Josephine wrote:Another good choice in the Evanston area is Prairie Joe's. Crowded for sure- don't even think of going there on a football weekend- and not open Sundays. But the owners are very nice people and take good care of their regulars. The lunch specials are often very good indeed. For some reason, this place never caught on, but it is a place I could happily eat every day. Grits are available. Biscuits, not so terrific, but the ham is not in limp slices, as at Sparky's, which I dislike for its low aspirations, in spite of a nice waitress.

On a recent visit, I had two perfect over-easy eggs at Prairie Joe's, a sentimental favorite of mine from the days when I lived northward. I really enjoy the owner's outsider-ish original art and menus and the vintage ephemera and booths, as well as the family atmosphere. The ham had a good, non-squeaky texture and was sliced thickly. I also enjoyed this plate of biscuits more than those I referred to in the post above, and the gravy was more assertively seasoned and filled with sausage than I recalled.


Southern Breakfast @ Prairie Joe's by Josephine2004, on Flickr


Biscuits and Gravy by Josephine2004, on Flickr

I don't recall ever having corned beef hash at Prairie Joe's, but they often have specials, and one might ask about it.

The Mexican breakfast with chilaquiles is good. I still try to recreate Carmello's Mexican chicken stew, a dish they used to have on their specials menu. It was a big bowl of real chicken soup with carrots, potatoes and a little tomato, spiced with cumin and served with rice and tortillas. Delicious.


Chilaquiles @ Prairie Joe's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

Prairie Joe's also has those vintage green milkshake makers that you don't see much anymore. Maybe next time, I'll order a chocolate milkshake with my low-fat Mediterranean breakfast of olives, thick-cut toast, tomatoes and feta.

If you go at a low-traffic hour, don't miss the chance to talk to the owners, Aydin and Diane, who are quite engageable and interesting people. They and have run this business a long time. Staying power speaks for itself, I think.