If you are given the option of sitting inside or outside, I would definitely sit outside. Although the interior feels like you are sitting in an old diner, the outside is great especially during a nice summers day. I enjoyed seeing the train go by as well as enjoying the local air and scenery. If you check into Yelp, you can get $2 off your bill of $15 or more. They have offerings for both breakfast and lunch, but had opted to eat lunch instead. I am a fan of their ham and bean soup. Also, I had their house salad which was a good sized portion. In addition, my friend's breakfast dishes look quite appetizing as they were completely devoured at the end of our meal. During our meal, the owners of this place decided to bring out their parrots for display. If you want an advance peek of these birds, someone else had posted pictures on their Yelp page.
(4)
Nikki L.
Pauline's has a really great ambiance. It feels like you're in a small town or at least not in Chicago. I came here for a friend's birthday brunch. The juice was delicious, but the food was just okay. I got an omelet, but nothing really stood out about it. The potatoes with the omelet were pretty good. I think the best thing Pauline's has going for it is their ambiance. They have an interesting collection of things displayed.
(3)
Allie D.
We go to Pauline's often since it's the closest breakfast place near us. Let me break it down for you: 1. Atmosphere: Pauline's has a very 50's, kitschy, diner-type feel to it. In my opinion, it is the most endearing quality about this place. It even comes with its very own regular who seems to be there almost everyday, sitting outside if the weather is nice, with his parrots. It's a fun place to bring visitors from out-of-town because they always seem to be taken by this place, partly due to the cuteness factor and partly because it doesn't seem like your typical tourist destination. I think it makes them feel like they are eating at a hole-in-the-wall, although I'm pretty sure the secret has been out for quite some time now... 2. Food: Considering they are open until 3pm, they also have a lunch menu, but I haven't been impressed with anything on it. If you're going here, I would stick to breakfast. The fresh squeezed juices are nice. The pancakes and french toast are both very good. The omelettes are huge, but just okay, in my opinion. They come with a side of potatoes which are very good. Try them with the spicy ketchup! 3. Value: I'm not really sure how I feel about the prices. The portions are quite large, but I feel like this is the kind of place that you'd expect to be able to get cheap, standard breakfast fare and it's definitely not cheap. The coffee is bottomless, but it's nothing to write home about. Just your standard run-of-the-mill diner coffee, but that's all I can really ask for from a place like this.
(4)
Shauntae W.
Had a basic breakfast before heading to the airport. Food was good, good prices and service was great.
(4)
Amanda D.
Probably the most uncomfortable place I've ever been. As a Mexican lady with a Black/Puerto Rican boyfriend who both attend DePaul University we've devolved color blindness as most of our classes are predominantly made up of white students. Going into Pauline's has been the only place to make me notice my nationality as my boyfriend and I entered and given the strangest look by the woman seating people: grey hair, bangs, sweaty eyeliner, and glasses. The place was busy so we didn't think much of it. As she attended people who were clearly arrived after us my boyfriend moved so that he could stand directly in front of her so she couldn't miss us. STILL she refused to even make eye contact with us. After about 10 minutes of waiting around we decided to leave. Pretty disappointed because we were pretty excited to try this place out. Took our brunch to Home Slice on Webster and Bissell; literally the best food.
(1)
Christy B.
Kitschy atmosphere, not great for the OCD cleanliness type... A regulars place:) seemed really comfy and staff seems very friendly. Food was okay not great. Had the eggs Benedict with something that was not hollandaise on top...tasted like warm ranch dressing so it freaked me out a bit. All in all seemed like a cute neighborhood place with mediocre food and smiling faces. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Chloe T.
The breakfast was great, simple and fresh. The only thing that really bugged me was the bug catchers. The entire time I couldn't stop thinking of them, little disturbing, but nonetheless it wasn't bad, the bug thing is the only thing that would keep me from going back.
(3)
Dani M.
This place was a short walk from my old condo in Bowmanville. I frequented it occasionally when I was looking for a no frills, straight up breakfast place. Now I am not a breakfast person, I am a brunch person. I think these are two very different types of people. I would classify this as a breakfast place. It has a cute diner meets grandma appeal. I've had the cheddar bacon waffle which I found to be the perfect salty-sweet-savory combination to satisfy this brunch fiend. Most of the other people I've been here with chose your more typical breakfast items: pancakes, eggs, etc. Everyone I've been here with has said they've enjoyed their food. Pleasant waitstaff, affordable, and satisfying . . . even to a brunch person.
(3)
Liz J.
In love with Pauline's. The breakfast is to die for and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy. We love enjoying our meals outside in the summer in company of the two parrots that are usually hanging around. The coffee is good and the food is even better! Great Chicago restaurant.
I love it when I walk into a place and the nostalgia of a different time in history just hits you. This is the perfect place to go and feel like you're sitting in a cute 1950's diner. The way it's set up and decorated is enough to convert me into a regular customer. Honestly, I've had better breakfast food elsewhere for the price. But at Pauline's it has a great home cooked taste, and I'll take the comfort of that experience over any industrially made food any day. And I haven't tried much on the menu, so it's not entirely enough to judge the food just yet. Can't wait to go back for more.
(5)
Sara A.
Pauline's is the only breakfast place within walking distance from where I live, so I frequent this restaurant often. Though sometimes I find myself driving or taking the train to somewhere else because frankly Pauline's could be so much better. Even though this is a small no frills breakfast place, which I like, you really don't get what you pay for. They charge $9 for a very BASIC eggs benedict that comes with NO sides. Their omelettes are quite good and come with a side of potatoes, which makes them reasonably priced. The potatoes, however, are a hit and miss. They're usually too mushy and flavorless. Not a fan. In other words, if you want a traditional no-frills breakfast, you can go elsewhere for much more reasonable prices.
(2)
Pamela B.
My bf been wanting to try this place, we finally went. I got banana pancakes and holy shit they were awesome!!!!!!! they dont just slap it on top its IN the pancakes. He got some steak and eggs and was in love. We will be coming back to this place again.
(5)
Megan D.
Finally got to Pauline's after driving by it for a few months now on my way home from work. Staff was very friendly and accomodating to everyone that walked through the door. We sat outside and were promptly give water. Boyfriend ordered coffee and I ordered OJ. His coffee mug hadn't been cleaned very well as there was still lipstick on it which he wound up wiping off. I got the panacke special and he had the lumberjack special. The food was tasty and it was a change of pace from going to Golden Nugget. I will say that both of us wound up having heartburn the rest of the day, possibly from the eggs as that was the only thing we both had that could have caused it. Overall the place is OK, staff was nice and food was decent. Maybe a smidge overpriced as before tip the bill was $27. I felt I had enough food but I feel we do get more for our money elsewhere. I'd like to try their lunch/soups one day and will probably save that for cooler months.
(3)
Jason M.
Cozy, down home basic breakfast food. Staff is friendly, and the food is good, particularly the French toast. Nothing is going to blow you away with its greatness, but then nothing is bad, either.
(4)
Terry F.
Friendly vibe, super attentive waitstaff and the food comes out before you know it. Their daily specials always grab me and the food never disappoints. Their blackberry pancakes are one of my favorites.
(4)
Jeremy T.
I live in the neighborhood and have had breakfast at Pauline's several times over the years. I would describe the food and overall experience as "average," but my last visit changed that. I would now describe Pauline's as "disgusting." The people that work there are nice, which accounts for the 2 stars instead of 1. Also, the coffee is good. That's it for the positive. The negative: - The staff cleaning the entire restaurant while I'm eating - The strong smell of chemical cleaning agents permeating the air, mixed with grease - Fruit flies swarming my food for the duration of my meal - Omelets are made with some kind of thin, pourable egg product and not fluffy real eggs - An obnoxious sound of pigs being slaughtered throughout my meal. No, I'm not kidding. The noise was so disturbing that I asked my waitress what it was. She said, deadpan, "They are killing the pigs to make bacon." I am still trying to figure out if she was joking. Being a vegetarian, I completely lost my appetite at that point. I asked her again if she was serious or what. She then said: "No no - it's somebody's cell phone." The noise kept repeating. It sounded like a recording of real pigs crying and being butchered. Whether it was someone's ring tone or some video game or what - I have no idea. But it was really, really bad. I got the Feta and Spinach omelet, which like I mentioned above, was a bunch of spinach wrapped in a very thin layer of pourable egg product. It was supposed to have black olives as well, but they were just a few slices of canned olive sprinkled on top. The feta was the cheap kind that's like cottage cheese. Their potatoes are okay. I dunno, this was the kind of experience that will keep me away, probably for good.
(2)
Garrett G.
I live around the block and would love to have a solid breakfast joint. I have tried and tried but this place always falls short. The service is slow and and I have yet to have a meal (I have been here about 4 times) where something doesn't come out wrong and need to be sent back. The food is not bad. It has always been somewhere between average and good but menu is very limited. When I leave this place I always wish I would have taken the extra time/money to eat someplace better on Clark.
(2)
Ariella C.
So good. Honestly I do not care for breakfast food and it was excellent! PS order the pancakes
(5)
Bart S.
Haven't been in a while- but had breakfast on the patio today- had our two dogs in tow- the staff brought a bowl of water over for the dogs and a treat for them..off to a great start. Then coffee right away- we had an omelet and multi gran pancakes both items were A+ and the service was top notch- Will be back again soon, sorry it's been over a year since I was here..
(4)
Gary B.
There has been some updates and changes to Paulines with the unfortunate passing of the original owners. The most noticeable is they accept credit and debit cards. The place is still popular and the patio is slammed during the warm weather. at times service can be spotty and a little unfriendly at times. This has resulted in us ordering take out. Food comes out fast and hot and the gentleman that takes the phone orders is very nice.
(3)
Antonio D.
Great food n service everytime I visit chicago this is a must and yet another breakfast before I fly back Friday am If ur near make sure u stop by and institution since 90"s,had the French toast dipped on vanilla n orange topped with fresh strawberries n fresh whipped cream the best I've tasted ,fresh squeezed oj Canadian bacon ,everything is great here
(5)
Angy A.
My brother took me out for breakfast and I had some great strawberry pancakes! Pauline's so cute! The service was great, I really enjoyed it.
(5)
Neal M.
I've eaten here twice, and every time was quite pleasant. Love the farmer rustic decor. Service is good. Home fries are wonderful. You can't beat fresh squeezed OJ served in a mason jar. I've eaten the veggie omelette and eggs Benedict. Both were delicious and filling. They have some of the best prices in the city. I will keep coming back..
(4)
J M.
Food is above average and service is nice. Good for either breakfast or brunch. Lunch menu does not have as many options. Portions are large.
(4)
Sam N.
when you step onto this place, its like you are going back in time. I like to refer to this as a retro breakfast place. They also have a patio. But in order to experience the full experience of this place one should really be sitting indoors. It was a good thing I brought my appetite on my last visit because I had a 5 egg tomato and goat cheese omlette. They take their food very seriously here because my relatives who were with me ordered the pancakes let me taste it and it was super sweet with loads of sugar and syrup...As if that was not enough they put whipped cream on it with the heavy cream that was already on top of it. I guess we should be ready to consume our weeks RDA of sugar products in one meal...It's a tough life, I tell ya. If you dont want to have a coma before the end of the day than you should order the egg omlettes with just the whites,potatos and toast. The last time I was there they took out the toast for me and put in fruit instead. They wait staff seems verypatient with everyone. As I have been here many times in the last 15years, I can remember no time when I felt rushed by anyone to make up my mind what I odered or how long I wanted to stay. Just an observation. The hot chocolate is made in a different way here than in most places. I want to leave this as a surprise for anyone planning to make it out here. Although it is by the metra tracks it has this feel like it is off the beaten path but really it is not. If you want a good place to compare it to, maybe TEMPO on Chestnut and State is a good one although this place has way more options. But not many people can get here during the week because we all don't live in Andersonville and it closes at 3PM Maybe it is overdone or maybe it is not-depends on your mood . If you have visitors from the east coast, I would advise you bring them here because the chances they have a place like this in Hoboken,NJ are very slim. Plenty of food to chose from that is under $11 when ordering with coffee. That's before taxes.
(4)
Scott B.
If quantity was the benchmark, 5 would be the stars. I have eaten a grilled cheese with bacon here, that bordered on fantastic. A recent foray left me with a half ton of potatoes, a 5 egg omelet that looked and tasted flat as a cloth napkin. Service was extremely classy, but, ya can't eat service. I've visited here several times, as I do believe in supporting local business, coupled with the fact that they do give back to the neighborhood associations, but the food hasn't evolved or improved. I'll stick with the grilled cheese.
(2)
Carlos S.
Classic American breakfast items can be found here, but there are also some gems that stick out and make coming here more than once worth it every time. Pumpkin pancakes! The best! Omelets are huge and delicious, potatoes are pretty good, and the biscuits and gravy were a little disappointing as far as the flavors and textures go. Just don't miss out on the pancakes!
(4)
Gina E.
The food was decent. I had the country breakfast- gravy wasn't very flavorful and needed to more sausage. The biscuits tasted like they came from a can. Decent. Not great. The service was not good! Our waitress Gloria was so slow!!! I'm sure she's Sweet, but she never checked on us. Took forever to order or to get our check. The other waitrons helped us and they were more attentive to us. They were amazing! Especially the bald man with a hat- amazing service! Decent food. Good portions... Not great service from Gloria! The others were good though.
(3)
Devvora P.
The best thing about the place is its location and a local guy who usually hangs out there with his two Macaw parrots. We ate there once and don't want to go back. The food was rather tasteless and the service ok. Basic dinner. If the chef was better, we would go back, as we like the location, but we don't like to pay for food that tastes bad!
(1)
Cecilia B.
Any omelet is sooooo good, Pauline potatoes are to die for.
(5)
Michael T.
I had the egg and pancake special and it was pretty good. The portions were big for the cost. I asked for the strawberries and whipped cream on my pancakes and I literally got like 4 thinly sliced slivers of strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. My eggs were not cooked as I ordered but I ate them anyway. I would go again just because it is within walking distance of my house but the food and service were just okay. The information says that they don't take credit cards, but on the door they have a Visa, Mastercard, and Discover sticker so they apparently do now.
(3)
Jordan B.
I've been to Pauline's but have never actually eaten the food. All I wanted was some kind of combo meal that came with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast that I was hoping to substitute (and pay extra) for a pancake. They have no such thing on the menu. Not even a variation of that combination. I would have had to order everything a la carte and that would have added up to around $15 or $16 dollars. Nope. Not gonna do it. I paid for the terribly bland coffee and went somewhere else. I'm sorry, but if you're only open for breakfast, then you should really have the most basic breakfast combo on your menu.
(2)
Mike K.
Pauline's is a little hidden gem...its kinda out of the way, next to a cemetary, and ironically across the street from one of my more adeventurous dates in which i'm not eager to run into again (im very lovable with addictable kissing skill yet I'm not first date boyfriend material...sorry princess). It's also only open from 7am to 3pm, which we all know is peak Mike K world domination hours. Luckily I had some free time before a rather big day/night and feeling pretty good about myself, which meant I needed to be put in my place by a friend who doesn't see life as all sunshine and lollipops, and especially my lollipop. This was the place, a small little cafe/diner dressed up in troll dolls with an atmosphere that said "hey, I was in the last Dixie Chicks video". I like the decor, love the fact that they have bottomless sugar, cream butter, and jellies, plus breakfast all day (or at least from 7-3) how can your beat that. And its cheap! A solid little place to disappear to if you wanna get away from the busy city life and expensive priced brunch outlets Andersonville gives you.
(4)
Lizz M.
I've lived in Ravenswood a pretty good portion of my life, and somehow always managed to avoid Pauline's. So when a couple of Yelpers recommended I check out their corn beef hash, I took my friend here and got my hash on. The verdict? A-okay, indeed, probably a little more than A-okay, but Yelp won't let me grade that way. Portions are huge, service is good, and the prices are reasonable. I also got some pancakes which were gigantic and delicious--served with fresh strawberries, yum! They also have a bowl full of SAF-T POPS by the cash register! My childhood!
(3)
Liz B.
The smokehaus omelet is AMAZING! loaded with bacon! the freshly squeezed orange juice is great as well. Pauline's is a very cute, friendly diner.
(4)
Sharon C.
Haven't been here in a few years. This place is still awesome. Excellent salad with great choice of dressings. Feta cheese omelette with spinach was very good as well. And I ordered heard a Waldorf salad to go. I don't see that on the menu too often these days. Oh and the waitress we had, Caitlyn, was wonderful too.
(5)
Mike W.
I had breakfast last saturday 1/18/14. I had the make your own omelet with feta cheese, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. Everything was hot and very tasty. Mike UpCycle with Michael
(5)
Bridget K.
My parents were in town from Ohio and we wanted to grab brunch with the whole fam before they headed back home. If we went to brunch at some of the other hot spots on the northside we would have to wait 30 plus minutes for a table for all 7 of us. Luckily Pauline's is a close walk to Lincoln Square and you don't have to wait forever to get a table. The wait staff is great. They're super attentive and helpful. The coffee was also great. I could go for a cup of it now. The menu has something to please every pallet. I got one of the egg scrambles which was good. Since I was with my fam we were able to taste everyone's dishes. I enjoyed the smores pancakes. They were pretty good though I like more chocolate than marshmellow. The potatoes/homefries as some people call them were also good. If I need a decent place to head for brunch and I don't want to wait for hours, I'll be heading to Pauline's.
(4)
B C.
Pauline's feels like a small town Wisconsin diner. They've covered the walls with photos of customers and stuff that your grandma would chuckle at. The menu has plenty of options for the caloric'ly oblivious and the waitresses are the sorts who'll call you "hun" or "sweety" at least once. They've also gone as far as to trademark their Pauline's Potatoes*(tm). Ask what their especially known for serving, and they'll proudly rattle off half the menu. On my two visits, I've had their Country Breakfast biscuits and gravy, and their pumpkin pancakes. Both were big and satisfying. The food came out quick and they never let my coffee cup go empty. Get here early or a bit after 11:00 to avoid the weekend morning rush. We came in at 11:30 both times and didn't have to wait at all for a table.
(4)
Jennifer Z.
Stopped at this place since I always run by it . It's a local cozy spot, hidden by the metra that runs along the metra. I did like the patio seating option. Food menu was pretty standard to that of a diner ( golden nuggetish). Nothing extremely unique or mouth watering. I got one of the 2 veggie options. Definitely not a place for vegetarians. But nice for a friendly brunch.
(3)
Sara V.
Seriously good omelette. I mean mouth-wateringly delicious and SPICY! They obviously buy some good quality ingredients 'cause the veggies (and jalepenos) were tastier than I'm used to in Chicago. Both myself and my companion's omelette's were heavenly. We were ridiculously full and still kept going 'til our plates were empty. Each agreed the other's omelette was wonderful (while secretly thinking "but mine is a little better"). Potatoes were equally good although I could have stood for them to be a little crispier but that's a personal preference which they are by no means required to fulfill. Unfortunately service is ensuring this place is only getting 3-stars. Our server was not friendly at all and in fact bordered on surly. She also neglected to get my order right. Maybe it was the kitchen. Maybe it was because she was just barely paying attention when I ordered. Who knows. Since I was starving and didn't want to make a fuss I just ate around what I can't eat. Coupled with her attitude and the general manner in which she treated us, it marred an otherwise perfectly lovely breakfast. The place is cute. Obviously popular. The other waitresses seemed much friendlier. I will absolutely return for more omelette especially since this is pretty decently priced breakfast food. I'll just hope I get a different waitress next time.
(3)
Puppy C.
3 basted eggs with potatoes, corned beef hash, and whole grain toast is what I ordered. Everything on the plate was very good and fresh tasting. I appreciate the portions (not too small and not too much) and the very reasonable price. My daughter and her friend also enjoyed their choices. The service was very good as well. Will be coming back more often.
(4)
Kate H.
Food good, service poor. My boyfriend and I went to Pauline's around 10:30 on a Saturday and had no problems snagging a table. They didn't appear especially busy, with no wait for even large parties. We waited a considerable amount of time before we were approached by our server, probably around 10 minutes. Our breakfast came out in a timely fashion, and the food was fine. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. He had the cowboy breakfast and enjoyed his steak. At no point in time did our server come back for the customary "check in". We had to flag her down to refill our waters, and then again for our check. We only wished we had gone to Golden Nugget where the portions are bigger, the service is quick, and the ladies anticipate your needs.
(2)
Pamela P.
What a letdown. Mediocre and unacceptable. The food was terrible. Had the whole wheat pancakes and eggs. Dry and clinging to the plate. My husband's omelette looked good but tasted like unsalted, unflavored raw egg. His toast came out at the end of his meal and was hardly toasted and old. My daughter's eggs were good as eggs go-- but we asked for them first and that was a no go. It took someone ten minutes to come by with coffee and water. Instead of attending to the few customers they had, the waitstaff just lazily hung out in the kitchen. When the waitress finally came by, she was less than pleased. She clearly didn't want to be there on a Sunday morning. The coffee is God-awful. It tastes like tar water laced with arsenic. Four creams in the cup won't lighten that baby up. Not going back here again. I remember it being much much better years ago. Now it's gone down the drain-- like what they should do with their coffee.
(1)
June W.
First visit since I moved here was great--good food and a super nice young man to wait on me. I will be back particularly when it warms up and the patio becomes welcoming. I'll bring my iPad and enjoy the food, the delicious coffee, wifi and the urban locale. What's not to love?
(5)
Leanne A.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my cranberry bread pudding pancakes, my mom's biscuits and gravy was made with Pillsbury grands. My mom insisted they were, she has this whole theory about how she can detect a pillsbury flavor from thin air. anyway....if you put BISCUITS and GRAVY on your menu, you MAKE the freaking biscuits, right? It's like, the whole point...the homemade biscuit. duuuhhhh. I like the homey atmosphere here. Reminds me of an off-the-highway michigan diner. And the location by the train out in the middle of a residential area is unique. You don't feel like you're in the city. But the service is slow and apathetic.
(3)
Diana J.
I want to love Pauline's, but it's getting harder. The last few times have been average at best. The quality of the food has gone down a bit, and I think most people are returning because they remember how good it used to be. I'm glad to have a little diner in the 'hood within walking distance, but that motivation alone won't last forever.
(3)
Michelle M.
It's what to expect from a diner joint. It's a gem in the neighborhood and I remember going here with my dad when i was younger so I've been here many times. I haven't been here during the weekend in years but i hear its pretty busy. I usually go during the weekdays and well getting a table is easy. Coffee is good. Staff is nice. Food is diner food so its just OK. For me its really the history that I come back for.
(4)
Diane S.
Yuck.
(1)
Hayley H.
While the restaurant is clean, homey, very country kitchen feeling, the food is mediocre. Just lame, actually. i should have known that the salmon benedict was a bad choice in a small restaurant like this. I was very stupid to think it would be fresh...not frozen. Though, am I naive to think that if you put it on your menu, it should be superb? Also, the hollandaise sauce was more like watery cream sauce. No tang, no buttery salty-ness. almost an afterthought. And can we send out a memo that says, "Please toast the english muffins under the benedict?" come on........soggy muffin is gross under fishy smelling salmon. The man got the Lumberjack breakfast plate. Lots of eggs, their signature potatoes, and a strip steak. The potatoes are good, but not really much to write home about, and the steak was ridiculously over-seasoned and cheap quality. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and delicious, but thats about the only positive in this breakfast. Oh, and btw, only cash???? What is this 1977?
(2)
Mat M.
Pauline's what a great diner. We were waited on by Olga and she was fantastic. It's a great local spot that beats a lot of other Chicago diners. It's cute, local and tasty. Check it out
(4)
Bobby B.
After strutting my way through a 5k at Montrose harbor, we crashed on in to this lil' breakfast/lunch spot to restore a few calories. I have to say, I am surprised over the low reviews on this place. I have to attribute it to the advanced intellect and palates of north siders. As a lowly south sider, I could only rave over the fresh squeezed juice and "Pauline's potatoes," which is their take on potatoes O'Brien. My wife got eggs benedict with crab, which was the first time we've ever seen that on a menu. What we got was not the heavily processed Alaskan Pollock that you'd get at most places advertising crab...but REAL EFFING CRAB MEAT. It was awesome. As for myself, I got the cold saltwater salmon omelet with asparagus and goat cheese...equally awesome. Oh, and I have some advice for you peeps that are extremely dissatisfied with this place...count your blessings and take your one star..hug them tight, and go to Denny's! ;]
(4)
Dan G.
This has become my go-to breakfast/brunch place. Not only is the food always fresh tasting and delicious but it always comes out in a jiffy. You can't go wrong with either breakfast or lunch here. The Benedict's are outstanding, pancakes are like a fluffy dream, fresh squeezed juices are life savers, and their thick-cut bacon has to be the best restaurant bacon I have ever had. As for lunch stuff you can't go wrong with a burger here. But my favorite is the Turkey Bacon Swiss Club. With carved turkey, the same amazing bacon, and a strong Jarlsberg Swiss; this sandwich is king. Their homemade soups are always good their signature ham and bean is outstanding. The service is always friendly and like I said earlier the service and food is quick and you are never waiting too long if they are full up. Overall this place is consistent with great food, fast service, and don't forget the candy bin before you leave!
(4)
Greg B.
Best Specials! Reasonable prices. Great pancakes! Fresh squeezed juices. Amazing staff. Everyone there is so friendly and personable! I would recommend you give it a try. It's a favorite place of ours...we eat there almost every Sunday. If not, we squeeze in a trip during the week. Oh yeah, TRY THE SLAB BACON!!! Thanks to all who work at Pauline's and make it what it is!!! WE LOVE YOU!
(5)
Nikkie H.
I love finding random little places like this. I was perusing Yelp to get some inspiration on where I could take my parents for breakfast, knowing they are from Michigan and really prefer the basics. Lo and behold, there's Pauline's which I never heard of and was just one block from where my parents were staying Perfecto! Went there on a late Friday morning and it was great. It wasn't empty and wasn't filled with all senior citizens - it was a nice mix of people for a work day. My mom got her basic eggs and hash browns (no complaints), my dad got the whole wheat pancakes (he said they were great), and I got the crab eggs benedict. I was a little surprised, because I was expecting crab cakes benedict, but it's my fault for not reading the menu properly. It was essentially a traditional eggs benedict with crab instead of ham. It was very tasty though and I really liked the fresh fruit that came with it. Made me feel a little healthier :) I probably won't be back in the near future, simply because I have a huge list of brunch spots to try out, but would recommend you check it out if you've ever been.
(4)
Natalie S.
It's over, Pauline's. We're THROUGH. I don't know why I keep going back. For real. Is it the bad food? Is it the awful service? Either way, today was my last day. I took a big handful of giant Lifesavers out of the candy basket for the LAST TIME. Our friend Damon N. is bad news. Every time we take him to a former favorite breakfast place, we have an AWFUL experience. Note to everyone: don't eat breakfast with Damon N. I deviated from my norm and went with the biscuits and gravy. It was, by far, the WORST biscuits and gravy I have ever, ever had. EVER. It should have been on the menu as "biscuits and gravy soup". It was all watery and god awful. AWFUL. The service was laughable. Literally. We had to beg for coffee refills. We had to beg for more water. Damon N. asked for his eggs on the side and they came sprinkled on top of the biscuits and gravy. He also ordered raisin toast that never appeared with his breakfast. After 5 minutes of waiting, he reminded the waiter who went to go get it, only to return saying "we're out of raisin toast... my bad". My Dude was cracking up saying this was like a sitcom. Hilarious. Sorry, Pauline's. You've gone down the shitter and I don't want to waste any more money, even if you do have giant pineapple Lifesavers waiting for me for dessert.
(2)
William R.
Pauline's is an alright american-dive-ey diner-style place.... The pancakes were good, I had the strawberry and blueberry, the coffee was delicious!
(3)
john z.
Went there for Sunday brunch with my wife. Tables are way to small they are Bistro size we had to set some of the dishes on the next table. My wife's first dish came out COLD, we sent it back and they did give her a fresh warm meal that was just ok. We got the pumpkin pancakes which had little to no pumpkin in them. The food is just ok, the place is nicely decorated, it has the potential to be a good restaurant but they do need to work on the menu, as there are many better restaurants in Chicago. This review is for the Pauline's on Fullerton
(2)
Renee G.
comfortable, neighborhood- and kid-friendly atmosphere for Saturday Breakfast. amazing hot chocolate, fresh crab and perfect hollandaise on my eggs benedict and my friend's asparagus omelette was cooked just right. We'll be back!
(4)
Kristin M.
I really want to like Pauline's because it's right around the corner from my house. However, the two experiences I've had just turned me off. The service is AWFUL. The wait staff is rude and basically ignore you unless you flag them down. The food come out as it's ready, which meant waiting 20 minutes between my friend's dish and mine. I gazed longingly at his plate while I sat there with a grumbling stomach and nothing to put in it. For 20 minutes. The food is typical breakfast fare (their potatoes are yummy), but I just can't suffer through bad service for average food. The outdoor patio is really nice, and it opens really early which is great when I have out of town visitors who need to get to the airport. There are just so many better choices in the neighborhood, though, (Ann Sather, M. Henry, Big Jones, etc.) that I can't suffer through Pauline's.
(2)
Matthew G.
There is nothing pretentious, snooty or uppity about Pauline's. I have only been for breakfast - and it is awesome. You get a home-cooked feeling from the food that takes me back to Sunday mornings with my Mom. The service is fast and consistent. The decor at Pauline's is charming, down-home-on-the-farm chic. Do not expect fine dining - that is not what this place is about. Instead, come for the warm memories that come from simple, well-prepared food.
(4)
Susanne P.
We've always had good food here. From the infamous five-egg omelettes to their more-than-generous salads. One thing of note, if your food has onions in it, I would suggest asking "easy on the onions." Sometimes there can be a BIT too many. Service can be a bit slow, especially if it's busy, but that hasn't deterred me from wanting to come here for brunch. Also of note, they are a cash-only restaurant; they do not accept credit cards.
(4)
Beata S.
I love to go to Pauline's on the snowy day and order their breakfast special-always fresh and surprising, like their bread pudding and great bacon-where in Chicago do they get their bacon from??? The food is fresh and good and the service caring and personal. Be back here anytime.
(5)
Boon K.
Pancake Pancake Pancake. Wow I have never been a fan of pancakes but ever since I have been here I am now a fan. There pancakes are so fluffy and light with a little chew to them. It's amazing. They are huge and their topping are so fresh that you just can't go wrong. We had the banana and the banana are mixed into the batter.
(5)
Katy H.
A friend and I came in here about a month ago and we loved it! My friend had the french toast and I had the pancake trifecta. The pancakes were delicious and way too much for me to finish! My friend and I both loved the french toast and when I come back, and I'LL BE BACK, I'm definitely ordering the french toast! Our service was quite pleasant, though she didn't point out the specials, which we couldn't see from our seats, which was disappointing as I would have changed my order. Also, important to note, CASH ONLY!
(4)
Anthony J.
There are many superior breakfast/brunch joints within half a mile of Pauline's. That said, nothing wrong with their food, it's just run-of-the-mill. Get there at the wrong time and you may have to wait, it gets busy on weekends. Not really worth the wait.
(3)
Lucy P.
Pauline's has quickly became my favorite part of living t in Andersonville. This place defines cozy. Saying that Pauline's has a "small town diner" vibe does not do it's atmosphere justice. When you walk in, one of the servers walking by will let you know that you can have a seat wherever you would like. You are immediately asked what you would like to drink. Then, comes the food. All the food is seasonal, fresh, and delicious. September and October have meant pumpkin pancakes and caramel apple pancakes. Standbys include the biscuits and gravy, and omelettes loaded with ham, chorizo, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, sun dried tomatoes. . . You name it. The best part? It's cheap, cheap cheap.
(5)
David R.
There are only two words for this place: BUSH. LEAGUE. Actually I could make it three words, but my mother might be reading. The entire experience was a train wreck. All I can do is make a list. 1. We were not greeted, even after I moved directly into the sight line of the "hostess" and made eye contact. I had to arch my eyebrows and hold up two fingers. 2. With half of the tables open, we were not given a choice of indoor/outdoor or booth/table but instead guided directly to the nightmare table: a. Wet b. Cramped (chair backs touching those of the diners behind us) c. Slanted alarmingly sideways (one of my plates actually slid) 3. One of the sets of silverware was undone from the napkin wrapper--not dirty and used, just undone and lying askew on the table. 4. The waitress was incompetent. She didn't wipe off the table, if she even noticed that it was wet; she mumbled and spoke in half-sentences; she attempted to excuse her numerous gaffes with, "Sorry, I'm [eyeroll and fluttery head-level hand gesture]"; and worst of all, she didn't bring me any syrup with my french toast. 5. My girlfriend ordered tea, which came with a giant mug and a tiny pitcher of hot water less than half the size. That is just plain stupid. 6. The food came out like this: my english muffin...[five minutes]...my half-order of french toast...[three minutes]...my omelette...[two minutes]...my girlfriend's pancakes. The english muffin was soggy and cold, the french toast piping hot, the omelette moderately hot, and the pancakes warm. So, not only is the waitress incompetent, so is the kitchen staff. 7. The food sucked. The blueberry pancakes were decent, the french toast barely average, the potatoes less than boring, and the omelette bland and greasy. And that english muffin was the worst I've ever eaten--not only was it cold and soggy, but it had a very strange, unpleasant taste as well. Rancid butter? Bleach? Iguana sweat? Something like that. 8. To top it all off, the "hostess" who failed to greet us after I made eye contact, failed to farewell us in the same situation. No "Thanks, please come again" or "Have a good afternoon"? Well, if you're happy to see my back, Pauline's, I'm even happier to show it to you. Sometimes when a restaurant screws up a lot, depending on the type of place, I might be inclined to think, "Man, that was terrible, but at least their heart is in the right place." Not this time. At no point during the entire ordeal did I ever get the faintest impression that anyone at Pauline's gives a flying fuck about their customers.
(1)
Jules H.
Solid breakfast restaurant. I had a very tasty south american omelette and my friend had eggs benedict. One of their tastier offerings are their potatoes. Very good, with onions and peppers. They have outdoor seating, good service, and reasonable prices. I did take one star off because they allow dogs in the outside seating area. I can do drinks and lattes with dogs, not breakfast.
(4)
Sophia A.
This place is a no in my books. The staff is hard to understand, the food is overly greasy and messy (I guess that's a diner for you), they only accept cash, their biscuits are Pillsbury (gross!), and my table was sticky. It's okay prices, but compared to other places that sell the same quality food, it's overpriced. I guess I went in there hoping it was a "everything homemade from scratch" kind of place, and I was just kind of disappointed.
(1)
WmTomas S.
I thoroughly enjoyed my omlette breakfast at Paulines. The coffee was generously poured, and the place oozes with a cozy neighborhood feel.
(4)
Beth R.
A plate of hot, nearly-perfect blueberry pancakes can go a long way towards canceling out an otherwise mediocre experience. But not quite all the way. I'd been driving past Pauline's for months and finally the planets aligned and I went in for breakfast. Upon entering, the planets realigned to form an evil clown face, or at least a frowny emoticon. We entered; the hostess(?) seated our party of two in the second room. Outdoor seating was also available but maybe she judged that we were too pale for the June sun; at any rate, she didn't give us the option. She pointed to a two-top along the wall with roughly .4" clearance between the tables in front and back of it. Mmm, cozy! The table itself had been lovingly anointed with water in a haphazard pattern, but not dried. If I had been carrying my protractor, I could have measured the exact tilt of the table, but instead we simply know that it's at the angle where plates slide. The silverware on my side had been unwrapped, presumably for the napkin because they were unused. Our waitress approached and introduced herself, but turned abruptly as if to grab something for wiping down the table. She returned but did nothing to the table, if she even noticed. We requested a couple napkins to take care of it ourselves. She asked if we wanted coffee; I requested hot tea. I usually do this as a knee-jerk reaction to the coffee question, without looking at the menu. Usually it doesn't come back to bite me in the wallet, but this time it was $2.95 for two tea bags (one reg, one decaf) and some hot water. The water was presented in a 10oz. creamer for a mug that was about double the size. Even worse, the menu only lists tea to go, which is $1.50. The food itself was actually decent: aforementioned blueberry pancakes (which were pretty great), good french toast & side of strawberries, and the omelet that was supposed to be easy on the cheese was. Our waitress had, thankfully, asked whether I wanted all the toppings on my pancakes, which I did not. However, she assumed this was the case for the French toast, but you know what happens when you assume....In this case, it means someone doesn't get any syrup. We paid our bill in cash, in keeping with the retro vibe. Although I wasn't even sure whether we paid our server or the hostess, we ended up leaving it on the table because our server simply didn't come back. This made me nervous but at that point I wasn't going to lose sleep over it. I think Pauline's assumes that people have no other options for breakfast. There's really no other explanation for the general sloppiness of our experience.
(2)
Kris B.
An affordable, greasy spoon diner with some unexpected non-greasy spoon touches. It has everything you'd expect of a breakfast-and-lunch joint: big, overly cheesy omelettes (The Fresh Broccoli Crown And Asparagus, South American, and Country Time are favorites.), giant pancakes loaded with chocolate chips, crispy breakfast potatoes. Everything's cooked on a big griddle, with short-order cooks constantly in motion. The nice surprises are the fresh made juices - they'll juice anything! Try the beet, carrot & orange! - and the sunny, dog-friendly patio on a quiet corner (minus the occasionally passing Metra). Pauline is evidently a big dog lover, because there are also photos of dogs up for adoption posted all over the restaurant. It's cash-only, but has an ATM. If you go on a weekend, you'll see who I refer to as 'The Parrot Guy', a quiet, mustached man who pushes his two macaws, Sam and Bruno, around on a baby buggy throughout the neighborhood. If he's a fan of Pauline's, so am I.
(4)
Mike P.
My wonderful wife gave me a Saturday off from parenting a couple of weeks ago. After my chiro appointment at Ravenswood Wellness, I took a stroll up the block (2 blocks actually) and got a nice table for one in a packed house. I think the packedness of said house may have taken away slightly from the service. The place was a zoo, but a pleasant, happy, kid friendly, zoo. Coffee was very good. I chose the South American omelet with chorizo and jalapeno. Since it was the first time ordering this, I was a little put off to see the jalapenos were raw and used as garnish atop the omelet. I prefer my peppers cooked and will ask them to do so, next time I order this. Overall, I found it to be a good breakfast, certainly not unique to the area, but also not without its own charm. The omelets are 5 eggs a piece so they're serious business, but I left full and content, looking forward to coming back with the wife and kid.
(4)
Damian C.
This place screams "neighborhood brunch spot". Not for my neighborhood, though, but those in Edgewater/Rogers Park. We ended up hear Sunday to try something different from the usual Clarke's/Melrose/The Grove combination we hit up on the weekends. And my honest thought is that it's just OK. The menu has your standards: omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches (for those of us who don't eat breakfast food), and a random spaghetti and a stir fry dish. The French Bread pudding looked divine and the Pauline's potatoes (roasted red potatoes with peppers, onions, and apples) were absolutely delicious, but the rest of my meal was just... OK. Apparently their fresh squeezed orange juice is phenomenal, so I suppose I missed out. The weirdest part of the breakfast was the fact that the waitresses seemed unable to pour water or coffee from the carafes without spilling it everywhere. Whether there was a hole or a leak in the carafes, or they were just super excited to pour it out quickly and care less about a mess, we probably had a quarter cup of coffee on our table and a glass of water on the floor by the time we were done. Slippage!! The prices are super cheap and, while they claim to serve "huge portions", I was easily able to eat everything on my plate. It's a drive for me to go so unless I find the need to be in the area I probably won't be back. I do, however, catch on to the appeal for many of Pauline's fans and can completely understand why people go.
(3)
Minna A.
This place is so cute, what one would imagine when thinking of their favorite local breakfast joint. The service was great, and the food came out quickly. mmm... Orange papaya beet juice... I love that they have unique and healthy juice/vegetable combination drinks and smoothies. YuM!!
(3)
Crystal R.
I really wanted to love this place because the food is great but the service is borderline unbearable. Our waitress was friendly but the owners/ front desk girl were terribly rude and uninviting. Sadly, we wont return here.
(1)
Yvonne H.
Pauline's is a perfectly nice little breakfast spot. The fact it's "off the beaten path" is a plus because it's away from the noise and congestion of Clark Street. My dining companion and I went on a Saturday morning and had no wait for a booth inside the restaurant, which is charmingly decorated with whimsical knickknacks, multicolored upholstered seats and checkered vinyl tablecloths. Based on some reviews I checked the latter for wet or dirty spots - nope, clean as a whistle. We were waited on and served promptly and got water and coffee refills. The papaya orange juice came in a mason-jar mug and was delicious. I didn't get the coffee but my friend remarked it was good. The French toast and strawberries I ordered was perfectly fine. Was it the most spectacular French toast I've ever tasted? No, it cost $7.25 and I wouldn't expect it to be. The Pauline's potatoes were also yummy. I can't speak for their eggs and bacon since I don't eat either. Except for some overzealous plate-clearing (when a diner still has a fork in their hand, it's safe to assume they are not finished with their meal), the service was efficient. Neither neglectful nor overly solicitous. The check was not brought out unacceptably early. You have to pay your bill up at the cash register. They have pictures of dogs available for adoption on the walls and water bowls for pooches outside: bonus points. In sum: It's not brunch at the Drake, it's a cute, cheery, no-frills neighborhood breakfast joint that I will definitely go back to.
(4)
Derek R.
Great bereakfast, although pricey. Spinich omlet was excellent. Pankcake was 2nd best I have ever had. Paulines potatoes were very good. Toast was cold, dry and burnt. Excellent service. Spinach mushroom Omlet, 1 pancack, coffee.....$14.50
(4)
Dennis L.
I visited Pauline's for a late brunch with my wife. It has a great neighborhood location and feel to it, which I love. I ended up ordering a coffee, 3 eggs over easy, Pauline's potatoes, and side of ham. It was a pretty simple order, which may be the reason why I was not all that impressed. The table we sat at was right next to the entrance and was certainly uncomfortable at best. The coffee was mediocre...I was hoping for Julius Meinl, Metropolitan, or Intelligentsia. My food was cooked just fine, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. Pauline's is not bad, but it is not nearly as good as Over Easy Cafe.
(3)
Alex D.
been here a couple times and agree, the food is decent. but I ended up leaving this last time, likely being my final visit. I understand its small and gets busy, but there is no excuse for flat-out neglect. even after being observed by all the servers as they served every other table around us, all seated long after us. after asking both a bus boy and going inside and asking for a server personally, we left. I wish I could be more specific but as we denied the experience, I'm afraid it's all I've got. even though Pauline's may be crowded often, does not ear them the right to be that disrespectful.
(1)
Jacob Y.
How many places serve 5 egg omelets? Just for that alone and the generous portions of delicious breakfast dishes, Pauline's has easily become one of my favorite brunch joints. What's more...they have FRESHLY squeezed orange juice. I am a sucker for places that serve fresh OJ...with pulp...and served very chilled... They also have a smoothie selection made to order with fresh fruits and vegetables. During the warmer months, you can even sit outside. The decor inside is very diner like, but very colorful and inviting. I also need to remind bringing a picture of myself to stick under the glass on the tables. The waitress...VERY attentive. My friend ordered hot tea, and she came back every 10 minutes to check on her hot water. I am very impressed indeed!
(4)
Jeff G.
this is more of a 3.5, i think the current rating of 3 is underrated, so i rounded up. lots of homemade stuff here - whipped cream and all that, nice fresh squeezed juices omelet was pretty decent with fresh (not smoked) salmon and asparagus
(4)
Dara O.
Great food, great service! I usually meet my grandpa here right when they open at 7 am on weekends, and they're fully prepared with the fresh juice and serving. Never had a bad experience here.
(5)
Kaleb B.
My partner and i went here for breakfast the other morning and it was very cute a playful, the food was good diner food and the service was good. we will go back. its a night neighborhood place.
(4)
Larry J.
I went to Paulines just to patronize an independant business. The sign outside said "comfort food at comfort prices" The decor was very nice, it reminds you of yesteryear. The food I ordered reminded me of yesterday. I ordered the country biscuits and gravy for breakfast and immediately I was put off. The gravy and sausage were great but the biscuits were lacking integrity. I was unable to cut them with a fork. I had to use a knife to cut them. It was as if they were stale or they were microwaved before serving. If they were microwaved it dries them out and thus makes them the way they were presented. Customer service was great. The waiter was very nice he comped me for the issue with the biscuits. I also question the statement about comfort food. I saw no mac and cheese, meatloaf, or even country fried steak for breakfast. I'm not positive if I will try this place again.
(3)
Pavithra M.
But I will clarify, it is the neighborhood feel and the proximity to our place that makes this place a favorite. The french toast is very good and I love the freshly squeezed OJ, but the rest of the breakfast menu is average. What takes the menu to the next level is their burgers. When I am in the mood for a big, juicy burger, this is the place to go. The inside is a little cramped, but they have always accommodated my two little ones and the wait staff is very friendly and welcoming to them. I am glad I live close by.
(4)
Shawn J.
Quaint little diner. Only open from 7a-3p daily. Great breakfast spot. Always super nice and accommodating staff. Great breakfast ( have not had lunch here yet) with large portions. Always freshly squeezed juices. I love to go for brunch as it tends to quiet down around 11 am ish on the weekends.
(5)
Hail I.
Do not order the biscuits and gravy unless you want to pay $7 for two from a can Pillsbury biscuits. Come on Pauline.
(2)
Karen N.
This place is what it is... an easy neighborhood diner style breakfast place for family. The up side: They give you fresh eggs, promised to be less than 5 days old from Michigan. The down side: I don't know what possessed me to try the salmon eggs benedict today but it really was awful. It's like someone made eggs benedict without reading the recipe. Large chunk of poaches salmon under the eggs, the hollandaise sauce was not what it should be, icky. I shouldn't have risked ordering it but I love eggs benedict. If you go, just stick with what they are good at, eggs and pancakes.
(2)
Aurore L.
Cool, windy morning. Breakfast with friends. One of them all up and preppy, the one badly hangover. Patio seating. It's noisy. Very much so. They are doing some sort of construction/renovation next door and it's deafening. Not exactly the cozt ambiance I was expecting but oh well....the wind knocks off the vase on the next table. The menu is big, and I decide to go half and half. Scrambled eggs and pancakes with strawberries. Coffee too, of course. I was also in the mood for bacon, but after checking the price and almost choking on it ($4.95!!) I went meatless. Le sad. Food arrives, and it's quite disappointing. Dry, boring, 5 pieces of strawberry on the plate.....it is depressing-looking. The pancakes were some of the worst I had, like, ever. I almost want to cry. This Friday doesn't start well; but I am chit-chatting with friends, spying on the biggest dog of the neighborhood and making fun of the waiter in my head. Not so bad after all. But I could totally do that AND eat good food somewhere else. A no-return.
(2)
Sid P.
Friendly service if less than perfect. Excellent, hearty, quality food served hot if not especially quickly. Pauline's has room for improvement, but honestly, it's not trying to be the #1 restaurant in the world. What it is, is a neighborhood restaurant. Their food is honest and delicious. The portions are very generous. I mean, this place has a 5-egg omelette. Five. Few people I know can finish it with the accompanying Pauline's Potatoes and toast. Lots of really tasty items on the menu, and most are the old stand-bys with a bit more care than you'll see at the regular diner around town. The owners mind the store. The place has a sense of community. And it feels good to support a local business that goes out of its way to show you it wants you to be happy. Often they serve complimentary, fresh squeezed juice. "Just because". This is the way they work it. Recommended, especially when it's not super busy. And even on a Saturday or Sunday breakfast-brunch time, the wait isn't painful and the service isn't much different than when they're mostly empty. This is not a high stress environment. It's more like, well, home.
(4)
Richie D.
When you're looking for fresh, traditional "American" (whatever the heck its definition is now-a-days), Pauline's has it. When I wake up in the morning and unsure of what I have a taste for, Pauline's it is. It reminds me of an urban Apple Holler. What's not to love about that while stuck in the city in need of a little rural escape?! I discovered this somewhat remote, yet bright eye-piercing RED diner while on the Metra train heading north to Kenosha. The name Pauline's excited me because I thought the southern belle cook Paula Dean opened up a local joint outside of Georgia. This ended up not being true, but I still wasn't disappointed because I didn't suffer from a heart attack afterward. It's just far away from the brunch rush of Andersonville's Clark Street to avoid the crowds, and you're satisfied with down-home cooking in a place where everyone feels at home. After walking in you're overwhelmed by the red, yellow, green and white color paint choice. The adorable owner is quick to greet you with a smile and insists to get a booth cleared for you since "our customers like the booths best." This must be true since he has posted a sign by each booth asking anyone on weekends to have only 2 or 3 coffee refills so others can take their booth. I think that all places need this at times. The booths are fun with a scrap of receipt paper stating your waitress' name, a rack with various recent magazines, collages on the table, and wall of their favorite patrons. Locals seem to become returners quickly. Like myself. I almost always go for the Breakfast Special which always includes a huge pancake, eggs and turkey sausage. The main draw are their delicious pancakes which have just the right amount of sweetness and come with a dollop of their homemade whipped cream. Paired with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice, yum! I personally enjoy the mango orange, but they also have papaya orange. Be sure to check the hanging chalkboard at the entrance with the daily special. You may not want to miss out! The one time I did veer away from breakfast, I had a Turkey Burger with guacamole, mayo, ketchup, a bed of lettuce, and tomato slices, PLUS their perfectly fried golden crunchy Cavendish Fries makes me lose my train of thought (no pun intended). As the menu depicts, these are "Canadian potatoes grown by Irish men and batter coated in Burlington Mass. (got it?)"--I didn't 'get it' but it refers to Burlington, Massachusetts?!?!) They're also cooked in non-hydrogenated canola oil. French Fry Perfection!! My boyfriend usually has the Country Time omelet (corned beef hash with cheddar cheese) which I want to go back myself for. Even though it had to be made with 3+ eggs, I wasn't aggressive enough to steal more than one fork-full from him before he had time to masticate it just enough to pass it on to his ravenous stomach. They're also only open breakfast/brunch/early lunch hours (7 am to 3 pm every day of the year--even holidays!) Plus, they have outdoor seating welcoming dogs, for the better or worst.
(5)
Bob D.
If this place wasn't so darn far North I would be here every weekend. Eggs, guaranteed 5 days old? Hell yes, I love some runny ass eggs washing over my breakfast and the fresher the better. Peach pancakes? This is an easy thing to screw up and they didn't, fresh ripe peaches and a perfect pancake. In house made corned beef hash? Hell yeah! I hate that canned crap so don't even bother putting it on a menu. Biscuits and gravy! Too bad for the haters they don't have that pasty floury crap that is so prevalent, they only have the silky kind with fresh Italian sausage in it. The potatoes were cooked perfectly and the coffee was great. Any time I can sneak around the kitchen while searching for the bathroom is a plus.
(5)
Tracey M.
I left wanting more. Good thing I left with leftovers. :) In all seriousness, I'm confused how anyone can have a problem with this Pauline's. It has so much to love that and couldn't find anything wrong. (And trust, me if someone were to find something bad about a place, it would be me.) So let's hit the checklist: Good Food: Check! Actually, I would have to say great food. My pancakes were fantastic and my bacon was crisped to perfection. I mean it. This is the first time I've had a breakfast place get it just right. Service: Check! My order was correct, all condiments were provided as needed and my drink was refreshed without even having to ask. Also, everyone a Pauline's is super friendly. A definite plus! Atmosphere: Check! I love hole-in-the-wall diners so Pauline's is the perfect size as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure if I had dined here on a weekend day I would be telling you the line was miles down the road. However, now that I've have dined here, should I come back and incur a long wait I would have no problem. It's THAT worth it. Hours of Operation: Open 365 days a year. How fabulous is that? Overall, I was extremely pleased with Pauline's and look forward to my next visit.
(5)
Cory C.
I can't get enough of this place on a Sunday morning. The service is typically with a smile and it's the perfect starting point for a day of junking (shopping for crap I don't need in junk shops) in Andersonville. My partner recommends the Egg and Pancake special with extra whipped cream. It's homemade and turns the pancakes into a little chunk of heaven in every bite. I tend towards one of their many omelets. The tomato and goat cheese is fantastic as is the old favorite. I tend to move away from the cheese unless it's specialized as I just don't jive with Velvetta slices melted on what is otherwise a heart-healthy set of options. Finally, the juice is always fresh, the staff is always excited to see you there, the wait time is typically 10 minutes or less on busy days and the atmosphere is the kind of small-town diner that makes you forget you're in the 3rd largest city for a breakfast at a time.
(4)
R L R.
With a self-proclaimed title as having "The Awesomest Andersonville Brunch in the Universe", you better deliver. It doesn't matter about the location, the ambience or even the service; to me, the proof is in the pudding. I LOVE eating breakfast foods, so if you can't get fundamentals such as bacon, potatoes and eggs over-medium done right, you shouldn't be in business. Although the ingredients are definitely fresh, the food was definitely mediocre. The potatoes were so painfully boring i think I may had fallen asleep taking bites out of it. Ann Sather's has a similar potato dish done right. And what the crunk is up with the lumberjack portions? I think most people would prefer quality over quantity. The prices are ridiculously inflated. With my 3 eggs, potatoes, toast, bacon, hotcakes (which, actually, were very good) and OJ, my bill came out to $20.25! I have never spent that much on just myself for breakfast (excluding brunch) before only to have food I should had cooked myself. With a budget like that, I could had even fed 2-3 people that would've tasted better. I vaguely remember eating inside the very first time, with my companion and I wondering about the mental well-being of our server. This time, however, I placed an order to go (on a Thursday) and was helped by a very nice lady over the phone and in person. She was the only saving grace for this last experience. Save your money and hit up Ann Sather (not Svea, they suck even harder). That's the only place out of the 3 that accept debit and credit cards.
(2)
Leah H.
With so many great brunch options elsewhere, I was shocked to see so many people eating here. Mediocre at best; overall just not good. Their special ham and bean soup was bland, hardly any ham in it served room temperature (health code violation!), the tables, floors, booths, and menus are filthy; food for 4 people was brought out in 3 waves. Broken crayons for kids. Server was very sweet; but nothing she could do could save the poor food and dirty tables. The busser handed me an extremely hot mug of coffee and the only way I could hold it was to grab the (very hot) sides. And it was the worst coffee I've had in a long time. The place looks cute and funky, but if you want to support local with much better food and experience, go to Acre, Kopi, or Andies. How this place stays in business is a mystery to me.
(1)
Devon F.
The foods is pretty good. The service was not good what so ever. Our server took 15 mins just to take our order and it took another 30 mins to eat. Not fun when other tables came in after you and are already eating and you have a screaming toddler because they are starving. We will not be returning to Pauline's FYI they do not accept credit cards.
(1)
Kennen M.
Walked into a breakfast joint with an old-fashioned country eatery feel and walked out not at all impressed. We were seated very quickly by a very nice older gentleman. It took maybe a bit over 10 minutes to get acknowledged by any server. We ordered the food and seemed like forever before we got it. I was confused by the lack of service as there are many servers that work there but none of them really seem to be "serving." They were disorganized, poorly trained and all over the place but not at our table, pouring us more coffee. Our server apologized for some personal problem she was having which felt real strange. The food was just ok, the omelet was watery and I don't like omelet water running into my other food on the plate. Next time I am sticking to a greasy spoon where the food is always cheap, consistent and the career waitresses are always on top of things.
(2)
rebecca g.
I'm done with this place. Have given them several tries and the food is mediocre, service is weird, and they seem to have raised their prices-- so it's not even worth the cheap greasy spoon angle anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting "gourmet", but I never really enjoy the flavor of what I'm eating here or feel compelled to finish it. I've tried the turkey burger and a couple omelettes, all of which were bland. This past time was the last straw. First, my Greek Omelette with Feta and spinach was really dry, and the olives garnishing it were generic canned black olives. I could've done a better job at home, for half the price. Our side of bacon was also grossly undercooked, nearly raw. Finally, after asking if we wanted toast, bagel, or texas toast (neglecting to mention a surcharge for texas toast), our waitress charged us for it and was unapologetic when I explained we would never have ordered it had we known...or had she not specifically listed it as being included. (I realize it's not a huge amount, but it surely wasn't WORTH a surcharge, and her attitude was the most disturbing thing.) What a disappointment!
(1)
Anna B.
I've been going here for years and every time I go it gets a little bit better! They've been slowly upgrading for the past few years without losing quality in the food they serve and I have to say I am very grateful. Where do I start? The coffee is always great, the atmosphere is adorable and welcoming, the service is very personal, and the food is just scrumptious. They have heavy home-spun options (biscuits and gravy that would make my Arkansas farm girl grandma jealous) and healthier options (greek yogurt and fruit, etc). I took four of my friends here and they are ALL itching to go back. And can I stop for a second to mention the potatoes? My God, they are delicious. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, tons of lovely veggies (and possibly apple?) mixed in. So delightful. My one caveat is that it's cash only, so think ahead. I've never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a table, even on the weekends, so it's a great alternative to a lot of those crazy Andersonville haunts that take hours to find a table. Have fun and enjoy the neighborhood!
(4)
Joe J.
Very nice server!! have to admit!! but, dirty, food is below average, and they do not accept credit cards!! thanks for the inconvenience... never again I ordered the mexican omlet, really not good!!
(2)
Melissa S.
My experience here was pretty mediocre. The food was fine. As far as diner breakfast food goes, this was higher on the quality spectrum than many places, but still not amazing. The fresh squeezed orange juice was really tasty, just like any fresh squeezed OJ always is, but the price made me feel like I should savor every tiny sip. The real kicker here was the bad service. Our waitress must have been having a bad day because she basically ignored us. Everyone at my table was sitting with empty coffee and water cups for several minutes, it got to the point where our topic of conversation was how thirsty we were. Finally a different server came by to refill our cups. I eventually could have had yet another cup, but we didn't see our server again until she came to drop the check. It was kind of sad to sit and watch everyone around us get better service.
(2)
Marie C.
Love this place. Try to make it here twice a month if my schedule allows or whenever I'm too lazy or hungover to make breakfast myself. Allie is a sweetheart. I once sent my daughters father here on his weekend w her, & he was impressed that the servers knew my daughter by name. They started accepting credit cards here now! YAY!!
(5)
Chip S.
I really like Pauline's. The food is good, the breakfast potatos are awesome and the service is typically very good. If the weather is agreeable, you can't beat eating breakfast on the patio--even if the tables are a little close together. The decor lends to the charm of the experience. Give it a try if you are looking for a laid back place to have breakfast on the weekend.
(4)
Hanna A.
Kinda surprised at the 3-star rating. I thought I'd be preaching to the choir on this page. Why 4 stars? Probably because I tend to like my breakfast either very early or mid-morning. Which is why I have yet to wait for a table. If I had to wait very long, I probably would mash it down to 3.5 stars. It's such a cute, small neighborhood diner. As one-half of a childless couple, when I normally find children an annoyance at some restaurants, (Sorry parents, but think back to when you were single...) at Pauline's, they're quite endearing. It's like walking into a relatives house for brunch. No frills. And with that understood, I like this place a lot. The food is not phenomenal, but good for weekend mornings when I don't feel like getting up early and cooking omelettes, pancakes, etc. This place definitely hits the spot. They're not looking for that bizarre flavor pairing that will knock your socks off. They just serve good food. I don't find their prices much more than a Denny's or IHOP. And rather than getting that fresh out of the can flavor, Pauline's flavors are fresh. This morning I met my family there for brunch (party of 7), and I'm assuming because of the holiday, they were a lot busier than usual. I loved that our waitress took the time to explain this to us, and instead of serving all our food together, offered to serve it to us as it was ready. In preparation for this, we ordered a stack of pancakes and biscuits and gravy to tie us over for the wait. She didn't bat an eyelash when we asked for small plates so we could all share in the entrees as they arrived. It was a long meal-- I think it took almost an hour and a half. But due to our server's insight and recommendations, it turned what could've been a disastrous visit into a memorable one. I highly recommend the Crabmeat Eggs Benedict. It wasn't served with crabcake, but crab chunk meat, which offered just as much saltiness as ham. Delicious. My brother-in-law had the South American omelette which wasn't greasy, even with all that lovely chorizo packed inside. French Toast was surprisingly toasty, which lended a great texture to what can be an easily soggy dish. The pancakes are buttery and fluffy. (Seeing them on the griddle on our way out on our 1st visit solidified our 2nd visit.) I ordered the asparagus and goat cheese omelette. While still good, I think I might try something else next time. I did bring leftovers home for tomorrow's breakfast. (portions are that big) If you want a home-cooked meal w/o cooking at home, and have that "homey" feeling of it, Pauline's is the place for you.
(4)
Mindy S.
So I decided to give Pauline's another chance when I friend suggested we go there. No wait for a table at 10:30 on a Sunday. Service was so much better, food was ok, but I prefer other places for breakfast.
(2)
Michael M.
The best pancakes around and also great omelets. Pauline's is always busy for a reason, the food is excellent. Now yes be ready the service is so so, but really the food makes up for it 150%! Make sure to get a stack f pancakes with anything you get, they are SOOOOO GOOD!!!
(5)
Mary Beth E.
Why oh why is there ALWAYS a wait when I go to Paulines for brunch on the weekend? Oh yeah, because they have AWESOME food! My boy and I went there this past weekend for a late breakfast/brunch on Saturday morning. As usual, a wait for a table and as usual, they were passing out their freshly squeezed juice to all of us waiting for a table. Yummy! Their menu is not overly extensive. They are only open for breakfast and lunch (close at 3pm). Their servings are HUGE! The time before last when I went, I got the buttermilk pancakes, bacon and potatoes. No way did I finish it all. I mean, I tried my darnedest to finish every bite of food, it was so good, but I just couldn't do it. I did have to walk back to the car afterward....I couldn't just sit there for hours in food coma. So this past time I got the small stack of Chocolate Chip pancakes and bacon (I skipped the potatoes altogether) and guess what...I still couldn't finish my food!!!! OK, enough about their huge servings, because who wants that large a serving if the food is not good? But that's the thing....their food is SO GOOD! I recommend the chocolate chip pancakes with powered sugar on top. The perfect blend of breakfast and chocolate that a girl like me needs in her life. Their bacon is nice and crispy, just the way I like it. Their potatoes are oh-so-flavorfull with peppers and onions. I love them, even though I have to skip them at times because of the amount of food I leave behind when I order too much. I honestly don't remember what my boy got...probably because I was so engrossed in my own meal. Regardless, he loved it, I remember that! The service is good, don't have to wait very long for our server to come. The food is made fairly quickly, I guess depending on what you order. They have a dog friendly outdoor area set up in the summer. I'm all about the dog-friendly places that I can take my baby! It is very hard for me to give 5 stars to any place. I am much too picky a person. I would have given Pauline's a five because that's how much I LOVE their food but....but.... it's always so crowded and there is always a wait for a table! I'm usually famished from smelling all of the delicious smells when waiting that I become very impatient. I want a table NOW!!!!! In the end...it's worth the wait. (And to be honest, the longest I have ever waited was 15 minutes...it just feels like a long 15 minutes when standing there smelling all that deliciousness!) Eat there, you'll love it!
(4)
Dallas F.
Shhh, I cheated on my diet at Pauline's. Having heard such good things about this place I decided to check it out since it is pretty close to my house, and I was quite hungry. It was a Saturday so it was pretty packed to capacity and service really wasn't great, but it was not terrible either. We were seated pretty quickly. Breakfast is served all day so I went with the South American Omelette. It was so good. Salsa,jalapenos,cheddar cheese, and chorizo(I seriously cheated here considering I don't normally eat pork/beef etc) mixed in with five eggs. Five eggs! I justify the meal by knowing it had veggies in the salsa and the delicious potatoes on the side. My bf ordered the Mexican omelette and was rather pleased also.
(4)
Kathy B.
Great breakfast. Pancakes are great, short stack is really large, eggs were tasty. I can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)
Patrick B.
Something has changed here. I have lived conveniently around the corner from Pauline's for over 8 years. Love that it was so close, and the food was great. It was always a big favorite among visiting out-of-towners. However, the food during the last few visits has been disappointing, and I'm not planning to return unless I hear of any changes. Eggs were a little under done. Sausage...you know if you were to put a sausage link in the microwave, and the middle is barely cooked and the ends have the hell cooked out of them...all hard and overcooked? That's what my sausage was like. Not sure if they were microwaved or not. If so, I'm perfectly happy waiting a little longer to have it grilled. Toast...had a greasy/grill taste, as if it were cooked on the grill and not in a toaster. Maybe that's why the sausage was microwaved, cuz the toast was hogging up the whole grill. Their famous potatoes...potatoes were fine, but the peppers had a wicked chemical taste. So I picked those out. It's like every item in my breakfast had an issue with it. So sad because it's so close and used to be so good.
(2)
Amy S.
I've been to Pauline's a couple of times, for brunch and lunch. It's a cute, homey family-feel diner with a lot of comfort food, with checkered tablecloths. The food is a little greasy and heavy for me. I'm a health-conscious vegetarian, so when food seems too greasy I'm disappointed. A huge plus: it's not at all pretentious.
(3)
Yaeko M.
We recently moved in this neighborhood. I thought the ambience / decoration / theme is very cute and welcoming. We were happy with the food. We had a denver omelette $7.85 and pumpkin pancake $5.99. The food was not greasy, the price was reasonable. The coffee was good too. I read some bad reviews for this place but I think they improved their food since then? We enjoyed their food and service. we love to go back and we will.
(4)
Nicole C.
A-ok breakfast grub in a cute as a button space. The omelet was a bit cold for my liking, but filled with plentiful, if haphazardly chopped , veggies. (Like some others, I'm a bit skeptical there are actually 5 eggs in the omelet.) The accompanying potato/pepper hash was tasty, and my dining companion enjoyed his pancake and coffee. (I'd like to see real maple syrup added as an option.) We went on New Year's day and there was only a 5 minute wait, during which we were given complimentary bloody mary's by the owner, a sharp old cad who wore red and green plaid pants, toted a portable minature oxygen tank, and seemed enthusiastic about serving his customers and life in general. With the sunlight streaming in the window at our front booth, I was also smiling and could see myself plopping down again.
(3)
Arjun C.
A very nice place to have a relaxing brunch - very family friendly. A really well kept secret tucked away by the metra tracks in ravenswood. Service is slow, but very friendly. the food can be curious. the south american omlette is out of this world if you like chorizo. The fruit plate was large, but ended up tasting rank. The "fluffy" biscuits were flat and looks like they were made from Pillsbury instant mix. The verdict. If you want to sit quickly, relax, and have an omlette, come here. Look at what your neighbors are eating before you order.
(4)
Marc W.
I went for breakfast early on a Thur morning and there was almost no one in the restaurant which is completely different from the weekend when it is packed to the gills. Eventhough two people saw me standing at the entrance, obviously waiting to be seated, I had to ask if I could just seat myself. After that the service was perfectly good. The waitress was friendly. I had the omelette special (spinach/tomato/feta) which was good and not too too dry. The potatoes that came with it were fine but I really prefer my potatoes crispy. The coffee was aweful. Truely aweful. It was only drinkable while eating for which the coffee served as a palette cleanser more than anything with a good taste unto itself. I was going to order some bacon but a side of it was $3.95. I could buy two pounds of bacon at a supermarket for that much. Ridiculous!
(2)
Matthew S.
Whats up with the crap reviews of this place? If you want to eat at McDonalds, eat there! This is a Mom & Pop style place. Yes, they have gotten my order wrong before, and forgot toast once. But they kept giving me coffee while I was waiting for the fix. And they are nice to regulars - sorry to the drop in's who thought they were going to get Charlie Trotter style service for $5.50 a head. The food is big, and yummy. The serve everything on mix and match fiesta ware - which is just charming. None of the chairs, or table clothes match. They aren't supposed to. I have had to wait for breakfast on a Saturday morning and on a Sunday morning. Its odd though. I can hardly believe that other people actually thought of eating breakfast then too..... Its worth the wait. You can read the paper, or people watch. Both are fun, only one doesn't get printers ink on your hands. I like the omelette's. And toast (which is actually warm when the serve it), and potatoes. I'm sure they have other things there, but I haven't ordered them. I did see someone order oatmeal there. Why the hell would you go to a restaurant to eat oatmeal? Somethings I'll never understand. Like is Bea Arthur really a man? The staff is friendly, they do pack in a crowd. OH! And the bathroom is totally behind the counter to the left. There is only one toilet - so sometimes, you have to wait to use the bathroom. Which can be gross. A few cups of coffee can do funny things to peoples colons first thing in the morning. Check out Paulines. AND its next to the Andersonville Garden Walk, that runs several blocks up Ravenswood. Totally worth walking up if you have time to kill.
(4)
Veronica M.
The food is overly greasy and messy however in an a great neighborhood location. The coffee is horrible and service is not that good to bad its so cute .
(1)
Allan M.
Barely squeezes by with 3 stars, if only for the fact that I always can manage to find an interesting magazine or 2 to read out of their surprisingly decent amount of 'zines, and that the only thing that really stands out of their otherwise mediocre food is their strawberry french toast. And of course, the interior decor also aids in my reluctant 3 stars, as I'd probably give them 2.5, if only I could! Sad to say this place just makes me miss Augie's greatly. And cash only....
(3)
Jen W.
This place used to rock, like 10 years ago. There used to be the same waitresses for years who served amazing food, then all of a sudden there was massive turnover and the place went downhill. We went once, had a crappy experience (assumed it was an off day) both times. While we were waiting for a table the owner/ manager was pouring oj for us and missed my glass--- fresh squeezed oj all over my shoes---- and didn't really acknowledge his mistake. We were sat at a dirty table, the waitresses were all really young and didn't seem to know their jobs, the bacon that I had requested well- done arrived barely cooked, waitress looked at me like I was crazy when I sent it back to be actually COOKED, there was an hour backup at the waffle iron. I could go on, but I won't. It's such a shame that this great little gem of a restaurant has collapsed into less than a mediocrity.
(1)
janice m.
Nestled on the corner of Balmoral and Ravenswood is this little restaurant that is a serious throw back to the 60's! We brought our friend here for lunch on our way to check out Rosehill Cemetery. The service was good, the waitress got our order promptly, but the ice tea tasted like the coffee brewer had been used to brew it, and wasn't cleaned, yuck! I ordered the bacon turkey club which was huge and tasty, girlfriend ordered the rueben...tasty but really needed a little more meat. Burger hound ordered the spaghetti Bolognese and really wished he had ordered the burger. Sauce had celery in it, and not enough tomato, which is definitely not what Bolognese is supposed to have in it!...he was less than impressed. However, we loved the soups, lentil and bean with ham. I myself, have been here for breakfast on several occasions, and love their breakfasts, especially their omelettes. All things considered I will gladly give them three stars, and tell all to steer clear of the pasta.
(3)
Dan B.
Pauline's is the epitome of a neighborhood spot. On an unassuming corner surrounded by houses it really is a peaceful oasis from the hustle of the rest of the city. The menu is pretty standard diner style breakfast fare with a few surprises, I had the patty melt which was delicious and served with Pauline's potatoes, which included an array of various vegetables and possibly even an apple or two. I really liked that all of the sandwiches come with a bowl of homemade soup, I had the lentil which was brimming with chunks of fresh bacon...YUM. The service was a little slow and disorderly, but friendly and since my dining mate and I were in no hurry and enjoying the sunshine on the lovely patio it didn't bother us. The one issue i did have is that they are cash only, and well that is kind of an annoyance it is not a big deal. I just wish they would have posted it on a sign, or on the menu, or somewhere so I would have been prepared. The only reason I even though to ask is because there seemed to be an exceptionally high number of diners using the atm on the side of the building. That being said I will definitely be back soon, with cash in hand. (Lunch for two with drinks was only $18, so I don't need to much of it either)
(4)
Georgia T.
Egads. Why do people eat here? The service is unbelievably slow, the food is average, the wait is too long, and the guy who runs the place seems unhinged. I've seen him curse out elderly women, yell at customers in line for not visiting when he had more staff, and "clean" a table by spraying it and the customers seated at it with copious amounts of windex. Yikes.
(1)
Moe f.
I've been here a dozen or so times but not in years. So we schelped up here on Sunday for brunch. Couldn't snag a table outside so we were crammed into a booth that was bolted to the wall and had to crawl into my seat. Then didn't get waited on for 15 minutes which is quite a long tine to wait with a 2yo. Finally ordered. Food was good. I had a huge veggie omelete. Potatoes were great. Pancakes were pretty good. But service just sucked. WHen I went to pay, the wife was gathering our things and they started busing our table and sent the next party over to the table. We hadn't even packed up our stuff yet. Rude. And the owner running around with the Oxy tank was kind of annoying with the way he bosses his staff around. Good food, reasonsable prices, crappy service, and oddly decorated.
(2)
Michael C.
I live down the street and have gone here many times. The food is average at best and more expensive than it should be. I hate paying outrageous amounts of money for a tiny glass of orange juice. I don't really like their potatoes and over half my plate is always taken up by them no matter what I order. Forget about going there on the weekends, you will wait forever. If you can go mid-mornings during the week, the place is actually pretty nice, but there are many other breakfast places around that I would recommend over this.
(2)
Cat B.
Can't believe this is my first visit to this place. I have been by here so many times and heard such great things about this place before. It is a great breakfast place with anything you can think of to eat. They have delicious omelettes with fresh veggies and other ingredients. The hotcakes were delicious as well and the regular stack is a large serving. Service was decent. The decor is great with an old diner type feel. They have outdoor seating, which on a rainy day is not important :-(. I will definitely go back to sit outside on a sunny weekend morning.
(4)
Molly B.
I was handed a plate with my toast on it and told to butter it while it was still hot. WTF? Service: invisible waitress. after delivering our food, she was not to be seen again. Coffee and water refills? Nope. Change for our check? Nope. "How is everything?" Nope. Food: unremarkable, overpriced. I was so disappointed after leaving that I wished I had simply paid was I felt it was worth. Oh, and Pauline's doesn't take plastic. But they do have a cash machine right outside. Convenient.
(1)
meng y.
So, I past this place every morning before heading to work in Evanston. I decided to stop in around 3:30-ish on a weekend. I missed the huge sign pointing out their open-close time(7am-3pm). I walk in clueless, every worker is enjoying a meal with the owner. The owner tells me that they're closed and asks me what'd I want from the menu. I say "All I really wanted was some ice cream". He asks "What kind?". "Chocolate". He gets a large foam cup and scoops it to the top, hands it to me and says "This one's on me, come by next time." Amazing, huh?
(5)
Emily T.
Someone below said, "Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. " which is an ignorant, condescending comment. I have zero desire to go to Starbucks-like chains, especially for breakfast thank you very much. But the uniqueness of this place was one of its only redeeming qualities. That and the fresh squeezed OJ while we waited. Granted, it was father's day when I went, so I expected to wait, and having seen the decor and the crowds, was really excited about the breakfast I was about to order. But chaos reigns in this place. The owner was running around the various groups of people waiting outside like a chicken with his head cut off. Dude- don't you think a- I don't know- LIST would be helpful? We were seated outside at a table so close to other people that we were almost on top of each other. We ordered immediately and my goat cheese and sun dried tomato omlette came---RUNNY on one end. Ewwww. I almost sent it back but was so hungry at this point that I just kind of ate around it. Eggs in omelettes should never be runny, I think. There was no butter for the toast, but i didn't even bother to try and get it. Not that we would have known who our waitress was anyway. My friend waited too long for a fork (she had no silverware) and it only took me 10 minutes to get a box. To top it all off, they don't take plastic? WHAT? Crazy and annoying. Yes, it was Father's Day. Yes, it was busy. But I felt anything but relaxing. Im sorry, but they should know how to handle crowds by now. The food was ok, but not enough to merit a trip back here. Which is really too bad! It LOOKS like my kind of place.
(2)
Rocky B.
Cute place, friendly staff but the food is really nothing amazing. Burgers tasted like those frozen patties that you get from Sam's Club. When I was there last I ordered a cheeseburger well my cheese was missing...mentioned that to the server and she apologizes and came back with an American cheese slice on a plate. Oh yeah like that is going to melt on my now cold burger...mmm, yeah sign me up for that tasty treat why dontcha. Sheesh. If you're in the area yeah maybe come check the place out for breakfast as I hear it's tasty but if not...it's totally not work the trek.
