Pancakes and Waffles near green line

I am looking for a place to go for brunch with my friends on a week-day. I would like to go somewhere in Chicago that is by the green line. I am looking for somewhere inexpensive, but nice to young women. My friends are going to want to have something like pancakes and Belgium waffles. Our favorite places in Oak Park are George's and Cozy Corner, but we are looking for somewhere a bit nicer.

I'm really thinkin' hard of anyplace right off the Green Line. I mean you already mentioned Georges...

There used to be G&Z an interesting diner and place to buy beer early on Ashland just north of the stop. There is no stop really convinient to the places in the West Loop like Wishbone although they look oh so close from the windows.

If you grab the blue line instead, you can get off at UIC and walk the few blocks to Sweet Maple Cafe on Taylor for some really good breakfast.

Rob

At the Harlem Ave stop the Original Pancake House is an obvious possibility, and one you've no doubt already considered. I think that Thyme and Honey at Oak Park Ave is also good for breakfast/brunch, what with the complimentary bananas and the motorcycle by the cash register. I've also found them to be very flexible with breakfast requests--they regularly scramble me one egg with spinach and mushrooms.

Also at the Oak Park stop, Hemmingways is lovely. I haven't done brunch there, but they are open for breakfast every day till 11 and the dinners I've had there have been fabulous.

In the loop the Atwood Cafe (State and Washington) does breakfast every day till 10. Again, based on their overall ambiance and quality, I would expect it to be good. Their breakfast menu includes "Toasted Pecan Waffle With whipped cinnamon butter and Vermont maple syrup $10.00"

If $10 waffles are out of your price range, then do try Thyme and Honey as a good compromise on ambiance (carpeting, tableclothes, friendly waitstaff) and price. Their waffles are about $5, and very good. (Not to mention they come with the free banana! )

Josie,

The closest I get to the Red, Blue or Green line is when a piece of track falls onto my car. If you could give a cross street or three I, or other non-public transportation folks, might have an idea or two. (or not )

Enjoy,
Gary

Ann Fisher wrote:

In the loop the Atwood Cafe (State and Washington) does breakfast every day till 10. Again, based on their overall ambiance and quality, I would expect it to be good. Their breakfast menu includes "Toasted Pecan Waffle With whipped cinnamon butter and Vermont maple syrup $10.00"

You know, in my mind, I was thinking only of the stretch of green line between OP and State and Lake, but, obviously, the thing turns south from there and there are quite a few more spots:

- Heaven on Seven - At Washingto, but close to the Randolph stop

- Ada's Deli - Never been for breakfast but they got all that deli stuff like bagels and lox - Near the Madison stop

- Artist's Cafe - Food never equals the spiffy neon, but it's fine enough - A few blocks from the Adams stop, on Michigan

ReneG, how far is Daley's from the Green line?

Rob

You know, hiking it from the Green Line to Grand Avenue would be a very short walk, and then you have the excellent Flo (not far from Ashland stop). Also, not far from Ina's, though I'm not crazy about it. Neither is exactly cheap, though.

Flo
1434 W. Chicago Ave.
312-243-0477

Ina's
1235 W. Randolph St.
Chicago

ReneG, how far is Daley's from the Green line?

My first thought for a good breakfast near the Green Line was H&A Restaurant (great biscuits and muffins), steps from the 63rd & King stop. But then I came across the word "nicer" and thought better about suggesting it. Likely the same problem with Daley's (really good from-scratch pancakes), right at the 63rd & Cottage Grove stop.

How about Room 12, the Bongo Room sibling? I think both have the same menu, with lots of creative pancakes and such. I've never been but people seem to like it from what I can tell. It's right there at the Roosevelt stop of the Green Line.

H&A Restaurant
"Since 1945"
432 E 63rd St
Chicago
773-684-8214
Open 7am-9pm, 7 days a week

Daley's Restaurant
"Proudly Serving Woodlawn Since 1892"
809 E 63rd St
Chicago
773-643-8870
Open 5am to 9pm, 7 days a week

Room 12
1152 S. Wabash Av
Chicago
312-427-9972

Room 12 is an excellent choice, particularly on a weekday when it's not crowded. Lots of interesting pancake choices (particularly on the sweet side), as well as some of the best eggs benedict around. Afterwards, you can walk on over to the Museum campus for a stroll by the Lake.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a greasy spoon with Michigan Avenue prices, the Artist's cafe is the place to be.

