Mama Kitty's

I went to Mama Kitty's this past Sunday in search if decent biscuits and gravy (as I see in today's Emily Nunn from the Tribune did, too - see today's Friday section). I got the Tennesee Special - biscuits, topped with hashbrowns, gravy and two eggs (I got over easy). It was very, very good. As a Southerner, I have been disappointed with all the gravy I've tried in the city. This is the best I've tried, by far. It's not as good as my grandmother's, but it will more than suffice. I'm not sure I would order it again because I really like my food separated, so to speak, so I found myself raking the gravy off the hashbrowns and the hashbrowns off the biscuits. But if you like everything mixed, you'll love it.

My friend got an omelet with bacon, mushrooms, and swiss cheese. The mushrooms were canned, so she was not happy, but I expected that they would be canned. And she said the swiss cheese tasted like our puppy smells, which I don't think is good. She chalked it up to an ordering mistake, and would be happy to return.

Kitty was there and is quite charming. It's so cheap, you can't even believe it. Breakfasts come with coffee - HORRIBLE COFFEE. Our total bill was $9.05. Cheaper than almost any place in Arkansas! Lunch looks equally as cheap. The special that day was a ribeye, which came with soup, salad, and fries, I think. Price - $5.95

oh, the interior leaves a bit to be desired. It didn't seem very "diner-y" to me except for the barstools. but i heartily recommend you check it out!

Hi,

If you are one of those people whose peas cannot touch the potatoes or the meal is ruined, then you have progressed!

I like biscuits and gravy a lot. I will order it whenever I see it on the menu. Lately, I have seen a trend where you get a big bowl of the sausage gravy. When I say big, it is an 6-8 diameter luncheon soup bowl, not a cup, separate from the biscuits. Personally, I want my biscuits drowning in gravy. Some places I have had to ask for extra because it is not exactly drowning, more like fully exposed!

Thank you for the tip.

Mama Kitty's
1616 N. Kedzie Ave.
773-235-4889.
Open Wednesdays through Sundays: 8 AM - 5 PM
Entrees $1.65 to $5.95.

Cathy,

I actually like the gravy on the side because I like to put jelly on my biscuits before adding the gravy. It sounds crazy, but try it - I bet you will like it. On another note, I like my sausage gravy made with crumbled sausage (Jimmy Dean with Sage if I'm chosing), and then the gravy should be made from that grease with the sausage still in the skillet. Mama Kitty's has chunks of sausage patties in her's, which likely means that the sausage was added to the gravy after the gravy was made.

Thanks for adding Mama Kitty's address to your post, which I neglected to do.

Mama Kitty's Tennessee Special is a not-to-shabby hangover cure.

I'll agree the gravy itself lacks sausage flavor, but it is generously filled with some tasty sausage chunks and is not too greasy.

If the eggs(your way), gravy, sausage, hash browns and biscuits aren't enough for you, they ask if you want to add cheese. You really don't need to, trust me, it's already heart attack on a plate. The biscuits were very good: fluffy and soft inside, and a little crunch on the outside.

It could easily feed 2-3 people with side of pancakes.

I didn't even order it, and dug into it the minute it hit the table, steaming hot. I didn't mind the coffee, I thought it was fine diner coffee.

The place itself(a little dirty, but freshly painted) and the staff are interesting, or at least they were fired up when we were there.

At first it aggravated my already pounding head, and started with a little light-hearted kitchen squabble. But the staff were really funny together and were truly enjoying the paying company. Then, I laughed.

Kitty kept threatening to close early because she was so tired, as she enjoyed her cigarette break in the dining "room" and took a load off.

As I walked out, I told Kitty(grill master) thanks for the entertainment, too. She responded, "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps."

They want and should have a contest or a wall stating, "I finished the Tennessee Special." It would be tough.

Go ahead, try.
I'm pretty sure there'd be some takers.

Mama Kitty's doors were locked last Sunday morning. Drove by last night only to see newspaper covering the windows. Does this mean the end of the almost-famous from Jeri's Mama Kitty? I really wanted that Tennessee Special.

It was nice to have a place close by with good (not the best) breakfast with a reasonable price tag.

It's hard for me to pay 8+ dollars for breakfast.

On a happier note, I'm happy to announce the opening of MoJoe's practically across the street from Kuma's in Avondale. Don't let anyone fool you--it's not Logan Square.

I've been waiting for someone to do this a few blocks away. I'm hoping to get there today. I'm glad it is not Charbucks (no offense anybody I don't like it, though Mr. Food Nut cannot get enough tall mocha fraps).


Mama Kitty's

MoJoe's Hot House

Food Nut wrote:
On a happier note, I'm happy to announce the opening of MoJoe's practically across the street from Kuma's in Avondale. Don't let anyone fool you--it's not Logan Square.

Is this a second location of MoJoe's, or did they close the Roscoe Street one and move here?

Announcement at separate website says they are staying open on Roscoe.

MoJoe's Roscoe