(2)
Jen J.
people get sooo snarky sometimes, don't you think?! i laughed at some of the whiny reviews for pauline's. it's a neighborhood diner people. a diner. it's a place that makes eggs on a giant griddle by pouring them from a pitcher. yes, a pitcher of raw fresh scrambled eggs. another pitcher for pancake batter. it's ok though--'cause it's a diner! i enjoy watching the frenetic owner on a busy weekend morning because he's trying sooo hard to keep everyone happy. he's seating people, hurrying waitresses, cashing out bills and handing out orange juice in little dixie cups to waiting patrons. it's clearly a labor of love at this place with a diverse wait staff of focused, no nonsense waitresses. i'm sure you could slip a picture of yourself and your friends under the glass at one of the tables and you'd feel at home here. i always order the pancakes and eggs breakfast which is a mouthful of simple scrambled eggs and fluffy griddle flapjacks with strawberries and whipped cream. my bottomless cup of coffee is always hot and full. i scarf it all down while staring at all the old nostalgic chicago "art" and i make sure to pick up my piece of candy from the giant metal washbin of old-school candy near the register. this is a neighborhood place with charm and tasty diner food. don't expect what you shouldn't. enjoy.
(4)
Vegetarian V.
The service was pretty good, or fast. not sure if good service = fast service all the time. anyways, i ordered the veggie omelette. needless to say, and i dont know why restaurants keep making this mistake, but the veggies were undercooked and still hard. the eggs were not seasoned at all. could it hurt to throw in a pinch of salt? or atleast some garlic? my boyfriend ordered some omelette with feta and spinach, and it tasted like shit. it was watery, and weird. zero taste, zero seasoning, alot of excess water.. he only took 2 bites. i asked the waiter to take it back and she looked at me like she knew exactly what i was talking about. atleast the service was ok but i shan't return there.
(2)
Amber W.
I would have given this place 5 stars except for the sometimes rushed and abrasive service. Also, its street parking in a residential area and you might have to wait for a table. But give me great food and I'll forgive you all that other crap. This is the place to go in the andersonville, edgewater area if you want breakfast. The coffee is good, the omletes are tasty. The blueberry pancakes are my favorite.
(4)
Erin B.
The food here is decent but after 3 visits I can safely say that the bad service we've had here is no abberation, it's the norm. The servers are slow, always seem to be in a terrible mood, and treat even the simplest requests as major inconveniences. Each time we've gone my boyfriend has requested that the toast which comes with his breakfast come on a separate plate - each time we've been told that the kitchen is "really busy" (even when the place is half empty) and they're not sure if the request can be accomodated. REALLY?!?! They can't put *toast* on a separate plate?!?! Ridiculous. And twice we've gotten their smoothies, had a fair amount left over, and requested to-go cups at the end of our meal - each time we've watied in vain for 10 minutes or more before I break down, go inside, and get my own. Sigh. The only thing that really redeems this place is their patio space, which is nice, but not worth the hassle.
(2)
Cathi O.
Wow - better than I remember. We went with a group for Mother's Day brunch, and they had champagne and flowers for all the mothers. Very charming. The corned beef hash had a perfectly crispy crust all around, just like I like (but can never seem to recreate at home). And this may sound strange, but the English muffin was crispy, buttery and delicious! Not just a side, but a fantastic treat. Generous portions and attentive coffee refills. Fun neighborhood place!
(4)
rachel p.
unless my memory is failing me, pauline's was a decent place to grab some breakfast at one point in time. now everytime i go here (and i do keep going because apparently i'm a glutton for punishment and omelettes the size of my head) i leave feeling i could have gone someplace better. the wait is usually pretty long... i've been asked to switch tables many times (and to transfer drinks and condiments to the new location)... the service is usually rushed and slightly brassy. the food is tasty though and the outdoor patio is nice in the summer.
(3)
Samantha L.
Food - disgusting. Decor - disgusting. I live right by this place and would love nothing more than to have an awesome diner place to hop in and have breakfast on the weekend, especially if it's after a big party night or I have someone in town staying with me. Alas it cannot and will not happen at Paulines. I had an omelet when I went, I think the best way to put it is that their food is sloppy. I know it's a diner, and I know it's just breakfast, but I know the difference, this place is gross. My veggie omelet was swimming in grease (and I am not opposed to greasy food from time to time) I think there was like one piece of something that resembled a vegetable. The potatoes, not good. The super kitschy decor made me want to barf almost as much as my omelet. And just a heads up - a lot of kids there. I personally like kids, plan to have a bunch one day, but for now I am enjoying the days when I don't have any. It was like eating at a McDonald's play place. Not my idea of a good time. Hope I didn't offend any proud parents out there, I know people get all sensey when you bring up the kiddies, I'm just keepin' it real.
(1)
Steve C.
Maybe some of these negative people just went in there on the wrong day at the wrong time. Which sometimes happens with small/family businesses where employees generally get a lot of leeway with regards to their performance. But we went on Sunday at around 1:30 and they couldn't have been friendlier, despite being pretty packed with a room full of people presumably nursing their hangovers. Food was pretty good, I stuck to pancakes but my friend seemed fairly excited about her Mexican omelet, and she'd been going there for years. Definitely would go back if I'm out of bed before 2 on a weekend again.
(4)
Julia R.
Despite reading some of the mediocre reviews of Pauline's, I decided to go anyway since it's so damn cute from the outside (and yes, I judge books by their cover). I'm SO glad I did though. I had the most delicious breakfast! It has diner prices but with really great food. I went on a Saturday morning so there was a wait to get service but we were seated immediately so it was no big deal. It's cute, it's tasty, and it's cheap! If you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely make your way to Pauline's.
(4)
D.L. P.
I really like Pauline's. The staff was super, super friendly. I was on a first name basis with a lot of them. They have some really good daily specials. I think I am probably in the minority when I say I like Pauline's lunches better then their breakfasts. It just a good, neighborhood place to get a hearty meal. For what I believe Pauline's is trying to do - create a comfortable, neighborhood diner that has good service and serves good to great food - I like it better then anyplace similar in Chicago. Print it!
(4)
Elizabeth H.
used to be a decent breakfast spot... then it switched owners years ago and went to shit. This place is far from special but people line up outside on a Sunday morning like they are serving a side of caviar with their short stack. The food is OK, but no better than any dive-y diner you would stumble into. Definitely not homemade-tasting in the slightest. I think they literally just lucked out with the location, in the sense that it is the easiest place to walk to on a weekend morning for the local crowd. The wait staff is generally not polite and tends to get orders wrong quite a bit. The place is small and they try to cram tables into every nook and cranie, even outside. It's not at all a relaxing atmosphere and you will most likely feel squished and rushed on a weekend morning.
(1)
Rich S.
I'm glad to see Elizabeth H. indicate that Pauline's has changed ownership. Having just moved back to Chicago after 8 years in the Bay Area, I was excited to visit Pauline's again. It was a place I had fond memories of. I was greeted with a dirty restaurant (sticky tables and chairs, dirty silverware), mediocre food, and rude service. I won't go back.
(1)
M G.
I enjoyed this place for the most part. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my husband had the blueberry pancakes and potatoes (a very healthy breakfast indeed). He really enjoyed his pancakes even though they served a "mixed" maple syrup instead of a pure maple syrup. The potatoes were flavorful. I'm pretty sure the biscuits were Hungry Jack (not flakey enough) and my plastic plate came warm which made me think that it took a turn in the micowave. Still, the gravy was dressed up with Italian sausage and was pretty good. The service was reasonably good. I would go here again and my husband, who doesn't go to restaurants alone, already did go back on his own. So I'm guessing he would have given this place four stars.
(3)
Ellen P.
Cute, neighborhoody place, bring cash. Portions are huge. I must agree with frustrated weekend diners -- you'll wait, and will not be allowed to linger, despite the somewhat hefty price of breakfast. They lose a star because I simply cannot abide the confrontational manner in which the "host" hurried us along after a Saturday breakfast. There are more subtle, yet effective ways to turn tables; I encourage management to use them. That said, over my Christmas vacation, had a wonderful time catching up midweek with my BFF, over yummy blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee etc. We spent well over two hours chatting about life, jobs, school, kids, etc, and were not harassed once. Summer also a good option, as outdoor seating expands the dining area. Overall a very enjoyable experience, and very full tummies. Recommended.
(4)
Alison L.
Ate lunch inside, smelled like old mop water. We ordered three meals - all bad. Previously frozen burger patty, hard and greasy. Grilled cheese with so much cheese it wasn't all melted. Plate full of sloppy, flavorless spaghetti. For such a great location and cute spot it's very disappointing. Prices are reasonable, but they need to focus more on the quality of the food. Hopefully breakfast is better, but not sure I'll go back to give it a try.
(1)
Megan K.
We were greeted at the front door by an older gentleman who offered us plastic shot glasses which were quickly filled with freshly squeezed orange juice and followed by the promise that the twenty minute wait would be worth it, claiming that it would take us at least another twenty minutes to find another place, and the other place would be far inferior. Thus, we waited, and in no time were able to crawl over several tables to be seated at a table on the sidewalk. The menu was overwhelming, because even though all the egg and pancake offerings were standard and straightforward, the portions appeared huge - omelets made with five extra large eggs sounds a little intense, doesn't it? Fear not, I've had three egg omelets that are bigger than these, so I'm not sure what the deal is with that. I've been ordering stuffed french toast a lot lately, and theirs looked delicious - until my plate arrived, loaded with boring battered Texas toast, whipped cream, and a sprinkling of un-ripe strawberries. The following conversation with the waitress ensued: "I ordered stuffed french toast." "No you didn't." "Yes I did." "No, you just ordered regular french toast." "No ma'am, I did not. Would it still be possible to get the stuffed." "I guess." "Would it take awhile?" "Probably." "Fine, nevermind, I'll eat this." And then I did what I could to eat something I didn't want after having a healthy dose of attitude and no apology. Everyone else was satisfied with their eggs, home fries and toast, but the most enthusiasm was saved for the fight over the blackberry jam packets. Giving this waitress the benefit of the doubt, I would come back here if I was in the area, or could walk here from my house, but I won't go out of my way to return. ps, they only take cash and personal checks.
(3)
Edward L.
One star is too high of a rating for Pauline's. The service was horrible and the staff was rude. The food was not at all impressive. There are several other resturants that I would consider before this one for breakfast. If Pauline's is the only choice that I have on any given weekend, I choose to go hungry!
(1)
Geoff H.
I used to love coming to this place like ten or fifteen years ago before it 'caught on'. I still ADORE their food (breakfast, anyway), their omelettes are ridiculously large, pancakes quite good, potatoes fantastic. But, still, I always leave this place in a shitty mood, and invariably about two hours later than when I arrived, which is just silly. This isn't a five-star dinner. The service is consistently awful, really. It always takes forever to get your food, and if at the first try they forget something (which is more often than not), you may or may not see your server, or the rest of your meal, for another half hour. Not sure if the problem(s) relate to incompetence, disorganization, the owner, or what, but they've been around long enough to have their shit together, they just don't. Great food, probably not worth the irritation unless you're a saint, have lots of time to waste or are not that hungry. But if you come here with a raging hangover, this may make it worse unless you sneak a bottle in, seriously. I just want breakfast, and though I like their food half as much as Pauline's, I'd rather go to Golden Nugget or Ann Sather (though their service sucks, too, usually) and not waste two hours of my day. It's just not that serious.
(3)
Alison F.
Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. This is the most amazing spot for breakfast in the city. If i was writing an insiders guide, Pauline's would have top billing. Having visited this spot dozens of times, quirky is certainly the appropriate adjective but in such a good way, with a smattering of posters, photographs and, yes, sponge paint covering the walls. The owner takes amazingly good care of his guests. Food is plentiful and excellent - I highly recommend the 'everything' omelet with white asparagus and delicious pancakes. Only thing that doesn't thrill me is the poor coffee over my last few visits but don't let that keep you away. Beautiful outdoor space in the summer, and slightly off the beaten track in Ravenswood, it doesn't get more authentically Chicago than Pauline's.
(5)
Chris K.
My favorite breakfast place in Chicago. The place is packed, but it's worth it. Everything's good. Go soon and often.
(5)
Chad S.
homey atmosphere.. kinda cute i guess. but how is it different from denny's or Ihop? bigger portions. food is just so-so.
(2)
Gil N.
Pauline's is really a one of a kind place. I don't know if the reviews can do it justice. It's not going to knock your socks off but it is going to make you feel comfortable. The food's great, the place is very laid back, and the atmosphere just takes you back. The location is nice and secluded and although it does get packed at times, it still feels like it's one of our city's little secrets.
(4)
Patty V.
Comfort food at its finest! Great omelets and breakfast items. I also love the Veggie Burger with the yummy fries. Service can be a tad slow,so if you are really pressed for time, this is not a good choice.
(4)
aileen b.
One of my top places to ride my bike to for brunch. It does get busy, but as other posters said the wait isn't ridiculous and they serve you fresh-squeezed OJ while you wait! I rarely order pancakes, but when I am here indulge in them, and it is oh so worth it.
(5)
vitas z.
i had gone to pauline's several times over the years. i can honestly say that i wasn't a fan for a long time. it's been hit or miss from time to time. though, last time was such a hit, i have to give it 4 stars and say that i'm planning on going back soon. the service was solid, the plates of food were on the larger size, the owner was so cheerful and attentive and shared a few great stories with us. the group was made up of my wife, our 5 month old son, and a couple who is expecting. the were very attentive that we were comfortable, that my son was safe and comfortable and the expectant mother was well looked after. it was what i had heard pauline's was like from all my friends who love the place and an experience i had never had before. i hope next time i go back the trend continues, because if it does they'll have a big fan in me.
Pauline's is a staple for weekend breakfast! Every time I have family or friends visiting from out of town, we must go to Pauline's for the blueberry pancakes! I don't have a big sweet tooth so I usually order the Mexican omelet which is delicious. I just tried their new special, the southwestern omelet with spicy chorizo, and I fell in love. The coffee keeps coming non-stop which is a godsend after a long Saturday night. If you get to Pauline's early enough on a Saturday or Sunday you will be seated immediately but beware of the brunch crowd and expect a long wait on holidays. Even if you have to hang around a bit before breakfast, Pauline's is definitely worth it!
(5)
Darlene R.
this place is cash only! they do have an atm on the outside of the restaurant, but i wish there was a big ass sign when you entered letting you know. we went at 9am so there was no waiting. i ordered the south american omelette, chorizo, cheddar and jalepeno. it was alright. it was a little greasy and my biggest complaint is that the jalepenos were on top of the omelette and not inside. my husband got pancakes and eggs with sausage on the side. our waitress forgot the sausage, but did bring it immediately when we reminded her. his pancakes were good, not the best i had but pretty good. nothing really stands out from what we had. the best thing i ate was probably the english muffin. it was super crispy and buttery. i didn't share it with my husband; it was soo good. however, i wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)
theresa w.
I just had the WORST breakfast ever. I am not sure where to even start to give an objective overview of my experience. I sit and write this and at the very same time I am waiting for the diarrhea to kick in. Things that went WELL: the OJ is great, the toast wasn't burnt Things that went BAD: we had to ask 3 times for milk and sugar substitute for our coffee which lead me to get up and search the restaurant for sugar substitute because the waitress never brought it, all of our meals where not delivered together (one person was missing their bacon, someone else was missing toast), ALL the food was cold?!?, my over easy eggs were not over easy - all three yolks were cooked solid, potatoes were cold, the bacon was NOT COOKED!, returned bacon was just put back on the grill and was returned full of grease and a pancake taste, the owner? was hanging pictures on the wall with a full restaurant, the owner refilled our much needed coffee mugs but proceeded to not only spill my coffee but BOTH of my friends coffees!!, the old man owner? made us move our table mid-meal and yes, again spill more coffee in the process, the waitress in her flight passed our table and knocked our paper and condiments off our table and on to the floor, the old man owner again made a comedic appearance by using our table as a wait station?!!? - loading up used cups from another table, filled water glasses for a new table and tossing silverware on our table. We also waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited some more for our check... after asking for it. This place is a JOKE.
(1)
Alvin d.
if you want mediocre food and to be hustled out of your table, come on over to Pauline's. the bus boys were hovering over us with their dirty buckets of plates and silverware once they saw cash coming out of our wallets. I realize that they had to turn the table over, but we were not even lingering. I certainly do not intend to return, there are much better places for breakfast who would not dare hurry to get you off your table.
(2)
Lynne D.
This place is great! Not only are they open every single day of the year, but they are a warm and inviting diner-like restaurant. They are known for their great breakfasts and I have to agree that their potato homefries are great! Also, I have been there for lunch as well and that was excellent too! It is an old-fashioned vibe and the waitstaff, though they seem hurried, are very friendly and sweet.
(4)
K B.
I love brunch at this place, but only if you're prepared to spend the majority of your Saturday/Sunday in a food coma - their portions are huge. I mostly order their omelette, which are 5 (!!) eggs (the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato one is my fav) and the potatoes they come with are awesome, crispy and not soaked in oil like some places. The service here has always been very courteous, even if you do have to wait a while on weekends, but what do you expect. In the summer they have seating outside, which is great if it's nice out.
(4)
iddells E.
I went here a few times...the last time I went here was on a Wednesday morning. Only two other tables were occupied so service was quick! Right before we knew it, our items were being set down on our table. Their potatoes are a must...they're delicious and very tasty! I like going to Pauline's since the food's always good and the service is quick and friendly.
(4)
Rico T.
The place definitely has the neighborhood charm thing going for it. It's been around for a really long time & has fed this belly more than enough times. The food is very, very tasty....just nothing spectacular. Really safe menu items, but that's okay. I really don't think this restaurant is looking to win any Iron Chef awards. The coffee & the awesome waitstaff make your stay enjoyable.
(4)
Joe F.
After driving by about two hundred times, we finally made a stop and went in. There was no line and we got right in. My first impression was one of concern. We got there a little after noon and the place looked like a train had literally ran through the restaurant (as opposed to the tracks directly to the west). I didn't want to tempt fate and check out the restrooms. Regardless of the apparent lack of concern for presentation, we sat down and opened the menu. What a great surprise! My menu had been soaking in oil and was completely disgusting! Side note: Dear restaurant owners: If you present your patrons with filthy menus, what message do you think you are sending? It really doesn't take much time to check the menu daily, replacing what gets soiled/dirty and wiping away food/grease stains. Anyway, after waiting about 20 minutes for service we ordered. I ordered the biscuits and gravy; in my opinion there is no greater measure of an establishments ability to serve breakfast than the biscuits and gravy. It forces the place to demonstrate that they can a) create a delicious gravy b) bake a delicious biscuit. Fail on both account. Personally, if I go out to eat the last thing you better serve me is a biscuit that is out of a CAN!!! They served the kind that are flaky and are really just thin slices of biscuit on top of one another so they come off layer by layer. As for the gravy, I don't like thin runny gravy. My fork should be able to stand up in the gravy, not fall in and get lost. It wasn't seasoned very well - it could have used a lot more pepper and salt. The sausage was OK, but nothing amazing. Making matters worse, the eggs that I ordered as a side were slapped right smack dab in the middle of the BNG. Uhm, would have preferred to have those on the side, but whatever. The omelette was OK.. It was obviously thrown together very, very fast, and you could tell by the haphazard way it was thrown on the platter. I love fast service but I'd gladly wait another minute or two so you could not make a sloppy mess out of things. The omelette had decent flavor but the mushrooms were thick cut and not cooked. The spinach was still raw and made things a little runny in the middle. The cheese was used very sparingly. The potato side that was served was overcooked, far too browned (it was just shy of burnt) and had a bit too much green and red pepper. The fresh squeezed orange juice was as good as fresh squeezed can get - obviously they grind the orange rind down as far as possible because there was a pronounced rind flavor. Thick, pulpy OJ, but let's be honest, it doesn't take much to get OJ right. In the end we left full but unsatisfied. To say the service was rough around the edges would be an understatement. The cashier barely looked up while taking the money and checking out. We will probably not go back. There are a lot of much better breakfast places that serve better food with service that outshines that which is at Pauline's.
(2)
Lindsey B.
I wanted to give Pauline's another chance before I made a quick decision so I tried it again for breakfast yesterday. I really like the place, when you walk in it looks like you're going on a picnic. The tables have plastic table cloths covered with glass for cleanliness and brightly painted walls with lots of vintage art and pictures. I really like the feel inside when you first walk in. But then you sit down. We got to our table, the waitress (an older woman) came over before we were even sitting down. I was struggling with my coat and couldn't even move my chair back to sit down cuz it's jammed in between the table and the wooden post behind it. So I tried to squeeze in as she's asking me about coffee. I don't drink coffee so she offered fresh-squeezed orange juice. So I ordered a glass. Just after I ordered it I remembered they had fresh papaya juice. She was already on her way back with the pulpy mess so I didn't order it. But I wondered why she wouldn't offer the Papaya juice to me too since that's a little more rare? EVERY breakfast place has orange juice. Come on. Anyhow, she impatiently asks if we're ready to order. We JUST sat down so we said no. She came back about 1 minute later and said, "Ok what do you want to eat?" So we both order quickly as she grabs the menus and walks off without even really acknowledging that we ordered anything. She came back with the food, slammed it down in front of us, and threw napkins on the table half on top of our plates of food. Then we had to switch cuz she put the wrong food in front of the wrong person. No sooner do we take our first bite but she's back with the check. GEEZ! In a hurry to get rid of us or what?! Rude. Rude. Rude. As we're eating and almost ready to get the hell out of there, the owner comes walking down yelling at the bus boy to clean a table. I would've quit right there if I were him. My dad has never even yelled at me that way. Ick.
(2)
Dilip J.
The food is good, and the price isn't bad. But, the service is ok. I think the menu is pretty good, and there are a good variety of choices. They have some unusual items that I think most people should be pleasantly surprised by, But, I would never go here during brunch. The lines are just too long, and the place isn't exactly large. Go there and treat yourself to a really good meal, but not if you see lines during the wknd brunch.
(4)
Derek M.
I've only dined at Pauline's one time. A beautiful, spring Saturday morning when I would have expected the wait to be nearly unbearable, but it wasn't. The booths look cozy inside for a winter's brunch, but the sun was out as were the tables so we chose to eat outside. On our visit there was scaffolding out and it was decorated with vines and ornaments to make it much more attractive for a dining setting. We waited a bit for our service but the food was great. Eggs and potatoes were good and I had the eggs benedict with crab meat, which was absolutely delicious! It was a quiet, peaceful outdoor seating area despite being near the road. I've been to other outdoor-eating areas where the road rage runs off the street right into the enjoyment of your meal, but thankfully that is not the case here. Luckily I had cash; I didn't realize its cash only. They do have an ATM that is conveniently located on the side of the restaurant. Overall it's a cozy place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. And I would recommend it over a lot of other places in the hood. There's even a cool little park near the Metra line on Ravenswood right out the front door where you can walk off your breakfast in the warmer months. Enjoy~
(3)
Matthew G.
"THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL WITH A GOLDEN CURL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD. AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD, SHE WAS VERY, VERY GOOD, BUT WHEN SHE WAS BAD, SHE WAS HORRID" Pauline's suffers from severe bi-polar disorder. One moment, she pets you and calls you pretty while the next moment, she whips the hat pin out of her hair and pokes you in the eye. Pauline's also suffers from a severe lack of systematic order. The stationless servers sprint about like harried, headless chickens. The food is ready in baffling order -- here come the eggs and later comes the soggy, microwaved bacon and cold toast. Pushy bus boys snatch at your plate as you lift the last bite of food to your lips. The crazy owner coos at a cute baby only to turn around and scream "get the f*ck out" to a patient customer with a legitmate complaint (I actually witnessed this). Are the poor servers often rather surly? Yes, but I'm sure you'd be too if you're being screamed at by your boss as your customers fidget hungrily as you sprint across the restaurant to to freshen the coffee of one of your ramdonly assigned tables. It seems like a handbasket on a roller coaster ride to hell. The place itself has charming potential. It's old and eclectic, kooky and kitschy albeit dulled by a patina of grease. The food? It's ok. Sometimes it's pretty great, other times it's pretty rotten. Pricey for what is it? Definitely! I must say that they always have really awesome soup -- hot, hearty and fililng. Other menu items are hit or miss. I think Pauline's is in need of a long "time out". Some time to reflect, re-organize and prioritize would do the old girl a world of good. Let's hope she considers this. In the meantime, Pauline's remains packed on the weekends despite her "Mommie Dearest"-esque demeanor. During the week she practices better behavior, but the good does not cancel out the evil. The joint must be the number one stop in the Weekend Brunch Masochists' Guide. Pauline's really must consider her potential. Otherwise, perhaps grand-ma-ma should reach into the family savings and pack her off to boarding school. As there is high probabilty that you will have a (far) less than stellar experience, I suggest you skip Pauline's until she manages to behave herself properly.
(1)
Susan L.
Supremely average, you'd be more satisfied a bowl of cereal at your kitchen table.
(2)
Gayle G.
Wow, the hash was tas-tee! Me like-ee! We walked right in on a Sunday at 11:30 with no wait for a table for two. When we left an hour later, there were 3-4 parties waiting. This is an old school, no frills kinda breakfast place. The has was good and so were the plate sized pancakes. Not too sweet, crispy around the edges and not soggy in the middle. Three HUGE pancakes for $6.75 with a generous amount of whipped cream and fruit. Pitchers of syrup are on the table, so you won't look like a piggy if you need more than just the little pitcher that so many places give you. A great little neighborhood breakfast joint. I can see many a hangover being relieved here.
(4)
Dave S.
The only bad thing about Pauline's is that it's not closer to my house!! Ok, sure, it's still within walking distance but who can possibly walk home after eating the generous portions served up in this neighborhood diner? Not me; that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Much like the omelettes stick to my ribs. Huge and fluffy and delicious! Corned beef in an omelette is the best thing since corned beef plain! French toast is AWESOME! I'm not usually a sweets person at breakfast but I had a hankering for French toast while there and ordered it as a side (yes, I said a side) to my omelette (can't pass'em up!) and I was in heaven! The servers are good enough but nothing special. They get the job done and sometimes with a smile. You can definitely tell who are the regulars and who are the not-so-regulars (yeah, I'm the latter) by the interaction with the wait staff. Although they aren't rude or off putting, they definitely know where their bread and butter is and cater to them; as they should! They do work for tips after all. There's outdoor seating in partial shade on those lovely Chicago Summer mornings when being inside is the last place you want to be. I have seen dogs tied up near outside tables occupied by their caretakers, so if that's your thing you might like to know. I personally don't think dogs (or any animal) should be allowed anywhere near food or beverage service areas. Restaurants or bars. They're dogs!! I haven't had to wait more than about 15 minutes to eat here which is a definite plus to other places in the neighborhood that experience long wait times. This is probably because this is a diner that knows how to short order cook breakfast and get people moving. Don't lollygag or you might find some growling bellies scowling at you! Pauline's is THE place for breakfast!
(4)
Mike F.
I had a chance to visit Pauline's over the weekend. I am sorry I did. I have been hearing about it from a lot of people I have met in the neighborhood. And I think that is the draw. It is super-kitschy and not much else. It has that retro, old-timey diner thing going for it. And I will admit, it does indeed do that well. But the food and service left so much more to be desired. The menu consisted of your basic breakfast items and that is fine, if you are going to do them right. The whole meal was sub-par. I am not going to blame the food exactly, but I wasn't feeling too good stomach wise a couple of hours later either. I probably won't be going again. I couldn't resist its charming look and good reviews from friends, but it looks like I should have checked Yelp first.
(2)
Sydney V.
We stopped in around 2:30 on a Sunday when there were many open tables. We were with our toddler and looking for a quick snack before he got too cranky. After sitting there 10 minutes and unable to get anyone's attention, we got up and left. None of the FOUR waitresses gathered around in a corner (so that's where they were!) bothered to run over to stop us. They just watched us walk away. So don't be fooled into thinking that the service is slow because they're busy. The service is simply bad. We won't be back.
(2)
Unity O.
Been to this establishment many times over the years & I have to say it is a wonderful place to go for Sunday brunch. Now, if you do go on a Sunday you SHOULD expect to wait to be seated as it is a VERY popular place to eat in the neighborhood (also try & get there before the church crowd--they tend to move in massive herds :-) If you do get stuck waiting the staff are super & give you free fresh squeezed orange juice (YUM!) and really you never wait more then 15 mins. The food is just what you would expect from a diner like place--although more tasty & the atmosphere is warm & inviting. A little on the quirky side with the decor--but that makes it fun. Parking can definitely be a pain & sometimes the servers can be testy. Overall though the portions are very generous & the food is good!
(4)
Brett M.
It's hard to give Pauline's three stars, because the servers are friendly and it used to be a favorite for us, but the quality of the food on days when the place is packed (Saturdays and Sundays) suffers. Also, when it's packed, expect to be jostled by other guests, servers, and bussers for the duration of your meal. And the bathroom is in the back of the kitchen, which means you go through the kitchen to get there... and it's not very clean. The whole place could use a major facelift, but I know they like to keep it "diner-kitsch", so I doubt that'll happen. Here's my best and worst experiences; you decide. Best experience: On Christmas Day last year, my dad took my brother, my fiance and I to breakfast at Pauline's because they were one of the only neighborhood places open on Christmas. It was great! We were one of the only tables, everyone loved our meal, our server was really sweet. I have fond memories of that meal. Worst experience: At like 2:45 on a Saturday, we took some friends to Pauline's for a late afternoon snack. The staff did not want us there. They were closing at 3:00, they were cleaning up, they weren't paying attention to us. We all wanted chocolate milkshakes, which are on the menu. They said they couldn't do it, because they were "out of chocolate." Now really. Any place that "runs out of chocolate" (I personally think they just didn't want to make them) on a Saturday when people will be in for belgian waffles on Sunday morning can't call itself a diner. I'm from New Jersey, so I am picky about diners, but I think running out of chocolate sauce or ice cream or whatever on a weekend is on par with running out of eggs or french fries.
(3)
Dan M.
Went for breakfast on 08/15/2011. Our waitress took our order and read it back to be sure it was correct but the cooks got got 2 out of 3 orders wrong. We didn't bother to complain as we were in a hurry.
(2)
Erin '.
I've posted reviews about Pauline's on other sites too because I love it THAT much. Everything is fantastic and fresh. The waitstaff is perfect. It feels like having breakfast at grandma's house. Super cozy place, delicious food and great prices.
(5)
Becky S.
I agree with other reviewers that the service was less than satisfactory. However, the food was quite delicious. It made up for the poor service. My main complaint was the that "5 egg omelet" was definitely made of 3 eggs or less. I ordered the spinach, feta, and tomato omelet with a side of potatoes and wheat toast. I enjoyed all of it, including the free coffee refills! I plan on returning soon, maybe for a good hangover meal
(3)
Jillian D.
You know that children's song with the lyrics: "over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go"? well, traveling to pauline's is a bit like heading to grandmother's house...if your grandmother owned a cute neighborhood diner :) this restaurant is along one of my running routes. with it's vivid red outside walls, picket fence and flowers, you can't miss it. and the adorable signs along ravenswood that let you know you're getting close are a nice touch too. i used to run past the diner and fantasize about their "famous apple and blueberry pancakes" promoted on one wall. (running always makes me hungry for pancakes!) so, one day, my best friend and i agreed to check it out. the owner is the sweetest man. he greets you with a big smile on his face, so you don't mind learning there's a bit of a wait. and then he offers you complimentary fresh squeezed orange juice to boot. yum yum! the walls are painted in reds, yellows and greens, a nice complement to the red vinyl booths. the menu aims to please with a plethora of tantalizing breakfast and lunch options. my friend and i were seated, ordered coffee (fresh and hot), then perused the menu carefully. so many options! and specials too! we both ordered omelets (you can't plan for pancakes. pancakes tell you when to eat them.). they were HUGE!! we couldn't finish them. not even close. plus, they came with toast on the side. our server kept the coffee coming. and though there were people waiting, there was never any pressure to turn the table over. nice. i've been back more than once, and the restaurant never disappoints. oh, and i've finally tried those famous pancakes - delicious! if you're ever in the neighborhood, head for the red cottage on the corner of balmoral and ravenswood. you won't be sorry.
(4)
Adam L.
I think the more often you come here, the more you tend to appreciate the quirkiness that many off the bat would find offensive. The owner's more than a bit eccentric - I almost get the soup nazi vibe from him a little, although he does quite kindly go around (with his backpack oxygen tank) pouring orange juice in the morning (often ending up in the glass you're holding). He's an animated fellow who obviously loves what he's doing. About the food, I've always enjoyed it - their specials I've also always liked, although I most recently had to ask them to hold the bacon for their "Vegan" special I had ordered - the waitress didn't seem to get it - I can only assume it was some kind of joke. In all, it's a cute neighborhood breakfast place that ends up being a wonderful start to any hungover or not saturday or sunday, especially outside on a beautiful summer morning.
(4)
Kathleen C.
I have heard tons of good reviews about this place but just didn't think it was special. In fact, I didn't even think it was average. Went there early on a Sunday morning. About half of the tables were full and we were seated immediately. Although none of the other 2 person tables were used, we were placed near the entrance to the back room and it was annoying. The menu was large but I figured that I would go with a breakfast staple: an omelette. I actually felt jipped that the eggs were totally unfluffy and seemed to be an egg burrito instead of a mixture of egg and veggies. The menu said they used a bunch of eggs but it seemed like 1 or 2. Maybe I had a rookie chef! I did like the potatoes though! Maybe I will give it another try cause everyone keeps saying it is so good.
(2)
Heather F.
Hello Pauline? It's me Heather. Weight Watchers or no Weight Watchers, I CANNOT depreive myself of Sunday Morning Breakfast. It's like a weekly holiday. I would walk across Hell's half acre for biscuits and gravy. Split wine, walk on water.... you name it, I'd do it. Gimme the fluffy biscuits and savory gravy. Pauline's is the cutest little neighborhood diner, providing some of the most stellar breakfast I've had in this city to date.... and I've been here for a solid 400 Sunday's, so, that's a LOT of desayuno. The portions are borderline offensive, and I mean that in a good way. You could EASILY feed 2 people with 1 breakfast entree. The menu will tell you they make "5 egg omlettes". This is a lie. It's like a dozen, and STUFFED with veggies and meats and cheeses galore. All breakfast's come with "Pauline's famous potatoes" and a side of toast. Pauline's potatoes are not that famous in my book. Standard red skins cut into chunks, and put on a griddle with peppers and onions. I prefer my hashies to be of the frozen, more glutenous variety, i.e. cooked in a vat of grease and salt, and served to me piping hot and crispy. These just don't make the cut, but the other food is totally worth accepting her sub par potatoes. I've only seen their lunch entrees, but never sampled. I can't NOT get the biscuits n' gravy when I'm there. The lunch stuff looks equally appealing. Pretty sure I threatened a waitress's life for the Patty Melt she had on her tray, but don't worry, I haven't been black listed. Pauline's is worth the drive if you don't live near Andersonville. There is plenty of easy street parking, service is always outstanding and FAST, food is ALWAYS delicious, and I always roll out smiling. I mean roll is its most literal sense. Please do not count on your pants fitting you after a visit to Pauline's.
(4)
Bob S.
Been there 3 times and the first was the only good time. Second time there was in April 2010 when it was cold out and after a 15 minute wait we were seated by the door, and it was freezing. The wait was miserable as the woman "managing" the area doesn't take names but simply yells to the crowd "who's next?" so it's utter confusion. Once seated I ordered and omelet and the simpleminded waitress asked "how would you like your eggs". Um, duh - it's an omelet. And her reply was "Oh, I'm new here" as if that answered it. Today, the third trip, was unacceptable. Empty tables all around and the woman up front said we'd have to wait because evidently the booths are reserved for 3 or more. We're 2, no one else waiting, empty tables, and she makes us wait!? NFW! See ya!
(1)
Veronicka L.
Pros: The food is great. The service is friendly and quick. They have a yummy candy bowl by the entrance (that includes Mary Janes). Cons: It can be very noisy. There is little room betwen tables and the booths are uncomfortable. In the summer, the air conditioning is not powerful enough.
(4)
Carol H.
I've eaten at Pauline's twice. Both times I felt like I was being hurried up and pushed out. The staff kept running up and down the aisle next to me, brushing past and bumping me. Then they started furiously sweeping up the floor and piling the chairs on the tables even before I got my food. I timed my visit so that I could eat from 2 to 3 p.m., as it closed at 3 p.m. The decor is an absolutely hideous red and green, and the oil table cloths are equally as ugly. The food was very average, calorie-laden fare and over-priced for the neighborhood and quality of food. Nothing on the menu was for a person interested in healthy eating. I agree with the other interviewer on Yelp who doesn't understand how this place stays in business. On the plus side, Pauline's is located on a very nostalgic corner on Ravenswood Street across from the Metra train line. Plenty of trees abound forming a very pleasant outdoor seating area. The outdoor tables have umbrellas for shade. However, I can find a lot better places (with much better food) to eat in Anderson for the same prices that this place charges! P.S. They don't take credit cards, but they have an ATM on the outside of the building.
(1)
Pete D.
This should be 4 and a half. Paulines is awesome, it can get busy and then service occasionally is less than stellar, but hey when a restaurant is slammed (which it often is on the weekends) you cannot expect miracles. Any one who doesn't like this place should go eat at some fast food hell hole, and keep out of our beloved Pauline's.
(4)
Emily K.
Pretty good omelette- nothing to rave about, but was satisfying. Asked if I could get chorizo in my Mexican omelette (it was right below the South American omelette on the menu which had chorizo, but the Mexican had more things I liked in it). Said yes, was good, etc. Bill came- I was charged for 2 juices (only had 1) and $4.35 for corned beef hash (didn't order). When I told the waitress, politely, of the error she got super defensive and said "yeah, WELL, that's the only way I could ring up the chorizo for your omelette." and grabbed the reciept and returned with only the extra juice taken off. So apparently I was charged $4.35 for chorizo added to an omelette. Seriously dude? Seriously? I assumed extra meat added would be maybe in the $1.75-$2.00 range, like ordering a side of bacon or sausage. SERIOUSLY? $4.35? B.S. If an additional item really costs $4.35 extra I'd expect to be notified about it when I order. Or it better be wearing gold plated diapers. I won't be back.
(2)
Alice S.
Still wonderful. How did I not mention before how good the coffee is at Pauline's? Love it!
(5)
Phil S.
Gave this place 2 tries to impress me and they failed the second time. Food is ok (nothing amazing) and our server messed up 2 of 3 items in our order. Even if she was new they were blatant mistakes. We won't be back.
(2)
John B.
Pauline is a Jekyll and Hyde kinda girl. During the week, this is a nice neighborhood joint, all candy colored and checkered curtains. The walls are covered with old-time adverts, the tables are covered with photos of regulars. The food is good and the service is friendly. Locals relax with their morning papers, old friends catch up, moms bring their kids. You wouldn't be surprised to see Floyd and Goober at the next table. On the weekends, though, Pauline turns into one mean bitch. The sweet ethnic servers are gone, replaced by the pros who are there for their tips. Customers are jammed in like commuters on the train to Bergen-Belsen. And treated just as well. You eat what you get, and you will like it! It's all about long lines and table turns. The kitchen churns out orders, and who cares if it's ready? If you have a chance to visit Pauline's during the week, do so. On the weekend, unless you are more patient than I am and willing to put up with some bullshit, skip it. Go to Svea -- it's a smaller menu, but the people are nicer. 4 stars for weekdays, 1 star for weekends.
(3)
Laura K.
First off, I like the fact that it's just down the street from my apartment and that we can walk to it no matter what the weather (although we were slipping and sliding on the ice the whole walk over). It's your typical breakfast type place with generous portions and AMAZING orange/papaya juice. If you go, and especially if you have a hangover, order this juice. It's fresh squeezed (although i have no idea how you squeeze a papaya) and yummy. Your body will thank you. This place is usually jammed on the weekends however peacefully quiet during the week. The owner (or who I'm assuming is the owner) has always been friendly and accommodating but I agree that the wait staff is more interested in getting the job done than being super friendly. The food is good. I've only had breakfast here. Nothing remarkable. All in all, it's a cute little local place I like to take our out-of-town guests for a little local flavor.
(3)
Dave Z.
What I like about Pauline's is that they know exactly who they are and attempt to execute fast, pretty friendly service with really good consistent food. I have had great experiences at Pauline's both on weekdays and weekends. They do not attempt to be upscale or corporate or scalable. They are a mom and pop breakfast diner. On the weekend expect to wait because they will be packed from 8:00am to 12 noon (based on my experiences). The serving staff is friendly but they are busting it, to get your your food in a timely manner in a space that is designed for a healthy bottom line and not extra wiggle room. Go to Pauline's for the food, the fun old posters on the walls and if you have to wait their are plenty of newspapers to read.
(4)
Chris J.
I've been coming to Pauline's for years with my family and would have easily given it 4 or 5 stars. However, on a recent visit, I was quite disappointed. The service was very rushed and the waitresses were not friendly. The food also wasn't up to the usual par I expect from Pauline's. The potatoes weren't what they normally were and the bacon wasn't well cooked. My friend got an omelet that was alright but nothing special. I hope next time I can update with a better review because I've been coming here forever and it's usually quite good.
(3)
Jeremy S.
Better service, food, and environment for less money than my regular diner. I'm a new fan!
(4)
Tracey C.
The only reason I'm giving this two stars is the food. (I would give it more because, frankly, the food is really good, however, I can't in good conscience, give more than that given the service.) I'm used to waiting for tables for breakfast/brunch on weeeknds... not a big deal. What I can't let slide is being seated and then waiting for a good 20 minutes before anyone actually comes to your table simply to ask if you want something to drink. (And I'm assuming the only reason the server finally came when she did is because the oddly indifferent, and overly abrasive manager seemed to have noticed the look on my face...later she would yell at her staff for everyone within earshot to hear... ahhh nice calm brunch) After ordering orange juice, we waited another 15 minutes (no joke) before that was brought out . (while I realize it's fresh-squeezed OJ, it's not as if they're flying to FL to handpick the oranges with each glass ordered... 15 minutes is ridiculous) The server (who was also acting as hostess at some point) was, to put it as fairly as possible, socially awkward. While taking our order she started shaking her hands and sighing, motioning us to "hurry up" (just a reminder, we had a good 20 minutes to review the menu so it's not like we didn't know what we wanted, we just weren't speaking fast enough for her) and, only, again, after seeing the look on my face did she say, "Sorry to rush you." When my friend asked her for some OJ a little bit later, she looked at him as if he had just asked her to kick a dog. While sitting there, we witnessed a customer having to get up and get his OWN refill on coffee because they had been waiting so long. His server ended up snapping at him. Bottom line, brunch and breakfast are my favorite meals to go out and enjoy in Chicago. Pauline's has excellent food but it's not worth the time or the aggravation when surrounded by so many other places in the Edgewater/Andersonville area that will provide MUCH better, much less aggravating (and, dare I say, MUCH less shocking lack of) service. You can have the best food in the world but if your service sucks, you're tanked. Pauline's, get with it... hire more people... ones who know how to deal with customers.
(2)
Amy J.
I did not like this place. Michelle O is dead on...it's dirty and cramped. The food was really blah, service was pushy. The biscuits and gravy was gross...dry biscuits and tasteless, gloppy gravy. Runny scrambled eggs. The water even tasted bad! No, no, no. Bad restaurant! Oh, I just read Andrea's review and yes, that guy was there and was super pushy with us. I think he's the owner.
(1)
Nastassia J.
Very good indeed. Fresh and delish. Its your standard breakfast joint but it has that homey feel which I adore. The last time I was there, the owner was running around asking people if they liked it. Clearly trying to please the public which is nice to see. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Carla F.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pauline's before. I've been there quite a few times since I work right down the street. I work with adults that have developmental disabilities and mental illness. Unfortunately, the clients we serve do not get the opportunity to go out to eat very often and when they do, most likely the staff will take them to a fast food joint. In my classroom we had been working on learning and practicing table manners. My clients were doing so well that I decided they should be treated to a tasty meal, in a relaxed setting where they could sit down and enjoy themselves. Today was the birthday of one of the clients in my classroom, so we thought today was the perfect day to walk down to Pauline's for lunch. It was pretty busy and we were told that they were short on servers, but they service was still great. I can tell you from experience that the individuals I work with are not always treated as they should be. This was definitely not the case at Pauline's. Our waiter was very patient with them as they ordered (as it took more time than most parties of 5). He did a great job explaining that they only had lentil soup today when one of my clients said they wanted tomato, and again when that same client said they wanted cream of mushroom. When the waiter found out that we were also celebrating a bday, he brought a bowl of ice cream out to the bday girl with enough for everyone at the table to have some. He started singing "Happy Birthday" and the entire section of the restaurant sang along. I cannot say enough about the great service and kindness that we all received. Just like every time I've been there, the food was great. I think it was a great experience for the individuals I went with and I would recommend this place for anyone that is in the area that wants a tasty, filling meal.
(5)
Lyndsay G.
I've lived down the street from this place for a while, but never got a chance to actually go. Sunday morning, I figured, would be terribly crowded, and we only waited 3 minutes for a seat outside. As soon as we are in the waiting area, we are offered Dixie cups of fresh OJ. LOVE it. I turn and look out the front door as see my favorite red sticker of all "Find Us on Yelp" and I was sold. We sat down, and enjoyed lovely omelette's and hash browns quickly without any interruptions. The tables outside are a bit tight, but they move quick and makes for an imtimate dining experience. My ONLY complaint is that there were tons of dogs around the food, where people were sitting. Fine, call me rude, but I just don't want dogs sniffing at my food. Cute, nice staff, and great fresh OJ. Can't beat it.
(5)
Julie G.
Pauline's is definitely a good bet for breakfast. The atmosphere is a little kitschy but very cozy, and their broccoli and cheese omelet is one of my faves. Also good are the banana pancakes and I don't usually even like pancakes. I suggest skipping the breakfast potatoes and getting the fresh fruit instead, but their coffee is actually pretty decent. It's a little out of the way but very affordable and an enjoyable diner experience overall.
(4)
A Q.
Great. Great service, great atmosphere, good food.
(4)
Barbie S.
My friend recommended this place and we walked there - but I can imagine that parking in the immediate area would be a potential problem.The decorating is so quirky & fun! :)) It definitely looks like a diner though - almost looks to the point of maybe it is not clean or just maybe it is old??? But quaint & cute. But the service was fantastic -they were friendly & we were not rushed at all. They were pouring coffee in our cups as we were sitting down. (b/4 we asked for it even!) My friend is a regular and has mentioned that the service is really hit or miss. The coffee was great, and the food was very yummy, and the omelets were gigantic!!! OMG enough for 2 people for sure. Decent menu too if you are not into eggs & omelets. It was awesome! I LOVED IT!!!!
(4)
Nicole V.
Wake up, roll out of bed, chug water, take aspirin, walk around the corner to Pauline's for brunch. This is the way I like to start my Sunday. If you are looking for some hearty and delicious down home breakfast, then you must try Pauline's. It is hard to put your finger on what exactly sets Pauline's apart from other brunch spots...but that's part of her charm. Every time you go it feels a little more like mom's kitchen. Everyone there is very friendly, and there is always an upbeat feeling to the place. Most importantly, the food is good. When you need a big breakfast like mom used to make...Pauline is right there. From your standard selection of egg dishes, to the fresh and hearty omelets, to the fantastic pancakes...Pauline knows how to give you that home cooked breakfast feelin'. Go ahead and give her a try, it will make your Sunday.
(5)
Sonia R.
I LOVE Pauline's! I was first brought here when I moved to Chicago back in 1999 and I have been a regular ever since. I don't order much more than the Old Favorite and breakfast so I don't know how their lunches are, but overall it's a great place! I also have my meetings there with my staff sometimes and they all love it too! I am sure every business has it's bad days, but I would check it out again if you didn't like it before. :)))))) XOX
(5)
Kristen P.
Went to Pauline's after a trek to find my man some "snus". Figured we'd find a place in or near Andersonville to accommodate us. since that was a bust, we went onto Yelp to find ourselves some breakfast. This place sounded like it was perfect for us. Yay! It was. I don't remember what SO got, but I got some kind of Salmon egg spinach thing. Delicious sounding, we settled down with coffee, admired the cute little Boston Terrier eating outside, and waited for food. Our Waitress informed us that she'd have to move us, since we were the only ones left in the dining room without the juice bar thing in it. So we moved and got free papaya orange juce for our "inconvenience" it was so freakin good. Weird other diners, lots of staring, but the food was good. Anyways I'd probably go back on the off chance I'm in the area during breakfast hours ever again.
(3)
Sarah L.
I have been here many times so I wanted to give this a review. I have only eaten breakfast here. Every time I went it was outstanding! It's a hidden gem on Ravenswood Ave. Parking can be tough but circle the block for Pauline's! Their eggs and pancakes are delicious. The decor of the restaurant is quirky and fun. The staff here is very sweet. I haven't been here in a while but I'm craving me some Pauline's :)
(4)
Tristin M.
This place was PACKED. When I walked in to put in for a table for 5, I got a glimpse and a whiff of the blueberry and strawberry pancakes that were cooking on the stove and man did it smell and look so good... but I was starving cause it was my first meal of the day at 12:30pm so I could've just been hungry. Our server was really cool though and checked up on us often. Sincce they were crazy busy our server warn us with a, "just so you know it's goningto take a long time because--" something about being backed up or busy in the kitchen as she was on her way to put the order through. It did take a while though cause we finished our cup of coffee and my husband and friend took a long smoke break and came back joking about how there was still no food... Oh! Their coffee is good! I did end up pouring coffee for for the 3 of us who ordered a cup at the table since our server was running around the place BUT it was cool... Hey they were busy... And once our food came, she did keep checking back and I was happy with my country breakfast! man my son even picked at it even though he was done with his pancake stating, "Mmm this gravy is good!!" as he spooned bites into his mouth! So hey... I'd definitely go back (maybe on a weekday to avoid the chaos though) but if future visits happen to be on a weekend morning or afternoon, I'll just expect a long wait and busy server
(4)
Go B.
if you are hung over or have some loud ass kids that you have to feed, this is the perfect spot
(3)
Jerry M.
Very down home place in Chicago - I don't think they've updated the decor in at least 30 years if not more, but somehow it adds to it's cheesy charm. It gets VERY busy on the weekends, so expect a wait out the door and when you finally do get seated, it will be crowded. They don't seem to rush you once you are seated though. The food is typical brunch food - eggs, pancakes, etc. The orange juice is freshly squeezed and out of this world! I do have to complain about the tea - they just give you a random assortment in one of those old strawberry containers that are usually hit or miss. I know, tea isn't the reason why people go here, but if you're going to charge me $2 a cup, please make it worth my while (and I don't like coffee).
(3)
Jeff R.
The food's okay. It's a decent place for an average, affordable diner meal. The servers are odd and the overall service needs improvement.
(3)
Allen B.
I've always thought of Pauline's as a fun place to go with pretty good food. The slanted tables and kitchy atmosphere is rather pleasant in a quirky kind of way. (One table is so slanted, my plate was sliding off the table, but I just put a sugar packet under it and it was fine.) The waitstaff is generally efficient and down to earth. One time some years ago I saw Rod Blagojevich eating there shortly after he was elected governor. Last time I was there, it seemed kinda empty, no one to seat me, and no one to take payment so I just left it on the table, no one to say goodbye. The food is above average, but not particularly spectacular.....I do question the need to have FIVE-egg omelets, but I like that you can get a nice selection of ingredients in them, including asparagus. I like Pauline's because it is unique without being pretentious ....it's not "packaged" - it's just being itself....it's a combination of ups and downs, and worth going to at least once.
(3)
John L.
The good: The waitress was friendly. The bad: Cash only with no warning about this until the check comes. Seriously, the fact that there's an atm on the site doesn't make it ok. That means that the customer pays the fees instead of the restaurant. The decor is strange. Although some people find this to be cute and cozy, I didn't care for it. Everything looked old and I got the feeling that it maybe hasn't been deep cleaned in a while. My girlfriend ordered a hot chocolate and it came piled with such a huge mountain of whipped cream on top that she had to get a spoon and a bowl just to remove it to get to the drink. Maybe that's fine for some people but she was never asked if she wanted whipped cream or not. She doesn't like whipped cream so that's not ok. My coffee was extremely weak and it still had a hint of some kind of tea flavor in it making me wonder if I had been given a mug that contained tea from a previous customer and not washed before being used for my coffee. Yuck. The biscuits and gravy were very average. The biscuits were from a can. Yes, from a can. How can a breakfast place not make homemade biscuits?! And to top it all off, they had a really crappy soft rock station playing annoyingly bad music in the background. Music in a restaurant is just a bad idea. Nothing ruins a meal for me more than having to hear music that I can't stand while I am eating. There are too many good breakfast joints in this city to be going here for biscuits in a can. I can do that at home.
(2)
Jeremiah L.
I think my expectations were too high before going to Pauline's. I passed it a couple of times and it looks like the perfect little funky diner. Based on the look I thought for sure they would have amazing food as these hole in the wall places usually do. I had the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was quite good but the biscuits weren't the best I've had. My girlfriend had the asparagus omelette. It didn't really have too much flavor. The potatoes were decent but nothing to write home about. It's a cute place and the food is decent but with so many other brunch choices I don't see myself rushing back here.
(3)
Katie R.
Would like to award 3.5 stars... My BLT was average. Not bad - I'd order it again if I was in a BLT mood (although if I go back, I'm trying the breakfast next time). However, the fries...the fries were amazing (and I don't really like fries). They do this weird batter thing where they cut the potatoes in fry shape and then batter the fries before they fry them. I know you're imagining some thick batter - but it was more like a flaky added bonus on the fries. So delicious. Overall, a fun experience. On a really hot day you should beware though - I don't think they have a/c.
(4)
Justin H.
Paulines has huge breakfasts at decent prices. during the week this restaurant is not as packed as the elbow to elbow on the weekend. The fresh squeezed orange juice is amazing and just yum.
(4)
B. L.
This place does remind me of a place you would see in an old movie. The classic 50's looking diner serves customers on the increasingly popular Ravenswood Ave. They are at the corner of Rav./Balmoral. Pancakes, hamburgers, fries, coffee and sodas are some of the goodies you can munch on here.
(4)
Meghan B.
We used to go to Pauline's all the time. The food is reliably standard and pretty good for a weekend morning. The owner is a complete freak! This is so funny that it has actually become a family story. The first time we went to Pauline's we were accompanied by my brother who swore by the place. It was the beginning of summer, so we sat outside. There was a line of people waiting-- patiently, mind you-- and all of the tables were close to one another. The owner was freaking out about the wait and decided to push the tables around to make more room for chairs, so he PICKED UP MY BROTHER BY HIS CHAIR AND MOVED HIM! He didn't even say hello! We had several visits to Pauline's before the next incident. At that time we were eating breakfast with my brother again and had just ordered coffee. The spastic owner got too excited about pouring my coffee and splashed some on my hand. It kinda hurt, so I said something. He took my hand and KISSED IT. So now the joke is that it is my husband's turn to be molested by this guy. First, my brother gets bear-hugged, then I get kissed -- we figure it is my husband's turn to get hmmmm..... Instead, the last time we were at Pauline's (and I mean the LAST TIME) the waitress got my order wrong twice, and on the second order of my omelette I found a hair in my food. A long, non-me hair. At that point I was done. My husband finished his food quickly and we started to rush out. The owner noticed that we were in a hurry and asked what was wrong and I told him about the hair. He said, "You have to tell me these things!" in a very loud voice and was very upset. Then he insisted on paying for our entire meal. That was a nice gesture, and the right thing to do, but not enough to entice me to come back.
(1)
Tracy K.
This place makes me feel like I've grown up here (I haven't). I live in the neighborhood and drop in solo or with friends and family.. sometimes its during the week, and other times on the busier weekends. Regardless of when I go and who I go with, I've always had a good experience here. Sure, you'll wait a little on weekends, but they'll give you a Dixie cup full of OJ. Their food is nothing fancy, but it is good.. and there's a lot of it. And the staff is friendly and efficient. Too bad its after 3:00PM (when they close) because otherwise I'd head down the street for a feta omelet and some undercooked-because-I-asked-for-'em-that-way hash browns. Yum.
(4)
Mandy P.
My mom, husband, and I went here for our breakfast on Christmas and it was PERFECT. We had never been here before, but we WILL be back again. It was cute, the owner was very nice, the staff was upbeat and friendly, and it seemed the perfect place to be. The wait was nonexistent (probably because other "real" families were at home) and the food came quickly. I thought the food was quite yummy (I had the feta omelette, my mother the same, and my husband the HUGE blueberry pancakes) and it was reasonably priced. The food may not have been as fancy as, say, M. Henry's, but it was much better than average (better than Augie's) and it was well priced compared to many of the other places in the area. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
(5)
grant s.
I have eaten a Pauline's for years and keep going back because it is good! The food is consistently fresh, tasty, and plentiful. The waitstaff is always friendly, competent, and on point. What can I say that has not already beeen said. I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Carrie W.
Love, love LOVE Pauline's! Cute, kitschy diner atmosphere and the always cheerful 'morning people' serving up fantastic pancakes and "falling - off - the - plate - they're - so - darn - huge - omelets". Get there before 10am on the weekends, or you'll be waiting for a bit. But even that isn't too shabby as they typically serve up fresh squeezed orange juice to tide you over. My boyfriend and I stopped in for brunch on Valentine's Day weekend this year, and sipped complimentary mimosas while we waited. Once seated, your coffee mug will never be empty and the food arrives hot and fast. The pictures of family and friends that decorate the tables and grace the walls behind the booths make you feel that you are in somebody's cozy kitchen. As does the spry and gregarious manager (older gent with a huge, welcoming grin) who is always there, usually wearing red and working alongside his fantastic crew.
(5)
Jasper N.
Good, home-cooking at a decent price. The service is very friendly, but not always the fastest. Also, it's a bit of a trek if you're not in the neighborhood, but well worth the drive!
(4)
Christine E.
This place was great! We had actually planned to hit another local diner but they were closed for the holiday so this was an unexpected surprise. Not much to look at, but the food was great! I had an veggie egg white omelette with potatoes and toast. The omelette was supposedly 5 eggs, but it didn't seem as big as I thought it would be, which was good. The pancakes and french toast also looked great! One downside, they only take cash or personal checks (no credit cards).
(4)
Shonda D.
Ok.. so I wasn't going to do this, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Went there on Friday and the waitress was the worse ever. I've been to Pauline's at least 5 times and its never been this bad. The food is still ok, but the service is for the birds honey!!!! I'm pretty open minded and like to give places a chance to make it up... BUT not this time, I won't be going back.
(2)
Andrea M.
I've been here a lot and have loved this place until today and this happened: About 5 minutes before we left a man came by and stuck something right next to our table and mentioned something about us leaving soon. We told him yes we were leaving shortly. Right as we got our money in order he comes back with a bus boy in tow. Starts to clear our table and asks if it's okay. We say yes go ahead. We were leaving anyways. He then begins to clear our table in the most aggressive way possible in a complete rush. All of a sudden we felt rushed in our departure. While knocking stuff in my lap he says "I hope this okay". After the third time I finally looked at him saying "I'm sorry but it's not okay. This can be done in a nicer way without knocking stuff on us." His voice immediately raised and as my friends and I leave the restaurant he follows us screaming "I am 69 years old and the owner of this place I don't need any of your shit." This was said to a large crowd outside waiting to get seated. Our waitress stood on the stoop horrified and she mouthed an apology. It hurts to think of not coming back to one of my favorite places but with customer service like that I just don't think I can support an establishment like this.
(1)
Marisa F.
Brekfast was good. I had a half order of the french toast. I like that it comes in a half order, because you know you can't eat all that much sweet breakfast. Reletively cheap, millions of staff keeping your water glass always full. I like that they have fresh squeezed orange juice. The only thing I did not appreciate is that they do not take credit cards. BUT conveniently their is an ATM right in the building (on the outside wall really). So instead of paying a small fee to be able to run credit cards they collect a fee for every person that uses their ATM. It's brilliant really. It's ok, but bring cash!
(3)
Jeff E.
The world needs more breakfast places like this. Completeley unpretentious and laid back, while given the quality of food and in Chicago, you might expect a different mood. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
April M.
Went here last summer with some friends and loved the outdoor seating area for brunch! The food was good too yet it is a bit away from my apartment and I am hardly home from traveling for work that my boyfriend and I hadn't visited again until new years day. First we tried yelp to find new places for brunch yet the first was packed and the second wasn't open! So we decided on Paulines and got to see the inside! It is kind of cramped inside but it gives you that special home made/small business feel. The staff are friendly and really good at what they do. Food is good with good portions! This place fills up quick so don't sleep in too late for brunch!
(4)
Susan H.
I have been going to Pauline's for years and love it. I usually get the veggie omelet with egg whites. It is huge and loaded with tons of fresh veggies. I've only had one bad meal here and that was years ago. I ordered oatmeal and I'm sure it was instant. That's ok, you're not supposed to go there for oatmeal but for their egg dishes. I also love how on holidays and special occasions they usually give you a free glass of champagne with your breakfast. Oh, and they only take cash.
(3)
Ann Y.
Wow- I didn't even eat here and I am disgusted. First i waited forever for a table, then we waited forever for a server. Then when one came they were out of soup and it was only 12:00- and lunch started at 11:30 and they said they were out of about 1/2 of the menu. What a joke- I said forget this and went to a restaraunt where they knew what they were doing.
(1)
Tina W.
When we got to Pauline's, there was a little wait. The owner nice enough to offer eveyone a complimentary sample of orange/papaya juice. I like his anecdote about how he was in Mexico and discovered this interesting combiation and created his own recipe. I normally don't drink OJ, but it was yummy. Being the gluttons we are, my sister and I ordered our own savory dishes plus a sweet breakfast item to share. I want with my usual eggs over easy with Pauline's Potatoes and toast. To that , I added ham. The portions were huge. I like that Pauline's Potatoes had apples in it to give it a sweet and savory taste. The item we shared was the Trifecta of banana, blueberry, and strawberry pancakes. Mmm. Nothing like the combination of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes times three. I would consider Pauline's a hidden gem. Literally. One time I was with my boyfriend and I wanted to take him to Pauline's. I couldn't remember if it was closer to Lawrence or Foster. So, sadly, I didn't take him there because I couldn't find Pauline's. But I do like the fact that it's on a smaller street, not a big one like Clark. It's comfort food at a reasonable price.
(3)
Erin S.
(I wish they accepted plastic.) Excellent & enormous pancakes w/ fresh fruit (not frozen) if you like! I had the "eggs Benedict" & it was great (though, a little misleading b/c it had a fried egg instead of poached) the flavor was wonderful & the price was right! Definitely glad we found this lil spot! See you soon!
(4)
Nick B.
Sunday morning breakfast usually stresses me out trying to figure out where to go. I took a stroll down Ravenswood over the summer and made a mental note to check out Pauline's on a chilly, autumn morning. Today was that day! I went with my mom and I knew she'd like it because the diner style decor reminded me of Door County. We arrived at 9AM and I stunned by how crowded it was! They must be doing something right. We were seated right away which was nice because I was starving. Our waitress took our orders quickly. I started with the freshly squeezed orange juice. I've been sick so I could just a shot of Vitamin C. I went with the special of the day which was scrambled eggs, French toast, and potatoes. Not bad! Pretty straightforward food. I can't say I was blown away or disappointed, but it was fairly basic. I'd probably go back just because the service is friendly and the atmosphere is very homey. It's nice to find a place like Pauline's over the barrage of trendy brunch spots in the city.
(3)
Julie B.
This is becoming my regular breakfast joint! I have to say that from their omlettes to their french toast, Pauline's will not disappoint. Their sundried tomatoe and goat cheese omlette is heavenly and delicious!!!! My boyfriend is a huge pancake/french toast lover and they offer light and delicious choices (although we are not a fan of the stuffed french toast - tastes more like bread pudding than ft). One word of advice - BRING CASH (they only accept CASH!!!)
(4)
Karen F.
Back in the day this little diner was called DJ's Depot, then it changed owners a couple time until it became Paulines - sadly Miss Pauline has passed as has her husband in the last couple months - that being said I grant this diner a bit of latitude and will continue to have breakfast here when I can due to not only the quality of the food and yes fantastic to mediocre service because you know what - no one is 100% all the time. This diner has been a part of the neighborhood for well over 20 years and will go thru changes but - pancakes - OMG amazing, eggs benedict fatastic - REAL ham on the bone!! Inexpensive - fresh squeezed OJ and whipped cream to die for - coffee refills without asking and the outdoor patio that let's you bring your dog - Come on neighborhood freindly what more could you ask for!
(4)
Liliana E.
I read some of your reviews... I must say, I've never had a bad meal their. The staff is friendly and fast. Maybe you guys went on a bad day. I've met the owner Ron he's such a friendly guy. He makes sure you enjoy your breakfast and sometimes recommends some of the specials. Give PAULINES another try. I love their french toast with the powder sugar....yummmmmmmy !!! PAULINES ........... KEEP UP THE GOOOD WORK ...
(5)
steve s.
I have only had breakfast here, but have always had a great home-style experience. Friendly people. The decor is homey and comfortable, just what you want in the morning, and it is definitely a favorite of the locals.
(3)
Juliana K.
I have eaten at Pauline's twice - once inside and once outside. My outside experience - We were seated outside at a table that was too small to accommodate even two people. The table teetered back and forth and I recall being distinctly aware of where to place my feet below the table so as to no upset the entire works. Our server was courteous but not especially friendly. I ordered a vegetable omelet and an orange juice. The OJ was delicious and pulpy. The vegetables in my omelet were fresh and crisp however in their original size. They didn't bother to cut them up so I had huge stalks of asparagus thrown in my omelet. Other than that being a bit odd, it was tasty. I had a lovely time while eating outside however I think that had more to do with the weather and my company. The outside experience should get 3 stars. The reason I gave 2 stars is because my experience INSIDE was bad enough to detract from my original score. I was seated in the booth next to my son across the table from my friend. (Just setting the stage). The server came by took our orders but she was extremely rude and weird. My son ordered pancakes and a coffee. He was 11 at the time and the server went on a diatribe about how it was going to stunt his growth. 1. I didn't ask and 2. I didn't ask. I don't remember what anyone else ordered but I do recall the waitress making a regular appearance to mutter what felt more like a obligatory 'is everything ok honey' AT us stand there and wait for a response. She poured coffee from 2 feet above the cup splashing it everywhere. She burned my friend with the splash not once but twice and she reached over me while I was taking a bite to clear my son's plate. She was the pits. Anyway, if you are going to go: Get cash as it is a cash only establishment. Go on a day that you can eat outside Avoid the weird older server that calls everyone 'honey'.
(2)
Kimberly D.
I drove by Pauline's once and wanted to give it a try the next time I was in the area. It looks like once of those cute, small neighborhood diners where you can get a nice homecooked breakfast. It was Sunday morning around 9 AM. We were given the option to eat outside or sit indoors. It would have been nice to sit outdoors but with the humidity, inside was more appealing. Our waitress came right away to take our drink orders and was pretty friendly. When my fiance's orange juice came, we were told that it was just squeezed that morning. The juice looked so fresh, that I decided to order one for myself. I have to say that it was one of the best tasting freshly squeezed OJ that I've had. For our meals, we ordered the South American omelette and the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. The chorizo in my omelette could have used more flavor. The eggs were fresh and super fluffy. The corned beef has was really good and had a nice crisp texture to parts of it. All in all, we had a good meal at Pauline's. Will probably return but only if we are in the area. Definitely not good enough to drive from downtown for sole purpose of dining at Pauline's. Dining room felt dirty but probably because it was old. Restroom locations were also suspect because you have to walk through kitchen but they were clean and that's all that mattered to me.
(3)
Chris M.
Such a shame, such a shame!! Food, great. Atmosphere, delightful.......service.............sucks so bad it's not even funny. They need to take everyone that works here (including the owner) and take them to etiquette school on how to run a business. I was in there with a group of four people, we were ignored almost the entire time, they didn't bring everything we ordered to the table and yet it was still on the bill. Oh yeah, and it took a half hour just to get the bill at the end, one of the worst mistakes you can make as a server. Trust me, I was a server for almost 3 years. I NEVER complain and am always sympathetic towards servers b/c I was one, but our experience was so bad to the point I thought we were all on MTV's "Boiling Points" (Did I win my $100 yet). When we confronted the owner about it, all he said was "That's the way it is". Well sir, I would rather cut my wang off and throw it in the lake than come back to your establishment. I mean, that's just the way it is.
(1)
Jill W.
Let me start off by saying I appreciate a good greasy spoon. I don't think I ask for too much in a breakfast place, just a good plate of eggs and some friendly service. Pauline's couldn't deliver either of those. After driving by Pauline's a million times and saying "ooh, we should try that place," today we finally did. Even though it was crowded, we got a table right away. We were told to sit in the first table behind the counter. This proved to be an unfavorable seat when the hostess informed us with a look of discontent that "usually the kids stand on your chair to get to the candy bowl." Sorry to inconvenience you, but YOU sat us there! Anyway, we were seated in Omega's station, which also proved to be unfavorable to us. She ignored us for awhile before finally taking our order. I ordered an omelet, orange papaya juice (which came a few minutes after my omelet), and a biscuit (which came about 15 minutes before the omelet), and my husband ordered the banana pancakes. The omelet was really bad, and the biscuit had clearly been stuck in the microwave before being served. The juice was okay, but it was too thick and pulpy (and I LOVE fresh squeezed juice filled with pulp). The banana pancakes were soggy and lukewarm. After our food was delivered, our server said she'd be right back with the syrup for the pancakes. She then disappeared and we didn't see her again until we asked for the check. Since moving to Chicago 3 years ago, I can often be heard saying "you can't find a bad meal in Chicago." Kudos to you, Pauline's, for proving me wrong.
(1)
Karen A.
Do I really need 5 eggs in my omelette? This place used to be a lot trashier back in the day, with pictures of patrons stuck everywhere, Elvis and Marilyn posters mixed in with ads for Pork products. Lots of pancakes and bread and meat products here, not a lot for those doing an ass-reduction diet. The plates are big, the coffee is very good enough and you better bring cash cause they have not yet entered the credit/debit card era.
(3)
Rick W.
They don't take credit cards!!! Really in today's world?? Long wait, longer wait for coffee and service. Won't be back.
(1)
Mark G.
I will pre-empt this review by stating that we decided to bike over here for a brunch in 85 degree heat. I did not take a shower that morning, which would have certainly cooled me down. I decided to wear gym shoes with socks and my trusty Blackhawks hat for the ride as well. Needless to say I was sufficiently overheated by the time we arrived. Getting a seat outside was our goal, but not having anticipated how dang hot I was going to end up, sitting in the direct sun made me even more cranky pants than when we first got there. That all being said, I like the place. The servers were very attentive and prompt. I could have used a bucket of water instead of the smallish glasses they served, but I digress. I had a short stack of pancakes and a side of sausage links. They list what they put in their pancake batter on the menu and I must admit that those pancakes were some sort of special kind of love. Delicious. The sausage links were regular old sausage links. Girlfriend had the eggs benedict sandwich with ham, she said it was really good and made easy work of it; I'm not sure it was worth $8 but whatever. We just drank water and our bill was about $20, which I think was a fair price for a good breakfast. I'd definitely go back here again, and recommend it to others in the area. It's not really worth a drive but if you're around the hood give it a shot.
(3)
Adam S.
Brunch with really good friends is mostly about the fellowship with those you love, so I enjoyed my time this afternoon at Pauline's. I was also glad to finally try it out, having read about it's uniqueness and been told so much about it by friends. Glad I went and glad I spent time with friends. However, I have no idea how anyone could ever give this Denny's with kitsch anything more than 3 stars. I give it a 2 because, frankly, I've been to so many better brunch spots that Pauline's makes for a poor comparison. I could have just as easily given it a 3 for "effort". Decor: cute, very old school. Waiter table assigments taped to tables or wall, old plastic colorful plates, and cheesy tablecloths like grandma used to have. I tried not to look at the kitchen or too closely at the dishes or tablecloths. Old can sometimes mean years of baked in germs and dirt. Yuk! Service: friendly and efficient. Maui was charming and accomodating. The friendly owner really cares about the place and kept checking on us. Evil woman at entrance was ignorable. Food: average would be best I could give this place for taste. But because my food was also lukewarm I have to say below average. Denny's after a night of drinking comes to mind. Except I was not drinking so food was just disappointing. As for the drinking, again, I think brunch is not brunch without mimosas. Call it lunch, or call it breakfast, but if you don't have a bloddy mary option on the menu, don't front! Value: not bad. 20 bucks per person and we had all the store mix pancakes and bland eggs we wanted.
(2)
Nas T.
Enormous, bland omelets made of five eggs and a complete absence of flavor, like eating a gigantic bowl of hot water and calling it soup. Obnoxious "old school" "charm" which includes lackadaisical staff and an unwillingness to accept credit cards, though they'll be glad to point you to a gaudy ATM with a hefty fee - you know, "Just like they had back in the day!"® Oh, wait...
(1)
Chip D.
Pauline's is always curiously disappointing, which is a shame, because it's one of the few places left that isn't on a main drag, but rather embedded in a quaint nook in West Andersonville. And, naturally, it has a friendly, charming vibe befitting the locale. The food, though, is appallingly average and not necessarily cheap. My latest breakfast was eggs over medium and corned-beef hash with a side of bacon. The eggs were fine, but the hash way too greasy and salty. The bacon was over cooked, the potatoes undercooked, the coffee thin. The whole experience reminded me of the last time I was at Pauline's when I had basically the exact same meal at the same quality. Still, the average joe like me is more or less pre-programmed to like places like this and I'm sure I'll drag ass in there again at some point, but it really could be better. Two caveats: I like their ice cream. I love their fresh-squeezed orange juice.
(2)
Jeff N.
The customer service is great and so is the outdoor seating area, but that's about it. The food is mediocre and the prices are too high for only ok food. I feel bad on only giving it two stars as the waitresses are great and friendly. I live around the corner from here and wish the food was better.
(2)
Miriam R.
I'm giving this 5 stars, because it is as good as it gets for what it is: A local "homecookin" diner with a down-home breakfast / brunch. My favorite aspects are: 1) The gentleman who greets you at the front door, offering you his freshly squeezed orange papaya juice if there is a wait. 2) The freshly squeezed orange papaya juice. 3) The fact that all of their pancakes are made with whole grain batter. 4) The fact that their farm-fresh eggs make all of their omelets so delicious that I rarely have leftovers (or is that bad?). 5) Their selection of herbal teas, for when you just don't feel like having coffee. 6) The 1950s kitsch / decor. So, you should definitely try this place out for brunch if you haven't already. If you stop by on a Sunday, I'll probably be there :)
(5)
Katy B.
OK Pauline's, you may be starting to redeem yourself. Despite my earlier review, I've been back on occasion, and your service has been better. Keep it up and you earn another star. Revert to your old ways and you'll be banned from my breakfast rotation. Let this be a grudging acknowledgment of your improvement, as well as a warning that you're still on notice.
(3)
Url R.
A decent place for a cheap brunch or breakfast. The Freshly Squeezed juice is definitely a highlight for this place. I would skip the fancy omelets and go for the more traditional fare like corned beef hash or eggs benedict. Also, this place is pretty good for kids, but can get a bit crowded.
(4)
Jacob T.
Sunny and warm. This restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat on a balmy early summer weekend morning. I love eating outside, sipping coffee and watching the neighborhood slowly hum around me. The pancakes are huge. We usually get an omlette to share (the best whole wheat toast around) and a stack of pancakes. More than enough food for two. The only negative about this place is they only take cash... but fortunately they have an ATM right outside.
(5)
Megan D.
Finally got to Pauline's after driving by it for a few months now on my way home from work. Staff was very friendly and accomodating to everyone that walked through the door. We sat outside and were promptly give water. Boyfriend ordered coffee and I ordered OJ. His coffee mug hadn't been cleaned very well as there was still lipstick on it which he wound up wiping off. I got the panacke special and he had the lumberjack special. The food was tasty and it was a change of pace from going to Golden Nugget. I will say that both of us wound up having heartburn the rest of the day, possibly from the eggs as that was the only thing we both had that could have caused it. Overall the place is OK, staff was nice and food was decent. Maybe a smidge overpriced as before tip the bill was $27. I felt I had enough food but I feel we do get more for our money elsewhere. I'd like to try their lunch/soups one day and will probably save that for cooler months.
