My girlfriends and I were looking for a place to go have breakfast, and since I'm new to Countryside, I had to rely on Yelp reviews to find a breakfast spot. Let me just say that the food at the Country Cup is absolutely disgusting. My friend ordered the egg sandwich, which was literally a fried egg, cooked so long the yolk was dry as a bone, between two pieces of what looked to be Wonder Bread. My other friend had a skillet which came with 2 pieces of Kraft cheese on top, which she said tasted weird. I went with the spinch pie because I thought it might be a safe bet at a Greek diner. What I got was the greasiest spinach pie of all time. Finally, my other friend had a french dip that looked down right pathetic. While we were sitting there with our disgusting meals, we marveled at how many people were in the restaurant. People were actually waiting in line for this place.........I don't get it. This place needs a visit from Restaurant Impossible. One more thing, our waitress was a rude beast.
(1)
Dino M.
Went there over the weekend for Breakfast. Steak and eggs best value in town !!!!!. Louie is teh best !
(5)
Mandi S.
I love the prices of there food, and its good taste for the price!The staff is nice. however as a previous post said it is small. But open 24 hours
(5)
Anna H.
cool restaurant, not healthy but great food, open late but the staff here and at rolling lanes can be rude, not a bowler but like concerts, stopped going here.
(3)
Jeff J.
Started going here a year ago. Good cheap food, diner atmosphere. Always asked for and recieved drink refils (coffee, soda) at no charge. Had lunch today and when I requested a pepsi refill, I was told it would be an additional dollar (this is 6 oz. Glass). The waitress seemed nervous about telling me this. When I told her I hadn't been charged during my several past visits, she basically said 'those are the rules'. The owner/manager at check out then was rude about the whole deal. So, both people were rude. The refill charge is not the issue (though my entire history was free refills). Thus, they have now lost a customer(I wont go back) for life over a pepsi that cost less than a dime. TREAT CUSTOMERS BETTER , WITH RESPECT.
(1)
Diane M.
Small and intimate. Good service. Food was okay. Could be a little more flavorful but the prices were soooooo cheap that I will not complain! It's always great to know where a 24 hour diner is. Next time I would try breakfast food.
(3)
JP P.
The "Cup" has an eternal flame on the flat top grill. 24 hour joints are timeless. The clock on the wall means absolutely nothing...just another day in "Diner Paradise". If your fortunate enough to witness the 6:00 A.M. shift change, that's about as much chronology as the "Cup" can deliver! The staff compliments the diner environment. The menu is like a book! 24 hour availability for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Let me entice your impeccably inquisitive taste buds...Looking for a King Size Frankfurter for breakfast, you got it! Looking for a Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomato for lunch, you got it! Looking for a Ham and Egg Sandwich for dinner that's hot, sweet & sticky, you got it! Just ask..."you got it".
(4)
Ronald L.
Skirt Steak, if you do nothing else in your life, go slumming, and head over to the bowling lanes for dinner. These cooks hand carve their own skirt steaks, and they are out of this world. Have been coming here since the 80's. Recently moved back to the area, and still in love with the breakfasts, lunch and dinner is good too
(5)
Vinnie M.
Great reliable cheap food. Staff is usually very nice, and the owner frequently works in the restaurant which I like to see. SKIRT STEAK DINNER EVERY TIME!! you can not find a better deal, I promise. If you're reading these reviews because you're not from this neighborhood and you're looking for something to eat then you found the place. Everyone likes it here... GO!!
(5)
Jacqueline C.
Oh how I love this place. It's a diner with a bowling alley! Great food and friendly for your dollar. :) open 24 hours! We order for pick up, stop by here after a late night out, come here for breakfast with the parents, stop by after church with friends/family....it's awesome. Ok, so the exterior is not as nice as a Denny's......maybe it isn't your type of place....but this diner rocks! It's got character! The owner is always friendly and welcoming....and his son is not as friendly yet he's quite a character with his interesting sideburns haha but everyone is nice. Oh and my mom is a clean freak, and she love this place. The bathroom is a little cluster phobic, but everything else is good. We love the wide variety of items on their menu. Below are our favorites: Mine: Steak skillet with scrambled eggs French toast The husbands: Turkey club Philly cheese steak The parents: Steak skillet French toast The healthy grilled chicken with a side of cottage cheese and veggies? (I think) Yep!
(5)
Adele n.
Be still my heart. Country Cup is a tiny, old school diner attached to a bowling alley. I love it. This place has all of the hallmarks of a perfect diner: (1) wicked cheap breakfast (two eggs, potatoes and toast for $3.55? Heck yeah!); (2) open 24 hours a day; (3) mild coffee in (basically) unlimited quantities; (4) nice waitresses; (5) weird regulars; (6) easy-going atmosphere. I grew up going to diners like this. There are so few really authentic ones remaining. Give Country Cup some love.
(4)
Matt M.
Damn, this is the type of Diner you want to go to when you say "I really could go for a good diner right now". Its small, crowded with the locals and bowlers, and its REALLY affordable. They keep it simple, fresh, and delicious. They are hammering out orders at breakneck speeds and its made great each time. I really glad to randomly fall upon this place.
(5)
Deann A.
Mannie... You're the best... Steak and eggs... To die for.... See you next year ... D ADAMIETZ
Been coming to the Cup since I was a small child. The food is cheap and delicious. This place is great for night owls since they never close. Out of all the years I've been coming here I've never had a bad meal. You can't go wrong with the skirt steak or french toast.
(5)
Bill P.
Great: food, prices, and service equals a 5 star review. The food alone is 4 stars but when you add everything up it's a 5 star place. The coffee is good, soup is always good, breakfast never greasy, always cooked perfect, excellent french toast, I could go on and on. Very happy I live down the street:)
(5)
Craig S.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for diners. Fast, cheap, it is what it is. No real complaints from me. I mean, you're sitting in an old school diner attached to a bowling alley, so set your bar accordingly. Friendly service, tasty food. It's all good!
(3)
Dee D.