Rene G wrote:

ReneG, how far is Daley's from the Green line?

My first thought for a good breakfast near the Green Line was H&A Restaurant (great biscuits and muffins), steps from the 63rd & King stop. But then I came across the word "nicer" and thought better about suggesting it. Likely the same problem with Daley’s (really good from-scratch pancakes), right at the 63rd & Cottage Grove stop.

H&A Restaurant
"Since 1945"
432 E 63rd St
Chicago
773-684-8214
Open 7am-9pm, 7 days a week

Daley's Restaurant
"Proudly Serving Woodlawn Since 1892"
809 E 63rd St
Chicago
773-643-8870
Open 5am to 9pm, 7 days a week

Huh. The words "Green Line" left me feeling confused as to geography
mostly, but the above is most intriguing.

Iam sometimes at about Cottage Grove and 55th, near by there. Often
on weekends lately, sometimes Sundays. My usual breakfast (if its
Saturday) has consisted of dropping into Abundance and picking up
the notorious hubcap-apple-fritter. On Sundays of course Iam SOL.
(Had posted to the old newsgroup a while ago, about Sundays when
everything is closed - Barbara Ann's, TopNotch, Abundance, everything
worthwhile. Had gotten a few good suggestions which I have used
since, thanks to all - Lem's obviously, Johnsons, tried Rib Joint etc too.
Havent managed Kevin's Hamburger Heaven yet however).

The above is most intriguing - can anyone expand on it? Daley's sounds
like its pretty close - is it right on 63rd and Cottage Grove? Often drive
right down Cottage Grove (from 55th to 75th) to get to Barbara Ann's,
and dont think Ive ever noticed it. Is it big? Is there parking? Whats good
there - anything special?

Same with H&A - doesnt sound unreasonably far either. Better than
Daley's? Worse? What is it best for?

Any reports/comments would be great. Might even be there this weekend,
if all goes well

c8w

P.S. And one of these days the restrictive bakery timings will be overcome,
and I'll be able to get all the way down to Old Fashioned - but it hasnt
happened yet

The above is most intriguing - can anyone expand on it? Daley's sounds
like its pretty close - is it right on 63rd and Cottage Grove? Often drive
right down Cottage Grove (from 55th to 75th) to get to Barbara Ann's,
and dont think Ive ever noticed it. Is it big? Is there parking? Whats good
there - anything special?

Same with H&A - doesnt sound unreasonably far either. Better than
Daley's? Worse? What is it best for?

It's a shame the venerable Daley's and H&A aren't better known. I'll try to post more on them soon when I have a little more time. Both have ample counter and booth seating. Parking is on the street (or take the Green Line!) and I don't think either takes credit cards. Those interested in hats might particularly enjoy visiting after Sunday services let out.

Daley's is a fairly large lunch counter with a Southern slant. You can see their sign from Cottage & 63rd. Not everything is worth ordering but good bets include pancakes (ham is nothing special), some soups, iceberg salad with house dressing, many sides (especially legumes), patty melt, salmon croquettes, and catfish. Dinners includes dessert but pies and cakes are no longer made in house and aren't very good.

H&A is a smaller soul food restaurant with very good food. Maybe all around better food than Daley's but they're different types of restaurant. All the standards like fried chicken and smothered pork chops are very well prepared. Dinner rolls and peach cobbler are outstanding.

Less than a mile west of 55th & Cottage, Miss Lee's Good Food is also worth a visit (and also deserves a post of its own). Unlike Daley's and H&A, it's take out only. Her herbal chicken is great and many desserts are top notch. I don't believe Miss Lee serves traditional breakfast foods. Avoid the barbecue.