(3)
Jason M.
Cozy, down home basic breakfast food. Staff is friendly, and the food is good, particularly the French toast. Nothing is going to blow you away with its greatness, but then nothing is bad, either.
(4)
Terry F.
Friendly vibe, super attentive waitstaff and the food comes out before you know it. Their daily specials always grab me and the food never disappoints. Their blackberry pancakes are one of my favorites.
(4)
Antonio D.
Great food n service everytime I visit chicago this is a must and yet another breakfast before I fly back Friday am If ur near make sure u stop by and institution since 90"s,had the French toast dipped on vanilla n orange topped with fresh strawberries n fresh whipped cream the best I've tasted ,fresh squeezed oj Canadian bacon ,everything is great here
(5)
Angy A.
My brother took me out for breakfast and I had some great strawberry pancakes! Pauline's so cute! The service was great, I really enjoyed it.
(5)
Jeremy T.
I live in the neighborhood and have had breakfast at Pauline's several times over the years. I would describe the food and overall experience as "average," but my last visit changed that. I would now describe Pauline's as "disgusting." The people that work there are nice, which accounts for the 2 stars instead of 1. Also, the coffee is good. That's it for the positive. The negative: - The staff cleaning the entire restaurant while I'm eating - The strong smell of chemical cleaning agents permeating the air, mixed with grease - Fruit flies swarming my food for the duration of my meal - Omelets are made with some kind of thin, pourable egg product and not fluffy real eggs - An obnoxious sound of pigs being slaughtered throughout my meal. No, I'm not kidding. The noise was so disturbing that I asked my waitress what it was. She said, deadpan, "They are killing the pigs to make bacon." I am still trying to figure out if she was joking. Being a vegetarian, I completely lost my appetite at that point. I asked her again if she was serious or what. She then said: "No no - it's somebody's cell phone." The noise kept repeating. It sounded like a recording of real pigs crying and being butchered. Whether it was someone's ring tone or some video game or what - I have no idea. But it was really, really bad. I got the Feta and Spinach omelet, which like I mentioned above, was a bunch of spinach wrapped in a very thin layer of pourable egg product. It was supposed to have black olives as well, but they were just a few slices of canned olive sprinkled on top. The feta was the cheap kind that's like cottage cheese. Their potatoes are okay. I dunno, this was the kind of experience that will keep me away, probably for good.
(2)
Garrett G.
I live around the block and would love to have a solid breakfast joint. I have tried and tried but this place always falls short. The service is slow and and I have yet to have a meal (I have been here about 4 times) where something doesn't come out wrong and need to be sent back. The food is not bad. It has always been somewhere between average and good but menu is very limited. When I leave this place I always wish I would have taken the extra time/money to eat someplace better on Clark.
(2)
Ariella C.
So good. Honestly I do not care for breakfast food and it was excellent! PS order the pancakes
(5)
Bart S.
Haven't been in a while- but had breakfast on the patio today- had our two dogs in tow- the staff brought a bowl of water over for the dogs and a treat for them..off to a great start. Then coffee right away- we had an omelet and multi gran pancakes both items were A+ and the service was top notch- Will be back again soon, sorry it's been over a year since I was here..
(4)
Gary B.
There has been some updates and changes to Paulines with the unfortunate passing of the original owners. The most noticeable is they accept credit and debit cards. The place is still popular and the patio is slammed during the warm weather. at times service can be spotty and a little unfriendly at times. This has resulted in us ordering take out. Food comes out fast and hot and the gentleman that takes the phone orders is very nice.
(3)
Neal M.
I've eaten here twice, and every time was quite pleasant. Love the farmer rustic decor. Service is good. Home fries are wonderful. You can't beat fresh squeezed OJ served in a mason jar. I've eaten the veggie omelette and eggs Benedict. Both were delicious and filling. They have some of the best prices in the city. I will keep coming back..
(4)
J M.
Food is above average and service is nice. Good for either breakfast or brunch. Lunch menu does not have as many options. Portions are large.
(4)
Sam N.
when you step onto this place, its like you are going back in time. I like to refer to this as a retro breakfast place. They also have a patio. But in order to experience the full experience of this place one should really be sitting indoors. It was a good thing I brought my appetite on my last visit because I had a 5 egg tomato and goat cheese omlette. They take their food very seriously here because my relatives who were with me ordered the pancakes let me taste it and it was super sweet with loads of sugar and syrup...As if that was not enough they put whipped cream on it with the heavy cream that was already on top of it. I guess we should be ready to consume our weeks RDA of sugar products in one meal...It's a tough life, I tell ya. If you dont want to have a coma before the end of the day than you should order the egg omlettes with just the whites,potatos and toast. The last time I was there they took out the toast for me and put in fruit instead. They wait staff seems verypatient with everyone. As I have been here many times in the last 15years, I can remember no time when I felt rushed by anyone to make up my mind what I odered or how long I wanted to stay. Just an observation. The hot chocolate is made in a different way here than in most places. I want to leave this as a surprise for anyone planning to make it out here. Although it is by the metra tracks it has this feel like it is off the beaten path but really it is not. If you want a good place to compare it to, maybe TEMPO on Chestnut and State is a good one although this place has way more options. But not many people can get here during the week because we all don't live in Andersonville and it closes at 3PM Maybe it is overdone or maybe it is not-depends on your mood . If you have visitors from the east coast, I would advise you bring them here because the chances they have a place like this in Hoboken,NJ are very slim. Plenty of food to chose from that is under $11 when ordering with coffee. That's before taxes.
(4)
Scott B.
If quantity was the benchmark, 5 would be the stars. I have eaten a grilled cheese with bacon here, that bordered on fantastic. A recent foray left me with a half ton of potatoes, a 5 egg omelet that looked and tasted flat as a cloth napkin. Service was extremely classy, but, ya can't eat service. I've visited here several times, as I do believe in supporting local business, coupled with the fact that they do give back to the neighborhood associations, but the food hasn't evolved or improved. I'll stick with the grilled cheese.
(2)
Carlos S.
Classic American breakfast items can be found here, but there are also some gems that stick out and make coming here more than once worth it every time. Pumpkin pancakes! The best! Omelets are huge and delicious, potatoes are pretty good, and the biscuits and gravy were a little disappointing as far as the flavors and textures go. Just don't miss out on the pancakes!
(4)
Gina E.
The food was decent. I had the country breakfast- gravy wasn't very flavorful and needed to more sausage. The biscuits tasted like they came from a can. Decent. Not great. The service was not good! Our waitress Gloria was so slow!!! I'm sure she's Sweet, but she never checked on us. Took forever to order or to get our check. The other waitrons helped us and they were more attentive to us. They were amazing! Especially the bald man with a hat- amazing service! Decent food. Good portions... Not great service from Gloria! The others were good though.
(3)
Devvora P.
The best thing about the place is its location and a local guy who usually hangs out there with his two Macaw parrots. We ate there once and don't want to go back. The food was rather tasteless and the service ok. Basic dinner. If the chef was better, we would go back, as we like the location, but we don't like to pay for food that tastes bad!
(1)
Cecilia B.
Any omelet is sooooo good, Pauline potatoes are to die for.
(5)
Michael T.
I had the egg and pancake special and it was pretty good. The portions were big for the cost. I asked for the strawberries and whipped cream on my pancakes and I literally got like 4 thinly sliced slivers of strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. My eggs were not cooked as I ordered but I ate them anyway. I would go again just because it is within walking distance of my house but the food and service were just okay. The information says that they don't take credit cards, but on the door they have a Visa, Mastercard, and Discover sticker so they apparently do now.
(3)
Jordan B.
I've been to Pauline's but have never actually eaten the food. All I wanted was some kind of combo meal that came with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast that I was hoping to substitute (and pay extra) for a pancake. They have no such thing on the menu. Not even a variation of that combination. I would have had to order everything a la carte and that would have added up to around $15 or $16 dollars. Nope. Not gonna do it. I paid for the terribly bland coffee and went somewhere else. I'm sorry, but if you're only open for breakfast, then you should really have the most basic breakfast combo on your menu.
(2)
Mike K.
Pauline's is a little hidden gem...its kinda out of the way, next to a cemetary, and ironically across the street from one of my more adeventurous dates in which i'm not eager to run into again (im very lovable with addictable kissing skill yet I'm not first date boyfriend material...sorry princess). It's also only open from 7am to 3pm, which we all know is peak Mike K world domination hours. Luckily I had some free time before a rather big day/night and feeling pretty good about myself, which meant I needed to be put in my place by a friend who doesn't see life as all sunshine and lollipops, and especially my lollipop. This was the place, a small little cafe/diner dressed up in troll dolls with an atmosphere that said "hey, I was in the last Dixie Chicks video". I like the decor, love the fact that they have bottomless sugar, cream butter, and jellies, plus breakfast all day (or at least from 7-3) how can your beat that. And its cheap! A solid little place to disappear to if you wanna get away from the busy city life and expensive priced brunch outlets Andersonville gives you.
(4)
Lizz M.
I've lived in Ravenswood a pretty good portion of my life, and somehow always managed to avoid Pauline's. So when a couple of Yelpers recommended I check out their corn beef hash, I took my friend here and got my hash on. The verdict? A-okay, indeed, probably a little more than A-okay, but Yelp won't let me grade that way. Portions are huge, service is good, and the prices are reasonable. I also got some pancakes which were gigantic and delicious--served with fresh strawberries, yum! They also have a bowl full of SAF-T POPS by the cash register! My childhood!
(3)
Liz B.
The smokehaus omelet is AMAZING! loaded with bacon! the freshly squeezed orange juice is great as well. Pauline's is a very cute, friendly diner.
(4)
Sharon C.
Haven't been here in a few years. This place is still awesome. Excellent salad with great choice of dressings. Feta cheese omelette with spinach was very good as well. And I ordered heard a Waldorf salad to go. I don't see that on the menu too often these days. Oh and the waitress we had, Caitlyn, was wonderful too.
(5)
Mike W.
I had breakfast last saturday 1/18/14. I had the make your own omelet with feta cheese, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. Everything was hot and very tasty. Mike UpCycle with Michael
(5)
Bridget K.
My parents were in town from Ohio and we wanted to grab brunch with the whole fam before they headed back home. If we went to brunch at some of the other hot spots on the northside we would have to wait 30 plus minutes for a table for all 7 of us. Luckily Pauline's is a close walk to Lincoln Square and you don't have to wait forever to get a table. The wait staff is great. They're super attentive and helpful. The coffee was also great. I could go for a cup of it now. The menu has something to please every pallet. I got one of the egg scrambles which was good. Since I was with my fam we were able to taste everyone's dishes. I enjoyed the smores pancakes. They were pretty good though I like more chocolate than marshmellow. The potatoes/homefries as some people call them were also good. If I need a decent place to head for brunch and I don't want to wait for hours, I'll be heading to Pauline's.
(4)
B C.
Pauline's feels like a small town Wisconsin diner. They've covered the walls with photos of customers and stuff that your grandma would chuckle at. The menu has plenty of options for the caloric'ly oblivious and the waitresses are the sorts who'll call you "hun" or "sweety" at least once. They've also gone as far as to trademark their Pauline's Potatoes*(tm). Ask what their especially known for serving, and they'll proudly rattle off half the menu. On my two visits, I've had their Country Breakfast biscuits and gravy, and their pumpkin pancakes. Both were big and satisfying. The food came out quick and they never let my coffee cup go empty. Get here early or a bit after 11:00 to avoid the weekend morning rush. We came in at 11:30 both times and didn't have to wait at all for a table.
(4)
Jennifer Z.
Stopped at this place since I always run by it . It's a local cozy spot, hidden by the metra that runs along the metra. I did like the patio seating option. Food menu was pretty standard to that of a diner ( golden nuggetish). Nothing extremely unique or mouth watering. I got one of the 2 veggie options. Definitely not a place for vegetarians. But nice for a friendly brunch.
(3)
Sara V.
Seriously good omelette. I mean mouth-wateringly delicious and SPICY! They obviously buy some good quality ingredients 'cause the veggies (and jalepenos) were tastier than I'm used to in Chicago. Both myself and my companion's omelette's were heavenly. We were ridiculously full and still kept going 'til our plates were empty. Each agreed the other's omelette was wonderful (while secretly thinking "but mine is a little better"). Potatoes were equally good although I could have stood for them to be a little crispier but that's a personal preference which they are by no means required to fulfill. Unfortunately service is ensuring this place is only getting 3-stars. Our server was not friendly at all and in fact bordered on surly. She also neglected to get my order right. Maybe it was the kitchen. Maybe it was because she was just barely paying attention when I ordered. Who knows. Since I was starving and didn't want to make a fuss I just ate around what I can't eat. Coupled with her attitude and the general manner in which she treated us, it marred an otherwise perfectly lovely breakfast. The place is cute. Obviously popular. The other waitresses seemed much friendlier. I will absolutely return for more omelette especially since this is pretty decently priced breakfast food. I'll just hope I get a different waitress next time.
(3)
Puppy C.
3 basted eggs with potatoes, corned beef hash, and whole grain toast is what I ordered. Everything on the plate was very good and fresh tasting. I appreciate the portions (not too small and not too much) and the very reasonable price. My daughter and her friend also enjoyed their choices. The service was very good as well. Will be coming back more often.
(4)
Kate H.
Food good, service poor. My boyfriend and I went to Pauline's around 10:30 on a Saturday and had no problems snagging a table. They didn't appear especially busy, with no wait for even large parties. We waited a considerable amount of time before we were approached by our server, probably around 10 minutes. Our breakfast came out in a timely fashion, and the food was fine. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. He had the cowboy breakfast and enjoyed his steak. At no point in time did our server come back for the customary "check in". We had to flag her down to refill our waters, and then again for our check. We only wished we had gone to Golden Nugget where the portions are bigger, the service is quick, and the ladies anticipate your needs.
(2)
Pamela P.
What a letdown. Mediocre and unacceptable. The food was terrible. Had the whole wheat pancakes and eggs. Dry and clinging to the plate. My husband's omelette looked good but tasted like unsalted, unflavored raw egg. His toast came out at the end of his meal and was hardly toasted and old. My daughter's eggs were good as eggs go-- but we asked for them first and that was a no go. It took someone ten minutes to come by with coffee and water. Instead of attending to the few customers they had, the waitstaff just lazily hung out in the kitchen. When the waitress finally came by, she was less than pleased. She clearly didn't want to be there on a Sunday morning. The coffee is God-awful. It tastes like tar water laced with arsenic. Four creams in the cup won't lighten that baby up. Not going back here again. I remember it being much much better years ago. Now it's gone down the drain-- like what they should do with their coffee.
(1)
June W.
First visit since I moved here was great--good food and a super nice young man to wait on me. I will be back particularly when it warms up and the patio becomes welcoming. I'll bring my iPad and enjoy the food, the delicious coffee, wifi and the urban locale. What's not to love?
(5)
Leanne A.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my cranberry bread pudding pancakes, my mom's biscuits and gravy was made with Pillsbury grands. My mom insisted they were, she has this whole theory about how she can detect a pillsbury flavor from thin air. anyway....if you put BISCUITS and GRAVY on your menu, you MAKE the freaking biscuits, right? It's like, the whole point...the homemade biscuit. duuuhhhh. I like the homey atmosphere here. Reminds me of an off-the-highway michigan diner. And the location by the train out in the middle of a residential area is unique. You don't feel like you're in the city. But the service is slow and apathetic.
(3)
Diana J.
I want to love Pauline's, but it's getting harder. The last few times have been average at best. The quality of the food has gone down a bit, and I think most people are returning because they remember how good it used to be. I'm glad to have a little diner in the 'hood within walking distance, but that motivation alone won't last forever.
(3)
Michelle M.
It's what to expect from a diner joint. It's a gem in the neighborhood and I remember going here with my dad when i was younger so I've been here many times. I haven't been here during the weekend in years but i hear its pretty busy. I usually go during the weekdays and well getting a table is easy. Coffee is good. Staff is nice. Food is diner food so its just OK. For me its really the history that I come back for.
(4)
Diane S.
Yuck.
(1)
Hayley H.
While the restaurant is clean, homey, very country kitchen feeling, the food is mediocre. Just lame, actually. i should have known that the salmon benedict was a bad choice in a small restaurant like this. I was very stupid to think it would be fresh...not frozen. Though, am I naive to think that if you put it on your menu, it should be superb? Also, the hollandaise sauce was more like watery cream sauce. No tang, no buttery salty-ness. almost an afterthought. And can we send out a memo that says, "Please toast the english muffins under the benedict?" come on........soggy muffin is gross under fishy smelling salmon. The man got the Lumberjack breakfast plate. Lots of eggs, their signature potatoes, and a strip steak. The potatoes are good, but not really much to write home about, and the steak was ridiculously over-seasoned and cheap quality. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and delicious, but thats about the only positive in this breakfast. Oh, and btw, only cash???? What is this 1977?
(2)
Mat M.
Pauline's what a great diner. We were waited on by Olga and she was fantastic. It's a great local spot that beats a lot of other Chicago diners. It's cute, local and tasty. Check it out
(4)
Bobby B.
After strutting my way through a 5k at Montrose harbor, we crashed on in to this lil' breakfast/lunch spot to restore a few calories. I have to say, I am surprised over the low reviews on this place. I have to attribute it to the advanced intellect and palates of north siders. As a lowly south sider, I could only rave over the fresh squeezed juice and "Pauline's potatoes," which is their take on potatoes O'Brien. My wife got eggs benedict with crab, which was the first time we've ever seen that on a menu. What we got was not the heavily processed Alaskan Pollock that you'd get at most places advertising crab...but REAL EFFING CRAB MEAT. It was awesome. As for myself, I got the cold saltwater salmon omelet with asparagus and goat cheese...equally awesome. Oh, and I have some advice for you peeps that are extremely dissatisfied with this place...count your blessings and take your one star..hug them tight, and go to Denny's! ;]
(4)
Dan G.
This has become my go-to breakfast/brunch place. Not only is the food always fresh tasting and delicious but it always comes out in a jiffy. You can't go wrong with either breakfast or lunch here. The Benedict's are outstanding, pancakes are like a fluffy dream, fresh squeezed juices are life savers, and their thick-cut bacon has to be the best restaurant bacon I have ever had. As for lunch stuff you can't go wrong with a burger here. But my favorite is the Turkey Bacon Swiss Club. With carved turkey, the same amazing bacon, and a strong Jarlsberg Swiss; this sandwich is king. Their homemade soups are always good their signature ham and bean is outstanding. The service is always friendly and like I said earlier the service and food is quick and you are never waiting too long if they are full up. Overall this place is consistent with great food, fast service, and don't forget the candy bin before you leave!
(4)
Greg B.
Best Specials! Reasonable prices. Great pancakes! Fresh squeezed juices. Amazing staff. Everyone there is so friendly and personable! I would recommend you give it a try. It's a favorite place of ours...we eat there almost every Sunday. If not, we squeeze in a trip during the week. Oh yeah, TRY THE SLAB BACON!!! Thanks to all who work at Pauline's and make it what it is!!! WE LOVE YOU!
(5)
Nikkie H.
I love finding random little places like this. I was perusing Yelp to get some inspiration on where I could take my parents for breakfast, knowing they are from Michigan and really prefer the basics. Lo and behold, there's Pauline's which I never heard of and was just one block from where my parents were staying Perfecto! Went there on a late Friday morning and it was great. It wasn't empty and wasn't filled with all senior citizens - it was a nice mix of people for a work day. My mom got her basic eggs and hash browns (no complaints), my dad got the whole wheat pancakes (he said they were great), and I got the crab eggs benedict. I was a little surprised, because I was expecting crab cakes benedict, but it's my fault for not reading the menu properly. It was essentially a traditional eggs benedict with crab instead of ham. It was very tasty though and I really liked the fresh fruit that came with it. Made me feel a little healthier :) I probably won't be back in the near future, simply because I have a huge list of brunch spots to try out, but would recommend you check it out if you've ever been.
(4)
Natalie S.
It's over, Pauline's. We're THROUGH. I don't know why I keep going back. For real. Is it the bad food? Is it the awful service? Either way, today was my last day. I took a big handful of giant Lifesavers out of the candy basket for the LAST TIME. Our friend Damon N. is bad news. Every time we take him to a former favorite breakfast place, we have an AWFUL experience. Note to everyone: don't eat breakfast with Damon N. I deviated from my norm and went with the biscuits and gravy. It was, by far, the WORST biscuits and gravy I have ever, ever had. EVER. It should have been on the menu as "biscuits and gravy soup". It was all watery and god awful. AWFUL. The service was laughable. Literally. We had to beg for coffee refills. We had to beg for more water. Damon N. asked for his eggs on the side and they came sprinkled on top of the biscuits and gravy. He also ordered raisin toast that never appeared with his breakfast. After 5 minutes of waiting, he reminded the waiter who went to go get it, only to return saying "we're out of raisin toast... my bad". My Dude was cracking up saying this was like a sitcom. Hilarious. Sorry, Pauline's. You've gone down the shitter and I don't want to waste any more money, even if you do have giant pineapple Lifesavers waiting for me for dessert.
(2)
William R.
Pauline's is an alright american-dive-ey diner-style place.... The pancakes were good, I had the strawberry and blueberry, the coffee was delicious!
(3)
john z.
Went there for Sunday brunch with my wife. Tables are way to small they are Bistro size we had to set some of the dishes on the next table. My wife's first dish came out COLD, we sent it back and they did give her a fresh warm meal that was just ok. We got the pumpkin pancakes which had little to no pumpkin in them. The food is just ok, the place is nicely decorated, it has the potential to be a good restaurant but they do need to work on the menu, as there are many better restaurants in Chicago. This review is for the Pauline's on Fullerton
(2)
Renee G.
comfortable, neighborhood- and kid-friendly atmosphere for Saturday Breakfast. amazing hot chocolate, fresh crab and perfect hollandaise on my eggs benedict and my friend's asparagus omelette was cooked just right. We'll be back!
(4)
Kristin M.
I really want to like Pauline's because it's right around the corner from my house. However, the two experiences I've had just turned me off. The service is AWFUL. The wait staff is rude and basically ignore you unless you flag them down. The food come out as it's ready, which meant waiting 20 minutes between my friend's dish and mine. I gazed longingly at his plate while I sat there with a grumbling stomach and nothing to put in it. For 20 minutes. The food is typical breakfast fare (their potatoes are yummy), but I just can't suffer through bad service for average food. The outdoor patio is really nice, and it opens really early which is great when I have out of town visitors who need to get to the airport. There are just so many better choices in the neighborhood, though, (Ann Sather, M. Henry, Big Jones, etc.) that I can't suffer through Pauline's.
(2)
Matthew G.
There is nothing pretentious, snooty or uppity about Pauline's. I have only been for breakfast - and it is awesome. You get a home-cooked feeling from the food that takes me back to Sunday mornings with my Mom. The service is fast and consistent. The decor at Pauline's is charming, down-home-on-the-farm chic. Do not expect fine dining - that is not what this place is about. Instead, come for the warm memories that come from simple, well-prepared food.
(4)
Susanne P.
We've always had good food here. From the infamous five-egg omelettes to their more-than-generous salads. One thing of note, if your food has onions in it, I would suggest asking "easy on the onions." Sometimes there can be a BIT too many. Service can be a bit slow, especially if it's busy, but that hasn't deterred me from wanting to come here for brunch. Also of note, they are a cash-only restaurant; they do not accept credit cards.
(4)
Beata S.
I love to go to Pauline's on the snowy day and order their breakfast special-always fresh and surprising, like their bread pudding and great bacon-where in Chicago do they get their bacon from??? The food is fresh and good and the service caring and personal. Be back here anytime.
(5)
Boon K.
Pancake Pancake Pancake. Wow I have never been a fan of pancakes but ever since I have been here I am now a fan. There pancakes are so fluffy and light with a little chew to them. It's amazing. They are huge and their topping are so fresh that you just can't go wrong. We had the banana and the banana are mixed into the batter.
(5)
Katy H.
A friend and I came in here about a month ago and we loved it! My friend had the french toast and I had the pancake trifecta. The pancakes were delicious and way too much for me to finish! My friend and I both loved the french toast and when I come back, and I'LL BE BACK, I'm definitely ordering the french toast! Our service was quite pleasant, though she didn't point out the specials, which we couldn't see from our seats, which was disappointing as I would have changed my order. Also, important to note, CASH ONLY!
(4)
David R.
There are only two words for this place: BUSH. LEAGUE. Actually I could make it three words, but my mother might be reading. The entire experience was a train wreck. All I can do is make a list. 1. We were not greeted, even after I moved directly into the sight line of the "hostess" and made eye contact. I had to arch my eyebrows and hold up two fingers. 2. With half of the tables open, we were not given a choice of indoor/outdoor or booth/table but instead guided directly to the nightmare table: a. Wet b. Cramped (chair backs touching those of the diners behind us) c. Slanted alarmingly sideways (one of my plates actually slid) 3. One of the sets of silverware was undone from the napkin wrapper--not dirty and used, just undone and lying askew on the table. 4. The waitress was incompetent. She didn't wipe off the table, if she even noticed that it was wet; she mumbled and spoke in half-sentences; she attempted to excuse her numerous gaffes with, "Sorry, I'm [eyeroll and fluttery head-level hand gesture]"; and worst of all, she didn't bring me any syrup with my french toast. 5. My girlfriend ordered tea, which came with a giant mug and a tiny pitcher of hot water less than half the size. That is just plain stupid. 6. The food came out like this: my english muffin...[five minutes]...my half-order of french toast...[three minutes]...my omelette...[two minutes]...my girlfriend's pancakes. The english muffin was soggy and cold, the french toast piping hot, the omelette moderately hot, and the pancakes warm. So, not only is the waitress incompetent, so is the kitchen staff. 7. The food sucked. The blueberry pancakes were decent, the french toast barely average, the potatoes less than boring, and the omelette bland and greasy. And that english muffin was the worst I've ever eaten--not only was it cold and soggy, but it had a very strange, unpleasant taste as well. Rancid butter? Bleach? Iguana sweat? Something like that. 8. To top it all off, the "hostess" who failed to greet us after I made eye contact, failed to farewell us in the same situation. No "Thanks, please come again" or "Have a good afternoon"? Well, if you're happy to see my back, Pauline's, I'm even happier to show it to you. Sometimes when a restaurant screws up a lot, depending on the type of place, I might be inclined to think, "Man, that was terrible, but at least their heart is in the right place." Not this time. At no point during the entire ordeal did I ever get the faintest impression that anyone at Pauline's gives a flying fuck about their customers.
(1)
Jules H.
Solid breakfast restaurant. I had a very tasty south american omelette and my friend had eggs benedict. One of their tastier offerings are their potatoes. Very good, with onions and peppers. They have outdoor seating, good service, and reasonable prices. I did take one star off because they allow dogs in the outside seating area. I can do drinks and lattes with dogs, not breakfast.
(4)
Anthony J.
There are many superior breakfast/brunch joints within half a mile of Pauline's. That said, nothing wrong with their food, it's just run-of-the-mill. Get there at the wrong time and you may have to wait, it gets busy on weekends. Not really worth the wait.
(3)
Beth R.
A plate of hot, nearly-perfect blueberry pancakes can go a long way towards canceling out an otherwise mediocre experience. But not quite all the way. I'd been driving past Pauline's for months and finally the planets aligned and I went in for breakfast. Upon entering, the planets realigned to form an evil clown face, or at least a frowny emoticon. We entered; the hostess(?) seated our party of two in the second room. Outdoor seating was also available but maybe she judged that we were too pale for the June sun; at any rate, she didn't give us the option. She pointed to a two-top along the wall with roughly .4" clearance between the tables in front and back of it. Mmm, cozy! The table itself had been lovingly anointed with water in a haphazard pattern, but not dried. If I had been carrying my protractor, I could have measured the exact tilt of the table, but instead we simply know that it's at the angle where plates slide. The silverware on my side had been unwrapped, presumably for the napkin because they were unused. Our waitress approached and introduced herself, but turned abruptly as if to grab something for wiping down the table. She returned but did nothing to the table, if she even noticed. We requested a couple napkins to take care of it ourselves. She asked if we wanted coffee; I requested hot tea. I usually do this as a knee-jerk reaction to the coffee question, without looking at the menu. Usually it doesn't come back to bite me in the wallet, but this time it was $2.95 for two tea bags (one reg, one decaf) and some hot water. The water was presented in a 10oz. creamer for a mug that was about double the size. Even worse, the menu only lists tea to go, which is $1.50. The food itself was actually decent: aforementioned blueberry pancakes (which were pretty great), good french toast & side of strawberries, and the omelet that was supposed to be easy on the cheese was. Our waitress had, thankfully, asked whether I wanted all the toppings on my pancakes, which I did not. However, she assumed this was the case for the French toast, but you know what happens when you assume....In this case, it means someone doesn't get any syrup. We paid our bill in cash, in keeping with the retro vibe. Although I wasn't even sure whether we paid our server or the hostess, we ended up leaving it on the table because our server simply didn't come back. This made me nervous but at that point I wasn't going to lose sleep over it. I think Pauline's assumes that people have no other options for breakfast. There's really no other explanation for the general sloppiness of our experience.
(2)
Kris B.
An affordable, greasy spoon diner with some unexpected non-greasy spoon touches. It has everything you'd expect of a breakfast-and-lunch joint: big, overly cheesy omelettes (The Fresh Broccoli Crown And Asparagus, South American, and Country Time are favorites.), giant pancakes loaded with chocolate chips, crispy breakfast potatoes. Everything's cooked on a big griddle, with short-order cooks constantly in motion. The nice surprises are the fresh made juices - they'll juice anything! Try the beet, carrot & orange! - and the sunny, dog-friendly patio on a quiet corner (minus the occasionally passing Metra). Pauline is evidently a big dog lover, because there are also photos of dogs up for adoption posted all over the restaurant. It's cash-only, but has an ATM. If you go on a weekend, you'll see who I refer to as 'The Parrot Guy', a quiet, mustached man who pushes his two macaws, Sam and Bruno, around on a baby buggy throughout the neighborhood. If he's a fan of Pauline's, so am I.
(4)
Lucy P.
Pauline's has quickly became my favorite part of living t in Andersonville. This place defines cozy. Saying that Pauline's has a "small town diner" vibe does not do it's atmosphere justice. When you walk in, one of the servers walking by will let you know that you can have a seat wherever you would like. You are immediately asked what you would like to drink. Then, comes the food. All the food is seasonal, fresh, and delicious. September and October have meant pumpkin pancakes and caramel apple pancakes. Standbys include the biscuits and gravy, and omelettes loaded with ham, chorizo, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, sun dried tomatoes. . . You name it. The best part? It's cheap, cheap cheap.
(5)
Sophia A.
This place is a no in my books. The staff is hard to understand, the food is overly greasy and messy (I guess that's a diner for you), they only accept cash, their biscuits are Pillsbury (gross!), and my table was sticky. It's okay prices, but compared to other places that sell the same quality food, it's overpriced. I guess I went in there hoping it was a "everything homemade from scratch" kind of place, and I was just kind of disappointed.
(1)
WmTomas S.
I thoroughly enjoyed my omlette breakfast at Paulines. The coffee was generously poured, and the place oozes with a cozy neighborhood feel.
(4)
Mike P.
My wonderful wife gave me a Saturday off from parenting a couple of weeks ago. After my chiro appointment at Ravenswood Wellness, I took a stroll up the block (2 blocks actually) and got a nice table for one in a packed house. I think the packedness of said house may have taken away slightly from the service. The place was a zoo, but a pleasant, happy, kid friendly, zoo. Coffee was very good. I chose the South American omelet with chorizo and jalapeno. Since it was the first time ordering this, I was a little put off to see the jalapenos were raw and used as garnish atop the omelet. I prefer my peppers cooked and will ask them to do so, next time I order this. Overall, I found it to be a good breakfast, certainly not unique to the area, but also not without its own charm. The omelets are 5 eggs a piece so they're serious business, but I left full and content, looking forward to coming back with the wife and kid.
(4)
Derek R.
Great bereakfast, although pricey. Spinich omlet was excellent. Pankcake was 2nd best I have ever had. Paulines potatoes were very good. Toast was cold, dry and burnt. Excellent service. Spinach mushroom Omlet, 1 pancack, coffee.....$14.50
(4)
iddells E.
I went here a few times...the last time I went here was on a Wednesday morning. Only two other tables were occupied so service was quick! Right before we knew it, our items were being set down on our table. Their potatoes are a must...they're delicious and very tasty! I like going to Pauline's since the food's always good and the service is quick and friendly.
(4)
Rico T.
The place definitely has the neighborhood charm thing going for it. It's been around for a really long time & has fed this belly more than enough times. The food is very, very tasty....just nothing spectacular. Really safe menu items, but that's okay. I really don't think this restaurant is looking to win any Iron Chef awards. The coffee & the awesome waitstaff make your stay enjoyable.
(4)
Damian C.
This place screams "neighborhood brunch spot". Not for my neighborhood, though, but those in Edgewater/Rogers Park. We ended up hear Sunday to try something different from the usual Clarke's/Melrose/The Grove combination we hit up on the weekends. And my honest thought is that it's just OK. The menu has your standards: omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches (for those of us who don't eat breakfast food), and a random spaghetti and a stir fry dish. The French Bread pudding looked divine and the Pauline's potatoes (roasted red potatoes with peppers, onions, and apples) were absolutely delicious, but the rest of my meal was just... OK. Apparently their fresh squeezed orange juice is phenomenal, so I suppose I missed out. The weirdest part of the breakfast was the fact that the waitresses seemed unable to pour water or coffee from the carafes without spilling it everywhere. Whether there was a hole or a leak in the carafes, or they were just super excited to pour it out quickly and care less about a mess, we probably had a quarter cup of coffee on our table and a glass of water on the floor by the time we were done. Slippage!! The prices are super cheap and, while they claim to serve "huge portions", I was easily able to eat everything on my plate. It's a drive for me to go so unless I find the need to be in the area I probably won't be back. I do, however, catch on to the appeal for many of Pauline's fans and can completely understand why people go.
(3)
Minna A.
This place is so cute, what one would imagine when thinking of their favorite local breakfast joint. The service was great, and the food came out quickly. mmm... Orange papaya beet juice... I love that they have unique and healthy juice/vegetable combination drinks and smoothies. YuM!!
(3)
Crystal R.
I really wanted to love this place because the food is great but the service is borderline unbearable. Our waitress was friendly but the owners/ front desk girl were terribly rude and uninviting. Sadly, we wont return here.
(1)
Yvonne H.
Pauline's is a perfectly nice little breakfast spot. The fact it's "off the beaten path" is a plus because it's away from the noise and congestion of Clark Street. My dining companion and I went on a Saturday morning and had no wait for a booth inside the restaurant, which is charmingly decorated with whimsical knickknacks, multicolored upholstered seats and checkered vinyl tablecloths. Based on some reviews I checked the latter for wet or dirty spots - nope, clean as a whistle. We were waited on and served promptly and got water and coffee refills. The papaya orange juice came in a mason-jar mug and was delicious. I didn't get the coffee but my friend remarked it was good. The French toast and strawberries I ordered was perfectly fine. Was it the most spectacular French toast I've ever tasted? No, it cost $7.25 and I wouldn't expect it to be. The Pauline's potatoes were also yummy. I can't speak for their eggs and bacon since I don't eat either. Except for some overzealous plate-clearing (when a diner still has a fork in their hand, it's safe to assume they are not finished with their meal), the service was efficient. Neither neglectful nor overly solicitous. The check was not brought out unacceptably early. You have to pay your bill up at the cash register. They have pictures of dogs available for adoption on the walls and water bowls for pooches outside: bonus points. In sum: It's not brunch at the Drake, it's a cute, cheery, no-frills neighborhood breakfast joint that I will definitely go back to.
(4)
Joe F.
After driving by about two hundred times, we finally made a stop and went in. There was no line and we got right in. My first impression was one of concern. We got there a little after noon and the place looked like a train had literally ran through the restaurant (as opposed to the tracks directly to the west). I didn't want to tempt fate and check out the restrooms. Regardless of the apparent lack of concern for presentation, we sat down and opened the menu. What a great surprise! My menu had been soaking in oil and was completely disgusting! Side note: Dear restaurant owners: If you present your patrons with filthy menus, what message do you think you are sending? It really doesn't take much time to check the menu daily, replacing what gets soiled/dirty and wiping away food/grease stains. Anyway, after waiting about 20 minutes for service we ordered. I ordered the biscuits and gravy; in my opinion there is no greater measure of an establishments ability to serve breakfast than the biscuits and gravy. It forces the place to demonstrate that they can a) create a delicious gravy b) bake a delicious biscuit. Fail on both account. Personally, if I go out to eat the last thing you better serve me is a biscuit that is out of a CAN!!! They served the kind that are flaky and are really just thin slices of biscuit on top of one another so they come off layer by layer. As for the gravy, I don't like thin runny gravy. My fork should be able to stand up in the gravy, not fall in and get lost. It wasn't seasoned very well - it could have used a lot more pepper and salt. The sausage was OK, but nothing amazing. Making matters worse, the eggs that I ordered as a side were slapped right smack dab in the middle of the BNG. Uhm, would have preferred to have those on the side, but whatever. The omelette was OK.. It was obviously thrown together very, very fast, and you could tell by the haphazard way it was thrown on the platter. I love fast service but I'd gladly wait another minute or two so you could not make a sloppy mess out of things. The omelette had decent flavor but the mushrooms were thick cut and not cooked. The spinach was still raw and made things a little runny in the middle. The cheese was used very sparingly. The potato side that was served was overcooked, far too browned (it was just shy of burnt) and had a bit too much green and red pepper. The fresh squeezed orange juice was as good as fresh squeezed can get - obviously they grind the orange rind down as far as possible because there was a pronounced rind flavor. Thick, pulpy OJ, but let's be honest, it doesn't take much to get OJ right. In the end we left full but unsatisfied. To say the service was rough around the edges would be an understatement. The cashier barely looked up while taking the money and checking out. We will probably not go back. There are a lot of much better breakfast places that serve better food with service that outshines that which is at Pauline's.
(2)
Erin S.
(I wish they accepted plastic.) Excellent & enormous pancakes w/ fresh fruit (not frozen) if you like! I had the "eggs Benedict" & it was great (though, a little misleading b/c it had a fried egg instead of poached) the flavor was wonderful & the price was right! Definitely glad we found this lil spot! See you soon!
(4)
Nick B.
Sunday morning breakfast usually stresses me out trying to figure out where to go. I took a stroll down Ravenswood over the summer and made a mental note to check out Pauline's on a chilly, autumn morning. Today was that day! I went with my mom and I knew she'd like it because the diner style decor reminded me of Door County. We arrived at 9AM and I stunned by how crowded it was! They must be doing something right. We were seated right away which was nice because I was starving. Our waitress took our orders quickly. I started with the freshly squeezed orange juice. I've been sick so I could just a shot of Vitamin C. I went with the special of the day which was scrambled eggs, French toast, and potatoes. Not bad! Pretty straightforward food. I can't say I was blown away or disappointed, but it was fairly basic. I'd probably go back just because the service is friendly and the atmosphere is very homey. It's nice to find a place like Pauline's over the barrage of trendy brunch spots in the city.
(3)
Julie B.
This is becoming my regular breakfast joint! I have to say that from their omlettes to their french toast, Pauline's will not disappoint. Their sundried tomatoe and goat cheese omlette is heavenly and delicious!!!! My boyfriend is a huge pancake/french toast lover and they offer light and delicious choices (although we are not a fan of the stuffed french toast - tastes more like bread pudding than ft). One word of advice - BRING CASH (they only accept CASH!!!)
(4)
Karen F.
Back in the day this little diner was called DJ's Depot, then it changed owners a couple time until it became Paulines - sadly Miss Pauline has passed as has her husband in the last couple months - that being said I grant this diner a bit of latitude and will continue to have breakfast here when I can due to not only the quality of the food and yes fantastic to mediocre service because you know what - no one is 100% all the time. This diner has been a part of the neighborhood for well over 20 years and will go thru changes but - pancakes - OMG amazing, eggs benedict fatastic - REAL ham on the bone!! Inexpensive - fresh squeezed OJ and whipped cream to die for - coffee refills without asking and the outdoor patio that let's you bring your dog - Come on neighborhood freindly what more could you ask for!
(4)
Url R.
A decent place for a cheap brunch or breakfast. The Freshly Squeezed juice is definitely a highlight for this place. I would skip the fancy omelets and go for the more traditional fare like corned beef hash or eggs benedict. Also, this place is pretty good for kids, but can get a bit crowded.
(4)
Jacob T.
Sunny and warm. This restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat on a balmy early summer weekend morning. I love eating outside, sipping coffee and watching the neighborhood slowly hum around me. The pancakes are huge. We usually get an omlette to share (the best whole wheat toast around) and a stack of pancakes. More than enough food for two. The only negative about this place is they only take cash... but fortunately they have an ATM right outside.
(5)
Juliana K.
I have eaten at Pauline's twice - once inside and once outside. My outside experience - We were seated outside at a table that was too small to accommodate even two people. The table teetered back and forth and I recall being distinctly aware of where to place my feet below the table so as to no upset the entire works. Our server was courteous but not especially friendly. I ordered a vegetable omelet and an orange juice. The OJ was delicious and pulpy. The vegetables in my omelet were fresh and crisp however in their original size. They didn't bother to cut them up so I had huge stalks of asparagus thrown in my omelet. Other than that being a bit odd, it was tasty. I had a lovely time while eating outside however I think that had more to do with the weather and my company. The outside experience should get 3 stars. The reason I gave 2 stars is because my experience INSIDE was bad enough to detract from my original score. I was seated in the booth next to my son across the table from my friend. (Just setting the stage). The server came by took our orders but she was extremely rude and weird. My son ordered pancakes and a coffee. He was 11 at the time and the server went on a diatribe about how it was going to stunt his growth. 1. I didn't ask and 2. I didn't ask. I don't remember what anyone else ordered but I do recall the waitress making a regular appearance to mutter what felt more like a obligatory 'is everything ok honey' AT us stand there and wait for a response. She poured coffee from 2 feet above the cup splashing it everywhere. She burned my friend with the splash not once but twice and she reached over me while I was taking a bite to clear my son's plate. She was the pits. Anyway, if you are going to go: Get cash as it is a cash only establishment. Go on a day that you can eat outside Avoid the weird older server that calls everyone 'honey'.
(2)
Kimberly D.
I drove by Pauline's once and wanted to give it a try the next time I was in the area. It looks like once of those cute, small neighborhood diners where you can get a nice homecooked breakfast. It was Sunday morning around 9 AM. We were given the option to eat outside or sit indoors. It would have been nice to sit outdoors but with the humidity, inside was more appealing. Our waitress came right away to take our drink orders and was pretty friendly. When my fiance's orange juice came, we were told that it was just squeezed that morning. The juice looked so fresh, that I decided to order one for myself. I have to say that it was one of the best tasting freshly squeezed OJ that I've had. For our meals, we ordered the South American omelette and the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. The chorizo in my omelette could have used more flavor. The eggs were fresh and super fluffy. The corned beef has was really good and had a nice crisp texture to parts of it. All in all, we had a good meal at Pauline's. Will probably return but only if we are in the area. Definitely not good enough to drive from downtown for sole purpose of dining at Pauline's. Dining room felt dirty but probably because it was old. Restroom locations were also suspect because you have to walk through kitchen but they were clean and that's all that mattered to me.
(3)
Chris M.
Such a shame, such a shame!! Food, great. Atmosphere, delightful.......service.............sucks so bad it's not even funny. They need to take everyone that works here (including the owner) and take them to etiquette school on how to run a business. I was in there with a group of four people, we were ignored almost the entire time, they didn't bring everything we ordered to the table and yet it was still on the bill. Oh yeah, and it took a half hour just to get the bill at the end, one of the worst mistakes you can make as a server. Trust me, I was a server for almost 3 years. I NEVER complain and am always sympathetic towards servers b/c I was one, but our experience was so bad to the point I thought we were all on MTV's "Boiling Points" (Did I win my $100 yet). When we confronted the owner about it, all he said was "That's the way it is". Well sir, I would rather cut my wang off and throw it in the lake than come back to your establishment. I mean, that's just the way it is.
(1)
Jill W.
Let me start off by saying I appreciate a good greasy spoon. I don't think I ask for too much in a breakfast place, just a good plate of eggs and some friendly service. Pauline's couldn't deliver either of those. After driving by Pauline's a million times and saying "ooh, we should try that place," today we finally did. Even though it was crowded, we got a table right away. We were told to sit in the first table behind the counter. This proved to be an unfavorable seat when the hostess informed us with a look of discontent that "usually the kids stand on your chair to get to the candy bowl." Sorry to inconvenience you, but YOU sat us there! Anyway, we were seated in Omega's station, which also proved to be unfavorable to us. She ignored us for awhile before finally taking our order. I ordered an omelet, orange papaya juice (which came a few minutes after my omelet), and a biscuit (which came about 15 minutes before the omelet), and my husband ordered the banana pancakes. The omelet was really bad, and the biscuit had clearly been stuck in the microwave before being served. The juice was okay, but it was too thick and pulpy (and I LOVE fresh squeezed juice filled with pulp). The banana pancakes were soggy and lukewarm. After our food was delivered, our server said she'd be right back with the syrup for the pancakes. She then disappeared and we didn't see her again until we asked for the check. Since moving to Chicago 3 years ago, I can often be heard saying "you can't find a bad meal in Chicago." Kudos to you, Pauline's, for proving me wrong.
(1)
Karen A.
Do I really need 5 eggs in my omelette? This place used to be a lot trashier back in the day, with pictures of patrons stuck everywhere, Elvis and Marilyn posters mixed in with ads for Pork products. Lots of pancakes and bread and meat products here, not a lot for those doing an ass-reduction diet. The plates are big, the coffee is very good enough and you better bring cash cause they have not yet entered the credit/debit card era.
(3)
Rick W.
They don't take credit cards!!! Really in today's world?? Long wait, longer wait for coffee and service. Won't be back.
(1)
Mark G.
I will pre-empt this review by stating that we decided to bike over here for a brunch in 85 degree heat. I did not take a shower that morning, which would have certainly cooled me down. I decided to wear gym shoes with socks and my trusty Blackhawks hat for the ride as well. Needless to say I was sufficiently overheated by the time we arrived. Getting a seat outside was our goal, but not having anticipated how dang hot I was going to end up, sitting in the direct sun made me even more cranky pants than when we first got there. That all being said, I like the place. The servers were very attentive and prompt. I could have used a bucket of water instead of the smallish glasses they served, but I digress. I had a short stack of pancakes and a side of sausage links. They list what they put in their pancake batter on the menu and I must admit that those pancakes were some sort of special kind of love. Delicious. The sausage links were regular old sausage links. Girlfriend had the eggs benedict sandwich with ham, she said it was really good and made easy work of it; I'm not sure it was worth $8 but whatever. We just drank water and our bill was about $20, which I think was a fair price for a good breakfast. I'd definitely go back here again, and recommend it to others in the area. It's not really worth a drive but if you're around the hood give it a shot.
(3)
Adam S.
Brunch with really good friends is mostly about the fellowship with those you love, so I enjoyed my time this afternoon at Pauline's. I was also glad to finally try it out, having read about it's uniqueness and been told so much about it by friends. Glad I went and glad I spent time with friends. However, I have no idea how anyone could ever give this Denny's with kitsch anything more than 3 stars. I give it a 2 because, frankly, I've been to so many better brunch spots that Pauline's makes for a poor comparison. I could have just as easily given it a 3 for "effort". Decor: cute, very old school. Waiter table assigments taped to tables or wall, old plastic colorful plates, and cheesy tablecloths like grandma used to have. I tried not to look at the kitchen or too closely at the dishes or tablecloths. Old can sometimes mean years of baked in germs and dirt. Yuk! Service: friendly and efficient. Maui was charming and accomodating. The friendly owner really cares about the place and kept checking on us. Evil woman at entrance was ignorable. Food: average would be best I could give this place for taste. But because my food was also lukewarm I have to say below average. Denny's after a night of drinking comes to mind. Except I was not drinking so food was just disappointing. As for the drinking, again, I think brunch is not brunch without mimosas. Call it lunch, or call it breakfast, but if you don't have a bloddy mary option on the menu, don't front! Value: not bad. 20 bucks per person and we had all the store mix pancakes and bland eggs we wanted.
(2)
steve s.
I have only had breakfast here, but have always had a great home-style experience. Friendly people. The decor is homey and comfortable, just what you want in the morning, and it is definitely a favorite of the locals.
(3)
Chip D.
Pauline's is always curiously disappointing, which is a shame, because it's one of the few places left that isn't on a main drag, but rather embedded in a quaint nook in West Andersonville. And, naturally, it has a friendly, charming vibe befitting the locale. The food, though, is appallingly average and not necessarily cheap. My latest breakfast was eggs over medium and corned-beef hash with a side of bacon. The eggs were fine, but the hash way too greasy and salty. The bacon was over cooked, the potatoes undercooked, the coffee thin. The whole experience reminded me of the last time I was at Pauline's when I had basically the exact same meal at the same quality. Still, the average joe like me is more or less pre-programmed to like places like this and I'm sure I'll drag ass in there again at some point, but it really could be better. Two caveats: I like their ice cream. I love their fresh-squeezed orange juice.
(2)
Jeff N.
The customer service is great and so is the outdoor seating area, but that's about it. The food is mediocre and the prices are too high for only ok food. I feel bad on only giving it two stars as the waitresses are great and friendly. I live around the corner from here and wish the food was better.
(2)
Miriam R.
I'm giving this 5 stars, because it is as good as it gets for what it is: A local "homecookin" diner with a down-home breakfast / brunch. My favorite aspects are: 1) The gentleman who greets you at the front door, offering you his freshly squeezed orange papaya juice if there is a wait. 2) The freshly squeezed orange papaya juice. 3) The fact that all of their pancakes are made with whole grain batter. 4) The fact that their farm-fresh eggs make all of their omelets so delicious that I rarely have leftovers (or is that bad?). 5) Their selection of herbal teas, for when you just don't feel like having coffee. 6) The 1950s kitsch / decor. So, you should definitely try this place out for brunch if you haven't already. If you stop by on a Sunday, I'll probably be there :)
(5)
Katy B.
OK Pauline's, you may be starting to redeem yourself. Despite my earlier review, I've been back on occasion, and your service has been better. Keep it up and you earn another star. Revert to your old ways and you'll be banned from my breakfast rotation. Let this be a grudging acknowledgment of your improvement, as well as a warning that you're still on notice.
(3)
Dan M.
Went for breakfast on 08/15/2011. Our waitress took our order and read it back to be sure it was correct but the cooks got got 2 out of 3 orders wrong. We didn't bother to complain as we were in a hurry.
(2)
Erin '.
I've posted reviews about Pauline's on other sites too because I love it THAT much. Everything is fantastic and fresh. The waitstaff is perfect. It feels like having breakfast at grandma's house. Super cozy place, delicious food and great prices.
(5)
Lindsey B.
I wanted to give Pauline's another chance before I made a quick decision so I tried it again for breakfast yesterday. I really like the place, when you walk in it looks like you're going on a picnic. The tables have plastic table cloths covered with glass for cleanliness and brightly painted walls with lots of vintage art and pictures. I really like the feel inside when you first walk in. But then you sit down. We got to our table, the waitress (an older woman) came over before we were even sitting down. I was struggling with my coat and couldn't even move my chair back to sit down cuz it's jammed in between the table and the wooden post behind it. So I tried to squeeze in as she's asking me about coffee. I don't drink coffee so she offered fresh-squeezed orange juice. So I ordered a glass. Just after I ordered it I remembered they had fresh papaya juice. She was already on her way back with the pulpy mess so I didn't order it. But I wondered why she wouldn't offer the Papaya juice to me too since that's a little more rare? EVERY breakfast place has orange juice. Come on. Anyhow, she impatiently asks if we're ready to order. We JUST sat down so we said no. She came back about 1 minute later and said, "Ok what do you want to eat?" So we both order quickly as she grabs the menus and walks off without even really acknowledging that we ordered anything. She came back with the food, slammed it down in front of us, and threw napkins on the table half on top of our plates of food. Then we had to switch cuz she put the wrong food in front of the wrong person. No sooner do we take our first bite but she's back with the check. GEEZ! In a hurry to get rid of us or what?! Rude. Rude. Rude. As we're eating and almost ready to get the hell out of there, the owner comes walking down yelling at the bus boy to clean a table. I would've quit right there if I were him. My dad has never even yelled at me that way. Ick.
(2)
Dilip J.
The food is good, and the price isn't bad. But, the service is ok. I think the menu is pretty good, and there are a good variety of choices. They have some unusual items that I think most people should be pleasantly surprised by, But, I would never go here during brunch. The lines are just too long, and the place isn't exactly large. Go there and treat yourself to a really good meal, but not if you see lines during the wknd brunch.
(4)
Derek M.
I've only dined at Pauline's one time. A beautiful, spring Saturday morning when I would have expected the wait to be nearly unbearable, but it wasn't. The booths look cozy inside for a winter's brunch, but the sun was out as were the tables so we chose to eat outside. On our visit there was scaffolding out and it was decorated with vines and ornaments to make it much more attractive for a dining setting. We waited a bit for our service but the food was great. Eggs and potatoes were good and I had the eggs benedict with crab meat, which was absolutely delicious! It was a quiet, peaceful outdoor seating area despite being near the road. I've been to other outdoor-eating areas where the road rage runs off the street right into the enjoyment of your meal, but thankfully that is not the case here. Luckily I had cash; I didn't realize its cash only. They do have an ATM that is conveniently located on the side of the restaurant. Overall it's a cozy place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. And I would recommend it over a lot of other places in the hood. There's even a cool little park near the Metra line on Ravenswood right out the front door where you can walk off your breakfast in the warmer months. Enjoy~
(3)
Matthew G.
"THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL WITH A GOLDEN CURL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD. AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD, SHE WAS VERY, VERY GOOD, BUT WHEN SHE WAS BAD, SHE WAS HORRID" Pauline's suffers from severe bi-polar disorder. One moment, she pets you and calls you pretty while the next moment, she whips the hat pin out of her hair and pokes you in the eye. Pauline's also suffers from a severe lack of systematic order. The stationless servers sprint about like harried, headless chickens. The food is ready in baffling order -- here come the eggs and later comes the soggy, microwaved bacon and cold toast. Pushy bus boys snatch at your plate as you lift the last bite of food to your lips. The crazy owner coos at a cute baby only to turn around and scream "get the f*ck out" to a patient customer with a legitmate complaint (I actually witnessed this). Are the poor servers often rather surly? Yes, but I'm sure you'd be too if you're being screamed at by your boss as your customers fidget hungrily as you sprint across the restaurant to to freshen the coffee of one of your ramdonly assigned tables. It seems like a handbasket on a roller coaster ride to hell. The place itself has charming potential. It's old and eclectic, kooky and kitschy albeit dulled by a patina of grease. The food? It's ok. Sometimes it's pretty great, other times it's pretty rotten. Pricey for what is it? Definitely! I must say that they always have really awesome soup -- hot, hearty and fililng. Other menu items are hit or miss. I think Pauline's is in need of a long "time out". Some time to reflect, re-organize and prioritize would do the old girl a world of good. Let's hope she considers this. In the meantime, Pauline's remains packed on the weekends despite her "Mommie Dearest"-esque demeanor. During the week she practices better behavior, but the good does not cancel out the evil. The joint must be the number one stop in the Weekend Brunch Masochists' Guide. Pauline's really must consider her potential. Otherwise, perhaps grand-ma-ma should reach into the family savings and pack her off to boarding school. As there is high probabilty that you will have a (far) less than stellar experience, I suggest you skip Pauline's until she manages to behave herself properly.
(1)
Susan L.
Supremely average, you'd be more satisfied a bowl of cereal at your kitchen table.
(2)
Gayle G.
Wow, the hash was tas-tee! Me like-ee! We walked right in on a Sunday at 11:30 with no wait for a table for two. When we left an hour later, there were 3-4 parties waiting. This is an old school, no frills kinda breakfast place. The has was good and so were the plate sized pancakes. Not too sweet, crispy around the edges and not soggy in the middle. Three HUGE pancakes for $6.75 with a generous amount of whipped cream and fruit. Pitchers of syrup are on the table, so you won't look like a piggy if you need more than just the little pitcher that so many places give you. A great little neighborhood breakfast joint. I can see many a hangover being relieved here.
(4)
Dave S.
The only bad thing about Pauline's is that it's not closer to my house!! Ok, sure, it's still within walking distance but who can possibly walk home after eating the generous portions served up in this neighborhood diner? Not me; that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Much like the omelettes stick to my ribs. Huge and fluffy and delicious! Corned beef in an omelette is the best thing since corned beef plain! French toast is AWESOME! I'm not usually a sweets person at breakfast but I had a hankering for French toast while there and ordered it as a side (yes, I said a side) to my omelette (can't pass'em up!) and I was in heaven! The servers are good enough but nothing special. They get the job done and sometimes with a smile. You can definitely tell who are the regulars and who are the not-so-regulars (yeah, I'm the latter) by the interaction with the wait staff. Although they aren't rude or off putting, they definitely know where their bread and butter is and cater to them; as they should! They do work for tips after all. There's outdoor seating in partial shade on those lovely Chicago Summer mornings when being inside is the last place you want to be. I have seen dogs tied up near outside tables occupied by their caretakers, so if that's your thing you might like to know. I personally don't think dogs (or any animal) should be allowed anywhere near food or beverage service areas. Restaurants or bars. They're dogs!! I haven't had to wait more than about 15 minutes to eat here which is a definite plus to other places in the neighborhood that experience long wait times. This is probably because this is a diner that knows how to short order cook breakfast and get people moving. Don't lollygag or you might find some growling bellies scowling at you! Pauline's is THE place for breakfast!
(4)
Mike F.
I had a chance to visit Pauline's over the weekend. I am sorry I did. I have been hearing about it from a lot of people I have met in the neighborhood. And I think that is the draw. It is super-kitschy and not much else. It has that retro, old-timey diner thing going for it. And I will admit, it does indeed do that well. But the food and service left so much more to be desired. The menu consisted of your basic breakfast items and that is fine, if you are going to do them right. The whole meal was sub-par. I am not going to blame the food exactly, but I wasn't feeling too good stomach wise a couple of hours later either. I probably won't be going again. I couldn't resist its charming look and good reviews from friends, but it looks like I should have checked Yelp first.
(2)
Sydney V.
We stopped in around 2:30 on a Sunday when there were many open tables. We were with our toddler and looking for a quick snack before he got too cranky. After sitting there 10 minutes and unable to get anyone's attention, we got up and left. None of the FOUR waitresses gathered around in a corner (so that's where they were!) bothered to run over to stop us. They just watched us walk away. So don't be fooled into thinking that the service is slow because they're busy. The service is simply bad. We won't be back.
(2)
Unity O.
Been to this establishment many times over the years & I have to say it is a wonderful place to go for Sunday brunch. Now, if you do go on a Sunday you SHOULD expect to wait to be seated as it is a VERY popular place to eat in the neighborhood (also try & get there before the church crowd--they tend to move in massive herds :-) If you do get stuck waiting the staff are super & give you free fresh squeezed orange juice (YUM!) and really you never wait more then 15 mins. The food is just what you would expect from a diner like place--although more tasty & the atmosphere is warm & inviting. A little on the quirky side with the decor--but that makes it fun. Parking can definitely be a pain & sometimes the servers can be testy. Overall though the portions are very generous & the food is good!
(4)
Brett M.
It's hard to give Pauline's three stars, because the servers are friendly and it used to be a favorite for us, but the quality of the food on days when the place is packed (Saturdays and Sundays) suffers. Also, when it's packed, expect to be jostled by other guests, servers, and bussers for the duration of your meal. And the bathroom is in the back of the kitchen, which means you go through the kitchen to get there... and it's not very clean. The whole place could use a major facelift, but I know they like to keep it "diner-kitsch", so I doubt that'll happen. Here's my best and worst experiences; you decide. Best experience: On Christmas Day last year, my dad took my brother, my fiance and I to breakfast at Pauline's because they were one of the only neighborhood places open on Christmas. It was great! We were one of the only tables, everyone loved our meal, our server was really sweet. I have fond memories of that meal. Worst experience: At like 2:45 on a Saturday, we took some friends to Pauline's for a late afternoon snack. The staff did not want us there. They were closing at 3:00, they were cleaning up, they weren't paying attention to us. We all wanted chocolate milkshakes, which are on the menu. They said they couldn't do it, because they were "out of chocolate." Now really. Any place that "runs out of chocolate" (I personally think they just didn't want to make them) on a Saturday when people will be in for belgian waffles on Sunday morning can't call itself a diner. I'm from New Jersey, so I am picky about diners, but I think running out of chocolate sauce or ice cream or whatever on a weekend is on par with running out of eggs or french fries.
(3)
Becky S.
I agree with other reviewers that the service was less than satisfactory. However, the food was quite delicious. It made up for the poor service. My main complaint was the that "5 egg omelet" was definitely made of 3 eggs or less. I ordered the spinach, feta, and tomato omelet with a side of potatoes and wheat toast. I enjoyed all of it, including the free coffee refills! I plan on returning soon, maybe for a good hangover meal
(3)
Liliana E.
I read some of your reviews... I must say, I've never had a bad meal their. The staff is friendly and fast. Maybe you guys went on a bad day. I've met the owner Ron he's such a friendly guy. He makes sure you enjoy your breakfast and sometimes recommends some of the specials. Give PAULINES another try. I love their french toast with the powder sugar....yummmmmmmy !!! PAULINES ........... KEEP UP THE GOOOD WORK ...
(5)
Jillian D.
You know that children's song with the lyrics: "over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go"? well, traveling to pauline's is a bit like heading to grandmother's house...if your grandmother owned a cute neighborhood diner :) this restaurant is along one of my running routes. with it's vivid red outside walls, picket fence and flowers, you can't miss it. and the adorable signs along ravenswood that let you know you're getting close are a nice touch too. i used to run past the diner and fantasize about their "famous apple and blueberry pancakes" promoted on one wall. (running always makes me hungry for pancakes!) so, one day, my best friend and i agreed to check it out. the owner is the sweetest man. he greets you with a big smile on his face, so you don't mind learning there's a bit of a wait. and then he offers you complimentary fresh squeezed orange juice to boot. yum yum! the walls are painted in reds, yellows and greens, a nice complement to the red vinyl booths. the menu aims to please with a plethora of tantalizing breakfast and lunch options. my friend and i were seated, ordered coffee (fresh and hot), then perused the menu carefully. so many options! and specials too! we both ordered omelets (you can't plan for pancakes. pancakes tell you when to eat them.). they were HUGE!! we couldn't finish them. not even close. plus, they came with toast on the side. our server kept the coffee coming. and though there were people waiting, there was never any pressure to turn the table over. nice. i've been back more than once, and the restaurant never disappoints. oh, and i've finally tried those famous pancakes - delicious! if you're ever in the neighborhood, head for the red cottage on the corner of balmoral and ravenswood. you won't be sorry.
(4)
Adam L.
I think the more often you come here, the more you tend to appreciate the quirkiness that many off the bat would find offensive. The owner's more than a bit eccentric - I almost get the soup nazi vibe from him a little, although he does quite kindly go around (with his backpack oxygen tank) pouring orange juice in the morning (often ending up in the glass you're holding). He's an animated fellow who obviously loves what he's doing. About the food, I've always enjoyed it - their specials I've also always liked, although I most recently had to ask them to hold the bacon for their "Vegan" special I had ordered - the waitress didn't seem to get it - I can only assume it was some kind of joke. In all, it's a cute neighborhood breakfast place that ends up being a wonderful start to any hungover or not saturday or sunday, especially outside on a beautiful summer morning.
(4)
Kathleen C.
I have heard tons of good reviews about this place but just didn't think it was special. In fact, I didn't even think it was average. Went there early on a Sunday morning. About half of the tables were full and we were seated immediately. Although none of the other 2 person tables were used, we were placed near the entrance to the back room and it was annoying. The menu was large but I figured that I would go with a breakfast staple: an omelette. I actually felt jipped that the eggs were totally unfluffy and seemed to be an egg burrito instead of a mixture of egg and veggies. The menu said they used a bunch of eggs but it seemed like 1 or 2. Maybe I had a rookie chef! I did like the potatoes though! Maybe I will give it another try cause everyone keeps saying it is so good.
(2)
Heather F.
Hello Pauline? It's me Heather. Weight Watchers or no Weight Watchers, I CANNOT depreive myself of Sunday Morning Breakfast. It's like a weekly holiday. I would walk across Hell's half acre for biscuits and gravy. Split wine, walk on water.... you name it, I'd do it. Gimme the fluffy biscuits and savory gravy. Pauline's is the cutest little neighborhood diner, providing some of the most stellar breakfast I've had in this city to date.... and I've been here for a solid 400 Sunday's, so, that's a LOT of desayuno. The portions are borderline offensive, and I mean that in a good way. You could EASILY feed 2 people with 1 breakfast entree. The menu will tell you they make "5 egg omlettes". This is a lie. It's like a dozen, and STUFFED with veggies and meats and cheeses galore. All breakfast's come with "Pauline's famous potatoes" and a side of toast. Pauline's potatoes are not that famous in my book. Standard red skins cut into chunks, and put on a griddle with peppers and onions. I prefer my hashies to be of the frozen, more glutenous variety, i.e. cooked in a vat of grease and salt, and served to me piping hot and crispy. These just don't make the cut, but the other food is totally worth accepting her sub par potatoes. I've only seen their lunch entrees, but never sampled. I can't NOT get the biscuits n' gravy when I'm there. The lunch stuff looks equally appealing. Pretty sure I threatened a waitress's life for the Patty Melt she had on her tray, but don't worry, I haven't been black listed. Pauline's is worth the drive if you don't live near Andersonville. There is plenty of easy street parking, service is always outstanding and FAST, food is ALWAYS delicious, and I always roll out smiling. I mean roll is its most literal sense. Please do not count on your pants fitting you after a visit to Pauline's.
(4)
Bob S.
Been there 3 times and the first was the only good time. Second time there was in April 2010 when it was cold out and after a 15 minute wait we were seated by the door, and it was freezing. The wait was miserable as the woman "managing" the area doesn't take names but simply yells to the crowd "who's next?" so it's utter confusion. Once seated I ordered and omelet and the simpleminded waitress asked "how would you like your eggs". Um, duh - it's an omelet. And her reply was "Oh, I'm new here" as if that answered it. Today, the third trip, was unacceptable. Empty tables all around and the woman up front said we'd have to wait because evidently the booths are reserved for 3 or more. We're 2, no one else waiting, empty tables, and she makes us wait!? NFW! See ya!
(1)
Veronicka L.
Pros: The food is great. The service is friendly and quick. They have a yummy candy bowl by the entrance (that includes Mary Janes). Cons: It can be very noisy. There is little room betwen tables and the booths are uncomfortable. In the summer, the air conditioning is not powerful enough.
(4)
Carol H.
I've eaten at Pauline's twice. Both times I felt like I was being hurried up and pushed out. The staff kept running up and down the aisle next to me, brushing past and bumping me. Then they started furiously sweeping up the floor and piling the chairs on the tables even before I got my food. I timed my visit so that I could eat from 2 to 3 p.m., as it closed at 3 p.m. The decor is an absolutely hideous red and green, and the oil table cloths are equally as ugly. The food was very average, calorie-laden fare and over-priced for the neighborhood and quality of food. Nothing on the menu was for a person interested in healthy eating. I agree with the other interviewer on Yelp who doesn't understand how this place stays in business. On the plus side, Pauline's is located on a very nostalgic corner on Ravenswood Street across from the Metra train line. Plenty of trees abound forming a very pleasant outdoor seating area. The outdoor tables have umbrellas for shade. However, I can find a lot better places (with much better food) to eat in Anderson for the same prices that this place charges! P.S. They don't take credit cards, but they have an ATM on the outside of the building.
(1)
Pete D.
This should be 4 and a half. Paulines is awesome, it can get busy and then service occasionally is less than stellar, but hey when a restaurant is slammed (which it often is on the weekends) you cannot expect miracles. Any one who doesn't like this place should go eat at some fast food hell hole, and keep out of our beloved Pauline's.
(4)
Emily K.
Pretty good omelette- nothing to rave about, but was satisfying. Asked if I could get chorizo in my Mexican omelette (it was right below the South American omelette on the menu which had chorizo, but the Mexican had more things I liked in it). Said yes, was good, etc. Bill came- I was charged for 2 juices (only had 1) and $4.35 for corned beef hash (didn't order). When I told the waitress, politely, of the error she got super defensive and said "yeah, WELL, that's the only way I could ring up the chorizo for your omelette." and grabbed the reciept and returned with only the extra juice taken off. So apparently I was charged $4.35 for chorizo added to an omelette. Seriously dude? Seriously? I assumed extra meat added would be maybe in the $1.75-$2.00 range, like ordering a side of bacon or sausage. SERIOUSLY? $4.35? B.S. If an additional item really costs $4.35 extra I'd expect to be notified about it when I order. Or it better be wearing gold plated diapers. I won't be back.
(2)
Nas T.
Enormous, bland omelets made of five eggs and a complete absence of flavor, like eating a gigantic bowl of hot water and calling it soup. Obnoxious "old school" "charm" which includes lackadaisical staff and an unwillingness to accept credit cards, though they'll be glad to point you to a gaudy ATM with a hefty fee - you know, "Just like they had back in the day!"® Oh, wait...
(1)
John B.
Pauline is a Jekyll and Hyde kinda girl. During the week, this is a nice neighborhood joint, all candy colored and checkered curtains. The walls are covered with old-time adverts, the tables are covered with photos of regulars. The food is good and the service is friendly. Locals relax with their morning papers, old friends catch up, moms bring their kids. You wouldn't be surprised to see Floyd and Goober at the next table. On the weekends, though, Pauline turns into one mean bitch. The sweet ethnic servers are gone, replaced by the pros who are there for their tips. Customers are jammed in like commuters on the train to Bergen-Belsen. And treated just as well. You eat what you get, and you will like it! It's all about long lines and table turns. The kitchen churns out orders, and who cares if it's ready? If you have a chance to visit Pauline's during the week, do so. On the weekend, unless you are more patient than I am and willing to put up with some bullshit, skip it. Go to Svea -- it's a smaller menu, but the people are nicer. 4 stars for weekdays, 1 star for weekends.
(3)
Laura K.
First off, I like the fact that it's just down the street from my apartment and that we can walk to it no matter what the weather (although we were slipping and sliding on the ice the whole walk over). It's your typical breakfast type place with generous portions and AMAZING orange/papaya juice. If you go, and especially if you have a hangover, order this juice. It's fresh squeezed (although i have no idea how you squeeze a papaya) and yummy. Your body will thank you. This place is usually jammed on the weekends however peacefully quiet during the week. The owner (or who I'm assuming is the owner) has always been friendly and accommodating but I agree that the wait staff is more interested in getting the job done than being super friendly. The food is good. I've only had breakfast here. Nothing remarkable. All in all, it's a cute little local place I like to take our out-of-town guests for a little local flavor.
(3)
Dave Z.
What I like about Pauline's is that they know exactly who they are and attempt to execute fast, pretty friendly service with really good consistent food. I have had great experiences at Pauline's both on weekdays and weekends. They do not attempt to be upscale or corporate or scalable. They are a mom and pop breakfast diner. On the weekend expect to wait because they will be packed from 8:00am to 12 noon (based on my experiences). The serving staff is friendly but they are busting it, to get your your food in a timely manner in a space that is designed for a healthy bottom line and not extra wiggle room. Go to Pauline's for the food, the fun old posters on the walls and if you have to wait their are plenty of newspapers to read.
(4)
Chris J.
I've been coming to Pauline's for years with my family and would have easily given it 4 or 5 stars. However, on a recent visit, I was quite disappointed. The service was very rushed and the waitresses were not friendly. The food also wasn't up to the usual par I expect from Pauline's. The potatoes weren't what they normally were and the bacon wasn't well cooked. My friend got an omelet that was alright but nothing special. I hope next time I can update with a better review because I've been coming here forever and it's usually quite good.
(3)
Jeremy S.
Better service, food, and environment for less money than my regular diner. I'm a new fan!
(4)
Tracey C.
The only reason I'm giving this two stars is the food. (I would give it more because, frankly, the food is really good, however, I can't in good conscience, give more than that given the service.) I'm used to waiting for tables for breakfast/brunch on weeeknds... not a big deal. What I can't let slide is being seated and then waiting for a good 20 minutes before anyone actually comes to your table simply to ask if you want something to drink. (And I'm assuming the only reason the server finally came when she did is because the oddly indifferent, and overly abrasive manager seemed to have noticed the look on my face...later she would yell at her staff for everyone within earshot to hear... ahhh nice calm brunch) After ordering orange juice, we waited another 15 minutes (no joke) before that was brought out . (while I realize it's fresh-squeezed OJ, it's not as if they're flying to FL to handpick the oranges with each glass ordered... 15 minutes is ridiculous) The server (who was also acting as hostess at some point) was, to put it as fairly as possible, socially awkward. While taking our order she started shaking her hands and sighing, motioning us to "hurry up" (just a reminder, we had a good 20 minutes to review the menu so it's not like we didn't know what we wanted, we just weren't speaking fast enough for her) and, only, again, after seeing the look on my face did she say, "Sorry to rush you." When my friend asked her for some OJ a little bit later, she looked at him as if he had just asked her to kick a dog. While sitting there, we witnessed a customer having to get up and get his OWN refill on coffee because they had been waiting so long. His server ended up snapping at him. Bottom line, brunch and breakfast are my favorite meals to go out and enjoy in Chicago. Pauline's has excellent food but it's not worth the time or the aggravation when surrounded by so many other places in the Edgewater/Andersonville area that will provide MUCH better, much less aggravating (and, dare I say, MUCH less shocking lack of) service. You can have the best food in the world but if your service sucks, you're tanked. Pauline's, get with it... hire more people... ones who know how to deal with customers.
(2)
Samantha L.
Food - disgusting. Decor - disgusting. I live right by this place and would love nothing more than to have an awesome diner place to hop in and have breakfast on the weekend, especially if it's after a big party night or I have someone in town staying with me. Alas it cannot and will not happen at Paulines. I had an omelet when I went, I think the best way to put it is that their food is sloppy. I know it's a diner, and I know it's just breakfast, but I know the difference, this place is gross. My veggie omelet was swimming in grease (and I am not opposed to greasy food from time to time) I think there was like one piece of something that resembled a vegetable. The potatoes, not good. The super kitschy decor made me want to barf almost as much as my omelet. And just a heads up - a lot of kids there. I personally like kids, plan to have a bunch one day, but for now I am enjoying the days when I don't have any. It was like eating at a McDonald's play place. Not my idea of a good time. Hope I didn't offend any proud parents out there, I know people get all sensey when you bring up the kiddies, I'm just keepin' it real.
(1)
Steve C.
Maybe some of these negative people just went in there on the wrong day at the wrong time. Which sometimes happens with small/family businesses where employees generally get a lot of leeway with regards to their performance. But we went on Sunday at around 1:30 and they couldn't have been friendlier, despite being pretty packed with a room full of people presumably nursing their hangovers. Food was pretty good, I stuck to pancakes but my friend seemed fairly excited about her Mexican omelet, and she'd been going there for years. Definitely would go back if I'm out of bed before 2 on a weekend again.
(4)
Julia R.
Despite reading some of the mediocre reviews of Pauline's, I decided to go anyway since it's so damn cute from the outside (and yes, I judge books by their cover). I'm SO glad I did though. I had the most delicious breakfast! It has diner prices but with really great food. I went on a Saturday morning so there was a wait to get service but we were seated immediately so it was no big deal. It's cute, it's tasty, and it's cheap! If you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely make your way to Pauline's.
(4)
D.L. P.
I really like Pauline's. The staff was super, super friendly. I was on a first name basis with a lot of them. They have some really good daily specials. I think I am probably in the minority when I say I like Pauline's lunches better then their breakfasts. It just a good, neighborhood place to get a hearty meal. For what I believe Pauline's is trying to do - create a comfortable, neighborhood diner that has good service and serves good to great food - I like it better then anyplace similar in Chicago. Print it!