This great place is situated on Joliet Rd. where one could almost miss it. I did. Several times, in fact. Boy, am I glad I finally figured out where it was. The skirt steak was AWESOME. Cooked well done and just right. I really enjoyed my meal here.
(5)
Grant P.
I love it when I get all judgy judgy about a place before I've even ordered, and it totally manages to turn my view around and make me like it by the time I'm done. Lord knows I've been to enough fancy restaurants with crap food. It's nice to go to a not-so-nice looking place and end up really enjoying the food. As stated, this place isn't much to look at. It's cramped, crowded, and sorely out-of-date. You kind of sit on top of the people who are sitting nearby. I bumped the poor old lady at the table next to me as I was sitting down, and the two kids at the booth next to me on the other side started chatting with me because we were so close. In all honesty, I've driven by here thousands of times in the 7 years I've lived in the area and never even knew it existed til I found it on Yelp. And also? It's attached to a bowling alley, so my expectations weren't soaring. Or even mildly floating when we walked inside. The place was packed, and the phone kept ringing for togo orders the entire time I was there. To put it mildly, business is good. Our waitress was friendly, but not overly welcoming. And she forgot to ask us if we wanted anything to drink other than water. But to make up for it about five different people asked if we wanted coffee. And the owner was super friendly. He actually came over and shook my hand to thank me for my patronage. Thanked me again while we were having breakfast, and once more on the way out. Ok, onto the food. This is why you go here. It's good. It's ridiculously cheap, and it's fast. My wife ordered the banana pancakes and a side of bacon, and I had the eggs benedict and a side of potato pancakes. The total was $16 for all of that. And these were mammoth portions, pancakes the size of your head. I took half of mine home. Everything was fresh-tasting, cooked perfectly, and delicious. Bonus points for the potato pancakes that were actual REAL potato pancakes and not those strange frozen football-shaped ones you get at a lot of places (and also in the frozen foods section of Jewel). We'll be back. Thanks for a great meal.
(4)
Pdub ..
The Country Cup is a hidden gem, serving up some of the best diner food in the area. The skirt steak & eggs breakfast is delicious, one of my favorites. Their skirt steak is always tender, flavorful, & juicy. They serve a generous portion at an affordable price. I haven't had a bad meal in all the years I've been patronizing the CC. Their potato pancakes are another menu item we really enjoy. Manny treats everyone like family, always greets with a smile, knows his customers by name. We always leave with a full belly & the boss never fails to thank us for coming, letting everyone know that he appreciates their business. It doesn't get much better than that. This place rocks on Sat. & Sun mornings but have no fear, when the restaurant gets filled up, there's additional seating (tables & chairs) in the bar area. These small business owners that are earning it, should receive our support & our business. These folks work hard providing superior quality & service. By patronizing their establishments, we are also keeping the money in our neighborhoods. I choose to support places like the Country Cup & other local small business', Lest we have a situation similar to what Wal Mart (corporate beast) is doing/has done to the neighborhood grocer, hardware store, department store, etc.
(5)
Audrey A.
24 hours. Attached to a bowling alley/bar/barber. Cheap food. Friendly service. I went bowling here with my brother and cousin and headed over to the diner immediately after. It's teeny tiny and kind of divey but it had an old time diner feel to it. I've been bowling here for a number of years but I never got around to eating at The Cup until just recently. It's easy to pass over or immediately disregard just because it's attached to a bowling alley. But their food is actually pretty good and extremely inexpensive. It's probably even more delicious after a couple drinks and you're in the mood for greasy food. I had the apple pie and it was pretty good. Might have been nice if they warmed it up a bit, though. The coffee was pretty standard as well. The only misfortune was that I poured in some chunky half &half without inspecting it first. But I was offered another cup. The waitress was very nice and cordial.
(4)
Laura M.
this place is a super tiny, hole in the wall 24 hour cheap diner. it's not super fancy and usually cramped, you're lucky to get a table or booth with privacy but i guess the best time to go eat there is at midnight or later. i typically order the same thing every time i go, and never disappointed with my food. it's my go-to spot with the husband. i know some hate it, but there's something nostalgic about it.
(5)
Amanda C.
Went here for breakfast yesterday. It was around 5am. We seated ourselves and it took a good 5-10 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were there. I asked the waitress if the tea was fresh and this is what she said " What do you mean? I don't understand. It's in a box in the back so I don't know." Her attitude towards me just put me in a fowl mood the rest of the time. Is it faux pas to ask if the tea is fresh? So now I"m super annoyed and I told my partner that we weren't going to tip her because she pissed me off. It was just how she said it to me, like I'm stupid and I'm annoying her. I immediately thought of my sweet waitress Gina at the Baked Apple Breakfast Company. I felt ashamed to even be in this place, when I could be on the road headed over there where we are welcomed and treated very very well. So another 5 or more minutes later she returns to take our orders. I got the Louis skillet and my partner got the Denver omelette. First these two dishes are the exact same thing except one is in an omelette form with hash browns (if you can call them that) on the side and the skillet just has everything thrown together. First, the hash browns are nothing more than mashed potatoes put on the griddle for a moment. No lie, complete mush. The ham is deli meat ham cut up, the cheese is slices of american cheese. It's gross gross gross. It could be the worst breakfast I've ever had while eating out. It was a mountain of food. A whole big plate full but it was something I only ate 2 or 3 bites of. I was starving and wanted to eat it anyway but I just couldn't do it. Some other people came in while we were eating and were handed menus before they were even seated. Must be nice to be acknowledged. It was cheap. $15 before tip (and yes we did end up tipping even though I really really didn't want to.) She did refill my drink which is more than our last waitress did when we were here. So, there's that. I'm NEVER ever going back. We made an agreement we will go to our usual place for breakfast from now on, or no place at all.
(1)
Linde P.