Daley's Restaurant
809 E 63rd St
Green Line, Cottage Grove stop
Chicago
773-643-8870
Open 5am to 9pm, 7 days a week

H&A Restaurant
432 E 63rd St
Green Line, King stop
Chicago
773-684-8214
Open 7am-9pm, 7 days a week

Miss Lee's Good Food
203 E Garfield Blvd (55th St)
Green Line, Garfield stop
Chicago
773-752-5253
Tue-Sun 11am-10pm

you can see a little more of the history of H&A, Daley's and Glady's (another south side institution) at http://northbysouth.kenyon.edu/1999/food/neh/restaurants.htm a very nice website on the history of the Great Migration[/url]

Rene G wrote:

The above is most intriguing - can anyone expand on it? Daley's sounds
like its pretty close - is it right on 63rd and Cottage Grove? Often drive
right down Cottage Grove (from 55th to 75th) to get to Barbara Ann's,
and dont think Ive ever noticed it. Is it big? Is there parking? Whats good
there - anything special?

Same with H&A - doesnt sound unreasonably far either. Better than
Daley's? Worse? What is it best for?

It’s a shame the venerable Daley’s and H&A aren’t better known. I’ll try to post more on them soon when I have a little more time. Both have ample counter and booth seating. Parking is on the street (or take the Green Line!) and I don’t think either takes credit cards. Those interested in hats might particularly enjoy visiting after Sunday services let out.

Thanks for that - any more posts would be appreciated too Didnt know of
the existence of these places. May not be able to use them this weekend,
but will *definitely* be able ot use in the upcoming weeks - especially on
Sundays (since both these places seem to be open on Sundays, too,
luckily).

Daley’s is a fairly large lunch counter with a Southern slant. You can see their sign from Cottage & 63rd. Not everything is worth ordering but good bets include pancakes (ham is nothing special), some soups, iceberg salad with house dressing, many sides (especially legumes), patty melt, salmon croquettes, and catfish. Dinners includes dessert but pies and cakes are no longer made in house and aren’t very good.

Hmm. Sounds like a good place to do a pancake breakfast, and/or pick up
a pattymelt for lunch, maybe? It seems to be only about a mile or so away
from 55th and Cottage Grove anyway, sounds like a nice early breakfast
spot for Sunday.

H&A is a smaller soul food restaurant with very good food. Maybe all around better food than Daley’s but they’re different types of restaurant. All the standards like fried chicken and smothered pork chops are very well prepared. Dinner rolls and peach cobbler are outstanding.

Hmm. So how does H&A stack up with, say, MacArthur's or Johnson's? It
is *so* much closer than Johnson's - went there once, but thats a bit of
a ways from 55th and Cottage Grove (near 95th and Ashland or some
such, no?) Again, this place seems like a mile or two away. If it is
comparable to either of the above, might stop in here on more than a
few occasions.

Less than a mile west of 55th & Cottage, Miss Lee’s Good Food is also worth a visit (and also deserves a post of its own). Unlike Daley’s and H&A, it’s take out only. Her herbal chicken is great and many desserts are top notch. I don’t believe Miss Lee serves traditional breakfast foods. Avoid the barbecue.

Huh! Usually when I drive down, I take the Garfield exit off of the highway,
and drive to Cottage Grove-ish. I must have passed this place right along
the way, without ever noticing it! Top notch desserts you say? The last
time I was there I ended up picking up some nanner pudding from Abundance,
after driving down to 47th for it. Are these as good? If so, it would be
amazingly convenient (the only way it could be more convenient is if
they have a drivethru

Thanks again for the above - will all come in very handy! (Saturday
afternoons, however, will still be reserved for Barbara Ann's, if Iam in
the area


c8w

Hmm. So how does H&A stack up with, say, MacArthur's or Johnson's?

Late last year I ate almost the same meal at MacArthur's and H&A on successive days. I'm a fan of MacArthur's but I have to say H&A came out well ahead in this comparison. The meal at H&A probably cost a couple dollars more though.This old Chowhound post has the head-to-head comparison. I haven't tried too many dishes in common at H&A and Johnson's (8233 S Ashland) so really can't comment. All three are good. You'll just have to see which you prefer.

Rene G wrote:

Hmm. So how does H&A stack up with, say, MacArthur's or Johnson's?

Late last year I ate almost the same meal at MacArthur’s and H&A on successive days. I’m a fan of MacArthur’s but I have to say H&A came out well ahead in this comparison. The meal at H&A probably cost a couple dollars more though.This old Chowhound post has the head-to-head comparison. I haven’t tried too many dishes in common at H&A and Johnson’s (8233 S Ashland) so really can’t comment. All three are good. You’ll just have to see which you prefer.

