The Daily Grub

So Jeff and I are in the process of moving even further north to a little house on a little lot in Evanston. Sunday morning was a little strange, as we usually go out for a lazy brunch somewhere, but not knowing the area very well, we weren’t sure where to go. Staying true to our urban roots, we decided to hoof it through the burbs.

Mrs. D's Wilmette Diner

I have to say, after years of fixating on breakfast, I’m pretty sure I come equipped with an omelet magnet. Within 15 minutes we arrived in front of Mrs. D’s Wilmette Diner up on 4th and Linden in Wilmette. It is exactly the kind of place you want to spend a misty morning. It is a true diner complete with framed newspapers heralding the moon landing, broken crayons, deep booths and stool seating, and it just smells the way a good greasy spoon should. It’s always a good sign when you notice lots of neighborhood folks reading the paper and enjoying every sip of their freshly brewed coffee.

World’s best pancakes
I ordered a couple eggs and sausage with toast, and Jeff got the “World’s Best Pancakes.” Yep, that’s exactly how they were listed on the menu. A tall cry, considering that there’s a Walker Brothers Pancake House less than two miles north. I’m not even a pancake person, but those were some tasty flapjacks. They had just the right amount of sponginess to suck up the syrup, but were dense enough to still be substantial. These pancakes didn’t come out of an instant mix box — definitely a homemade batter. But I will have to say, I was not a fan of the pre-portioned plastic containers of maple syrup that came with the pancakes. You can order 100% real maple syrup for an extra $1.50 more. Lesson learned: don’t ruin good pancakes with bad syrup.

Out of this world hash browns
My eggs and sausage were to be expected, tasty and delicious. I slammed them between an English muffin and had my usual makeshift breakfast sandwich. The hash browns though were fantastic! Light, crispy, potatoey, and cooked to perfection. I’m probably going to get a bunch of grief for this, but these were the best hash browns I’ve eaten in Chicago. They’re not all goobered up with onions or peppers. They were finely shredded potatoes slapped on a greasy grill and left to crisp up good and golden.

If the food doesn’t draw you here, the prices will — most items under $9. Cheap cheap cheap, said the bird! Mrs. D’s totally hit the spot, and I’m so glad we discovered this hidden gem.

Mrs. D’s Wilmette Diner
415 4th St.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 256-2580