(4)
Elizabeth H.
used to be a decent breakfast spot... then it switched owners years ago and went to shit. This place is far from special but people line up outside on a Sunday morning like they are serving a side of caviar with their short stack. The food is OK, but no better than any dive-y diner you would stumble into. Definitely not homemade-tasting in the slightest. I think they literally just lucked out with the location, in the sense that it is the easiest place to walk to on a weekend morning for the local crowd. The wait staff is generally not polite and tends to get orders wrong quite a bit. The place is small and they try to cram tables into every nook and cranie, even outside. It's not at all a relaxing atmosphere and you will most likely feel squished and rushed on a weekend morning.
(1)
Rich S.
I'm glad to see Elizabeth H. indicate that Pauline's has changed ownership. Having just moved back to Chicago after 8 years in the Bay Area, I was excited to visit Pauline's again. It was a place I had fond memories of. I was greeted with a dirty restaurant (sticky tables and chairs, dirty silverware), mediocre food, and rude service. I won't go back.
(1)
M G.
I enjoyed this place for the most part. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my husband had the blueberry pancakes and potatoes (a very healthy breakfast indeed). He really enjoyed his pancakes even though they served a "mixed" maple syrup instead of a pure maple syrup. The potatoes were flavorful. I'm pretty sure the biscuits were Hungry Jack (not flakey enough) and my plastic plate came warm which made me think that it took a turn in the micowave. Still, the gravy was dressed up with Italian sausage and was pretty good. The service was reasonably good. I would go here again and my husband, who doesn't go to restaurants alone, already did go back on his own. So I'm guessing he would have given this place four stars.
(3)
Ellen P.
Cute, neighborhoody place, bring cash. Portions are huge. I must agree with frustrated weekend diners -- you'll wait, and will not be allowed to linger, despite the somewhat hefty price of breakfast. They lose a star because I simply cannot abide the confrontational manner in which the "host" hurried us along after a Saturday breakfast. There are more subtle, yet effective ways to turn tables; I encourage management to use them. That said, over my Christmas vacation, had a wonderful time catching up midweek with my BFF, over yummy blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee etc. We spent well over two hours chatting about life, jobs, school, kids, etc, and were not harassed once. Summer also a good option, as outdoor seating expands the dining area. Overall a very enjoyable experience, and very full tummies. Recommended.
(4)
Alison L.
Ate lunch inside, smelled like old mop water. We ordered three meals - all bad. Previously frozen burger patty, hard and greasy. Grilled cheese with so much cheese it wasn't all melted. Plate full of sloppy, flavorless spaghetti. For such a great location and cute spot it's very disappointing. Prices are reasonable, but they need to focus more on the quality of the food. Hopefully breakfast is better, but not sure I'll go back to give it a try.
(1)
Megan K.
We were greeted at the front door by an older gentleman who offered us plastic shot glasses which were quickly filled with freshly squeezed orange juice and followed by the promise that the twenty minute wait would be worth it, claiming that it would take us at least another twenty minutes to find another place, and the other place would be far inferior. Thus, we waited, and in no time were able to crawl over several tables to be seated at a table on the sidewalk. The menu was overwhelming, because even though all the egg and pancake offerings were standard and straightforward, the portions appeared huge - omelets made with five extra large eggs sounds a little intense, doesn't it? Fear not, I've had three egg omelets that are bigger than these, so I'm not sure what the deal is with that. I've been ordering stuffed french toast a lot lately, and theirs looked delicious - until my plate arrived, loaded with boring battered Texas toast, whipped cream, and a sprinkling of un-ripe strawberries. The following conversation with the waitress ensued: "I ordered stuffed french toast." "No you didn't." "Yes I did." "No, you just ordered regular french toast." "No ma'am, I did not. Would it still be possible to get the stuffed." "I guess." "Would it take awhile?" "Probably." "Fine, nevermind, I'll eat this." And then I did what I could to eat something I didn't want after having a healthy dose of attitude and no apology. Everyone else was satisfied with their eggs, home fries and toast, but the most enthusiasm was saved for the fight over the blackberry jam packets. Giving this waitress the benefit of the doubt, I would come back here if I was in the area, or could walk here from my house, but I won't go out of my way to return. ps, they only take cash and personal checks.
(3)
Edward L.
One star is too high of a rating for Pauline's. The service was horrible and the staff was rude. The food was not at all impressive. There are several other resturants that I would consider before this one for breakfast. If Pauline's is the only choice that I have on any given weekend, I choose to go hungry!
(1)
Geoff H.
I used to love coming to this place like ten or fifteen years ago before it 'caught on'. I still ADORE their food (breakfast, anyway), their omelettes are ridiculously large, pancakes quite good, potatoes fantastic. But, still, I always leave this place in a shitty mood, and invariably about two hours later than when I arrived, which is just silly. This isn't a five-star dinner. The service is consistently awful, really. It always takes forever to get your food, and if at the first try they forget something (which is more often than not), you may or may not see your server, or the rest of your meal, for another half hour. Not sure if the problem(s) relate to incompetence, disorganization, the owner, or what, but they've been around long enough to have their shit together, they just don't. Great food, probably not worth the irritation unless you're a saint, have lots of time to waste or are not that hungry. But if you come here with a raging hangover, this may make it worse unless you sneak a bottle in, seriously. I just want breakfast, and though I like their food half as much as Pauline's, I'd rather go to Golden Nugget or Ann Sather (though their service sucks, too, usually) and not waste two hours of my day. It's just not that serious.
(3)
Alison F.
Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. This is the most amazing spot for breakfast in the city. If i was writing an insiders guide, Pauline's would have top billing. Having visited this spot dozens of times, quirky is certainly the appropriate adjective but in such a good way, with a smattering of posters, photographs and, yes, sponge paint covering the walls. The owner takes amazingly good care of his guests. Food is plentiful and excellent - I highly recommend the 'everything' omelet with white asparagus and delicious pancakes. Only thing that doesn't thrill me is the poor coffee over my last few visits but don't let that keep you away. Beautiful outdoor space in the summer, and slightly off the beaten track in Ravenswood, it doesn't get more authentically Chicago than Pauline's.
(5)
Chris K.
My favorite breakfast place in Chicago. The place is packed, but it's worth it. Everything's good. Go soon and often.
(5)
Chad S.
homey atmosphere.. kinda cute i guess. but how is it different from denny's or Ihop? bigger portions. food is just so-so.
(2)
Gil N.
Pauline's is really a one of a kind place. I don't know if the reviews can do it justice. It's not going to knock your socks off but it is going to make you feel comfortable. The food's great, the place is very laid back, and the atmosphere just takes you back. The location is nice and secluded and although it does get packed at times, it still feels like it's one of our city's little secrets.
(4)
Patty V.
Comfort food at its finest! Great omelets and breakfast items. I also love the Veggie Burger with the yummy fries. Service can be a tad slow,so if you are really pressed for time, this is not a good choice.
(4)
aileen b.
One of my top places to ride my bike to for brunch. It does get busy, but as other posters said the wait isn't ridiculous and they serve you fresh-squeezed OJ while you wait! I rarely order pancakes, but when I am here indulge in them, and it is oh so worth it.
(5)
vitas z.
i had gone to pauline's several times over the years. i can honestly say that i wasn't a fan for a long time. it's been hit or miss from time to time. though, last time was such a hit, i have to give it 4 stars and say that i'm planning on going back soon. the service was solid, the plates of food were on the larger size, the owner was so cheerful and attentive and shared a few great stories with us. the group was made up of my wife, our 5 month old son, and a couple who is expecting. the were very attentive that we were comfortable, that my son was safe and comfortable and the expectant mother was well looked after. it was what i had heard pauline's was like from all my friends who love the place and an experience i had never had before. i hope next time i go back the trend continues, because if it does they'll have a big fan in me.
Pauline's is a staple for weekend breakfast! Every time I have family or friends visiting from out of town, we must go to Pauline's for the blueberry pancakes! I don't have a big sweet tooth so I usually order the Mexican omelet which is delicious. I just tried their new special, the southwestern omelet with spicy chorizo, and I fell in love. The coffee keeps coming non-stop which is a godsend after a long Saturday night. If you get to Pauline's early enough on a Saturday or Sunday you will be seated immediately but beware of the brunch crowd and expect a long wait on holidays. Even if you have to hang around a bit before breakfast, Pauline's is definitely worth it!
(5)
Darlene R.
this place is cash only! they do have an atm on the outside of the restaurant, but i wish there was a big ass sign when you entered letting you know. we went at 9am so there was no waiting. i ordered the south american omelette, chorizo, cheddar and jalepeno. it was alright. it was a little greasy and my biggest complaint is that the jalepenos were on top of the omelette and not inside. my husband got pancakes and eggs with sausage on the side. our waitress forgot the sausage, but did bring it immediately when we reminded her. his pancakes were good, not the best i had but pretty good. nothing really stands out from what we had. the best thing i ate was probably the english muffin. it was super crispy and buttery. i didn't share it with my husband; it was soo good. however, i wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)
theresa w.
I just had the WORST breakfast ever. I am not sure where to even start to give an objective overview of my experience. I sit and write this and at the very same time I am waiting for the diarrhea to kick in. Things that went WELL: the OJ is great, the toast wasn't burnt Things that went BAD: we had to ask 3 times for milk and sugar substitute for our coffee which lead me to get up and search the restaurant for sugar substitute because the waitress never brought it, all of our meals where not delivered together (one person was missing their bacon, someone else was missing toast), ALL the food was cold?!?, my over easy eggs were not over easy - all three yolks were cooked solid, potatoes were cold, the bacon was NOT COOKED!, returned bacon was just put back on the grill and was returned full of grease and a pancake taste, the owner? was hanging pictures on the wall with a full restaurant, the owner refilled our much needed coffee mugs but proceeded to not only spill my coffee but BOTH of my friends coffees!!, the old man owner? made us move our table mid-meal and yes, again spill more coffee in the process, the waitress in her flight passed our table and knocked our paper and condiments off our table and on to the floor, the old man owner again made a comedic appearance by using our table as a wait station?!!? - loading up used cups from another table, filled water glasses for a new table and tossing silverware on our table. We also waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited some more for our check... after asking for it. This place is a JOKE.
(1)
Alvin d.
if you want mediocre food and to be hustled out of your table, come on over to Pauline's. the bus boys were hovering over us with their dirty buckets of plates and silverware once they saw cash coming out of our wallets. I realize that they had to turn the table over, but we were not even lingering. I certainly do not intend to return, there are much better places for breakfast who would not dare hurry to get you off your table.
(2)
Lynne D.
This place is great! Not only are they open every single day of the year, but they are a warm and inviting diner-like restaurant. They are known for their great breakfasts and I have to agree that their potato homefries are great! Also, I have been there for lunch as well and that was excellent too! It is an old-fashioned vibe and the waitstaff, though they seem hurried, are very friendly and sweet.
(4)
K B.
I love brunch at this place, but only if you're prepared to spend the majority of your Saturday/Sunday in a food coma - their portions are huge. I mostly order their omelette, which are 5 (!!) eggs (the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato one is my fav) and the potatoes they come with are awesome, crispy and not soaked in oil like some places. The service here has always been very courteous, even if you do have to wait a while on weekends, but what do you expect. In the summer they have seating outside, which is great if it's nice out.
(4)
Jacob Y.
How many places serve 5 egg omelets? Just for that alone and the generous portions of delicious breakfast dishes, Pauline's has easily become one of my favorite brunch joints. What's more...they have FRESHLY squeezed orange juice. I am a sucker for places that serve fresh OJ...with pulp...and served very chilled... They also have a smoothie selection made to order with fresh fruits and vegetables. During the warmer months, you can even sit outside. The decor inside is very diner like, but very colorful and inviting. I also need to remind bringing a picture of myself to stick under the glass on the tables. The waitress...VERY attentive. My friend ordered hot tea, and she came back every 10 minutes to check on her hot water. I am very impressed indeed!
(4)
Jeff G.
this is more of a 3.5, i think the current rating of 3 is underrated, so i rounded up. lots of homemade stuff here - whipped cream and all that, nice fresh squeezed juices omelet was pretty decent with fresh (not smoked) salmon and asparagus
(4)
Dara O.
Great food, great service! I usually meet my grandpa here right when they open at 7 am on weekends, and they're fully prepared with the fresh juice and serving. Never had a bad experience here.
(5)
Kaleb B.
My partner and i went here for breakfast the other morning and it was very cute a playful, the food was good diner food and the service was good. we will go back. its a night neighborhood place.
(4)
Larry J.
I went to Paulines just to patronize an independant business. The sign outside said "comfort food at comfort prices" The decor was very nice, it reminds you of yesteryear. The food I ordered reminded me of yesterday. I ordered the country biscuits and gravy for breakfast and immediately I was put off. The gravy and sausage were great but the biscuits were lacking integrity. I was unable to cut them with a fork. I had to use a knife to cut them. It was as if they were stale or they were microwaved before serving. If they were microwaved it dries them out and thus makes them the way they were presented. Customer service was great. The waiter was very nice he comped me for the issue with the biscuits. I also question the statement about comfort food. I saw no mac and cheese, meatloaf, or even country fried steak for breakfast. I'm not positive if I will try this place again.
(3)
Pavithra M.
But I will clarify, it is the neighborhood feel and the proximity to our place that makes this place a favorite. The french toast is very good and I love the freshly squeezed OJ, but the rest of the breakfast menu is average. What takes the menu to the next level is their burgers. When I am in the mood for a big, juicy burger, this is the place to go. The inside is a little cramped, but they have always accommodated my two little ones and the wait staff is very friendly and welcoming to them. I am glad I live close by.
(4)
Shawn J.
Quaint little diner. Only open from 7a-3p daily. Great breakfast spot. Always super nice and accommodating staff. Great breakfast ( have not had lunch here yet) with large portions. Always freshly squeezed juices. I love to go for brunch as it tends to quiet down around 11 am ish on the weekends.
(5)
Hail I.
Do not order the biscuits and gravy unless you want to pay $7 for two from a can Pillsbury biscuits. Come on Pauline.
(2)
Karen N.
This place is what it is... an easy neighborhood diner style breakfast place for family. The up side: They give you fresh eggs, promised to be less than 5 days old from Michigan. The down side: I don't know what possessed me to try the salmon eggs benedict today but it really was awful. It's like someone made eggs benedict without reading the recipe. Large chunk of poaches salmon under the eggs, the hollandaise sauce was not what it should be, icky. I shouldn't have risked ordering it but I love eggs benedict. If you go, just stick with what they are good at, eggs and pancakes.
(2)
Aurore L.
Cool, windy morning. Breakfast with friends. One of them all up and preppy, the one badly hangover. Patio seating. It's noisy. Very much so. They are doing some sort of construction/renovation next door and it's deafening. Not exactly the cozt ambiance I was expecting but oh well....the wind knocks off the vase on the next table. The menu is big, and I decide to go half and half. Scrambled eggs and pancakes with strawberries. Coffee too, of course. I was also in the mood for bacon, but after checking the price and almost choking on it ($4.95!!) I went meatless. Le sad. Food arrives, and it's quite disappointing. Dry, boring, 5 pieces of strawberry on the plate.....it is depressing-looking. The pancakes were some of the worst I had, like, ever. I almost want to cry. This Friday doesn't start well; but I am chit-chatting with friends, spying on the biggest dog of the neighborhood and making fun of the waiter in my head. Not so bad after all. But I could totally do that AND eat good food somewhere else. A no-return.
(2)
Sid P.
Friendly service if less than perfect. Excellent, hearty, quality food served hot if not especially quickly. Pauline's has room for improvement, but honestly, it's not trying to be the #1 restaurant in the world. What it is, is a neighborhood restaurant. Their food is honest and delicious. The portions are very generous. I mean, this place has a 5-egg omelette. Five. Few people I know can finish it with the accompanying Pauline's Potatoes and toast. Lots of really tasty items on the menu, and most are the old stand-bys with a bit more care than you'll see at the regular diner around town. The owners mind the store. The place has a sense of community. And it feels good to support a local business that goes out of its way to show you it wants you to be happy. Often they serve complimentary, fresh squeezed juice. "Just because". This is the way they work it. Recommended, especially when it's not super busy. And even on a Saturday or Sunday breakfast-brunch time, the wait isn't painful and the service isn't much different than when they're mostly empty. This is not a high stress environment. It's more like, well, home.
(4)
Richie D.
When you're looking for fresh, traditional "American" (whatever the heck its definition is now-a-days), Pauline's has it. When I wake up in the morning and unsure of what I have a taste for, Pauline's it is. It reminds me of an urban Apple Holler. What's not to love about that while stuck in the city in need of a little rural escape?! I discovered this somewhat remote, yet bright eye-piercing RED diner while on the Metra train heading north to Kenosha. The name Pauline's excited me because I thought the southern belle cook Paula Dean opened up a local joint outside of Georgia. This ended up not being true, but I still wasn't disappointed because I didn't suffer from a heart attack afterward. It's just far away from the brunch rush of Andersonville's Clark Street to avoid the crowds, and you're satisfied with down-home cooking in a place where everyone feels at home. After walking in you're overwhelmed by the red, yellow, green and white color paint choice. The adorable owner is quick to greet you with a smile and insists to get a booth cleared for you since "our customers like the booths best." This must be true since he has posted a sign by each booth asking anyone on weekends to have only 2 or 3 coffee refills so others can take their booth. I think that all places need this at times. The booths are fun with a scrap of receipt paper stating your waitress' name, a rack with various recent magazines, collages on the table, and wall of their favorite patrons. Locals seem to become returners quickly. Like myself. I almost always go for the Breakfast Special which always includes a huge pancake, eggs and turkey sausage. The main draw are their delicious pancakes which have just the right amount of sweetness and come with a dollop of their homemade whipped cream. Paired with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice, yum! I personally enjoy the mango orange, but they also have papaya orange. Be sure to check the hanging chalkboard at the entrance with the daily special. You may not want to miss out! The one time I did veer away from breakfast, I had a Turkey Burger with guacamole, mayo, ketchup, a bed of lettuce, and tomato slices, PLUS their perfectly fried golden crunchy Cavendish Fries makes me lose my train of thought (no pun intended). As the menu depicts, these are "Canadian potatoes grown by Irish men and batter coated in Burlington Mass. (got it?)"--I didn't 'get it' but it refers to Burlington, Massachusetts?!?!) They're also cooked in non-hydrogenated canola oil. French Fry Perfection!! My boyfriend usually has the Country Time omelet (corned beef hash with cheddar cheese) which I want to go back myself for. Even though it had to be made with 3+ eggs, I wasn't aggressive enough to steal more than one fork-full from him before he had time to masticate it just enough to pass it on to his ravenous stomach. They're also only open breakfast/brunch/early lunch hours (7 am to 3 pm every day of the year--even holidays!) Plus, they have outdoor seating welcoming dogs, for the better or worst.
(5)
Bob D.
If this place wasn't so darn far North I would be here every weekend. Eggs, guaranteed 5 days old? Hell yes, I love some runny ass eggs washing over my breakfast and the fresher the better. Peach pancakes? This is an easy thing to screw up and they didn't, fresh ripe peaches and a perfect pancake. In house made corned beef hash? Hell yeah! I hate that canned crap so don't even bother putting it on a menu. Biscuits and gravy! Too bad for the haters they don't have that pasty floury crap that is so prevalent, they only have the silky kind with fresh Italian sausage in it. The potatoes were cooked perfectly and the coffee was great. Any time I can sneak around the kitchen while searching for the bathroom is a plus.
(5)
Tracey M.
I left wanting more. Good thing I left with leftovers. :) In all seriousness, I'm confused how anyone can have a problem with this Pauline's. It has so much to love that and couldn't find anything wrong. (And trust, me if someone were to find something bad about a place, it would be me.) So let's hit the checklist: Good Food: Check! Actually, I would have to say great food. My pancakes were fantastic and my bacon was crisped to perfection. I mean it. This is the first time I've had a breakfast place get it just right. Service: Check! My order was correct, all condiments were provided as needed and my drink was refreshed without even having to ask. Also, everyone a Pauline's is super friendly. A definite plus! Atmosphere: Check! I love hole-in-the-wall diners so Pauline's is the perfect size as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure if I had dined here on a weekend day I would be telling you the line was miles down the road. However, now that I've have dined here, should I come back and incur a long wait I would have no problem. It's THAT worth it. Hours of Operation: Open 365 days a year. How fabulous is that? Overall, I was extremely pleased with Pauline's and look forward to my next visit.
(5)
Cory C.
I can't get enough of this place on a Sunday morning. The service is typically with a smile and it's the perfect starting point for a day of junking (shopping for crap I don't need in junk shops) in Andersonville. My partner recommends the Egg and Pancake special with extra whipped cream. It's homemade and turns the pancakes into a little chunk of heaven in every bite. I tend towards one of their many omelets. The tomato and goat cheese is fantastic as is the old favorite. I tend to move away from the cheese unless it's specialized as I just don't jive with Velvetta slices melted on what is otherwise a heart-healthy set of options. Finally, the juice is always fresh, the staff is always excited to see you there, the wait time is typically 10 minutes or less on busy days and the atmosphere is the kind of small-town diner that makes you forget you're in the 3rd largest city for a breakfast at a time.
(4)
R L R.
With a self-proclaimed title as having "The Awesomest Andersonville Brunch in the Universe", you better deliver. It doesn't matter about the location, the ambience or even the service; to me, the proof is in the pudding. I LOVE eating breakfast foods, so if you can't get fundamentals such as bacon, potatoes and eggs over-medium done right, you shouldn't be in business. Although the ingredients are definitely fresh, the food was definitely mediocre. The potatoes were so painfully boring i think I may had fallen asleep taking bites out of it. Ann Sather's has a similar potato dish done right. And what the crunk is up with the lumberjack portions? I think most people would prefer quality over quantity. The prices are ridiculously inflated. With my 3 eggs, potatoes, toast, bacon, hotcakes (which, actually, were very good) and OJ, my bill came out to $20.25! I have never spent that much on just myself for breakfast (excluding brunch) before only to have food I should had cooked myself. With a budget like that, I could had even fed 2-3 people that would've tasted better. I vaguely remember eating inside the very first time, with my companion and I wondering about the mental well-being of our server. This time, however, I placed an order to go (on a Thursday) and was helped by a very nice lady over the phone and in person. She was the only saving grace for this last experience. Save your money and hit up Ann Sather (not Svea, they suck even harder). That's the only place out of the 3 that accept debit and credit cards.
(2)
Leah H.
With so many great brunch options elsewhere, I was shocked to see so many people eating here. Mediocre at best; overall just not good. Their special ham and bean soup was bland, hardly any ham in it served room temperature (health code violation!), the tables, floors, booths, and menus are filthy; food for 4 people was brought out in 3 waves. Broken crayons for kids. Server was very sweet; but nothing she could do could save the poor food and dirty tables. The busser handed me an extremely hot mug of coffee and the only way I could hold it was to grab the (very hot) sides. And it was the worst coffee I've had in a long time. The place looks cute and funky, but if you want to support local with much better food and experience, go to Acre, Kopi, or Andies. How this place stays in business is a mystery to me.
(1)
Devon F.
The foods is pretty good. The service was not good what so ever. Our server took 15 mins just to take our order and it took another 30 mins to eat. Not fun when other tables came in after you and are already eating and you have a screaming toddler because they are starving. We will not be returning to Pauline's FYI they do not accept credit cards.
(1)
Kennen M.
Walked into a breakfast joint with an old-fashioned country eatery feel and walked out not at all impressed. We were seated very quickly by a very nice older gentleman. It took maybe a bit over 10 minutes to get acknowledged by any server. We ordered the food and seemed like forever before we got it. I was confused by the lack of service as there are many servers that work there but none of them really seem to be "serving." They were disorganized, poorly trained and all over the place but not at our table, pouring us more coffee. Our server apologized for some personal problem she was having which felt real strange. The food was just ok, the omelet was watery and I don't like omelet water running into my other food on the plate. Next time I am sticking to a greasy spoon where the food is always cheap, consistent and the career waitresses are always on top of things.
(2)
rebecca g.
I'm done with this place. Have given them several tries and the food is mediocre, service is weird, and they seem to have raised their prices-- so it's not even worth the cheap greasy spoon angle anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting "gourmet", but I never really enjoy the flavor of what I'm eating here or feel compelled to finish it. I've tried the turkey burger and a couple omelettes, all of which were bland. This past time was the last straw. First, my Greek Omelette with Feta and spinach was really dry, and the olives garnishing it were generic canned black olives. I could've done a better job at home, for half the price. Our side of bacon was also grossly undercooked, nearly raw. Finally, after asking if we wanted toast, bagel, or texas toast (neglecting to mention a surcharge for texas toast), our waitress charged us for it and was unapologetic when I explained we would never have ordered it had we known...or had she not specifically listed it as being included. (I realize it's not a huge amount, but it surely wasn't WORTH a surcharge, and her attitude was the most disturbing thing.) What a disappointment!
(1)
Anna B.
I've been going here for years and every time I go it gets a little bit better! They've been slowly upgrading for the past few years without losing quality in the food they serve and I have to say I am very grateful. Where do I start? The coffee is always great, the atmosphere is adorable and welcoming, the service is very personal, and the food is just scrumptious. They have heavy home-spun options (biscuits and gravy that would make my Arkansas farm girl grandma jealous) and healthier options (greek yogurt and fruit, etc). I took four of my friends here and they are ALL itching to go back. And can I stop for a second to mention the potatoes? My God, they are delicious. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, tons of lovely veggies (and possibly apple?) mixed in. So delightful. My one caveat is that it's cash only, so think ahead. I've never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a table, even on the weekends, so it's a great alternative to a lot of those crazy Andersonville haunts that take hours to find a table. Have fun and enjoy the neighborhood!
(4)
Joe J.
Very nice server!! have to admit!! but, dirty, food is below average, and they do not accept credit cards!! thanks for the inconvenience... never again I ordered the mexican omlet, really not good!!
(2)
Melissa S.
My experience here was pretty mediocre. The food was fine. As far as diner breakfast food goes, this was higher on the quality spectrum than many places, but still not amazing. The fresh squeezed orange juice was really tasty, just like any fresh squeezed OJ always is, but the price made me feel like I should savor every tiny sip. The real kicker here was the bad service. Our waitress must have been having a bad day because she basically ignored us. Everyone at my table was sitting with empty coffee and water cups for several minutes, it got to the point where our topic of conversation was how thirsty we were. Finally a different server came by to refill our cups. I eventually could have had yet another cup, but we didn't see our server again until she came to drop the check. It was kind of sad to sit and watch everyone around us get better service.
(2)
Marie C.
Love this place. Try to make it here twice a month if my schedule allows or whenever I'm too lazy or hungover to make breakfast myself. Allie is a sweetheart. I once sent my daughters father here on his weekend w her, & he was impressed that the servers knew my daughter by name. They started accepting credit cards here now! YAY!!
(5)
Chip S.
I really like Pauline's. The food is good, the breakfast potatos are awesome and the service is typically very good. If the weather is agreeable, you can't beat eating breakfast on the patio--even if the tables are a little close together. The decor lends to the charm of the experience. Give it a try if you are looking for a laid back place to have breakfast on the weekend.
(4)
Hanna A.
Kinda surprised at the 3-star rating. I thought I'd be preaching to the choir on this page. Why 4 stars? Probably because I tend to like my breakfast either very early or mid-morning. Which is why I have yet to wait for a table. If I had to wait very long, I probably would mash it down to 3.5 stars. It's such a cute, small neighborhood diner. As one-half of a childless couple, when I normally find children an annoyance at some restaurants, (Sorry parents, but think back to when you were single...) at Pauline's, they're quite endearing. It's like walking into a relatives house for brunch. No frills. And with that understood, I like this place a lot. The food is not phenomenal, but good for weekend mornings when I don't feel like getting up early and cooking omelettes, pancakes, etc. This place definitely hits the spot. They're not looking for that bizarre flavor pairing that will knock your socks off. They just serve good food. I don't find their prices much more than a Denny's or IHOP. And rather than getting that fresh out of the can flavor, Pauline's flavors are fresh. This morning I met my family there for brunch (party of 7), and I'm assuming because of the holiday, they were a lot busier than usual. I loved that our waitress took the time to explain this to us, and instead of serving all our food together, offered to serve it to us as it was ready. In preparation for this, we ordered a stack of pancakes and biscuits and gravy to tie us over for the wait. She didn't bat an eyelash when we asked for small plates so we could all share in the entrees as they arrived. It was a long meal-- I think it took almost an hour and a half. But due to our server's insight and recommendations, it turned what could've been a disastrous visit into a memorable one. I highly recommend the Crabmeat Eggs Benedict. It wasn't served with crabcake, but crab chunk meat, which offered just as much saltiness as ham. Delicious. My brother-in-law had the South American omelette which wasn't greasy, even with all that lovely chorizo packed inside. French Toast was surprisingly toasty, which lended a great texture to what can be an easily soggy dish. The pancakes are buttery and fluffy. (Seeing them on the griddle on our way out on our 1st visit solidified our 2nd visit.) I ordered the asparagus and goat cheese omelette. While still good, I think I might try something else next time. I did bring leftovers home for tomorrow's breakfast. (portions are that big) If you want a home-cooked meal w/o cooking at home, and have that "homey" feeling of it, Pauline's is the place for you.
(4)
Mary Beth E.
Why oh why is there ALWAYS a wait when I go to Paulines for brunch on the weekend? Oh yeah, because they have AWESOME food! My boy and I went there this past weekend for a late breakfast/brunch on Saturday morning. As usual, a wait for a table and as usual, they were passing out their freshly squeezed juice to all of us waiting for a table. Yummy! Their menu is not overly extensive. They are only open for breakfast and lunch (close at 3pm). Their servings are HUGE! The time before last when I went, I got the buttermilk pancakes, bacon and potatoes. No way did I finish it all. I mean, I tried my darnedest to finish every bite of food, it was so good, but I just couldn't do it. I did have to walk back to the car afterward....I couldn't just sit there for hours in food coma. So this past time I got the small stack of Chocolate Chip pancakes and bacon (I skipped the potatoes altogether) and guess what...I still couldn't finish my food!!!! OK, enough about their huge servings, because who wants that large a serving if the food is not good? But that's the thing....their food is SO GOOD! I recommend the chocolate chip pancakes with powered sugar on top. The perfect blend of breakfast and chocolate that a girl like me needs in her life. Their bacon is nice and crispy, just the way I like it. Their potatoes are oh-so-flavorfull with peppers and onions. I love them, even though I have to skip them at times because of the amount of food I leave behind when I order too much. I honestly don't remember what my boy got...probably because I was so engrossed in my own meal. Regardless, he loved it, I remember that! The service is good, don't have to wait very long for our server to come. The food is made fairly quickly, I guess depending on what you order. They have a dog friendly outdoor area set up in the summer. I'm all about the dog-friendly places that I can take my baby! It is very hard for me to give 5 stars to any place. I am much too picky a person. I would have given Pauline's a five because that's how much I LOVE their food but....but.... it's always so crowded and there is always a wait for a table! I'm usually famished from smelling all of the delicious smells when waiting that I become very impatient. I want a table NOW!!!!! In the end...it's worth the wait. (And to be honest, the longest I have ever waited was 15 minutes...it just feels like a long 15 minutes when standing there smelling all that deliciousness!) Eat there, you'll love it!
(4)
Dallas F.
Shhh, I cheated on my diet at Pauline's. Having heard such good things about this place I decided to check it out since it is pretty close to my house, and I was quite hungry. It was a Saturday so it was pretty packed to capacity and service really wasn't great, but it was not terrible either. We were seated pretty quickly. Breakfast is served all day so I went with the South American Omelette. It was so good. Salsa,jalapenos,cheddar cheese, and chorizo(I seriously cheated here considering I don't normally eat pork/beef etc) mixed in with five eggs. Five eggs! I justify the meal by knowing it had veggies in the salsa and the delicious potatoes on the side. My bf ordered the Mexican omelette and was rather pleased also.
(4)
Kathy B.
Great breakfast. Pancakes are great, short stack is really large, eggs were tasty. I can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)
Patrick B.
Something has changed here. I have lived conveniently around the corner from Pauline's for over 8 years. Love that it was so close, and the food was great. It was always a big favorite among visiting out-of-towners. However, the food during the last few visits has been disappointing, and I'm not planning to return unless I hear of any changes. Eggs were a little under done. Sausage...you know if you were to put a sausage link in the microwave, and the middle is barely cooked and the ends have the hell cooked out of them...all hard and overcooked? That's what my sausage was like. Not sure if they were microwaved or not. If so, I'm perfectly happy waiting a little longer to have it grilled. Toast...had a greasy/grill taste, as if it were cooked on the grill and not in a toaster. Maybe that's why the sausage was microwaved, cuz the toast was hogging up the whole grill. Their famous potatoes...potatoes were fine, but the peppers had a wicked chemical taste. So I picked those out. It's like every item in my breakfast had an issue with it. So sad because it's so close and used to be so good.
(2)
Amy S.
I've been to Pauline's a couple of times, for brunch and lunch. It's a cute, homey family-feel diner with a lot of comfort food, with checkered tablecloths. The food is a little greasy and heavy for me. I'm a health-conscious vegetarian, so when food seems too greasy I'm disappointed. A huge plus: it's not at all pretentious.
(3)
Yaeko M.
We recently moved in this neighborhood. I thought the ambience / decoration / theme is very cute and welcoming. We were happy with the food. We had a denver omelette $7.85 and pumpkin pancake $5.99. The food was not greasy, the price was reasonable. The coffee was good too. I read some bad reviews for this place but I think they improved their food since then? We enjoyed their food and service. we love to go back and we will.
(4)
Nicole C.
A-ok breakfast grub in a cute as a button space. The omelet was a bit cold for my liking, but filled with plentiful, if haphazardly chopped , veggies. (Like some others, I'm a bit skeptical there are actually 5 eggs in the omelet.) The accompanying potato/pepper hash was tasty, and my dining companion enjoyed his pancake and coffee. (I'd like to see real maple syrup added as an option.) We went on New Year's day and there was only a 5 minute wait, during which we were given complimentary bloody mary's by the owner, a sharp old cad who wore red and green plaid pants, toted a portable minature oxygen tank, and seemed enthusiastic about serving his customers and life in general. With the sunlight streaming in the window at our front booth, I was also smiling and could see myself plopping down again.
(3)
Marc W.
I went for breakfast early on a Thur morning and there was almost no one in the restaurant which is completely different from the weekend when it is packed to the gills. Eventhough two people saw me standing at the entrance, obviously waiting to be seated, I had to ask if I could just seat myself. After that the service was perfectly good. The waitress was friendly. I had the omelette special (spinach/tomato/feta) which was good and not too too dry. The potatoes that came with it were fine but I really prefer my potatoes crispy. The coffee was aweful. Truely aweful. It was only drinkable while eating for which the coffee served as a palette cleanser more than anything with a good taste unto itself. I was going to order some bacon but a side of it was $3.95. I could buy two pounds of bacon at a supermarket for that much. Ridiculous!
(2)
Matthew S.
Whats up with the crap reviews of this place? If you want to eat at McDonalds, eat there! This is a Mom & Pop style place. Yes, they have gotten my order wrong before, and forgot toast once. But they kept giving me coffee while I was waiting for the fix. And they are nice to regulars - sorry to the drop in's who thought they were going to get Charlie Trotter style service for $5.50 a head. The food is big, and yummy. The serve everything on mix and match fiesta ware - which is just charming. None of the chairs, or table clothes match. They aren't supposed to. I have had to wait for breakfast on a Saturday morning and on a Sunday morning. Its odd though. I can hardly believe that other people actually thought of eating breakfast then too..... Its worth the wait. You can read the paper, or people watch. Both are fun, only one doesn't get printers ink on your hands. I like the omelette's. And toast (which is actually warm when the serve it), and potatoes. I'm sure they have other things there, but I haven't ordered them. I did see someone order oatmeal there. Why the hell would you go to a restaurant to eat oatmeal? Somethings I'll never understand. Like is Bea Arthur really a man? The staff is friendly, they do pack in a crowd. OH! And the bathroom is totally behind the counter to the left. There is only one toilet - so sometimes, you have to wait to use the bathroom. Which can be gross. A few cups of coffee can do funny things to peoples colons first thing in the morning. Check out Paulines. AND its next to the Andersonville Garden Walk, that runs several blocks up Ravenswood. Totally worth walking up if you have time to kill.
(4)
Veronica M.
The food is overly greasy and messy however in an a great neighborhood location. The coffee is horrible and service is not that good to bad its so cute .
(1)
Allan M.
Barely squeezes by with 3 stars, if only for the fact that I always can manage to find an interesting magazine or 2 to read out of their surprisingly decent amount of 'zines, and that the only thing that really stands out of their otherwise mediocre food is their strawberry french toast. And of course, the interior decor also aids in my reluctant 3 stars, as I'd probably give them 2.5, if only I could! Sad to say this place just makes me miss Augie's greatly. And cash only....
(3)
Jen W.
This place used to rock, like 10 years ago. There used to be the same waitresses for years who served amazing food, then all of a sudden there was massive turnover and the place went downhill. We went once, had a crappy experience (assumed it was an off day) both times. While we were waiting for a table the owner/ manager was pouring oj for us and missed my glass--- fresh squeezed oj all over my shoes---- and didn't really acknowledge his mistake. We were sat at a dirty table, the waitresses were all really young and didn't seem to know their jobs, the bacon that I had requested well- done arrived barely cooked, waitress looked at me like I was crazy when I sent it back to be actually COOKED, there was an hour backup at the waffle iron. I could go on, but I won't. It's such a shame that this great little gem of a restaurant has collapsed into less than a mediocrity.
(1)
Amy J.
I did not like this place. Michelle O is dead on...it's dirty and cramped. The food was really blah, service was pushy. The biscuits and gravy was gross...dry biscuits and tasteless, gloppy gravy. Runny scrambled eggs. The water even tasted bad! No, no, no. Bad restaurant! Oh, I just read Andrea's review and yes, that guy was there and was super pushy with us. I think he's the owner.
(1)
Nastassia J.
Very good indeed. Fresh and delish. Its your standard breakfast joint but it has that homey feel which I adore. The last time I was there, the owner was running around asking people if they liked it. Clearly trying to please the public which is nice to see. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Carla F.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pauline's before. I've been there quite a few times since I work right down the street. I work with adults that have developmental disabilities and mental illness. Unfortunately, the clients we serve do not get the opportunity to go out to eat very often and when they do, most likely the staff will take them to a fast food joint. In my classroom we had been working on learning and practicing table manners. My clients were doing so well that I decided they should be treated to a tasty meal, in a relaxed setting where they could sit down and enjoy themselves. Today was the birthday of one of the clients in my classroom, so we thought today was the perfect day to walk down to Pauline's for lunch. It was pretty busy and we were told that they were short on servers, but they service was still great. I can tell you from experience that the individuals I work with are not always treated as they should be. This was definitely not the case at Pauline's. Our waiter was very patient with them as they ordered (as it took more time than most parties of 5). He did a great job explaining that they only had lentil soup today when one of my clients said they wanted tomato, and again when that same client said they wanted cream of mushroom. When the waiter found out that we were also celebrating a bday, he brought a bowl of ice cream out to the bday girl with enough for everyone at the table to have some. He started singing "Happy Birthday" and the entire section of the restaurant sang along. I cannot say enough about the great service and kindness that we all received. Just like every time I've been there, the food was great. I think it was a great experience for the individuals I went with and I would recommend this place for anyone that is in the area that wants a tasty, filling meal.
(5)
Lyndsay G.
I've lived down the street from this place for a while, but never got a chance to actually go. Sunday morning, I figured, would be terribly crowded, and we only waited 3 minutes for a seat outside. As soon as we are in the waiting area, we are offered Dixie cups of fresh OJ. LOVE it. I turn and look out the front door as see my favorite red sticker of all "Find Us on Yelp" and I was sold. We sat down, and enjoyed lovely omelette's and hash browns quickly without any interruptions. The tables outside are a bit tight, but they move quick and makes for an imtimate dining experience. My ONLY complaint is that there were tons of dogs around the food, where people were sitting. Fine, call me rude, but I just don't want dogs sniffing at my food. Cute, nice staff, and great fresh OJ. Can't beat it.
(5)
Julie G.
Pauline's is definitely a good bet for breakfast. The atmosphere is a little kitschy but very cozy, and their broccoli and cheese omelet is one of my faves. Also good are the banana pancakes and I don't usually even like pancakes. I suggest skipping the breakfast potatoes and getting the fresh fruit instead, but their coffee is actually pretty decent. It's a little out of the way but very affordable and an enjoyable diner experience overall.
(4)
Barbie S.
My friend recommended this place and we walked there - but I can imagine that parking in the immediate area would be a potential problem.The decorating is so quirky & fun! :)) It definitely looks like a diner though - almost looks to the point of maybe it is not clean or just maybe it is old??? But quaint & cute. But the service was fantastic -they were friendly & we were not rushed at all. They were pouring coffee in our cups as we were sitting down. (b/4 we asked for it even!) My friend is a regular and has mentioned that the service is really hit or miss. The coffee was great, and the food was very yummy, and the omelets were gigantic!!! OMG enough for 2 people for sure. Decent menu too if you are not into eggs & omelets. It was awesome! I LOVED IT!!!!
(4)
Nicole V.
Wake up, roll out of bed, chug water, take aspirin, walk around the corner to Pauline's for brunch. This is the way I like to start my Sunday. If you are looking for some hearty and delicious down home breakfast, then you must try Pauline's. It is hard to put your finger on what exactly sets Pauline's apart from other brunch spots...but that's part of her charm. Every time you go it feels a little more like mom's kitchen. Everyone there is very friendly, and there is always an upbeat feeling to the place. Most importantly, the food is good. When you need a big breakfast like mom used to make...Pauline is right there. From your standard selection of egg dishes, to the fresh and hearty omelets, to the fantastic pancakes...Pauline knows how to give you that home cooked breakfast feelin'. Go ahead and give her a try, it will make your Sunday.
(5)
Sonia R.
I LOVE Pauline's! I was first brought here when I moved to Chicago back in 1999 and I have been a regular ever since. I don't order much more than the Old Favorite and breakfast so I don't know how their lunches are, but overall it's a great place! I also have my meetings there with my staff sometimes and they all love it too! I am sure every business has it's bad days, but I would check it out again if you didn't like it before. :)))))) XOX
(5)
Kristen P.
Went to Pauline's after a trek to find my man some "snus". Figured we'd find a place in or near Andersonville to accommodate us. since that was a bust, we went onto Yelp to find ourselves some breakfast. This place sounded like it was perfect for us. Yay! It was. I don't remember what SO got, but I got some kind of Salmon egg spinach thing. Delicious sounding, we settled down with coffee, admired the cute little Boston Terrier eating outside, and waited for food. Our Waitress informed us that she'd have to move us, since we were the only ones left in the dining room without the juice bar thing in it. So we moved and got free papaya orange juce for our "inconvenience" it was so freakin good. Weird other diners, lots of staring, but the food was good. Anyways I'd probably go back on the off chance I'm in the area during breakfast hours ever again.
(3)
Sarah L.
I have been here many times so I wanted to give this a review. I have only eaten breakfast here. Every time I went it was outstanding! It's a hidden gem on Ravenswood Ave. Parking can be tough but circle the block for Pauline's! Their eggs and pancakes are delicious. The decor of the restaurant is quirky and fun. The staff here is very sweet. I haven't been here in a while but I'm craving me some Pauline's :)
(4)
Tristin M.
This place was PACKED. When I walked in to put in for a table for 5, I got a glimpse and a whiff of the blueberry and strawberry pancakes that were cooking on the stove and man did it smell and look so good... but I was starving cause it was my first meal of the day at 12:30pm so I could've just been hungry. Our server was really cool though and checked up on us often. Sincce they were crazy busy our server warn us with a, "just so you know it's goningto take a long time because--" something about being backed up or busy in the kitchen as she was on her way to put the order through. It did take a while though cause we finished our cup of coffee and my husband and friend took a long smoke break and came back joking about how there was still no food... Oh! Their coffee is good! I did end up pouring coffee for for the 3 of us who ordered a cup at the table since our server was running around the place BUT it was cool... Hey they were busy... And once our food came, she did keep checking back and I was happy with my country breakfast! man my son even picked at it even though he was done with his pancake stating, "Mmm this gravy is good!!" as he spooned bites into his mouth! So hey... I'd definitely go back (maybe on a weekday to avoid the chaos though) but if future visits happen to be on a weekend morning or afternoon, I'll just expect a long wait and busy server
(4)
Go B.
if you are hung over or have some loud ass kids that you have to feed, this is the perfect spot
(3)
Jerry M.
Very down home place in Chicago - I don't think they've updated the decor in at least 30 years if not more, but somehow it adds to it's cheesy charm. It gets VERY busy on the weekends, so expect a wait out the door and when you finally do get seated, it will be crowded. They don't seem to rush you once you are seated though. The food is typical brunch food - eggs, pancakes, etc. The orange juice is freshly squeezed and out of this world! I do have to complain about the tea - they just give you a random assortment in one of those old strawberry containers that are usually hit or miss. I know, tea isn't the reason why people go here, but if you're going to charge me $2 a cup, please make it worth my while (and I don't like coffee).
(3)
Jeff R.
The food's okay. It's a decent place for an average, affordable diner meal. The servers are odd and the overall service needs improvement.
(3)
Allen B.
I've always thought of Pauline's as a fun place to go with pretty good food. The slanted tables and kitchy atmosphere is rather pleasant in a quirky kind of way. (One table is so slanted, my plate was sliding off the table, but I just put a sugar packet under it and it was fine.) The waitstaff is generally efficient and down to earth. One time some years ago I saw Rod Blagojevich eating there shortly after he was elected governor. Last time I was there, it seemed kinda empty, no one to seat me, and no one to take payment so I just left it on the table, no one to say goodbye. The food is above average, but not particularly spectacular.....I do question the need to have FIVE-egg omelets, but I like that you can get a nice selection of ingredients in them, including asparagus. I like Pauline's because it is unique without being pretentious ....it's not "packaged" - it's just being itself....it's a combination of ups and downs, and worth going to at least once.
(3)
Alice S.
Still wonderful. How did I not mention before how good the coffee is at Pauline's? Love it!
(5)
John L.
The good: The waitress was friendly. The bad: Cash only with no warning about this until the check comes. Seriously, the fact that there's an atm on the site doesn't make it ok. That means that the customer pays the fees instead of the restaurant. The decor is strange. Although some people find this to be cute and cozy, I didn't care for it. Everything looked old and I got the feeling that it maybe hasn't been deep cleaned in a while. My girlfriend ordered a hot chocolate and it came piled with such a huge mountain of whipped cream on top that she had to get a spoon and a bowl just to remove it to get to the drink. Maybe that's fine for some people but she was never asked if she wanted whipped cream or not. She doesn't like whipped cream so that's not ok. My coffee was extremely weak and it still had a hint of some kind of tea flavor in it making me wonder if I had been given a mug that contained tea from a previous customer and not washed before being used for my coffee. Yuck. The biscuits and gravy were very average. The biscuits were from a can. Yes, from a can. How can a breakfast place not make homemade biscuits?! And to top it all off, they had a really crappy soft rock station playing annoyingly bad music in the background. Music in a restaurant is just a bad idea. Nothing ruins a meal for me more than having to hear music that I can't stand while I am eating. There are too many good breakfast joints in this city to be going here for biscuits in a can. I can do that at home.
(2)
Jeremiah L.
I think my expectations were too high before going to Pauline's. I passed it a couple of times and it looks like the perfect little funky diner. Based on the look I thought for sure they would have amazing food as these hole in the wall places usually do. I had the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was quite good but the biscuits weren't the best I've had. My girlfriend had the asparagus omelette. It didn't really have too much flavor. The potatoes were decent but nothing to write home about. It's a cute place and the food is decent but with so many other brunch choices I don't see myself rushing back here.
(3)
Katie R.
Would like to award 3.5 stars... My BLT was average. Not bad - I'd order it again if I was in a BLT mood (although if I go back, I'm trying the breakfast next time). However, the fries...the fries were amazing (and I don't really like fries). They do this weird batter thing where they cut the potatoes in fry shape and then batter the fries before they fry them. I know you're imagining some thick batter - but it was more like a flaky added bonus on the fries. So delicious. Overall, a fun experience. On a really hot day you should beware though - I don't think they have a/c.
(4)
Justin H.
Paulines has huge breakfasts at decent prices. during the week this restaurant is not as packed as the elbow to elbow on the weekend. The fresh squeezed orange juice is amazing and just yum.
(4)
B. L.
This place does remind me of a place you would see in an old movie. The classic 50's looking diner serves customers on the increasingly popular Ravenswood Ave. They are at the corner of Rav./Balmoral. Pancakes, hamburgers, fries, coffee and sodas are some of the goodies you can munch on here.
(4)
Phil S.
Gave this place 2 tries to impress me and they failed the second time. Food is ok (nothing amazing) and our server messed up 2 of 3 items in our order. Even if she was new they were blatant mistakes. We won't be back.
(2)
Meghan B.
We used to go to Pauline's all the time. The food is reliably standard and pretty good for a weekend morning. The owner is a complete freak! This is so funny that it has actually become a family story. The first time we went to Pauline's we were accompanied by my brother who swore by the place. It was the beginning of summer, so we sat outside. There was a line of people waiting-- patiently, mind you-- and all of the tables were close to one another. The owner was freaking out about the wait and decided to push the tables around to make more room for chairs, so he PICKED UP MY BROTHER BY HIS CHAIR AND MOVED HIM! He didn't even say hello! We had several visits to Pauline's before the next incident. At that time we were eating breakfast with my brother again and had just ordered coffee. The spastic owner got too excited about pouring my coffee and splashed some on my hand. It kinda hurt, so I said something. He took my hand and KISSED IT. So now the joke is that it is my husband's turn to be molested by this guy. First, my brother gets bear-hugged, then I get kissed -- we figure it is my husband's turn to get hmmmm..... Instead, the last time we were at Pauline's (and I mean the LAST TIME) the waitress got my order wrong twice, and on the second order of my omelette I found a hair in my food. A long, non-me hair. At that point I was done. My husband finished his food quickly and we started to rush out. The owner noticed that we were in a hurry and asked what was wrong and I told him about the hair. He said, "You have to tell me these things!" in a very loud voice and was very upset. Then he insisted on paying for our entire meal. That was a nice gesture, and the right thing to do, but not enough to entice me to come back.
(1)
Tracy K.
This place makes me feel like I've grown up here (I haven't). I live in the neighborhood and drop in solo or with friends and family.. sometimes its during the week, and other times on the busier weekends. Regardless of when I go and who I go with, I've always had a good experience here. Sure, you'll wait a little on weekends, but they'll give you a Dixie cup full of OJ. Their food is nothing fancy, but it is good.. and there's a lot of it. And the staff is friendly and efficient. Too bad its after 3:00PM (when they close) because otherwise I'd head down the street for a feta omelet and some undercooked-because-I-asked-for-'em-that-way hash browns. Yum.
(4)
Mandy P.
My mom, husband, and I went here for our breakfast on Christmas and it was PERFECT. We had never been here before, but we WILL be back again. It was cute, the owner was very nice, the staff was upbeat and friendly, and it seemed the perfect place to be. The wait was nonexistent (probably because other "real" families were at home) and the food came quickly. I thought the food was quite yummy (I had the feta omelette, my mother the same, and my husband the HUGE blueberry pancakes) and it was reasonably priced. The food may not have been as fancy as, say, M. Henry's, but it was much better than average (better than Augie's) and it was well priced compared to many of the other places in the area. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
(5)
grant s.
I have eaten a Pauline's for years and keep going back because it is good! The food is consistently fresh, tasty, and plentiful. The waitstaff is always friendly, competent, and on point. What can I say that has not already beeen said. I'll keep coming back.
(4)
A Q.
Great. Great service, great atmosphere, good food.
(4)
Carrie W.
Love, love LOVE Pauline's! Cute, kitschy diner atmosphere and the always cheerful 'morning people' serving up fantastic pancakes and "falling - off - the - plate - they're - so - darn - huge - omelets". Get there before 10am on the weekends, or you'll be waiting for a bit. But even that isn't too shabby as they typically serve up fresh squeezed orange juice to tide you over. My boyfriend and I stopped in for brunch on Valentine's Day weekend this year, and sipped complimentary mimosas while we waited. Once seated, your coffee mug will never be empty and the food arrives hot and fast. The pictures of family and friends that decorate the tables and grace the walls behind the booths make you feel that you are in somebody's cozy kitchen. As does the spry and gregarious manager (older gent with a huge, welcoming grin) who is always there, usually wearing red and working alongside his fantastic crew.
(5)
Jasper N.
Good, home-cooking at a decent price. The service is very friendly, but not always the fastest. Also, it's a bit of a trek if you're not in the neighborhood, but well worth the drive!
(4)
Christine E.
This place was great! We had actually planned to hit another local diner but they were closed for the holiday so this was an unexpected surprise. Not much to look at, but the food was great! I had an veggie egg white omelette with potatoes and toast. The omelette was supposedly 5 eggs, but it didn't seem as big as I thought it would be, which was good. The pancakes and french toast also looked great! One downside, they only take cash or personal checks (no credit cards).
(4)
Shonda D.
Ok.. so I wasn't going to do this, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Went there on Friday and the waitress was the worse ever. I've been to Pauline's at least 5 times and its never been this bad. The food is still ok, but the service is for the birds honey!!!! I'm pretty open minded and like to give places a chance to make it up... BUT not this time, I won't be going back.
(2)
Ann Y.
Wow- I didn't even eat here and I am disgusted. First i waited forever for a table, then we waited forever for a server. Then when one came they were out of soup and it was only 12:00- and lunch started at 11:30 and they said they were out of about 1/2 of the menu. What a joke- I said forget this and went to a restaraunt where they knew what they were doing.
(1)
Andrea M.
I've been here a lot and have loved this place until today and this happened: About 5 minutes before we left a man came by and stuck something right next to our table and mentioned something about us leaving soon. We told him yes we were leaving shortly. Right as we got our money in order he comes back with a bus boy in tow. Starts to clear our table and asks if it's okay. We say yes go ahead. We were leaving anyways. He then begins to clear our table in the most aggressive way possible in a complete rush. All of a sudden we felt rushed in our departure. While knocking stuff in my lap he says "I hope this okay". After the third time I finally looked at him saying "I'm sorry but it's not okay. This can be done in a nicer way without knocking stuff on us." His voice immediately raised and as my friends and I leave the restaurant he follows us screaming "I am 69 years old and the owner of this place I don't need any of your shit." This was said to a large crowd outside waiting to get seated. Our waitress stood on the stoop horrified and she mouthed an apology. It hurts to think of not coming back to one of my favorite places but with customer service like that I just don't think I can support an establishment like this.
(1)
Marisa F.
Brekfast was good. I had a half order of the french toast. I like that it comes in a half order, because you know you can't eat all that much sweet breakfast. Reletively cheap, millions of staff keeping your water glass always full. I like that they have fresh squeezed orange juice. The only thing I did not appreciate is that they do not take credit cards. BUT conveniently their is an ATM right in the building (on the outside wall really). So instead of paying a small fee to be able to run credit cards they collect a fee for every person that uses their ATM. It's brilliant really. It's ok, but bring cash!
(3)
Jeff E.
The world needs more breakfast places like this. Completeley unpretentious and laid back, while given the quality of food and in Chicago, you might expect a different mood. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
April M.
Went here last summer with some friends and loved the outdoor seating area for brunch! The food was good too yet it is a bit away from my apartment and I am hardly home from traveling for work that my boyfriend and I hadn't visited again until new years day. First we tried yelp to find new places for brunch yet the first was packed and the second wasn't open! So we decided on Paulines and got to see the inside! It is kind of cramped inside but it gives you that special home made/small business feel. The staff are friendly and really good at what they do. Food is good with good portions! This place fills up quick so don't sleep in too late for brunch!
(4)
Susan H.
I have been going to Pauline's for years and love it. I usually get the veggie omelet with egg whites. It is huge and loaded with tons of fresh veggies. I've only had one bad meal here and that was years ago. I ordered oatmeal and I'm sure it was instant. That's ok, you're not supposed to go there for oatmeal but for their egg dishes. I also love how on holidays and special occasions they usually give you a free glass of champagne with your breakfast. Oh, and they only take cash.
(3)
Tina W.
When we got to Pauline's, there was a little wait. The owner nice enough to offer eveyone a complimentary sample of orange/papaya juice. I like his anecdote about how he was in Mexico and discovered this interesting combiation and created his own recipe. I normally don't drink OJ, but it was yummy. Being the gluttons we are, my sister and I ordered our own savory dishes plus a sweet breakfast item to share. I want with my usual eggs over easy with Pauline's Potatoes and toast. To that , I added ham. The portions were huge. I like that Pauline's Potatoes had apples in it to give it a sweet and savory taste. The item we shared was the Trifecta of banana, blueberry, and strawberry pancakes. Mmm. Nothing like the combination of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes times three. I would consider Pauline's a hidden gem. Literally. One time I was with my boyfriend and I wanted to take him to Pauline's. I couldn't remember if it was closer to Lawrence or Foster. So, sadly, I didn't take him there because I couldn't find Pauline's. But I do like the fact that it's on a smaller street, not a big one like Clark. It's comfort food at a reasonable price.
(3)
janice m.
Nestled on the corner of Balmoral and Ravenswood is this little restaurant that is a serious throw back to the 60's! We brought our friend here for lunch on our way to check out Rosehill Cemetery. The service was good, the waitress got our order promptly, but the ice tea tasted like the coffee brewer had been used to brew it, and wasn't cleaned, yuck! I ordered the bacon turkey club which was huge and tasty, girlfriend ordered the rueben...tasty but really needed a little more meat. Burger hound ordered the spaghetti Bolognese and really wished he had ordered the burger. Sauce had celery in it, and not enough tomato, which is definitely not what Bolognese is supposed to have in it!...he was less than impressed. However, we loved the soups, lentil and bean with ham. I myself, have been here for breakfast on several occasions, and love their breakfasts, especially their omelettes. All things considered I will gladly give them three stars, and tell all to steer clear of the pasta.
(3)
Dan B.
Pauline's is the epitome of a neighborhood spot. On an unassuming corner surrounded by houses it really is a peaceful oasis from the hustle of the rest of the city. The menu is pretty standard diner style breakfast fare with a few surprises, I had the patty melt which was delicious and served with Pauline's potatoes, which included an array of various vegetables and possibly even an apple or two. I really liked that all of the sandwiches come with a bowl of homemade soup, I had the lentil which was brimming with chunks of fresh bacon...YUM. The service was a little slow and disorderly, but friendly and since my dining mate and I were in no hurry and enjoying the sunshine on the lovely patio it didn't bother us. The one issue i did have is that they are cash only, and well that is kind of an annoyance it is not a big deal. I just wish they would have posted it on a sign, or on the menu, or somewhere so I would have been prepared. The only reason I even though to ask is because there seemed to be an exceptionally high number of diners using the atm on the side of the building. That being said I will definitely be back soon, with cash in hand. (Lunch for two with drinks was only $18, so I don't need to much of it either)
(4)
Georgia T.
Egads. Why do people eat here? The service is unbelievably slow, the food is average, the wait is too long, and the guy who runs the place seems unhinged. I've seen him curse out elderly women, yell at customers in line for not visiting when he had more staff, and "clean" a table by spraying it and the customers seated at it with copious amounts of windex. Yikes.
(1)
Mindy S.
So I decided to give Pauline's another chance when I friend suggested we go there. No wait for a table at 10:30 on a Sunday. Service was so much better, food was ok, but I prefer other places for breakfast.
(2)
Michael M.
The best pancakes around and also great omelets. Pauline's is always busy for a reason, the food is excellent. Now yes be ready the service is so so, but really the food makes up for it 150%! Make sure to get a stack f pancakes with anything you get, they are SOOOOO GOOD!!!
(5)
Moe f.
I've been here a dozen or so times but not in years. So we schelped up here on Sunday for brunch. Couldn't snag a table outside so we were crammed into a booth that was bolted to the wall and had to crawl into my seat. Then didn't get waited on for 15 minutes which is quite a long tine to wait with a 2yo. Finally ordered. Food was good. I had a huge veggie omelete. Potatoes were great. Pancakes were pretty good. But service just sucked. WHen I went to pay, the wife was gathering our things and they started busing our table and sent the next party over to the table. We hadn't even packed up our stuff yet. Rude. And the owner running around with the Oxy tank was kind of annoying with the way he bosses his staff around. Good food, reasonsable prices, crappy service, and oddly decorated.
(2)
Michael C.
I live down the street and have gone here many times. The food is average at best and more expensive than it should be. I hate paying outrageous amounts of money for a tiny glass of orange juice. I don't really like their potatoes and over half my plate is always taken up by them no matter what I order. Forget about going there on the weekends, you will wait forever. If you can go mid-mornings during the week, the place is actually pretty nice, but there are many other breakfast places around that I would recommend over this.
(2)
Cat B.
Can't believe this is my first visit to this place. I have been by here so many times and heard such great things about this place before. It is a great breakfast place with anything you can think of to eat. They have delicious omelettes with fresh veggies and other ingredients. The hotcakes were delicious as well and the regular stack is a large serving. Service was decent. The decor is great with an old diner type feel. They have outdoor seating, which on a rainy day is not important :-(. I will definitely go back to sit outside on a sunny weekend morning.
(4)
Molly B.
I was handed a plate with my toast on it and told to butter it while it was still hot. WTF? Service: invisible waitress. after delivering our food, she was not to be seen again. Coffee and water refills? Nope. Change for our check? Nope. "How is everything?" Nope. Food: unremarkable, overpriced. I was so disappointed after leaving that I wished I had simply paid was I felt it was worth. Oh, and Pauline's doesn't take plastic. But they do have a cash machine right outside. Convenient.
(1)
Emily T.
Someone below said, "Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. " which is an ignorant, condescending comment. I have zero desire to go to Starbucks-like chains, especially for breakfast thank you very much. But the uniqueness of this place was one of its only redeeming qualities. That and the fresh squeezed OJ while we waited. Granted, it was father's day when I went, so I expected to wait, and having seen the decor and the crowds, was really excited about the breakfast I was about to order. But chaos reigns in this place. The owner was running around the various groups of people waiting outside like a chicken with his head cut off. Dude- don't you think a- I don't know- LIST would be helpful? We were seated outside at a table so close to other people that we were almost on top of each other. We ordered immediately and my goat cheese and sun dried tomato omlette came---RUNNY on one end. Ewwww. I almost sent it back but was so hungry at this point that I just kind of ate around it. Eggs in omelettes should never be runny, I think. There was no butter for the toast, but i didn't even bother to try and get it. Not that we would have known who our waitress was anyway. My friend waited too long for a fork (she had no silverware) and it only took me 10 minutes to get a box. To top it all off, they don't take plastic? WHAT? Crazy and annoying. Yes, it was Father's Day. Yes, it was busy. But I felt anything but relaxing. Im sorry, but they should know how to handle crowds by now. The food was ok, but not enough to merit a trip back here. Which is really too bad! It LOOKS like my kind of place.
(2)
Rocky B.
Cute place, friendly staff but the food is really nothing amazing. Burgers tasted like those frozen patties that you get from Sam's Club. When I was there last I ordered a cheeseburger well my cheese was missing...mentioned that to the server and she apologizes and came back with an American cheese slice on a plate. Oh yeah like that is going to melt on my now cold burger...mmm, yeah sign me up for that tasty treat why dontcha. Sheesh. If you're in the area yeah maybe come check the place out for breakfast as I hear it's tasty but if not...it's totally not work the trek.
(2)
Alex D.
been here a couple times and agree, the food is decent. but I ended up leaving this last time, likely being my final visit. I understand its small and gets busy, but there is no excuse for flat-out neglect. even after being observed by all the servers as they served every other table around us, all seated long after us. after asking both a bus boy and going inside and asking for a server personally, we left. I wish I could be more specific but as we denied the experience, I'm afraid it's all I've got. even though Pauline's may be crowded often, does not ear them the right to be that disrespectful.
(1)
Jen J.
people get sooo snarky sometimes, don't you think?! i laughed at some of the whiny reviews for pauline's. it's a neighborhood diner people. a diner. it's a place that makes eggs on a giant griddle by pouring them from a pitcher. yes, a pitcher of raw fresh scrambled eggs. another pitcher for pancake batter. it's ok though--'cause it's a diner! i enjoy watching the frenetic owner on a busy weekend morning because he's trying sooo hard to keep everyone happy. he's seating people, hurrying waitresses, cashing out bills and handing out orange juice in little dixie cups to waiting patrons. it's clearly a labor of love at this place with a diverse wait staff of focused, no nonsense waitresses. i'm sure you could slip a picture of yourself and your friends under the glass at one of the tables and you'd feel at home here. i always order the pancakes and eggs breakfast which is a mouthful of simple scrambled eggs and fluffy griddle flapjacks with strawberries and whipped cream. my bottomless cup of coffee is always hot and full. i scarf it all down while staring at all the old nostalgic chicago "art" and i make sure to pick up my piece of candy from the giant metal washbin of old-school candy near the register. this is a neighborhood place with charm and tasty diner food. don't expect what you shouldn't. enjoy.
(4)
Arjun C.
A very nice place to have a relaxing brunch - very family friendly. A really well kept secret tucked away by the metra tracks in ravenswood. Service is slow, but very friendly. the food can be curious. the south american omlette is out of this world if you like chorizo. The fruit plate was large, but ended up tasting rank. The "fluffy" biscuits were flat and looks like they were made from Pillsbury instant mix. The verdict. If you want to sit quickly, relax, and have an omlette, come here. Look at what your neighbors are eating before you order.
(4)
Vegetarian V.
The service was pretty good, or fast. not sure if good service = fast service all the time. anyways, i ordered the veggie omelette. needless to say, and i dont know why restaurants keep making this mistake, but the veggies were undercooked and still hard. the eggs were not seasoned at all. could it hurt to throw in a pinch of salt? or atleast some garlic? my boyfriend ordered some omelette with feta and spinach, and it tasted like shit. it was watery, and weird. zero taste, zero seasoning, alot of excess water.. he only took 2 bites. i asked the waiter to take it back and she looked at me like she knew exactly what i was talking about. atleast the service was ok but i shan't return there.
(2)
Amber W.
I would have given this place 5 stars except for the sometimes rushed and abrasive service. Also, its street parking in a residential area and you might have to wait for a table. But give me great food and I'll forgive you all that other crap. This is the place to go in the andersonville, edgewater area if you want breakfast. The coffee is good, the omletes are tasty. The blueberry pancakes are my favorite.
(4)
Erin B.
The food here is decent but after 3 visits I can safely say that the bad service we've had here is no abberation, it's the norm. The servers are slow, always seem to be in a terrible mood, and treat even the simplest requests as major inconveniences. Each time we've gone my boyfriend has requested that the toast which comes with his breakfast come on a separate plate - each time we've been told that the kitchen is "really busy" (even when the place is half empty) and they're not sure if the request can be accomodated. REALLY?!?! They can't put *toast* on a separate plate?!?! Ridiculous. And twice we've gotten their smoothies, had a fair amount left over, and requested to-go cups at the end of our meal - each time we've watied in vain for 10 minutes or more before I break down, go inside, and get my own. Sigh. The only thing that really redeems this place is their patio space, which is nice, but not worth the hassle.
(2)
Cathi O.
Wow - better than I remember. We went with a group for Mother's Day brunch, and they had champagne and flowers for all the mothers. Very charming. The corned beef hash had a perfectly crispy crust all around, just like I like (but can never seem to recreate at home). And this may sound strange, but the English muffin was crispy, buttery and delicious! Not just a side, but a fantastic treat. Generous portions and attentive coffee refills. Fun neighborhood place!
(4)
rachel p.
unless my memory is failing me, pauline's was a decent place to grab some breakfast at one point in time. now everytime i go here (and i do keep going because apparently i'm a glutton for punishment and omelettes the size of my head) i leave feeling i could have gone someplace better. the wait is usually pretty long... i've been asked to switch tables many times (and to transfer drinks and condiments to the new location)... the service is usually rushed and slightly brassy. the food is tasty though and the outdoor patio is nice in the summer.
(3)
meng y.
So, I past this place every morning before heading to work in Evanston. I decided to stop in around 3:30-ish on a weekend. I missed the huge sign pointing out their open-close time(7am-3pm). I walk in clueless, every worker is enjoying a meal with the owner. The owner tells me that they're closed and asks me what'd I want from the menu. I say "All I really wanted was some ice cream". He asks "What kind?". "Chocolate". He gets a large foam cup and scoops it to the top, hands it to me and says "This one's on me, come by next time." Amazing, huh?
(5)
Dennis L.
I visited Pauline's for a late brunch with my wife. It has a great neighborhood location and feel to it, which I love. I ended up ordering a coffee, 3 eggs over easy, Pauline's potatoes, and side of ham. It was a pretty simple order, which may be the reason why I was not all that impressed. The table we sat at was right next to the entrance and was certainly uncomfortable at best. The coffee was mediocre...I was hoping for Julius Meinl, Metropolitan, or Intelligentsia. My food was cooked just fine, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. Pauline's is not bad, but it is not nearly as good as Over Easy Cafe.
(3)
Ruth R.
I love it when I walk into a place and the nostalgia of a different time in history just hits you. This is the perfect place to go and feel like you're sitting in a cute 1950's diner. The way it's set up and decorated is enough to convert me into a regular customer. Honestly, I've had better breakfast food elsewhere for the price. But at Pauline's it has a great home cooked taste, and I'll take the comfort of that experience over any industrially made food any day. And I haven't tried much on the menu, so it's not entirely enough to judge the food just yet. Can't wait to go back for more.
(5)
Alan K.
If you are given the option of sitting inside or outside, I would definitely sit outside. Although the interior feels like you are sitting in an old diner, the outside is great especially during a nice summers day. I enjoyed seeing the train go by as well as enjoying the local air and scenery. If you check into Yelp, you can get $2 off your bill of $15 or more. They have offerings for both breakfast and lunch, but had opted to eat lunch instead. I am a fan of their ham and bean soup. Also, I had their house salad which was a good sized portion. In addition, my friend's breakfast dishes look quite appetizing as they were completely devoured at the end of our meal. During our meal, the owners of this place decided to bring out their parrots for display. If you want an advance peek of these birds, someone else had posted pictures on their Yelp page.
(4)
Nikki L.
Pauline's has a really great ambiance. It feels like you're in a small town or at least not in Chicago. I came here for a friend's birthday brunch. The juice was delicious, but the food was just okay. I got an omelet, but nothing really stood out about it. The potatoes with the omelet were pretty good. I think the best thing Pauline's has going for it is their ambiance. They have an interesting collection of things displayed.
(3)
Allie D.
We go to Pauline's often since it's the closest breakfast place near us. Let me break it down for you: 1. Atmosphere: Pauline's has a very 50's, kitschy, diner-type feel to it. In my opinion, it is the most endearing quality about this place. It even comes with its very own regular who seems to be there almost everyday, sitting outside if the weather is nice, with his parrots. It's a fun place to bring visitors from out-of-town because they always seem to be taken by this place, partly due to the cuteness factor and partly because it doesn't seem like your typical tourist destination. I think it makes them feel like they are eating at a hole-in-the-wall, although I'm pretty sure the secret has been out for quite some time now... 2. Food: Considering they are open until 3pm, they also have a lunch menu, but I haven't been impressed with anything on it. If you're going here, I would stick to breakfast. The fresh squeezed juices are nice. The pancakes and french toast are both very good. The omelettes are huge, but just okay, in my opinion. They come with a side of potatoes which are very good. Try them with the spicy ketchup! 3. Value: I'm not really sure how I feel about the prices. The portions are quite large, but I feel like this is the kind of place that you'd expect to be able to get cheap, standard breakfast fare and it's definitely not cheap. The coffee is bottomless, but it's nothing to write home about. Just your standard run-of-the-mill diner coffee, but that's all I can really ask for from a place like this.
(4)
Shauntae W.
Had a basic breakfast before heading to the airport. Food was good, good prices and service was great.
(4)
Amanda D.
Probably the most uncomfortable place I've ever been. As a Mexican lady with a Black/Puerto Rican boyfriend who both attend DePaul University we've devolved color blindness as most of our classes are predominantly made up of white students. Going into Pauline's has been the only place to make me notice my nationality as my boyfriend and I entered and given the strangest look by the woman seating people: grey hair, bangs, sweaty eyeliner, and glasses. The place was busy so we didn't think much of it. As she attended people who were clearly arrived after us my boyfriend moved so that he could stand directly in front of her so she couldn't miss us. STILL she refused to even make eye contact with us. After about 10 minutes of waiting around we decided to leave. Pretty disappointed because we were pretty excited to try this place out. Took our brunch to Home Slice on Webster and Bissell; literally the best food.
(1)
Christy B.
Kitschy atmosphere, not great for the OCD cleanliness type... A regulars place:) seemed really comfy and staff seems very friendly. Food was okay not great. Had the eggs Benedict with something that was not hollandaise on top...tasted like warm ranch dressing so it freaked me out a bit. All in all seemed like a cute neighborhood place with mediocre food and smiling faces. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Chloe T.
The breakfast was great, simple and fresh. The only thing that really bugged me was the bug catchers. The entire time I couldn't stop thinking of them, little disturbing, but nonetheless it wasn't bad, the bug thing is the only thing that would keep me from going back.
(3)
Dani M.
This place was a short walk from my old condo in Bowmanville. I frequented it occasionally when I was looking for a no frills, straight up breakfast place. Now I am not a breakfast person, I am a brunch person. I think these are two very different types of people. I would classify this as a breakfast place. It has a cute diner meets grandma appeal. I've had the cheddar bacon waffle which I found to be the perfect salty-sweet-savory combination to satisfy this brunch fiend. Most of the other people I've been here with chose your more typical breakfast items: pancakes, eggs, etc. Everyone I've been here with has said they've enjoyed their food. Pleasant waitstaff, affordable, and satisfying . . . even to a brunch person.
(3)
Liz J.
In love with Pauline's. The breakfast is to die for and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy. We love enjoying our meals outside in the summer in company of the two parrots that are usually hanging around. The coffee is good and the food is even better! Great Chicago restaurant.
Pauline's is the only breakfast place within walking distance from where I live, so I frequent this restaurant often. Though sometimes I find myself driving or taking the train to somewhere else because frankly Pauline's could be so much better. Even though this is a small no frills breakfast place, which I like, you really don't get what you pay for. They charge $9 for a very BASIC eggs benedict that comes with NO sides. Their omelettes are quite good and come with a side of potatoes, which makes them reasonably priced. The potatoes, however, are a hit and miss. They're usually too mushy and flavorless. Not a fan. In other words, if you want a traditional no-frills breakfast, you can go elsewhere for much more reasonable prices.
(2)
Pamela B.
My bf been wanting to try this place, we finally went. I got banana pancakes and holy shit they were awesome!!!!!!! they dont just slap it on top its IN the pancakes. He got some steak and eggs and was in love. We will be coming back to this place again.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Alan K.
If you are given the option of sitting inside or outside, I would definitely sit outside. Although the interior feels like you are sitting in an old diner, the outside is great especially during a nice summers day. I enjoyed seeing the train go by as well as enjoying the local air and scenery. If you check into Yelp, you can get $2 off your bill of $15 or more. They have offerings for both breakfast and lunch, but had opted to eat lunch instead. I am a fan of their ham and bean soup. Also, I had their house salad which was a good sized portion. In addition, my friend's breakfast dishes look quite appetizing as they were completely devoured at the end of our meal. During our meal, the owners of this place decided to bring out their parrots for display. If you want an advance peek of these birds, someone else had posted pictures on their Yelp page.
(4)Nikki L.
Pauline's has a really great ambiance. It feels like you're in a small town or at least not in Chicago. I came here for a friend's birthday brunch. The juice was delicious, but the food was just okay. I got an omelet, but nothing really stood out about it. The potatoes with the omelet were pretty good. I think the best thing Pauline's has going for it is their ambiance. They have an interesting collection of things displayed.
(3)Allie D.