I'm totally torn on whether to give two or three stars here because I really want to love this place but can't. First off, the owner, Manny, is as friendly as can be and will remember you every time you come in. The skirt steak is awesome! Get it Grecian style! You won't be sorry! Finally, the service sucks!, it really does. I've been here probably 30 times and my order has been delivered the way I ordered it once. Yep, ONCE! The servers screw something up every time. And not one, all of them. It's a good thing I go there a lot because I've learned where I can find my own coffee, ketchup, silverware, and get my own toast when they screw that up too. And yet the skirt steak is so good I continue to suffer through almost every weekend.
(3)
Mark H.
Lets just leave this place for the 3 am Munchies or if you find your self suddenly need food like now after you are done bowling. The staff is usually nice enough but the place is need of an update.
My hash was crispy, my eggs were poached medium, as ordered. Great pancakes too! Nothing fancy, but c'mon, it's a diner attached to a bowling alley! Staff was friendly and owner even came out to welcome us. Great value for what you get.
(4)
Lisa L.
I need to big this place up for old time's sake. The Country Cup saw me through my teen years, sneaking off to smoke clove ciggs with friends at 3am while drinking coffee and sharing French dips and fries. The Cup was the meeting place before and after parties in those long-gone rave days - showing up reeking of smoke, warehouse, and god knows what else, at 5am - looking for a skillet and some coffee before heading home from a 'sleep over.' Later the Cup was the joint I'd go to to get out of the house and study, or meet friends home on break from college. Now the Cup seems to be the spot we all go when we happen to be back visiting our folks in the burbs and have grown tired of family holiday time. I may have changed, but the Cup sure hasn't. The wait and grill staff is still friendly, and unflappable - having seen just about every act of teenage stupidity, drunken nonsense, and just plain late-night jackassery. The food, as always, is actually pretty decent for an all-night diner set in a bowling alley. I recommend the French dip, or the tuna salad sandwich, and have never had a bad bowl of soup. Nostalgia is what keeps me, and many others, coming back, but that isn't to say a fresh pair of eyes (and taste buds) won't appreciate this place.
(4)
Reuben H.
Two things save this place from only getting one star. - It NEVER closes... Ever... - The average cost for a full plate of food is approximately $2.75 Other than that, this is a Greek diner located in a bowling alley in Countryside tucked next to car dealerships and across the street from a forest preserve and trailer park... Now that you have that amazing picture in your head, you should be able to figure out what type of place this is. I think "The Cup," as my large friend who eats here no fewer than four times a week calls it, is a place that should be used for what it is good for: late night, after bar diner food. In fact, I would say The Cup is only tolerable if it is after midnight, you have had a couple drinks, and are in the mood for eggs and potatoes. Even then- I would suggest going to Snuffy's. The ambiance at Snuffy's is more exquisite and you usually end up with one memorable story of a drunk doing something inappropriate there. That drunk is probably named Jason... My friend who also eats at the Country Cup no fewer than four times a week.
(2)
Julie M.
I have been going here every week for the past year and a half to help with a bowling club (this restaurant is attached to Rolling Lanes). The first time I went everyone got fries and I thought what is the big deal? Well these are thicker cut and perfectly fried. Since that time I also tried the onion rings which are nice and crispy. The last time I was there I decided to be even more adventurous and try something random, so I picked the Monte Cristo sandwich. And wow, it was super creamy on the inside, such a good melding of ingredients with french toast pieces on the outside. As another member of my group put it "I'm sure there are places that put better quality ingredients in their Monte Cristo's but this one is the best I've ever had." I had to agree. It started to fall apart as I was eating it, but I didn't care I just used a fork. Plus it was about 5 bucks. I have never eaten inside the restaurant, just got the food at the window and then ate at Rolling Lanes. I come with a huge group of kids and the cashier is always so nice and understanding.
(4)
Valerie K.
I've been taken there since age 5. I've always loved the traditional Greek-style the restaurant portrayed, and the staff is personable and friendly! I absolutely adore Kim, one of the waitresses there. The food, while definitely greasy "diner" food, is made with excellent quality and significantly large portions. I love every breakfast menu item they have, and I'm a fan of many lunch options as well, such as the BLT, Patty Melt, and many of their soups. Even when I'm not there to munch, I'm always there to sit and enjoy a nice cup of hot coffee. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Joey K.
Was referred to this place on a whim when we had to kill some time/get some breakfast. We were a little skeptical at first but the service was great, food was good, coffee was fresh, owner was friendly, and the vibe of the whole diner was enjoyable. I will be back for breakfast.
(4)
Agent O.
The steak and eggs are (in my book) the best anywhere, bar none! Add the fact that they are the cheapest around and it's win/win. Also of note are the potato pancakes. OMG so good. They are different than traditional and I think deserve some kind of foodie trophy. These are the only two things I order here. Everything else is standard fare... nothing to write home about but a darn good value (cheap!). Don't look for atmosphere here. It's a greasy bowling alley diner filled with old men, truck drivers, drunk/hungover kids, and some characters beyond description. I gave it 4 stars for the 'type of place' it is. The owner is a really nice fellow and proud of his establishment. He says he'll be retiring soon but I've heard that for years now. Just hope it stays in the family or at least the recipes/cooks stay.
(4)
Gene S.
Good friendly diner off of bowling alley on historic Rt 66. Low prices, good basic food, I like best for breakfast
(4)
Anthony W.
This is a good ol Diner on Route 66 that time forgot but its' patrons have not. I hope it will exist forever. It's in the back of a bowling alley and is open 24 hours run by a Greek guy who knows what he's doing and some unafraid waitresses and give the people exactly what they want.... a lot of good food at a reasonable price. It's a bit small as far as seating but they usually find a way to get you in. I've been going there since I was a kid and they always remember their regulars and greet them with a smile. If you can't find something to love about this place you're probably too stuck up or arrogant to be there. However I think guys are more likely to love this place than gals. It's also a very welcome original diner in a sea of boring cookie cutter franchises that make most main streets in America nowadays bland and uninteresting.
(5)
Peter F.
