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."
Diners usually have cheap and plentiful food in a casual setting, and that makes them popular in the working-class areas of most cities. Bedford is definitely one of those areas, and we found Megan's, located on Broadway near the old center of town, when doing a search on the Web.
Occupying a very plain store front, this place has a bunch of tables and a medium-sized counter. Both outside and in it looks kind of run down, but we got a nice welcome and good service when stopped in on a late Saturday morning. There was a decent crowd of people, but plenty of open space at the counter for us.
They have a pretty extensive menu for both breakfast and lunch, with all the typical diner food. Cam had some pretty good chocolate chip pancakes. Ted stuck with his usual of eggs, potatoes and coffee. Everything was cooked nicely and was pretty average quality.
While the appearance and atmosphere could definitely use an upgrade, you can't beat the value of Megan's -- $12 for the two of us, including tip. We wouldn't recommend it over most of the places we've visited, but if you need quick and cheap, you won't be disappointed.
Cam says: "Good service, not much atmosphere. Good food quality, but not very comfortable counter. I'll give it 5 frying pans."
Ted says: "Not so memorable, just OK for quality of the meal. Leaves a lot to be desired in aesthetics. I can't give it more than 4 frying pans, and only that because of ridiculously low prices."
It has been over two years since we visited the first Jim's location in Solon, and we knew about their other location in Streetsboro for quite awhile. We finally made the trip down there to give it a try.
This place is about 2X the size of the other Jim's, and was extremely busy. We had to wait about 10 minutes for a couple seats to open up at the counter. The staff seemed a little bit overworked, and it took quite awhile to get menus and drinks. But once we got some attention, service was friendly and very good.
Jim's has a very extensive breakfast menu, with lots of different kinds of waffles, pancakes and omelettes. Cam ordered The #1, which was a waffle (he got it with chocolate chips and whipped cream), eggs and bacon. Ted had eggs, potatoes, sausage links and coffee. The food was outstanding all around, and we particularly liked the eggs.
If you haven't been to Jim's, try either Solon or Streetsboro -- you may have to wait awhile for a table but both are worth it!
Cam says: "Great food quality with a comfortable counter. Service was decent, pretty hectic inside. I'll give it 8 frying pans."
Ted says: "Not too far to go from Cleveland, and worth the trip. EXCELLENT quality of food -- really great. Staff is friendly but struggles a bit given how busy this place is. Still, a very strong 8 frying pans.."
We were out in N. Illinois visiting family over the Memorial Day long weekend, and ran across this place near where we were staying. It's in a small town called Oregon, and this is our second counter there. Spring Valley is just outside of the town center, near the Rock River.
We stopped in on Sunday morning for a late breakfast, bringing the extended family. Cam and I got two seats at the counter, and everyone else got a big table. They have a very extensive menu, and their cinnamon bread seems to feature in a lot of the dishes -- for French toast, breakfast sandwiches, or just as a regular toast. Cam and I didn't try it (other family members did, and really liked it -- we bought some to take home), but had some of our usual choices -- breakfast sandwich with egg and bacon, regular eggs and breakfast potatoes, toast, coffee. And more bacon -- Cam gave the bacon high marks!
Service was extremely good throughout -- every server passing by, whether or not they were working the counter -- asked how things were and if we needed anything else. Constant refills on on the coffee. Just a really friendly, small-town place. The food overall was very good, and we had a great time.
Next time we're in Oregon, we have to try a 3rd counter -- we heard there's another place called Charlie's Breakfast Nook....
Cam says: "Great service with a very comfortable counter. Delicious food and a great diner atmosphere. 8 frying pans."
Ted says: "Nice, busy place with good service. Food was good, not standout. Fun to go to counters when we're traveling! I'll give it 6 frying pans.."