We go to Pauline's often since it's the closest breakfast place near us. Let me break it down for you: 1. Atmosphere: Pauline's has a very 50's, kitschy, diner-type feel to it. In my opinion, it is the most endearing quality about this place. It even comes with its very own regular who seems to be there almost everyday, sitting outside if the weather is nice, with his parrots. It's a fun place to bring visitors from out-of-town because they always seem to be taken by this place, partly due to the cuteness factor and partly because it doesn't seem like your typical tourist destination. I think it makes them feel like they are eating at a hole-in-the-wall, although I'm pretty sure the secret has been out for quite some time now... 2. Food: Considering they are open until 3pm, they also have a lunch menu, but I haven't been impressed with anything on it. If you're going here, I would stick to breakfast. The fresh squeezed juices are nice. The pancakes and french toast are both very good. The omelettes are huge, but just okay, in my opinion. They come with a side of potatoes which are very good. Try them with the spicy ketchup! 3. Value: I'm not really sure how I feel about the prices. The portions are quite large, but I feel like this is the kind of place that you'd expect to be able to get cheap, standard breakfast fare and it's definitely not cheap. The coffee is bottomless, but it's nothing to write home about. Just your standard run-of-the-mill diner coffee, but that's all I can really ask for from a place like this.
(4)Shauntae W.
Had a basic breakfast before heading to the airport. Food was good, good prices and service was great.
(4)Amanda D.
Probably the most uncomfortable place I've ever been. As a Mexican lady with a Black/Puerto Rican boyfriend who both attend DePaul University we've devolved color blindness as most of our classes are predominantly made up of white students. Going into Pauline's has been the only place to make me notice my nationality as my boyfriend and I entered and given the strangest look by the woman seating people: grey hair, bangs, sweaty eyeliner, and glasses. The place was busy so we didn't think much of it. As she attended people who were clearly arrived after us my boyfriend moved so that he could stand directly in front of her so she couldn't miss us. STILL she refused to even make eye contact with us. After about 10 minutes of waiting around we decided to leave. Pretty disappointed because we were pretty excited to try this place out. Took our brunch to Home Slice on Webster and Bissell; literally the best food.
(1)Christy B.
Kitschy atmosphere, not great for the OCD cleanliness type... A regulars place:) seemed really comfy and staff seems very friendly. Food was okay not great. Had the eggs Benedict with something that was not hollandaise on top...tasted like warm ranch dressing so it freaked me out a bit. All in all seemed like a cute neighborhood place with mediocre food and smiling faces. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Chloe T.
The breakfast was great, simple and fresh. The only thing that really bugged me was the bug catchers. The entire time I couldn't stop thinking of them, little disturbing, but nonetheless it wasn't bad, the bug thing is the only thing that would keep me from going back.
(3)Dani M.
This place was a short walk from my old condo in Bowmanville. I frequented it occasionally when I was looking for a no frills, straight up breakfast place. Now I am not a breakfast person, I am a brunch person. I think these are two very different types of people. I would classify this as a breakfast place. It has a cute diner meets grandma appeal. I've had the cheddar bacon waffle which I found to be the perfect salty-sweet-savory combination to satisfy this brunch fiend. Most of the other people I've been here with chose your more typical breakfast items: pancakes, eggs, etc. Everyone I've been here with has said they've enjoyed their food. Pleasant waitstaff, affordable, and satisfying . . . even to a brunch person.
(3)Liz J.
In love with Pauline's. The breakfast is to die for and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy. We love enjoying our meals outside in the summer in company of the two parrots that are usually hanging around. The coffee is good and the food is even better! Great Chicago restaurant.
(5)Jon K.
Friends took me to Pauline's for Sunday brunch. I definitely enjoyed the place. The décor is kitschy, but didn't bother me. Service was friendly and helpful. I had the eggs and pancakes, which was plenty of food, but we also shared bacon. The regular portions for omelets and such are huge (5 eggs), which seems excessive to me. So I was glad my meal was just 3 eggs and 2 pancakes. Food was good. They have a nice patio to sit in if the weather cooperates. Overall, enjoyed Pauline's.
(4)Ruth R.
I love it when I walk into a place and the nostalgia of a different time in history just hits you. This is the perfect place to go and feel like you're sitting in a cute 1950's diner. The way it's set up and decorated is enough to convert me into a regular customer. Honestly, I've had better breakfast food elsewhere for the price. But at Pauline's it has a great home cooked taste, and I'll take the comfort of that experience over any industrially made food any day. And I haven't tried much on the menu, so it's not entirely enough to judge the food just yet. Can't wait to go back for more.
(5)Sara A.
Pauline's is the only breakfast place within walking distance from where I live, so I frequent this restaurant often. Though sometimes I find myself driving or taking the train to somewhere else because frankly Pauline's could be so much better. Even though this is a small no frills breakfast place, which I like, you really don't get what you pay for. They charge $9 for a very BASIC eggs benedict that comes with NO sides. Their omelettes are quite good and come with a side of potatoes, which makes them reasonably priced. The potatoes, however, are a hit and miss. They're usually too mushy and flavorless. Not a fan. In other words, if you want a traditional no-frills breakfast, you can go elsewhere for much more reasonable prices.
(2)Pamela B.
My bf been wanting to try this place, we finally went. I got banana pancakes and holy shit they were awesome!!!!!!! they dont just slap it on top its IN the pancakes. He got some steak and eggs and was in love. We will be coming back to this place again.
(5)Megan D.
Finally got to Pauline's after driving by it for a few months now on my way home from work. Staff was very friendly and accomodating to everyone that walked through the door. We sat outside and were promptly give water. Boyfriend ordered coffee and I ordered OJ. His coffee mug hadn't been cleaned very well as there was still lipstick on it which he wound up wiping off. I got the panacke special and he had the lumberjack special. The food was tasty and it was a change of pace from going to Golden Nugget. I will say that both of us wound up having heartburn the rest of the day, possibly from the eggs as that was the only thing we both had that could have caused it. Overall the place is OK, staff was nice and food was decent. Maybe a smidge overpriced as before tip the bill was $27. I felt I had enough food but I feel we do get more for our money elsewhere. I'd like to try their lunch/soups one day and will probably save that for cooler months.
(3)Jason M.
Cozy, down home basic breakfast food. Staff is friendly, and the food is good, particularly the French toast. Nothing is going to blow you away with its greatness, but then nothing is bad, either.
(4)Terry F.
Friendly vibe, super attentive waitstaff and the food comes out before you know it. Their daily specials always grab me and the food never disappoints. Their blackberry pancakes are one of my favorites.
(4)Jeremy T.
I live in the neighborhood and have had breakfast at Pauline's several times over the years. I would describe the food and overall experience as "average," but my last visit changed that. I would now describe Pauline's as "disgusting." The people that work there are nice, which accounts for the 2 stars instead of 1. Also, the coffee is good. That's it for the positive. The negative: - The staff cleaning the entire restaurant while I'm eating - The strong smell of chemical cleaning agents permeating the air, mixed with grease - Fruit flies swarming my food for the duration of my meal - Omelets are made with some kind of thin, pourable egg product and not fluffy real eggs - An obnoxious sound of pigs being slaughtered throughout my meal. No, I'm not kidding. The noise was so disturbing that I asked my waitress what it was. She said, deadpan, "They are killing the pigs to make bacon." I am still trying to figure out if she was joking. Being a vegetarian, I completely lost my appetite at that point. I asked her again if she was serious or what. She then said: "No no - it's somebody's cell phone." The noise kept repeating. It sounded like a recording of real pigs crying and being butchered. Whether it was someone's ring tone or some video game or what - I have no idea. But it was really, really bad. I got the Feta and Spinach omelet, which like I mentioned above, was a bunch of spinach wrapped in a very thin layer of pourable egg product. It was supposed to have black olives as well, but they were just a few slices of canned olive sprinkled on top. The feta was the cheap kind that's like cottage cheese. Their potatoes are okay. I dunno, this was the kind of experience that will keep me away, probably for good.
(2)Garrett G.
I live around the block and would love to have a solid breakfast joint. I have tried and tried but this place always falls short. The service is slow and and I have yet to have a meal (I have been here about 4 times) where something doesn't come out wrong and need to be sent back. The food is not bad. It has always been somewhere between average and good but menu is very limited. When I leave this place I always wish I would have taken the extra time/money to eat someplace better on Clark.
(2)Ariella C.
So good. Honestly I do not care for breakfast food and it was excellent! PS order the pancakes
(5)Bart S.
Haven't been in a while- but had breakfast on the patio today- had our two dogs in tow- the staff brought a bowl of water over for the dogs and a treat for them..off to a great start. Then coffee right away- we had an omelet and multi gran pancakes both items were A+ and the service was top notch- Will be back again soon, sorry it's been over a year since I was here..
(4)Gary B.
There has been some updates and changes to Paulines with the unfortunate passing of the original owners. The most noticeable is they accept credit and debit cards. The place is still popular and the patio is slammed during the warm weather. at times service can be spotty and a little unfriendly at times. This has resulted in us ordering take out. Food comes out fast and hot and the gentleman that takes the phone orders is very nice.
(3)Antonio D.
Great food n service everytime I visit chicago this is a must and yet another breakfast before I fly back Friday am If ur near make sure u stop by and institution since 90"s,had the French toast dipped on vanilla n orange topped with fresh strawberries n fresh whipped cream the best I've tasted ,fresh squeezed oj Canadian bacon ,everything is great here
(5)Angy A.
My brother took me out for breakfast and I had some great strawberry pancakes! Pauline's so cute! The service was great, I really enjoyed it.
(5)Neal M.
I've eaten here twice, and every time was quite pleasant. Love the farmer rustic decor. Service is good. Home fries are wonderful. You can't beat fresh squeezed OJ served in a mason jar. I've eaten the veggie omelette and eggs Benedict. Both were delicious and filling. They have some of the best prices in the city. I will keep coming back..
(4)J M.
Food is above average and service is nice. Good for either breakfast or brunch. Lunch menu does not have as many options. Portions are large.
(4)Sam N.
when you step onto this place, its like you are going back in time. I like to refer to this as a retro breakfast place. They also have a patio. But in order to experience the full experience of this place one should really be sitting indoors. It was a good thing I brought my appetite on my last visit because I had a 5 egg tomato and goat cheese omlette. They take their food very seriously here because my relatives who were with me ordered the pancakes let me taste it and it was super sweet with loads of sugar and syrup...As if that was not enough they put whipped cream on it with the heavy cream that was already on top of it. I guess we should be ready to consume our weeks RDA of sugar products in one meal...It's a tough life, I tell ya. If you dont want to have a coma before the end of the day than you should order the egg omlettes with just the whites,potatos and toast. The last time I was there they took out the toast for me and put in fruit instead. They wait staff seems verypatient with everyone. As I have been here many times in the last 15years, I can remember no time when I felt rushed by anyone to make up my mind what I odered or how long I wanted to stay. Just an observation. The hot chocolate is made in a different way here than in most places. I want to leave this as a surprise for anyone planning to make it out here. Although it is by the metra tracks it has this feel like it is off the beaten path but really it is not. If you want a good place to compare it to, maybe TEMPO on Chestnut and State is a good one although this place has way more options. But not many people can get here during the week because we all don't live in Andersonville and it closes at 3PM Maybe it is overdone or maybe it is not-depends on your mood . If you have visitors from the east coast, I would advise you bring them here because the chances they have a place like this in Hoboken,NJ are very slim. Plenty of food to chose from that is under $11 when ordering with coffee. That's before taxes.
(4)Scott B.
If quantity was the benchmark, 5 would be the stars. I have eaten a grilled cheese with bacon here, that bordered on fantastic. A recent foray left me with a half ton of potatoes, a 5 egg omelet that looked and tasted flat as a cloth napkin. Service was extremely classy, but, ya can't eat service. I've visited here several times, as I do believe in supporting local business, coupled with the fact that they do give back to the neighborhood associations, but the food hasn't evolved or improved. I'll stick with the grilled cheese.
(2)Carlos S.
Classic American breakfast items can be found here, but there are also some gems that stick out and make coming here more than once worth it every time. Pumpkin pancakes! The best! Omelets are huge and delicious, potatoes are pretty good, and the biscuits and gravy were a little disappointing as far as the flavors and textures go. Just don't miss out on the pancakes!
(4)Gina E.
The food was decent. I had the country breakfast- gravy wasn't very flavorful and needed to more sausage. The biscuits tasted like they came from a can. Decent. Not great. The service was not good! Our waitress Gloria was so slow!!! I'm sure she's Sweet, but she never checked on us. Took forever to order or to get our check. The other waitrons helped us and they were more attentive to us. They were amazing! Especially the bald man with a hat- amazing service! Decent food. Good portions... Not great service from Gloria! The others were good though.
(3)Devvora P.
The best thing about the place is its location and a local guy who usually hangs out there with his two Macaw parrots. We ate there once and don't want to go back. The food was rather tasteless and the service ok. Basic dinner. If the chef was better, we would go back, as we like the location, but we don't like to pay for food that tastes bad!
(1)Cecilia B.
Any omelet is sooooo good, Pauline potatoes are to die for.
(5)Michael T.
I had the egg and pancake special and it was pretty good. The portions were big for the cost. I asked for the strawberries and whipped cream on my pancakes and I literally got like 4 thinly sliced slivers of strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. My eggs were not cooked as I ordered but I ate them anyway. I would go again just because it is within walking distance of my house but the food and service were just okay. The information says that they don't take credit cards, but on the door they have a Visa, Mastercard, and Discover sticker so they apparently do now.
(3)Jordan B.
I've been to Pauline's but have never actually eaten the food. All I wanted was some kind of combo meal that came with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast that I was hoping to substitute (and pay extra) for a pancake. They have no such thing on the menu. Not even a variation of that combination. I would have had to order everything a la carte and that would have added up to around $15 or $16 dollars. Nope. Not gonna do it. I paid for the terribly bland coffee and went somewhere else. I'm sorry, but if you're only open for breakfast, then you should really have the most basic breakfast combo on your menu.
(2)Mike K.
Pauline's is a little hidden gem...its kinda out of the way, next to a cemetary, and ironically across the street from one of my more adeventurous dates in which i'm not eager to run into again (im very lovable with addictable kissing skill yet I'm not first date boyfriend material...sorry princess). It's also only open from 7am to 3pm, which we all know is peak Mike K world domination hours. Luckily I had some free time before a rather big day/night and feeling pretty good about myself, which meant I needed to be put in my place by a friend who doesn't see life as all sunshine and lollipops, and especially my lollipop. This was the place, a small little cafe/diner dressed up in troll dolls with an atmosphere that said "hey, I was in the last Dixie Chicks video". I like the decor, love the fact that they have bottomless sugar, cream butter, and jellies, plus breakfast all day (or at least from 7-3) how can your beat that. And its cheap! A solid little place to disappear to if you wanna get away from the busy city life and expensive priced brunch outlets Andersonville gives you.
(4)Lizz M.
I've lived in Ravenswood a pretty good portion of my life, and somehow always managed to avoid Pauline's. So when a couple of Yelpers recommended I check out their corn beef hash, I took my friend here and got my hash on. The verdict? A-okay, indeed, probably a little more than A-okay, but Yelp won't let me grade that way. Portions are huge, service is good, and the prices are reasonable. I also got some pancakes which were gigantic and delicious--served with fresh strawberries, yum! They also have a bowl full of SAF-T POPS by the cash register! My childhood!
(3)Liz B.
The smokehaus omelet is AMAZING! loaded with bacon! the freshly squeezed orange juice is great as well. Pauline's is a very cute, friendly diner.
(4)Sharon C.
Haven't been here in a few years. This place is still awesome. Excellent salad with great choice of dressings. Feta cheese omelette with spinach was very good as well. And I ordered heard a Waldorf salad to go. I don't see that on the menu too often these days. Oh and the waitress we had, Caitlyn, was wonderful too.
(5)Mike W.
I had breakfast last saturday 1/18/14. I had the make your own omelet with feta cheese, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. Everything was hot and very tasty. Mike UpCycle with Michael
(5)Bridget K.
My parents were in town from Ohio and we wanted to grab brunch with the whole fam before they headed back home. If we went to brunch at some of the other hot spots on the northside we would have to wait 30 plus minutes for a table for all 7 of us. Luckily Pauline's is a close walk to Lincoln Square and you don't have to wait forever to get a table. The wait staff is great. They're super attentive and helpful. The coffee was also great. I could go for a cup of it now. The menu has something to please every pallet. I got one of the egg scrambles which was good. Since I was with my fam we were able to taste everyone's dishes. I enjoyed the smores pancakes. They were pretty good though I like more chocolate than marshmellow. The potatoes/homefries as some people call them were also good. If I need a decent place to head for brunch and I don't want to wait for hours, I'll be heading to Pauline's.
(4)B C.
Pauline's feels like a small town Wisconsin diner. They've covered the walls with photos of customers and stuff that your grandma would chuckle at. The menu has plenty of options for the caloric'ly oblivious and the waitresses are the sorts who'll call you "hun" or "sweety" at least once. They've also gone as far as to trademark their Pauline's Potatoes*(tm). Ask what their especially known for serving, and they'll proudly rattle off half the menu. On my two visits, I've had their Country Breakfast biscuits and gravy, and their pumpkin pancakes. Both were big and satisfying. The food came out quick and they never let my coffee cup go empty. Get here early or a bit after 11:00 to avoid the weekend morning rush. We came in at 11:30 both times and didn't have to wait at all for a table.
(4)Jennifer Z.
Stopped at this place since I always run by it . It's a local cozy spot, hidden by the metra that runs along the metra. I did like the patio seating option. Food menu was pretty standard to that of a diner ( golden nuggetish). Nothing extremely unique or mouth watering. I got one of the 2 veggie options. Definitely not a place for vegetarians. But nice for a friendly brunch.
(3)Sara V.
Seriously good omelette. I mean mouth-wateringly delicious and SPICY! They obviously buy some good quality ingredients 'cause the veggies (and jalepenos) were tastier than I'm used to in Chicago. Both myself and my companion's omelette's were heavenly. We were ridiculously full and still kept going 'til our plates were empty. Each agreed the other's omelette was wonderful (while secretly thinking "but mine is a little better"). Potatoes were equally good although I could have stood for them to be a little crispier but that's a personal preference which they are by no means required to fulfill. Unfortunately service is ensuring this place is only getting 3-stars. Our server was not friendly at all and in fact bordered on surly. She also neglected to get my order right. Maybe it was the kitchen. Maybe it was because she was just barely paying attention when I ordered. Who knows. Since I was starving and didn't want to make a fuss I just ate around what I can't eat. Coupled with her attitude and the general manner in which she treated us, it marred an otherwise perfectly lovely breakfast. The place is cute. Obviously popular. The other waitresses seemed much friendlier. I will absolutely return for more omelette especially since this is pretty decently priced breakfast food. I'll just hope I get a different waitress next time.
(3)Puppy C.
3 basted eggs with potatoes, corned beef hash, and whole grain toast is what I ordered. Everything on the plate was very good and fresh tasting. I appreciate the portions (not too small and not too much) and the very reasonable price. My daughter and her friend also enjoyed their choices. The service was very good as well. Will be coming back more often.
(4)Kate H.
Food good, service poor. My boyfriend and I went to Pauline's around 10:30 on a Saturday and had no problems snagging a table. They didn't appear especially busy, with no wait for even large parties. We waited a considerable amount of time before we were approached by our server, probably around 10 minutes. Our breakfast came out in a timely fashion, and the food was fine. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. He had the cowboy breakfast and enjoyed his steak. At no point in time did our server come back for the customary "check in". We had to flag her down to refill our waters, and then again for our check. We only wished we had gone to Golden Nugget where the portions are bigger, the service is quick, and the ladies anticipate your needs.
(2)Pamela P.
What a letdown. Mediocre and unacceptable. The food was terrible. Had the whole wheat pancakes and eggs. Dry and clinging to the plate. My husband's omelette looked good but tasted like unsalted, unflavored raw egg. His toast came out at the end of his meal and was hardly toasted and old. My daughter's eggs were good as eggs go-- but we asked for them first and that was a no go. It took someone ten minutes to come by with coffee and water. Instead of attending to the few customers they had, the waitstaff just lazily hung out in the kitchen. When the waitress finally came by, she was less than pleased. She clearly didn't want to be there on a Sunday morning. The coffee is God-awful. It tastes like tar water laced with arsenic. Four creams in the cup won't lighten that baby up. Not going back here again. I remember it being much much better years ago. Now it's gone down the drain-- like what they should do with their coffee.
(1)June W.
First visit since I moved here was great--good food and a super nice young man to wait on me. I will be back particularly when it warms up and the patio becomes welcoming. I'll bring my iPad and enjoy the food, the delicious coffee, wifi and the urban locale. What's not to love?
(5)Leanne A.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my cranberry bread pudding pancakes, my mom's biscuits and gravy was made with Pillsbury grands. My mom insisted they were, she has this whole theory about how she can detect a pillsbury flavor from thin air. anyway....if you put BISCUITS and GRAVY on your menu, you MAKE the freaking biscuits, right? It's like, the whole point...the homemade biscuit. duuuhhhh. I like the homey atmosphere here. Reminds me of an off-the-highway michigan diner. And the location by the train out in the middle of a residential area is unique. You don't feel like you're in the city. But the service is slow and apathetic.
(3)Diana J.
I want to love Pauline's, but it's getting harder. The last few times have been average at best. The quality of the food has gone down a bit, and I think most people are returning because they remember how good it used to be. I'm glad to have a little diner in the 'hood within walking distance, but that motivation alone won't last forever.
(3)Michelle M.
It's what to expect from a diner joint. It's a gem in the neighborhood and I remember going here with my dad when i was younger so I've been here many times. I haven't been here during the weekend in years but i hear its pretty busy. I usually go during the weekdays and well getting a table is easy. Coffee is good. Staff is nice. Food is diner food so its just OK. For me its really the history that I come back for.
(4)Diane S.
Yuck.
(1)Hayley H.
While the restaurant is clean, homey, very country kitchen feeling, the food is mediocre. Just lame, actually. i should have known that the salmon benedict was a bad choice in a small restaurant like this. I was very stupid to think it would be fresh...not frozen. Though, am I naive to think that if you put it on your menu, it should be superb? Also, the hollandaise sauce was more like watery cream sauce. No tang, no buttery salty-ness. almost an afterthought. And can we send out a memo that says, "Please toast the english muffins under the benedict?" come on........soggy muffin is gross under fishy smelling salmon. The man got the Lumberjack breakfast plate. Lots of eggs, their signature potatoes, and a strip steak. The potatoes are good, but not really much to write home about, and the steak was ridiculously over-seasoned and cheap quality. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and delicious, but thats about the only positive in this breakfast. Oh, and btw, only cash???? What is this 1977?
(2)Mat M.
Pauline's what a great diner. We were waited on by Olga and she was fantastic. It's a great local spot that beats a lot of other Chicago diners. It's cute, local and tasty. Check it out
(4)Bobby B.
After strutting my way through a 5k at Montrose harbor, we crashed on in to this lil' breakfast/lunch spot to restore a few calories. I have to say, I am surprised over the low reviews on this place. I have to attribute it to the advanced intellect and palates of north siders. As a lowly south sider, I could only rave over the fresh squeezed juice and "Pauline's potatoes," which is their take on potatoes O'Brien. My wife got eggs benedict with crab, which was the first time we've ever seen that on a menu. What we got was not the heavily processed Alaskan Pollock that you'd get at most places advertising crab...but REAL EFFING CRAB MEAT. It was awesome. As for myself, I got the cold saltwater salmon omelet with asparagus and goat cheese...equally awesome. Oh, and I have some advice for you peeps that are extremely dissatisfied with this place...count your blessings and take your one star..hug them tight, and go to Denny's! ;]
(4)Dan G.
This has become my go-to breakfast/brunch place. Not only is the food always fresh tasting and delicious but it always comes out in a jiffy. You can't go wrong with either breakfast or lunch here. The Benedict's are outstanding, pancakes are like a fluffy dream, fresh squeezed juices are life savers, and their thick-cut bacon has to be the best restaurant bacon I have ever had. As for lunch stuff you can't go wrong with a burger here. But my favorite is the Turkey Bacon Swiss Club. With carved turkey, the same amazing bacon, and a strong Jarlsberg Swiss; this sandwich is king. Their homemade soups are always good their signature ham and bean is outstanding. The service is always friendly and like I said earlier the service and food is quick and you are never waiting too long if they are full up. Overall this place is consistent with great food, fast service, and don't forget the candy bin before you leave!
(4)Greg B.
Best Specials! Reasonable prices. Great pancakes! Fresh squeezed juices. Amazing staff. Everyone there is so friendly and personable! I would recommend you give it a try. It's a favorite place of ours...we eat there almost every Sunday. If not, we squeeze in a trip during the week. Oh yeah, TRY THE SLAB BACON!!! Thanks to all who work at Pauline's and make it what it is!!! WE LOVE YOU!
(5)Nikkie H.
I love finding random little places like this. I was perusing Yelp to get some inspiration on where I could take my parents for breakfast, knowing they are from Michigan and really prefer the basics. Lo and behold, there's Pauline's which I never heard of and was just one block from where my parents were staying Perfecto! Went there on a late Friday morning and it was great. It wasn't empty and wasn't filled with all senior citizens - it was a nice mix of people for a work day. My mom got her basic eggs and hash browns (no complaints), my dad got the whole wheat pancakes (he said they were great), and I got the crab eggs benedict. I was a little surprised, because I was expecting crab cakes benedict, but it's my fault for not reading the menu properly. It was essentially a traditional eggs benedict with crab instead of ham. It was very tasty though and I really liked the fresh fruit that came with it. Made me feel a little healthier :) I probably won't be back in the near future, simply because I have a huge list of brunch spots to try out, but would recommend you check it out if you've ever been.
(4)Natalie S.
It's over, Pauline's. We're THROUGH. I don't know why I keep going back. For real. Is it the bad food? Is it the awful service? Either way, today was my last day. I took a big handful of giant Lifesavers out of the candy basket for the LAST TIME. Our friend Damon N. is bad news. Every time we take him to a former favorite breakfast place, we have an AWFUL experience. Note to everyone: don't eat breakfast with Damon N. I deviated from my norm and went with the biscuits and gravy. It was, by far, the WORST biscuits and gravy I have ever, ever had. EVER. It should have been on the menu as "biscuits and gravy soup". It was all watery and god awful. AWFUL. The service was laughable. Literally. We had to beg for coffee refills. We had to beg for more water. Damon N. asked for his eggs on the side and they came sprinkled on top of the biscuits and gravy. He also ordered raisin toast that never appeared with his breakfast. After 5 minutes of waiting, he reminded the waiter who went to go get it, only to return saying "we're out of raisin toast... my bad". My Dude was cracking up saying this was like a sitcom. Hilarious. Sorry, Pauline's. You've gone down the shitter and I don't want to waste any more money, even if you do have giant pineapple Lifesavers waiting for me for dessert.
(2)William R.
Pauline's is an alright american-dive-ey diner-style place.... The pancakes were good, I had the strawberry and blueberry, the coffee was delicious!
(3)john z.
Went there for Sunday brunch with my wife. Tables are way to small they are Bistro size we had to set some of the dishes on the next table. My wife's first dish came out COLD, we sent it back and they did give her a fresh warm meal that was just ok. We got the pumpkin pancakes which had little to no pumpkin in them. The food is just ok, the place is nicely decorated, it has the potential to be a good restaurant but they do need to work on the menu, as there are many better restaurants in Chicago. This review is for the Pauline's on Fullerton
(2)Renee G.
comfortable, neighborhood- and kid-friendly atmosphere for Saturday Breakfast. amazing hot chocolate, fresh crab and perfect hollandaise on my eggs benedict and my friend's asparagus omelette was cooked just right. We'll be back!
(4)Kristin M.
I really want to like Pauline's because it's right around the corner from my house. However, the two experiences I've had just turned me off. The service is AWFUL. The wait staff is rude and basically ignore you unless you flag them down. The food come out as it's ready, which meant waiting 20 minutes between my friend's dish and mine. I gazed longingly at his plate while I sat there with a grumbling stomach and nothing to put in it. For 20 minutes. The food is typical breakfast fare (their potatoes are yummy), but I just can't suffer through bad service for average food. The outdoor patio is really nice, and it opens really early which is great when I have out of town visitors who need to get to the airport. There are just so many better choices in the neighborhood, though, (Ann Sather, M. Henry, Big Jones, etc.) that I can't suffer through Pauline's.
(2)Matthew G.
There is nothing pretentious, snooty or uppity about Pauline's. I have only been for breakfast - and it is awesome. You get a home-cooked feeling from the food that takes me back to Sunday mornings with my Mom. The service is fast and consistent. The decor at Pauline's is charming, down-home-on-the-farm chic. Do not expect fine dining - that is not what this place is about. Instead, come for the warm memories that come from simple, well-prepared food.
(4)Susanne P.
We've always had good food here. From the infamous five-egg omelettes to their more-than-generous salads. One thing of note, if your food has onions in it, I would suggest asking "easy on the onions." Sometimes there can be a BIT too many. Service can be a bit slow, especially if it's busy, but that hasn't deterred me from wanting to come here for brunch. Also of note, they are a cash-only restaurant; they do not accept credit cards.
(4)Beata S.
I love to go to Pauline's on the snowy day and order their breakfast special-always fresh and surprising, like their bread pudding and great bacon-where in Chicago do they get their bacon from??? The food is fresh and good and the service caring and personal. Be back here anytime.
(5)Boon K.
Pancake Pancake Pancake. Wow I have never been a fan of pancakes but ever since I have been here I am now a fan. There pancakes are so fluffy and light with a little chew to them. It's amazing. They are huge and their topping are so fresh that you just can't go wrong. We had the banana and the banana are mixed into the batter.
(5)Katy H.
A friend and I came in here about a month ago and we loved it! My friend had the french toast and I had the pancake trifecta. The pancakes were delicious and way too much for me to finish! My friend and I both loved the french toast and when I come back, and I'LL BE BACK, I'm definitely ordering the french toast! Our service was quite pleasant, though she didn't point out the specials, which we couldn't see from our seats, which was disappointing as I would have changed my order. Also, important to note, CASH ONLY!
(4)Anthony J.
There are many superior breakfast/brunch joints within half a mile of Pauline's. That said, nothing wrong with their food, it's just run-of-the-mill. Get there at the wrong time and you may have to wait, it gets busy on weekends. Not really worth the wait.
(3)Lucy P.
Pauline's has quickly became my favorite part of living t in Andersonville. This place defines cozy. Saying that Pauline's has a "small town diner" vibe does not do it's atmosphere justice. When you walk in, one of the servers walking by will let you know that you can have a seat wherever you would like. You are immediately asked what you would like to drink. Then, comes the food. All the food is seasonal, fresh, and delicious. September and October have meant pumpkin pancakes and caramel apple pancakes. Standbys include the biscuits and gravy, and omelettes loaded with ham, chorizo, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, sun dried tomatoes. . . You name it. The best part? It's cheap, cheap cheap.
(5)David R.
There are only two words for this place: BUSH. LEAGUE. Actually I could make it three words, but my mother might be reading. The entire experience was a train wreck. All I can do is make a list. 1. We were not greeted, even after I moved directly into the sight line of the "hostess" and made eye contact. I had to arch my eyebrows and hold up two fingers. 2. With half of the tables open, we were not given a choice of indoor/outdoor or booth/table but instead guided directly to the nightmare table: a. Wet b. Cramped (chair backs touching those of the diners behind us) c. Slanted alarmingly sideways (one of my plates actually slid) 3. One of the sets of silverware was undone from the napkin wrapper--not dirty and used, just undone and lying askew on the table. 4. The waitress was incompetent. She didn't wipe off the table, if she even noticed that it was wet; she mumbled and spoke in half-sentences; she attempted to excuse her numerous gaffes with, "Sorry, I'm [eyeroll and fluttery head-level hand gesture]"; and worst of all, she didn't bring me any syrup with my french toast. 5. My girlfriend ordered tea, which came with a giant mug and a tiny pitcher of hot water less than half the size. That is just plain stupid. 6. The food came out like this: my english muffin...[five minutes]...my half-order of french toast...[three minutes]...my omelette...[two minutes]...my girlfriend's pancakes. The english muffin was soggy and cold, the french toast piping hot, the omelette moderately hot, and the pancakes warm. So, not only is the waitress incompetent, so is the kitchen staff. 7. The food sucked. The blueberry pancakes were decent, the french toast barely average, the potatoes less than boring, and the omelette bland and greasy. And that english muffin was the worst I've ever eaten--not only was it cold and soggy, but it had a very strange, unpleasant taste as well. Rancid butter? Bleach? Iguana sweat? Something like that. 8. To top it all off, the "hostess" who failed to greet us after I made eye contact, failed to farewell us in the same situation. No "Thanks, please come again" or "Have a good afternoon"? Well, if you're happy to see my back, Pauline's, I'm even happier to show it to you. Sometimes when a restaurant screws up a lot, depending on the type of place, I might be inclined to think, "Man, that was terrible, but at least their heart is in the right place." Not this time. At no point during the entire ordeal did I ever get the faintest impression that anyone at Pauline's gives a flying fuck about their customers.
(1)Jules H.
Solid breakfast restaurant. I had a very tasty south american omelette and my friend had eggs benedict. One of their tastier offerings are their potatoes. Very good, with onions and peppers. They have outdoor seating, good service, and reasonable prices. I did take one star off because they allow dogs in the outside seating area. I can do drinks and lattes with dogs, not breakfast.
(4)Sophia A.
This place is a no in my books. The staff is hard to understand, the food is overly greasy and messy (I guess that's a diner for you), they only accept cash, their biscuits are Pillsbury (gross!), and my table was sticky. It's okay prices, but compared to other places that sell the same quality food, it's overpriced. I guess I went in there hoping it was a "everything homemade from scratch" kind of place, and I was just kind of disappointed.
(1)WmTomas S.
I thoroughly enjoyed my omlette breakfast at Paulines. The coffee was generously poured, and the place oozes with a cozy neighborhood feel.
(4)Beth R.
A plate of hot, nearly-perfect blueberry pancakes can go a long way towards canceling out an otherwise mediocre experience. But not quite all the way. I'd been driving past Pauline's for months and finally the planets aligned and I went in for breakfast. Upon entering, the planets realigned to form an evil clown face, or at least a frowny emoticon. We entered; the hostess(?) seated our party of two in the second room. Outdoor seating was also available but maybe she judged that we were too pale for the June sun; at any rate, she didn't give us the option. She pointed to a two-top along the wall with roughly .4" clearance between the tables in front and back of it. Mmm, cozy! The table itself had been lovingly anointed with water in a haphazard pattern, but not dried. If I had been carrying my protractor, I could have measured the exact tilt of the table, but instead we simply know that it's at the angle where plates slide. The silverware on my side had been unwrapped, presumably for the napkin because they were unused. Our waitress approached and introduced herself, but turned abruptly as if to grab something for wiping down the table. She returned but did nothing to the table, if she even noticed. We requested a couple napkins to take care of it ourselves. She asked if we wanted coffee; I requested hot tea. I usually do this as a knee-jerk reaction to the coffee question, without looking at the menu. Usually it doesn't come back to bite me in the wallet, but this time it was $2.95 for two tea bags (one reg, one decaf) and some hot water. The water was presented in a 10oz. creamer for a mug that was about double the size. Even worse, the menu only lists tea to go, which is $1.50. The food itself was actually decent: aforementioned blueberry pancakes (which were pretty great), good french toast & side of strawberries, and the omelet that was supposed to be easy on the cheese was. Our waitress had, thankfully, asked whether I wanted all the toppings on my pancakes, which I did not. However, she assumed this was the case for the French toast, but you know what happens when you assume....In this case, it means someone doesn't get any syrup. We paid our bill in cash, in keeping with the retro vibe. Although I wasn't even sure whether we paid our server or the hostess, we ended up leaving it on the table because our server simply didn't come back. This made me nervous but at that point I wasn't going to lose sleep over it. I think Pauline's assumes that people have no other options for breakfast. There's really no other explanation for the general sloppiness of our experience.
(2)Kris B.
An affordable, greasy spoon diner with some unexpected non-greasy spoon touches. It has everything you'd expect of a breakfast-and-lunch joint: big, overly cheesy omelettes (The Fresh Broccoli Crown And Asparagus, South American, and Country Time are favorites.), giant pancakes loaded with chocolate chips, crispy breakfast potatoes. Everything's cooked on a big griddle, with short-order cooks constantly in motion. The nice surprises are the fresh made juices - they'll juice anything! Try the beet, carrot & orange! - and the sunny, dog-friendly patio on a quiet corner (minus the occasionally passing Metra). Pauline is evidently a big dog lover, because there are also photos of dogs up for adoption posted all over the restaurant. It's cash-only, but has an ATM. If you go on a weekend, you'll see who I refer to as 'The Parrot Guy', a quiet, mustached man who pushes his two macaws, Sam and Bruno, around on a baby buggy throughout the neighborhood. If he's a fan of Pauline's, so am I.
(4)Mike P.
My wonderful wife gave me a Saturday off from parenting a couple of weeks ago. After my chiro appointment at Ravenswood Wellness, I took a stroll up the block (2 blocks actually) and got a nice table for one in a packed house. I think the packedness of said house may have taken away slightly from the service. The place was a zoo, but a pleasant, happy, kid friendly, zoo. Coffee was very good. I chose the South American omelet with chorizo and jalapeno. Since it was the first time ordering this, I was a little put off to see the jalapenos were raw and used as garnish atop the omelet. I prefer my peppers cooked and will ask them to do so, next time I order this. Overall, I found it to be a good breakfast, certainly not unique to the area, but also not without its own charm. The omelets are 5 eggs a piece so they're serious business, but I left full and content, looking forward to coming back with the wife and kid.
(4)Damian C.
This place screams "neighborhood brunch spot". Not for my neighborhood, though, but those in Edgewater/Rogers Park. We ended up hear Sunday to try something different from the usual Clarke's/Melrose/The Grove combination we hit up on the weekends. And my honest thought is that it's just OK. The menu has your standards: omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches (for those of us who don't eat breakfast food), and a random spaghetti and a stir fry dish. The French Bread pudding looked divine and the Pauline's potatoes (roasted red potatoes with peppers, onions, and apples) were absolutely delicious, but the rest of my meal was just... OK. Apparently their fresh squeezed orange juice is phenomenal, so I suppose I missed out. The weirdest part of the breakfast was the fact that the waitresses seemed unable to pour water or coffee from the carafes without spilling it everywhere. Whether there was a hole or a leak in the carafes, or they were just super excited to pour it out quickly and care less about a mess, we probably had a quarter cup of coffee on our table and a glass of water on the floor by the time we were done. Slippage!! The prices are super cheap and, while they claim to serve "huge portions", I was easily able to eat everything on my plate. It's a drive for me to go so unless I find the need to be in the area I probably won't be back. I do, however, catch on to the appeal for many of Pauline's fans and can completely understand why people go.
(3)Minna A.
This place is so cute, what one would imagine when thinking of their favorite local breakfast joint. The service was great, and the food came out quickly. mmm... Orange papaya beet juice... I love that they have unique and healthy juice/vegetable combination drinks and smoothies. YuM!!
(3)Crystal R.
I really wanted to love this place because the food is great but the service is borderline unbearable. Our waitress was friendly but the owners/ front desk girl were terribly rude and uninviting. Sadly, we wont return here.
(1)Yvonne H.
Pauline's is a perfectly nice little breakfast spot. The fact it's "off the beaten path" is a plus because it's away from the noise and congestion of Clark Street. My dining companion and I went on a Saturday morning and had no wait for a booth inside the restaurant, which is charmingly decorated with whimsical knickknacks, multicolored upholstered seats and checkered vinyl tablecloths. Based on some reviews I checked the latter for wet or dirty spots - nope, clean as a whistle. We were waited on and served promptly and got water and coffee refills. The papaya orange juice came in a mason-jar mug and was delicious. I didn't get the coffee but my friend remarked it was good. The French toast and strawberries I ordered was perfectly fine. Was it the most spectacular French toast I've ever tasted? No, it cost $7.25 and I wouldn't expect it to be. The Pauline's potatoes were also yummy. I can't speak for their eggs and bacon since I don't eat either. Except for some overzealous plate-clearing (when a diner still has a fork in their hand, it's safe to assume they are not finished with their meal), the service was efficient. Neither neglectful nor overly solicitous. The check was not brought out unacceptably early. You have to pay your bill up at the cash register. They have pictures of dogs available for adoption on the walls and water bowls for pooches outside: bonus points. In sum: It's not brunch at the Drake, it's a cute, cheery, no-frills neighborhood breakfast joint that I will definitely go back to.
(4)Derek R.
Great bereakfast, although pricey. Spinich omlet was excellent. Pankcake was 2nd best I have ever had. Paulines potatoes were very good. Toast was cold, dry and burnt. Excellent service. Spinach mushroom Omlet, 1 pancack, coffee.....$14.50
(4)Dennis L.
I visited Pauline's for a late brunch with my wife. It has a great neighborhood location and feel to it, which I love. I ended up ordering a coffee, 3 eggs over easy, Pauline's potatoes, and side of ham. It was a pretty simple order, which may be the reason why I was not all that impressed. The table we sat at was right next to the entrance and was certainly uncomfortable at best. The coffee was mediocre...I was hoping for Julius Meinl, Metropolitan, or Intelligentsia. My food was cooked just fine, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. Pauline's is not bad, but it is not nearly as good as Over Easy Cafe.
(3)Alex D.
been here a couple times and agree, the food is decent. but I ended up leaving this last time, likely being my final visit. I understand its small and gets busy, but there is no excuse for flat-out neglect. even after being observed by all the servers as they served every other table around us, all seated long after us. after asking both a bus boy and going inside and asking for a server personally, we left. I wish I could be more specific but as we denied the experience, I'm afraid it's all I've got. even though Pauline's may be crowded often, does not ear them the right to be that disrespectful.
(1)Jacob Y.
How many places serve 5 egg omelets? Just for that alone and the generous portions of delicious breakfast dishes, Pauline's has easily become one of my favorite brunch joints. What's more...they have FRESHLY squeezed orange juice. I am a sucker for places that serve fresh OJ...with pulp...and served very chilled... They also have a smoothie selection made to order with fresh fruits and vegetables. During the warmer months, you can even sit outside. The decor inside is very diner like, but very colorful and inviting. I also need to remind bringing a picture of myself to stick under the glass on the tables. The waitress...VERY attentive. My friend ordered hot tea, and she came back every 10 minutes to check on her hot water. I am very impressed indeed!
(4)Jeff G.
this is more of a 3.5, i think the current rating of 3 is underrated, so i rounded up. lots of homemade stuff here - whipped cream and all that, nice fresh squeezed juices omelet was pretty decent with fresh (not smoked) salmon and asparagus
(4)Dara O.
Great food, great service! I usually meet my grandpa here right when they open at 7 am on weekends, and they're fully prepared with the fresh juice and serving. Never had a bad experience here.
(5)Kaleb B.
My partner and i went here for breakfast the other morning and it was very cute a playful, the food was good diner food and the service was good. we will go back. its a night neighborhood place.
(4)Larry J.
I went to Paulines just to patronize an independant business. The sign outside said "comfort food at comfort prices" The decor was very nice, it reminds you of yesteryear. The food I ordered reminded me of yesterday. I ordered the country biscuits and gravy for breakfast and immediately I was put off. The gravy and sausage were great but the biscuits were lacking integrity. I was unable to cut them with a fork. I had to use a knife to cut them. It was as if they were stale or they were microwaved before serving. If they were microwaved it dries them out and thus makes them the way they were presented. Customer service was great. The waiter was very nice he comped me for the issue with the biscuits. I also question the statement about comfort food. I saw no mac and cheese, meatloaf, or even country fried steak for breakfast. I'm not positive if I will try this place again.
(3)Pavithra M.
But I will clarify, it is the neighborhood feel and the proximity to our place that makes this place a favorite. The french toast is very good and I love the freshly squeezed OJ, but the rest of the breakfast menu is average. What takes the menu to the next level is their burgers. When I am in the mood for a big, juicy burger, this is the place to go. The inside is a little cramped, but they have always accommodated my two little ones and the wait staff is very friendly and welcoming to them. I am glad I live close by.
(4)Shawn J.
Quaint little diner. Only open from 7a-3p daily. Great breakfast spot. Always super nice and accommodating staff. Great breakfast ( have not had lunch here yet) with large portions. Always freshly squeezed juices. I love to go for brunch as it tends to quiet down around 11 am ish on the weekends.
(5)Hail I.
Do not order the biscuits and gravy unless you want to pay $7 for two from a can Pillsbury biscuits. Come on Pauline.
(2)Karen N.
This place is what it is... an easy neighborhood diner style breakfast place for family. The up side: They give you fresh eggs, promised to be less than 5 days old from Michigan. The down side: I don't know what possessed me to try the salmon eggs benedict today but it really was awful. It's like someone made eggs benedict without reading the recipe. Large chunk of poaches salmon under the eggs, the hollandaise sauce was not what it should be, icky. I shouldn't have risked ordering it but I love eggs benedict. If you go, just stick with what they are good at, eggs and pancakes.
(2)Aurore L.
Cool, windy morning. Breakfast with friends. One of them all up and preppy, the one badly hangover. Patio seating. It's noisy. Very much so. They are doing some sort of construction/renovation next door and it's deafening. Not exactly the cozt ambiance I was expecting but oh well....the wind knocks off the vase on the next table. The menu is big, and I decide to go half and half. Scrambled eggs and pancakes with strawberries. Coffee too, of course. I was also in the mood for bacon, but after checking the price and almost choking on it ($4.95!!) I went meatless. Le sad. Food arrives, and it's quite disappointing. Dry, boring, 5 pieces of strawberry on the plate.....it is depressing-looking. The pancakes were some of the worst I had, like, ever. I almost want to cry. This Friday doesn't start well; but I am chit-chatting with friends, spying on the biggest dog of the neighborhood and making fun of the waiter in my head. Not so bad after all. But I could totally do that AND eat good food somewhere else. A no-return.
(2)Sid P.
Friendly service if less than perfect. Excellent, hearty, quality food served hot if not especially quickly. Pauline's has room for improvement, but honestly, it's not trying to be the #1 restaurant in the world. What it is, is a neighborhood restaurant. Their food is honest and delicious. The portions are very generous. I mean, this place has a 5-egg omelette. Five. Few people I know can finish it with the accompanying Pauline's Potatoes and toast. Lots of really tasty items on the menu, and most are the old stand-bys with a bit more care than you'll see at the regular diner around town. The owners mind the store. The place has a sense of community. And it feels good to support a local business that goes out of its way to show you it wants you to be happy. Often they serve complimentary, fresh squeezed juice. "Just because". This is the way they work it. Recommended, especially when it's not super busy. And even on a Saturday or Sunday breakfast-brunch time, the wait isn't painful and the service isn't much different than when they're mostly empty. This is not a high stress environment. It's more like, well, home.
(4)Richie D.
When you're looking for fresh, traditional "American" (whatever the heck its definition is now-a-days), Pauline's has it. When I wake up in the morning and unsure of what I have a taste for, Pauline's it is. It reminds me of an urban Apple Holler. What's not to love about that while stuck in the city in need of a little rural escape?! I discovered this somewhat remote, yet bright eye-piercing RED diner while on the Metra train heading north to Kenosha. The name Pauline's excited me because I thought the southern belle cook Paula Dean opened up a local joint outside of Georgia. This ended up not being true, but I still wasn't disappointed because I didn't suffer from a heart attack afterward. It's just far away from the brunch rush of Andersonville's Clark Street to avoid the crowds, and you're satisfied with down-home cooking in a place where everyone feels at home. After walking in you're overwhelmed by the red, yellow, green and white color paint choice. The adorable owner is quick to greet you with a smile and insists to get a booth cleared for you since "our customers like the booths best." This must be true since he has posted a sign by each booth asking anyone on weekends to have only 2 or 3 coffee refills so others can take their booth. I think that all places need this at times. The booths are fun with a scrap of receipt paper stating your waitress' name, a rack with various recent magazines, collages on the table, and wall of their favorite patrons. Locals seem to become returners quickly. Like myself. I almost always go for the Breakfast Special which always includes a huge pancake, eggs and turkey sausage. The main draw are their delicious pancakes which have just the right amount of sweetness and come with a dollop of their homemade whipped cream. Paired with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice, yum! I personally enjoy the mango orange, but they also have papaya orange. Be sure to check the hanging chalkboard at the entrance with the daily special. You may not want to miss out! The one time I did veer away from breakfast, I had a Turkey Burger with guacamole, mayo, ketchup, a bed of lettuce, and tomato slices, PLUS their perfectly fried golden crunchy Cavendish Fries makes me lose my train of thought (no pun intended). As the menu depicts, these are "Canadian potatoes grown by Irish men and batter coated in Burlington Mass. (got it?)"--I didn't 'get it' but it refers to Burlington, Massachusetts?!?!) They're also cooked in non-hydrogenated canola oil. French Fry Perfection!! My boyfriend usually has the Country Time omelet (corned beef hash with cheddar cheese) which I want to go back myself for. Even though it had to be made with 3+ eggs, I wasn't aggressive enough to steal more than one fork-full from him before he had time to masticate it just enough to pass it on to his ravenous stomach. They're also only open breakfast/brunch/early lunch hours (7 am to 3 pm every day of the year--even holidays!) Plus, they have outdoor seating welcoming dogs, for the better or worst.
(5)Bob D.
If this place wasn't so darn far North I would be here every weekend. Eggs, guaranteed 5 days old? Hell yes, I love some runny ass eggs washing over my breakfast and the fresher the better. Peach pancakes? This is an easy thing to screw up and they didn't, fresh ripe peaches and a perfect pancake. In house made corned beef hash? Hell yeah! I hate that canned crap so don't even bother putting it on a menu. Biscuits and gravy! Too bad for the haters they don't have that pasty floury crap that is so prevalent, they only have the silky kind with fresh Italian sausage in it. The potatoes were cooked perfectly and the coffee was great. Any time I can sneak around the kitchen while searching for the bathroom is a plus.
(5)Tracey M.
I left wanting more. Good thing I left with leftovers. :) In all seriousness, I'm confused how anyone can have a problem with this Pauline's. It has so much to love that and couldn't find anything wrong. (And trust, me if someone were to find something bad about a place, it would be me.) So let's hit the checklist: Good Food: Check! Actually, I would have to say great food. My pancakes were fantastic and my bacon was crisped to perfection. I mean it. This is the first time I've had a breakfast place get it just right. Service: Check! My order was correct, all condiments were provided as needed and my drink was refreshed without even having to ask. Also, everyone a Pauline's is super friendly. A definite plus! Atmosphere: Check! I love hole-in-the-wall diners so Pauline's is the perfect size as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure if I had dined here on a weekend day I would be telling you the line was miles down the road. However, now that I've have dined here, should I come back and incur a long wait I would have no problem. It's THAT worth it. Hours of Operation: Open 365 days a year. How fabulous is that? Overall, I was extremely pleased with Pauline's and look forward to my next visit.
(5)Cory C.
I can't get enough of this place on a Sunday morning. The service is typically with a smile and it's the perfect starting point for a day of junking (shopping for crap I don't need in junk shops) in Andersonville. My partner recommends the Egg and Pancake special with extra whipped cream. It's homemade and turns the pancakes into a little chunk of heaven in every bite. I tend towards one of their many omelets. The tomato and goat cheese is fantastic as is the old favorite. I tend to move away from the cheese unless it's specialized as I just don't jive with Velvetta slices melted on what is otherwise a heart-healthy set of options. Finally, the juice is always fresh, the staff is always excited to see you there, the wait time is typically 10 minutes or less on busy days and the atmosphere is the kind of small-town diner that makes you forget you're in the 3rd largest city for a breakfast at a time.
(4)R L R.
With a self-proclaimed title as having "The Awesomest Andersonville Brunch in the Universe", you better deliver. It doesn't matter about the location, the ambience or even the service; to me, the proof is in the pudding. I LOVE eating breakfast foods, so if you can't get fundamentals such as bacon, potatoes and eggs over-medium done right, you shouldn't be in business. Although the ingredients are definitely fresh, the food was definitely mediocre. The potatoes were so painfully boring i think I may had fallen asleep taking bites out of it. Ann Sather's has a similar potato dish done right. And what the crunk is up with the lumberjack portions? I think most people would prefer quality over quantity. The prices are ridiculously inflated. With my 3 eggs, potatoes, toast, bacon, hotcakes (which, actually, were very good) and OJ, my bill came out to $20.25! I have never spent that much on just myself for breakfast (excluding brunch) before only to have food I should had cooked myself. With a budget like that, I could had even fed 2-3 people that would've tasted better. I vaguely remember eating inside the very first time, with my companion and I wondering about the mental well-being of our server. This time, however, I placed an order to go (on a Thursday) and was helped by a very nice lady over the phone and in person. She was the only saving grace for this last experience. Save your money and hit up Ann Sather (not Svea, they suck even harder). That's the only place out of the 3 that accept debit and credit cards.
(2)Leah H.
With so many great brunch options elsewhere, I was shocked to see so many people eating here. Mediocre at best; overall just not good. Their special ham and bean soup was bland, hardly any ham in it served room temperature (health code violation!), the tables, floors, booths, and menus are filthy; food for 4 people was brought out in 3 waves. Broken crayons for kids. Server was very sweet; but nothing she could do could save the poor food and dirty tables. The busser handed me an extremely hot mug of coffee and the only way I could hold it was to grab the (very hot) sides. And it was the worst coffee I've had in a long time. The place looks cute and funky, but if you want to support local with much better food and experience, go to Acre, Kopi, or Andies. How this place stays in business is a mystery to me.
(1)Devon F.
The foods is pretty good. The service was not good what so ever. Our server took 15 mins just to take our order and it took another 30 mins to eat. Not fun when other tables came in after you and are already eating and you have a screaming toddler because they are starving. We will not be returning to Pauline's FYI they do not accept credit cards.
(1)Kennen M.
Walked into a breakfast joint with an old-fashioned country eatery feel and walked out not at all impressed. We were seated very quickly by a very nice older gentleman. It took maybe a bit over 10 minutes to get acknowledged by any server. We ordered the food and seemed like forever before we got it. I was confused by the lack of service as there are many servers that work there but none of them really seem to be "serving." They were disorganized, poorly trained and all over the place but not at our table, pouring us more coffee. Our server apologized for some personal problem she was having which felt real strange. The food was just ok, the omelet was watery and I don't like omelet water running into my other food on the plate. Next time I am sticking to a greasy spoon where the food is always cheap, consistent and the career waitresses are always on top of things.
(2)rebecca g.
I'm done with this place. Have given them several tries and the food is mediocre, service is weird, and they seem to have raised their prices-- so it's not even worth the cheap greasy spoon angle anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting "gourmet", but I never really enjoy the flavor of what I'm eating here or feel compelled to finish it. I've tried the turkey burger and a couple omelettes, all of which were bland. This past time was the last straw. First, my Greek Omelette with Feta and spinach was really dry, and the olives garnishing it were generic canned black olives. I could've done a better job at home, for half the price. Our side of bacon was also grossly undercooked, nearly raw. Finally, after asking if we wanted toast, bagel, or texas toast (neglecting to mention a surcharge for texas toast), our waitress charged us for it and was unapologetic when I explained we would never have ordered it had we known...or had she not specifically listed it as being included. (I realize it's not a huge amount, but it surely wasn't WORTH a surcharge, and her attitude was the most disturbing thing.) What a disappointment!
(1)Anna B.
I've been going here for years and every time I go it gets a little bit better! They've been slowly upgrading for the past few years without losing quality in the food they serve and I have to say I am very grateful. Where do I start? The coffee is always great, the atmosphere is adorable and welcoming, the service is very personal, and the food is just scrumptious. They have heavy home-spun options (biscuits and gravy that would make my Arkansas farm girl grandma jealous) and healthier options (greek yogurt and fruit, etc). I took four of my friends here and they are ALL itching to go back. And can I stop for a second to mention the potatoes? My God, they are delicious. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, tons of lovely veggies (and possibly apple?) mixed in. So delightful. My one caveat is that it's cash only, so think ahead. I've never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a table, even on the weekends, so it's a great alternative to a lot of those crazy Andersonville haunts that take hours to find a table. Have fun and enjoy the neighborhood!
(4)Joe J.
Very nice server!! have to admit!! but, dirty, food is below average, and they do not accept credit cards!! thanks for the inconvenience... never again I ordered the mexican omlet, really not good!!
(2)Melissa S.
My experience here was pretty mediocre. The food was fine. As far as diner breakfast food goes, this was higher on the quality spectrum than many places, but still not amazing. The fresh squeezed orange juice was really tasty, just like any fresh squeezed OJ always is, but the price made me feel like I should savor every tiny sip. The real kicker here was the bad service. Our waitress must have been having a bad day because she basically ignored us. Everyone at my table was sitting with empty coffee and water cups for several minutes, it got to the point where our topic of conversation was how thirsty we were. Finally a different server came by to refill our cups. I eventually could have had yet another cup, but we didn't see our server again until she came to drop the check. It was kind of sad to sit and watch everyone around us get better service.
(2)Marie C.
Love this place. Try to make it here twice a month if my schedule allows or whenever I'm too lazy or hungover to make breakfast myself. Allie is a sweetheart. I once sent my daughters father here on his weekend w her, & he was impressed that the servers knew my daughter by name. They started accepting credit cards here now! YAY!!
(5)Chip S.
I really like Pauline's. The food is good, the breakfast potatos are awesome and the service is typically very good. If the weather is agreeable, you can't beat eating breakfast on the patio--even if the tables are a little close together. The decor lends to the charm of the experience. Give it a try if you are looking for a laid back place to have breakfast on the weekend.
(4)Hanna A.
Kinda surprised at the 3-star rating. I thought I'd be preaching to the choir on this page. Why 4 stars? Probably because I tend to like my breakfast either very early or mid-morning. Which is why I have yet to wait for a table. If I had to wait very long, I probably would mash it down to 3.5 stars. It's such a cute, small neighborhood diner. As one-half of a childless couple, when I normally find children an annoyance at some restaurants, (Sorry parents, but think back to when you were single...) at Pauline's, they're quite endearing. It's like walking into a relatives house for brunch. No frills. And with that understood, I like this place a lot. The food is not phenomenal, but good for weekend mornings when I don't feel like getting up early and cooking omelettes, pancakes, etc. This place definitely hits the spot. They're not looking for that bizarre flavor pairing that will knock your socks off. They just serve good food. I don't find their prices much more than a Denny's or IHOP. And rather than getting that fresh out of the can flavor, Pauline's flavors are fresh. This morning I met my family there for brunch (party of 7), and I'm assuming because of the holiday, they were a lot busier than usual. I loved that our waitress took the time to explain this to us, and instead of serving all our food together, offered to serve it to us as it was ready. In preparation for this, we ordered a stack of pancakes and biscuits and gravy to tie us over for the wait. She didn't bat an eyelash when we asked for small plates so we could all share in the entrees as they arrived. It was a long meal-- I think it took almost an hour and a half. But due to our server's insight and recommendations, it turned what could've been a disastrous visit into a memorable one. I highly recommend the Crabmeat Eggs Benedict. It wasn't served with crabcake, but crab chunk meat, which offered just as much saltiness as ham. Delicious. My brother-in-law had the South American omelette which wasn't greasy, even with all that lovely chorizo packed inside. French Toast was surprisingly toasty, which lended a great texture to what can be an easily soggy dish. The pancakes are buttery and fluffy. (Seeing them on the griddle on our way out on our 1st visit solidified our 2nd visit.) I ordered the asparagus and goat cheese omelette. While still good, I think I might try something else next time. I did bring leftovers home for tomorrow's breakfast. (portions are that big) If you want a home-cooked meal w/o cooking at home, and have that "homey" feeling of it, Pauline's is the place for you.
(4)Mindy S.
So I decided to give Pauline's another chance when I friend suggested we go there. No wait for a table at 10:30 on a Sunday. Service was so much better, food was ok, but I prefer other places for breakfast.
(2)Michael M.
The best pancakes around and also great omelets. Pauline's is always busy for a reason, the food is excellent. Now yes be ready the service is so so, but really the food makes up for it 150%! Make sure to get a stack f pancakes with anything you get, they are SOOOOO GOOD!!!
(5)Mary Beth E.
Why oh why is there ALWAYS a wait when I go to Paulines for brunch on the weekend? Oh yeah, because they have AWESOME food! My boy and I went there this past weekend for a late breakfast/brunch on Saturday morning. As usual, a wait for a table and as usual, they were passing out their freshly squeezed juice to all of us waiting for a table. Yummy! Their menu is not overly extensive. They are only open for breakfast and lunch (close at 3pm). Their servings are HUGE! The time before last when I went, I got the buttermilk pancakes, bacon and potatoes. No way did I finish it all. I mean, I tried my darnedest to finish every bite of food, it was so good, but I just couldn't do it. I did have to walk back to the car afterward....I couldn't just sit there for hours in food coma. So this past time I got the small stack of Chocolate Chip pancakes and bacon (I skipped the potatoes altogether) and guess what...I still couldn't finish my food!!!! OK, enough about their huge servings, because who wants that large a serving if the food is not good? But that's the thing....their food is SO GOOD! I recommend the chocolate chip pancakes with powered sugar on top. The perfect blend of breakfast and chocolate that a girl like me needs in her life. Their bacon is nice and crispy, just the way I like it. Their potatoes are oh-so-flavorfull with peppers and onions. I love them, even though I have to skip them at times because of the amount of food I leave behind when I order too much. I honestly don't remember what my boy got...probably because I was so engrossed in my own meal. Regardless, he loved it, I remember that! The service is good, don't have to wait very long for our server to come. The food is made fairly quickly, I guess depending on what you order. They have a dog friendly outdoor area set up in the summer. I'm all about the dog-friendly places that I can take my baby! It is very hard for me to give 5 stars to any place. I am much too picky a person. I would have given Pauline's a five because that's how much I LOVE their food but....but.... it's always so crowded and there is always a wait for a table! I'm usually famished from smelling all of the delicious smells when waiting that I become very impatient. I want a table NOW!!!!! In the end...it's worth the wait. (And to be honest, the longest I have ever waited was 15 minutes...it just feels like a long 15 minutes when standing there smelling all that deliciousness!) Eat there, you'll love it!
(4)Dallas F.
Shhh, I cheated on my diet at Pauline's. Having heard such good things about this place I decided to check it out since it is pretty close to my house, and I was quite hungry. It was a Saturday so it was pretty packed to capacity and service really wasn't great, but it was not terrible either. We were seated pretty quickly. Breakfast is served all day so I went with the South American Omelette. It was so good. Salsa,jalapenos,cheddar cheese, and chorizo(I seriously cheated here considering I don't normally eat pork/beef etc) mixed in with five eggs. Five eggs! I justify the meal by knowing it had veggies in the salsa and the delicious potatoes on the side. My bf ordered the Mexican omelette and was rather pleased also.
(4)Kathy B.
Great breakfast. Pancakes are great, short stack is really large, eggs were tasty. I can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)Patrick B.
Something has changed here. I have lived conveniently around the corner from Pauline's for over 8 years. Love that it was so close, and the food was great. It was always a big favorite among visiting out-of-towners. However, the food during the last few visits has been disappointing, and I'm not planning to return unless I hear of any changes. Eggs were a little under done. Sausage...you know if you were to put a sausage link in the microwave, and the middle is barely cooked and the ends have the hell cooked out of them...all hard and overcooked? That's what my sausage was like. Not sure if they were microwaved or not. If so, I'm perfectly happy waiting a little longer to have it grilled. Toast...had a greasy/grill taste, as if it were cooked on the grill and not in a toaster. Maybe that's why the sausage was microwaved, cuz the toast was hogging up the whole grill. Their famous potatoes...potatoes were fine, but the peppers had a wicked chemical taste. So I picked those out. It's like every item in my breakfast had an issue with it. So sad because it's so close and used to be so good.
(2)Amy S.
I've been to Pauline's a couple of times, for brunch and lunch. It's a cute, homey family-feel diner with a lot of comfort food, with checkered tablecloths. The food is a little greasy and heavy for me. I'm a health-conscious vegetarian, so when food seems too greasy I'm disappointed. A huge plus: it's not at all pretentious.
(3)Yaeko M.
We recently moved in this neighborhood. I thought the ambience / decoration / theme is very cute and welcoming. We were happy with the food. We had a denver omelette $7.85 and pumpkin pancake $5.99. The food was not greasy, the price was reasonable. The coffee was good too. I read some bad reviews for this place but I think they improved their food since then? We enjoyed their food and service. we love to go back and we will.
(4)Nicole C.
A-ok breakfast grub in a cute as a button space. The omelet was a bit cold for my liking, but filled with plentiful, if haphazardly chopped , veggies. (Like some others, I'm a bit skeptical there are actually 5 eggs in the omelet.) The accompanying potato/pepper hash was tasty, and my dining companion enjoyed his pancake and coffee. (I'd like to see real maple syrup added as an option.) We went on New Year's day and there was only a 5 minute wait, during which we were given complimentary bloody mary's by the owner, a sharp old cad who wore red and green plaid pants, toted a portable minature oxygen tank, and seemed enthusiastic about serving his customers and life in general. With the sunlight streaming in the window at our front booth, I was also smiling and could see myself plopping down again.
(3)Arjun C.
A very nice place to have a relaxing brunch - very family friendly. A really well kept secret tucked away by the metra tracks in ravenswood. Service is slow, but very friendly. the food can be curious. the south american omlette is out of this world if you like chorizo. The fruit plate was large, but ended up tasting rank. The "fluffy" biscuits were flat and looks like they were made from Pillsbury instant mix. The verdict. If you want to sit quickly, relax, and have an omlette, come here. Look at what your neighbors are eating before you order.
(4)Marc W.
I went for breakfast early on a Thur morning and there was almost no one in the restaurant which is completely different from the weekend when it is packed to the gills. Eventhough two people saw me standing at the entrance, obviously waiting to be seated, I had to ask if I could just seat myself. After that the service was perfectly good. The waitress was friendly. I had the omelette special (spinach/tomato/feta) which was good and not too too dry. The potatoes that came with it were fine but I really prefer my potatoes crispy. The coffee was aweful. Truely aweful. It was only drinkable while eating for which the coffee served as a palette cleanser more than anything with a good taste unto itself. I was going to order some bacon but a side of it was $3.95. I could buy two pounds of bacon at a supermarket for that much. Ridiculous!
(2)Matthew S.
Whats up with the crap reviews of this place? If you want to eat at McDonalds, eat there! This is a Mom & Pop style place. Yes, they have gotten my order wrong before, and forgot toast once. But they kept giving me coffee while I was waiting for the fix. And they are nice to regulars - sorry to the drop in's who thought they were going to get Charlie Trotter style service for $5.50 a head. The food is big, and yummy. The serve everything on mix and match fiesta ware - which is just charming. None of the chairs, or table clothes match. They aren't supposed to. I have had to wait for breakfast on a Saturday morning and on a Sunday morning. Its odd though. I can hardly believe that other people actually thought of eating breakfast then too..... Its worth the wait. You can read the paper, or people watch. Both are fun, only one doesn't get printers ink on your hands. I like the omelette's. And toast (which is actually warm when the serve it), and potatoes. I'm sure they have other things there, but I haven't ordered them. I did see someone order oatmeal there. Why the hell would you go to a restaurant to eat oatmeal? Somethings I'll never understand. Like is Bea Arthur really a man? The staff is friendly, they do pack in a crowd. OH! And the bathroom is totally behind the counter to the left. There is only one toilet - so sometimes, you have to wait to use the bathroom. Which can be gross. A few cups of coffee can do funny things to peoples colons first thing in the morning. Check out Paulines. AND its next to the Andersonville Garden Walk, that runs several blocks up Ravenswood. Totally worth walking up if you have time to kill.
(4)Veronica M.
The food is overly greasy and messy however in an a great neighborhood location. The coffee is horrible and service is not that good to bad its so cute .
(1)Allan M.
Barely squeezes by with 3 stars, if only for the fact that I always can manage to find an interesting magazine or 2 to read out of their surprisingly decent amount of 'zines, and that the only thing that really stands out of their otherwise mediocre food is their strawberry french toast. And of course, the interior decor also aids in my reluctant 3 stars, as I'd probably give them 2.5, if only I could! Sad to say this place just makes me miss Augie's greatly. And cash only....
(3)Jen W.
This place used to rock, like 10 years ago. There used to be the same waitresses for years who served amazing food, then all of a sudden there was massive turnover and the place went downhill. We went once, had a crappy experience (assumed it was an off day) both times. While we were waiting for a table the owner/ manager was pouring oj for us and missed my glass--- fresh squeezed oj all over my shoes---- and didn't really acknowledge his mistake. We were sat at a dirty table, the waitresses were all really young and didn't seem to know their jobs, the bacon that I had requested well- done arrived barely cooked, waitress looked at me like I was crazy when I sent it back to be actually COOKED, there was an hour backup at the waffle iron. I could go on, but I won't. It's such a shame that this great little gem of a restaurant has collapsed into less than a mediocrity.
(1)janice m.
Nestled on the corner of Balmoral and Ravenswood is this little restaurant that is a serious throw back to the 60's! We brought our friend here for lunch on our way to check out Rosehill Cemetery. The service was good, the waitress got our order promptly, but the ice tea tasted like the coffee brewer had been used to brew it, and wasn't cleaned, yuck! I ordered the bacon turkey club which was huge and tasty, girlfriend ordered the rueben...tasty but really needed a little more meat. Burger hound ordered the spaghetti Bolognese and really wished he had ordered the burger. Sauce had celery in it, and not enough tomato, which is definitely not what Bolognese is supposed to have in it!...he was less than impressed. However, we loved the soups, lentil and bean with ham. I myself, have been here for breakfast on several occasions, and love their breakfasts, especially their omelettes. All things considered I will gladly give them three stars, and tell all to steer clear of the pasta.
(3)Dan B.
Pauline's is the epitome of a neighborhood spot. On an unassuming corner surrounded by houses it really is a peaceful oasis from the hustle of the rest of the city. The menu is pretty standard diner style breakfast fare with a few surprises, I had the patty melt which was delicious and served with Pauline's potatoes, which included an array of various vegetables and possibly even an apple or two. I really liked that all of the sandwiches come with a bowl of homemade soup, I had the lentil which was brimming with chunks of fresh bacon...YUM. The service was a little slow and disorderly, but friendly and since my dining mate and I were in no hurry and enjoying the sunshine on the lovely patio it didn't bother us. The one issue i did have is that they are cash only, and well that is kind of an annoyance it is not a big deal. I just wish they would have posted it on a sign, or on the menu, or somewhere so I would have been prepared. The only reason I even though to ask is because there seemed to be an exceptionally high number of diners using the atm on the side of the building. That being said I will definitely be back soon, with cash in hand. (Lunch for two with drinks was only $18, so I don't need to much of it either)
(4)Georgia T.
Egads. Why do people eat here? The service is unbelievably slow, the food is average, the wait is too long, and the guy who runs the place seems unhinged. I've seen him curse out elderly women, yell at customers in line for not visiting when he had more staff, and "clean" a table by spraying it and the customers seated at it with copious amounts of windex. Yikes.
(1)Moe f.
I've been here a dozen or so times but not in years. So we schelped up here on Sunday for brunch. Couldn't snag a table outside so we were crammed into a booth that was bolted to the wall and had to crawl into my seat. Then didn't get waited on for 15 minutes which is quite a long tine to wait with a 2yo. Finally ordered. Food was good. I had a huge veggie omelete. Potatoes were great. Pancakes were pretty good. But service just sucked. WHen I went to pay, the wife was gathering our things and they started busing our table and sent the next party over to the table. We hadn't even packed up our stuff yet. Rude. And the owner running around with the Oxy tank was kind of annoying with the way he bosses his staff around. Good food, reasonsable prices, crappy service, and oddly decorated.
(2)Michael C.
I live down the street and have gone here many times. The food is average at best and more expensive than it should be. I hate paying outrageous amounts of money for a tiny glass of orange juice. I don't really like their potatoes and over half my plate is always taken up by them no matter what I order. Forget about going there on the weekends, you will wait forever. If you can go mid-mornings during the week, the place is actually pretty nice, but there are many other breakfast places around that I would recommend over this.
(2)Cat B.
Can't believe this is my first visit to this place. I have been by here so many times and heard such great things about this place before. It is a great breakfast place with anything you can think of to eat. They have delicious omelettes with fresh veggies and other ingredients. The hotcakes were delicious as well and the regular stack is a large serving. Service was decent. The decor is great with an old diner type feel. They have outdoor seating, which on a rainy day is not important :-(. I will definitely go back to sit outside on a sunny weekend morning.
(4)Molly B.
I was handed a plate with my toast on it and told to butter it while it was still hot. WTF? Service: invisible waitress. after delivering our food, she was not to be seen again. Coffee and water refills? Nope. Change for our check? Nope. "How is everything?" Nope. Food: unremarkable, overpriced. I was so disappointed after leaving that I wished I had simply paid was I felt it was worth. Oh, and Pauline's doesn't take plastic. But they do have a cash machine right outside. Convenient.
(1)meng y.
So, I past this place every morning before heading to work in Evanston. I decided to stop in around 3:30-ish on a weekend. I missed the huge sign pointing out their open-close time(7am-3pm). I walk in clueless, every worker is enjoying a meal with the owner. The owner tells me that they're closed and asks me what'd I want from the menu. I say "All I really wanted was some ice cream". He asks "What kind?". "Chocolate". He gets a large foam cup and scoops it to the top, hands it to me and says "This one's on me, come by next time." Amazing, huh?
(5)Emily T.
Someone below said, "Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. " which is an ignorant, condescending comment. I have zero desire to go to Starbucks-like chains, especially for breakfast thank you very much. But the uniqueness of this place was one of its only redeeming qualities. That and the fresh squeezed OJ while we waited. Granted, it was father's day when I went, so I expected to wait, and having seen the decor and the crowds, was really excited about the breakfast I was about to order. But chaos reigns in this place. The owner was running around the various groups of people waiting outside like a chicken with his head cut off. Dude- don't you think a- I don't know- LIST would be helpful? We were seated outside at a table so close to other people that we were almost on top of each other. We ordered immediately and my goat cheese and sun dried tomato omlette came---RUNNY on one end. Ewwww. I almost sent it back but was so hungry at this point that I just kind of ate around it. Eggs in omelettes should never be runny, I think. There was no butter for the toast, but i didn't even bother to try and get it. Not that we would have known who our waitress was anyway. My friend waited too long for a fork (she had no silverware) and it only took me 10 minutes to get a box. To top it all off, they don't take plastic? WHAT? Crazy and annoying. Yes, it was Father's Day. Yes, it was busy. But I felt anything but relaxing. Im sorry, but they should know how to handle crowds by now. The food was ok, but not enough to merit a trip back here. Which is really too bad! It LOOKS like my kind of place.
(2)Rocky B.
Cute place, friendly staff but the food is really nothing amazing. Burgers tasted like those frozen patties that you get from Sam's Club. When I was there last I ordered a cheeseburger well my cheese was missing...mentioned that to the server and she apologizes and came back with an American cheese slice on a plate. Oh yeah like that is going to melt on my now cold burger...mmm, yeah sign me up for that tasty treat why dontcha. Sheesh. If you're in the area yeah maybe come check the place out for breakfast as I hear it's tasty but if not...it's totally not work the trek.
(2)Jen J.
people get sooo snarky sometimes, don't you think?! i laughed at some of the whiny reviews for pauline's. it's a neighborhood diner people. a diner. it's a place that makes eggs on a giant griddle by pouring them from a pitcher. yes, a pitcher of raw fresh scrambled eggs. another pitcher for pancake batter. it's ok though--'cause it's a diner! i enjoy watching the frenetic owner on a busy weekend morning because he's trying sooo hard to keep everyone happy. he's seating people, hurrying waitresses, cashing out bills and handing out orange juice in little dixie cups to waiting patrons. it's clearly a labor of love at this place with a diverse wait staff of focused, no nonsense waitresses. i'm sure you could slip a picture of yourself and your friends under the glass at one of the tables and you'd feel at home here. i always order the pancakes and eggs breakfast which is a mouthful of simple scrambled eggs and fluffy griddle flapjacks with strawberries and whipped cream. my bottomless cup of coffee is always hot and full. i scarf it all down while staring at all the old nostalgic chicago "art" and i make sure to pick up my piece of candy from the giant metal washbin of old-school candy near the register. this is a neighborhood place with charm and tasty diner food. don't expect what you shouldn't. enjoy.
