Looks great. I find the perfect way to complement the ham hash with old potatoes is to top it off with gravy. Doesn't photograph well but it sure is good.

Kman wrote:Looks great. I find the perfect way to complement the ham hash with old potatoes is to top it off with gravy. Doesn't photograph well but it sure is good.

Yeah, I think that gravy could even make my mom's cooking taste good!

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Patty's

Hombre de Acero wrote:So- when we rolled in at 12:42- and were "gruffly" greeted with..."we close at 1"...followed with a quick scan to notice no seats at the tables (save for a deuce in the window)- we were a bit taken aback- but then when one of the waitress told another NOT to let us sit at a table(s) - & that "there's space at the counter"...she yelled to us...and then::

HdA,

I thought about your post while enjoying my perfectly done med-rare burger with silky smooth scrambled eggs on the side the other day.

~hold on one sec, I need a moment to reflect how good the burger was, juicy coarse ground meat on a house-made bun.........

Ok, where was I, right, Patty and her tough guy act. I say act as I walked in about 12:30 the day before Thanksgiving, she likes to close early before a holiday, and she shot me the same lines, no sitting in at a table and we close at 1. I have semi regular status, after all I'm a friend of Josephine's, but still replied I promise not to dawdle, to which she graced me a shy half-smile almost to say don't take my tough guy act too seriously.

The reason I'm am willing to go out on a limb and unequivocally say Patty is the archetype heart of gold hidden by a gruff exterior, is not only did two construction workers come in after me a sweet older woman came in after 1 and was not only served, but welcomed with open arms.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's Ed Debevic's like shtick, if I worked a hot grill for 8 hours I'd be grouchy too, just that you may wish to consider going back, the food is quite good and Patty ain't (quite) as tough as she seems.

Enjoy,
Gary

G Wiv wrote:The reason I'm am willing to go out on a limb and unequivocally say Patty is the archetype heart of gold hidden by a gruff exterior, is not only did two construction workers come in after me a sweet older woman came in after 1 and was not only served, but welcomed with open arms.

The more time I spend at Patty's, the more I see how right you are, Gary. She does lots of very generous things for individuals, and sometimes organizations, but you'd never know unless you were listening closely.

One of the things I noticed the first time I was there, was that Patty and Susie and Judy seem to know everyone's story. They know who has just come out of the hospital, who's having a hard time right now, and who needs a little extra kindness today. Patty asked me how my job search was going just last week. I hadn't mentioned this since the summer.

Perhaps I should re-title the thread, "Hash and Compassion at Patty's Diner."

Oh my god, I had my first Patty's experience this morning and am saddened in only the many years I have wasted eating inferior diner fare.

The ham hash lived up to its rep, and everything else from the corned beef hash (they were out of chili so my wife had to order on the fly, otherwise we would have tried to diversify a little more) to the biscuits and gravy down to the toast (real rye, not Wonder Bread shaped in an oval) and coffee was excellent.

What a great place and an excellent bookend to dinner at another GNR winner, Casa de Isaac.

Patty's is really an excellent diner. The GF and I are now semi-regulars (2 or 3 times per month). We always sit in front of Patty at the grill and marvel at the wonderful ham. Is it just me or in the last month havce the hams gotten even better? I've ordered Ham Hash so many times in a row now I'm strating to go crazy. I think next time the Corned Beef Hash is in order. The GF loves Patty's French Toast, something I would never order anyway but whatever she wants.

Bster

We stopped in at Patty's today for breakfast with my MIL, who'd never before had the pleasure. It was near closing (about 1:10) and Patty asked if we'd mind sitting at the counter, so we happily obliged. Not surprisingly, we had another great meal. Patty's remains one of our "go-to" places when we want to enjoy a delicious, home-style breakfast. This morning, I tried the chili-cheese omelet for the first time. I don't think I'd ever had one anywhere but the Camelia Grill. Patty's version was, expectedly, delicious . . .


Pancakes



Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, full order



Ham off the Bone, grilled




Chili-Cheese Omelet with "Old" Potatoes (with house-made chili)



Chili-Cheese Omelet, interior



Ham, Egg & Cheese Roll (on house-made roll)



Sandwich cross-section

Patty's mise en place . . .






