West River Cafe, NW corner of Kedzie and Montrose

Had lunch at this place with a friend today. Very clean and tidy. Cute little joint with excellent, friendly service. Food came out fast, hot and very good.

I took my standard order for a diner I'm visiting for the first time, a Monte Cristo. Multiple thick slices of ham off the bone and plenty of turkey carved from a real bird. Swiss cheese was nicely melted on this French toast based sandwich. Fries were food service crinkle cuts, but done beautifully dark golden brown, crispy and served fresh from the fryer. On the side was a deli style pickle and a cup of fresh made cole slaw that was sweet and tangy with a good crisp texture.

My friend ordered the Florentine Benedict. Fresh whole leaf spinach sauteed with onions and tomatoes spread out on an open faced English muffin. The whole thing is then topped off with two poached eggs and a lovely Hollandaise sauce. A generous serving of crispy hash browns were also crowding the plate.

This is simple diner fare served in a very pleasant atmosphere. Not worth making a special trip into the city, but if you're anywhere near the intersection of Kedzie and Montrose, I cannot recommend West River Cafe highly enough.

Buddy

West River Cafe
4400 N.Kedzie (NW corner of Kedzie and Montrose)
Chicago, IL
(773) 866-2133