(4)Vegetarian V.
The service was pretty good, or fast. not sure if good service = fast service all the time. anyways, i ordered the veggie omelette. needless to say, and i dont know why restaurants keep making this mistake, but the veggies were undercooked and still hard. the eggs were not seasoned at all. could it hurt to throw in a pinch of salt? or atleast some garlic? my boyfriend ordered some omelette with feta and spinach, and it tasted like shit. it was watery, and weird. zero taste, zero seasoning, alot of excess water.. he only took 2 bites. i asked the waiter to take it back and she looked at me like she knew exactly what i was talking about. atleast the service was ok but i shan't return there.
(2)Amber W.
I would have given this place 5 stars except for the sometimes rushed and abrasive service. Also, its street parking in a residential area and you might have to wait for a table. But give me great food and I'll forgive you all that other crap. This is the place to go in the andersonville, edgewater area if you want breakfast. The coffee is good, the omletes are tasty. The blueberry pancakes are my favorite.
(4)Erin B.
The food here is decent but after 3 visits I can safely say that the bad service we've had here is no abberation, it's the norm. The servers are slow, always seem to be in a terrible mood, and treat even the simplest requests as major inconveniences. Each time we've gone my boyfriend has requested that the toast which comes with his breakfast come on a separate plate - each time we've been told that the kitchen is "really busy" (even when the place is half empty) and they're not sure if the request can be accomodated. REALLY?!?! They can't put *toast* on a separate plate?!?! Ridiculous. And twice we've gotten their smoothies, had a fair amount left over, and requested to-go cups at the end of our meal - each time we've watied in vain for 10 minutes or more before I break down, go inside, and get my own. Sigh. The only thing that really redeems this place is their patio space, which is nice, but not worth the hassle.
(2)Cathi O.
Wow - better than I remember. We went with a group for Mother's Day brunch, and they had champagne and flowers for all the mothers. Very charming. The corned beef hash had a perfectly crispy crust all around, just like I like (but can never seem to recreate at home). And this may sound strange, but the English muffin was crispy, buttery and delicious! Not just a side, but a fantastic treat. Generous portions and attentive coffee refills. Fun neighborhood place!
(4)rachel p.
unless my memory is failing me, pauline's was a decent place to grab some breakfast at one point in time. now everytime i go here (and i do keep going because apparently i'm a glutton for punishment and omelettes the size of my head) i leave feeling i could have gone someplace better. the wait is usually pretty long... i've been asked to switch tables many times (and to transfer drinks and condiments to the new location)... the service is usually rushed and slightly brassy. the food is tasty though and the outdoor patio is nice in the summer.
(3)Samantha L.
Food - disgusting. Decor - disgusting. I live right by this place and would love nothing more than to have an awesome diner place to hop in and have breakfast on the weekend, especially if it's after a big party night or I have someone in town staying with me. Alas it cannot and will not happen at Paulines. I had an omelet when I went, I think the best way to put it is that their food is sloppy. I know it's a diner, and I know it's just breakfast, but I know the difference, this place is gross. My veggie omelet was swimming in grease (and I am not opposed to greasy food from time to time) I think there was like one piece of something that resembled a vegetable. The potatoes, not good. The super kitschy decor made me want to barf almost as much as my omelet. And just a heads up - a lot of kids there. I personally like kids, plan to have a bunch one day, but for now I am enjoying the days when I don't have any. It was like eating at a McDonald's play place. Not my idea of a good time. Hope I didn't offend any proud parents out there, I know people get all sensey when you bring up the kiddies, I'm just keepin' it real.
(1)Steve C.
Maybe some of these negative people just went in there on the wrong day at the wrong time. Which sometimes happens with small/family businesses where employees generally get a lot of leeway with regards to their performance. But we went on Sunday at around 1:30 and they couldn't have been friendlier, despite being pretty packed with a room full of people presumably nursing their hangovers. Food was pretty good, I stuck to pancakes but my friend seemed fairly excited about her Mexican omelet, and she'd been going there for years. Definitely would go back if I'm out of bed before 2 on a weekend again.
(4)Julia R.
Despite reading some of the mediocre reviews of Pauline's, I decided to go anyway since it's so damn cute from the outside (and yes, I judge books by their cover). I'm SO glad I did though. I had the most delicious breakfast! It has diner prices but with really great food. I went on a Saturday morning so there was a wait to get service but we were seated immediately so it was no big deal. It's cute, it's tasty, and it's cheap! If you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely make your way to Pauline's.
(4)D.L. P.
I really like Pauline's. The staff was super, super friendly. I was on a first name basis with a lot of them. They have some really good daily specials. I think I am probably in the minority when I say I like Pauline's lunches better then their breakfasts. It just a good, neighborhood place to get a hearty meal. For what I believe Pauline's is trying to do - create a comfortable, neighborhood diner that has good service and serves good to great food - I like it better then anyplace similar in Chicago. Print it!
(4)Elizabeth H.
used to be a decent breakfast spot... then it switched owners years ago and went to shit. This place is far from special but people line up outside on a Sunday morning like they are serving a side of caviar with their short stack. The food is OK, but no better than any dive-y diner you would stumble into. Definitely not homemade-tasting in the slightest. I think they literally just lucked out with the location, in the sense that it is the easiest place to walk to on a weekend morning for the local crowd. The wait staff is generally not polite and tends to get orders wrong quite a bit. The place is small and they try to cram tables into every nook and cranie, even outside. It's not at all a relaxing atmosphere and you will most likely feel squished and rushed on a weekend morning.
(1)Rich S.
I'm glad to see Elizabeth H. indicate that Pauline's has changed ownership. Having just moved back to Chicago after 8 years in the Bay Area, I was excited to visit Pauline's again. It was a place I had fond memories of. I was greeted with a dirty restaurant (sticky tables and chairs, dirty silverware), mediocre food, and rude service. I won't go back.
(1)M G.
I enjoyed this place for the most part. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my husband had the blueberry pancakes and potatoes (a very healthy breakfast indeed). He really enjoyed his pancakes even though they served a "mixed" maple syrup instead of a pure maple syrup. The potatoes were flavorful. I'm pretty sure the biscuits were Hungry Jack (not flakey enough) and my plastic plate came warm which made me think that it took a turn in the micowave. Still, the gravy was dressed up with Italian sausage and was pretty good. The service was reasonably good. I would go here again and my husband, who doesn't go to restaurants alone, already did go back on his own. So I'm guessing he would have given this place four stars.
(3)Ellen P.
Cute, neighborhoody place, bring cash. Portions are huge. I must agree with frustrated weekend diners -- you'll wait, and will not be allowed to linger, despite the somewhat hefty price of breakfast. They lose a star because I simply cannot abide the confrontational manner in which the "host" hurried us along after a Saturday breakfast. There are more subtle, yet effective ways to turn tables; I encourage management to use them. That said, over my Christmas vacation, had a wonderful time catching up midweek with my BFF, over yummy blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee etc. We spent well over two hours chatting about life, jobs, school, kids, etc, and were not harassed once. Summer also a good option, as outdoor seating expands the dining area. Overall a very enjoyable experience, and very full tummies. Recommended.
(4)Alison L.
Ate lunch inside, smelled like old mop water. We ordered three meals - all bad. Previously frozen burger patty, hard and greasy. Grilled cheese with so much cheese it wasn't all melted. Plate full of sloppy, flavorless spaghetti. For such a great location and cute spot it's very disappointing. Prices are reasonable, but they need to focus more on the quality of the food. Hopefully breakfast is better, but not sure I'll go back to give it a try.
(1)Megan K.
We were greeted at the front door by an older gentleman who offered us plastic shot glasses which were quickly filled with freshly squeezed orange juice and followed by the promise that the twenty minute wait would be worth it, claiming that it would take us at least another twenty minutes to find another place, and the other place would be far inferior. Thus, we waited, and in no time were able to crawl over several tables to be seated at a table on the sidewalk. The menu was overwhelming, because even though all the egg and pancake offerings were standard and straightforward, the portions appeared huge - omelets made with five extra large eggs sounds a little intense, doesn't it? Fear not, I've had three egg omelets that are bigger than these, so I'm not sure what the deal is with that. I've been ordering stuffed french toast a lot lately, and theirs looked delicious - until my plate arrived, loaded with boring battered Texas toast, whipped cream, and a sprinkling of un-ripe strawberries. The following conversation with the waitress ensued: "I ordered stuffed french toast." "No you didn't." "Yes I did." "No, you just ordered regular french toast." "No ma'am, I did not. Would it still be possible to get the stuffed." "I guess." "Would it take awhile?" "Probably." "Fine, nevermind, I'll eat this." And then I did what I could to eat something I didn't want after having a healthy dose of attitude and no apology. Everyone else was satisfied with their eggs, home fries and toast, but the most enthusiasm was saved for the fight over the blackberry jam packets. Giving this waitress the benefit of the doubt, I would come back here if I was in the area, or could walk here from my house, but I won't go out of my way to return. ps, they only take cash and personal checks.
(3)Edward L.
One star is too high of a rating for Pauline's. The service was horrible and the staff was rude. The food was not at all impressive. There are several other resturants that I would consider before this one for breakfast. If Pauline's is the only choice that I have on any given weekend, I choose to go hungry!
(1)Geoff H.
I used to love coming to this place like ten or fifteen years ago before it 'caught on'. I still ADORE their food (breakfast, anyway), their omelettes are ridiculously large, pancakes quite good, potatoes fantastic. But, still, I always leave this place in a shitty mood, and invariably about two hours later than when I arrived, which is just silly. This isn't a five-star dinner. The service is consistently awful, really. It always takes forever to get your food, and if at the first try they forget something (which is more often than not), you may or may not see your server, or the rest of your meal, for another half hour. Not sure if the problem(s) relate to incompetence, disorganization, the owner, or what, but they've been around long enough to have their shit together, they just don't. Great food, probably not worth the irritation unless you're a saint, have lots of time to waste or are not that hungry. But if you come here with a raging hangover, this may make it worse unless you sneak a bottle in, seriously. I just want breakfast, and though I like their food half as much as Pauline's, I'd rather go to Golden Nugget or Ann Sather (though their service sucks, too, usually) and not waste two hours of my day. It's just not that serious.
(3)Alison F.
Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. This is the most amazing spot for breakfast in the city. If i was writing an insiders guide, Pauline's would have top billing. Having visited this spot dozens of times, quirky is certainly the appropriate adjective but in such a good way, with a smattering of posters, photographs and, yes, sponge paint covering the walls. The owner takes amazingly good care of his guests. Food is plentiful and excellent - I highly recommend the 'everything' omelet with white asparagus and delicious pancakes. Only thing that doesn't thrill me is the poor coffee over my last few visits but don't let that keep you away. Beautiful outdoor space in the summer, and slightly off the beaten track in Ravenswood, it doesn't get more authentically Chicago than Pauline's.
(5)Chris K.
My favorite breakfast place in Chicago. The place is packed, but it's worth it. Everything's good. Go soon and often.
(5)Chad S.
homey atmosphere.. kinda cute i guess. but how is it different from denny's or Ihop? bigger portions. food is just so-so.
(2)Gil N.
Pauline's is really a one of a kind place. I don't know if the reviews can do it justice. It's not going to knock your socks off but it is going to make you feel comfortable. The food's great, the place is very laid back, and the atmosphere just takes you back. The location is nice and secluded and although it does get packed at times, it still feels like it's one of our city's little secrets.
(4)Patty V.
Comfort food at its finest! Great omelets and breakfast items. I also love the Veggie Burger with the yummy fries. Service can be a tad slow,so if you are really pressed for time, this is not a good choice.
(4)aileen b.
One of my top places to ride my bike to for brunch. It does get busy, but as other posters said the wait isn't ridiculous and they serve you fresh-squeezed OJ while you wait! I rarely order pancakes, but when I am here indulge in them, and it is oh so worth it.
(5)vitas z.
i had gone to pauline's several times over the years. i can honestly say that i wasn't a fan for a long time. it's been hit or miss from time to time. though, last time was such a hit, i have to give it 4 stars and say that i'm planning on going back soon. the service was solid, the plates of food were on the larger size, the owner was so cheerful and attentive and shared a few great stories with us. the group was made up of my wife, our 5 month old son, and a couple who is expecting. the were very attentive that we were comfortable, that my son was safe and comfortable and the expectant mother was well looked after. it was what i had heard pauline's was like from all my friends who love the place and an experience i had never had before. i hope next time i go back the trend continues, because if it does they'll have a big fan in me.
(4)Nannette P.
For what it's worth, Pauline's could be the BEST neighborhood spot for breakfast if it just tweaked a couple things. Yes, I realize it has been there forever. Yes, I realize that they capitalize on those people who, like myself, live off of Ravenswood instead of Clark or Ashland and want to avoid the craziness which is weekend brunch in Andersonville. I just simply wish that Pauline's could improve on their food quality, their service, and the general feeling of the restaurant overall. I have visited here many times and have left upon many occasions feeling, this place COULD be so great. But, I have had slow and / or non-existent service, where the 40 year old waitresses are much more interested in catching up with each other than in taking care of their guests. I have experienced full out conversations with their family members over the phone as I am patiently waiting to pay my bill up at the front. Where I have had a plate of food delivered to me ten minutes before my companions is ready. Yes, I understand this is supposed to be a "diner", but you do realize Pauline's that most people will wait out of courtesy for their dining companions' food to arrive before they eat their own plate of food? Just set mine out under a heat lamp instead of sending it out only to be freezing cold ten minutes later because I'm trying to be polite. Or, I have a genius idea. How about cook the food at the same time?! Genius!!!!! I mean, c'mon. I have been there at least three times where this sort of thing has happened to me. Not to mention, you have to flag down the gum flapping waitress in order to see IF the food is actually coming. I have sat for long extended times without coffee refills or water refilled, or silverware. Common sense, people. At least in a real diner, you feel taken care of by the staff and that they really do care about getting you in, getting you a hot cup of coffee, and getting you fed, all within a reasonable amount of time. For my money, I'll head to Golden Nugget, Tiztal Café, or M Henry.
(2)Hannah B.
Pauline's is a staple for weekend breakfast! Every time I have family or friends visiting from out of town, we must go to Pauline's for the blueberry pancakes! I don't have a big sweet tooth so I usually order the Mexican omelet which is delicious. I just tried their new special, the southwestern omelet with spicy chorizo, and I fell in love. The coffee keeps coming non-stop which is a godsend after a long Saturday night. If you get to Pauline's early enough on a Saturday or Sunday you will be seated immediately but beware of the brunch crowd and expect a long wait on holidays. Even if you have to hang around a bit before breakfast, Pauline's is definitely worth it!
(5)Darlene R.
this place is cash only! they do have an atm on the outside of the restaurant, but i wish there was a big ass sign when you entered letting you know. we went at 9am so there was no waiting. i ordered the south american omelette, chorizo, cheddar and jalepeno. it was alright. it was a little greasy and my biggest complaint is that the jalepenos were on top of the omelette and not inside. my husband got pancakes and eggs with sausage on the side. our waitress forgot the sausage, but did bring it immediately when we reminded her. his pancakes were good, not the best i had but pretty good. nothing really stands out from what we had. the best thing i ate was probably the english muffin. it was super crispy and buttery. i didn't share it with my husband; it was soo good. however, i wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)theresa w.
I just had the WORST breakfast ever. I am not sure where to even start to give an objective overview of my experience. I sit and write this and at the very same time I am waiting for the diarrhea to kick in. Things that went WELL: the OJ is great, the toast wasn't burnt Things that went BAD: we had to ask 3 times for milk and sugar substitute for our coffee which lead me to get up and search the restaurant for sugar substitute because the waitress never brought it, all of our meals where not delivered together (one person was missing their bacon, someone else was missing toast), ALL the food was cold?!?, my over easy eggs were not over easy - all three yolks were cooked solid, potatoes were cold, the bacon was NOT COOKED!, returned bacon was just put back on the grill and was returned full of grease and a pancake taste, the owner? was hanging pictures on the wall with a full restaurant, the owner refilled our much needed coffee mugs but proceeded to not only spill my coffee but BOTH of my friends coffees!!, the old man owner? made us move our table mid-meal and yes, again spill more coffee in the process, the waitress in her flight passed our table and knocked our paper and condiments off our table and on to the floor, the old man owner again made a comedic appearance by using our table as a wait station?!!? - loading up used cups from another table, filled water glasses for a new table and tossing silverware on our table. We also waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited some more for our check... after asking for it. This place is a JOKE.
(1)Alvin d.
if you want mediocre food and to be hustled out of your table, come on over to Pauline's. the bus boys were hovering over us with their dirty buckets of plates and silverware once they saw cash coming out of our wallets. I realize that they had to turn the table over, but we were not even lingering. I certainly do not intend to return, there are much better places for breakfast who would not dare hurry to get you off your table.
(2)Lynne D.
This place is great! Not only are they open every single day of the year, but they are a warm and inviting diner-like restaurant. They are known for their great breakfasts and I have to agree that their potato homefries are great! Also, I have been there for lunch as well and that was excellent too! It is an old-fashioned vibe and the waitstaff, though they seem hurried, are very friendly and sweet.
(4)K B.
I love brunch at this place, but only if you're prepared to spend the majority of your Saturday/Sunday in a food coma - their portions are huge. I mostly order their omelette, which are 5 (!!) eggs (the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato one is my fav) and the potatoes they come with are awesome, crispy and not soaked in oil like some places. The service here has always been very courteous, even if you do have to wait a while on weekends, but what do you expect. In the summer they have seating outside, which is great if it's nice out.
(4)iddells E.
I went here a few times...the last time I went here was on a Wednesday morning. Only two other tables were occupied so service was quick! Right before we knew it, our items were being set down on our table. Their potatoes are a must...they're delicious and very tasty! I like going to Pauline's since the food's always good and the service is quick and friendly.
(4)Rico T.
The place definitely has the neighborhood charm thing going for it. It's been around for a really long time & has fed this belly more than enough times. The food is very, very tasty....just nothing spectacular. Really safe menu items, but that's okay. I really don't think this restaurant is looking to win any Iron Chef awards. The coffee & the awesome waitstaff make your stay enjoyable.
(4)Joe F.
After driving by about two hundred times, we finally made a stop and went in. There was no line and we got right in. My first impression was one of concern. We got there a little after noon and the place looked like a train had literally ran through the restaurant (as opposed to the tracks directly to the west). I didn't want to tempt fate and check out the restrooms. Regardless of the apparent lack of concern for presentation, we sat down and opened the menu. What a great surprise! My menu had been soaking in oil and was completely disgusting! Side note: Dear restaurant owners: If you present your patrons with filthy menus, what message do you think you are sending? It really doesn't take much time to check the menu daily, replacing what gets soiled/dirty and wiping away food/grease stains. Anyway, after waiting about 20 minutes for service we ordered. I ordered the biscuits and gravy; in my opinion there is no greater measure of an establishments ability to serve breakfast than the biscuits and gravy. It forces the place to demonstrate that they can a) create a delicious gravy b) bake a delicious biscuit. Fail on both account. Personally, if I go out to eat the last thing you better serve me is a biscuit that is out of a CAN!!! They served the kind that are flaky and are really just thin slices of biscuit on top of one another so they come off layer by layer. As for the gravy, I don't like thin runny gravy. My fork should be able to stand up in the gravy, not fall in and get lost. It wasn't seasoned very well - it could have used a lot more pepper and salt. The sausage was OK, but nothing amazing. Making matters worse, the eggs that I ordered as a side were slapped right smack dab in the middle of the BNG. Uhm, would have preferred to have those on the side, but whatever. The omelette was OK.. It was obviously thrown together very, very fast, and you could tell by the haphazard way it was thrown on the platter. I love fast service but I'd gladly wait another minute or two so you could not make a sloppy mess out of things. The omelette had decent flavor but the mushrooms were thick cut and not cooked. The spinach was still raw and made things a little runny in the middle. The cheese was used very sparingly. The potato side that was served was overcooked, far too browned (it was just shy of burnt) and had a bit too much green and red pepper. The fresh squeezed orange juice was as good as fresh squeezed can get - obviously they grind the orange rind down as far as possible because there was a pronounced rind flavor. Thick, pulpy OJ, but let's be honest, it doesn't take much to get OJ right. In the end we left full but unsatisfied. To say the service was rough around the edges would be an understatement. The cashier barely looked up while taking the money and checking out. We will probably not go back. There are a lot of much better breakfast places that serve better food with service that outshines that which is at Pauline's.
(2)Lindsey B.
I wanted to give Pauline's another chance before I made a quick decision so I tried it again for breakfast yesterday. I really like the place, when you walk in it looks like you're going on a picnic. The tables have plastic table cloths covered with glass for cleanliness and brightly painted walls with lots of vintage art and pictures. I really like the feel inside when you first walk in. But then you sit down. We got to our table, the waitress (an older woman) came over before we were even sitting down. I was struggling with my coat and couldn't even move my chair back to sit down cuz it's jammed in between the table and the wooden post behind it. So I tried to squeeze in as she's asking me about coffee. I don't drink coffee so she offered fresh-squeezed orange juice. So I ordered a glass. Just after I ordered it I remembered they had fresh papaya juice. She was already on her way back with the pulpy mess so I didn't order it. But I wondered why she wouldn't offer the Papaya juice to me too since that's a little more rare? EVERY breakfast place has orange juice. Come on. Anyhow, she impatiently asks if we're ready to order. We JUST sat down so we said no. She came back about 1 minute later and said, "Ok what do you want to eat?" So we both order quickly as she grabs the menus and walks off without even really acknowledging that we ordered anything. She came back with the food, slammed it down in front of us, and threw napkins on the table half on top of our plates of food. Then we had to switch cuz she put the wrong food in front of the wrong person. No sooner do we take our first bite but she's back with the check. GEEZ! In a hurry to get rid of us or what?! Rude. Rude. Rude. As we're eating and almost ready to get the hell out of there, the owner comes walking down yelling at the bus boy to clean a table. I would've quit right there if I were him. My dad has never even yelled at me that way. Ick.
(2)Dilip J.
The food is good, and the price isn't bad. But, the service is ok. I think the menu is pretty good, and there are a good variety of choices. They have some unusual items that I think most people should be pleasantly surprised by, But, I would never go here during brunch. The lines are just too long, and the place isn't exactly large. Go there and treat yourself to a really good meal, but not if you see lines during the wknd brunch.
(4)Derek M.
I've only dined at Pauline's one time. A beautiful, spring Saturday morning when I would have expected the wait to be nearly unbearable, but it wasn't. The booths look cozy inside for a winter's brunch, but the sun was out as were the tables so we chose to eat outside. On our visit there was scaffolding out and it was decorated with vines and ornaments to make it much more attractive for a dining setting. We waited a bit for our service but the food was great. Eggs and potatoes were good and I had the eggs benedict with crab meat, which was absolutely delicious! It was a quiet, peaceful outdoor seating area despite being near the road. I've been to other outdoor-eating areas where the road rage runs off the street right into the enjoyment of your meal, but thankfully that is not the case here. Luckily I had cash; I didn't realize its cash only. They do have an ATM that is conveniently located on the side of the restaurant. Overall it's a cozy place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. And I would recommend it over a lot of other places in the hood. There's even a cool little park near the Metra line on Ravenswood right out the front door where you can walk off your breakfast in the warmer months. Enjoy~
(3)Matthew G.
"THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL WITH A GOLDEN CURL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD. AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD, SHE WAS VERY, VERY GOOD, BUT WHEN SHE WAS BAD, SHE WAS HORRID" Pauline's suffers from severe bi-polar disorder. One moment, she pets you and calls you pretty while the next moment, she whips the hat pin out of her hair and pokes you in the eye. Pauline's also suffers from a severe lack of systematic order. The stationless servers sprint about like harried, headless chickens. The food is ready in baffling order -- here come the eggs and later comes the soggy, microwaved bacon and cold toast. Pushy bus boys snatch at your plate as you lift the last bite of food to your lips. The crazy owner coos at a cute baby only to turn around and scream "get the f*ck out" to a patient customer with a legitmate complaint (I actually witnessed this). Are the poor servers often rather surly? Yes, but I'm sure you'd be too if you're being screamed at by your boss as your customers fidget hungrily as you sprint across the restaurant to to freshen the coffee of one of your ramdonly assigned tables. It seems like a handbasket on a roller coaster ride to hell. The place itself has charming potential. It's old and eclectic, kooky and kitschy albeit dulled by a patina of grease. The food? It's ok. Sometimes it's pretty great, other times it's pretty rotten. Pricey for what is it? Definitely! I must say that they always have really awesome soup -- hot, hearty and fililng. Other menu items are hit or miss. I think Pauline's is in need of a long "time out". Some time to reflect, re-organize and prioritize would do the old girl a world of good. Let's hope she considers this. In the meantime, Pauline's remains packed on the weekends despite her "Mommie Dearest"-esque demeanor. During the week she practices better behavior, but the good does not cancel out the evil. The joint must be the number one stop in the Weekend Brunch Masochists' Guide. Pauline's really must consider her potential. Otherwise, perhaps grand-ma-ma should reach into the family savings and pack her off to boarding school. As there is high probabilty that you will have a (far) less than stellar experience, I suggest you skip Pauline's until she manages to behave herself properly.
(1)Susan L.
Supremely average, you'd be more satisfied a bowl of cereal at your kitchen table.
(2)Gayle G.
Wow, the hash was tas-tee! Me like-ee! We walked right in on a Sunday at 11:30 with no wait for a table for two. When we left an hour later, there were 3-4 parties waiting. This is an old school, no frills kinda breakfast place. The has was good and so were the plate sized pancakes. Not too sweet, crispy around the edges and not soggy in the middle. Three HUGE pancakes for $6.75 with a generous amount of whipped cream and fruit. Pitchers of syrup are on the table, so you won't look like a piggy if you need more than just the little pitcher that so many places give you. A great little neighborhood breakfast joint. I can see many a hangover being relieved here.
(4)Dave S.
The only bad thing about Pauline's is that it's not closer to my house!! Ok, sure, it's still within walking distance but who can possibly walk home after eating the generous portions served up in this neighborhood diner? Not me; that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Much like the omelettes stick to my ribs. Huge and fluffy and delicious! Corned beef in an omelette is the best thing since corned beef plain! French toast is AWESOME! I'm not usually a sweets person at breakfast but I had a hankering for French toast while there and ordered it as a side (yes, I said a side) to my omelette (can't pass'em up!) and I was in heaven! The servers are good enough but nothing special. They get the job done and sometimes with a smile. You can definitely tell who are the regulars and who are the not-so-regulars (yeah, I'm the latter) by the interaction with the wait staff. Although they aren't rude or off putting, they definitely know where their bread and butter is and cater to them; as they should! They do work for tips after all. There's outdoor seating in partial shade on those lovely Chicago Summer mornings when being inside is the last place you want to be. I have seen dogs tied up near outside tables occupied by their caretakers, so if that's your thing you might like to know. I personally don't think dogs (or any animal) should be allowed anywhere near food or beverage service areas. Restaurants or bars. They're dogs!! I haven't had to wait more than about 15 minutes to eat here which is a definite plus to other places in the neighborhood that experience long wait times. This is probably because this is a diner that knows how to short order cook breakfast and get people moving. Don't lollygag or you might find some growling bellies scowling at you! Pauline's is THE place for breakfast!
(4)Mike F.
I had a chance to visit Pauline's over the weekend. I am sorry I did. I have been hearing about it from a lot of people I have met in the neighborhood. And I think that is the draw. It is super-kitschy and not much else. It has that retro, old-timey diner thing going for it. And I will admit, it does indeed do that well. But the food and service left so much more to be desired. The menu consisted of your basic breakfast items and that is fine, if you are going to do them right. The whole meal was sub-par. I am not going to blame the food exactly, but I wasn't feeling too good stomach wise a couple of hours later either. I probably won't be going again. I couldn't resist its charming look and good reviews from friends, but it looks like I should have checked Yelp first.
(2)Sydney V.
We stopped in around 2:30 on a Sunday when there were many open tables. We were with our toddler and looking for a quick snack before he got too cranky. After sitting there 10 minutes and unable to get anyone's attention, we got up and left. None of the FOUR waitresses gathered around in a corner (so that's where they were!) bothered to run over to stop us. They just watched us walk away. So don't be fooled into thinking that the service is slow because they're busy. The service is simply bad. We won't be back.
(2)Unity O.
Been to this establishment many times over the years & I have to say it is a wonderful place to go for Sunday brunch. Now, if you do go on a Sunday you SHOULD expect to wait to be seated as it is a VERY popular place to eat in the neighborhood (also try & get there before the church crowd--they tend to move in massive herds :-) If you do get stuck waiting the staff are super & give you free fresh squeezed orange juice (YUM!) and really you never wait more then 15 mins. The food is just what you would expect from a diner like place--although more tasty & the atmosphere is warm & inviting. A little on the quirky side with the decor--but that makes it fun. Parking can definitely be a pain & sometimes the servers can be testy. Overall though the portions are very generous & the food is good!
(4)Brett M.
It's hard to give Pauline's three stars, because the servers are friendly and it used to be a favorite for us, but the quality of the food on days when the place is packed (Saturdays and Sundays) suffers. Also, when it's packed, expect to be jostled by other guests, servers, and bussers for the duration of your meal. And the bathroom is in the back of the kitchen, which means you go through the kitchen to get there... and it's not very clean. The whole place could use a major facelift, but I know they like to keep it "diner-kitsch", so I doubt that'll happen. Here's my best and worst experiences; you decide. Best experience: On Christmas Day last year, my dad took my brother, my fiance and I to breakfast at Pauline's because they were one of the only neighborhood places open on Christmas. It was great! We were one of the only tables, everyone loved our meal, our server was really sweet. I have fond memories of that meal. Worst experience: At like 2:45 on a Saturday, we took some friends to Pauline's for a late afternoon snack. The staff did not want us there. They were closing at 3:00, they were cleaning up, they weren't paying attention to us. We all wanted chocolate milkshakes, which are on the menu. They said they couldn't do it, because they were "out of chocolate." Now really. Any place that "runs out of chocolate" (I personally think they just didn't want to make them) on a Saturday when people will be in for belgian waffles on Sunday morning can't call itself a diner. I'm from New Jersey, so I am picky about diners, but I think running out of chocolate sauce or ice cream or whatever on a weekend is on par with running out of eggs or french fries.
(3)Dan M.
Went for breakfast on 08/15/2011. Our waitress took our order and read it back to be sure it was correct but the cooks got got 2 out of 3 orders wrong. We didn't bother to complain as we were in a hurry.
(2)Erin '.
I've posted reviews about Pauline's on other sites too because I love it THAT much. Everything is fantastic and fresh. The waitstaff is perfect. It feels like having breakfast at grandma's house. Super cozy place, delicious food and great prices.
(5)Becky S.
I agree with other reviewers that the service was less than satisfactory. However, the food was quite delicious. It made up for the poor service. My main complaint was the that "5 egg omelet" was definitely made of 3 eggs or less. I ordered the spinach, feta, and tomato omelet with a side of potatoes and wheat toast. I enjoyed all of it, including the free coffee refills! I plan on returning soon, maybe for a good hangover meal
(3)Jillian D.
You know that children's song with the lyrics: "over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go"? well, traveling to pauline's is a bit like heading to grandmother's house...if your grandmother owned a cute neighborhood diner :) this restaurant is along one of my running routes. with it's vivid red outside walls, picket fence and flowers, you can't miss it. and the adorable signs along ravenswood that let you know you're getting close are a nice touch too. i used to run past the diner and fantasize about their "famous apple and blueberry pancakes" promoted on one wall. (running always makes me hungry for pancakes!) so, one day, my best friend and i agreed to check it out. the owner is the sweetest man. he greets you with a big smile on his face, so you don't mind learning there's a bit of a wait. and then he offers you complimentary fresh squeezed orange juice to boot. yum yum! the walls are painted in reds, yellows and greens, a nice complement to the red vinyl booths. the menu aims to please with a plethora of tantalizing breakfast and lunch options. my friend and i were seated, ordered coffee (fresh and hot), then perused the menu carefully. so many options! and specials too! we both ordered omelets (you can't plan for pancakes. pancakes tell you when to eat them.). they were HUGE!! we couldn't finish them. not even close. plus, they came with toast on the side. our server kept the coffee coming. and though there were people waiting, there was never any pressure to turn the table over. nice. i've been back more than once, and the restaurant never disappoints. oh, and i've finally tried those famous pancakes - delicious! if you're ever in the neighborhood, head for the red cottage on the corner of balmoral and ravenswood. you won't be sorry.
(4)Adam L.
I think the more often you come here, the more you tend to appreciate the quirkiness that many off the bat would find offensive. The owner's more than a bit eccentric - I almost get the soup nazi vibe from him a little, although he does quite kindly go around (with his backpack oxygen tank) pouring orange juice in the morning (often ending up in the glass you're holding). He's an animated fellow who obviously loves what he's doing. About the food, I've always enjoyed it - their specials I've also always liked, although I most recently had to ask them to hold the bacon for their "Vegan" special I had ordered - the waitress didn't seem to get it - I can only assume it was some kind of joke. In all, it's a cute neighborhood breakfast place that ends up being a wonderful start to any hungover or not saturday or sunday, especially outside on a beautiful summer morning.
(4)Kathleen C.
I have heard tons of good reviews about this place but just didn't think it was special. In fact, I didn't even think it was average. Went there early on a Sunday morning. About half of the tables were full and we were seated immediately. Although none of the other 2 person tables were used, we were placed near the entrance to the back room and it was annoying. The menu was large but I figured that I would go with a breakfast staple: an omelette. I actually felt jipped that the eggs were totally unfluffy and seemed to be an egg burrito instead of a mixture of egg and veggies. The menu said they used a bunch of eggs but it seemed like 1 or 2. Maybe I had a rookie chef! I did like the potatoes though! Maybe I will give it another try cause everyone keeps saying it is so good.
(2)Heather F.
Hello Pauline? It's me Heather. Weight Watchers or no Weight Watchers, I CANNOT depreive myself of Sunday Morning Breakfast. It's like a weekly holiday. I would walk across Hell's half acre for biscuits and gravy. Split wine, walk on water.... you name it, I'd do it. Gimme the fluffy biscuits and savory gravy. Pauline's is the cutest little neighborhood diner, providing some of the most stellar breakfast I've had in this city to date.... and I've been here for a solid 400 Sunday's, so, that's a LOT of desayuno. The portions are borderline offensive, and I mean that in a good way. You could EASILY feed 2 people with 1 breakfast entree. The menu will tell you they make "5 egg omlettes". This is a lie. It's like a dozen, and STUFFED with veggies and meats and cheeses galore. All breakfast's come with "Pauline's famous potatoes" and a side of toast. Pauline's potatoes are not that famous in my book. Standard red skins cut into chunks, and put on a griddle with peppers and onions. I prefer my hashies to be of the frozen, more glutenous variety, i.e. cooked in a vat of grease and salt, and served to me piping hot and crispy. These just don't make the cut, but the other food is totally worth accepting her sub par potatoes. I've only seen their lunch entrees, but never sampled. I can't NOT get the biscuits n' gravy when I'm there. The lunch stuff looks equally appealing. Pretty sure I threatened a waitress's life for the Patty Melt she had on her tray, but don't worry, I haven't been black listed. Pauline's is worth the drive if you don't live near Andersonville. There is plenty of easy street parking, service is always outstanding and FAST, food is ALWAYS delicious, and I always roll out smiling. I mean roll is its most literal sense. Please do not count on your pants fitting you after a visit to Pauline's.
(4)Bob S.
Been there 3 times and the first was the only good time. Second time there was in April 2010 when it was cold out and after a 15 minute wait we were seated by the door, and it was freezing. The wait was miserable as the woman "managing" the area doesn't take names but simply yells to the crowd "who's next?" so it's utter confusion. Once seated I ordered and omelet and the simpleminded waitress asked "how would you like your eggs". Um, duh - it's an omelet. And her reply was "Oh, I'm new here" as if that answered it. Today, the third trip, was unacceptable. Empty tables all around and the woman up front said we'd have to wait because evidently the booths are reserved for 3 or more. We're 2, no one else waiting, empty tables, and she makes us wait!? NFW! See ya!
(1)Veronicka L.
Pros: The food is great. The service is friendly and quick. They have a yummy candy bowl by the entrance (that includes Mary Janes). Cons: It can be very noisy. There is little room betwen tables and the booths are uncomfortable. In the summer, the air conditioning is not powerful enough.
(4)Carol H.
I've eaten at Pauline's twice. Both times I felt like I was being hurried up and pushed out. The staff kept running up and down the aisle next to me, brushing past and bumping me. Then they started furiously sweeping up the floor and piling the chairs on the tables even before I got my food. I timed my visit so that I could eat from 2 to 3 p.m., as it closed at 3 p.m. The decor is an absolutely hideous red and green, and the oil table cloths are equally as ugly. The food was very average, calorie-laden fare and over-priced for the neighborhood and quality of food. Nothing on the menu was for a person interested in healthy eating. I agree with the other interviewer on Yelp who doesn't understand how this place stays in business. On the plus side, Pauline's is located on a very nostalgic corner on Ravenswood Street across from the Metra train line. Plenty of trees abound forming a very pleasant outdoor seating area. The outdoor tables have umbrellas for shade. However, I can find a lot better places (with much better food) to eat in Anderson for the same prices that this place charges! P.S. They don't take credit cards, but they have an ATM on the outside of the building.
(1)Pete D.
This should be 4 and a half. Paulines is awesome, it can get busy and then service occasionally is less than stellar, but hey when a restaurant is slammed (which it often is on the weekends) you cannot expect miracles. Any one who doesn't like this place should go eat at some fast food hell hole, and keep out of our beloved Pauline's.
(4)Emily K.
Pretty good omelette- nothing to rave about, but was satisfying. Asked if I could get chorizo in my Mexican omelette (it was right below the South American omelette on the menu which had chorizo, but the Mexican had more things I liked in it). Said yes, was good, etc. Bill came- I was charged for 2 juices (only had 1) and $4.35 for corned beef hash (didn't order). When I told the waitress, politely, of the error she got super defensive and said "yeah, WELL, that's the only way I could ring up the chorizo for your omelette." and grabbed the reciept and returned with only the extra juice taken off. So apparently I was charged $4.35 for chorizo added to an omelette. Seriously dude? Seriously? I assumed extra meat added would be maybe in the $1.75-$2.00 range, like ordering a side of bacon or sausage. SERIOUSLY? $4.35? B.S. If an additional item really costs $4.35 extra I'd expect to be notified about it when I order. Or it better be wearing gold plated diapers. I won't be back.
(2)Alice S.
Still wonderful. How did I not mention before how good the coffee is at Pauline's? Love it!
(5)Phil S.
Gave this place 2 tries to impress me and they failed the second time. Food is ok (nothing amazing) and our server messed up 2 of 3 items in our order. Even if she was new they were blatant mistakes. We won't be back.
(2)John B.
Pauline is a Jekyll and Hyde kinda girl. During the week, this is a nice neighborhood joint, all candy colored and checkered curtains. The walls are covered with old-time adverts, the tables are covered with photos of regulars. The food is good and the service is friendly. Locals relax with their morning papers, old friends catch up, moms bring their kids. You wouldn't be surprised to see Floyd and Goober at the next table. On the weekends, though, Pauline turns into one mean bitch. The sweet ethnic servers are gone, replaced by the pros who are there for their tips. Customers are jammed in like commuters on the train to Bergen-Belsen. And treated just as well. You eat what you get, and you will like it! It's all about long lines and table turns. The kitchen churns out orders, and who cares if it's ready? If you have a chance to visit Pauline's during the week, do so. On the weekend, unless you are more patient than I am and willing to put up with some bullshit, skip it. Go to Svea -- it's a smaller menu, but the people are nicer. 4 stars for weekdays, 1 star for weekends.
(3)Laura K.
First off, I like the fact that it's just down the street from my apartment and that we can walk to it no matter what the weather (although we were slipping and sliding on the ice the whole walk over). It's your typical breakfast type place with generous portions and AMAZING orange/papaya juice. If you go, and especially if you have a hangover, order this juice. It's fresh squeezed (although i have no idea how you squeeze a papaya) and yummy. Your body will thank you. This place is usually jammed on the weekends however peacefully quiet during the week. The owner (or who I'm assuming is the owner) has always been friendly and accommodating but I agree that the wait staff is more interested in getting the job done than being super friendly. The food is good. I've only had breakfast here. Nothing remarkable. All in all, it's a cute little local place I like to take our out-of-town guests for a little local flavor.
(3)Dave Z.
What I like about Pauline's is that they know exactly who they are and attempt to execute fast, pretty friendly service with really good consistent food. I have had great experiences at Pauline's both on weekdays and weekends. They do not attempt to be upscale or corporate or scalable. They are a mom and pop breakfast diner. On the weekend expect to wait because they will be packed from 8:00am to 12 noon (based on my experiences). The serving staff is friendly but they are busting it, to get your your food in a timely manner in a space that is designed for a healthy bottom line and not extra wiggle room. Go to Pauline's for the food, the fun old posters on the walls and if you have to wait their are plenty of newspapers to read.
(4)Chris J.
I've been coming to Pauline's for years with my family and would have easily given it 4 or 5 stars. However, on a recent visit, I was quite disappointed. The service was very rushed and the waitresses were not friendly. The food also wasn't up to the usual par I expect from Pauline's. The potatoes weren't what they normally were and the bacon wasn't well cooked. My friend got an omelet that was alright but nothing special. I hope next time I can update with a better review because I've been coming here forever and it's usually quite good.
(3)Jeremy S.
Better service, food, and environment for less money than my regular diner. I'm a new fan!
(4)Tracey C.
The only reason I'm giving this two stars is the food. (I would give it more because, frankly, the food is really good, however, I can't in good conscience, give more than that given the service.) I'm used to waiting for tables for breakfast/brunch on weeeknds... not a big deal. What I can't let slide is being seated and then waiting for a good 20 minutes before anyone actually comes to your table simply to ask if you want something to drink. (And I'm assuming the only reason the server finally came when she did is because the oddly indifferent, and overly abrasive manager seemed to have noticed the look on my face...later she would yell at her staff for everyone within earshot to hear... ahhh nice calm brunch) After ordering orange juice, we waited another 15 minutes (no joke) before that was brought out . (while I realize it's fresh-squeezed OJ, it's not as if they're flying to FL to handpick the oranges with each glass ordered... 15 minutes is ridiculous) The server (who was also acting as hostess at some point) was, to put it as fairly as possible, socially awkward. While taking our order she started shaking her hands and sighing, motioning us to "hurry up" (just a reminder, we had a good 20 minutes to review the menu so it's not like we didn't know what we wanted, we just weren't speaking fast enough for her) and, only, again, after seeing the look on my face did she say, "Sorry to rush you." When my friend asked her for some OJ a little bit later, she looked at him as if he had just asked her to kick a dog. While sitting there, we witnessed a customer having to get up and get his OWN refill on coffee because they had been waiting so long. His server ended up snapping at him. Bottom line, brunch and breakfast are my favorite meals to go out and enjoy in Chicago. Pauline's has excellent food but it's not worth the time or the aggravation when surrounded by so many other places in the Edgewater/Andersonville area that will provide MUCH better, much less aggravating (and, dare I say, MUCH less shocking lack of) service. You can have the best food in the world but if your service sucks, you're tanked. Pauline's, get with it... hire more people... ones who know how to deal with customers.
(2)Amy J.
I did not like this place. Michelle O is dead on...it's dirty and cramped. The food was really blah, service was pushy. The biscuits and gravy was gross...dry biscuits and tasteless, gloppy gravy. Runny scrambled eggs. The water even tasted bad! No, no, no. Bad restaurant! Oh, I just read Andrea's review and yes, that guy was there and was super pushy with us. I think he's the owner.
(1)Nastassia J.
Very good indeed. Fresh and delish. Its your standard breakfast joint but it has that homey feel which I adore. The last time I was there, the owner was running around asking people if they liked it. Clearly trying to please the public which is nice to see. I would definitely go back.
(4)Carla F.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pauline's before. I've been there quite a few times since I work right down the street. I work with adults that have developmental disabilities and mental illness. Unfortunately, the clients we serve do not get the opportunity to go out to eat very often and when they do, most likely the staff will take them to a fast food joint. In my classroom we had been working on learning and practicing table manners. My clients were doing so well that I decided they should be treated to a tasty meal, in a relaxed setting where they could sit down and enjoy themselves. Today was the birthday of one of the clients in my classroom, so we thought today was the perfect day to walk down to Pauline's for lunch. It was pretty busy and we were told that they were short on servers, but they service was still great. I can tell you from experience that the individuals I work with are not always treated as they should be. This was definitely not the case at Pauline's. Our waiter was very patient with them as they ordered (as it took more time than most parties of 5). He did a great job explaining that they only had lentil soup today when one of my clients said they wanted tomato, and again when that same client said they wanted cream of mushroom. When the waiter found out that we were also celebrating a bday, he brought a bowl of ice cream out to the bday girl with enough for everyone at the table to have some. He started singing "Happy Birthday" and the entire section of the restaurant sang along. I cannot say enough about the great service and kindness that we all received. Just like every time I've been there, the food was great. I think it was a great experience for the individuals I went with and I would recommend this place for anyone that is in the area that wants a tasty, filling meal.
(5)Lyndsay G.
I've lived down the street from this place for a while, but never got a chance to actually go. Sunday morning, I figured, would be terribly crowded, and we only waited 3 minutes for a seat outside. As soon as we are in the waiting area, we are offered Dixie cups of fresh OJ. LOVE it. I turn and look out the front door as see my favorite red sticker of all "Find Us on Yelp" and I was sold. We sat down, and enjoyed lovely omelette's and hash browns quickly without any interruptions. The tables outside are a bit tight, but they move quick and makes for an imtimate dining experience. My ONLY complaint is that there were tons of dogs around the food, where people were sitting. Fine, call me rude, but I just don't want dogs sniffing at my food. Cute, nice staff, and great fresh OJ. Can't beat it.
(5)Julie G.
Pauline's is definitely a good bet for breakfast. The atmosphere is a little kitschy but very cozy, and their broccoli and cheese omelet is one of my faves. Also good are the banana pancakes and I don't usually even like pancakes. I suggest skipping the breakfast potatoes and getting the fresh fruit instead, but their coffee is actually pretty decent. It's a little out of the way but very affordable and an enjoyable diner experience overall.
(4)A Q.
Great. Great service, great atmosphere, good food.
(4)Barbie S.
My friend recommended this place and we walked there - but I can imagine that parking in the immediate area would be a potential problem.The decorating is so quirky & fun! :)) It definitely looks like a diner though - almost looks to the point of maybe it is not clean or just maybe it is old??? But quaint & cute. But the service was fantastic -they were friendly & we were not rushed at all. They were pouring coffee in our cups as we were sitting down. (b/4 we asked for it even!) My friend is a regular and has mentioned that the service is really hit or miss. The coffee was great, and the food was very yummy, and the omelets were gigantic!!! OMG enough for 2 people for sure. Decent menu too if you are not into eggs & omelets. It was awesome! I LOVED IT!!!!
(4)Nicole V.
Wake up, roll out of bed, chug water, take aspirin, walk around the corner to Pauline's for brunch. This is the way I like to start my Sunday. If you are looking for some hearty and delicious down home breakfast, then you must try Pauline's. It is hard to put your finger on what exactly sets Pauline's apart from other brunch spots...but that's part of her charm. Every time you go it feels a little more like mom's kitchen. Everyone there is very friendly, and there is always an upbeat feeling to the place. Most importantly, the food is good. When you need a big breakfast like mom used to make...Pauline is right there. From your standard selection of egg dishes, to the fresh and hearty omelets, to the fantastic pancakes...Pauline knows how to give you that home cooked breakfast feelin'. Go ahead and give her a try, it will make your Sunday.
(5)Sonia R.
I LOVE Pauline's! I was first brought here when I moved to Chicago back in 1999 and I have been a regular ever since. I don't order much more than the Old Favorite and breakfast so I don't know how their lunches are, but overall it's a great place! I also have my meetings there with my staff sometimes and they all love it too! I am sure every business has it's bad days, but I would check it out again if you didn't like it before. :)))))) XOX
(5)Kristen P.
Went to Pauline's after a trek to find my man some "snus". Figured we'd find a place in or near Andersonville to accommodate us. since that was a bust, we went onto Yelp to find ourselves some breakfast. This place sounded like it was perfect for us. Yay! It was. I don't remember what SO got, but I got some kind of Salmon egg spinach thing. Delicious sounding, we settled down with coffee, admired the cute little Boston Terrier eating outside, and waited for food. Our Waitress informed us that she'd have to move us, since we were the only ones left in the dining room without the juice bar thing in it. So we moved and got free papaya orange juce for our "inconvenience" it was so freakin good. Weird other diners, lots of staring, but the food was good. Anyways I'd probably go back on the off chance I'm in the area during breakfast hours ever again.
(3)Sarah L.
I have been here many times so I wanted to give this a review. I have only eaten breakfast here. Every time I went it was outstanding! It's a hidden gem on Ravenswood Ave. Parking can be tough but circle the block for Pauline's! Their eggs and pancakes are delicious. The decor of the restaurant is quirky and fun. The staff here is very sweet. I haven't been here in a while but I'm craving me some Pauline's :)
(4)Tristin M.
This place was PACKED. When I walked in to put in for a table for 5, I got a glimpse and a whiff of the blueberry and strawberry pancakes that were cooking on the stove and man did it smell and look so good... but I was starving cause it was my first meal of the day at 12:30pm so I could've just been hungry. Our server was really cool though and checked up on us often. Sincce they were crazy busy our server warn us with a, "just so you know it's goningto take a long time because--" something about being backed up or busy in the kitchen as she was on her way to put the order through. It did take a while though cause we finished our cup of coffee and my husband and friend took a long smoke break and came back joking about how there was still no food... Oh! Their coffee is good! I did end up pouring coffee for for the 3 of us who ordered a cup at the table since our server was running around the place BUT it was cool... Hey they were busy... And once our food came, she did keep checking back and I was happy with my country breakfast! man my son even picked at it even though he was done with his pancake stating, "Mmm this gravy is good!!" as he spooned bites into his mouth! So hey... I'd definitely go back (maybe on a weekday to avoid the chaos though) but if future visits happen to be on a weekend morning or afternoon, I'll just expect a long wait and busy server
(4)Go B.
if you are hung over or have some loud ass kids that you have to feed, this is the perfect spot
(3)Jerry M.
Very down home place in Chicago - I don't think they've updated the decor in at least 30 years if not more, but somehow it adds to it's cheesy charm. It gets VERY busy on the weekends, so expect a wait out the door and when you finally do get seated, it will be crowded. They don't seem to rush you once you are seated though. The food is typical brunch food - eggs, pancakes, etc. The orange juice is freshly squeezed and out of this world! I do have to complain about the tea - they just give you a random assortment in one of those old strawberry containers that are usually hit or miss. I know, tea isn't the reason why people go here, but if you're going to charge me $2 a cup, please make it worth my while (and I don't like coffee).
(3)Jeff R.
The food's okay. It's a decent place for an average, affordable diner meal. The servers are odd and the overall service needs improvement.
(3)Allen B.
I've always thought of Pauline's as a fun place to go with pretty good food. The slanted tables and kitchy atmosphere is rather pleasant in a quirky kind of way. (One table is so slanted, my plate was sliding off the table, but I just put a sugar packet under it and it was fine.) The waitstaff is generally efficient and down to earth. One time some years ago I saw Rod Blagojevich eating there shortly after he was elected governor. Last time I was there, it seemed kinda empty, no one to seat me, and no one to take payment so I just left it on the table, no one to say goodbye. The food is above average, but not particularly spectacular.....I do question the need to have FIVE-egg omelets, but I like that you can get a nice selection of ingredients in them, including asparagus. I like Pauline's because it is unique without being pretentious ....it's not "packaged" - it's just being itself....it's a combination of ups and downs, and worth going to at least once.
(3)John L.
The good: The waitress was friendly. The bad: Cash only with no warning about this until the check comes. Seriously, the fact that there's an atm on the site doesn't make it ok. That means that the customer pays the fees instead of the restaurant. The decor is strange. Although some people find this to be cute and cozy, I didn't care for it. Everything looked old and I got the feeling that it maybe hasn't been deep cleaned in a while. My girlfriend ordered a hot chocolate and it came piled with such a huge mountain of whipped cream on top that she had to get a spoon and a bowl just to remove it to get to the drink. Maybe that's fine for some people but she was never asked if she wanted whipped cream or not. She doesn't like whipped cream so that's not ok. My coffee was extremely weak and it still had a hint of some kind of tea flavor in it making me wonder if I had been given a mug that contained tea from a previous customer and not washed before being used for my coffee. Yuck. The biscuits and gravy were very average. The biscuits were from a can. Yes, from a can. How can a breakfast place not make homemade biscuits?! And to top it all off, they had a really crappy soft rock station playing annoyingly bad music in the background. Music in a restaurant is just a bad idea. Nothing ruins a meal for me more than having to hear music that I can't stand while I am eating. There are too many good breakfast joints in this city to be going here for biscuits in a can. I can do that at home.
(2)Jeremiah L.
I think my expectations were too high before going to Pauline's. I passed it a couple of times and it looks like the perfect little funky diner. Based on the look I thought for sure they would have amazing food as these hole in the wall places usually do. I had the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was quite good but the biscuits weren't the best I've had. My girlfriend had the asparagus omelette. It didn't really have too much flavor. The potatoes were decent but nothing to write home about. It's a cute place and the food is decent but with so many other brunch choices I don't see myself rushing back here.
(3)Katie R.
Would like to award 3.5 stars... My BLT was average. Not bad - I'd order it again if I was in a BLT mood (although if I go back, I'm trying the breakfast next time). However, the fries...the fries were amazing (and I don't really like fries). They do this weird batter thing where they cut the potatoes in fry shape and then batter the fries before they fry them. I know you're imagining some thick batter - but it was more like a flaky added bonus on the fries. So delicious. Overall, a fun experience. On a really hot day you should beware though - I don't think they have a/c.
(4)Justin H.
Paulines has huge breakfasts at decent prices. during the week this restaurant is not as packed as the elbow to elbow on the weekend. The fresh squeezed orange juice is amazing and just yum.
(4)B. L.
This place does remind me of a place you would see in an old movie. The classic 50's looking diner serves customers on the increasingly popular Ravenswood Ave. They are at the corner of Rav./Balmoral. Pancakes, hamburgers, fries, coffee and sodas are some of the goodies you can munch on here.
(4)Meghan B.
We used to go to Pauline's all the time. The food is reliably standard and pretty good for a weekend morning. The owner is a complete freak! This is so funny that it has actually become a family story. The first time we went to Pauline's we were accompanied by my brother who swore by the place. It was the beginning of summer, so we sat outside. There was a line of people waiting-- patiently, mind you-- and all of the tables were close to one another. The owner was freaking out about the wait and decided to push the tables around to make more room for chairs, so he PICKED UP MY BROTHER BY HIS CHAIR AND MOVED HIM! He didn't even say hello! We had several visits to Pauline's before the next incident. At that time we were eating breakfast with my brother again and had just ordered coffee. The spastic owner got too excited about pouring my coffee and splashed some on my hand. It kinda hurt, so I said something. He took my hand and KISSED IT. So now the joke is that it is my husband's turn to be molested by this guy. First, my brother gets bear-hugged, then I get kissed -- we figure it is my husband's turn to get hmmmm..... Instead, the last time we were at Pauline's (and I mean the LAST TIME) the waitress got my order wrong twice, and on the second order of my omelette I found a hair in my food. A long, non-me hair. At that point I was done. My husband finished his food quickly and we started to rush out. The owner noticed that we were in a hurry and asked what was wrong and I told him about the hair. He said, "You have to tell me these things!" in a very loud voice and was very upset. Then he insisted on paying for our entire meal. That was a nice gesture, and the right thing to do, but not enough to entice me to come back.
(1)Tracy K.
This place makes me feel like I've grown up here (I haven't). I live in the neighborhood and drop in solo or with friends and family.. sometimes its during the week, and other times on the busier weekends. Regardless of when I go and who I go with, I've always had a good experience here. Sure, you'll wait a little on weekends, but they'll give you a Dixie cup full of OJ. Their food is nothing fancy, but it is good.. and there's a lot of it. And the staff is friendly and efficient. Too bad its after 3:00PM (when they close) because otherwise I'd head down the street for a feta omelet and some undercooked-because-I-asked-for-'em-that-way hash browns. Yum.
(4)Mandy P.
My mom, husband, and I went here for our breakfast on Christmas and it was PERFECT. We had never been here before, but we WILL be back again. It was cute, the owner was very nice, the staff was upbeat and friendly, and it seemed the perfect place to be. The wait was nonexistent (probably because other "real" families were at home) and the food came quickly. I thought the food was quite yummy (I had the feta omelette, my mother the same, and my husband the HUGE blueberry pancakes) and it was reasonably priced. The food may not have been as fancy as, say, M. Henry's, but it was much better than average (better than Augie's) and it was well priced compared to many of the other places in the area. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
(5)grant s.
I have eaten a Pauline's for years and keep going back because it is good! The food is consistently fresh, tasty, and plentiful. The waitstaff is always friendly, competent, and on point. What can I say that has not already beeen said. I'll keep coming back.
(4)Carrie W.
Love, love LOVE Pauline's! Cute, kitschy diner atmosphere and the always cheerful 'morning people' serving up fantastic pancakes and "falling - off - the - plate - they're - so - darn - huge - omelets". Get there before 10am on the weekends, or you'll be waiting for a bit. But even that isn't too shabby as they typically serve up fresh squeezed orange juice to tide you over. My boyfriend and I stopped in for brunch on Valentine's Day weekend this year, and sipped complimentary mimosas while we waited. Once seated, your coffee mug will never be empty and the food arrives hot and fast. The pictures of family and friends that decorate the tables and grace the walls behind the booths make you feel that you are in somebody's cozy kitchen. As does the spry and gregarious manager (older gent with a huge, welcoming grin) who is always there, usually wearing red and working alongside his fantastic crew.
(5)Jasper N.
Good, home-cooking at a decent price. The service is very friendly, but not always the fastest. Also, it's a bit of a trek if you're not in the neighborhood, but well worth the drive!
(4)Christine E.
This place was great! We had actually planned to hit another local diner but they were closed for the holiday so this was an unexpected surprise. Not much to look at, but the food was great! I had an veggie egg white omelette with potatoes and toast. The omelette was supposedly 5 eggs, but it didn't seem as big as I thought it would be, which was good. The pancakes and french toast also looked great! One downside, they only take cash or personal checks (no credit cards).
(4)Shonda D.
Ok.. so I wasn't going to do this, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Went there on Friday and the waitress was the worse ever. I've been to Pauline's at least 5 times and its never been this bad. The food is still ok, but the service is for the birds honey!!!! I'm pretty open minded and like to give places a chance to make it up... BUT not this time, I won't be going back.
(2)Andrea M.
I've been here a lot and have loved this place until today and this happened: About 5 minutes before we left a man came by and stuck something right next to our table and mentioned something about us leaving soon. We told him yes we were leaving shortly. Right as we got our money in order he comes back with a bus boy in tow. Starts to clear our table and asks if it's okay. We say yes go ahead. We were leaving anyways. He then begins to clear our table in the most aggressive way possible in a complete rush. All of a sudden we felt rushed in our departure. While knocking stuff in my lap he says "I hope this okay". After the third time I finally looked at him saying "I'm sorry but it's not okay. This can be done in a nicer way without knocking stuff on us." His voice immediately raised and as my friends and I leave the restaurant he follows us screaming "I am 69 years old and the owner of this place I don't need any of your shit." This was said to a large crowd outside waiting to get seated. Our waitress stood on the stoop horrified and she mouthed an apology. It hurts to think of not coming back to one of my favorite places but with customer service like that I just don't think I can support an establishment like this.
(1)Marisa F.
Brekfast was good. I had a half order of the french toast. I like that it comes in a half order, because you know you can't eat all that much sweet breakfast. Reletively cheap, millions of staff keeping your water glass always full. I like that they have fresh squeezed orange juice. The only thing I did not appreciate is that they do not take credit cards. BUT conveniently their is an ATM right in the building (on the outside wall really). So instead of paying a small fee to be able to run credit cards they collect a fee for every person that uses their ATM. It's brilliant really. It's ok, but bring cash!
(3)Jeff E.
The world needs more breakfast places like this. Completeley unpretentious and laid back, while given the quality of food and in Chicago, you might expect a different mood. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(4)April M.
Went here last summer with some friends and loved the outdoor seating area for brunch! The food was good too yet it is a bit away from my apartment and I am hardly home from traveling for work that my boyfriend and I hadn't visited again until new years day. First we tried yelp to find new places for brunch yet the first was packed and the second wasn't open! So we decided on Paulines and got to see the inside! It is kind of cramped inside but it gives you that special home made/small business feel. The staff are friendly and really good at what they do. Food is good with good portions! This place fills up quick so don't sleep in too late for brunch!
(4)Susan H.
I have been going to Pauline's for years and love it. I usually get the veggie omelet with egg whites. It is huge and loaded with tons of fresh veggies. I've only had one bad meal here and that was years ago. I ordered oatmeal and I'm sure it was instant. That's ok, you're not supposed to go there for oatmeal but for their egg dishes. I also love how on holidays and special occasions they usually give you a free glass of champagne with your breakfast. Oh, and they only take cash.
(3)Ann Y.
Wow- I didn't even eat here and I am disgusted. First i waited forever for a table, then we waited forever for a server. Then when one came they were out of soup and it was only 12:00- and lunch started at 11:30 and they said they were out of about 1/2 of the menu. What a joke- I said forget this and went to a restaraunt where they knew what they were doing.
(1)Tina W.
When we got to Pauline's, there was a little wait. The owner nice enough to offer eveyone a complimentary sample of orange/papaya juice. I like his anecdote about how he was in Mexico and discovered this interesting combiation and created his own recipe. I normally don't drink OJ, but it was yummy. Being the gluttons we are, my sister and I ordered our own savory dishes plus a sweet breakfast item to share. I want with my usual eggs over easy with Pauline's Potatoes and toast. To that , I added ham. The portions were huge. I like that Pauline's Potatoes had apples in it to give it a sweet and savory taste. The item we shared was the Trifecta of banana, blueberry, and strawberry pancakes. Mmm. Nothing like the combination of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes times three. I would consider Pauline's a hidden gem. Literally. One time I was with my boyfriend and I wanted to take him to Pauline's. I couldn't remember if it was closer to Lawrence or Foster. So, sadly, I didn't take him there because I couldn't find Pauline's. But I do like the fact that it's on a smaller street, not a big one like Clark. It's comfort food at a reasonable price.
(3)Erin S.
(I wish they accepted plastic.) Excellent & enormous pancakes w/ fresh fruit (not frozen) if you like! I had the "eggs Benedict" & it was great (though, a little misleading b/c it had a fried egg instead of poached) the flavor was wonderful & the price was right! Definitely glad we found this lil spot! See you soon!
(4)Nick B.
Sunday morning breakfast usually stresses me out trying to figure out where to go. I took a stroll down Ravenswood over the summer and made a mental note to check out Pauline's on a chilly, autumn morning. Today was that day! I went with my mom and I knew she'd like it because the diner style decor reminded me of Door County. We arrived at 9AM and I stunned by how crowded it was! They must be doing something right. We were seated right away which was nice because I was starving. Our waitress took our orders quickly. I started with the freshly squeezed orange juice. I've been sick so I could just a shot of Vitamin C. I went with the special of the day which was scrambled eggs, French toast, and potatoes. Not bad! Pretty straightforward food. I can't say I was blown away or disappointed, but it was fairly basic. I'd probably go back just because the service is friendly and the atmosphere is very homey. It's nice to find a place like Pauline's over the barrage of trendy brunch spots in the city.
(3)Julie B.
This is becoming my regular breakfast joint! I have to say that from their omlettes to their french toast, Pauline's will not disappoint. Their sundried tomatoe and goat cheese omlette is heavenly and delicious!!!! My boyfriend is a huge pancake/french toast lover and they offer light and delicious choices (although we are not a fan of the stuffed french toast - tastes more like bread pudding than ft). One word of advice - BRING CASH (they only accept CASH!!!)
(4)Karen F.
Back in the day this little diner was called DJ's Depot, then it changed owners a couple time until it became Paulines - sadly Miss Pauline has passed as has her husband in the last couple months - that being said I grant this diner a bit of latitude and will continue to have breakfast here when I can due to not only the quality of the food and yes fantastic to mediocre service because you know what - no one is 100% all the time. This diner has been a part of the neighborhood for well over 20 years and will go thru changes but - pancakes - OMG amazing, eggs benedict fatastic - REAL ham on the bone!! Inexpensive - fresh squeezed OJ and whipped cream to die for - coffee refills without asking and the outdoor patio that let's you bring your dog - Come on neighborhood freindly what more could you ask for!
(4)Liliana E.
I read some of your reviews... I must say, I've never had a bad meal their. The staff is friendly and fast. Maybe you guys went on a bad day. I've met the owner Ron he's such a friendly guy. He makes sure you enjoy your breakfast and sometimes recommends some of the specials. Give PAULINES another try. I love their french toast with the powder sugar....yummmmmmmy !!! PAULINES ........... KEEP UP THE GOOOD WORK ...
(5)steve s.
I have only had breakfast here, but have always had a great home-style experience. Friendly people. The decor is homey and comfortable, just what you want in the morning, and it is definitely a favorite of the locals.
(3)Juliana K.
I have eaten at Pauline's twice - once inside and once outside. My outside experience - We were seated outside at a table that was too small to accommodate even two people. The table teetered back and forth and I recall being distinctly aware of where to place my feet below the table so as to no upset the entire works. Our server was courteous but not especially friendly. I ordered a vegetable omelet and an orange juice. The OJ was delicious and pulpy. The vegetables in my omelet were fresh and crisp however in their original size. They didn't bother to cut them up so I had huge stalks of asparagus thrown in my omelet. Other than that being a bit odd, it was tasty. I had a lovely time while eating outside however I think that had more to do with the weather and my company. The outside experience should get 3 stars. The reason I gave 2 stars is because my experience INSIDE was bad enough to detract from my original score. I was seated in the booth next to my son across the table from my friend. (Just setting the stage). The server came by took our orders but she was extremely rude and weird. My son ordered pancakes and a coffee. He was 11 at the time and the server went on a diatribe about how it was going to stunt his growth. 1. I didn't ask and 2. I didn't ask. I don't remember what anyone else ordered but I do recall the waitress making a regular appearance to mutter what felt more like a obligatory 'is everything ok honey' AT us stand there and wait for a response. She poured coffee from 2 feet above the cup splashing it everywhere. She burned my friend with the splash not once but twice and she reached over me while I was taking a bite to clear my son's plate. She was the pits. Anyway, if you are going to go: Get cash as it is a cash only establishment. Go on a day that you can eat outside Avoid the weird older server that calls everyone 'honey'.
(2)Kimberly D.
I drove by Pauline's once and wanted to give it a try the next time I was in the area. It looks like once of those cute, small neighborhood diners where you can get a nice homecooked breakfast. It was Sunday morning around 9 AM. We were given the option to eat outside or sit indoors. It would have been nice to sit outdoors but with the humidity, inside was more appealing. Our waitress came right away to take our drink orders and was pretty friendly. When my fiance's orange juice came, we were told that it was just squeezed that morning. The juice looked so fresh, that I decided to order one for myself. I have to say that it was one of the best tasting freshly squeezed OJ that I've had. For our meals, we ordered the South American omelette and the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. The chorizo in my omelette could have used more flavor. The eggs were fresh and super fluffy. The corned beef has was really good and had a nice crisp texture to parts of it. All in all, we had a good meal at Pauline's. Will probably return but only if we are in the area. Definitely not good enough to drive from downtown for sole purpose of dining at Pauline's. Dining room felt dirty but probably because it was old. Restroom locations were also suspect because you have to walk through kitchen but they were clean and that's all that mattered to me.
(3)Chris M.
Such a shame, such a shame!! Food, great. Atmosphere, delightful.......service.............sucks so bad it's not even funny. They need to take everyone that works here (including the owner) and take them to etiquette school on how to run a business. I was in there with a group of four people, we were ignored almost the entire time, they didn't bring everything we ordered to the table and yet it was still on the bill. Oh yeah, and it took a half hour just to get the bill at the end, one of the worst mistakes you can make as a server. Trust me, I was a server for almost 3 years. I NEVER complain and am always sympathetic towards servers b/c I was one, but our experience was so bad to the point I thought we were all on MTV's "Boiling Points" (Did I win my $100 yet). When we confronted the owner about it, all he said was "That's the way it is". Well sir, I would rather cut my wang off and throw it in the lake than come back to your establishment. I mean, that's just the way it is.
(1)Jill W.
Let me start off by saying I appreciate a good greasy spoon. I don't think I ask for too much in a breakfast place, just a good plate of eggs and some friendly service. Pauline's couldn't deliver either of those. After driving by Pauline's a million times and saying "ooh, we should try that place," today we finally did. Even though it was crowded, we got a table right away. We were told to sit in the first table behind the counter. This proved to be an unfavorable seat when the hostess informed us with a look of discontent that "usually the kids stand on your chair to get to the candy bowl." Sorry to inconvenience you, but YOU sat us there! Anyway, we were seated in Omega's station, which also proved to be unfavorable to us. She ignored us for awhile before finally taking our order. I ordered an omelet, orange papaya juice (which came a few minutes after my omelet), and a biscuit (which came about 15 minutes before the omelet), and my husband ordered the banana pancakes. The omelet was really bad, and the biscuit had clearly been stuck in the microwave before being served. The juice was okay, but it was too thick and pulpy (and I LOVE fresh squeezed juice filled with pulp). The banana pancakes were soggy and lukewarm. After our food was delivered, our server said she'd be right back with the syrup for the pancakes. She then disappeared and we didn't see her again until we asked for the check. Since moving to Chicago 3 years ago, I can often be heard saying "you can't find a bad meal in Chicago." Kudos to you, Pauline's, for proving me wrong.
(1)Karen A.
Do I really need 5 eggs in my omelette? This place used to be a lot trashier back in the day, with pictures of patrons stuck everywhere, Elvis and Marilyn posters mixed in with ads for Pork products. Lots of pancakes and bread and meat products here, not a lot for those doing an ass-reduction diet. The plates are big, the coffee is very good enough and you better bring cash cause they have not yet entered the credit/debit card era.
(3)Rick W.
They don't take credit cards!!! Really in today's world?? Long wait, longer wait for coffee and service. Won't be back.
(1)Mark G.
I will pre-empt this review by stating that we decided to bike over here for a brunch in 85 degree heat. I did not take a shower that morning, which would have certainly cooled me down. I decided to wear gym shoes with socks and my trusty Blackhawks hat for the ride as well. Needless to say I was sufficiently overheated by the time we arrived. Getting a seat outside was our goal, but not having anticipated how dang hot I was going to end up, sitting in the direct sun made me even more cranky pants than when we first got there. That all being said, I like the place. The servers were very attentive and prompt. I could have used a bucket of water instead of the smallish glasses they served, but I digress. I had a short stack of pancakes and a side of sausage links. They list what they put in their pancake batter on the menu and I must admit that those pancakes were some sort of special kind of love. Delicious. The sausage links were regular old sausage links. Girlfriend had the eggs benedict sandwich with ham, she said it was really good and made easy work of it; I'm not sure it was worth $8 but whatever. We just drank water and our bill was about $20, which I think was a fair price for a good breakfast. I'd definitely go back here again, and recommend it to others in the area. It's not really worth a drive but if you're around the hood give it a shot.
(3)Adam S.
Brunch with really good friends is mostly about the fellowship with those you love, so I enjoyed my time this afternoon at Pauline's. I was also glad to finally try it out, having read about it's uniqueness and been told so much about it by friends. Glad I went and glad I spent time with friends. However, I have no idea how anyone could ever give this Denny's with kitsch anything more than 3 stars. I give it a 2 because, frankly, I've been to so many better brunch spots that Pauline's makes for a poor comparison. I could have just as easily given it a 3 for "effort". Decor: cute, very old school. Waiter table assigments taped to tables or wall, old plastic colorful plates, and cheesy tablecloths like grandma used to have. I tried not to look at the kitchen or too closely at the dishes or tablecloths. Old can sometimes mean years of baked in germs and dirt. Yuk! Service: friendly and efficient. Maui was charming and accomodating. The friendly owner really cares about the place and kept checking on us. Evil woman at entrance was ignorable. Food: average would be best I could give this place for taste. But because my food was also lukewarm I have to say below average. Denny's after a night of drinking comes to mind. Except I was not drinking so food was just disappointing. As for the drinking, again, I think brunch is not brunch without mimosas. Call it lunch, or call it breakfast, but if you don't have a bloddy mary option on the menu, don't front! Value: not bad. 20 bucks per person and we had all the store mix pancakes and bland eggs we wanted.
(2)Nas T.
Enormous, bland omelets made of five eggs and a complete absence of flavor, like eating a gigantic bowl of hot water and calling it soup. Obnoxious "old school" "charm" which includes lackadaisical staff and an unwillingness to accept credit cards, though they'll be glad to point you to a gaudy ATM with a hefty fee - you know, "Just like they had back in the day!"® Oh, wait...
(1)Chip D.
Pauline's is always curiously disappointing, which is a shame, because it's one of the few places left that isn't on a main drag, but rather embedded in a quaint nook in West Andersonville. And, naturally, it has a friendly, charming vibe befitting the locale. The food, though, is appallingly average and not necessarily cheap. My latest breakfast was eggs over medium and corned-beef hash with a side of bacon. The eggs were fine, but the hash way too greasy and salty. The bacon was over cooked, the potatoes undercooked, the coffee thin. The whole experience reminded me of the last time I was at Pauline's when I had basically the exact same meal at the same quality. Still, the average joe like me is more or less pre-programmed to like places like this and I'm sure I'll drag ass in there again at some point, but it really could be better. Two caveats: I like their ice cream. I love their fresh-squeezed orange juice.
(2)Jeff N.
The customer service is great and so is the outdoor seating area, but that's about it. The food is mediocre and the prices are too high for only ok food. I feel bad on only giving it two stars as the waitresses are great and friendly. I live around the corner from here and wish the food was better.
(2)Miriam R.
I'm giving this 5 stars, because it is as good as it gets for what it is: A local "homecookin" diner with a down-home breakfast / brunch. My favorite aspects are: 1) The gentleman who greets you at the front door, offering you his freshly squeezed orange papaya juice if there is a wait. 2) The freshly squeezed orange papaya juice. 3) The fact that all of their pancakes are made with whole grain batter. 4) The fact that their farm-fresh eggs make all of their omelets so delicious that I rarely have leftovers (or is that bad?). 5) Their selection of herbal teas, for when you just don't feel like having coffee. 6) The 1950s kitsch / decor. So, you should definitely try this place out for brunch if you haven't already. If you stop by on a Sunday, I'll probably be there :)
(5)Katy B.
OK Pauline's, you may be starting to redeem yourself. Despite my earlier review, I've been back on occasion, and your service has been better. Keep it up and you earn another star. Revert to your old ways and you'll be banned from my breakfast rotation. Let this be a grudging acknowledgment of your improvement, as well as a warning that you're still on notice.
(3)Url R.
A decent place for a cheap brunch or breakfast. The Freshly Squeezed juice is definitely a highlight for this place. I would skip the fancy omelets and go for the more traditional fare like corned beef hash or eggs benedict. Also, this place is pretty good for kids, but can get a bit crowded.
(4)Jacob T.
Sunny and warm. This restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat on a balmy early summer weekend morning. I love eating outside, sipping coffee and watching the neighborhood slowly hum around me. The pancakes are huge. We usually get an omlette to share (the best whole wheat toast around) and a stack of pancakes. More than enough food for two. The only negative about this place is they only take cash... but fortunately they have an ATM right outside.
(5)Megan D.