Longtime patron. Breakfast is always a sure bet here. Open 24/7. Many regular customers, very reasonable prices. It's a little small but keep in mind, it is a coffee shop in a bowling alley... you can order food there and sit in the bowling alley or the adjacent bar (10th Frame Lounge) or just takeout. On weekends The Cup will use the 10th Frame Lounge for additional seating before it opens for the day. They don't offer delivery as a regular service but if you have a very large order, they will do it on a case-by-case basis. The owner, Manny (or Mr Manny as my kids refer to him) or his son and partner Louie can be seen there at peak times doing virtually every job in the restaurant, often at the same time... Manny is always a pleasure to see and he will always take a moment to greet his customers and say how he appreciates their business; small business at its best is shown here. Louie often does the same. They and their wait staff know a lot of their customers on a first name basis. Atmosphere is this: It's in a building that also has a barber shop, many bowling lanes, some video games, a full bar, a barber shop, and a bowling pro shop. Lots of working class like myself in there on a regular business... And that's fine, we need a place too. You don't feel out of place taking your kids there for a meal. They will do kid size portions and pricing. Mine have been going there with us since they were babies. Manny met our daughter when she was just 2 weeks old. Parking is plentiful, it's not uncommon to see some local intramodal (like UPS) slide in for a good affordable meal. Just about everything is good on the menu.
(5)
Scott J.
We are here, my son and I, waiting for the cheap Wednesday bowling to open at the Countryside Lanes also known as the Rolling Lanes. So, we decided to have a bite to eat in the adjacent restaurant--the Country Cup. As my son and I walked up to the front of the Country Cup Restaurant, there was an outdoor table at which three gents were sitting, and one of them, a loud verbose one was telling his two compadres' what a wonderful f*** his girlfriend was, even though she had a 5 year old son. Even though? Hey guy, if you are out there reading this you're a SCHMUCK! I was embarrassed for my teenage son. As you walk through the door you see a small, interesting 60's diner that was upgraded in the early 80's with that rose and pastel green colored wall and booth decor, and it smells like it too. Some of the ceiling titles have dusty vent grime covering them. That and pervert Bob outside should have scared me off right then. But it was full of people so I thought well something must be good so I'll give it a shot. In sum, your basic house salad here consists of Fresh Express lettuce straight from the Wal-Mart nearest you and two slices of beefsteak tomato..also from Wal-Mart. You know the kind, that taste like cardboard? The lettuce was rinsed but not dried so the Italian dressing was diluted with about an 1/8th of a cup of left over rinse water. Nice. A basket of two dinner rolls from Wal-Mart and assorted packaged crackers, bread sticks and frozen butter cups also from said store, Sam's or GFS. My son had the egg salad sandwich which he said, " wasn't really bad but was okay"...hmmmm...now if I was a restaurant owner a review like that would get me worried. I want people to go head over heels for my food, even something as simple as an egg salad sandwich. My own lunch was possibly the biggest plate of garbage I've ever eaten. GARBAGE! It was called a Hot Roast Beef Sandwich. Well don't believe it. What it really was was Sunday's left over roast beef dinner piled on top of two pieces of white bread from the Alpha Bread company, a scoop of reconstituted mashed potatoes, also from Sunday's dinner menu and the whole plate was sloshed over with thee worst orange colored beef gravy I have ever eaten. Picture a gravy boat with food in it. Do I have everyone's attention?? By the way, aren't line cooks supposed to wear hair nets? I really hate when i am served 2-3 three day old meat. Sour and old. Everybody knows what old roast beef tastes like, so why for the life of me would a restaurant serve it? Worse, they make the gravy from the ...gulp! drippings of old meat so that it comes out to you sort of orange in color and the taste is spread out over the bread and potatoes and the meat so you can't get away from it... it is just disgusting and beyond me. "Hey! Mr. Restaurant Line Cook Guy, do you want repeat business? Don't cook old crap! Fresh food = repeat business that more makes up for old food you throw away and not serve." "Duh geeze, I never thought of that. You must be some kinda genius!" The owner must think this line cook makes great food!? Why are all these people here? Ever heard of fresh?? This must be some sort of Twilight Zone episode I'm in. I'm waiting for some giant Angela Cartwright to peek through the window behind me giggling. No, in reality this is just some really crappy food. No repeat customer here. I didn't finish my food and it ticks me off because I really hate wasting my money. If you value your money, your sense of taste and smell and lunch time don't, don't, don't go to this place for lunch-- except for you pervert Bob, you and this place are made for each other.
(1)
Ken S.
Had the Chopped Steak and Two Eggs while a pal had the Strawberry Banana Pecan Pancakes. Very delicious! Huge portions, good service, and a low price. Plus it is a slice of Americana with locals ordering favorites and the occasional sounds of the bowling alleys attached to the building. It is a bit small, but intimate can be good sometimes. And they are quick, which is good.
(5)
kristen s.
i love the price of this place! and the fact that it's open 24 hours, i'm a fan. it's close by and the service is alright. it's super tiny though, which can be a bit off putting when crowded. there's really only one line of tables, and the bar area, but the food has always been tasty.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey, Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Julia T.
My girlfriends and I were looking for a place to go have breakfast, and since I'm new to Countryside, I had to rely on Yelp reviews to find a breakfast spot. Let me just say that the food at the Country Cup is absolutely disgusting. My friend ordered the egg sandwich, which was literally a fried egg, cooked so long the yolk was dry as a bone, between two pieces of what looked to be Wonder Bread. My other friend had a skillet which came with 2 pieces of Kraft cheese on top, which she said tasted weird. I went with the spinch pie because I thought it might be a safe bet at a Greek diner. What I got was the greasiest spinach pie of all time. Finally, my other friend had a french dip that looked down right pathetic. While we were sitting there with our disgusting meals, we marveled at how many people were in the restaurant. People were actually waiting in line for this place.........I don't get it. This place needs a visit from Restaurant Impossible. One more thing, our waitress was a rude beast.
(1)Dino M.
Went there over the weekend for Breakfast. Steak and eggs best value in town !!!!!. Louie is teh best !
(5)Mandi S.
