Address: | 7401 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130, USA |
Phone: | +1 708-771-5276 |
Site: | thejunctiondiner.com |
Rating: | 4.4 |
Working: | Closed 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–7PM |
JO
Josh Carter
Good concept, horrible execution. If you have small children avoid this place unless its nearly empty and even then, buyer beware. They have absolutely zero hospitality skills. They have no host, nor do the wait staff or restaurant management effectively ensure that guests are seated as quickly as possible. Also, read other negative reviews on Yelp, as there are several written by people who can manage to spend 40+ minutes in an empty restaurant waiting for a hamburger. Read further for our specific experience (also ignore the food rating as we did not wait around to see if wed get dysentery from the food) We walked in at the tail end of a birthday party to a restaurant which was maybe 50-60% occupied. After 10 minutes, we hadnt been acknowledged by a single restaurant employee. When we then flagged down an individual (who was apparently the owner), he indicated they were cleaning up and would seat us shortly. 10 minutes later, we watched other patrons walk in and be promptly sit in the seats they were cleaning for us. When we complained, rather than managing their seating situation, they offered us 3 seats for a party of 4 (or a further wait for 4 seats together to become available). At this point it became obvious that there were serious restaurant management issues. Any parent of young children will understand how hard it was for us to pack our 3 and 5 year old boys up and walk out of a train restaurant. We chose having to explain to them why they couldnt eat at the train place, rather than run the risk of waiting another 20-30 minutes to get a seat. Simple misses like this, makes you wonder what else are they skimping on to keep this place afloat. There were a few other appalling clues to potentially more serious issues. Given it was wet and sloppy out, one can expect a little mess, but the floor of the restaurant looked more like the boot room of a ski lodge than a restaurant (a situation easily remedied within 5 minutes with a mop and bucket.) We left with serious questions about more serious things like are they cleaning and sanitizing the dishes? Are they keeping and serving food beyond a safe shelf life? Are they properly cleaning up the toys that little hands covered in burger and fry grease handle for several hours each day? We are far from neat freaks, but this place was a disaster.
FR
Fred Kraft
My wife and I took our niece and nephews to the Junction Diner to give my sister a break. We wanted a place where the kids could play a little and we could get something to eat. Mission accomplished. Between the chalkboard wall and the interactive model-train set, the kids were more than entertained. And when the food was delivered by train, I thought the boys were going to lose it. They couldnt have been more excited. I had the pot roast sandwich and it was delicious. My wife had the bacon cheesburger, and it was eaten in about 60 seconds. The kids enjoyed their chicken nuggets and chocolate milk. We all left very satisfied. Cant wait to come back when we have our own kids.
JA
Jared Brown Rn
What a wonderful place for the children and good food. As you enter you notice a large play area for children all train themed, from there you see the monster diner counter and as you sit down you see there is a train track mounted on it. Within a few minutes someones order in the room is ready and the train delivers it to the proper place. No spills, no mess but a cute train honk to let you know its arrived. There are tables along the wall without train delivery also. The food was excellent and waitstaff very on top of refills and your needs. Fresh cut fries were on the spot along with the burgers and pretzels with cheese. Win for whole family!
SH
Shashwat P. Baxi
Didnt have a chance to try the food here, but I really loved the idea that a train actually brings you the food at the bar. As someone sitting at the bar, I got to see the cook hit a train whistle to alert the bartender that the food was ready. Afterwards, the food was delivered to the patrons on an actual model train that travels around the entire bar. This place is really great for people with young children. It allows you to enjoy your meal with your kids can be entertained by their toys or their chalkboard wall! If nothing, stop by for a bite and a view of their model train!
DA
David Cooksey
We walked in a few minutes before the kitchen closed but were still very warmly welcomed. My five year old had a great time playing while our food was being prepared. Food was very tasty and well priced. For any little train enthusiasts out there this is a great place to visit. My oldest has asked to go back several times already with our visit being last week. The owner and staff made it a memorable visit, sending the train over several times with a singing snowman riding on the train.
AN
Anil Sekhar
This is a three year review of this fun diner as that is how long we have visited it. Food has always been above average to good, service pleasant, facility very clean considering how many children run around there and menu expanding including the list of beer and wine. Very reasonably priced as well. Any family with children should have this place on their list as it turns a miserable afternoon with cranky kids into a bearable or fun evening.
KE
Kenyatta Nikole
Family friendly and the food is great! This was our first time here. We went around four oclock and we were 1 of 2 families there. The hostess/waitress took care of us right away. She asked if this was our first time here and told us all the action happens at the counter. They have drink specials, soda and beer. The menu is simple and the food was superb. Were locals but still new to the area so we pass by often, Im glad that we stopped in.
DE
Denise C.
My nephews love coming here and they love the train theme. That have a great beer selection for the adults and the food is delicious! Just tell them to let you know before the train comes to deliver your meal so you can make sure your children are seated. Some waiters are attentive and let you know, but some dont and then the kids miss out (minus one star for that). Try the juicy Lucy burger, my fave!
UR
Uriel Silva
Excellent service. It was a slow day. Bacon burger was good, fries ok, mozzarella sticks ok. They sell alcoholic beverages and wine. Not expensive. 8/13/17 The lady taking our order was nice me and my kids but sarcastic and rude to someone that came in asking to see a menu. Price is reasonable and the food is good.
LI
Lidia G
arrived at 6:35 pm, left at 7pm. While waiting to be seated, I noticed 2 parties (white families) were called in front of me. I was standing right by the "please wait to be seated" sign. When I tried to get a workers attention, he would walk away. I couldnt help but feel some sort of racism.
JO
Jon Levell
2 year old train addict cant get enough. Mac and cheese is a huge hit If its crowded turn around and try another time. Food quality went badly downhill and they managed to bring the adults orders 1st and 1 of 3 kids orders. Still fun for the kids, but this place doesnt deserve repeat business.