Finally got to Pauline's after driving by it for a few months now on my way home from work. Staff was very friendly and accomodating to everyone that walked through the door. We sat outside and were promptly give water. Boyfriend ordered coffee and I ordered OJ. His coffee mug hadn't been cleaned very well as there was still lipstick on it which he wound up wiping off. I got the panacke special and he had the lumberjack special. The food was tasty and it was a change of pace from going to Golden Nugget. I will say that both of us wound up having heartburn the rest of the day, possibly from the eggs as that was the only thing we both had that could have caused it. Overall the place is OK, staff was nice and food was decent. Maybe a smidge overpriced as before tip the bill was $27. I felt I had enough food but I feel we do get more for our money elsewhere. I'd like to try their lunch/soups one day and will probably save that for cooler months.
(3)Jason M.
Cozy, down home basic breakfast food. Staff is friendly, and the food is good, particularly the French toast. Nothing is going to blow you away with its greatness, but then nothing is bad, either.
(4)Terry F.
Friendly vibe, super attentive waitstaff and the food comes out before you know it. Their daily specials always grab me and the food never disappoints. Their blackberry pancakes are one of my favorites.
(4)Antonio D.
Great food n service everytime I visit chicago this is a must and yet another breakfast before I fly back Friday am If ur near make sure u stop by and institution since 90"s,had the French toast dipped on vanilla n orange topped with fresh strawberries n fresh whipped cream the best I've tasted ,fresh squeezed oj Canadian bacon ,everything is great here
(5)Angy A.
My brother took me out for breakfast and I had some great strawberry pancakes! Pauline's so cute! The service was great, I really enjoyed it.
(5)Jeremy T.
I live in the neighborhood and have had breakfast at Pauline's several times over the years. I would describe the food and overall experience as "average," but my last visit changed that. I would now describe Pauline's as "disgusting." The people that work there are nice, which accounts for the 2 stars instead of 1. Also, the coffee is good. That's it for the positive. The negative: - The staff cleaning the entire restaurant while I'm eating - The strong smell of chemical cleaning agents permeating the air, mixed with grease - Fruit flies swarming my food for the duration of my meal - Omelets are made with some kind of thin, pourable egg product and not fluffy real eggs - An obnoxious sound of pigs being slaughtered throughout my meal. No, I'm not kidding. The noise was so disturbing that I asked my waitress what it was. She said, deadpan, "They are killing the pigs to make bacon." I am still trying to figure out if she was joking. Being a vegetarian, I completely lost my appetite at that point. I asked her again if she was serious or what. She then said: "No no - it's somebody's cell phone." The noise kept repeating. It sounded like a recording of real pigs crying and being butchered. Whether it was someone's ring tone or some video game or what - I have no idea. But it was really, really bad. I got the Feta and Spinach omelet, which like I mentioned above, was a bunch of spinach wrapped in a very thin layer of pourable egg product. It was supposed to have black olives as well, but they were just a few slices of canned olive sprinkled on top. The feta was the cheap kind that's like cottage cheese. Their potatoes are okay. I dunno, this was the kind of experience that will keep me away, probably for good.
(2)Garrett G.
I live around the block and would love to have a solid breakfast joint. I have tried and tried but this place always falls short. The service is slow and and I have yet to have a meal (I have been here about 4 times) where something doesn't come out wrong and need to be sent back. The food is not bad. It has always been somewhere between average and good but menu is very limited. When I leave this place I always wish I would have taken the extra time/money to eat someplace better on Clark.
(2)Ariella C.
So good. Honestly I do not care for breakfast food and it was excellent! PS order the pancakes
(5)Bart S.
Haven't been in a while- but had breakfast on the patio today- had our two dogs in tow- the staff brought a bowl of water over for the dogs and a treat for them..off to a great start. Then coffee right away- we had an omelet and multi gran pancakes both items were A+ and the service was top notch- Will be back again soon, sorry it's been over a year since I was here..
(4)Gary B.
There has been some updates and changes to Paulines with the unfortunate passing of the original owners. The most noticeable is they accept credit and debit cards. The place is still popular and the patio is slammed during the warm weather. at times service can be spotty and a little unfriendly at times. This has resulted in us ordering take out. Food comes out fast and hot and the gentleman that takes the phone orders is very nice.
(3)Neal M.
I've eaten here twice, and every time was quite pleasant. Love the farmer rustic decor. Service is good. Home fries are wonderful. You can't beat fresh squeezed OJ served in a mason jar. I've eaten the veggie omelette and eggs Benedict. Both were delicious and filling. They have some of the best prices in the city. I will keep coming back..
(4)J M.
Food is above average and service is nice. Good for either breakfast or brunch. Lunch menu does not have as many options. Portions are large.
(4)Sam N.
when you step onto this place, its like you are going back in time. I like to refer to this as a retro breakfast place. They also have a patio. But in order to experience the full experience of this place one should really be sitting indoors. It was a good thing I brought my appetite on my last visit because I had a 5 egg tomato and goat cheese omlette. They take their food very seriously here because my relatives who were with me ordered the pancakes let me taste it and it was super sweet with loads of sugar and syrup...As if that was not enough they put whipped cream on it with the heavy cream that was already on top of it. I guess we should be ready to consume our weeks RDA of sugar products in one meal...It's a tough life, I tell ya. If you dont want to have a coma before the end of the day than you should order the egg omlettes with just the whites,potatos and toast. The last time I was there they took out the toast for me and put in fruit instead. They wait staff seems verypatient with everyone. As I have been here many times in the last 15years, I can remember no time when I felt rushed by anyone to make up my mind what I odered or how long I wanted to stay. Just an observation. The hot chocolate is made in a different way here than in most places. I want to leave this as a surprise for anyone planning to make it out here. Although it is by the metra tracks it has this feel like it is off the beaten path but really it is not. If you want a good place to compare it to, maybe TEMPO on Chestnut and State is a good one although this place has way more options. But not many people can get here during the week because we all don't live in Andersonville and it closes at 3PM Maybe it is overdone or maybe it is not-depends on your mood . If you have visitors from the east coast, I would advise you bring them here because the chances they have a place like this in Hoboken,NJ are very slim. Plenty of food to chose from that is under $11 when ordering with coffee. That's before taxes.
(4)Scott B.
If quantity was the benchmark, 5 would be the stars. I have eaten a grilled cheese with bacon here, that bordered on fantastic. A recent foray left me with a half ton of potatoes, a 5 egg omelet that looked and tasted flat as a cloth napkin. Service was extremely classy, but, ya can't eat service. I've visited here several times, as I do believe in supporting local business, coupled with the fact that they do give back to the neighborhood associations, but the food hasn't evolved or improved. I'll stick with the grilled cheese.
(2)Carlos S.
Classic American breakfast items can be found here, but there are also some gems that stick out and make coming here more than once worth it every time. Pumpkin pancakes! The best! Omelets are huge and delicious, potatoes are pretty good, and the biscuits and gravy were a little disappointing as far as the flavors and textures go. Just don't miss out on the pancakes!
(4)Gina E.
The food was decent. I had the country breakfast- gravy wasn't very flavorful and needed to more sausage. The biscuits tasted like they came from a can. Decent. Not great. The service was not good! Our waitress Gloria was so slow!!! I'm sure she's Sweet, but she never checked on us. Took forever to order or to get our check. The other waitrons helped us and they were more attentive to us. They were amazing! Especially the bald man with a hat- amazing service! Decent food. Good portions... Not great service from Gloria! The others were good though.
(3)Devvora P.
The best thing about the place is its location and a local guy who usually hangs out there with his two Macaw parrots. We ate there once and don't want to go back. The food was rather tasteless and the service ok. Basic dinner. If the chef was better, we would go back, as we like the location, but we don't like to pay for food that tastes bad!
(1)Cecilia B.
Any omelet is sooooo good, Pauline potatoes are to die for.
(5)Michael T.
I had the egg and pancake special and it was pretty good. The portions were big for the cost. I asked for the strawberries and whipped cream on my pancakes and I literally got like 4 thinly sliced slivers of strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. My eggs were not cooked as I ordered but I ate them anyway. I would go again just because it is within walking distance of my house but the food and service were just okay. The information says that they don't take credit cards, but on the door they have a Visa, Mastercard, and Discover sticker so they apparently do now.
(3)Jordan B.
I've been to Pauline's but have never actually eaten the food. All I wanted was some kind of combo meal that came with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast that I was hoping to substitute (and pay extra) for a pancake. They have no such thing on the menu. Not even a variation of that combination. I would have had to order everything a la carte and that would have added up to around $15 or $16 dollars. Nope. Not gonna do it. I paid for the terribly bland coffee and went somewhere else. I'm sorry, but if you're only open for breakfast, then you should really have the most basic breakfast combo on your menu.
(2)Mike K.
Pauline's is a little hidden gem...its kinda out of the way, next to a cemetary, and ironically across the street from one of my more adeventurous dates in which i'm not eager to run into again (im very lovable with addictable kissing skill yet I'm not first date boyfriend material...sorry princess). It's also only open from 7am to 3pm, which we all know is peak Mike K world domination hours. Luckily I had some free time before a rather big day/night and feeling pretty good about myself, which meant I needed to be put in my place by a friend who doesn't see life as all sunshine and lollipops, and especially my lollipop. This was the place, a small little cafe/diner dressed up in troll dolls with an atmosphere that said "hey, I was in the last Dixie Chicks video". I like the decor, love the fact that they have bottomless sugar, cream butter, and jellies, plus breakfast all day (or at least from 7-3) how can your beat that. And its cheap! A solid little place to disappear to if you wanna get away from the busy city life and expensive priced brunch outlets Andersonville gives you.
(4)Lizz M.
I've lived in Ravenswood a pretty good portion of my life, and somehow always managed to avoid Pauline's. So when a couple of Yelpers recommended I check out their corn beef hash, I took my friend here and got my hash on. The verdict? A-okay, indeed, probably a little more than A-okay, but Yelp won't let me grade that way. Portions are huge, service is good, and the prices are reasonable. I also got some pancakes which were gigantic and delicious--served with fresh strawberries, yum! They also have a bowl full of SAF-T POPS by the cash register! My childhood!
(3)Liz B.
The smokehaus omelet is AMAZING! loaded with bacon! the freshly squeezed orange juice is great as well. Pauline's is a very cute, friendly diner.
(4)Sharon C.
Haven't been here in a few years. This place is still awesome. Excellent salad with great choice of dressings. Feta cheese omelette with spinach was very good as well. And I ordered heard a Waldorf salad to go. I don't see that on the menu too often these days. Oh and the waitress we had, Caitlyn, was wonderful too.
(5)Mike W.
I had breakfast last saturday 1/18/14. I had the make your own omelet with feta cheese, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. Everything was hot and very tasty. Mike UpCycle with Michael
(5)Bridget K.
My parents were in town from Ohio and we wanted to grab brunch with the whole fam before they headed back home. If we went to brunch at some of the other hot spots on the northside we would have to wait 30 plus minutes for a table for all 7 of us. Luckily Pauline's is a close walk to Lincoln Square and you don't have to wait forever to get a table. The wait staff is great. They're super attentive and helpful. The coffee was also great. I could go for a cup of it now. The menu has something to please every pallet. I got one of the egg scrambles which was good. Since I was with my fam we were able to taste everyone's dishes. I enjoyed the smores pancakes. They were pretty good though I like more chocolate than marshmellow. The potatoes/homefries as some people call them were also good. If I need a decent place to head for brunch and I don't want to wait for hours, I'll be heading to Pauline's.
(4)B C.
Pauline's feels like a small town Wisconsin diner. They've covered the walls with photos of customers and stuff that your grandma would chuckle at. The menu has plenty of options for the caloric'ly oblivious and the waitresses are the sorts who'll call you "hun" or "sweety" at least once. They've also gone as far as to trademark their Pauline's Potatoes*(tm). Ask what their especially known for serving, and they'll proudly rattle off half the menu. On my two visits, I've had their Country Breakfast biscuits and gravy, and their pumpkin pancakes. Both were big and satisfying. The food came out quick and they never let my coffee cup go empty. Get here early or a bit after 11:00 to avoid the weekend morning rush. We came in at 11:30 both times and didn't have to wait at all for a table.
(4)Jennifer Z.
Stopped at this place since I always run by it . It's a local cozy spot, hidden by the metra that runs along the metra. I did like the patio seating option. Food menu was pretty standard to that of a diner ( golden nuggetish). Nothing extremely unique or mouth watering. I got one of the 2 veggie options. Definitely not a place for vegetarians. But nice for a friendly brunch.
(3)Sara V.
Seriously good omelette. I mean mouth-wateringly delicious and SPICY! They obviously buy some good quality ingredients 'cause the veggies (and jalepenos) were tastier than I'm used to in Chicago. Both myself and my companion's omelette's were heavenly. We were ridiculously full and still kept going 'til our plates were empty. Each agreed the other's omelette was wonderful (while secretly thinking "but mine is a little better"). Potatoes were equally good although I could have stood for them to be a little crispier but that's a personal preference which they are by no means required to fulfill. Unfortunately service is ensuring this place is only getting 3-stars. Our server was not friendly at all and in fact bordered on surly. She also neglected to get my order right. Maybe it was the kitchen. Maybe it was because she was just barely paying attention when I ordered. Who knows. Since I was starving and didn't want to make a fuss I just ate around what I can't eat. Coupled with her attitude and the general manner in which she treated us, it marred an otherwise perfectly lovely breakfast. The place is cute. Obviously popular. The other waitresses seemed much friendlier. I will absolutely return for more omelette especially since this is pretty decently priced breakfast food. I'll just hope I get a different waitress next time.
(3)Puppy C.
3 basted eggs with potatoes, corned beef hash, and whole grain toast is what I ordered. Everything on the plate was very good and fresh tasting. I appreciate the portions (not too small and not too much) and the very reasonable price. My daughter and her friend also enjoyed their choices. The service was very good as well. Will be coming back more often.
(4)Kate H.
Food good, service poor. My boyfriend and I went to Pauline's around 10:30 on a Saturday and had no problems snagging a table. They didn't appear especially busy, with no wait for even large parties. We waited a considerable amount of time before we were approached by our server, probably around 10 minutes. Our breakfast came out in a timely fashion, and the food was fine. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. He had the cowboy breakfast and enjoyed his steak. At no point in time did our server come back for the customary "check in". We had to flag her down to refill our waters, and then again for our check. We only wished we had gone to Golden Nugget where the portions are bigger, the service is quick, and the ladies anticipate your needs.
(2)Pamela P.
What a letdown. Mediocre and unacceptable. The food was terrible. Had the whole wheat pancakes and eggs. Dry and clinging to the plate. My husband's omelette looked good but tasted like unsalted, unflavored raw egg. His toast came out at the end of his meal and was hardly toasted and old. My daughter's eggs were good as eggs go-- but we asked for them first and that was a no go. It took someone ten minutes to come by with coffee and water. Instead of attending to the few customers they had, the waitstaff just lazily hung out in the kitchen. When the waitress finally came by, she was less than pleased. She clearly didn't want to be there on a Sunday morning. The coffee is God-awful. It tastes like tar water laced with arsenic. Four creams in the cup won't lighten that baby up. Not going back here again. I remember it being much much better years ago. Now it's gone down the drain-- like what they should do with their coffee.
(1)June W.
First visit since I moved here was great--good food and a super nice young man to wait on me. I will be back particularly when it warms up and the patio becomes welcoming. I'll bring my iPad and enjoy the food, the delicious coffee, wifi and the urban locale. What's not to love?
(5)Leanne A.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my cranberry bread pudding pancakes, my mom's biscuits and gravy was made with Pillsbury grands. My mom insisted they were, she has this whole theory about how she can detect a pillsbury flavor from thin air. anyway....if you put BISCUITS and GRAVY on your menu, you MAKE the freaking biscuits, right? It's like, the whole point...the homemade biscuit. duuuhhhh. I like the homey atmosphere here. Reminds me of an off-the-highway michigan diner. And the location by the train out in the middle of a residential area is unique. You don't feel like you're in the city. But the service is slow and apathetic.
(3)Diana J.
I want to love Pauline's, but it's getting harder. The last few times have been average at best. The quality of the food has gone down a bit, and I think most people are returning because they remember how good it used to be. I'm glad to have a little diner in the 'hood within walking distance, but that motivation alone won't last forever.
(3)Michelle M.
It's what to expect from a diner joint. It's a gem in the neighborhood and I remember going here with my dad when i was younger so I've been here many times. I haven't been here during the weekend in years but i hear its pretty busy. I usually go during the weekdays and well getting a table is easy. Coffee is good. Staff is nice. Food is diner food so its just OK. For me its really the history that I come back for.
(4)Diane S.
Yuck.
(1)Hayley H.
While the restaurant is clean, homey, very country kitchen feeling, the food is mediocre. Just lame, actually. i should have known that the salmon benedict was a bad choice in a small restaurant like this. I was very stupid to think it would be fresh...not frozen. Though, am I naive to think that if you put it on your menu, it should be superb? Also, the hollandaise sauce was more like watery cream sauce. No tang, no buttery salty-ness. almost an afterthought. And can we send out a memo that says, "Please toast the english muffins under the benedict?" come on........soggy muffin is gross under fishy smelling salmon. The man got the Lumberjack breakfast plate. Lots of eggs, their signature potatoes, and a strip steak. The potatoes are good, but not really much to write home about, and the steak was ridiculously over-seasoned and cheap quality. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and delicious, but thats about the only positive in this breakfast. Oh, and btw, only cash???? What is this 1977?
(2)Mat M.
Pauline's what a great diner. We were waited on by Olga and she was fantastic. It's a great local spot that beats a lot of other Chicago diners. It's cute, local and tasty. Check it out
(4)Bobby B.
After strutting my way through a 5k at Montrose harbor, we crashed on in to this lil' breakfast/lunch spot to restore a few calories. I have to say, I am surprised over the low reviews on this place. I have to attribute it to the advanced intellect and palates of north siders. As a lowly south sider, I could only rave over the fresh squeezed juice and "Pauline's potatoes," which is their take on potatoes O'Brien. My wife got eggs benedict with crab, which was the first time we've ever seen that on a menu. What we got was not the heavily processed Alaskan Pollock that you'd get at most places advertising crab...but REAL EFFING CRAB MEAT. It was awesome. As for myself, I got the cold saltwater salmon omelet with asparagus and goat cheese...equally awesome. Oh, and I have some advice for you peeps that are extremely dissatisfied with this place...count your blessings and take your one star..hug them tight, and go to Denny's! ;]
(4)Dan G.
This has become my go-to breakfast/brunch place. Not only is the food always fresh tasting and delicious but it always comes out in a jiffy. You can't go wrong with either breakfast or lunch here. The Benedict's are outstanding, pancakes are like a fluffy dream, fresh squeezed juices are life savers, and their thick-cut bacon has to be the best restaurant bacon I have ever had. As for lunch stuff you can't go wrong with a burger here. But my favorite is the Turkey Bacon Swiss Club. With carved turkey, the same amazing bacon, and a strong Jarlsberg Swiss; this sandwich is king. Their homemade soups are always good their signature ham and bean is outstanding. The service is always friendly and like I said earlier the service and food is quick and you are never waiting too long if they are full up. Overall this place is consistent with great food, fast service, and don't forget the candy bin before you leave!
(4)Greg B.
Best Specials! Reasonable prices. Great pancakes! Fresh squeezed juices. Amazing staff. Everyone there is so friendly and personable! I would recommend you give it a try. It's a favorite place of ours...we eat there almost every Sunday. If not, we squeeze in a trip during the week. Oh yeah, TRY THE SLAB BACON!!! Thanks to all who work at Pauline's and make it what it is!!! WE LOVE YOU!
(5)Nikkie H.
I love finding random little places like this. I was perusing Yelp to get some inspiration on where I could take my parents for breakfast, knowing they are from Michigan and really prefer the basics. Lo and behold, there's Pauline's which I never heard of and was just one block from where my parents were staying Perfecto! Went there on a late Friday morning and it was great. It wasn't empty and wasn't filled with all senior citizens - it was a nice mix of people for a work day. My mom got her basic eggs and hash browns (no complaints), my dad got the whole wheat pancakes (he said they were great), and I got the crab eggs benedict. I was a little surprised, because I was expecting crab cakes benedict, but it's my fault for not reading the menu properly. It was essentially a traditional eggs benedict with crab instead of ham. It was very tasty though and I really liked the fresh fruit that came with it. Made me feel a little healthier :) I probably won't be back in the near future, simply because I have a huge list of brunch spots to try out, but would recommend you check it out if you've ever been.
(4)Natalie S.
It's over, Pauline's. We're THROUGH. I don't know why I keep going back. For real. Is it the bad food? Is it the awful service? Either way, today was my last day. I took a big handful of giant Lifesavers out of the candy basket for the LAST TIME. Our friend Damon N. is bad news. Every time we take him to a former favorite breakfast place, we have an AWFUL experience. Note to everyone: don't eat breakfast with Damon N. I deviated from my norm and went with the biscuits and gravy. It was, by far, the WORST biscuits and gravy I have ever, ever had. EVER. It should have been on the menu as "biscuits and gravy soup". It was all watery and god awful. AWFUL. The service was laughable. Literally. We had to beg for coffee refills. We had to beg for more water. Damon N. asked for his eggs on the side and they came sprinkled on top of the biscuits and gravy. He also ordered raisin toast that never appeared with his breakfast. After 5 minutes of waiting, he reminded the waiter who went to go get it, only to return saying "we're out of raisin toast... my bad". My Dude was cracking up saying this was like a sitcom. Hilarious. Sorry, Pauline's. You've gone down the shitter and I don't want to waste any more money, even if you do have giant pineapple Lifesavers waiting for me for dessert.
(2)William R.
Pauline's is an alright american-dive-ey diner-style place.... The pancakes were good, I had the strawberry and blueberry, the coffee was delicious!
(3)john z.
Went there for Sunday brunch with my wife. Tables are way to small they are Bistro size we had to set some of the dishes on the next table. My wife's first dish came out COLD, we sent it back and they did give her a fresh warm meal that was just ok. We got the pumpkin pancakes which had little to no pumpkin in them. The food is just ok, the place is nicely decorated, it has the potential to be a good restaurant but they do need to work on the menu, as there are many better restaurants in Chicago. This review is for the Pauline's on Fullerton
(2)Renee G.
comfortable, neighborhood- and kid-friendly atmosphere for Saturday Breakfast. amazing hot chocolate, fresh crab and perfect hollandaise on my eggs benedict and my friend's asparagus omelette was cooked just right. We'll be back!
(4)Kristin M.
I really want to like Pauline's because it's right around the corner from my house. However, the two experiences I've had just turned me off. The service is AWFUL. The wait staff is rude and basically ignore you unless you flag them down. The food come out as it's ready, which meant waiting 20 minutes between my friend's dish and mine. I gazed longingly at his plate while I sat there with a grumbling stomach and nothing to put in it. For 20 minutes. The food is typical breakfast fare (their potatoes are yummy), but I just can't suffer through bad service for average food. The outdoor patio is really nice, and it opens really early which is great when I have out of town visitors who need to get to the airport. There are just so many better choices in the neighborhood, though, (Ann Sather, M. Henry, Big Jones, etc.) that I can't suffer through Pauline's.
(2)Matthew G.
There is nothing pretentious, snooty or uppity about Pauline's. I have only been for breakfast - and it is awesome. You get a home-cooked feeling from the food that takes me back to Sunday mornings with my Mom. The service is fast and consistent. The decor at Pauline's is charming, down-home-on-the-farm chic. Do not expect fine dining - that is not what this place is about. Instead, come for the warm memories that come from simple, well-prepared food.
(4)Susanne P.
We've always had good food here. From the infamous five-egg omelettes to their more-than-generous salads. One thing of note, if your food has onions in it, I would suggest asking "easy on the onions." Sometimes there can be a BIT too many. Service can be a bit slow, especially if it's busy, but that hasn't deterred me from wanting to come here for brunch. Also of note, they are a cash-only restaurant; they do not accept credit cards.
(4)Beata S.
I love to go to Pauline's on the snowy day and order their breakfast special-always fresh and surprising, like their bread pudding and great bacon-where in Chicago do they get their bacon from??? The food is fresh and good and the service caring and personal. Be back here anytime.
(5)Boon K.
Pancake Pancake Pancake. Wow I have never been a fan of pancakes but ever since I have been here I am now a fan. There pancakes are so fluffy and light with a little chew to them. It's amazing. They are huge and their topping are so fresh that you just can't go wrong. We had the banana and the banana are mixed into the batter.
(5)Katy H.
A friend and I came in here about a month ago and we loved it! My friend had the french toast and I had the pancake trifecta. The pancakes were delicious and way too much for me to finish! My friend and I both loved the french toast and when I come back, and I'LL BE BACK, I'm definitely ordering the french toast! Our service was quite pleasant, though she didn't point out the specials, which we couldn't see from our seats, which was disappointing as I would have changed my order. Also, important to note, CASH ONLY!
(4)David R.
There are only two words for this place: BUSH. LEAGUE. Actually I could make it three words, but my mother might be reading. The entire experience was a train wreck. All I can do is make a list. 1. We were not greeted, even after I moved directly into the sight line of the "hostess" and made eye contact. I had to arch my eyebrows and hold up two fingers. 2. With half of the tables open, we were not given a choice of indoor/outdoor or booth/table but instead guided directly to the nightmare table: a. Wet b. Cramped (chair backs touching those of the diners behind us) c. Slanted alarmingly sideways (one of my plates actually slid) 3. One of the sets of silverware was undone from the napkin wrapper--not dirty and used, just undone and lying askew on the table. 4. The waitress was incompetent. She didn't wipe off the table, if she even noticed that it was wet; she mumbled and spoke in half-sentences; she attempted to excuse her numerous gaffes with, "Sorry, I'm [eyeroll and fluttery head-level hand gesture]"; and worst of all, she didn't bring me any syrup with my french toast. 5. My girlfriend ordered tea, which came with a giant mug and a tiny pitcher of hot water less than half the size. That is just plain stupid. 6. The food came out like this: my english muffin...[five minutes]...my half-order of french toast...[three minutes]...my omelette...[two minutes]...my girlfriend's pancakes. The english muffin was soggy and cold, the french toast piping hot, the omelette moderately hot, and the pancakes warm. So, not only is the waitress incompetent, so is the kitchen staff. 7. The food sucked. The blueberry pancakes were decent, the french toast barely average, the potatoes less than boring, and the omelette bland and greasy. And that english muffin was the worst I've ever eaten--not only was it cold and soggy, but it had a very strange, unpleasant taste as well. Rancid butter? Bleach? Iguana sweat? Something like that. 8. To top it all off, the "hostess" who failed to greet us after I made eye contact, failed to farewell us in the same situation. No "Thanks, please come again" or "Have a good afternoon"? Well, if you're happy to see my back, Pauline's, I'm even happier to show it to you. Sometimes when a restaurant screws up a lot, depending on the type of place, I might be inclined to think, "Man, that was terrible, but at least their heart is in the right place." Not this time. At no point during the entire ordeal did I ever get the faintest impression that anyone at Pauline's gives a flying fuck about their customers.
(1)Jules H.
Solid breakfast restaurant. I had a very tasty south american omelette and my friend had eggs benedict. One of their tastier offerings are their potatoes. Very good, with onions and peppers. They have outdoor seating, good service, and reasonable prices. I did take one star off because they allow dogs in the outside seating area. I can do drinks and lattes with dogs, not breakfast.
(4)Anthony J.
There are many superior breakfast/brunch joints within half a mile of Pauline's. That said, nothing wrong with their food, it's just run-of-the-mill. Get there at the wrong time and you may have to wait, it gets busy on weekends. Not really worth the wait.
(3)Beth R.
A plate of hot, nearly-perfect blueberry pancakes can go a long way towards canceling out an otherwise mediocre experience. But not quite all the way. I'd been driving past Pauline's for months and finally the planets aligned and I went in for breakfast. Upon entering, the planets realigned to form an evil clown face, or at least a frowny emoticon. We entered; the hostess(?) seated our party of two in the second room. Outdoor seating was also available but maybe she judged that we were too pale for the June sun; at any rate, she didn't give us the option. She pointed to a two-top along the wall with roughly .4" clearance between the tables in front and back of it. Mmm, cozy! The table itself had been lovingly anointed with water in a haphazard pattern, but not dried. If I had been carrying my protractor, I could have measured the exact tilt of the table, but instead we simply know that it's at the angle where plates slide. The silverware on my side had been unwrapped, presumably for the napkin because they were unused. Our waitress approached and introduced herself, but turned abruptly as if to grab something for wiping down the table. She returned but did nothing to the table, if she even noticed. We requested a couple napkins to take care of it ourselves. She asked if we wanted coffee; I requested hot tea. I usually do this as a knee-jerk reaction to the coffee question, without looking at the menu. Usually it doesn't come back to bite me in the wallet, but this time it was $2.95 for two tea bags (one reg, one decaf) and some hot water. The water was presented in a 10oz. creamer for a mug that was about double the size. Even worse, the menu only lists tea to go, which is $1.50. The food itself was actually decent: aforementioned blueberry pancakes (which were pretty great), good french toast & side of strawberries, and the omelet that was supposed to be easy on the cheese was. Our waitress had, thankfully, asked whether I wanted all the toppings on my pancakes, which I did not. However, she assumed this was the case for the French toast, but you know what happens when you assume....In this case, it means someone doesn't get any syrup. We paid our bill in cash, in keeping with the retro vibe. Although I wasn't even sure whether we paid our server or the hostess, we ended up leaving it on the table because our server simply didn't come back. This made me nervous but at that point I wasn't going to lose sleep over it. I think Pauline's assumes that people have no other options for breakfast. There's really no other explanation for the general sloppiness of our experience.
(2)Kris B.
An affordable, greasy spoon diner with some unexpected non-greasy spoon touches. It has everything you'd expect of a breakfast-and-lunch joint: big, overly cheesy omelettes (The Fresh Broccoli Crown And Asparagus, South American, and Country Time are favorites.), giant pancakes loaded with chocolate chips, crispy breakfast potatoes. Everything's cooked on a big griddle, with short-order cooks constantly in motion. The nice surprises are the fresh made juices - they'll juice anything! Try the beet, carrot & orange! - and the sunny, dog-friendly patio on a quiet corner (minus the occasionally passing Metra). Pauline is evidently a big dog lover, because there are also photos of dogs up for adoption posted all over the restaurant. It's cash-only, but has an ATM. If you go on a weekend, you'll see who I refer to as 'The Parrot Guy', a quiet, mustached man who pushes his two macaws, Sam and Bruno, around on a baby buggy throughout the neighborhood. If he's a fan of Pauline's, so am I.
(4)Lucy P.
Pauline's has quickly became my favorite part of living t in Andersonville. This place defines cozy. Saying that Pauline's has a "small town diner" vibe does not do it's atmosphere justice. When you walk in, one of the servers walking by will let you know that you can have a seat wherever you would like. You are immediately asked what you would like to drink. Then, comes the food. All the food is seasonal, fresh, and delicious. September and October have meant pumpkin pancakes and caramel apple pancakes. Standbys include the biscuits and gravy, and omelettes loaded with ham, chorizo, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, sun dried tomatoes. . . You name it. The best part? It's cheap, cheap cheap.
(5)Sophia A.
This place is a no in my books. The staff is hard to understand, the food is overly greasy and messy (I guess that's a diner for you), they only accept cash, their biscuits are Pillsbury (gross!), and my table was sticky. It's okay prices, but compared to other places that sell the same quality food, it's overpriced. I guess I went in there hoping it was a "everything homemade from scratch" kind of place, and I was just kind of disappointed.
(1)WmTomas S.
I thoroughly enjoyed my omlette breakfast at Paulines. The coffee was generously poured, and the place oozes with a cozy neighborhood feel.
(4)Mike P.
My wonderful wife gave me a Saturday off from parenting a couple of weeks ago. After my chiro appointment at Ravenswood Wellness, I took a stroll up the block (2 blocks actually) and got a nice table for one in a packed house. I think the packedness of said house may have taken away slightly from the service. The place was a zoo, but a pleasant, happy, kid friendly, zoo. Coffee was very good. I chose the South American omelet with chorizo and jalapeno. Since it was the first time ordering this, I was a little put off to see the jalapenos were raw and used as garnish atop the omelet. I prefer my peppers cooked and will ask them to do so, next time I order this. Overall, I found it to be a good breakfast, certainly not unique to the area, but also not without its own charm. The omelets are 5 eggs a piece so they're serious business, but I left full and content, looking forward to coming back with the wife and kid.
(4)Derek R.
Great bereakfast, although pricey. Spinich omlet was excellent. Pankcake was 2nd best I have ever had. Paulines potatoes were very good. Toast was cold, dry and burnt. Excellent service. Spinach mushroom Omlet, 1 pancack, coffee.....$14.50
(4)iddells E.
I went here a few times...the last time I went here was on a Wednesday morning. Only two other tables were occupied so service was quick! Right before we knew it, our items were being set down on our table. Their potatoes are a must...they're delicious and very tasty! I like going to Pauline's since the food's always good and the service is quick and friendly.
(4)Rico T.
The place definitely has the neighborhood charm thing going for it. It's been around for a really long time & has fed this belly more than enough times. The food is very, very tasty....just nothing spectacular. Really safe menu items, but that's okay. I really don't think this restaurant is looking to win any Iron Chef awards. The coffee & the awesome waitstaff make your stay enjoyable.
(4)Damian C.
This place screams "neighborhood brunch spot". Not for my neighborhood, though, but those in Edgewater/Rogers Park. We ended up hear Sunday to try something different from the usual Clarke's/Melrose/The Grove combination we hit up on the weekends. And my honest thought is that it's just OK. The menu has your standards: omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches (for those of us who don't eat breakfast food), and a random spaghetti and a stir fry dish. The French Bread pudding looked divine and the Pauline's potatoes (roasted red potatoes with peppers, onions, and apples) were absolutely delicious, but the rest of my meal was just... OK. Apparently their fresh squeezed orange juice is phenomenal, so I suppose I missed out. The weirdest part of the breakfast was the fact that the waitresses seemed unable to pour water or coffee from the carafes without spilling it everywhere. Whether there was a hole or a leak in the carafes, or they were just super excited to pour it out quickly and care less about a mess, we probably had a quarter cup of coffee on our table and a glass of water on the floor by the time we were done. Slippage!! The prices are super cheap and, while they claim to serve "huge portions", I was easily able to eat everything on my plate. It's a drive for me to go so unless I find the need to be in the area I probably won't be back. I do, however, catch on to the appeal for many of Pauline's fans and can completely understand why people go.
(3)Minna A.
This place is so cute, what one would imagine when thinking of their favorite local breakfast joint. The service was great, and the food came out quickly. mmm... Orange papaya beet juice... I love that they have unique and healthy juice/vegetable combination drinks and smoothies. YuM!!
(3)Crystal R.
I really wanted to love this place because the food is great but the service is borderline unbearable. Our waitress was friendly but the owners/ front desk girl were terribly rude and uninviting. Sadly, we wont return here.
(1)Yvonne H.
Pauline's is a perfectly nice little breakfast spot. The fact it's "off the beaten path" is a plus because it's away from the noise and congestion of Clark Street. My dining companion and I went on a Saturday morning and had no wait for a booth inside the restaurant, which is charmingly decorated with whimsical knickknacks, multicolored upholstered seats and checkered vinyl tablecloths. Based on some reviews I checked the latter for wet or dirty spots - nope, clean as a whistle. We were waited on and served promptly and got water and coffee refills. The papaya orange juice came in a mason-jar mug and was delicious. I didn't get the coffee but my friend remarked it was good. The French toast and strawberries I ordered was perfectly fine. Was it the most spectacular French toast I've ever tasted? No, it cost $7.25 and I wouldn't expect it to be. The Pauline's potatoes were also yummy. I can't speak for their eggs and bacon since I don't eat either. Except for some overzealous plate-clearing (when a diner still has a fork in their hand, it's safe to assume they are not finished with their meal), the service was efficient. Neither neglectful nor overly solicitous. The check was not brought out unacceptably early. You have to pay your bill up at the cash register. They have pictures of dogs available for adoption on the walls and water bowls for pooches outside: bonus points. In sum: It's not brunch at the Drake, it's a cute, cheery, no-frills neighborhood breakfast joint that I will definitely go back to.
(4)Joe F.
After driving by about two hundred times, we finally made a stop and went in. There was no line and we got right in. My first impression was one of concern. We got there a little after noon and the place looked like a train had literally ran through the restaurant (as opposed to the tracks directly to the west). I didn't want to tempt fate and check out the restrooms. Regardless of the apparent lack of concern for presentation, we sat down and opened the menu. What a great surprise! My menu had been soaking in oil and was completely disgusting! Side note: Dear restaurant owners: If you present your patrons with filthy menus, what message do you think you are sending? It really doesn't take much time to check the menu daily, replacing what gets soiled/dirty and wiping away food/grease stains. Anyway, after waiting about 20 minutes for service we ordered. I ordered the biscuits and gravy; in my opinion there is no greater measure of an establishments ability to serve breakfast than the biscuits and gravy. It forces the place to demonstrate that they can a) create a delicious gravy b) bake a delicious biscuit. Fail on both account. Personally, if I go out to eat the last thing you better serve me is a biscuit that is out of a CAN!!! They served the kind that are flaky and are really just thin slices of biscuit on top of one another so they come off layer by layer. As for the gravy, I don't like thin runny gravy. My fork should be able to stand up in the gravy, not fall in and get lost. It wasn't seasoned very well - it could have used a lot more pepper and salt. The sausage was OK, but nothing amazing. Making matters worse, the eggs that I ordered as a side were slapped right smack dab in the middle of the BNG. Uhm, would have preferred to have those on the side, but whatever. The omelette was OK.. It was obviously thrown together very, very fast, and you could tell by the haphazard way it was thrown on the platter. I love fast service but I'd gladly wait another minute or two so you could not make a sloppy mess out of things. The omelette had decent flavor but the mushrooms were thick cut and not cooked. The spinach was still raw and made things a little runny in the middle. The cheese was used very sparingly. The potato side that was served was overcooked, far too browned (it was just shy of burnt) and had a bit too much green and red pepper. The fresh squeezed orange juice was as good as fresh squeezed can get - obviously they grind the orange rind down as far as possible because there was a pronounced rind flavor. Thick, pulpy OJ, but let's be honest, it doesn't take much to get OJ right. In the end we left full but unsatisfied. To say the service was rough around the edges would be an understatement. The cashier barely looked up while taking the money and checking out. We will probably not go back. There are a lot of much better breakfast places that serve better food with service that outshines that which is at Pauline's.
(2)Erin S.
(I wish they accepted plastic.) Excellent & enormous pancakes w/ fresh fruit (not frozen) if you like! I had the "eggs Benedict" & it was great (though, a little misleading b/c it had a fried egg instead of poached) the flavor was wonderful & the price was right! Definitely glad we found this lil spot! See you soon!
(4)Nick B.
Sunday morning breakfast usually stresses me out trying to figure out where to go. I took a stroll down Ravenswood over the summer and made a mental note to check out Pauline's on a chilly, autumn morning. Today was that day! I went with my mom and I knew she'd like it because the diner style decor reminded me of Door County. We arrived at 9AM and I stunned by how crowded it was! They must be doing something right. We were seated right away which was nice because I was starving. Our waitress took our orders quickly. I started with the freshly squeezed orange juice. I've been sick so I could just a shot of Vitamin C. I went with the special of the day which was scrambled eggs, French toast, and potatoes. Not bad! Pretty straightforward food. I can't say I was blown away or disappointed, but it was fairly basic. I'd probably go back just because the service is friendly and the atmosphere is very homey. It's nice to find a place like Pauline's over the barrage of trendy brunch spots in the city.
(3)Julie B.
This is becoming my regular breakfast joint! I have to say that from their omlettes to their french toast, Pauline's will not disappoint. Their sundried tomatoe and goat cheese omlette is heavenly and delicious!!!! My boyfriend is a huge pancake/french toast lover and they offer light and delicious choices (although we are not a fan of the stuffed french toast - tastes more like bread pudding than ft). One word of advice - BRING CASH (they only accept CASH!!!)
(4)Karen F.
Back in the day this little diner was called DJ's Depot, then it changed owners a couple time until it became Paulines - sadly Miss Pauline has passed as has her husband in the last couple months - that being said I grant this diner a bit of latitude and will continue to have breakfast here when I can due to not only the quality of the food and yes fantastic to mediocre service because you know what - no one is 100% all the time. This diner has been a part of the neighborhood for well over 20 years and will go thru changes but - pancakes - OMG amazing, eggs benedict fatastic - REAL ham on the bone!! Inexpensive - fresh squeezed OJ and whipped cream to die for - coffee refills without asking and the outdoor patio that let's you bring your dog - Come on neighborhood freindly what more could you ask for!
(4)Url R.
A decent place for a cheap brunch or breakfast. The Freshly Squeezed juice is definitely a highlight for this place. I would skip the fancy omelets and go for the more traditional fare like corned beef hash or eggs benedict. Also, this place is pretty good for kids, but can get a bit crowded.
(4)Jacob T.
Sunny and warm. This restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat on a balmy early summer weekend morning. I love eating outside, sipping coffee and watching the neighborhood slowly hum around me. The pancakes are huge. We usually get an omlette to share (the best whole wheat toast around) and a stack of pancakes. More than enough food for two. The only negative about this place is they only take cash... but fortunately they have an ATM right outside.
(5)Juliana K.
I have eaten at Pauline's twice - once inside and once outside. My outside experience - We were seated outside at a table that was too small to accommodate even two people. The table teetered back and forth and I recall being distinctly aware of where to place my feet below the table so as to no upset the entire works. Our server was courteous but not especially friendly. I ordered a vegetable omelet and an orange juice. The OJ was delicious and pulpy. The vegetables in my omelet were fresh and crisp however in their original size. They didn't bother to cut them up so I had huge stalks of asparagus thrown in my omelet. Other than that being a bit odd, it was tasty. I had a lovely time while eating outside however I think that had more to do with the weather and my company. The outside experience should get 3 stars. The reason I gave 2 stars is because my experience INSIDE was bad enough to detract from my original score. I was seated in the booth next to my son across the table from my friend. (Just setting the stage). The server came by took our orders but she was extremely rude and weird. My son ordered pancakes and a coffee. He was 11 at the time and the server went on a diatribe about how it was going to stunt his growth. 1. I didn't ask and 2. I didn't ask. I don't remember what anyone else ordered but I do recall the waitress making a regular appearance to mutter what felt more like a obligatory 'is everything ok honey' AT us stand there and wait for a response. She poured coffee from 2 feet above the cup splashing it everywhere. She burned my friend with the splash not once but twice and she reached over me while I was taking a bite to clear my son's plate. She was the pits. Anyway, if you are going to go: Get cash as it is a cash only establishment. Go on a day that you can eat outside Avoid the weird older server that calls everyone 'honey'.
(2)Kimberly D.
I drove by Pauline's once and wanted to give it a try the next time I was in the area. It looks like once of those cute, small neighborhood diners where you can get a nice homecooked breakfast. It was Sunday morning around 9 AM. We were given the option to eat outside or sit indoors. It would have been nice to sit outdoors but with the humidity, inside was more appealing. Our waitress came right away to take our drink orders and was pretty friendly. When my fiance's orange juice came, we were told that it was just squeezed that morning. The juice looked so fresh, that I decided to order one for myself. I have to say that it was one of the best tasting freshly squeezed OJ that I've had. For our meals, we ordered the South American omelette and the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. The chorizo in my omelette could have used more flavor. The eggs were fresh and super fluffy. The corned beef has was really good and had a nice crisp texture to parts of it. All in all, we had a good meal at Pauline's. Will probably return but only if we are in the area. Definitely not good enough to drive from downtown for sole purpose of dining at Pauline's. Dining room felt dirty but probably because it was old. Restroom locations were also suspect because you have to walk through kitchen but they were clean and that's all that mattered to me.
(3)Chris M.
Such a shame, such a shame!! Food, great. Atmosphere, delightful.......service.............sucks so bad it's not even funny. They need to take everyone that works here (including the owner) and take them to etiquette school on how to run a business. I was in there with a group of four people, we were ignored almost the entire time, they didn't bring everything we ordered to the table and yet it was still on the bill. Oh yeah, and it took a half hour just to get the bill at the end, one of the worst mistakes you can make as a server. Trust me, I was a server for almost 3 years. I NEVER complain and am always sympathetic towards servers b/c I was one, but our experience was so bad to the point I thought we were all on MTV's "Boiling Points" (Did I win my $100 yet). When we confronted the owner about it, all he said was "That's the way it is". Well sir, I would rather cut my wang off and throw it in the lake than come back to your establishment. I mean, that's just the way it is.
(1)Jill W.
Let me start off by saying I appreciate a good greasy spoon. I don't think I ask for too much in a breakfast place, just a good plate of eggs and some friendly service. Pauline's couldn't deliver either of those. After driving by Pauline's a million times and saying "ooh, we should try that place," today we finally did. Even though it was crowded, we got a table right away. We were told to sit in the first table behind the counter. This proved to be an unfavorable seat when the hostess informed us with a look of discontent that "usually the kids stand on your chair to get to the candy bowl." Sorry to inconvenience you, but YOU sat us there! Anyway, we were seated in Omega's station, which also proved to be unfavorable to us. She ignored us for awhile before finally taking our order. I ordered an omelet, orange papaya juice (which came a few minutes after my omelet), and a biscuit (which came about 15 minutes before the omelet), and my husband ordered the banana pancakes. The omelet was really bad, and the biscuit had clearly been stuck in the microwave before being served. The juice was okay, but it was too thick and pulpy (and I LOVE fresh squeezed juice filled with pulp). The banana pancakes were soggy and lukewarm. After our food was delivered, our server said she'd be right back with the syrup for the pancakes. She then disappeared and we didn't see her again until we asked for the check. Since moving to Chicago 3 years ago, I can often be heard saying "you can't find a bad meal in Chicago." Kudos to you, Pauline's, for proving me wrong.
(1)Karen A.
Do I really need 5 eggs in my omelette? This place used to be a lot trashier back in the day, with pictures of patrons stuck everywhere, Elvis and Marilyn posters mixed in with ads for Pork products. Lots of pancakes and bread and meat products here, not a lot for those doing an ass-reduction diet. The plates are big, the coffee is very good enough and you better bring cash cause they have not yet entered the credit/debit card era.
(3)Rick W.
They don't take credit cards!!! Really in today's world?? Long wait, longer wait for coffee and service. Won't be back.
(1)Mark G.
I will pre-empt this review by stating that we decided to bike over here for a brunch in 85 degree heat. I did not take a shower that morning, which would have certainly cooled me down. I decided to wear gym shoes with socks and my trusty Blackhawks hat for the ride as well. Needless to say I was sufficiently overheated by the time we arrived. Getting a seat outside was our goal, but not having anticipated how dang hot I was going to end up, sitting in the direct sun made me even more cranky pants than when we first got there. That all being said, I like the place. The servers were very attentive and prompt. I could have used a bucket of water instead of the smallish glasses they served, but I digress. I had a short stack of pancakes and a side of sausage links. They list what they put in their pancake batter on the menu and I must admit that those pancakes were some sort of special kind of love. Delicious. The sausage links were regular old sausage links. Girlfriend had the eggs benedict sandwich with ham, she said it was really good and made easy work of it; I'm not sure it was worth $8 but whatever. We just drank water and our bill was about $20, which I think was a fair price for a good breakfast. I'd definitely go back here again, and recommend it to others in the area. It's not really worth a drive but if you're around the hood give it a shot.
(3)Adam S.
Brunch with really good friends is mostly about the fellowship with those you love, so I enjoyed my time this afternoon at Pauline's. I was also glad to finally try it out, having read about it's uniqueness and been told so much about it by friends. Glad I went and glad I spent time with friends. However, I have no idea how anyone could ever give this Denny's with kitsch anything more than 3 stars. I give it a 2 because, frankly, I've been to so many better brunch spots that Pauline's makes for a poor comparison. I could have just as easily given it a 3 for "effort". Decor: cute, very old school. Waiter table assigments taped to tables or wall, old plastic colorful plates, and cheesy tablecloths like grandma used to have. I tried not to look at the kitchen or too closely at the dishes or tablecloths. Old can sometimes mean years of baked in germs and dirt. Yuk! Service: friendly and efficient. Maui was charming and accomodating. The friendly owner really cares about the place and kept checking on us. Evil woman at entrance was ignorable. Food: average would be best I could give this place for taste. But because my food was also lukewarm I have to say below average. Denny's after a night of drinking comes to mind. Except I was not drinking so food was just disappointing. As for the drinking, again, I think brunch is not brunch without mimosas. Call it lunch, or call it breakfast, but if you don't have a bloddy mary option on the menu, don't front! Value: not bad. 20 bucks per person and we had all the store mix pancakes and bland eggs we wanted.
(2)steve s.
I have only had breakfast here, but have always had a great home-style experience. Friendly people. The decor is homey and comfortable, just what you want in the morning, and it is definitely a favorite of the locals.
(3)Chip D.
Pauline's is always curiously disappointing, which is a shame, because it's one of the few places left that isn't on a main drag, but rather embedded in a quaint nook in West Andersonville. And, naturally, it has a friendly, charming vibe befitting the locale. The food, though, is appallingly average and not necessarily cheap. My latest breakfast was eggs over medium and corned-beef hash with a side of bacon. The eggs were fine, but the hash way too greasy and salty. The bacon was over cooked, the potatoes undercooked, the coffee thin. The whole experience reminded me of the last time I was at Pauline's when I had basically the exact same meal at the same quality. Still, the average joe like me is more or less pre-programmed to like places like this and I'm sure I'll drag ass in there again at some point, but it really could be better. Two caveats: I like their ice cream. I love their fresh-squeezed orange juice.
(2)Jeff N.
The customer service is great and so is the outdoor seating area, but that's about it. The food is mediocre and the prices are too high for only ok food. I feel bad on only giving it two stars as the waitresses are great and friendly. I live around the corner from here and wish the food was better.
(2)Miriam R.
I'm giving this 5 stars, because it is as good as it gets for what it is: A local "homecookin" diner with a down-home breakfast / brunch. My favorite aspects are: 1) The gentleman who greets you at the front door, offering you his freshly squeezed orange papaya juice if there is a wait. 2) The freshly squeezed orange papaya juice. 3) The fact that all of their pancakes are made with whole grain batter. 4) The fact that their farm-fresh eggs make all of their omelets so delicious that I rarely have leftovers (or is that bad?). 5) Their selection of herbal teas, for when you just don't feel like having coffee. 6) The 1950s kitsch / decor. So, you should definitely try this place out for brunch if you haven't already. If you stop by on a Sunday, I'll probably be there :)
(5)Katy B.
OK Pauline's, you may be starting to redeem yourself. Despite my earlier review, I've been back on occasion, and your service has been better. Keep it up and you earn another star. Revert to your old ways and you'll be banned from my breakfast rotation. Let this be a grudging acknowledgment of your improvement, as well as a warning that you're still on notice.
(3)Dan M.
Went for breakfast on 08/15/2011. Our waitress took our order and read it back to be sure it was correct but the cooks got got 2 out of 3 orders wrong. We didn't bother to complain as we were in a hurry.
(2)Erin '.
I've posted reviews about Pauline's on other sites too because I love it THAT much. Everything is fantastic and fresh. The waitstaff is perfect. It feels like having breakfast at grandma's house. Super cozy place, delicious food and great prices.
(5)Lindsey B.
I wanted to give Pauline's another chance before I made a quick decision so I tried it again for breakfast yesterday. I really like the place, when you walk in it looks like you're going on a picnic. The tables have plastic table cloths covered with glass for cleanliness and brightly painted walls with lots of vintage art and pictures. I really like the feel inside when you first walk in. But then you sit down. We got to our table, the waitress (an older woman) came over before we were even sitting down. I was struggling with my coat and couldn't even move my chair back to sit down cuz it's jammed in between the table and the wooden post behind it. So I tried to squeeze in as she's asking me about coffee. I don't drink coffee so she offered fresh-squeezed orange juice. So I ordered a glass. Just after I ordered it I remembered they had fresh papaya juice. She was already on her way back with the pulpy mess so I didn't order it. But I wondered why she wouldn't offer the Papaya juice to me too since that's a little more rare? EVERY breakfast place has orange juice. Come on. Anyhow, she impatiently asks if we're ready to order. We JUST sat down so we said no. She came back about 1 minute later and said, "Ok what do you want to eat?" So we both order quickly as she grabs the menus and walks off without even really acknowledging that we ordered anything. She came back with the food, slammed it down in front of us, and threw napkins on the table half on top of our plates of food. Then we had to switch cuz she put the wrong food in front of the wrong person. No sooner do we take our first bite but she's back with the check. GEEZ! In a hurry to get rid of us or what?! Rude. Rude. Rude. As we're eating and almost ready to get the hell out of there, the owner comes walking down yelling at the bus boy to clean a table. I would've quit right there if I were him. My dad has never even yelled at me that way. Ick.
(2)Dilip J.
The food is good, and the price isn't bad. But, the service is ok. I think the menu is pretty good, and there are a good variety of choices. They have some unusual items that I think most people should be pleasantly surprised by, But, I would never go here during brunch. The lines are just too long, and the place isn't exactly large. Go there and treat yourself to a really good meal, but not if you see lines during the wknd brunch.
(4)Derek M.
I've only dined at Pauline's one time. A beautiful, spring Saturday morning when I would have expected the wait to be nearly unbearable, but it wasn't. The booths look cozy inside for a winter's brunch, but the sun was out as were the tables so we chose to eat outside. On our visit there was scaffolding out and it was decorated with vines and ornaments to make it much more attractive for a dining setting. We waited a bit for our service but the food was great. Eggs and potatoes were good and I had the eggs benedict with crab meat, which was absolutely delicious! It was a quiet, peaceful outdoor seating area despite being near the road. I've been to other outdoor-eating areas where the road rage runs off the street right into the enjoyment of your meal, but thankfully that is not the case here. Luckily I had cash; I didn't realize its cash only. They do have an ATM that is conveniently located on the side of the restaurant. Overall it's a cozy place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. And I would recommend it over a lot of other places in the hood. There's even a cool little park near the Metra line on Ravenswood right out the front door where you can walk off your breakfast in the warmer months. Enjoy~
(3)Matthew G.
"THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL WITH A GOLDEN CURL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD. AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD, SHE WAS VERY, VERY GOOD, BUT WHEN SHE WAS BAD, SHE WAS HORRID" Pauline's suffers from severe bi-polar disorder. One moment, she pets you and calls you pretty while the next moment, she whips the hat pin out of her hair and pokes you in the eye. Pauline's also suffers from a severe lack of systematic order. The stationless servers sprint about like harried, headless chickens. The food is ready in baffling order -- here come the eggs and later comes the soggy, microwaved bacon and cold toast. Pushy bus boys snatch at your plate as you lift the last bite of food to your lips. The crazy owner coos at a cute baby only to turn around and scream "get the f*ck out" to a patient customer with a legitmate complaint (I actually witnessed this). Are the poor servers often rather surly? Yes, but I'm sure you'd be too if you're being screamed at by your boss as your customers fidget hungrily as you sprint across the restaurant to to freshen the coffee of one of your ramdonly assigned tables. It seems like a handbasket on a roller coaster ride to hell. The place itself has charming potential. It's old and eclectic, kooky and kitschy albeit dulled by a patina of grease. The food? It's ok. Sometimes it's pretty great, other times it's pretty rotten. Pricey for what is it? Definitely! I must say that they always have really awesome soup -- hot, hearty and fililng. Other menu items are hit or miss. I think Pauline's is in need of a long "time out". Some time to reflect, re-organize and prioritize would do the old girl a world of good. Let's hope she considers this. In the meantime, Pauline's remains packed on the weekends despite her "Mommie Dearest"-esque demeanor. During the week she practices better behavior, but the good does not cancel out the evil. The joint must be the number one stop in the Weekend Brunch Masochists' Guide. Pauline's really must consider her potential. Otherwise, perhaps grand-ma-ma should reach into the family savings and pack her off to boarding school. As there is high probabilty that you will have a (far) less than stellar experience, I suggest you skip Pauline's until she manages to behave herself properly.
(1)Susan L.
Supremely average, you'd be more satisfied a bowl of cereal at your kitchen table.
(2)Gayle G.
Wow, the hash was tas-tee! Me like-ee! We walked right in on a Sunday at 11:30 with no wait for a table for two. When we left an hour later, there were 3-4 parties waiting. This is an old school, no frills kinda breakfast place. The has was good and so were the plate sized pancakes. Not too sweet, crispy around the edges and not soggy in the middle. Three HUGE pancakes for $6.75 with a generous amount of whipped cream and fruit. Pitchers of syrup are on the table, so you won't look like a piggy if you need more than just the little pitcher that so many places give you. A great little neighborhood breakfast joint. I can see many a hangover being relieved here.
(4)Dave S.
The only bad thing about Pauline's is that it's not closer to my house!! Ok, sure, it's still within walking distance but who can possibly walk home after eating the generous portions served up in this neighborhood diner? Not me; that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Much like the omelettes stick to my ribs. Huge and fluffy and delicious! Corned beef in an omelette is the best thing since corned beef plain! French toast is AWESOME! I'm not usually a sweets person at breakfast but I had a hankering for French toast while there and ordered it as a side (yes, I said a side) to my omelette (can't pass'em up!) and I was in heaven! The servers are good enough but nothing special. They get the job done and sometimes with a smile. You can definitely tell who are the regulars and who are the not-so-regulars (yeah, I'm the latter) by the interaction with the wait staff. Although they aren't rude or off putting, they definitely know where their bread and butter is and cater to them; as they should! They do work for tips after all. There's outdoor seating in partial shade on those lovely Chicago Summer mornings when being inside is the last place you want to be. I have seen dogs tied up near outside tables occupied by their caretakers, so if that's your thing you might like to know. I personally don't think dogs (or any animal) should be allowed anywhere near food or beverage service areas. Restaurants or bars. They're dogs!! I haven't had to wait more than about 15 minutes to eat here which is a definite plus to other places in the neighborhood that experience long wait times. This is probably because this is a diner that knows how to short order cook breakfast and get people moving. Don't lollygag or you might find some growling bellies scowling at you! Pauline's is THE place for breakfast!
(4)Mike F.
I had a chance to visit Pauline's over the weekend. I am sorry I did. I have been hearing about it from a lot of people I have met in the neighborhood. And I think that is the draw. It is super-kitschy and not much else. It has that retro, old-timey diner thing going for it. And I will admit, it does indeed do that well. But the food and service left so much more to be desired. The menu consisted of your basic breakfast items and that is fine, if you are going to do them right. The whole meal was sub-par. I am not going to blame the food exactly, but I wasn't feeling too good stomach wise a couple of hours later either. I probably won't be going again. I couldn't resist its charming look and good reviews from friends, but it looks like I should have checked Yelp first.
(2)Sydney V.
We stopped in around 2:30 on a Sunday when there were many open tables. We were with our toddler and looking for a quick snack before he got too cranky. After sitting there 10 minutes and unable to get anyone's attention, we got up and left. None of the FOUR waitresses gathered around in a corner (so that's where they were!) bothered to run over to stop us. They just watched us walk away. So don't be fooled into thinking that the service is slow because they're busy. The service is simply bad. We won't be back.
(2)Unity O.
Been to this establishment many times over the years & I have to say it is a wonderful place to go for Sunday brunch. Now, if you do go on a Sunday you SHOULD expect to wait to be seated as it is a VERY popular place to eat in the neighborhood (also try & get there before the church crowd--they tend to move in massive herds :-) If you do get stuck waiting the staff are super & give you free fresh squeezed orange juice (YUM!) and really you never wait more then 15 mins. The food is just what you would expect from a diner like place--although more tasty & the atmosphere is warm & inviting. A little on the quirky side with the decor--but that makes it fun. Parking can definitely be a pain & sometimes the servers can be testy. Overall though the portions are very generous & the food is good!
(4)Brett M.
It's hard to give Pauline's three stars, because the servers are friendly and it used to be a favorite for us, but the quality of the food on days when the place is packed (Saturdays and Sundays) suffers. Also, when it's packed, expect to be jostled by other guests, servers, and bussers for the duration of your meal. And the bathroom is in the back of the kitchen, which means you go through the kitchen to get there... and it's not very clean. The whole place could use a major facelift, but I know they like to keep it "diner-kitsch", so I doubt that'll happen. Here's my best and worst experiences; you decide. Best experience: On Christmas Day last year, my dad took my brother, my fiance and I to breakfast at Pauline's because they were one of the only neighborhood places open on Christmas. It was great! We were one of the only tables, everyone loved our meal, our server was really sweet. I have fond memories of that meal. Worst experience: At like 2:45 on a Saturday, we took some friends to Pauline's for a late afternoon snack. The staff did not want us there. They were closing at 3:00, they were cleaning up, they weren't paying attention to us. We all wanted chocolate milkshakes, which are on the menu. They said they couldn't do it, because they were "out of chocolate." Now really. Any place that "runs out of chocolate" (I personally think they just didn't want to make them) on a Saturday when people will be in for belgian waffles on Sunday morning can't call itself a diner. I'm from New Jersey, so I am picky about diners, but I think running out of chocolate sauce or ice cream or whatever on a weekend is on par with running out of eggs or french fries.
(3)Becky S.
I agree with other reviewers that the service was less than satisfactory. However, the food was quite delicious. It made up for the poor service. My main complaint was the that "5 egg omelet" was definitely made of 3 eggs or less. I ordered the spinach, feta, and tomato omelet with a side of potatoes and wheat toast. I enjoyed all of it, including the free coffee refills! I plan on returning soon, maybe for a good hangover meal
(3)Liliana E.
I read some of your reviews... I must say, I've never had a bad meal their. The staff is friendly and fast. Maybe you guys went on a bad day. I've met the owner Ron he's such a friendly guy. He makes sure you enjoy your breakfast and sometimes recommends some of the specials. Give PAULINES another try. I love their french toast with the powder sugar....yummmmmmmy !!! PAULINES ........... KEEP UP THE GOOOD WORK ...
(5)Jillian D.
You know that children's song with the lyrics: "over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go"? well, traveling to pauline's is a bit like heading to grandmother's house...if your grandmother owned a cute neighborhood diner :) this restaurant is along one of my running routes. with it's vivid red outside walls, picket fence and flowers, you can't miss it. and the adorable signs along ravenswood that let you know you're getting close are a nice touch too. i used to run past the diner and fantasize about their "famous apple and blueberry pancakes" promoted on one wall. (running always makes me hungry for pancakes!) so, one day, my best friend and i agreed to check it out. the owner is the sweetest man. he greets you with a big smile on his face, so you don't mind learning there's a bit of a wait. and then he offers you complimentary fresh squeezed orange juice to boot. yum yum! the walls are painted in reds, yellows and greens, a nice complement to the red vinyl booths. the menu aims to please with a plethora of tantalizing breakfast and lunch options. my friend and i were seated, ordered coffee (fresh and hot), then perused the menu carefully. so many options! and specials too! we both ordered omelets (you can't plan for pancakes. pancakes tell you when to eat them.). they were HUGE!! we couldn't finish them. not even close. plus, they came with toast on the side. our server kept the coffee coming. and though there were people waiting, there was never any pressure to turn the table over. nice. i've been back more than once, and the restaurant never disappoints. oh, and i've finally tried those famous pancakes - delicious! if you're ever in the neighborhood, head for the red cottage on the corner of balmoral and ravenswood. you won't be sorry.
(4)Adam L.
I think the more often you come here, the more you tend to appreciate the quirkiness that many off the bat would find offensive. The owner's more than a bit eccentric - I almost get the soup nazi vibe from him a little, although he does quite kindly go around (with his backpack oxygen tank) pouring orange juice in the morning (often ending up in the glass you're holding). He's an animated fellow who obviously loves what he's doing. About the food, I've always enjoyed it - their specials I've also always liked, although I most recently had to ask them to hold the bacon for their "Vegan" special I had ordered - the waitress didn't seem to get it - I can only assume it was some kind of joke. In all, it's a cute neighborhood breakfast place that ends up being a wonderful start to any hungover or not saturday or sunday, especially outside on a beautiful summer morning.
(4)Kathleen C.
I have heard tons of good reviews about this place but just didn't think it was special. In fact, I didn't even think it was average. Went there early on a Sunday morning. About half of the tables were full and we were seated immediately. Although none of the other 2 person tables were used, we were placed near the entrance to the back room and it was annoying. The menu was large but I figured that I would go with a breakfast staple: an omelette. I actually felt jipped that the eggs were totally unfluffy and seemed to be an egg burrito instead of a mixture of egg and veggies. The menu said they used a bunch of eggs but it seemed like 1 or 2. Maybe I had a rookie chef! I did like the potatoes though! Maybe I will give it another try cause everyone keeps saying it is so good.
(2)Heather F.
Hello Pauline? It's me Heather. Weight Watchers or no Weight Watchers, I CANNOT depreive myself of Sunday Morning Breakfast. It's like a weekly holiday. I would walk across Hell's half acre for biscuits and gravy. Split wine, walk on water.... you name it, I'd do it. Gimme the fluffy biscuits and savory gravy. Pauline's is the cutest little neighborhood diner, providing some of the most stellar breakfast I've had in this city to date.... and I've been here for a solid 400 Sunday's, so, that's a LOT of desayuno. The portions are borderline offensive, and I mean that in a good way. You could EASILY feed 2 people with 1 breakfast entree. The menu will tell you they make "5 egg omlettes". This is a lie. It's like a dozen, and STUFFED with veggies and meats and cheeses galore. All breakfast's come with "Pauline's famous potatoes" and a side of toast. Pauline's potatoes are not that famous in my book. Standard red skins cut into chunks, and put on a griddle with peppers and onions. I prefer my hashies to be of the frozen, more glutenous variety, i.e. cooked in a vat of grease and salt, and served to me piping hot and crispy. These just don't make the cut, but the other food is totally worth accepting her sub par potatoes. I've only seen their lunch entrees, but never sampled. I can't NOT get the biscuits n' gravy when I'm there. The lunch stuff looks equally appealing. Pretty sure I threatened a waitress's life for the Patty Melt she had on her tray, but don't worry, I haven't been black listed. Pauline's is worth the drive if you don't live near Andersonville. There is plenty of easy street parking, service is always outstanding and FAST, food is ALWAYS delicious, and I always roll out smiling. I mean roll is its most literal sense. Please do not count on your pants fitting you after a visit to Pauline's.
(4)Bob S.
Been there 3 times and the first was the only good time. Second time there was in April 2010 when it was cold out and after a 15 minute wait we were seated by the door, and it was freezing. The wait was miserable as the woman "managing" the area doesn't take names but simply yells to the crowd "who's next?" so it's utter confusion. Once seated I ordered and omelet and the simpleminded waitress asked "how would you like your eggs". Um, duh - it's an omelet. And her reply was "Oh, I'm new here" as if that answered it. Today, the third trip, was unacceptable. Empty tables all around and the woman up front said we'd have to wait because evidently the booths are reserved for 3 or more. We're 2, no one else waiting, empty tables, and she makes us wait!? NFW! See ya!
(1)Veronicka L.
Pros: The food is great. The service is friendly and quick. They have a yummy candy bowl by the entrance (that includes Mary Janes). Cons: It can be very noisy. There is little room betwen tables and the booths are uncomfortable. In the summer, the air conditioning is not powerful enough.
(4)Carol H.
I've eaten at Pauline's twice. Both times I felt like I was being hurried up and pushed out. The staff kept running up and down the aisle next to me, brushing past and bumping me. Then they started furiously sweeping up the floor and piling the chairs on the tables even before I got my food. I timed my visit so that I could eat from 2 to 3 p.m., as it closed at 3 p.m. The decor is an absolutely hideous red and green, and the oil table cloths are equally as ugly. The food was very average, calorie-laden fare and over-priced for the neighborhood and quality of food. Nothing on the menu was for a person interested in healthy eating. I agree with the other interviewer on Yelp who doesn't understand how this place stays in business. On the plus side, Pauline's is located on a very nostalgic corner on Ravenswood Street across from the Metra train line. Plenty of trees abound forming a very pleasant outdoor seating area. The outdoor tables have umbrellas for shade. However, I can find a lot better places (with much better food) to eat in Anderson for the same prices that this place charges! P.S. They don't take credit cards, but they have an ATM on the outside of the building.
(1)Pete D.
This should be 4 and a half. Paulines is awesome, it can get busy and then service occasionally is less than stellar, but hey when a restaurant is slammed (which it often is on the weekends) you cannot expect miracles. Any one who doesn't like this place should go eat at some fast food hell hole, and keep out of our beloved Pauline's.
(4)Emily K.
Pretty good omelette- nothing to rave about, but was satisfying. Asked if I could get chorizo in my Mexican omelette (it was right below the South American omelette on the menu which had chorizo, but the Mexican had more things I liked in it). Said yes, was good, etc. Bill came- I was charged for 2 juices (only had 1) and $4.35 for corned beef hash (didn't order). When I told the waitress, politely, of the error she got super defensive and said "yeah, WELL, that's the only way I could ring up the chorizo for your omelette." and grabbed the reciept and returned with only the extra juice taken off. So apparently I was charged $4.35 for chorizo added to an omelette. Seriously dude? Seriously? I assumed extra meat added would be maybe in the $1.75-$2.00 range, like ordering a side of bacon or sausage. SERIOUSLY? $4.35? B.S. If an additional item really costs $4.35 extra I'd expect to be notified about it when I order. Or it better be wearing gold plated diapers. I won't be back.
(2)Nas T.
Enormous, bland omelets made of five eggs and a complete absence of flavor, like eating a gigantic bowl of hot water and calling it soup. Obnoxious "old school" "charm" which includes lackadaisical staff and an unwillingness to accept credit cards, though they'll be glad to point you to a gaudy ATM with a hefty fee - you know, "Just like they had back in the day!"® Oh, wait...
(1)John B.
Pauline is a Jekyll and Hyde kinda girl. During the week, this is a nice neighborhood joint, all candy colored and checkered curtains. The walls are covered with old-time adverts, the tables are covered with photos of regulars. The food is good and the service is friendly. Locals relax with their morning papers, old friends catch up, moms bring their kids. You wouldn't be surprised to see Floyd and Goober at the next table. On the weekends, though, Pauline turns into one mean bitch. The sweet ethnic servers are gone, replaced by the pros who are there for their tips. Customers are jammed in like commuters on the train to Bergen-Belsen. And treated just as well. You eat what you get, and you will like it! It's all about long lines and table turns. The kitchen churns out orders, and who cares if it's ready? If you have a chance to visit Pauline's during the week, do so. On the weekend, unless you are more patient than I am and willing to put up with some bullshit, skip it. Go to Svea -- it's a smaller menu, but the people are nicer. 4 stars for weekdays, 1 star for weekends.
(3)Laura K.
First off, I like the fact that it's just down the street from my apartment and that we can walk to it no matter what the weather (although we were slipping and sliding on the ice the whole walk over). It's your typical breakfast type place with generous portions and AMAZING orange/papaya juice. If you go, and especially if you have a hangover, order this juice. It's fresh squeezed (although i have no idea how you squeeze a papaya) and yummy. Your body will thank you. This place is usually jammed on the weekends however peacefully quiet during the week. The owner (or who I'm assuming is the owner) has always been friendly and accommodating but I agree that the wait staff is more interested in getting the job done than being super friendly. The food is good. I've only had breakfast here. Nothing remarkable. All in all, it's a cute little local place I like to take our out-of-town guests for a little local flavor.
(3)Dave Z.
What I like about Pauline's is that they know exactly who they are and attempt to execute fast, pretty friendly service with really good consistent food. I have had great experiences at Pauline's both on weekdays and weekends. They do not attempt to be upscale or corporate or scalable. They are a mom and pop breakfast diner. On the weekend expect to wait because they will be packed from 8:00am to 12 noon (based on my experiences). The serving staff is friendly but they are busting it, to get your your food in a timely manner in a space that is designed for a healthy bottom line and not extra wiggle room. Go to Pauline's for the food, the fun old posters on the walls and if you have to wait their are plenty of newspapers to read.
(4)Chris J.
I've been coming to Pauline's for years with my family and would have easily given it 4 or 5 stars. However, on a recent visit, I was quite disappointed. The service was very rushed and the waitresses were not friendly. The food also wasn't up to the usual par I expect from Pauline's. The potatoes weren't what they normally were and the bacon wasn't well cooked. My friend got an omelet that was alright but nothing special. I hope next time I can update with a better review because I've been coming here forever and it's usually quite good.
(3)Jeremy S.
Better service, food, and environment for less money than my regular diner. I'm a new fan!
(4)Tracey C.
The only reason I'm giving this two stars is the food. (I would give it more because, frankly, the food is really good, however, I can't in good conscience, give more than that given the service.) I'm used to waiting for tables for breakfast/brunch on weeeknds... not a big deal. What I can't let slide is being seated and then waiting for a good 20 minutes before anyone actually comes to your table simply to ask if you want something to drink. (And I'm assuming the only reason the server finally came when she did is because the oddly indifferent, and overly abrasive manager seemed to have noticed the look on my face...later she would yell at her staff for everyone within earshot to hear... ahhh nice calm brunch) After ordering orange juice, we waited another 15 minutes (no joke) before that was brought out . (while I realize it's fresh-squeezed OJ, it's not as if they're flying to FL to handpick the oranges with each glass ordered... 15 minutes is ridiculous) The server (who was also acting as hostess at some point) was, to put it as fairly as possible, socially awkward. While taking our order she started shaking her hands and sighing, motioning us to "hurry up" (just a reminder, we had a good 20 minutes to review the menu so it's not like we didn't know what we wanted, we just weren't speaking fast enough for her) and, only, again, after seeing the look on my face did she say, "Sorry to rush you." When my friend asked her for some OJ a little bit later, she looked at him as if he had just asked her to kick a dog. While sitting there, we witnessed a customer having to get up and get his OWN refill on coffee because they had been waiting so long. His server ended up snapping at him. Bottom line, brunch and breakfast are my favorite meals to go out and enjoy in Chicago. Pauline's has excellent food but it's not worth the time or the aggravation when surrounded by so many other places in the Edgewater/Andersonville area that will provide MUCH better, much less aggravating (and, dare I say, MUCH less shocking lack of) service. You can have the best food in the world but if your service sucks, you're tanked. Pauline's, get with it... hire more people... ones who know how to deal with customers.
(2)Samantha L.
Food - disgusting. Decor - disgusting. I live right by this place and would love nothing more than to have an awesome diner place to hop in and have breakfast on the weekend, especially if it's after a big party night or I have someone in town staying with me. Alas it cannot and will not happen at Paulines. I had an omelet when I went, I think the best way to put it is that their food is sloppy. I know it's a diner, and I know it's just breakfast, but I know the difference, this place is gross. My veggie omelet was swimming in grease (and I am not opposed to greasy food from time to time) I think there was like one piece of something that resembled a vegetable. The potatoes, not good. The super kitschy decor made me want to barf almost as much as my omelet. And just a heads up - a lot of kids there. I personally like kids, plan to have a bunch one day, but for now I am enjoying the days when I don't have any. It was like eating at a McDonald's play place. Not my idea of a good time. Hope I didn't offend any proud parents out there, I know people get all sensey when you bring up the kiddies, I'm just keepin' it real.
(1)Steve C.
Maybe some of these negative people just went in there on the wrong day at the wrong time. Which sometimes happens with small/family businesses where employees generally get a lot of leeway with regards to their performance. But we went on Sunday at around 1:30 and they couldn't have been friendlier, despite being pretty packed with a room full of people presumably nursing their hangovers. Food was pretty good, I stuck to pancakes but my friend seemed fairly excited about her Mexican omelet, and she'd been going there for years. Definitely would go back if I'm out of bed before 2 on a weekend again.
(4)Julia R.
Despite reading some of the mediocre reviews of Pauline's, I decided to go anyway since it's so damn cute from the outside (and yes, I judge books by their cover). I'm SO glad I did though. I had the most delicious breakfast! It has diner prices but with really great food. I went on a Saturday morning so there was a wait to get service but we were seated immediately so it was no big deal. It's cute, it's tasty, and it's cheap! If you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely make your way to Pauline's.
(4)D.L. P.
I really like Pauline's. The staff was super, super friendly. I was on a first name basis with a lot of them. They have some really good daily specials. I think I am probably in the minority when I say I like Pauline's lunches better then their breakfasts. It just a good, neighborhood place to get a hearty meal. For what I believe Pauline's is trying to do - create a comfortable, neighborhood diner that has good service and serves good to great food - I like it better then anyplace similar in Chicago. Print it!