I love the prices of there food, and its good taste for the price!The staff is nice. however as a previous post said it is small. But open 24 hours
(5)Anna H.
cool restaurant, not healthy but great food, open late but the staff here and at rolling lanes can be rude, not a bowler but like concerts, stopped going here.
(3)Jeff J.
Started going here a year ago. Good cheap food, diner atmosphere. Always asked for and recieved drink refils (coffee, soda) at no charge. Had lunch today and when I requested a pepsi refill, I was told it would be an additional dollar (this is 6 oz. Glass). The waitress seemed nervous about telling me this. When I told her I hadn't been charged during my several past visits, she basically said 'those are the rules'. The owner/manager at check out then was rude about the whole deal. So, both people were rude. The refill charge is not the issue (though my entire history was free refills). Thus, they have now lost a customer(I wont go back) for life over a pepsi that cost less than a dime. TREAT CUSTOMERS BETTER , WITH RESPECT.
(1)Diane M.
Small and intimate. Good service. Food was okay. Could be a little more flavorful but the prices were soooooo cheap that I will not complain! It's always great to know where a 24 hour diner is. Next time I would try breakfast food.
(3)JP P.
The "Cup" has an eternal flame on the flat top grill. 24 hour joints are timeless. The clock on the wall means absolutely nothing...just another day in "Diner Paradise". If your fortunate enough to witness the 6:00 A.M. shift change, that's about as much chronology as the "Cup" can deliver! The staff compliments the diner environment. The menu is like a book! 24 hour availability for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Let me entice your impeccably inquisitive taste buds...Looking for a King Size Frankfurter for breakfast, you got it! Looking for a Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomato for lunch, you got it! Looking for a Ham and Egg Sandwich for dinner that's hot, sweet & sticky, you got it! Just ask..."you got it".
(4)Ronald L.
Skirt Steak, if you do nothing else in your life, go slumming, and head over to the bowling lanes for dinner. These cooks hand carve their own skirt steaks, and they are out of this world. Have been coming here since the 80's. Recently moved back to the area, and still in love with the breakfasts, lunch and dinner is good too
(5)Vinnie M.
Great reliable cheap food. Staff is usually very nice, and the owner frequently works in the restaurant which I like to see. SKIRT STEAK DINNER EVERY TIME!! you can not find a better deal, I promise. If you're reading these reviews because you're not from this neighborhood and you're looking for something to eat then you found the place. Everyone likes it here... GO!!
(5)Jacqueline C.
Oh how I love this place. It's a diner with a bowling alley! Great food and friendly for your dollar. :) open 24 hours! We order for pick up, stop by here after a late night out, come here for breakfast with the parents, stop by after church with friends/family....it's awesome. Ok, so the exterior is not as nice as a Denny's......maybe it isn't your type of place....but this diner rocks! It's got character! The owner is always friendly and welcoming....and his son is not as friendly yet he's quite a character with his interesting sideburns haha but everyone is nice. Oh and my mom is a clean freak, and she love this place. The bathroom is a little cluster phobic, but everything else is good. We love the wide variety of items on their menu. Below are our favorites: Mine: Steak skillet with scrambled eggs French toast The husbands: Turkey club Philly cheese steak The parents: Steak skillet French toast The healthy grilled chicken with a side of cottage cheese and veggies? (I think) Yep!
(5)Adele n.
Be still my heart. Country Cup is a tiny, old school diner attached to a bowling alley. I love it. This place has all of the hallmarks of a perfect diner: (1) wicked cheap breakfast (two eggs, potatoes and toast for $3.55? Heck yeah!); (2) open 24 hours a day; (3) mild coffee in (basically) unlimited quantities; (4) nice waitresses; (5) weird regulars; (6) easy-going atmosphere. I grew up going to diners like this. There are so few really authentic ones remaining. Give Country Cup some love.
(4)Matt M.
Damn, this is the type of Diner you want to go to when you say "I really could go for a good diner right now". Its small, crowded with the locals and bowlers, and its REALLY affordable. They keep it simple, fresh, and delicious. They are hammering out orders at breakneck speeds and its made great each time. I really glad to randomly fall upon this place.
(5)Deann A.
Mannie... You're the best... Steak and eggs... To die for.... See you next year ... D ADAMIETZ
(5)Peter T.
Give me a home, where the....oh, wait. Give me a diner, on Route 66, and I'll be one happy camper. In a distance suburb of Chicago, the town of Countryside, is the 66 exit route from the Loop, and on it, inside a bowling alley, with little signage to let you know it's there, is the Country Cup dinner, with all of 10 tables, a counter for 8, and on this shift, about 7 employees hustling to serve the jammed packed café. Serving a full menu 24/7, I stopped in for a corned beef, changed my mind, and went with a specialty unique to Chicago (as far as I am concerned), the "olive burger", also referred to as the "Queen Burger" in other locales. I've written about other stops along Route 66 in the past. Everybody knows Chicago is a great hot dog town, but it's a great burger town, as well, with one of the most (in)famous being the Billy Goat Tavern, underneath the Wrigley Building on Michigan Avenue. The Billy Goat was perfectly poised between two rival newspaper buildings, the Trib and the Sun Times, and was where a lot of the reporters used to hang out regularly. But the Billygoat became known to the rest of America through John Belushi's SNL skit, where the punchline was "cheezbooger, cheezbooger, no coke, pepsi", which pretty much describes the 'Goat as it remains today. Back at the Country Cup, the coffee is fresh and plentiful, the burger was a sizzling food service patty, and the rings were hot and greasy. And the olives? They were just fine. If you ever find yourself in need of a nosh in this part of Chicago, check out the Country Cup anytime of day or nite. If you're a fan of surface streets, stay on the original Route 66 from downtown Chicago to the Cup.... Just about 20 miles, take Adams out of downtown, to Ogden Avenue, and roll out there 16 miles or so to Joliet Road.
(4)Anthony M.
Been coming to the Cup since I was a small child. The food is cheap and delicious. This place is great for night owls since they never close. Out of all the years I've been coming here I've never had a bad meal. You can't go wrong with the skirt steak or french toast.
