It's been 2 years since I ate here. I am still thinking about the biscuits and gravy. They were the best I've ever had!! Nothing else compares. Unfortunately, I live 6 hours away.

Mary Lou's has been in a staple in Carbondale and for SIU students for years. There are few places in the area that I think compete for breakfast of lunch. Mary Lou's is a bit of a throwback. There is counter service and then a small dinning area. It reminds me of a cafe from movies in the 1950s. It isn't a fancy place, and I've definitely referred to it as a "dive" in the past in the best possible context. The service is polite and fast, the prices are very reasonable, the portions are large, and the quality is high. The last time we were in was right around lunch so our table ordered a mixture of lunch and breakfast items. My kids got pancakes that were huge and fluffy. My dad got an omelette with a side of bacon and biscuits and gravy. My wife got a burger and fries while I got a steak sandwich. Everything was outstanding and the prices were unbeatable. I would highly recommend Mary Lou's grill to anyone looking for a bite to eat.

Great ambiance! We had a bit of a wait but the food was well worth the wait. The staff was friendly and the food was hot and tasted great!

Food was generous and delicious. Great service. The atmosphere reminded me of diners from the past! Highly recommend!!

Everything was great. We had breakfast. The service was friendly. Just like I remember when I was in college!!

We met our fiend here for breakfast on the way to a golf event. Parking is across the street in the public lot. It was my first time trying Mary Lou's. It has a diner vibe, with seating at tables or the bar. We sat at the bar and received quick service. They are famous for their biscuits and gravy and almost every meal on the menu offers them. I do not like biscuits and gravy so I can't give you my personal review, but everyone else scraped their plates, so they must be pretty good! My traditional breakfast items, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast were all good! We will be back!

Never a disappointment with Mary Lou's. The food is hot and fresh and the service is great!

Very Friendly fast service. Across the street from railroad museum. Ice Tea was very good unsweetened had Chicken & Dumplings and Tea. $8.50.

Love this place. Mary Lou's is everything that's right with the world. Huge dining counter. Mind your manners, they will tell You where to sit. Breakfast is awesome. The half order of biscuits & gravy; outstanding. The bacon is off the charts and the service is outstanding. Wish there was a Mary Lou's at home. A Carbondale treasure.