Oak Creek Diner takes great pride in its service, and it shows. With a well-staffed kitchen, meals are prepared swiftly and served piping hot, ensuring that no coffee cup ever goes unfilled.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Oak Creek Diner marquee
Oak Creek boasts a mix of both new and established dining options, but one standout is the Oak Creek Diner located at 6874 South 13th Street. This charming diner occupies a modest, single-story structure nestled within a parking lot. Without the eye-catching vintage sign out front, it’s easy to overlook this hidden gem. While South 13th Street may not be the bustling hub of Oak Creek, it certainly feels that way to someone like me who frequents the Marcus South Shore for movie nights.
On the way to see A Complete Unknown (a fantastic movie, by the way), my mom and I wanted a good American breakfast. And, let’s be honest, great diners are hard to come by in the Midwest. The internet assured me that Oak Creek Diner was going to be good, so I went to see for myself. It was a dreary Sunday morning at 11 a.m., and the parking lot was almost full. Luckily, we walked in at the exact moment to get the only two open seats at my preferred spot, the counter.
I had a conversation with the owner's husband, who was busy managing the continuous stream of customers entering the diner. He confidently assured me that every item on the menu was delicious. The couple took over the diner from the previous owners around 15 years ago and even expanded the space by adding an additional dining room at the back.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Oak Creek Diner Chorizo Egg Scramble with Hash Browns
Oak Creek Diner Chorizo Egg Scramble with Hash Browns
The diner offers an extensive menu, which means I'll need to make several visits to try everything. From what I observed, you really can't make a bad choice no matter what you pick. The majority of diners seemed to be enjoying breakfast, and we were no exception. My mom opted for the traditional two-egg breakfast served with their house-made chorizo. As is my usual order at a diner, I went for the Western omelet—stuffed with ham, onion, tomato, green pepper, and American cheese—accompanied by a side of hashbrowns and two small pancakes.
When I mention that it’s been ten years since I last had a pancake, I assure you, I’m not exaggerating. I tend to avoid ordering them because they feel like an overwhelming amount of the same flavor for my taste. However, I do have a soft spot for silver dollar or mini pancakes when they come my way. Perhaps it was just the time that had passed, but this particular pancake was absolutely delicious and the perfect complement to my already hearty breakfast.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Oak Creek Diner's Western Omelette served with Hash Browns and a side of Mini Pancakes.
Oak Creek Diner's Western Omelette served with Hash Browns and a side of Mini Pancakes.
Oak Creek Diner takes great pride in its service, and it shows. With a well-staffed kitchen, meals are prepared swiftly and served piping hot, ensuring that no coffee cup ever goes unfilled. They have a dedicated server who runs around ensuring all coffee is topped off when needed. Our waitress Erica was super friendly for someone seemingly amid chaos.
As we stood up to settle the bill, I noticed additional lunch options being served around me. I can confirm that the burgers and crinkle-cut fries appear just as appetizing as you'd hope at a quality diner. All the soups are homemade, and with a variety of daily specials, there's always something new to sample. It's reassuring to have the Oak Creek Diner just a stone's throw away; whenever I'm uncertain about where to eat, I can always count on this spot that offers a little bit of everything!
