The Depot American Diner Goes on Hiatus

Looking for some comfort food?

Stay away from the Depot, at least for another week.

The Depot American Diner, owned by a pair of Oak Park residents, has shut down temporarily after a handful of health code violations were reported there, according to Wednesday Journal.

The restaurant, 5840 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago's Island neighborhood, is a favorite among West Siders for its wide range of comfort food, from the famous pot roast sandwich and fried chicken to the homemade donut treats and chocolate egg cream drinks. Those are just some of the offerings that lured Food Network personality Guy Fieri to the restaurant for a segment on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2009. (He tried the red beans and rice, a steak hoagie and the pot roast sandwich.)

Co-owner Anna Marie Nava told WJ that city inspectors threw the book at the restaurant for small infractions like torn booths, busted tiles and loose door hinges. The restaurant was also cited for keeping its coolers two degrees warmer than what's allowed — a hiccup she said was caused by inspectors rooting around the cooler. Records show they've passed follow-up health inspections after failing a July 2011 inspection for violations like poor temperature logs, greasy kitchen equipment and a "pink and black slimy substance" in the ice machine. Follow the link to see the complete reports.

The owners closed shop to make the necessary repairs, and the Depot is expected to re-open "at the beginning of April," according to an answering machine at the restaurant.