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Great photos. I have to get back there this week and try some more items. That sandwich looks incredible. Has anyone even done takeout from Patty's? Any protocol to follow?

AlexG wrote:Great photos. I have to get back there this week and try some more items. That sandwich looks incredible. Has anyone even done takeout from Patty's? Any protocol to follow?

I have gotten the breakfast sandwiches to go a few times. They travel well. The protocol I have followed is to say, "To go, please". That usually does the trick.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Patty's mise en place . . .

The first LTH picture of Patty's photo shy ham, very nice, very nice indeed.

"To go" you say, thanks Steve.

I meant more can you call ahead or is it better just to come in and place an order. Is it frowned upon during busy times, etc. As a newcomer, I don't want to rock the boat.

The picture of that ham. That's love right there

AlexG wrote:"To go" you say, thanks Steve.

I meant more can you call ahead or is it better just to come in and place an order. Is it frowned upon during busy times, etc. As a newcomer, I don't want to rock the boat.

Like so many things in life, "it depends". I've been there when they've taken phone orders and I've been there when they've told callers they can't/won't (and were very busy). Patty and crew work to a unique goal where they try to make sure that everyone gets served "in order" - party A gets served before party B before C, etc. When they are busy (and I'm trying to remember the last time I was there that they weren't) the call-in order can disrupt their sequencing goals. Still, it never hurts to try.

I've never tried the call-in myself. Our "to-go" is typically tacked onto our eat-in order. The breakfast rolls travel quite well. A good Sunday for me starts with an order of ham hash with gravy at Patty's followed by a breakfast roll at halftime of the Bears game (assuming the more traditional noon start, not these abominable 3 PM starts we saw so much of this year).

I hesitated before posting, but I thought I would ask.

Is there some high turnover protocol at Patty's? Are people expected out within the hour - or else?

I was there for a breakfast with an out-of-town friend on Sunday. This was the only chance we were going to get to catch up before he left town. We were having a pretty in-depth conversation. I even saw Cathy2 and stevez pop in, eat and leave while we were there - but it seemed rude to interrupt our conversation to introduce myself.

We had eaten our breakfast and lingered at the table without ordering any additional food or coffee. Two women, one of whom I imagine was Patty, stopped by a few times and asked if we needed anything else, reminding us we can pay up front. I took these visits as helpful and perhaps, subtly hinting at turning the table. But it was never overt and there were always at least 1-2 other tables open.

We probably were at the restaurant about an hour and a half when another diner at the neighboring table turned and told us that if we wanted to sit there that we "needed to eat." When we indicated we had already done so, he told us that we should then "pay and leave." I thought he was joking. He was very serious.

I was pretty taken aback. My friend had a fairly immature response and some mild verbal sparring ensued. I never felt put upon by the staff, but after this outburst, it was uncomfortable for us to stay so we moseyed on out, tipping well for the time we occupied the table.

I have never experienced this before at a high or low turnover restaurant. When I linger at a table, I am always keeping a watchful eye out for others I might be inconveniencing. I will leave if I seem to be putting someone else out or increasing their wait time. This was not the case on Sunday.

I am willing to admit that we sat for a while and I would probably be less inclined to so so again. But is there something about Patty's that makes this behavior more egregious than elsewhere? Whatever the restaurant's culture, I found this gentleman's behavior out of line.

I admit that I wouldn't think of Patty's as my first choice for having a long talk, certainly not when it is busy. But it wasn't. This was my first trip and everything about my corned beef hash, over easy eggs and crunchy old potatoes was a blissful breakfast. I will return.

gastro gnome,

Sorry to have missed you. I came with a friend, then bumped into Steve who had a prime seat in front of the grill.

The turnover while I was there was not enough for anyone to feel rushed. I would have done what you did by being generous with the tip. If they were filled to the gills with people hungrily seeking your table, then I would have left earlier.

I think the long time regulars have a sense of ownership over Patty's Diner. They want what is best, though chasing out a customer isn't exactly smart business. They could also be a bit territorial who don't necessarily like the new wave of business generated. Unfortunately the horse is out of the barn, though it is good for the continued longevity of the diner. There are people who don't like change.

