It has been over two years since we visited the first Jim's location in Solon, and we knew about their other location in Streetsboro for quite awhile. We finally made the trip down there to give it a try.
This place is about 2X the size of the other Jim's, and was extremely busy. We had to wait about 10 minutes for a couple seats to open up at the counter. The staff seemed a little bit overworked, and it took quite awhile to get menus and drinks. But once we got some attention, service was friendly and very good.
Jim's has a very extensive breakfast menu, with lots of different kinds of waffles, pancakes and omelettes. Cam ordered The #1, which was a waffle (he got it with chocolate chips and whipped cream), eggs and bacon. Ted had eggs, potatoes, sausage links and coffee. The food was outstanding all around, and we particularly liked the eggs.
If you haven't been to Jim's, try either Solon or Streetsboro -- you may have to wait awhile for a table but both are worth it!
Cam says: "Great food quality with a comfortable counter. Service was decent, pretty hectic inside. I'll give it 8 frying pans."
Ted says: "Not too far to go from Cleveland, and worth the trip. EXCELLENT quality of food -- really great. Staff is friendly but struggles a bit given how busy this place is. Still, a very strong 8 frying pans.."
We were out in N. Illinois visiting family over the Memorial Day long weekend, and ran across this place near where we were staying. It's in a small town called Oregon, and this is our second counter there. Spring Valley is just outside of the town center, near the Rock River.
We stopped in on Sunday morning for a late breakfast, bringing the extended family. Cam and I got two seats at the counter, and everyone else got a big table. They have a very extensive menu, and their cinnamon bread seems to feature in a lot of the dishes -- for French toast, breakfast sandwiches, or just as a regular toast. Cam and I didn't try it (other family members did, and really liked it -- we bought some to take home), but had some of our usual choices -- breakfast sandwich with egg and bacon, regular eggs and breakfast potatoes, toast, coffee. And more bacon -- Cam gave the bacon high marks!
Service was extremely good throughout -- every server passing by, whether or not they were working the counter -- asked how things were and if we needed anything else. Constant refills on on the coffee. Just a really friendly, small-town place. The food overall was very good, and we had a great time.
Next time we're in Oregon, we have to try a 3rd counter -- we heard there's another place called Charlie's Breakfast Nook....
Cam says: "Great service with a very comfortable counter. Delicious food and a great diner atmosphere. 8 frying pans."
Ted says: "Nice, busy place with good service. Food was good, not standout. Fun to go to counters when we're traveling! I'll give it 6 frying pans.."
Steve's is in Old Brooklyn, just South of downtown. We weren't sure what to expect as we drove up, as the neighborhood looked a little sketchy -- some boarded-up houses, run down storefronts, etc. But the fact that we couldn't find a place to park on the street in front or anywhere around the block should have been a clearly positive sign -- the place was really busy with large groups and families.
Steve's seems to be in parts of an old house -- weird jumble of doors and stairs and multiple rooms give it a really interesting atmosphere. The tiny counter (only 3 seats) was empty, so we quickly grabbed a spot. All the women working there were extremely welcoming and friendly -- we had menus and drinks quickly.
Really extensive menu for breakfast (and lunch), with all different kinds of pancakes and waffles, omelets, skillets and combinations of all the above. Cam had a waffle and a side of bacon. Ted varied from his usual a bit had a eggs, chopped steak (sort of a cross between a burger and a minute steak, for those who remember what that is!), potatoes and toast. The food took awhile to come out, but it was well worth the wait -- big portions and cooked really nicely. The potatoes could have been a little more crisp, but overall great!
We'd for sure go back -- strongly recommend it. Don't be put off by the location. It's worth going, and try to get there early, as it's really popular!
Cam says: "Food was fair, service was great. Strange atmosphere but an overall good experience. I'll give it 7 frying pans."
Ted says: "Really good! Great selections, interesting place, very friendly. And the food was excellent! One of my favorites so far -- 9 frying pans!"
