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: JT's

I think we found JT's, out near the lake in Willoughby, via a Web search which turned up a newspaper article about it.  Apparently it's one of those places where their gimmick is how the staff has a sense of humor and makes fun of the customers.  It sounded interesting, and it finally made it to the top of our list.  

Located in what looks to be an old house, the place was packed on a late Saturday morning.  We got a couple seats that opened up at the counter.  First thing we noticed was the signs and t-shirts of the staff that said "Eat and get out, dork!".  Apparently that is their motto and overall attitude.  The owner (Tina?) is loud and obnoxious and everywhere at the same time -- seemed like she was the only waitress in the whole place.  Lots of fun listening to her joke with and harass people.

There were no menus -- we watched other people order and either they were regulars and knew the options, or they can make whatever you want.  So we took our chances and just ordered a bunch of breakfast stuff.  Waffle and bacon for Cam, and bacon, eggs, toast, potatoes and coffee for Ted.  

This was one of the best places we've been in terms of food quality -- everything cooked perfectly and really good.  Maybe the only negative of the visit was that it's a very loud and chaotic place -- not where you could sit and relax and read the paper.  But overall, a lot of fun.  We'll be back!

Cam says: "Very good and interesting atmosphere with a comfortable counter.  Quick and friendly service, quality food.  8 frying pans."

Ted says: "Quirky place in every way, from the building it's in to the owner/waitress to the stuff on the walls.  Extremely good food and lots of fun.  Highly recommend -- 9 frying pans."

This Week's Counter: Huron Square Deli

We stumbled upon this place by accident when we were downtown for the Dazzle The District event at Playhouse Square.  Behind the Halle Building on Huron, this unassuming storefront restaurant is a classic greasy spoon – not sure we used spoons, but the other utensils were probably greasy too. Not exactly the cleanest place we’ve seen.  Late morning on a Saturday, it was pretty quiet and we easily got seats at the long counter.  Probably very busy on weekdays with the office crowd, but not so much on weekends.

Service was pretty attentive, although our server seemed to be new in the job.  The cook was working the grill right in front of us, and giving her instructions on how to write orders.  Cam went with breakfast this time – egg and bacon sandwich.  Ted had his usual, eggs, toast, potatoes and coffee.  The verdict was "barely average" all around on the food.  Super low price compensated for that a bit, but just nothing all that great.

Definitely fun to go somewhere downtown, and it was a nice day.  But unless you’re really hungry and can’t wait to find another place, we can’t really recommend it.  

Cam says: "Decent sandwich, not that clean though.  It was very average.  I give this counter 5 frying pans."

Ted says: "If you only have a few dollars and are desperate for food, go here. Aside from good service, hard to find other bright spots. Sorry to say it's only good for 3 frying pans."