(5)Bill P.
Great: food, prices, and service equals a 5 star review. The food alone is 4 stars but when you add everything up it's a 5 star place. The coffee is good, soup is always good, breakfast never greasy, always cooked perfect, excellent french toast, I could go on and on. Very happy I live down the street:)
(5)Craig S.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for diners. Fast, cheap, it is what it is. No real complaints from me. I mean, you're sitting in an old school diner attached to a bowling alley, so set your bar accordingly. Friendly service, tasty food. It's all good!
(3)Dee D.
This great place is situated on Joliet Rd. where one could almost miss it. I did. Several times, in fact. Boy, am I glad I finally figured out where it was. The skirt steak was AWESOME. Cooked well done and just right. I really enjoyed my meal here.
(5)Grant P.
I love it when I get all judgy judgy about a place before I've even ordered, and it totally manages to turn my view around and make me like it by the time I'm done. Lord knows I've been to enough fancy restaurants with crap food. It's nice to go to a not-so-nice looking place and end up really enjoying the food. As stated, this place isn't much to look at. It's cramped, crowded, and sorely out-of-date. You kind of sit on top of the people who are sitting nearby. I bumped the poor old lady at the table next to me as I was sitting down, and the two kids at the booth next to me on the other side started chatting with me because we were so close. In all honesty, I've driven by here thousands of times in the 7 years I've lived in the area and never even knew it existed til I found it on Yelp. And also? It's attached to a bowling alley, so my expectations weren't soaring. Or even mildly floating when we walked inside. The place was packed, and the phone kept ringing for togo orders the entire time I was there. To put it mildly, business is good. Our waitress was friendly, but not overly welcoming. And she forgot to ask us if we wanted anything to drink other than water. But to make up for it about five different people asked if we wanted coffee. And the owner was super friendly. He actually came over and shook my hand to thank me for my patronage. Thanked me again while we were having breakfast, and once more on the way out. Ok, onto the food. This is why you go here. It's good. It's ridiculously cheap, and it's fast. My wife ordered the banana pancakes and a side of bacon, and I had the eggs benedict and a side of potato pancakes. The total was $16 for all of that. And these were mammoth portions, pancakes the size of your head. I took half of mine home. Everything was fresh-tasting, cooked perfectly, and delicious. Bonus points for the potato pancakes that were actual REAL potato pancakes and not those strange frozen football-shaped ones you get at a lot of places (and also in the frozen foods section of Jewel). We'll be back. Thanks for a great meal.
(4)Pdub ..
The Country Cup is a hidden gem, serving up some of the best diner food in the area. The skirt steak & eggs breakfast is delicious, one of my favorites. Their skirt steak is always tender, flavorful, & juicy. They serve a generous portion at an affordable price. I haven't had a bad meal in all the years I've been patronizing the CC. Their potato pancakes are another menu item we really enjoy. Manny treats everyone like family, always greets with a smile, knows his customers by name. We always leave with a full belly & the boss never fails to thank us for coming, letting everyone know that he appreciates their business. It doesn't get much better than that. This place rocks on Sat. & Sun mornings but have no fear, when the restaurant gets filled up, there's additional seating (tables & chairs) in the bar area. These small business owners that are earning it, should receive our support & our business. These folks work hard providing superior quality & service. By patronizing their establishments, we are also keeping the money in our neighborhoods. I choose to support places like the Country Cup & other local small business', Lest we have a situation similar to what Wal Mart (corporate beast) is doing/has done to the neighborhood grocer, hardware store, department store, etc.
(5)Audrey A.
24 hours. Attached to a bowling alley/bar/barber. Cheap food. Friendly service. I went bowling here with my brother and cousin and headed over to the diner immediately after. It's teeny tiny and kind of divey but it had an old time diner feel to it. I've been bowling here for a number of years but I never got around to eating at The Cup until just recently. It's easy to pass over or immediately disregard just because it's attached to a bowling alley. But their food is actually pretty good and extremely inexpensive. It's probably even more delicious after a couple drinks and you're in the mood for greasy food. I had the apple pie and it was pretty good. Might have been nice if they warmed it up a bit, though. The coffee was pretty standard as well. The only misfortune was that I poured in some chunky half &half without inspecting it first. But I was offered another cup. The waitress was very nice and cordial.
(4)Laura M.
this place is a super tiny, hole in the wall 24 hour cheap diner. it's not super fancy and usually cramped, you're lucky to get a table or booth with privacy but i guess the best time to go eat there is at midnight or later. i typically order the same thing every time i go, and never disappointed with my food. it's my go-to spot with the husband. i know some hate it, but there's something nostalgic about it.
(5)Amanda C.
Went here for breakfast yesterday. It was around 5am. We seated ourselves and it took a good 5-10 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were there. I asked the waitress if the tea was fresh and this is what she said " What do you mean? I don't understand. It's in a box in the back so I don't know." Her attitude towards me just put me in a fowl mood the rest of the time. Is it faux pas to ask if the tea is fresh? So now I"m super annoyed and I told my partner that we weren't going to tip her because she pissed me off. It was just how she said it to me, like I'm stupid and I'm annoying her. I immediately thought of my sweet waitress Gina at the Baked Apple Breakfast Company. I felt ashamed to even be in this place, when I could be on the road headed over there where we are welcomed and treated very very well. So another 5 or more minutes later she returns to take our orders. I got the Louis skillet and my partner got the Denver omelette. First these two dishes are the exact same thing except one is in an omelette form with hash browns (if you can call them that) on the side and the skillet just has everything thrown together. First, the hash browns are nothing more than mashed potatoes put on the griddle for a moment. No lie, complete mush. The ham is deli meat ham cut up, the cheese is slices of american cheese. It's gross gross gross. It could be the worst breakfast I've ever had while eating out. It was a mountain of food. A whole big plate full but it was something I only ate 2 or 3 bites of. I was starving and wanted to eat it anyway but I just couldn't do it. Some other people came in while we were eating and were handed menus before they were even seated. Must be nice to be acknowledged. It was cheap. $15 before tip (and yes we did end up tipping even though I really really didn't want to.) She did refill my drink which is more than our last waitress did when we were here. So, there's that. I'm NEVER ever going back. We made an agreement we will go to our usual place for breakfast from now on, or no place at all.
