This Week's Counter: Biagio's Donuts & Pizza

We knew this place was going to be different -- just because of the name.  Donuts and pizza?  And in fact, that is all they have on the menu.   Many kinds of donuts and many kinds of pizza -- but it's all donuts and pizza.  Oh, and coffee.

We stopped in midday on Saturday while enroute to Stebal Drums in Willowick.  Biagio's is right down the road on Vine Street @ 91.  It's clearly all about takeout, with just a few seats and a very small counter inside.  There's a constant flow of people in and out, picking up donuts and coffee -- which, given the frigid temps outside, kept the place a little uncomfortably cool.

When we got there, there were no seats open at the counter, but after a few minutes several people left and we were set.  The counter staff was friendly enough and we quickly got drinks and ordered a few donuts.  Cam had glazed and chocolate frosted, and Ted had plain cake.  They were all fresh and very good, while the coffee was just average.  This had to be by far our cheapest counter meal -- $5 for the two of us!

We'd definitely recommend this place for donuts, but not for a leisurely meal at the counter.  Although we'll have to stop in again to give the pizza a try.

Happy new year!

Cam says: "Odd atmosphere with an odd counter. Service was there, but food selection was not.  I give it 4 frying pans."

Ted says: "Not sure about the pizza, but the donuts were great!  Probably better in the warmer weather, since it's mostly about takeout -- we should stick to that. 5 pans."

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This Week's Counter: Shay's Restaurant

Shay's, on St. Clair at E. 40th St, was recommended to us by a relative who had been there -- and we were happy to give it a try as we'd started to run short of East side and central/downtown counters.  So we dropped in on a Sunday late morning.   We were warned it's popular and that was clearly the case -- while it's fairly large, every table and much of the counter space (2 large, semi-circular counters actually) was full.  Fortunately we were able to find 2 open seats together.

Shay's is not just popular and busy, but it has a pretty hectic, almost chaotic feel -- the staff seems to always be rushing and there isn't a lot of coordination between them (leading to multiple servers asking if anyone had taken our orders, for example).  The interior is older and looks a little rundown in places, which adds to the feeling.  Having said that, everyone was very friendly, welcoming and polite -- they seem to really care about their customers.  

Although it took a little time to get our orders in, the food arrived FAST -- like, inside of 10 minutes.  Almost unheard of in any diner or other restaurant that isn't "fast food".  And it was good!  Cam had eggs, bacon and waffles, and Ted had a cheese omelette and potatoes -- all cooked nicely and very tasty.  Coffee was just OK, a little on the weak side.

Shay's is a really great value -- low prices ($15 for the two of us), good quality, and friendly people.  Another simple and good option near downtown, well worth a try.

         

 

Cam says: "Fair food quality with decent service. Atmosphere can only be described as awkward. I give it 5 frying pans."

Ted says: "Very good food, friendly and fast service. I enjoyed it, and can see why it's so popular. Points off for atmosphere. 6 pans."

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This Week's Counter: ARIS Family Restaurant

Making another trip out to the West side, we visited ARIS in the early afternoon on a Sunday.  It's located on the corner of Lorain Ave & Dover Center in N. Olmsted, and looks like it's been there quite awhile. It wasn't too busy at that time, approaching closing, and the large counter had plenty of seats.

Service was fast and friendly -- several women who are very attentive and seemed like they know all the regulars. The menu is not too extensive, they seem to focus on the mainstays for both breakfast and lunch, without a lot of options or anything unusual.  We both went with breakfast choices -- cheese omelet and potatoes for Ted, and eggs, bacon and potatoes for Cam.  

All the food was great and arrived fast -- tasty, not greasy and cooked just right.  Coffee was average at best -- a bit weak. That was probably the only negative.  Fast, friendly, good quality and very inexpensive -- a great combination that makes this one a winner. 

                      

Cam says: "Homey atmosphere with good service and excellent food. I give it 8 frying pans."

Ted says: "Very friendly place, good service and good quality food. Average coffee and somewhat limited menu keep it from scoring higher, but very good!  8 pans."

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This Week's Counter: The Shore Restaurant

We tried to go to the Shore back in August, and the day we drove out to Lakewood it was closed -- a sign on the door said the owners were away on vacation. This time, on  Friday morning when Cam didn't have school, we had better luck.  The Shore is just barely in Lakewood, on Detroit Ave a few blocks West of W. 117th. It's a small place in a row of stores, maybe 5 or 6 tables and 10 seats at the counter.

It was pretty quiet, in between peak breakfast and lunch times, and the entire counter was empty.  The young guy working the counter was really friendly -- welcoming us and quickly bringing drinks. They have a pretty diverse menu for breakfast and lunch, lots of choices.  Cam decided bacon grilled cheese and fries, while Ted went with the old standby of eggs, potatoes and toast. Service was very fast and quality of food was pretty good.

Afterward, we realized this was our 70th counter!  It was a decent one on which to hit that milestone -- not a standout, but solid in terms of food, service and value.  A great please to try if you're out on the West side.

Cam says: "Great service with a small and comfortable atmosphere and good food. I give it 7 frying pans."

Ted says: "Liked the atmosphere of this place -- friendly, comfortable and not too busy.  Food was OK, not great, but service was excellent.  6 pans for me."

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