For this week's counter we went out to Willoughby, in Lake County. We had read about Kleifeld's in the newspaper several weeks ago and decided to give it a try. The town is a throwback to the early 20th century, with many old buildings along the main street. And Kleifeld's is definitely stuck in a timewarp -- this place looks like it's right out of the 1950's or 60's. Wood-paneled walls, formica everywhere, old wooden tables, and the coolest feature of all --several old-style jukeboxes spread along the counter.
Despite being very small and very busy on a Saturday morning, we got 2 seats toward the end of the counter (fortunately far away from from door -- it was maybe 10 degrees that morning). We felt a bit out of place because everyone seemed to know everyone else -- this is a real "locals" restaurant. But the servers were very friends, as we were the diners on either side of us who pointed out the chalkboard on the wall with specials, and made recommendations on what to order.
This is a classic breakfast place -- so that's what we had. Cam picked one of the specials off the board -- eggs, bacon and HUGE pancakes. Amazingly he made it most of the way through. Ted had eggs, potatoes and toast -- boring but very good. Coffee was fine, and service throughout was great. This place is a bargain -- amazingly cheap, about $12 for the two of us. Give it a try if you are in Willoughby!
Cam says: "Amazing atmosphere, delicious bacon, and awesome service. I give this one 4 frying pans."
After a short break for the winter holidays and some family vacation time, we're back with another counter! On Saturday we rode the RTA Green Line Rapid Transit down to Shaker Square to visit another Yours Truly location.
This one is probably the largest in the YT chain, and has a nice large counter. We were pretty early in the morning, so the place was not crowded and we had our pick of seats. The friendly servers greeted us right away and brought drinks.
Despite it being around 9AM, Cam had chicken fingers and cottage fries -- finished it all, and felt it was excellent.. Ted had the "Sunrise" (more or less his usual breakfast -- although Cam ate the bacon) -- also excellent, especially because the hash browns were actually cooked well-done as ordered.
Service was excellent all throughout -- constant coffee refills, always checking on how we liked everything, just super friendly. This is a hallmark of YT and why it's such a nice place to eat -- you feel like you're really being taken care of.
Cam says: "Great chicken as always. Also great service and a comfortable, large counter. I give this one 4 frying pans."
After putting it off for a long time, we finally decided to try the counter at Corky & Lenny's in Woodmere. It's so close to us, but we'd stayed away due to not-so-great experiences there in the past. So amid a Thanksgiving holiday week/weekend loaded with family get-togethers and activities, we found time to stop in Friday late morning and give it another try.
This place is an institution -- been here forever, classic Jewish deli atmosphere and menu, and always busy. There was a long line of people waiting for tables, but we were able to immediately grab two seats at the moderate-sized counter.
Service was excellent -- from the second we sat down to the time we left, several different servers were constantly asking if we needed anything and refilling the coffee. Everyone was very friendly.
It was around 11AM so Cameron found chicken fingers on the regular menu. He got an order of fries on the side. Everything seemed pretty fresh and hot -- he finished it all, so apparently it was pretty good. Ted had the standard breakfast -- eggs, hash browns and toast. It was completely average at best -- not memorable at all. The potatoes weren't anywhere close to well done and were a little too greasy.
We're glad we gave it a try after many years, and there was both good and bad. Great place for lunch or dinner if you are looking for deli food. But don't expect relaxed and quiet. And skip the breakfast.
Cam says: "Delicious chicken and fries. Did not like the layout of the restaurant -- counter in the middle of everything. I give this one 3 frying pans."
Ted says: "I won't be back for breakfast -- needs some improvements in food quality. Service is great, and a fun place to go -- just stick to the corned beef."
Last weekend we continued working our way through the Yours Truly chain, this time visiting the Mayfield Village branch. We'd eaten here many times before, but this was the first time at the counter.
It was an extremely busy Saturday morning there, and this particular YT gets very crowded -- generally lots of people waiting up in the front of the restaurant where the counter is. This creates a bit of chaotic atmosphere -- not as comfortable as other locations. Despite the crowd, we got two seats at the counter right away.
Service was great, as almost always at any YT -- very attentive and friendly. Despite it being mid-morning, Cam went with lunch choices -- chicken tenders and the classic YT cottage fries. Ted had the usual classic breakfast plus some fruit. Good quality all around, we really enjoyed the meal.
We'd recommended any of the YT locations to anybody looking for great service and consistently good food - breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can't beat the overall quality. This location is just not our favorite -- but certainly worth a visit.
Cam says: "One of my most favorite places for chicken, and amazing cottage fries. Nothing unique about the atmosphere, so not a perfect 5."
Can't believe we never thought of going to Tommy's, on Coventry in Cleveland Heights, before! We've been there many times for lunch and dinner, but never breakfast. We were there with some friends for dinner a few weeks ago an realized they have a small counter. So Friday morning we went (a day off for Ted for his birthday and no school due to a teacher's day for Cam).
Lunch and dinner at Tommy's is usually crazy -- big crowds and long waits. But getting there mid-morning on a weekday was perfect -- the place was quiet and we had the counter to ourselves. Plenty of space and service was highly attentive.
Ted had his usual -- called the "breakfast special", like it is in most every diner -- eggs, toast and hash browns. The portions were huge and the potatos (the main indicator of a quality breakfast) were pretty good. Coffee was just OK -- nothing special. Cam had a waffle and bacon -- he proclaimed the waffle to be the best he ever had! He also finished the meal with a root beer milkshake to go.
Highly recommend Tommy's to anyone looking for a good and filling breakfast on the East side -- and I think we've never had anything but super-friendly and excellent service there. You can also enjoy the eclectic mix of shops along Coventry Rd when you're done.
Cam says: "Best waffle ever! Bacon was not up to par -- which means it can't get 5 pans. Comfortable counter and good service!"
