down to the business at hand, forgetting about cameras. I expect you'll understand....

One final note of my enthusiasm for this venue: Here is where I am happily building a string of future reminiscences with my young daughter, of warm times together, sharing headshakingly-good food amid relaxed, friendly surroundings, where she can sit with me, safe and comfortable, yet out in the World, and read her latest book while I banter casually with Robert, AnnaMarie, or any number of others around us. Besides, I usually get The Progeny's leftovers--what's not to love and repeat about *that* arrangement?

Patty's? --Fine. Xni-Pec? --Sure! The Depot? --Definitely!

I look forward to reading of The Depot's GNR confirmation and then joining with gastro gnome, kl5 (given that Kristen's was the Original Post), and/or whomever else to be present at the presentation of this well-earned award.

--Matt

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"If I have dined better than other men, it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants...and got the waiter's attention." --Sir Isaac "Ready to order NOW" Newton

I don't have a soft-spot for Ameri-diner food and I don't have a nostalgia fetish. I'm a bit more luke-warm on the food than most people here, but the Depot is a nice place and deserves a lot of credit. It's unique and has really struck a nerve (a good one) with LTHForum.

Clearly a deserving GNR.

Best,
Michael

After several visits, I find the place has its charm, but I agree with EC above. I'm particularly wondering about the fascination with the pot roast sandwich which I find completely under-seasoned. I really want to like the place ...

-ramon

Try the donuts. (Fried to order)

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

Yes, definitely try the donuts. They are stellar . . .



They're actually donut holes, which are -- as Steve posted -- prepared to order. They're served in batches of 5 and are -- today, at least -- accompanied by a ramekin of delicious, warm chocolate dipping sauce that was topped with whipped cream.

The fam and I hit the Depot this morning and had a very enjoyable experience. It is indeed a charming and comfortable space in which the exceptionally friendly crew turns out tasty, satisfying food. 2 of us had breakfast, 1 of us had lunch and everything I tasted was at least good.

The donuts were probably the highlight. They were served right out of the fryer and dusted with cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar. But, I also enjoyed my ham and cheese omelette. Wife's eggs were good and the accompanying bacon was perfectly crisp, sweet and smokey. The boyo went with the grilled ham and cheese sandwich, which showcased the thinly-sliced ham a bit better than my omelette did and boasted some absolutely perfect, in-season tomatoes. I was also impressed by the breads, which we enjoyed as toast. The dark rye was terrific, as was the whole wheat. Both versions were slathered with high-quality, unsalted butter, which was a very nice treat.

I definitely support this nomination, not so much for its food, which was quite fine, but for the overall package. It's a long way from Deerfield to The Depot, so I don't anticipate making it a regular haunt (for us, that's Patty's) but I'd seek it out if I were in the vicinity and I'd confidently recommend it to anyone. There are a lot of little touches that make The Depot a GNR-worthy destination. I do hope to visit again soon and learn about a few more of them.

=R=

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I just wanna live until I gotta die. I know I ain't perfect but God knows I try. --Todd Snider

Twitter: ronniesuburban

I'm all over this one as well. With Freddy's Pizza (/Deli/Gelateria/Fine Meats Curer/Imports/Sharer of basil and starter dough for pennies a handful), Xni-Pec, and the Depot all within five-iron distance of each other, we could have one of the highest concentrations of GNRs anywhere, and that anywhere is Cicero. I think Betty Loren-Maltese owes us, big-time. Cannoli big-time.

It would be gilding the lilly to further praise for the pot roast sandwich and donuts, so let me point you in the direction of the Gibsons-quality chopped salad (huge chunks of blue cheese, half an avocado, crumbled slab bacon, ripe tomato), phosphates, Orange Crush, and those ridiculously low (and amusing) prices. The menu itself provides entertainment at the Depot, and conversation between staff and patrons and even across booths makes time fly in this wonderful, throwbacky, hopeful station on Roosevelt.

This restaurant is currently up for GNR renewal. Please post your comments below.