(1)Linde P.
I'm totally torn on whether to give two or three stars here because I really want to love this place but can't. First off, the owner, Manny, is as friendly as can be and will remember you every time you come in. The skirt steak is awesome! Get it Grecian style! You won't be sorry! Finally, the service sucks!, it really does. I've been here probably 30 times and my order has been delivered the way I ordered it once. Yep, ONCE! The servers screw something up every time. And not one, all of them. It's a good thing I go there a lot because I've learned where I can find my own coffee, ketchup, silverware, and get my own toast when they screw that up too. And yet the skirt steak is so good I continue to suffer through almost every weekend.
(3)Mark H.
Lets just leave this place for the 3 am Munchies or if you find your self suddenly need food like now after you are done bowling. The staff is usually nice enough but the place is need of an update.
(3)Mike O.
This is not the place to take your future in-laws (or your fiancé for that matter) if you're hoping to impress. However, the food here is above average by diner standards, and it is priced surprisingly low. I'm not sure you could find a 3 egg denver omelette elsewhere for less than 5 bucks, but you can here (sans cheese... $1 extra). The atmosphere is about what you'd expect for a diner attached to a bowling alley, but that's certainly not a complaint. Service is efficient and friendly, and the food arrives faster than you'd expect. So far I've only had breakfast, but I'll definitely check it out for lunch too.
(4)A L.
My hash was crispy, my eggs were poached medium, as ordered. Great pancakes too! Nothing fancy, but c'mon, it's a diner attached to a bowling alley! Staff was friendly and owner even came out to welcome us. Great value for what you get.
(4)Lisa L.
I need to big this place up for old time's sake. The Country Cup saw me through my teen years, sneaking off to smoke clove ciggs with friends at 3am while drinking coffee and sharing French dips and fries. The Cup was the meeting place before and after parties in those long-gone rave days - showing up reeking of smoke, warehouse, and god knows what else, at 5am - looking for a skillet and some coffee before heading home from a 'sleep over.' Later the Cup was the joint I'd go to to get out of the house and study, or meet friends home on break from college. Now the Cup seems to be the spot we all go when we happen to be back visiting our folks in the burbs and have grown tired of family holiday time. I may have changed, but the Cup sure hasn't. The wait and grill staff is still friendly, and unflappable - having seen just about every act of teenage stupidity, drunken nonsense, and just plain late-night jackassery. The food, as always, is actually pretty decent for an all-night diner set in a bowling alley. I recommend the French dip, or the tuna salad sandwich, and have never had a bad bowl of soup. Nostalgia is what keeps me, and many others, coming back, but that isn't to say a fresh pair of eyes (and taste buds) won't appreciate this place.
(4)Reuben H.
Two things save this place from only getting one star. - It NEVER closes... Ever... - The average cost for a full plate of food is approximately $2.75 Other than that, this is a Greek diner located in a bowling alley in Countryside tucked next to car dealerships and across the street from a forest preserve and trailer park... Now that you have that amazing picture in your head, you should be able to figure out what type of place this is. I think "The Cup," as my large friend who eats here no fewer than four times a week calls it, is a place that should be used for what it is good for: late night, after bar diner food. In fact, I would say The Cup is only tolerable if it is after midnight, you have had a couple drinks, and are in the mood for eggs and potatoes. Even then- I would suggest going to Snuffy's. The ambiance at Snuffy's is more exquisite and you usually end up with one memorable story of a drunk doing something inappropriate there. That drunk is probably named Jason... My friend who also eats at the Country Cup no fewer than four times a week.
(2)Julie M.
I have been going here every week for the past year and a half to help with a bowling club (this restaurant is attached to Rolling Lanes). The first time I went everyone got fries and I thought what is the big deal? Well these are thicker cut and perfectly fried. Since that time I also tried the onion rings which are nice and crispy. The last time I was there I decided to be even more adventurous and try something random, so I picked the Monte Cristo sandwich. And wow, it was super creamy on the inside, such a good melding of ingredients with french toast pieces on the outside. As another member of my group put it "I'm sure there are places that put better quality ingredients in their Monte Cristo's but this one is the best I've ever had." I had to agree. It started to fall apart as I was eating it, but I didn't care I just used a fork. Plus it was about 5 bucks. I have never eaten inside the restaurant, just got the food at the window and then ate at Rolling Lanes. I come with a huge group of kids and the cashier is always so nice and understanding.
(4)Valerie K.
I've been taken there since age 5. I've always loved the traditional Greek-style the restaurant portrayed, and the staff is personable and friendly! I absolutely adore Kim, one of the waitresses there. The food, while definitely greasy "diner" food, is made with excellent quality and significantly large portions. I love every breakfast menu item they have, and I'm a fan of many lunch options as well, such as the BLT, Patty Melt, and many of their soups. Even when I'm not there to munch, I'm always there to sit and enjoy a nice cup of hot coffee. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
(5)Joey K.
Was referred to this place on a whim when we had to kill some time/get some breakfast. We were a little skeptical at first but the service was great, food was good, coffee was fresh, owner was friendly, and the vibe of the whole diner was enjoyable. I will be back for breakfast.
(4)Agent O.
The steak and eggs are (in my book) the best anywhere, bar none! Add the fact that they are the cheapest around and it's win/win. Also of note are the potato pancakes. OMG so good. They are different than traditional and I think deserve some kind of foodie trophy. These are the only two things I order here. Everything else is standard fare... nothing to write home about but a darn good value (cheap!). Don't look for atmosphere here. It's a greasy bowling alley diner filled with old men, truck drivers, drunk/hungover kids, and some characters beyond description. I gave it 4 stars for the 'type of place' it is. The owner is a really nice fellow and proud of his establishment. He says he'll be retiring soon but I've heard that for years now. Just hope it stays in the family or at least the recipes/cooks stay.
