Ms. Biscuit --breakfast

Though the menu tells us they've been around since '74, it was new to me.
Just north of 55th on Wabash it's a bright, cheerful, clattery room. We arrived at prime time (about 10:45) for brunch. At first, the apparent chaos was dismaying: people waiting around outside, a small entryway packed with people in a clump rather than a line, and when the hostess appeared and I asked if there was a list, she looked at me uncomprehending and suspicious. "A waiting list," I clarified. "Do you take names?" No, she dismissed the idea. But she steadily made her way back and forth from the dining room to the host stand, and announced to us all that she would seat us all as soon as she could, which would also be soon. And so it proved to be. No more than five minutes later (I have no idea how she tracked who to seat first) we were seated. Water arrived instantly along with menus. Our waitress was radio-equipped (the better to speedily summon more cream from the back-up personnel), and as welcoming and friendly as could be. Servers and bussers were continually on the move and the kitchen was cranking. Despite a full room and a line out the door, we ordered and were served in very good time.
The plates were generous and food was good. I had Breakfast Special #5: salmon "croquettes" with grits, "grilled" biscuits, 2 eggs up for $8 and change. The salmon wasn't too bready and had nice flavor. They don't offer cheese grits and I thought they needed a bit of something. Salt and a butter pat did the trick. The biscuits were very light and crumbly. Good, but couldn't stand up to the sausage gravy I ordered a side of. Nonetheless, good gravy. Not wallpaper pastey, and the sausage crumbles had actual flavor.
Coffee served in a generous mug and refilled regularly. Not bad, either.
Everyone else liked their food, thought I didn't try the pancakes or bacon that went around.
At the table next to us the guest of honor received a staff-sung "Happy Birthday" which was one of the most vigorous, on pitch, and bone-shaking versions of this ritual I've ever been present for.
I look forward to trying the dinner side of the menu.
I see that some Yelpers have complained about terrible service.
All I can say is ours was top-notch. Friendly, swift, competent from beginning to end.

5431 S Wabash
(between 54th St & Garfield Blvd)
Chicago, IL 60615
Neighborhood: Washington Park
(773) 268-8088

mrbarolo wrote:Though the menu tells us they've been around since '74, it was new to me.

Ms Biscuit has been on Wabash only a few years. Before that it was on South Chicago near Eberhard, not far from where Uncle John's Barbecue is now. Long ago it was known as Mr Biscuit, after one of the owners for his specialty. When he died, his widow renamed the restaurant. If that story isn't true, it sure ought to be.

Ms Biscuit, 6767 S South Chicago Av

When he died, his widow renamed the restaurant. If that story isn't true, it sure ought to be

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i can't wait to try this place. never heard of it till mrbarolo posted about it. i can't find an online menu- but i did learn the hours are either 5-2pm, or 6-3pm everyday.(different site, different hours). and metromix says it had been called ms. biscuit for 30 years before closing at the greater grand crossing location in 2002. apparently, the nephew of the original owners (mr. and ms. biscuit?) is the current owner. i hope ReneG's story of the name change is true...