Thanks,

=R=
for the GNRs

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I just wanna live until I gotta die. I know I ain't perfect but God knows I try. --Todd Snider

Twitter: ronniesuburban

Despite living perhaps 2 miles from the Depot American Diner for the past 2.5 years, I visited for the first time just over 1 month ago after reading the many posts about it here at the lthforum. I've been in three times in the past month, my wife has been in an additional two times without me, and my parents have gone at least once on their own since meeting us their for dinner one evening. The Depot is a true treasure in a most unexpected location, and I very much regret not having ventured in sooner.

Great old diner atmosphere, comfort food done well at great prices, and consistently good, friendly service is what I've come to expect from the Depot in just a short time. They could dial their menu back to the pot roast sandwich and hamburger, the donuts, and egg creams and phosphates and I would still consider this a great restaurant in my neighborhood. I've happily discovered many other new (to me) spots through the lthforum, but none that I enjoy quite as much as the Depot.

I go to The Depot as often as I can - not often enough at 2-3 times per year, but I do go.

The fresh doughnuts and daily specials, along with great prices and service make it a destination for me. This is a place where I can feel at home and be fed very well.

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d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within

We are rarely in this vicinity, but happened to be on our way back from my son's ear surgery in Westchester on Feb 9th. The poor baby hadn't eaten in 16 hours and just had ear tubes put in. Little guy needed comfort food. (frankly so did I)

The Chicken Noodle Soup here couldn't have been more perfect. Homemade broth, huge egg noodles and tons of meat and carrots. He ate the whole bowl two fisted. (He's 18 month's old - pardon his manners)

I had the turkey club and a perfect brewed iced tea. My husband had the hot turkey sandwich - frankly, it could have been hotter, but we were hungry.

We chased it with a lovely order of donuts that even held up well cold the next day sans chocolate and cream.

The Depot is fresh home cooking that is good for what ails ye. I wish it was closer to home.

I had my maiden voyage to the Depot yesterday. The Pot Roast sandwich was delicious, but the donut holes were over-the-top. It was also nice to be in a diner which actually had good coffee. And the staff and even patrons were very friendly -- we got into a discussion about egg creams and phosphates with our server and one of Chicago's Finest at the next table.

I'm not exactly sure it's a "destination" for me, given how far is is from my usual turf, but I will be happy to eat there whenever circumstances permit. But I think it is clearly a GNR in all respects.

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Joe G.

"Whatever may be wrong with the world, at least it has some good things to eat." -- Cowboy Jack Clement

LTH,

Recent lunch at The Depot was all smiles, both diners and staff, gigantic club sandwich that, while delicious, I was unable to finish when coupled with chili, and my taste of fried chicken had me making a mental note for for future visits.

Oh, and the chocolate phosphate, love the chocolate phosphate.



Yes for GNR renewal.

Enjoy,
Gary

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Sauce on the side, always, implied, axiomatic..........never a doubt, BBQ sauce without.

Low & Slow

Heck yes! Renew this GNR.

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

Headed over to The Depot for lunch today and sad to find it closed up tight. The blinds were drawn and there was a sign that read that they were "temporarily closed." I sincerely hope that it is temporary, as I really loved the place...

Marc

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"Barbecue sauce is like a beautiful woman. If it’s too sweet, it’s bound to be hiding something."
— Lyle Lovett

"How do you say 'Yum-o' in Swedish? Or is it Swiss? What do they speak in Switzerland?"- Rachel Ray

This place is up for renewal of its GNR. Please post your comments here until 10/10/11.

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

The Depot is still turning out fine chow day in and day out (despite the occasional unannounced closing). I was there recently and tried the meatloaf sandwich, which is presented in the same basic way as the pot roast. It was delicious and satisfying, which is exactly how most of the menu can be described. The Depot is a survivor and is well deserving of keeping its GNR status.

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

I concur heartily. Quirky, savory, and richly satisfying. And they know how to make an egg cream.

My dentist is in Oak Park, even though I live on the northside of Chicago. If I changed dentists, I would lose an easy way to stop at the Depot before/after my appointment. Excellent food, nice staff...it's a GNR renewal in my book.

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-Mary

I don't have a dentist in Oak Park, but oooh! I'm going to Oak Park tomorrow. I adore this place & agree with Mary this GNR should be renewed.

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Ava-"If you get down and out, just get in the kitchen and bake a cake."- Jean Strickland

Horto In Urbs- Falling in love with Urban Vegetable Gardening