After putting it off for a long time, we finally decided to try the counter at Corky & Lenny's in Woodmere. It's so close to us, but we'd stayed away due to not-so-great experiences there in the past. So amid a Thanksgiving holiday week/weekend loaded with family get-togethers and activities, we found time to stop in Friday late morning and give it another try.
This place is an institution -- been here forever, classic Jewish deli atmosphere and menu, and always busy. There was a long line of people waiting for tables, but we were able to immediately grab two seats at the moderate-sized counter.
Service was excellent -- from the second we sat down to the time we left, several different servers were constantly asking if we needed anything and refilling the coffee. Everyone was very friendly.
It was around 11AM so Cameron found chicken fingers on the regular menu. He got an order of fries on the side. Everything seemed pretty fresh and hot -- he finished it all, so apparently it was pretty good. Ted had the standard breakfast -- eggs, hash browns and toast. It was completely average at best -- not memorable at all. The potatoes weren't anywhere close to well done and were a little too greasy.
We're glad we gave it a try after many years, and there was both good and bad. Great place for lunch or dinner if you are looking for deli food. But don't expect relaxed and quiet. And skip the breakfast.
Cam says: "Delicious chicken and fries. Did not like the layout of the restaurant -- counter in the middle of everything. I give this one 3 frying pans."
Ted says: "I won't be back for breakfast -- needs some improvements in food quality. Service is great, and a fun place to go -- just stick to the corned beef."
Last weekend we continued working our way through the Yours Truly chain, this time visiting the Mayfield Village branch. We'd eaten here many times before, but this was the first time at the counter.
It was an extremely busy Saturday morning there, and this particular YT gets very crowded -- generally lots of people waiting up in the front of the restaurant where the counter is. This creates a bit of chaotic atmosphere -- not as comfortable as other locations. Despite the crowd, we got two seats at the counter right away.
Service was great, as almost always at any YT -- very attentive and friendly. Despite it being mid-morning, Cam went with lunch choices -- chicken tenders and the classic YT cottage fries. Ted had the usual classic breakfast plus some fruit. Good quality all around, we really enjoyed the meal.
We'd recommended any of the YT locations to anybody looking for great service and consistently good food - breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can't beat the overall quality. This location is just not our favorite -- but certainly worth a visit.
Cam says: "One of my most favorite places for chicken, and amazing cottage fries. Nothing unique about the atmosphere, so not a perfect 5."
Can't believe we never thought of going to Tommy's, on Coventry in Cleveland Heights, before! We've been there many times for lunch and dinner, but never breakfast. We were there with some friends for dinner a few weeks ago an realized they have a small counter. So Friday morning we went (a day off for Ted for his birthday and no school due to a teacher's day for Cam).
Lunch and dinner at Tommy's is usually crazy -- big crowds and long waits. But getting there mid-morning on a weekday was perfect -- the place was quiet and we had the counter to ourselves. Plenty of space and service was highly attentive.
Ted had his usual -- called the "breakfast special", like it is in most every diner -- eggs, toast and hash browns. The portions were huge and the potatos (the main indicator of a quality breakfast) were pretty good. Coffee was just OK -- nothing special. Cam had a waffle and bacon -- he proclaimed the waffle to be the best he ever had! He also finished the meal with a root beer milkshake to go.
Highly recommend Tommy's to anyone looking for a good and filling breakfast on the East side -- and I think we've never had anything but super-friendly and excellent service there. You can also enjoy the eclectic mix of shops along Coventry Rd when you're done.
Cam says: "Best waffle ever! Bacon was not up to par -- which means it can't get 5 pans. Comfortable counter and good service!"
This morning we made another trip back to Yours Truly in Valley View -- we've been there before, but never blogged about. This YT is down on the canal at Rockside Rd. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and the Towpath Trail, which runs right next to the restaurant, was busy with runners and bikers. This is the newest of the YT locations, and it's pretty large with a spacious counter. Despite being mid-morning, the place was not busy and we had no problem getting seats.
Cam went for the big breakfast -- pancakes, eggs and bacon. He didn't finish, but came pretty close and really enjoyed it. Ted had his usual at YT. The waitress, who was excellent, recommended ordering the hash browns "burned" -- she was right, and they came out perfect. All around, a great meal and really pleasant morning. We now have 4 remaining YT counters that we haven't reviewed -- will try to work through those in the coming months.
Cam says: "Amazing service today! The pancakes were delicious and the bacon was thick and crispy. I give this counter 4 frying pans."
A special counter visit this week, very unlike all the others. Today we went to Katz's in Cleveland Heights. Chef Doug Katz, famous for his other restaurants around Cleveland, opened this diner inside a 1949 diner car that had been located in Pennsylvania. The amazing chrome, glass and mirror interior has been restored, making it a real treat to see. The counter is dark wood, very large, and has comfortable cushioned seats. Katz combines the beautiful decor with high-quality food and service -- this is light-years away from your typical diner. Not that we cared, but we were a bit out of place reading the paper!
The menu has usual breakfast dishes, classic diner food for lunch and dinner, and some unusual choices for dessert (like homemade twinkies and ho-hos -- the only diner we know that has a pastry chef). We were there late morning, and since Cam didn't find chicken fingers on the menu, we both had breakfast. For Ted, eggs, home fries, toast and coffee. Home fries were very large chunks and were excellent. And they serve Rising Star coffee, an excellent brand. Cam went with a waffle and bacon, both outstanding. And we left with a twinkie to take home. All around, an outstanding meal -- we highly recommend it!
Cam says: "Awesome 80's diner atmosphere, with comfortable counter and lots of space. Best bacon I've ever had. This one gets a perfect 5 frying pans."
