Courtesy Diner

1121 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139, United States
+1 314-644-2600
$$$ Diner , Breakfast restaurant
(2567 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Courtesy Diner is a straightforward, no-frills breakfast and diner spot tucked along Hampton Avenue in St. Louis. It operates as a classic American diner where locals come for hearty, unpretentious meals, especially in the morning and early afternoon hours. The vibe here is casual and familiar, with a sense of community threaded through the welcoming staff who handle busy shifts with friendly efficiency.

The diner is best known for its generous portions of traditional St. Louis breakfast and diner fare. Standouts include the Slinger—a distinctive local dish featuring eggs, hash browns, hamburger, and chili all layered together—which highlights the kitchen’s comfort food expertise. Menu options like the Southsider Omelet, loaded with a variety of meats and served with sour cream, and classics such as steak and eggs, French toast, and biscuits and gravy demonstrate the classic American diner roots with a slight regional twist.

Visitors can expect a clean, unpretentious setting that feels like a reliable neighborhood spot rather than a trendy brunch destination. The atmosphere is quietly lively during breakfast hours, where regulars gather and newcomers find straightforward, filling meals without fuss. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the food arrives piping hot, which locals appreciate as part of the overall experience.

The diner draws a crowd that values consistency and a down-to-earth approach to breakfast and lunch. Long-time patrons often return for the familiar flavors and the practical comfort of a well-cooked meal. Whether you’re craving a classic cheeseburger and fries, chili mac, or a filling omelette with all the trimmings, Courtesy Diner accommodates those looking for honest, satisfying diner fare without pretense.

Best times to visit are in the mornings or early afternoons when the kitchen is at its full stride preparing fresh eggs, toast, and hash browns alongside more unusual but well-loved options like the Hoosier plate, with its white sausage gravy and sausage patties. The staff’s steady, coordinated service adds to the ease of dining here, making it a dependable stop for anyone passing through this part of St. Louis.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

06:00 AM - 09:30 PM

2567 Reviews
Donovan Wood

07 Jan 2026

Staff is always awesome. Steak is always cooked to my expectations. Overall the best breakfast spot in the Lou! South Sider here lol.

Angie Gensmer

23 Dec 2025

This place is PHENOMENAL. Everything about it impressed me. The way the staff worked together and communicated is definitely displayed in their customer service. The food was served so hot that I couldn’t even eat it at first. I wish we had one of these close to why I live. I would eat there often.

Skippy my Traveling Side Kick

20 Dec 2025

This diner is really a local gem hidden on Hampton. Always clean and staff is always friendly and welcoming. The food is so reasonably priced too. Food is hot and delicious, my choice was the Hoosier. The gravy was good with real sausage and hot, with eggs over easy and hash browns along with Toast. Really enjoyed my choice and would recommend this diner to all, as there are not many goid diners left in our communities. Make sure you support the locally-owned businesses to keep them in our communities.

Jeremy Smith

03 Nov 2025

We have been frequent customers of the Courtesy Diner for many many years. The best "hole-in-the-wall" diner in St. Louis, IMHO. Our go-to one was on S. Kingshighway, but that one has since closed. Over the years, my wife and I have tried pretty much all that they have to offer on the menu. My favorite has always been the Slinger. Such a strange combination of flavors, but so tasty! It'll definitely fill you up. Their burgers, Chili Mac, regular breakfast items, everything is just amazing! The staff is always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is clean (unless during a rush. Then the floor can get a bit messy. They're quick to come in with a sweep after a table leaves, though. On top of it!) Though we no longer live in STL, this restaurant is a must when we are in town. The prices are very reasonable and the portion sizes are great. Can't wait to go back and devour another slinger. Side note: Cash Only... but they do have an ATM on site.

Bergstrom Services

31 Oct 2025

Just picked this place while in town visiting. Was very impressed. My kinda place.

Matt Perrone

26 Sep 2025

Courtesy Diner is only a few minutes from the zoo and park, easy to get to. Parking here is in front and fine, although when it gets packed inside it can be tough to park. Inside they have probably a dozen tables along with a few counter top seats. Their menu isn't massive but pricing is decent for portion size. The food is good, both breakfast and lunch items, including the western BBQ burger. The staff are so nice, but when they get busy it can take a bit to get food since it's cooked fresh, so be patient. Overall it's a great place to eat, and it's cash only so be prepared (although they have an ATM still).

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