It was also my friend's first visit with plans of more to come. She absolutely loved the food and atmosphere.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote: I think the long time regulars have a sense of ownership over Patty's Diner.

I suspect that Cathy2 is on target with this comment. Having observed Patty's interactions with her long-term clients, I'm guessing some of them feel protective of what they imagine to be Patty's interests. This does not excuse the intrusive scolding you received from the other customer. I doubt that your lingering was a problem for the staff. One nice thing about Patty is that she is direct. If there were a problem you and your friend with hanging around, I think she would just say so.

Except for primetime on Sunday morning, I'm not sure that Patty's is experiencing a bump in business that would frustrate the expectations of the regulars. Patty mentioned to me that business had been down for awhile after the Skokie smoking ban was introduced. It's back up now, but in many visits to Patty's I've never experienced a wait.

I guess I'm being protective in responding, but do I feel ownership? Certainly not. There is clearly only one owner at Patty's, Patty herself.

Cathy2 wrote: I would have done what you did by being generous with the tip. If they were filled to the gills with people hungrily seeking your table, then I would have left earlier.

Cathy,

Exactly what I would have done. My grandmother would refer to the person at GG's neighboring table as a budinski.

Personally, I tend to be unreceptive to unsolicited advice from strangers, mostly politely.

Enjoy,
Gary

Had another great breafast at Patty's earlier this week. I was alone, so I sat at the counter, perused the paper and chatted with Patty, who was between breakfast and lunch rush. For the first time ever, I ordered the sausage egg and cheese roll, which is served on an ultra-fresh, house-baked roll. To go with it, a half-order of old potatoes. Absolutely delicious . . .


Sausage, egg and cheese roll from Patty's

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went to patti's yesterday basesd on the rave reviews and i must say the breakfast was very good but the overall experience was a bit unpleasant. the woman i believed to be patti's sister was completely riding the ass of the other waitress. the amount of yelling and ridicule left us speechless and afraid to even ask for anything for fear of being yelled at ourselves. is this the usual atmosphere at patti's or just a rare off day? or perhaps a by-product of lthforum?

abolt wrote:or perhaps a by-product of lthforum

I'm Spartacus!

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but the overall experience was a bit unpleasant.

Welcome, my friend- to the Diner, that so warmly puts The <b>fun</b> back into <b>Dysfunctional</b>....

I am drawn to the <i>tasty bits</i>- but cannot stand to be treated (strike that - make is Mis-treated) by ANYONE (or any PLACE) who claims to be part of the "Service Industry".

I was attempting to "give-em-another-chance" last Sunday- but after getting there early- getting a table- and placing our order far in advance of an empty table next to us- that later was filled w/ a Family of 5- that were seated about 10 minutes after we placed our order.....than started geting THEIR order served before <b>OURS</b> was the final straw for me!!!!!

When questioned- the frazzled, befuddled attempt of a waitress- responded- "well, maybe their order got put in ahead of yours"

duh?

I'll be happy when this thread expires- as do their "loyal" customers & this establishment - due to avoidance of such a TOXIC Tar pit.

Im not surprised to see a post on the atmosphere at Patty's this past Sunday, as I too was a visitor for the first time and I gotta say the atmosphere was a little off.

I had arrived with a friend around 12:30 and when we walked towards a table we were yelled at that we "have to sit at the counter and that they close at one on Sunday" fine with me I said "can we make a to go order" I assume it was Patty's sister who then yelled "your still goin to wait, I got other orders to you know" Not wanting to upset anyone I said "thats fine, thank you" and sat down. The lady then came to take our order and I must admit it was nice in that she told us if we want to eat there it was fine, "it wasnt like the rest of the people there were leaving right away" she yelled out loud making sure they heard and so we decided to eat there and she got back to riding the other waitress like Lou Pinnella does a blind ump and thats just straight up being mean, honestly some people would cry and drop to the floor if yelled at and rode in front of a crowd like that. It made me uncomfortable.

