We try pretty hard not to repeat going to counters, and definitely not blogging about them more than once -- just to keep adding to our running total of different ones we've visited. North Main Diner, new in Chagrin Falls, was a little bit questionable since it's the rebranding of a counter we've done before. It was the Fresh Start in Chagrin, but is now under new management, with a new name and a new menu. We considered that to be different enough that we'd count it as a new counter, so we stopped in last Sunday morning.
The inside of the place looks the same for the most part, although less cluttered behind the counter, and none of the numerous specials that the old place used to post on the walls. We easily got seats at the counter, even though it was pretty busy with the late-morning breakfast crowd. Service was more or less the same (and the wait staff included some of the same faces we remembered from before) -- generally very friendly and helpful, although possibly a bit shorthanded, so you have to make an effort to get their attention sometimes.
The menu is a lot smaller than Fresh Start had, but still a good range of selections. Including some new and semi-unique things. For example, Cam had the waffle breakfast sandwich -- eggs and bacon between quarters of a large waffle. Ted went with the veggie omelette and fruit. And we had Bradley with us -- he had eggs, bacon and hash browns (which he ordered well-done -- the new owner told us they used the deep fryer, and they were excellent). All around, quality of food was great -- not at all greasy, cooked perfectly, and in general better than our experiences under the old management. In particular, the coffee has been upgraded significantly.
While we still like Yours Truly for consistent, good quality and great service, we highly recommend this place as a great alternative for a good breakfast in Chagrin. We hope the new owners are successful, as the town needs at least a couple places competing for diner-type business.
The inside of the place looks the same for the most part, although less cluttered behind the counter, and none of the numerous specials that the old place used to post on the walls. We easily got seats at the counter, even though it was pretty busy with the late-morning breakfast crowd. Service was more or less the same (and the wait staff included some of the same faces we remembered from before) -- generally very friendly and helpful, although possibly a bit shorthanded, so you have to make an effort to get their attention sometimes.
The menu is a lot smaller than Fresh Start had, but still a good range of selections. Including some new and semi-unique things. For example, Cam had the waffle breakfast sandwich -- eggs and bacon between quarters of a large waffle. Ted went with the veggie omelette and fruit. And we had Bradley with us -- he had eggs, bacon and hash browns (which he ordered well-done -- the new owner told us they used the deep fryer, and they were excellent). All around, quality of food was great -- not at all greasy, cooked perfectly, and in general better than our experiences under the old management. In particular, the coffee has been upgraded significantly.
While we still like Yours Truly for consistent, good quality and great service, we highly recommend this place as a great alternative for a good breakfast in Chagrin. We hope the new owners are successful, as the town needs at least a couple places competing for diner-type business.
Cam says: "No major change from old restaurant, except for the menu. Great new menu items that are a bit outside the box. With a still-comfortable counter and great service, I'll give it 8 frying pans."
Ted says: "Liked it a lot better than the prior format -- food was great, and coffee was much better. Could emphasize attentiveness a bit more. But all around good enough for 8 frying pans."
Bradley says: "Eggs were a little over-cooked, but other than that everything was great. The hash browns were exceptions. 8 frying pans."
