The Story Behind the Diner

Elmo’s Diner was named after a character in the 1987 film “Made in Heaven.” Elmo is the reincarnation of Mike Shea, who is sent to Earth from heaven to fall in love with an angel that he met in the afterlife.

Elmo’s official mascot is a duck. Customers are invited to color pictures of the duck and hang them on the wall among the colorings of previous visitors.

The Diner has two locations in the Triangle. The Carrboro location has been in the area for 28 years, after opening in 1991. The Durham location opened in 1997. 

Elmo’s is a staple of Carrboro and is well-known for its Sunday morning brunch. The diner sells souvenir shirts, hats and mugs. Customers can also take home bags of coffee.

Awards

In 2013, Elmo’s Diner won the Indy Week: Best of the Triangle Award for its breakfast, brunch and child-friendly menu. It was a finalist for the Best Sunday Brunch Award. Elmo’s has also won awards for having the best comfort food and best breakfast. In 2012 it won Chapel Hill Magazine's Best Kid Friendly Award and Best Breakfast Brunch Award.

Menu

The diner has an extensive menu that includes all-day breakfast specials, burgers, sandwiches, salads and burritos. In addition, Elmo’s offers daily specials on chalkboards around the restaurant, including a daily quiche, dessert and soup. The restaurant takes pride in making its pancakes from scratch, excluding MSG from their food and cooking exclusively with canola oil.

Further Information

• 200 N. Greensboro Street, Carrboro N.C.

• 919-929-2909

• The diner is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day.

• Elmo’s does not take reservations.