The feeling was uncomfortable because an older man who was most likely a regular was asking Patty for his potato's and ham "crisp hon" to which she replied "just shut up you aint getting anything like that today its almost one, your leaving sooner than later" I then felt I better start chowing down my ham, egg and cheese on fresh bun which I was served before the poor guy next to us who had been waiting for a to go order long before we came, you could tell he wasnt happy.

While I was there I thought how much this place reminded me of Weiner circle minus a few things, it was Sunday morning and I came for breakfast, meaning it wasnt 4am and I wasnt looking to exchange verbal banter with an angry person, I felt if I said anything back like I would at weiner circle, all hell would disrupt on a sunday morning and I didnt want that. After all I had just eaten the best breakfast sandwich of my life and knew I would be back very soon, so I tipped well, thanked the servers and went on my way.

Things at Patty's tend to be much more mellow during the week. I've taken to avoiding weekends, unless I'm in the mood for some abuse (or more accurately, in the mood for watching someone else getting abused).

Hombre de Acero wrote:I'll be happy when this thread expires- as do their "loyal" customers & this establishment - due to avoidance of such a TOXIC Tar pit.

Wow! I can see not liking a place but wishing for its customers to 'expire' seems a bit over the top to me and somewhat displaced to me.

=R=

WOW...

"I'll be happy when this thread expires- as do their "loyal" customers & this establishment - due to avoidance of such a TOXIC Tar pit."

Seems a bit extreme for having a waitress serve 1 group before you...I can't EVER remember being that hungry.

Hi,

While the food is really quite good at Patty's. There is this grumpy sideshow that seems to flare up especially bad on weekends. Fortunately you are forewarned by the content of this thread what you might encounter. If this is not your taste, then there are plenty of other restaurants out there. Certainly I have had my share of culture conflict in restaurants.

Personally I've only been there maybe a handful of times, though I haven't encountered some of the behavior's reported. If and when I do, then I know not to take it personally and hopefully just let it go.

Regards,

I had a really funny grumpy experience at Patty's, no, not an employee, but another customer.

A woman in a green Outback and I pulled into the parking lot at the same time. As we were walking toward the door I hit the remote door lock which, not only locked my doors but set off her alarm. Both of us immediately started back for our cars, with me unlocking and locking the doors remotely a couple of times until I understood what was happening.

I said, by way of innocent explanation, "seems as if my remote sets off your alarm" She lit into me like a bad dog on a hot afternoon....That's not funny, how can you be so juvenile, grow up, that's not funny......

I attempted to tell her it was innocent, how would I know the car genies would choose that moment to dangle shiny objects on sticks before the mortal kittens, but she just kept on....

The woman was a real b*tch and I found it hysterically funny.

We were two tables away from each other and she glared at me the whole time, that is until I set her car alarm off again.................

Oh the fun one can have with the chronically nasty.

Enjoy,
Gary

It's time for me to climb onto my "high horse" once again.

I love to dine out, I love to try new places, I love to give the little guy my business. That being said, I also love going to places where I can enjoy my entree without getting a side order of psycho-drama.

If the negative comments were limited to one poster, I might be able to take them with a grain of salt--- however, other posters have also commented on the rude behavior exhibited at Patty's.

Regardless of the quality of the food, I have no intention of patronizing the place. Life is too short to be subjected to a side show when you're just trying to eat breakfast.

cito wrote:It's time for me to climb onto my "high horse" once again.

I love to dine out, I love to try new places, I love to give the little guy my business. That being said, I also love going to places where I can enjoy my entree without getting a side order of psycho-drama.

If the negative comments were limited to one poster, I might be able to take them with a grain of salt--- however, other posters have also commented on the rude behavior exhibited at Patty's.

Regardless of the quality of the food, I have no intention of patronizing the place. Life is too short to be subjected to a side show when you're just trying to eat breakfast.

I definitely understand where you're coming from but I really think you should try the food before dismissing the place. I've been there at least 2-dozen times and never encountered anything like what has been described above. Make no mistake, I'm not doubting those reports, only saying that I'm not sure the odd stuff is quite as common as it seems, based on the recent reports, which all seem based on a short, very specific period of time.

=R=

I would suggest that if it's a first time visit that one should consider avoiding arriving 1/2 hour before closing on Sunday.