Uncle Bill's Diner — Restaurant in Schaumburg Township

I don't want to come here again.

I was greeted by an older lady, well not exactly greeted. This was my first visit. I read many reviews and was exited to come to this 70's style restaurant. The lady was not smiling, not that she has too, but why give a customer a mean mug look when they walk in? She asked "how many?" I stated that I would like to order take-out. She told me, like a command, "sit there." "What are you ordering?" I had my order on a post-it note so I would not order incorrectly. I began to read the list, she was writing something down and she stopped mid-way with frustration. "You should have told me that from the beginning." Mine you that I'm still on plate number 1, there are options on the menu that have already been chosen(e.g. egg whites, etc.)

I was getting an omelet. The menu states that it comes with "American Fries." I asked if it can be substituted for hash browns. In a sarcastic voice, "It comes with it." Wait, what? Remind you that this is my first visit, I don't know what THIS place calls "American fries." I wanted to walk-out but I thought maybe the food will be the best in town. I finished my order, "is that it?" and she walk away. She says nothing else, nothing like what you expect - "ok, give us about 20 minutes." Seems like that was just too much to say.

There was never eye contact, not a smile, not a smirk, not a "thank you", not a "enjoy", not a "please come again."

While I'm waiting for my order, I noticed an African American woman also waiting for an order. I can tell from her facial expression that she was treated as if we shouldn't and don't belong there.

I got my order, and she checked it in front me before placing it in the Jewel-Osco bag. I was told the amount. Not "that will be $$$". I handed her my card and she comes back , "sign this" and walks away.

The food was okay. Certainly not the best in class. The amount was less than expected for the high price - excluding the extra $1 per egg charge. For what I ordered, I have gotten at other restaurants that was much better (i.e., Niles Grill). The flavor of the food was lacking, salt was missing. I ordered an entree, instead got a cereal bowl size amount of food.

I can tell from the people that were there, that this place lives off of their regular customers - old white people, which is not me. Tradition can be a good thing, but getting a new customer to return is even better.

Your perception of this place may vary from mine. However, from my eyes, I will not return to this place. And that maybe just fine with the owner - can't please everyone. However, I felt that I was not welcome there. Regardless of who or what I am, the color of money is still green in...

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience with overpriced Bloody Marys, go to the soulless millennial burger joint down the road in Schaumburg where they wear leather aprons and unironically listen to the Lumineers. This place is for salt-of-the-earth workers. Hollandaise? Never heard of it. Skillets? Maybe next year. You’re going to be served by a man with more prison tattoos than teeth. Uncle Bill, the man himself, is sipping his coffee and greeting every customer that walks in while still perched behind the diner counter with his crony, the two of them speaking only in Greek.

The menu? As straightforward as a jury reading a guilty verdict. Omelettes, pancakes, eggs—with a price. That’s it. No bullshit. No pomp and circumstance. You want to know what’s in the omelette? No one knows. The only person with that kind of information is slaving over a hot grill and has no time to break out the crayons and draw you a picture to explain whether the Mexican omelette is going to break your Whole30 diet or not. Eat it or don’t.

When you finally take the leap of faith and order whatever nondescript item you’ve chosen, you’re met with a plate that leaves very little to the imagination—in the best possible way. Uncle Bill’s is here to accomplish two goals: make sure you leave full and that you got what you paid for. The food does both with the calculated precision of a tenured surgeon.

But it’s these diners that are the soul of America. Your grandma is probably eating at one as I write this. In a world becoming increasingly more isolated, these are the oases that keep people connected. Suburbanites gather to share news with their neighbors, break bread, digest whatever bullshit is going on in their week, or just pass the time and watch this ever-more-confusing world drift by. Leave your attitude and high expectations at the door—and have a cup of coffee with...

This is where we go when we can't make up our minds. Everything is good. The specials board changes daily. This is good ol' COMFORT FOOD! Where can you get Soup, an Entree, and dessert served to you on a real plate for under $7 ? at Uncle Bill's Diner. We've been coming there about 10+ years... never had a bad experience. They keep it simple, satisfying, and a GREAT Value. Every friend we've ever taken there returns by themselves. We even had out of town relatives ask us, "can we go to that cute little diner again?" Enough Said!

And years later I'm looking at this review thinking about how I still look forward to going here. Sometimes once a week. Consistently good simple comfort food. Soups are good, very hearty. I get the Butt Steak special pretty often. This is the best soup/salad, steak, veg, potato, desert for under ten dollars that I'm currently aware of. Three quarters of an inch thick and broiled nicely to medium rare. Also a basket of fresh bread and butter round out this meal prepared and served by an all star staff. I'm very happy to have this as one of local dining choices. As Bill would say....