Actually, I think I had read that old post of yours, but had completely forgotten
about it (and after thinking at the time that I oughta try the place too - this
is why I need to write things down more

Wish I *had* remembered it (or read your post earlier, not sure when you
wrote it). Dropped by H&A yesterday, before reading the above

Had the fried chicken with the 2 sides - potatoes-and-gravy, and mac-n-cheese.
And the chicken noodle soup. The woman asked about bread roll or corn
muffin, and I said corn muffin... and then, as she was picking one out, suddenly
that line from your previouis post about "great rolls" popped into my head, and
I requested a reversal of the order just in time.

The fried chicken was decent, but not the *best* Ive had (Ive had better, maybe
because it was fresher, at Hecky's up in Evanston - went in about 1:30 in
the afternoon there and asked for their 1/4 chicken, and they said Id have to
wait a good 10 minutes. I happily agreed, because that means it goes right
in the fryer comes out completely fresh and hot - that was a better
version than H&A, but H&A's wasnt bad at all). The soup was actually
quite good. The potatoes and gravy were decent, but they skimped on the
gravy - if I had read your Chowhound post earlier or remembered it on how
good their gravy was, would have watched closely and insisted they pour
more on The mac-n-cheese was very good - better than even the fresh
version I remember from MacArthur's. And the dinner rolls - absoutely
terrific, am so glad your last post popped into my head just in time, they were
light and moist and really excellent.

Overall, a couple bucks more than Mac's as you said, and this meal yesterday
was comparable but doesnt yet displace Mac's for me - but then I seem not
to have tried their best stuff (the gravy and other "wet" items you mention).
The bread rolls were better than anything at Mac's, as was one side - the
other could have been with more gravy probably, but the chicken itself
wasnt clearly better than Ive had at Mac's in the past. But, of course, this
is in a totally different location - and when one is near 55th, one really has
no shot at getting to Mac's when hungry anyway, so why even compare?
Thanks much for the rec, will definitely be back, and likely more than once -
on Sundays in the area especially, there arent too many options of that quality
IMHO. I preferred H&A's to my one trip to Johnson's, and it is much much
more convenient as well (and with a couple more trips I might well prefer
it to Mac's too, who knows, except for Mac's amazingly low prices Clearly
its up there among the best soul food places - and its so convenient when
Iam in the area, and I had *no* idea about it until your post. So thanks
again

(Was actually in the area on both Saturday and Sunday, and did Barbara Ann's
on Saturday, tips and links. Tried the hot sauce this time, which was actually
a bit hotter than ideal for that meat IMHO, sort of overpowered it - will return to
the milder version from now on. Good tips, and their links continue to be
IMHO easily the finest in the city. Even the fries were better than usual
this time, maybe they had just come out of the fryer. The only way BA
falls short of perfection on their links is their inability to provide them to
hungry customers on Sundays

c8w

P.S. Drove down Garfield to the highway, but again didnt notice Mrs Lee's
while driving by (though I wasnt actually slowing and looking hard, and
sort of recalled it was on the way but not the exact address). It isnt a
really big or prominent place, I take it? Next time will make sure to take
the exact address with me, along with the nearest cross-street etc, and
make sure to find it, if only to pick up some dessert on the way home.

Thank you so much to all the people that replied to my brunch question. I am sure that my friends and i will have a lot of fun trying out the different places around the city. You guys are the best!

Josie

You can see a little more of the history of H&A, Daley's and Glady's (another south side institution) at http://northbysouth.kenyon.edu/1999/foo ... urants.htm a very nice website on the history of the Great Migration.

Thanks, Zim, for the reminder about that excellent site. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I'm afraid Gladys' Luncheonette may be gone for good. News is better about Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe, the baseball star who used to eat at Gladys' almost every day according to the North by South website. Double Duty is still going strong at 102 years and participated in the Negro League festivities about a month ago at Wrigley Field! Shows you how good Gladys' cooking was. Miss Lee (of Miss Lee's Good Food) worked at Gladys' for decades before starting her own place almost exactly 6 years ago.

you could get off at California, hike over to Western, head North and be at Bite in 15 minutes total from the stop. They have a really nice brunch.