Sunday, December 6, 2015

This Week's Counter: Jack Flaps

We've known about Jack Flaps, Lorain Ave on the near West side, for awhile.  It wasn't a high priority since it's a higher-end breakfast place, without the typical range of choices you get at a more classic diner. But we needed to check it off the list, so we dropped in midday on a Saturday.  

The place was jammed -- people waiting outside, even though it was pretty cold. We asked the  host if we could grab a couple seats at the counter, but also unlike a typical diner they treat those seats like a regular table -- if it opens up and you are next on the list, you get them.  So we put our name on the waiting list, figuring we'd end up at a table. Coincidentally, when we got to the top of the list, some seats at the counter freed up, so we were set!

The menu is oriented to the young, hipster crowd  -- no bacon and eggs here.  Choices include candied jalapeno pancakes, root vegetable mash, and Vietnamese-style sausage -- that should give you a sense of what it's like.  So we stuck to the only basics available  -- plain pancakes and syrup.  Simple, but very good.  Coffee was also very good, and far better than the usual places we go.

Kind of doubt we'll go back, just not really our kind of place and not enough choice of things we like.  But glad we tried it, and for sure if you're looking for something a bit different for breakfast, give it a try.







Cam says: "Decent atmosphere with OK food quality and a comfortable counter. I'll give it 7 frying pans."



Ted says: "Very different from our usual places, and a bit outside what I like for a breakfast experience. Good quality though, especially the coffee  Worth 6 pans.."

Monday, November 2, 2015

This Week's Counter: Bearden's




We've talked for a long time about going to Bearden's and finally made it out to Rocky River for lunch on a rainy Saturday.   Apparently this place has been a fixture in this neighborhood for about 65 years -- pictures of the outside from its early days look the same as today.

At first we couldn't figure out how the service worked, until one of the servers told us.  There's a window inside where you place your order from the menus written on boards on the walls. Then, you take a seat and they bring your food out to you.  It's like an old drive-in type of place, but with inside seating.

So we ordered -- chicken and fries for Cam, and a double burger for Ted -- and took a  couple seats at the empty counter.  While we waited we looked at the memorabilia and old juke boxes on the walls.  It didn't take long though -- things move pretty fast here.

The food was very good -- hot and fresh, cooked nicely.  It would be great to go back and try some other things on the menu; there's a pretty good range of choices available.  We'd recommend stopping in if you're looking for a very casual meal in a simple and fun atmosphere.














Cam says:  Good food, with a comfortable counter.  Interesting atmosphere that gave a unique dining experience.  I give this counter 8 frying pans.
 

Ted says:   Really unusual place -- unlike most all the other counters we've visited.  I missed not having breakfast, but really enjoyed the burger.  I'll give this one 7 pans