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.."