(4)Gene S.
Good friendly diner off of bowling alley on historic Rt 66. Low prices, good basic food, I like best for breakfast
(4)Anthony W.
This is a good ol Diner on Route 66 that time forgot but its' patrons have not. I hope it will exist forever. It's in the back of a bowling alley and is open 24 hours run by a Greek guy who knows what he's doing and some unafraid waitresses and give the people exactly what they want.... a lot of good food at a reasonable price. It's a bit small as far as seating but they usually find a way to get you in. I've been going there since I was a kid and they always remember their regulars and greet them with a smile. If you can't find something to love about this place you're probably too stuck up or arrogant to be there. However I think guys are more likely to love this place than gals. It's also a very welcome original diner in a sea of boring cookie cutter franchises that make most main streets in America nowadays bland and uninteresting.
(5)Peter F.
Longtime patron. Breakfast is always a sure bet here. Open 24/7. Many regular customers, very reasonable prices. It's a little small but keep in mind, it is a coffee shop in a bowling alley... you can order food there and sit in the bowling alley or the adjacent bar (10th Frame Lounge) or just takeout. On weekends The Cup will use the 10th Frame Lounge for additional seating before it opens for the day. They don't offer delivery as a regular service but if you have a very large order, they will do it on a case-by-case basis. The owner, Manny (or Mr Manny as my kids refer to him) or his son and partner Louie can be seen there at peak times doing virtually every job in the restaurant, often at the same time... Manny is always a pleasure to see and he will always take a moment to greet his customers and say how he appreciates their business; small business at its best is shown here. Louie often does the same. They and their wait staff know a lot of their customers on a first name basis. Atmosphere is this: It's in a building that also has a barber shop, many bowling lanes, some video games, a full bar, a barber shop, and a bowling pro shop. Lots of working class like myself in there on a regular business... And that's fine, we need a place too. You don't feel out of place taking your kids there for a meal. They will do kid size portions and pricing. Mine have been going there with us since they were babies. Manny met our daughter when she was just 2 weeks old. Parking is plentiful, it's not uncommon to see some local intramodal (like UPS) slide in for a good affordable meal. Just about everything is good on the menu.
(5)Scott J.
We are here, my son and I, waiting for the cheap Wednesday bowling to open at the Countryside Lanes also known as the Rolling Lanes. So, we decided to have a bite to eat in the adjacent restaurant--the Country Cup. As my son and I walked up to the front of the Country Cup Restaurant, there was an outdoor table at which three gents were sitting, and one of them, a loud verbose one was telling his two compadres' what a wonderful f*** his girlfriend was, even though she had a 5 year old son. Even though? Hey guy, if you are out there reading this you're a SCHMUCK! I was embarrassed for my teenage son. As you walk through the door you see a small, interesting 60's diner that was upgraded in the early 80's with that rose and pastel green colored wall and booth decor, and it smells like it too. Some of the ceiling titles have dusty vent grime covering them. That and pervert Bob outside should have scared me off right then. But it was full of people so I thought well something must be good so I'll give it a shot. In sum, your basic house salad here consists of Fresh Express lettuce straight from the Wal-Mart nearest you and two slices of beefsteak tomato..also from Wal-Mart. You know the kind, that taste like cardboard? The lettuce was rinsed but not dried so the Italian dressing was diluted with about an 1/8th of a cup of left over rinse water. Nice. A basket of two dinner rolls from Wal-Mart and assorted packaged crackers, bread sticks and frozen butter cups also from said store, Sam's or GFS. My son had the egg salad sandwich which he said, " wasn't really bad but was okay"...hmmmm...now if I was a restaurant owner a review like that would get me worried. I want people to go head over heels for my food, even something as simple as an egg salad sandwich. My own lunch was possibly the biggest plate of garbage I've ever eaten. GARBAGE! It was called a Hot Roast Beef Sandwich. Well don't believe it. What it really was was Sunday's left over roast beef dinner piled on top of two pieces of white bread from the Alpha Bread company, a scoop of reconstituted mashed potatoes, also from Sunday's dinner menu and the whole plate was sloshed over with thee worst orange colored beef gravy I have ever eaten. Picture a gravy boat with food in it. Do I have everyone's attention?? By the way, aren't line cooks supposed to wear hair nets? I really hate when i am served 2-3 three day old meat. Sour and old. Everybody knows what old roast beef tastes like, so why for the life of me would a restaurant serve it? Worse, they make the gravy from the ...gulp! drippings of old meat so that it comes out to you sort of orange in color and the taste is spread out over the bread and potatoes and the meat so you can't get away from it... it is just disgusting and beyond me. "Hey! Mr. Restaurant Line Cook Guy, do you want repeat business? Don't cook old crap! Fresh food = repeat business that more makes up for old food you throw away and not serve." "Duh geeze, I never thought of that. You must be some kinda genius!" The owner must think this line cook makes great food!? Why are all these people here? Ever heard of fresh?? This must be some sort of Twilight Zone episode I'm in. I'm waiting for some giant Angela Cartwright to peek through the window behind me giggling. No, in reality this is just some really crappy food. No repeat customer here. I didn't finish my food and it ticks me off because I really hate wasting my money. If you value your money, your sense of taste and smell and lunch time don't, don't, don't go to this place for lunch-- except for you pervert Bob, you and this place are made for each other.
(1)Ken S.
Had the Chopped Steak and Two Eggs while a pal had the Strawberry Banana Pecan Pancakes. Very delicious! Huge portions, good service, and a low price. Plus it is a slice of Americana with locals ordering favorites and the occasional sounds of the bowling alleys attached to the building. It is a bit small, but intimate can be good sometimes. And they are quick, which is good.
(5)kristen s.
i love the price of this place! and the fact that it's open 24 hours, i'm a fan. it's close by and the service is alright. it's super tiny though, which can be a bit off putting when crowded. there's really only one line of tables, and the bar area, but the food has always been tasty.
(4)