(4)Elizabeth H.
used to be a decent breakfast spot... then it switched owners years ago and went to shit. This place is far from special but people line up outside on a Sunday morning like they are serving a side of caviar with their short stack. The food is OK, but no better than any dive-y diner you would stumble into. Definitely not homemade-tasting in the slightest. I think they literally just lucked out with the location, in the sense that it is the easiest place to walk to on a weekend morning for the local crowd. The wait staff is generally not polite and tends to get orders wrong quite a bit. The place is small and they try to cram tables into every nook and cranie, even outside. It's not at all a relaxing atmosphere and you will most likely feel squished and rushed on a weekend morning.
(1)Rich S.
I'm glad to see Elizabeth H. indicate that Pauline's has changed ownership. Having just moved back to Chicago after 8 years in the Bay Area, I was excited to visit Pauline's again. It was a place I had fond memories of. I was greeted with a dirty restaurant (sticky tables and chairs, dirty silverware), mediocre food, and rude service. I won't go back.
(1)M G.
I enjoyed this place for the most part. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my husband had the blueberry pancakes and potatoes (a very healthy breakfast indeed). He really enjoyed his pancakes even though they served a "mixed" maple syrup instead of a pure maple syrup. The potatoes were flavorful. I'm pretty sure the biscuits were Hungry Jack (not flakey enough) and my plastic plate came warm which made me think that it took a turn in the micowave. Still, the gravy was dressed up with Italian sausage and was pretty good. The service was reasonably good. I would go here again and my husband, who doesn't go to restaurants alone, already did go back on his own. So I'm guessing he would have given this place four stars.
(3)Ellen P.
Cute, neighborhoody place, bring cash. Portions are huge. I must agree with frustrated weekend diners -- you'll wait, and will not be allowed to linger, despite the somewhat hefty price of breakfast. They lose a star because I simply cannot abide the confrontational manner in which the "host" hurried us along after a Saturday breakfast. There are more subtle, yet effective ways to turn tables; I encourage management to use them. That said, over my Christmas vacation, had a wonderful time catching up midweek with my BFF, over yummy blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee etc. We spent well over two hours chatting about life, jobs, school, kids, etc, and were not harassed once. Summer also a good option, as outdoor seating expands the dining area. Overall a very enjoyable experience, and very full tummies. Recommended.
(4)Alison L.
Ate lunch inside, smelled like old mop water. We ordered three meals - all bad. Previously frozen burger patty, hard and greasy. Grilled cheese with so much cheese it wasn't all melted. Plate full of sloppy, flavorless spaghetti. For such a great location and cute spot it's very disappointing. Prices are reasonable, but they need to focus more on the quality of the food. Hopefully breakfast is better, but not sure I'll go back to give it a try.
(1)Megan K.
We were greeted at the front door by an older gentleman who offered us plastic shot glasses which were quickly filled with freshly squeezed orange juice and followed by the promise that the twenty minute wait would be worth it, claiming that it would take us at least another twenty minutes to find another place, and the other place would be far inferior. Thus, we waited, and in no time were able to crawl over several tables to be seated at a table on the sidewalk. The menu was overwhelming, because even though all the egg and pancake offerings were standard and straightforward, the portions appeared huge - omelets made with five extra large eggs sounds a little intense, doesn't it? Fear not, I've had three egg omelets that are bigger than these, so I'm not sure what the deal is with that. I've been ordering stuffed french toast a lot lately, and theirs looked delicious - until my plate arrived, loaded with boring battered Texas toast, whipped cream, and a sprinkling of un-ripe strawberries. The following conversation with the waitress ensued: "I ordered stuffed french toast." "No you didn't." "Yes I did." "No, you just ordered regular french toast." "No ma'am, I did not. Would it still be possible to get the stuffed." "I guess." "Would it take awhile?" "Probably." "Fine, nevermind, I'll eat this." And then I did what I could to eat something I didn't want after having a healthy dose of attitude and no apology. Everyone else was satisfied with their eggs, home fries and toast, but the most enthusiasm was saved for the fight over the blackberry jam packets. Giving this waitress the benefit of the doubt, I would come back here if I was in the area, or could walk here from my house, but I won't go out of my way to return. ps, they only take cash and personal checks.
(3)Edward L.
One star is too high of a rating for Pauline's. The service was horrible and the staff was rude. The food was not at all impressive. There are several other resturants that I would consider before this one for breakfast. If Pauline's is the only choice that I have on any given weekend, I choose to go hungry!
(1)Geoff H.
I used to love coming to this place like ten or fifteen years ago before it 'caught on'. I still ADORE their food (breakfast, anyway), their omelettes are ridiculously large, pancakes quite good, potatoes fantastic. But, still, I always leave this place in a shitty mood, and invariably about two hours later than when I arrived, which is just silly. This isn't a five-star dinner. The service is consistently awful, really. It always takes forever to get your food, and if at the first try they forget something (which is more often than not), you may or may not see your server, or the rest of your meal, for another half hour. Not sure if the problem(s) relate to incompetence, disorganization, the owner, or what, but they've been around long enough to have their shit together, they just don't. Great food, probably not worth the irritation unless you're a saint, have lots of time to waste or are not that hungry. But if you come here with a raging hangover, this may make it worse unless you sneak a bottle in, seriously. I just want breakfast, and though I like their food half as much as Pauline's, I'd rather go to Golden Nugget or Ann Sather (though their service sucks, too, usually) and not waste two hours of my day. It's just not that serious.
(3)Alison F.
Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. This is the most amazing spot for breakfast in the city. If i was writing an insiders guide, Pauline's would have top billing. Having visited this spot dozens of times, quirky is certainly the appropriate adjective but in such a good way, with a smattering of posters, photographs and, yes, sponge paint covering the walls. The owner takes amazingly good care of his guests. Food is plentiful and excellent - I highly recommend the 'everything' omelet with white asparagus and delicious pancakes. Only thing that doesn't thrill me is the poor coffee over my last few visits but don't let that keep you away. Beautiful outdoor space in the summer, and slightly off the beaten track in Ravenswood, it doesn't get more authentically Chicago than Pauline's.
(5)Chris K.
My favorite breakfast place in Chicago. The place is packed, but it's worth it. Everything's good. Go soon and often.
(5)Chad S.
homey atmosphere.. kinda cute i guess. but how is it different from denny's or Ihop? bigger portions. food is just so-so.
(2)Gil N.
Pauline's is really a one of a kind place. I don't know if the reviews can do it justice. It's not going to knock your socks off but it is going to make you feel comfortable. The food's great, the place is very laid back, and the atmosphere just takes you back. The location is nice and secluded and although it does get packed at times, it still feels like it's one of our city's little secrets.
(4)Patty V.
Comfort food at its finest! Great omelets and breakfast items. I also love the Veggie Burger with the yummy fries. Service can be a tad slow,so if you are really pressed for time, this is not a good choice.
(4)aileen b.
One of my top places to ride my bike to for brunch. It does get busy, but as other posters said the wait isn't ridiculous and they serve you fresh-squeezed OJ while you wait! I rarely order pancakes, but when I am here indulge in them, and it is oh so worth it.
(5)vitas z.
i had gone to pauline's several times over the years. i can honestly say that i wasn't a fan for a long time. it's been hit or miss from time to time. though, last time was such a hit, i have to give it 4 stars and say that i'm planning on going back soon. the service was solid, the plates of food were on the larger size, the owner was so cheerful and attentive and shared a few great stories with us. the group was made up of my wife, our 5 month old son, and a couple who is expecting. the were very attentive that we were comfortable, that my son was safe and comfortable and the expectant mother was well looked after. it was what i had heard pauline's was like from all my friends who love the place and an experience i had never had before. i hope next time i go back the trend continues, because if it does they'll have a big fan in me.
(4)Nannette P.
For what it's worth, Pauline's could be the BEST neighborhood spot for breakfast if it just tweaked a couple things. Yes, I realize it has been there forever. Yes, I realize that they capitalize on those people who, like myself, live off of Ravenswood instead of Clark or Ashland and want to avoid the craziness which is weekend brunch in Andersonville. I just simply wish that Pauline's could improve on their food quality, their service, and the general feeling of the restaurant overall. I have visited here many times and have left upon many occasions feeling, this place COULD be so great. But, I have had slow and / or non-existent service, where the 40 year old waitresses are much more interested in catching up with each other than in taking care of their guests. I have experienced full out conversations with their family members over the phone as I am patiently waiting to pay my bill up at the front. Where I have had a plate of food delivered to me ten minutes before my companions is ready. Yes, I understand this is supposed to be a "diner", but you do realize Pauline's that most people will wait out of courtesy for their dining companions' food to arrive before they eat their own plate of food? Just set mine out under a heat lamp instead of sending it out only to be freezing cold ten minutes later because I'm trying to be polite. Or, I have a genius idea. How about cook the food at the same time?! Genius!!!!! I mean, c'mon. I have been there at least three times where this sort of thing has happened to me. Not to mention, you have to flag down the gum flapping waitress in order to see IF the food is actually coming. I have sat for long extended times without coffee refills or water refilled, or silverware. Common sense, people. At least in a real diner, you feel taken care of by the staff and that they really do care about getting you in, getting you a hot cup of coffee, and getting you fed, all within a reasonable amount of time. For my money, I'll head to Golden Nugget, Tiztal Café, or M Henry.
(2)Hannah B.
Pauline's is a staple for weekend breakfast! Every time I have family or friends visiting from out of town, we must go to Pauline's for the blueberry pancakes! I don't have a big sweet tooth so I usually order the Mexican omelet which is delicious. I just tried their new special, the southwestern omelet with spicy chorizo, and I fell in love. The coffee keeps coming non-stop which is a godsend after a long Saturday night. If you get to Pauline's early enough on a Saturday or Sunday you will be seated immediately but beware of the brunch crowd and expect a long wait on holidays. Even if you have to hang around a bit before breakfast, Pauline's is definitely worth it!
(5)Darlene R.
this place is cash only! they do have an atm on the outside of the restaurant, but i wish there was a big ass sign when you entered letting you know. we went at 9am so there was no waiting. i ordered the south american omelette, chorizo, cheddar and jalepeno. it was alright. it was a little greasy and my biggest complaint is that the jalepenos were on top of the omelette and not inside. my husband got pancakes and eggs with sausage on the side. our waitress forgot the sausage, but did bring it immediately when we reminded her. his pancakes were good, not the best i had but pretty good. nothing really stands out from what we had. the best thing i ate was probably the english muffin. it was super crispy and buttery. i didn't share it with my husband; it was soo good. however, i wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)theresa w.
I just had the WORST breakfast ever. I am not sure where to even start to give an objective overview of my experience. I sit and write this and at the very same time I am waiting for the diarrhea to kick in. Things that went WELL: the OJ is great, the toast wasn't burnt Things that went BAD: we had to ask 3 times for milk and sugar substitute for our coffee which lead me to get up and search the restaurant for sugar substitute because the waitress never brought it, all of our meals where not delivered together (one person was missing their bacon, someone else was missing toast), ALL the food was cold?!?, my over easy eggs were not over easy - all three yolks were cooked solid, potatoes were cold, the bacon was NOT COOKED!, returned bacon was just put back on the grill and was returned full of grease and a pancake taste, the owner? was hanging pictures on the wall with a full restaurant, the owner refilled our much needed coffee mugs but proceeded to not only spill my coffee but BOTH of my friends coffees!!, the old man owner? made us move our table mid-meal and yes, again spill more coffee in the process, the waitress in her flight passed our table and knocked our paper and condiments off our table and on to the floor, the old man owner again made a comedic appearance by using our table as a wait station?!!? - loading up used cups from another table, filled water glasses for a new table and tossing silverware on our table. We also waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited some more for our check... after asking for it. This place is a JOKE.
(1)Alvin d.
if you want mediocre food and to be hustled out of your table, come on over to Pauline's. the bus boys were hovering over us with their dirty buckets of plates and silverware once they saw cash coming out of our wallets. I realize that they had to turn the table over, but we were not even lingering. I certainly do not intend to return, there are much better places for breakfast who would not dare hurry to get you off your table.
(2)Lynne D.
This place is great! Not only are they open every single day of the year, but they are a warm and inviting diner-like restaurant. They are known for their great breakfasts and I have to agree that their potato homefries are great! Also, I have been there for lunch as well and that was excellent too! It is an old-fashioned vibe and the waitstaff, though they seem hurried, are very friendly and sweet.
(4)K B.
I love brunch at this place, but only if you're prepared to spend the majority of your Saturday/Sunday in a food coma - their portions are huge. I mostly order their omelette, which are 5 (!!) eggs (the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato one is my fav) and the potatoes they come with are awesome, crispy and not soaked in oil like some places. The service here has always been very courteous, even if you do have to wait a while on weekends, but what do you expect. In the summer they have seating outside, which is great if it's nice out.
(4)Jacob Y.
How many places serve 5 egg omelets? Just for that alone and the generous portions of delicious breakfast dishes, Pauline's has easily become one of my favorite brunch joints. What's more...they have FRESHLY squeezed orange juice. I am a sucker for places that serve fresh OJ...with pulp...and served very chilled... They also have a smoothie selection made to order with fresh fruits and vegetables. During the warmer months, you can even sit outside. The decor inside is very diner like, but very colorful and inviting. I also need to remind bringing a picture of myself to stick under the glass on the tables. The waitress...VERY attentive. My friend ordered hot tea, and she came back every 10 minutes to check on her hot water. I am very impressed indeed!
(4)Jeff G.
this is more of a 3.5, i think the current rating of 3 is underrated, so i rounded up. lots of homemade stuff here - whipped cream and all that, nice fresh squeezed juices omelet was pretty decent with fresh (not smoked) salmon and asparagus
(4)Dara O.
Great food, great service! I usually meet my grandpa here right when they open at 7 am on weekends, and they're fully prepared with the fresh juice and serving. Never had a bad experience here.
(5)Kaleb B.
My partner and i went here for breakfast the other morning and it was very cute a playful, the food was good diner food and the service was good. we will go back. its a night neighborhood place.
(4)Larry J.
I went to Paulines just to patronize an independant business. The sign outside said "comfort food at comfort prices" The decor was very nice, it reminds you of yesteryear. The food I ordered reminded me of yesterday. I ordered the country biscuits and gravy for breakfast and immediately I was put off. The gravy and sausage were great but the biscuits were lacking integrity. I was unable to cut them with a fork. I had to use a knife to cut them. It was as if they were stale or they were microwaved before serving. If they were microwaved it dries them out and thus makes them the way they were presented. Customer service was great. The waiter was very nice he comped me for the issue with the biscuits. I also question the statement about comfort food. I saw no mac and cheese, meatloaf, or even country fried steak for breakfast. I'm not positive if I will try this place again.
(3)Pavithra M.
But I will clarify, it is the neighborhood feel and the proximity to our place that makes this place a favorite. The french toast is very good and I love the freshly squeezed OJ, but the rest of the breakfast menu is average. What takes the menu to the next level is their burgers. When I am in the mood for a big, juicy burger, this is the place to go. The inside is a little cramped, but they have always accommodated my two little ones and the wait staff is very friendly and welcoming to them. I am glad I live close by.
(4)Shawn J.
Quaint little diner. Only open from 7a-3p daily. Great breakfast spot. Always super nice and accommodating staff. Great breakfast ( have not had lunch here yet) with large portions. Always freshly squeezed juices. I love to go for brunch as it tends to quiet down around 11 am ish on the weekends.
(5)Hail I.
Do not order the biscuits and gravy unless you want to pay $7 for two from a can Pillsbury biscuits. Come on Pauline.
(2)Karen N.
This place is what it is... an easy neighborhood diner style breakfast place for family. The up side: They give you fresh eggs, promised to be less than 5 days old from Michigan. The down side: I don't know what possessed me to try the salmon eggs benedict today but it really was awful. It's like someone made eggs benedict without reading the recipe. Large chunk of poaches salmon under the eggs, the hollandaise sauce was not what it should be, icky. I shouldn't have risked ordering it but I love eggs benedict. If you go, just stick with what they are good at, eggs and pancakes.
(2)Aurore L.
Cool, windy morning. Breakfast with friends. One of them all up and preppy, the one badly hangover. Patio seating. It's noisy. Very much so. They are doing some sort of construction/renovation next door and it's deafening. Not exactly the cozt ambiance I was expecting but oh well....the wind knocks off the vase on the next table. The menu is big, and I decide to go half and half. Scrambled eggs and pancakes with strawberries. Coffee too, of course. I was also in the mood for bacon, but after checking the price and almost choking on it ($4.95!!) I went meatless. Le sad. Food arrives, and it's quite disappointing. Dry, boring, 5 pieces of strawberry on the plate.....it is depressing-looking. The pancakes were some of the worst I had, like, ever. I almost want to cry. This Friday doesn't start well; but I am chit-chatting with friends, spying on the biggest dog of the neighborhood and making fun of the waiter in my head. Not so bad after all. But I could totally do that AND eat good food somewhere else. A no-return.
(2)Sid P.
Friendly service if less than perfect. Excellent, hearty, quality food served hot if not especially quickly. Pauline's has room for improvement, but honestly, it's not trying to be the #1 restaurant in the world. What it is, is a neighborhood restaurant. Their food is honest and delicious. The portions are very generous. I mean, this place has a 5-egg omelette. Five. Few people I know can finish it with the accompanying Pauline's Potatoes and toast. Lots of really tasty items on the menu, and most are the old stand-bys with a bit more care than you'll see at the regular diner around town. The owners mind the store. The place has a sense of community. And it feels good to support a local business that goes out of its way to show you it wants you to be happy. Often they serve complimentary, fresh squeezed juice. "Just because". This is the way they work it. Recommended, especially when it's not super busy. And even on a Saturday or Sunday breakfast-brunch time, the wait isn't painful and the service isn't much different than when they're mostly empty. This is not a high stress environment. It's more like, well, home.
(4)Richie D.
When you're looking for fresh, traditional "American" (whatever the heck its definition is now-a-days), Pauline's has it. When I wake up in the morning and unsure of what I have a taste for, Pauline's it is. It reminds me of an urban Apple Holler. What's not to love about that while stuck in the city in need of a little rural escape?! I discovered this somewhat remote, yet bright eye-piercing RED diner while on the Metra train heading north to Kenosha. The name Pauline's excited me because I thought the southern belle cook Paula Dean opened up a local joint outside of Georgia. This ended up not being true, but I still wasn't disappointed because I didn't suffer from a heart attack afterward. It's just far away from the brunch rush of Andersonville's Clark Street to avoid the crowds, and you're satisfied with down-home cooking in a place where everyone feels at home. After walking in you're overwhelmed by the red, yellow, green and white color paint choice. The adorable owner is quick to greet you with a smile and insists to get a booth cleared for you since "our customers like the booths best." This must be true since he has posted a sign by each booth asking anyone on weekends to have only 2 or 3 coffee refills so others can take their booth. I think that all places need this at times. The booths are fun with a scrap of receipt paper stating your waitress' name, a rack with various recent magazines, collages on the table, and wall of their favorite patrons. Locals seem to become returners quickly. Like myself. I almost always go for the Breakfast Special which always includes a huge pancake, eggs and turkey sausage. The main draw are their delicious pancakes which have just the right amount of sweetness and come with a dollop of their homemade whipped cream. Paired with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice, yum! I personally enjoy the mango orange, but they also have papaya orange. Be sure to check the hanging chalkboard at the entrance with the daily special. You may not want to miss out! The one time I did veer away from breakfast, I had a Turkey Burger with guacamole, mayo, ketchup, a bed of lettuce, and tomato slices, PLUS their perfectly fried golden crunchy Cavendish Fries makes me lose my train of thought (no pun intended). As the menu depicts, these are "Canadian potatoes grown by Irish men and batter coated in Burlington Mass. (got it?)"--I didn't 'get it' but it refers to Burlington, Massachusetts?!?!) They're also cooked in non-hydrogenated canola oil. French Fry Perfection!! My boyfriend usually has the Country Time omelet (corned beef hash with cheddar cheese) which I want to go back myself for. Even though it had to be made with 3+ eggs, I wasn't aggressive enough to steal more than one fork-full from him before he had time to masticate it just enough to pass it on to his ravenous stomach. They're also only open breakfast/brunch/early lunch hours (7 am to 3 pm every day of the year--even holidays!) Plus, they have outdoor seating welcoming dogs, for the better or worst.
(5)Bob D.
If this place wasn't so darn far North I would be here every weekend. Eggs, guaranteed 5 days old? Hell yes, I love some runny ass eggs washing over my breakfast and the fresher the better. Peach pancakes? This is an easy thing to screw up and they didn't, fresh ripe peaches and a perfect pancake. In house made corned beef hash? Hell yeah! I hate that canned crap so don't even bother putting it on a menu. Biscuits and gravy! Too bad for the haters they don't have that pasty floury crap that is so prevalent, they only have the silky kind with fresh Italian sausage in it. The potatoes were cooked perfectly and the coffee was great. Any time I can sneak around the kitchen while searching for the bathroom is a plus.
(5)Tracey M.
I left wanting more. Good thing I left with leftovers. :) In all seriousness, I'm confused how anyone can have a problem with this Pauline's. It has so much to love that and couldn't find anything wrong. (And trust, me if someone were to find something bad about a place, it would be me.) So let's hit the checklist: Good Food: Check! Actually, I would have to say great food. My pancakes were fantastic and my bacon was crisped to perfection. I mean it. This is the first time I've had a breakfast place get it just right. Service: Check! My order was correct, all condiments were provided as needed and my drink was refreshed without even having to ask. Also, everyone a Pauline's is super friendly. A definite plus! Atmosphere: Check! I love hole-in-the-wall diners so Pauline's is the perfect size as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure if I had dined here on a weekend day I would be telling you the line was miles down the road. However, now that I've have dined here, should I come back and incur a long wait I would have no problem. It's THAT worth it. Hours of Operation: Open 365 days a year. How fabulous is that? Overall, I was extremely pleased with Pauline's and look forward to my next visit.
(5)Cory C.
I can't get enough of this place on a Sunday morning. The service is typically with a smile and it's the perfect starting point for a day of junking (shopping for crap I don't need in junk shops) in Andersonville. My partner recommends the Egg and Pancake special with extra whipped cream. It's homemade and turns the pancakes into a little chunk of heaven in every bite. I tend towards one of their many omelets. The tomato and goat cheese is fantastic as is the old favorite. I tend to move away from the cheese unless it's specialized as I just don't jive with Velvetta slices melted on what is otherwise a heart-healthy set of options. Finally, the juice is always fresh, the staff is always excited to see you there, the wait time is typically 10 minutes or less on busy days and the atmosphere is the kind of small-town diner that makes you forget you're in the 3rd largest city for a breakfast at a time.
(4)R L R.
With a self-proclaimed title as having "The Awesomest Andersonville Brunch in the Universe", you better deliver. It doesn't matter about the location, the ambience or even the service; to me, the proof is in the pudding. I LOVE eating breakfast foods, so if you can't get fundamentals such as bacon, potatoes and eggs over-medium done right, you shouldn't be in business. Although the ingredients are definitely fresh, the food was definitely mediocre. The potatoes were so painfully boring i think I may had fallen asleep taking bites out of it. Ann Sather's has a similar potato dish done right. And what the crunk is up with the lumberjack portions? I think most people would prefer quality over quantity. The prices are ridiculously inflated. With my 3 eggs, potatoes, toast, bacon, hotcakes (which, actually, were very good) and OJ, my bill came out to $20.25! I have never spent that much on just myself for breakfast (excluding brunch) before only to have food I should had cooked myself. With a budget like that, I could had even fed 2-3 people that would've tasted better. I vaguely remember eating inside the very first time, with my companion and I wondering about the mental well-being of our server. This time, however, I placed an order to go (on a Thursday) and was helped by a very nice lady over the phone and in person. She was the only saving grace for this last experience. Save your money and hit up Ann Sather (not Svea, they suck even harder). That's the only place out of the 3 that accept debit and credit cards.
(2)Leah H.
With so many great brunch options elsewhere, I was shocked to see so many people eating here. Mediocre at best; overall just not good. Their special ham and bean soup was bland, hardly any ham in it served room temperature (health code violation!), the tables, floors, booths, and menus are filthy; food for 4 people was brought out in 3 waves. Broken crayons for kids. Server was very sweet; but nothing she could do could save the poor food and dirty tables. The busser handed me an extremely hot mug of coffee and the only way I could hold it was to grab the (very hot) sides. And it was the worst coffee I've had in a long time. The place looks cute and funky, but if you want to support local with much better food and experience, go to Acre, Kopi, or Andies. How this place stays in business is a mystery to me.
(1)Devon F.
The foods is pretty good. The service was not good what so ever. Our server took 15 mins just to take our order and it took another 30 mins to eat. Not fun when other tables came in after you and are already eating and you have a screaming toddler because they are starving. We will not be returning to Pauline's FYI they do not accept credit cards.
(1)Kennen M.
Walked into a breakfast joint with an old-fashioned country eatery feel and walked out not at all impressed. We were seated very quickly by a very nice older gentleman. It took maybe a bit over 10 minutes to get acknowledged by any server. We ordered the food and seemed like forever before we got it. I was confused by the lack of service as there are many servers that work there but none of them really seem to be "serving." They were disorganized, poorly trained and all over the place but not at our table, pouring us more coffee. Our server apologized for some personal problem she was having which felt real strange. The food was just ok, the omelet was watery and I don't like omelet water running into my other food on the plate. Next time I am sticking to a greasy spoon where the food is always cheap, consistent and the career waitresses are always on top of things.
(2)rebecca g.
I'm done with this place. Have given them several tries and the food is mediocre, service is weird, and they seem to have raised their prices-- so it's not even worth the cheap greasy spoon angle anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting "gourmet", but I never really enjoy the flavor of what I'm eating here or feel compelled to finish it. I've tried the turkey burger and a couple omelettes, all of which were bland. This past time was the last straw. First, my Greek Omelette with Feta and spinach was really dry, and the olives garnishing it were generic canned black olives. I could've done a better job at home, for half the price. Our side of bacon was also grossly undercooked, nearly raw. Finally, after asking if we wanted toast, bagel, or texas toast (neglecting to mention a surcharge for texas toast), our waitress charged us for it and was unapologetic when I explained we would never have ordered it had we known...or had she not specifically listed it as being included. (I realize it's not a huge amount, but it surely wasn't WORTH a surcharge, and her attitude was the most disturbing thing.) What a disappointment!
(1)Anna B.
I've been going here for years and every time I go it gets a little bit better! They've been slowly upgrading for the past few years without losing quality in the food they serve and I have to say I am very grateful. Where do I start? The coffee is always great, the atmosphere is adorable and welcoming, the service is very personal, and the food is just scrumptious. They have heavy home-spun options (biscuits and gravy that would make my Arkansas farm girl grandma jealous) and healthier options (greek yogurt and fruit, etc). I took four of my friends here and they are ALL itching to go back. And can I stop for a second to mention the potatoes? My God, they are delicious. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, tons of lovely veggies (and possibly apple?) mixed in. So delightful. My one caveat is that it's cash only, so think ahead. I've never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a table, even on the weekends, so it's a great alternative to a lot of those crazy Andersonville haunts that take hours to find a table. Have fun and enjoy the neighborhood!
(4)Joe J.
Very nice server!! have to admit!! but, dirty, food is below average, and they do not accept credit cards!! thanks for the inconvenience... never again I ordered the mexican omlet, really not good!!
(2)Melissa S.
My experience here was pretty mediocre. The food was fine. As far as diner breakfast food goes, this was higher on the quality spectrum than many places, but still not amazing. The fresh squeezed orange juice was really tasty, just like any fresh squeezed OJ always is, but the price made me feel like I should savor every tiny sip. The real kicker here was the bad service. Our waitress must have been having a bad day because she basically ignored us. Everyone at my table was sitting with empty coffee and water cups for several minutes, it got to the point where our topic of conversation was how thirsty we were. Finally a different server came by to refill our cups. I eventually could have had yet another cup, but we didn't see our server again until she came to drop the check. It was kind of sad to sit and watch everyone around us get better service.
(2)Marie C.
Love this place. Try to make it here twice a month if my schedule allows or whenever I'm too lazy or hungover to make breakfast myself. Allie is a sweetheart. I once sent my daughters father here on his weekend w her, & he was impressed that the servers knew my daughter by name. They started accepting credit cards here now! YAY!!
(5)Chip S.
I really like Pauline's. The food is good, the breakfast potatos are awesome and the service is typically very good. If the weather is agreeable, you can't beat eating breakfast on the patio--even if the tables are a little close together. The decor lends to the charm of the experience. Give it a try if you are looking for a laid back place to have breakfast on the weekend.
(4)Hanna A.
Kinda surprised at the 3-star rating. I thought I'd be preaching to the choir on this page. Why 4 stars? Probably because I tend to like my breakfast either very early or mid-morning. Which is why I have yet to wait for a table. If I had to wait very long, I probably would mash it down to 3.5 stars. It's such a cute, small neighborhood diner. As one-half of a childless couple, when I normally find children an annoyance at some restaurants, (Sorry parents, but think back to when you were single...) at Pauline's, they're quite endearing. It's like walking into a relatives house for brunch. No frills. And with that understood, I like this place a lot. The food is not phenomenal, but good for weekend mornings when I don't feel like getting up early and cooking omelettes, pancakes, etc. This place definitely hits the spot. They're not looking for that bizarre flavor pairing that will knock your socks off. They just serve good food. I don't find their prices much more than a Denny's or IHOP. And rather than getting that fresh out of the can flavor, Pauline's flavors are fresh. This morning I met my family there for brunch (party of 7), and I'm assuming because of the holiday, they were a lot busier than usual. I loved that our waitress took the time to explain this to us, and instead of serving all our food together, offered to serve it to us as it was ready. In preparation for this, we ordered a stack of pancakes and biscuits and gravy to tie us over for the wait. She didn't bat an eyelash when we asked for small plates so we could all share in the entrees as they arrived. It was a long meal-- I think it took almost an hour and a half. But due to our server's insight and recommendations, it turned what could've been a disastrous visit into a memorable one. I highly recommend the Crabmeat Eggs Benedict. It wasn't served with crabcake, but crab chunk meat, which offered just as much saltiness as ham. Delicious. My brother-in-law had the South American omelette which wasn't greasy, even with all that lovely chorizo packed inside. French Toast was surprisingly toasty, which lended a great texture to what can be an easily soggy dish. The pancakes are buttery and fluffy. (Seeing them on the griddle on our way out on our 1st visit solidified our 2nd visit.) I ordered the asparagus and goat cheese omelette. While still good, I think I might try something else next time. I did bring leftovers home for tomorrow's breakfast. (portions are that big) If you want a home-cooked meal w/o cooking at home, and have that "homey" feeling of it, Pauline's is the place for you.
(4)Mary Beth E.
Why oh why is there ALWAYS a wait when I go to Paulines for brunch on the weekend? Oh yeah, because they have AWESOME food! My boy and I went there this past weekend for a late breakfast/brunch on Saturday morning. As usual, a wait for a table and as usual, they were passing out their freshly squeezed juice to all of us waiting for a table. Yummy! Their menu is not overly extensive. They are only open for breakfast and lunch (close at 3pm). Their servings are HUGE! The time before last when I went, I got the buttermilk pancakes, bacon and potatoes. No way did I finish it all. I mean, I tried my darnedest to finish every bite of food, it was so good, but I just couldn't do it. I did have to walk back to the car afterward....I couldn't just sit there for hours in food coma. So this past time I got the small stack of Chocolate Chip pancakes and bacon (I skipped the potatoes altogether) and guess what...I still couldn't finish my food!!!! OK, enough about their huge servings, because who wants that large a serving if the food is not good? But that's the thing....their food is SO GOOD! I recommend the chocolate chip pancakes with powered sugar on top. The perfect blend of breakfast and chocolate that a girl like me needs in her life. Their bacon is nice and crispy, just the way I like it. Their potatoes are oh-so-flavorfull with peppers and onions. I love them, even though I have to skip them at times because of the amount of food I leave behind when I order too much. I honestly don't remember what my boy got...probably because I was so engrossed in my own meal. Regardless, he loved it, I remember that! The service is good, don't have to wait very long for our server to come. The food is made fairly quickly, I guess depending on what you order. They have a dog friendly outdoor area set up in the summer. I'm all about the dog-friendly places that I can take my baby! It is very hard for me to give 5 stars to any place. I am much too picky a person. I would have given Pauline's a five because that's how much I LOVE their food but....but.... it's always so crowded and there is always a wait for a table! I'm usually famished from smelling all of the delicious smells when waiting that I become very impatient. I want a table NOW!!!!! In the end...it's worth the wait. (And to be honest, the longest I have ever waited was 15 minutes...it just feels like a long 15 minutes when standing there smelling all that deliciousness!) Eat there, you'll love it!
(4)Dallas F.
Shhh, I cheated on my diet at Pauline's. Having heard such good things about this place I decided to check it out since it is pretty close to my house, and I was quite hungry. It was a Saturday so it was pretty packed to capacity and service really wasn't great, but it was not terrible either. We were seated pretty quickly. Breakfast is served all day so I went with the South American Omelette. It was so good. Salsa,jalapenos,cheddar cheese, and chorizo(I seriously cheated here considering I don't normally eat pork/beef etc) mixed in with five eggs. Five eggs! I justify the meal by knowing it had veggies in the salsa and the delicious potatoes on the side. My bf ordered the Mexican omelette and was rather pleased also.
(4)Kathy B.
Great breakfast. Pancakes are great, short stack is really large, eggs were tasty. I can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)Patrick B.
Something has changed here. I have lived conveniently around the corner from Pauline's for over 8 years. Love that it was so close, and the food was great. It was always a big favorite among visiting out-of-towners. However, the food during the last few visits has been disappointing, and I'm not planning to return unless I hear of any changes. Eggs were a little under done. Sausage...you know if you were to put a sausage link in the microwave, and the middle is barely cooked and the ends have the hell cooked out of them...all hard and overcooked? That's what my sausage was like. Not sure if they were microwaved or not. If so, I'm perfectly happy waiting a little longer to have it grilled. Toast...had a greasy/grill taste, as if it were cooked on the grill and not in a toaster. Maybe that's why the sausage was microwaved, cuz the toast was hogging up the whole grill. Their famous potatoes...potatoes were fine, but the peppers had a wicked chemical taste. So I picked those out. It's like every item in my breakfast had an issue with it. So sad because it's so close and used to be so good.
(2)Amy S.
I've been to Pauline's a couple of times, for brunch and lunch. It's a cute, homey family-feel diner with a lot of comfort food, with checkered tablecloths. The food is a little greasy and heavy for me. I'm a health-conscious vegetarian, so when food seems too greasy I'm disappointed. A huge plus: it's not at all pretentious.
(3)Yaeko M.
We recently moved in this neighborhood. I thought the ambience / decoration / theme is very cute and welcoming. We were happy with the food. We had a denver omelette $7.85 and pumpkin pancake $5.99. The food was not greasy, the price was reasonable. The coffee was good too. I read some bad reviews for this place but I think they improved their food since then? We enjoyed their food and service. we love to go back and we will.
(4)Nicole C.
A-ok breakfast grub in a cute as a button space. The omelet was a bit cold for my liking, but filled with plentiful, if haphazardly chopped , veggies. (Like some others, I'm a bit skeptical there are actually 5 eggs in the omelet.) The accompanying potato/pepper hash was tasty, and my dining companion enjoyed his pancake and coffee. (I'd like to see real maple syrup added as an option.) We went on New Year's day and there was only a 5 minute wait, during which we were given complimentary bloody mary's by the owner, a sharp old cad who wore red and green plaid pants, toted a portable minature oxygen tank, and seemed enthusiastic about serving his customers and life in general. With the sunlight streaming in the window at our front booth, I was also smiling and could see myself plopping down again.
(3)Marc W.
I went for breakfast early on a Thur morning and there was almost no one in the restaurant which is completely different from the weekend when it is packed to the gills. Eventhough two people saw me standing at the entrance, obviously waiting to be seated, I had to ask if I could just seat myself. After that the service was perfectly good. The waitress was friendly. I had the omelette special (spinach/tomato/feta) which was good and not too too dry. The potatoes that came with it were fine but I really prefer my potatoes crispy. The coffee was aweful. Truely aweful. It was only drinkable while eating for which the coffee served as a palette cleanser more than anything with a good taste unto itself. I was going to order some bacon but a side of it was $3.95. I could buy two pounds of bacon at a supermarket for that much. Ridiculous!
(2)Matthew S.
Whats up with the crap reviews of this place? If you want to eat at McDonalds, eat there! This is a Mom & Pop style place. Yes, they have gotten my order wrong before, and forgot toast once. But they kept giving me coffee while I was waiting for the fix. And they are nice to regulars - sorry to the drop in's who thought they were going to get Charlie Trotter style service for $5.50 a head. The food is big, and yummy. The serve everything on mix and match fiesta ware - which is just charming. None of the chairs, or table clothes match. They aren't supposed to. I have had to wait for breakfast on a Saturday morning and on a Sunday morning. Its odd though. I can hardly believe that other people actually thought of eating breakfast then too..... Its worth the wait. You can read the paper, or people watch. Both are fun, only one doesn't get printers ink on your hands. I like the omelette's. And toast (which is actually warm when the serve it), and potatoes. I'm sure they have other things there, but I haven't ordered them. I did see someone order oatmeal there. Why the hell would you go to a restaurant to eat oatmeal? Somethings I'll never understand. Like is Bea Arthur really a man? The staff is friendly, they do pack in a crowd. OH! And the bathroom is totally behind the counter to the left. There is only one toilet - so sometimes, you have to wait to use the bathroom. Which can be gross. A few cups of coffee can do funny things to peoples colons first thing in the morning. Check out Paulines. AND its next to the Andersonville Garden Walk, that runs several blocks up Ravenswood. Totally worth walking up if you have time to kill.
(4)Veronica M.
The food is overly greasy and messy however in an a great neighborhood location. The coffee is horrible and service is not that good to bad its so cute .
(1)Allan M.
Barely squeezes by with 3 stars, if only for the fact that I always can manage to find an interesting magazine or 2 to read out of their surprisingly decent amount of 'zines, and that the only thing that really stands out of their otherwise mediocre food is their strawberry french toast. And of course, the interior decor also aids in my reluctant 3 stars, as I'd probably give them 2.5, if only I could! Sad to say this place just makes me miss Augie's greatly. And cash only....
(3)Jen W.
This place used to rock, like 10 years ago. There used to be the same waitresses for years who served amazing food, then all of a sudden there was massive turnover and the place went downhill. We went once, had a crappy experience (assumed it was an off day) both times. While we were waiting for a table the owner/ manager was pouring oj for us and missed my glass--- fresh squeezed oj all over my shoes---- and didn't really acknowledge his mistake. We were sat at a dirty table, the waitresses were all really young and didn't seem to know their jobs, the bacon that I had requested well- done arrived barely cooked, waitress looked at me like I was crazy when I sent it back to be actually COOKED, there was an hour backup at the waffle iron. I could go on, but I won't. It's such a shame that this great little gem of a restaurant has collapsed into less than a mediocrity.
(1)Amy J.
I did not like this place. Michelle O is dead on...it's dirty and cramped. The food was really blah, service was pushy. The biscuits and gravy was gross...dry biscuits and tasteless, gloppy gravy. Runny scrambled eggs. The water even tasted bad! No, no, no. Bad restaurant! Oh, I just read Andrea's review and yes, that guy was there and was super pushy with us. I think he's the owner.
(1)Nastassia J.
Very good indeed. Fresh and delish. Its your standard breakfast joint but it has that homey feel which I adore. The last time I was there, the owner was running around asking people if they liked it. Clearly trying to please the public which is nice to see. I would definitely go back.
(4)Carla F.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pauline's before. I've been there quite a few times since I work right down the street. I work with adults that have developmental disabilities and mental illness. Unfortunately, the clients we serve do not get the opportunity to go out to eat very often and when they do, most likely the staff will take them to a fast food joint. In my classroom we had been working on learning and practicing table manners. My clients were doing so well that I decided they should be treated to a tasty meal, in a relaxed setting where they could sit down and enjoy themselves. Today was the birthday of one of the clients in my classroom, so we thought today was the perfect day to walk down to Pauline's for lunch. It was pretty busy and we were told that they were short on servers, but they service was still great. I can tell you from experience that the individuals I work with are not always treated as they should be. This was definitely not the case at Pauline's. Our waiter was very patient with them as they ordered (as it took more time than most parties of 5). He did a great job explaining that they only had lentil soup today when one of my clients said they wanted tomato, and again when that same client said they wanted cream of mushroom. When the waiter found out that we were also celebrating a bday, he brought a bowl of ice cream out to the bday girl with enough for everyone at the table to have some. He started singing "Happy Birthday" and the entire section of the restaurant sang along. I cannot say enough about the great service and kindness that we all received. Just like every time I've been there, the food was great. I think it was a great experience for the individuals I went with and I would recommend this place for anyone that is in the area that wants a tasty, filling meal.
(5)Lyndsay G.
I've lived down the street from this place for a while, but never got a chance to actually go. Sunday morning, I figured, would be terribly crowded, and we only waited 3 minutes for a seat outside. As soon as we are in the waiting area, we are offered Dixie cups of fresh OJ. LOVE it. I turn and look out the front door as see my favorite red sticker of all "Find Us on Yelp" and I was sold. We sat down, and enjoyed lovely omelette's and hash browns quickly without any interruptions. The tables outside are a bit tight, but they move quick and makes for an imtimate dining experience. My ONLY complaint is that there were tons of dogs around the food, where people were sitting. Fine, call me rude, but I just don't want dogs sniffing at my food. Cute, nice staff, and great fresh OJ. Can't beat it.
(5)Julie G.
Pauline's is definitely a good bet for breakfast. The atmosphere is a little kitschy but very cozy, and their broccoli and cheese omelet is one of my faves. Also good are the banana pancakes and I don't usually even like pancakes. I suggest skipping the breakfast potatoes and getting the fresh fruit instead, but their coffee is actually pretty decent. It's a little out of the way but very affordable and an enjoyable diner experience overall.
(4)Barbie S.
My friend recommended this place and we walked there - but I can imagine that parking in the immediate area would be a potential problem.The decorating is so quirky & fun! :)) It definitely looks like a diner though - almost looks to the point of maybe it is not clean or just maybe it is old??? But quaint & cute. But the service was fantastic -they were friendly & we were not rushed at all. They were pouring coffee in our cups as we were sitting down. (b/4 we asked for it even!) My friend is a regular and has mentioned that the service is really hit or miss. The coffee was great, and the food was very yummy, and the omelets were gigantic!!! OMG enough for 2 people for sure. Decent menu too if you are not into eggs & omelets. It was awesome! I LOVED IT!!!!
(4)Nicole V.
Wake up, roll out of bed, chug water, take aspirin, walk around the corner to Pauline's for brunch. This is the way I like to start my Sunday. If you are looking for some hearty and delicious down home breakfast, then you must try Pauline's. It is hard to put your finger on what exactly sets Pauline's apart from other brunch spots...but that's part of her charm. Every time you go it feels a little more like mom's kitchen. Everyone there is very friendly, and there is always an upbeat feeling to the place. Most importantly, the food is good. When you need a big breakfast like mom used to make...Pauline is right there. From your standard selection of egg dishes, to the fresh and hearty omelets, to the fantastic pancakes...Pauline knows how to give you that home cooked breakfast feelin'. Go ahead and give her a try, it will make your Sunday.
(5)Sonia R.
I LOVE Pauline's! I was first brought here when I moved to Chicago back in 1999 and I have been a regular ever since. I don't order much more than the Old Favorite and breakfast so I don't know how their lunches are, but overall it's a great place! I also have my meetings there with my staff sometimes and they all love it too! I am sure every business has it's bad days, but I would check it out again if you didn't like it before. :)))))) XOX
(5)Kristen P.
Went to Pauline's after a trek to find my man some "snus". Figured we'd find a place in or near Andersonville to accommodate us. since that was a bust, we went onto Yelp to find ourselves some breakfast. This place sounded like it was perfect for us. Yay! It was. I don't remember what SO got, but I got some kind of Salmon egg spinach thing. Delicious sounding, we settled down with coffee, admired the cute little Boston Terrier eating outside, and waited for food. Our Waitress informed us that she'd have to move us, since we were the only ones left in the dining room without the juice bar thing in it. So we moved and got free papaya orange juce for our "inconvenience" it was so freakin good. Weird other diners, lots of staring, but the food was good. Anyways I'd probably go back on the off chance I'm in the area during breakfast hours ever again.
(3)Sarah L.
I have been here many times so I wanted to give this a review. I have only eaten breakfast here. Every time I went it was outstanding! It's a hidden gem on Ravenswood Ave. Parking can be tough but circle the block for Pauline's! Their eggs and pancakes are delicious. The decor of the restaurant is quirky and fun. The staff here is very sweet. I haven't been here in a while but I'm craving me some Pauline's :)
(4)Tristin M.
This place was PACKED. When I walked in to put in for a table for 5, I got a glimpse and a whiff of the blueberry and strawberry pancakes that were cooking on the stove and man did it smell and look so good... but I was starving cause it was my first meal of the day at 12:30pm so I could've just been hungry. Our server was really cool though and checked up on us often. Sincce they were crazy busy our server warn us with a, "just so you know it's goningto take a long time because--" something about being backed up or busy in the kitchen as she was on her way to put the order through. It did take a while though cause we finished our cup of coffee and my husband and friend took a long smoke break and came back joking about how there was still no food... Oh! Their coffee is good! I did end up pouring coffee for for the 3 of us who ordered a cup at the table since our server was running around the place BUT it was cool... Hey they were busy... And once our food came, she did keep checking back and I was happy with my country breakfast! man my son even picked at it even though he was done with his pancake stating, "Mmm this gravy is good!!" as he spooned bites into his mouth! So hey... I'd definitely go back (maybe on a weekday to avoid the chaos though) but if future visits happen to be on a weekend morning or afternoon, I'll just expect a long wait and busy server
(4)Go B.
if you are hung over or have some loud ass kids that you have to feed, this is the perfect spot
(3)Jerry M.
Very down home place in Chicago - I don't think they've updated the decor in at least 30 years if not more, but somehow it adds to it's cheesy charm. It gets VERY busy on the weekends, so expect a wait out the door and when you finally do get seated, it will be crowded. They don't seem to rush you once you are seated though. The food is typical brunch food - eggs, pancakes, etc. The orange juice is freshly squeezed and out of this world! I do have to complain about the tea - they just give you a random assortment in one of those old strawberry containers that are usually hit or miss. I know, tea isn't the reason why people go here, but if you're going to charge me $2 a cup, please make it worth my while (and I don't like coffee).
(3)Jeff R.
The food's okay. It's a decent place for an average, affordable diner meal. The servers are odd and the overall service needs improvement.
(3)Allen B.
I've always thought of Pauline's as a fun place to go with pretty good food. The slanted tables and kitchy atmosphere is rather pleasant in a quirky kind of way. (One table is so slanted, my plate was sliding off the table, but I just put a sugar packet under it and it was fine.) The waitstaff is generally efficient and down to earth. One time some years ago I saw Rod Blagojevich eating there shortly after he was elected governor. Last time I was there, it seemed kinda empty, no one to seat me, and no one to take payment so I just left it on the table, no one to say goodbye. The food is above average, but not particularly spectacular.....I do question the need to have FIVE-egg omelets, but I like that you can get a nice selection of ingredients in them, including asparagus. I like Pauline's because it is unique without being pretentious ....it's not "packaged" - it's just being itself....it's a combination of ups and downs, and worth going to at least once.
(3)Alice S.
Still wonderful. How did I not mention before how good the coffee is at Pauline's? Love it!
(5)John L.
The good: The waitress was friendly. The bad: Cash only with no warning about this until the check comes. Seriously, the fact that there's an atm on the site doesn't make it ok. That means that the customer pays the fees instead of the restaurant. The decor is strange. Although some people find this to be cute and cozy, I didn't care for it. Everything looked old and I got the feeling that it maybe hasn't been deep cleaned in a while. My girlfriend ordered a hot chocolate and it came piled with such a huge mountain of whipped cream on top that she had to get a spoon and a bowl just to remove it to get to the drink. Maybe that's fine for some people but she was never asked if she wanted whipped cream or not. She doesn't like whipped cream so that's not ok. My coffee was extremely weak and it still had a hint of some kind of tea flavor in it making me wonder if I had been given a mug that contained tea from a previous customer and not washed before being used for my coffee. Yuck. The biscuits and gravy were very average. The biscuits were from a can. Yes, from a can. How can a breakfast place not make homemade biscuits?! And to top it all off, they had a really crappy soft rock station playing annoyingly bad music in the background. Music in a restaurant is just a bad idea. Nothing ruins a meal for me more than having to hear music that I can't stand while I am eating. There are too many good breakfast joints in this city to be going here for biscuits in a can. I can do that at home.
(2)Jeremiah L.
I think my expectations were too high before going to Pauline's. I passed it a couple of times and it looks like the perfect little funky diner. Based on the look I thought for sure they would have amazing food as these hole in the wall places usually do. I had the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was quite good but the biscuits weren't the best I've had. My girlfriend had the asparagus omelette. It didn't really have too much flavor. The potatoes were decent but nothing to write home about. It's a cute place and the food is decent but with so many other brunch choices I don't see myself rushing back here.
(3)Katie R.
Would like to award 3.5 stars... My BLT was average. Not bad - I'd order it again if I was in a BLT mood (although if I go back, I'm trying the breakfast next time). However, the fries...the fries were amazing (and I don't really like fries). They do this weird batter thing where they cut the potatoes in fry shape and then batter the fries before they fry them. I know you're imagining some thick batter - but it was more like a flaky added bonus on the fries. So delicious. Overall, a fun experience. On a really hot day you should beware though - I don't think they have a/c.
(4)Justin H.
Paulines has huge breakfasts at decent prices. during the week this restaurant is not as packed as the elbow to elbow on the weekend. The fresh squeezed orange juice is amazing and just yum.
(4)B. L.
This place does remind me of a place you would see in an old movie. The classic 50's looking diner serves customers on the increasingly popular Ravenswood Ave. They are at the corner of Rav./Balmoral. Pancakes, hamburgers, fries, coffee and sodas are some of the goodies you can munch on here.
(4)Phil S.
Gave this place 2 tries to impress me and they failed the second time. Food is ok (nothing amazing) and our server messed up 2 of 3 items in our order. Even if she was new they were blatant mistakes. We won't be back.
(2)Meghan B.
We used to go to Pauline's all the time. The food is reliably standard and pretty good for a weekend morning. The owner is a complete freak! This is so funny that it has actually become a family story. The first time we went to Pauline's we were accompanied by my brother who swore by the place. It was the beginning of summer, so we sat outside. There was a line of people waiting-- patiently, mind you-- and all of the tables were close to one another. The owner was freaking out about the wait and decided to push the tables around to make more room for chairs, so he PICKED UP MY BROTHER BY HIS CHAIR AND MOVED HIM! He didn't even say hello! We had several visits to Pauline's before the next incident. At that time we were eating breakfast with my brother again and had just ordered coffee. The spastic owner got too excited about pouring my coffee and splashed some on my hand. It kinda hurt, so I said something. He took my hand and KISSED IT. So now the joke is that it is my husband's turn to be molested by this guy. First, my brother gets bear-hugged, then I get kissed -- we figure it is my husband's turn to get hmmmm..... Instead, the last time we were at Pauline's (and I mean the LAST TIME) the waitress got my order wrong twice, and on the second order of my omelette I found a hair in my food. A long, non-me hair. At that point I was done. My husband finished his food quickly and we started to rush out. The owner noticed that we were in a hurry and asked what was wrong and I told him about the hair. He said, "You have to tell me these things!" in a very loud voice and was very upset. Then he insisted on paying for our entire meal. That was a nice gesture, and the right thing to do, but not enough to entice me to come back.
(1)Tracy K.
This place makes me feel like I've grown up here (I haven't). I live in the neighborhood and drop in solo or with friends and family.. sometimes its during the week, and other times on the busier weekends. Regardless of when I go and who I go with, I've always had a good experience here. Sure, you'll wait a little on weekends, but they'll give you a Dixie cup full of OJ. Their food is nothing fancy, but it is good.. and there's a lot of it. And the staff is friendly and efficient. Too bad its after 3:00PM (when they close) because otherwise I'd head down the street for a feta omelet and some undercooked-because-I-asked-for-'em-that-way hash browns. Yum.
(4)Mandy P.
My mom, husband, and I went here for our breakfast on Christmas and it was PERFECT. We had never been here before, but we WILL be back again. It was cute, the owner was very nice, the staff was upbeat and friendly, and it seemed the perfect place to be. The wait was nonexistent (probably because other "real" families were at home) and the food came quickly. I thought the food was quite yummy (I had the feta omelette, my mother the same, and my husband the HUGE blueberry pancakes) and it was reasonably priced. The food may not have been as fancy as, say, M. Henry's, but it was much better than average (better than Augie's) and it was well priced compared to many of the other places in the area. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
(5)grant s.
I have eaten a Pauline's for years and keep going back because it is good! The food is consistently fresh, tasty, and plentiful. The waitstaff is always friendly, competent, and on point. What can I say that has not already beeen said. I'll keep coming back.
(4)A Q.
Great. Great service, great atmosphere, good food.
(4)Carrie W.
Love, love LOVE Pauline's! Cute, kitschy diner atmosphere and the always cheerful 'morning people' serving up fantastic pancakes and "falling - off - the - plate - they're - so - darn - huge - omelets". Get there before 10am on the weekends, or you'll be waiting for a bit. But even that isn't too shabby as they typically serve up fresh squeezed orange juice to tide you over. My boyfriend and I stopped in for brunch on Valentine's Day weekend this year, and sipped complimentary mimosas while we waited. Once seated, your coffee mug will never be empty and the food arrives hot and fast. The pictures of family and friends that decorate the tables and grace the walls behind the booths make you feel that you are in somebody's cozy kitchen. As does the spry and gregarious manager (older gent with a huge, welcoming grin) who is always there, usually wearing red and working alongside his fantastic crew.
(5)Jasper N.
Good, home-cooking at a decent price. The service is very friendly, but not always the fastest. Also, it's a bit of a trek if you're not in the neighborhood, but well worth the drive!
(4)Christine E.
This place was great! We had actually planned to hit another local diner but they were closed for the holiday so this was an unexpected surprise. Not much to look at, but the food was great! I had an veggie egg white omelette with potatoes and toast. The omelette was supposedly 5 eggs, but it didn't seem as big as I thought it would be, which was good. The pancakes and french toast also looked great! One downside, they only take cash or personal checks (no credit cards).
(4)Shonda D.
Ok.. so I wasn't going to do this, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Went there on Friday and the waitress was the worse ever. I've been to Pauline's at least 5 times and its never been this bad. The food is still ok, but the service is for the birds honey!!!! I'm pretty open minded and like to give places a chance to make it up... BUT not this time, I won't be going back.
(2)Ann Y.
Wow- I didn't even eat here and I am disgusted. First i waited forever for a table, then we waited forever for a server. Then when one came they were out of soup and it was only 12:00- and lunch started at 11:30 and they said they were out of about 1/2 of the menu. What a joke- I said forget this and went to a restaraunt where they knew what they were doing.
(1)Andrea M.
I've been here a lot and have loved this place until today and this happened: About 5 minutes before we left a man came by and stuck something right next to our table and mentioned something about us leaving soon. We told him yes we were leaving shortly. Right as we got our money in order he comes back with a bus boy in tow. Starts to clear our table and asks if it's okay. We say yes go ahead. We were leaving anyways. He then begins to clear our table in the most aggressive way possible in a complete rush. All of a sudden we felt rushed in our departure. While knocking stuff in my lap he says "I hope this okay". After the third time I finally looked at him saying "I'm sorry but it's not okay. This can be done in a nicer way without knocking stuff on us." His voice immediately raised and as my friends and I leave the restaurant he follows us screaming "I am 69 years old and the owner of this place I don't need any of your shit." This was said to a large crowd outside waiting to get seated. Our waitress stood on the stoop horrified and she mouthed an apology. It hurts to think of not coming back to one of my favorite places but with customer service like that I just don't think I can support an establishment like this.
(1)Marisa F.
Brekfast was good. I had a half order of the french toast. I like that it comes in a half order, because you know you can't eat all that much sweet breakfast. Reletively cheap, millions of staff keeping your water glass always full. I like that they have fresh squeezed orange juice. The only thing I did not appreciate is that they do not take credit cards. BUT conveniently their is an ATM right in the building (on the outside wall really). So instead of paying a small fee to be able to run credit cards they collect a fee for every person that uses their ATM. It's brilliant really. It's ok, but bring cash!
(3)Jeff E.
The world needs more breakfast places like this. Completeley unpretentious and laid back, while given the quality of food and in Chicago, you might expect a different mood. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(4)April M.
Went here last summer with some friends and loved the outdoor seating area for brunch! The food was good too yet it is a bit away from my apartment and I am hardly home from traveling for work that my boyfriend and I hadn't visited again until new years day. First we tried yelp to find new places for brunch yet the first was packed and the second wasn't open! So we decided on Paulines and got to see the inside! It is kind of cramped inside but it gives you that special home made/small business feel. The staff are friendly and really good at what they do. Food is good with good portions! This place fills up quick so don't sleep in too late for brunch!
(4)Susan H.
I have been going to Pauline's for years and love it. I usually get the veggie omelet with egg whites. It is huge and loaded with tons of fresh veggies. I've only had one bad meal here and that was years ago. I ordered oatmeal and I'm sure it was instant. That's ok, you're not supposed to go there for oatmeal but for their egg dishes. I also love how on holidays and special occasions they usually give you a free glass of champagne with your breakfast. Oh, and they only take cash.
(3)Tina W.
When we got to Pauline's, there was a little wait. The owner nice enough to offer eveyone a complimentary sample of orange/papaya juice. I like his anecdote about how he was in Mexico and discovered this interesting combiation and created his own recipe. I normally don't drink OJ, but it was yummy. Being the gluttons we are, my sister and I ordered our own savory dishes plus a sweet breakfast item to share. I want with my usual eggs over easy with Pauline's Potatoes and toast. To that , I added ham. The portions were huge. I like that Pauline's Potatoes had apples in it to give it a sweet and savory taste. The item we shared was the Trifecta of banana, blueberry, and strawberry pancakes. Mmm. Nothing like the combination of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes times three. I would consider Pauline's a hidden gem. Literally. One time I was with my boyfriend and I wanted to take him to Pauline's. I couldn't remember if it was closer to Lawrence or Foster. So, sadly, I didn't take him there because I couldn't find Pauline's. But I do like the fact that it's on a smaller street, not a big one like Clark. It's comfort food at a reasonable price.
(3)janice m.
Nestled on the corner of Balmoral and Ravenswood is this little restaurant that is a serious throw back to the 60's! We brought our friend here for lunch on our way to check out Rosehill Cemetery. The service was good, the waitress got our order promptly, but the ice tea tasted like the coffee brewer had been used to brew it, and wasn't cleaned, yuck! I ordered the bacon turkey club which was huge and tasty, girlfriend ordered the rueben...tasty but really needed a little more meat. Burger hound ordered the spaghetti Bolognese and really wished he had ordered the burger. Sauce had celery in it, and not enough tomato, which is definitely not what Bolognese is supposed to have in it!...he was less than impressed. However, we loved the soups, lentil and bean with ham. I myself, have been here for breakfast on several occasions, and love their breakfasts, especially their omelettes. All things considered I will gladly give them three stars, and tell all to steer clear of the pasta.
(3)Dan B.
Pauline's is the epitome of a neighborhood spot. On an unassuming corner surrounded by houses it really is a peaceful oasis from the hustle of the rest of the city. The menu is pretty standard diner style breakfast fare with a few surprises, I had the patty melt which was delicious and served with Pauline's potatoes, which included an array of various vegetables and possibly even an apple or two. I really liked that all of the sandwiches come with a bowl of homemade soup, I had the lentil which was brimming with chunks of fresh bacon...YUM. The service was a little slow and disorderly, but friendly and since my dining mate and I were in no hurry and enjoying the sunshine on the lovely patio it didn't bother us. The one issue i did have is that they are cash only, and well that is kind of an annoyance it is not a big deal. I just wish they would have posted it on a sign, or on the menu, or somewhere so I would have been prepared. The only reason I even though to ask is because there seemed to be an exceptionally high number of diners using the atm on the side of the building. That being said I will definitely be back soon, with cash in hand. (Lunch for two with drinks was only $18, so I don't need to much of it either)
(4)Georgia T.
Egads. Why do people eat here? The service is unbelievably slow, the food is average, the wait is too long, and the guy who runs the place seems unhinged. I've seen him curse out elderly women, yell at customers in line for not visiting when he had more staff, and "clean" a table by spraying it and the customers seated at it with copious amounts of windex. Yikes.
(1)Mindy S.
So I decided to give Pauline's another chance when I friend suggested we go there. No wait for a table at 10:30 on a Sunday. Service was so much better, food was ok, but I prefer other places for breakfast.
(2)Michael M.
The best pancakes around and also great omelets. Pauline's is always busy for a reason, the food is excellent. Now yes be ready the service is so so, but really the food makes up for it 150%! Make sure to get a stack f pancakes with anything you get, they are SOOOOO GOOD!!!
(5)Moe f.
I've been here a dozen or so times but not in years. So we schelped up here on Sunday for brunch. Couldn't snag a table outside so we were crammed into a booth that was bolted to the wall and had to crawl into my seat. Then didn't get waited on for 15 minutes which is quite a long tine to wait with a 2yo. Finally ordered. Food was good. I had a huge veggie omelete. Potatoes were great. Pancakes were pretty good. But service just sucked. WHen I went to pay, the wife was gathering our things and they started busing our table and sent the next party over to the table. We hadn't even packed up our stuff yet. Rude. And the owner running around with the Oxy tank was kind of annoying with the way he bosses his staff around. Good food, reasonsable prices, crappy service, and oddly decorated.
(2)Michael C.
I live down the street and have gone here many times. The food is average at best and more expensive than it should be. I hate paying outrageous amounts of money for a tiny glass of orange juice. I don't really like their potatoes and over half my plate is always taken up by them no matter what I order. Forget about going there on the weekends, you will wait forever. If you can go mid-mornings during the week, the place is actually pretty nice, but there are many other breakfast places around that I would recommend over this.
(2)Cat B.
Can't believe this is my first visit to this place. I have been by here so many times and heard such great things about this place before. It is a great breakfast place with anything you can think of to eat. They have delicious omelettes with fresh veggies and other ingredients. The hotcakes were delicious as well and the regular stack is a large serving. Service was decent. The decor is great with an old diner type feel. They have outdoor seating, which on a rainy day is not important :-(. I will definitely go back to sit outside on a sunny weekend morning.
(4)Molly B.
I was handed a plate with my toast on it and told to butter it while it was still hot. WTF? Service: invisible waitress. after delivering our food, she was not to be seen again. Coffee and water refills? Nope. Change for our check? Nope. "How is everything?" Nope. Food: unremarkable, overpriced. I was so disappointed after leaving that I wished I had simply paid was I felt it was worth. Oh, and Pauline's doesn't take plastic. But they do have a cash machine right outside. Convenient.
(1)Emily T.
Someone below said, "Poor reviews of this classic breakfast place reflect a Starbucks-like desire for uniformity. " which is an ignorant, condescending comment. I have zero desire to go to Starbucks-like chains, especially for breakfast thank you very much. But the uniqueness of this place was one of its only redeeming qualities. That and the fresh squeezed OJ while we waited. Granted, it was father's day when I went, so I expected to wait, and having seen the decor and the crowds, was really excited about the breakfast I was about to order. But chaos reigns in this place. The owner was running around the various groups of people waiting outside like a chicken with his head cut off. Dude- don't you think a- I don't know- LIST would be helpful? We were seated outside at a table so close to other people that we were almost on top of each other. We ordered immediately and my goat cheese and sun dried tomato omlette came---RUNNY on one end. Ewwww. I almost sent it back but was so hungry at this point that I just kind of ate around it. Eggs in omelettes should never be runny, I think. There was no butter for the toast, but i didn't even bother to try and get it. Not that we would have known who our waitress was anyway. My friend waited too long for a fork (she had no silverware) and it only took me 10 minutes to get a box. To top it all off, they don't take plastic? WHAT? Crazy and annoying. Yes, it was Father's Day. Yes, it was busy. But I felt anything but relaxing. Im sorry, but they should know how to handle crowds by now. The food was ok, but not enough to merit a trip back here. Which is really too bad! It LOOKS like my kind of place.
(2)Rocky B.
Cute place, friendly staff but the food is really nothing amazing. Burgers tasted like those frozen patties that you get from Sam's Club. When I was there last I ordered a cheeseburger well my cheese was missing...mentioned that to the server and she apologizes and came back with an American cheese slice on a plate. Oh yeah like that is going to melt on my now cold burger...mmm, yeah sign me up for that tasty treat why dontcha. Sheesh. If you're in the area yeah maybe come check the place out for breakfast as I hear it's tasty but if not...it's totally not work the trek.
(2)Alex D.
been here a couple times and agree, the food is decent. but I ended up leaving this last time, likely being my final visit. I understand its small and gets busy, but there is no excuse for flat-out neglect. even after being observed by all the servers as they served every other table around us, all seated long after us. after asking both a bus boy and going inside and asking for a server personally, we left. I wish I could be more specific but as we denied the experience, I'm afraid it's all I've got. even though Pauline's may be crowded often, does not ear them the right to be that disrespectful.
(1)Jen J.
people get sooo snarky sometimes, don't you think?! i laughed at some of the whiny reviews for pauline's. it's a neighborhood diner people. a diner. it's a place that makes eggs on a giant griddle by pouring them from a pitcher. yes, a pitcher of raw fresh scrambled eggs. another pitcher for pancake batter. it's ok though--'cause it's a diner! i enjoy watching the frenetic owner on a busy weekend morning because he's trying sooo hard to keep everyone happy. he's seating people, hurrying waitresses, cashing out bills and handing out orange juice in little dixie cups to waiting patrons. it's clearly a labor of love at this place with a diverse wait staff of focused, no nonsense waitresses. i'm sure you could slip a picture of yourself and your friends under the glass at one of the tables and you'd feel at home here. i always order the pancakes and eggs breakfast which is a mouthful of simple scrambled eggs and fluffy griddle flapjacks with strawberries and whipped cream. my bottomless cup of coffee is always hot and full. i scarf it all down while staring at all the old nostalgic chicago "art" and i make sure to pick up my piece of candy from the giant metal washbin of old-school candy near the register. this is a neighborhood place with charm and tasty diner food. don't expect what you shouldn't. enjoy.
(4)Arjun C.
A very nice place to have a relaxing brunch - very family friendly. A really well kept secret tucked away by the metra tracks in ravenswood. Service is slow, but very friendly. the food can be curious. the south american omlette is out of this world if you like chorizo. The fruit plate was large, but ended up tasting rank. The "fluffy" biscuits were flat and looks like they were made from Pillsbury instant mix. The verdict. If you want to sit quickly, relax, and have an omlette, come here. Look at what your neighbors are eating before you order.
(4)Vegetarian V.
The service was pretty good, or fast. not sure if good service = fast service all the time. anyways, i ordered the veggie omelette. needless to say, and i dont know why restaurants keep making this mistake, but the veggies were undercooked and still hard. the eggs were not seasoned at all. could it hurt to throw in a pinch of salt? or atleast some garlic? my boyfriend ordered some omelette with feta and spinach, and it tasted like shit. it was watery, and weird. zero taste, zero seasoning, alot of excess water.. he only took 2 bites. i asked the waiter to take it back and she looked at me like she knew exactly what i was talking about. atleast the service was ok but i shan't return there.
(2)Amber W.
I would have given this place 5 stars except for the sometimes rushed and abrasive service. Also, its street parking in a residential area and you might have to wait for a table. But give me great food and I'll forgive you all that other crap. This is the place to go in the andersonville, edgewater area if you want breakfast. The coffee is good, the omletes are tasty. The blueberry pancakes are my favorite.
(4)Erin B.
The food here is decent but after 3 visits I can safely say that the bad service we've had here is no abberation, it's the norm. The servers are slow, always seem to be in a terrible mood, and treat even the simplest requests as major inconveniences. Each time we've gone my boyfriend has requested that the toast which comes with his breakfast come on a separate plate - each time we've been told that the kitchen is "really busy" (even when the place is half empty) and they're not sure if the request can be accomodated. REALLY?!?! They can't put *toast* on a separate plate?!?! Ridiculous. And twice we've gotten their smoothies, had a fair amount left over, and requested to-go cups at the end of our meal - each time we've watied in vain for 10 minutes or more before I break down, go inside, and get my own. Sigh. The only thing that really redeems this place is their patio space, which is nice, but not worth the hassle.
(2)Cathi O.
Wow - better than I remember. We went with a group for Mother's Day brunch, and they had champagne and flowers for all the mothers. Very charming. The corned beef hash had a perfectly crispy crust all around, just like I like (but can never seem to recreate at home). And this may sound strange, but the English muffin was crispy, buttery and delicious! Not just a side, but a fantastic treat. Generous portions and attentive coffee refills. Fun neighborhood place!
(4)rachel p.
unless my memory is failing me, pauline's was a decent place to grab some breakfast at one point in time. now everytime i go here (and i do keep going because apparently i'm a glutton for punishment and omelettes the size of my head) i leave feeling i could have gone someplace better. the wait is usually pretty long... i've been asked to switch tables many times (and to transfer drinks and condiments to the new location)... the service is usually rushed and slightly brassy. the food is tasty though and the outdoor patio is nice in the summer.
(3)meng y.
So, I past this place every morning before heading to work in Evanston. I decided to stop in around 3:30-ish on a weekend. I missed the huge sign pointing out their open-close time(7am-3pm). I walk in clueless, every worker is enjoying a meal with the owner. The owner tells me that they're closed and asks me what'd I want from the menu. I say "All I really wanted was some ice cream". He asks "What kind?". "Chocolate". He gets a large foam cup and scoops it to the top, hands it to me and says "This one's on me, come by next time." Amazing, huh?
(5)Dennis L.
I visited Pauline's for a late brunch with my wife. It has a great neighborhood location and feel to it, which I love. I ended up ordering a coffee, 3 eggs over easy, Pauline's potatoes, and side of ham. It was a pretty simple order, which may be the reason why I was not all that impressed. The table we sat at was right next to the entrance and was certainly uncomfortable at best. The coffee was mediocre...I was hoping for Julius Meinl, Metropolitan, or Intelligentsia. My food was cooked just fine, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. Pauline's is not bad, but it is not nearly as good as Over Easy Cafe.
(3)Ruth R.
I love it when I walk into a place and the nostalgia of a different time in history just hits you. This is the perfect place to go and feel like you're sitting in a cute 1950's diner. The way it's set up and decorated is enough to convert me into a regular customer. Honestly, I've had better breakfast food elsewhere for the price. But at Pauline's it has a great home cooked taste, and I'll take the comfort of that experience over any industrially made food any day. And I haven't tried much on the menu, so it's not entirely enough to judge the food just yet. Can't wait to go back for more.
(5)Alan K.
If you are given the option of sitting inside or outside, I would definitely sit outside. Although the interior feels like you are sitting in an old diner, the outside is great especially during a nice summers day. I enjoyed seeing the train go by as well as enjoying the local air and scenery. If you check into Yelp, you can get $2 off your bill of $15 or more. They have offerings for both breakfast and lunch, but had opted to eat lunch instead. I am a fan of their ham and bean soup. Also, I had their house salad which was a good sized portion. In addition, my friend's breakfast dishes look quite appetizing as they were completely devoured at the end of our meal. During our meal, the owners of this place decided to bring out their parrots for display. If you want an advance peek of these birds, someone else had posted pictures on their Yelp page.
(4)Nikki L.
Pauline's has a really great ambiance. It feels like you're in a small town or at least not in Chicago. I came here for a friend's birthday brunch. The juice was delicious, but the food was just okay. I got an omelet, but nothing really stood out about it. The potatoes with the omelet were pretty good. I think the best thing Pauline's has going for it is their ambiance. They have an interesting collection of things displayed.
(3)Allie D.
We go to Pauline's often since it's the closest breakfast place near us. Let me break it down for you: 1. Atmosphere: Pauline's has a very 50's, kitschy, diner-type feel to it. In my opinion, it is the most endearing quality about this place. It even comes with its very own regular who seems to be there almost everyday, sitting outside if the weather is nice, with his parrots. It's a fun place to bring visitors from out-of-town because they always seem to be taken by this place, partly due to the cuteness factor and partly because it doesn't seem like your typical tourist destination. I think it makes them feel like they are eating at a hole-in-the-wall, although I'm pretty sure the secret has been out for quite some time now... 2. Food: Considering they are open until 3pm, they also have a lunch menu, but I haven't been impressed with anything on it. If you're going here, I would stick to breakfast. The fresh squeezed juices are nice. The pancakes and french toast are both very good. The omelettes are huge, but just okay, in my opinion. They come with a side of potatoes which are very good. Try them with the spicy ketchup! 3. Value: I'm not really sure how I feel about the prices. The portions are quite large, but I feel like this is the kind of place that you'd expect to be able to get cheap, standard breakfast fare and it's definitely not cheap. The coffee is bottomless, but it's nothing to write home about. Just your standard run-of-the-mill diner coffee, but that's all I can really ask for from a place like this.
(4)Shauntae W.
Had a basic breakfast before heading to the airport. Food was good, good prices and service was great.
(4)Amanda D.
Probably the most uncomfortable place I've ever been. As a Mexican lady with a Black/Puerto Rican boyfriend who both attend DePaul University we've devolved color blindness as most of our classes are predominantly made up of white students. Going into Pauline's has been the only place to make me notice my nationality as my boyfriend and I entered and given the strangest look by the woman seating people: grey hair, bangs, sweaty eyeliner, and glasses. The place was busy so we didn't think much of it. As she attended people who were clearly arrived after us my boyfriend moved so that he could stand directly in front of her so she couldn't miss us. STILL she refused to even make eye contact with us. After about 10 minutes of waiting around we decided to leave. Pretty disappointed because we were pretty excited to try this place out. Took our brunch to Home Slice on Webster and Bissell; literally the best food.
(1)Christy B.
Kitschy atmosphere, not great for the OCD cleanliness type... A regulars place:) seemed really comfy and staff seems very friendly. Food was okay not great. Had the eggs Benedict with something that was not hollandaise on top...tasted like warm ranch dressing so it freaked me out a bit. All in all seemed like a cute neighborhood place with mediocre food and smiling faces. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Chloe T.
The breakfast was great, simple and fresh. The only thing that really bugged me was the bug catchers. The entire time I couldn't stop thinking of them, little disturbing, but nonetheless it wasn't bad, the bug thing is the only thing that would keep me from going back.
(3)Dani M.
This place was a short walk from my old condo in Bowmanville. I frequented it occasionally when I was looking for a no frills, straight up breakfast place. Now I am not a breakfast person, I am a brunch person. I think these are two very different types of people. I would classify this as a breakfast place. It has a cute diner meets grandma appeal. I've had the cheddar bacon waffle which I found to be the perfect salty-sweet-savory combination to satisfy this brunch fiend. Most of the other people I've been here with chose your more typical breakfast items: pancakes, eggs, etc. Everyone I've been here with has said they've enjoyed their food. Pleasant waitstaff, affordable, and satisfying . . . even to a brunch person.
(3)Liz J.
In love with Pauline's. The breakfast is to die for and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy. We love enjoying our meals outside in the summer in company of the two parrots that are usually hanging around. The coffee is good and the food is even better! Great Chicago restaurant.
(5)Jon K.
Friends took me to Pauline's for Sunday brunch. I definitely enjoyed the place. The décor is kitschy, but didn't bother me. Service was friendly and helpful. I had the eggs and pancakes, which was plenty of food, but we also shared bacon. The regular portions for omelets and such are huge (5 eggs), which seems excessive to me. So I was glad my meal was just 3 eggs and 2 pancakes. Food was good. They have a nice patio to sit in if the weather cooperates. Overall, enjoyed Pauline's.
(4)Sara A.
Pauline's is the only breakfast place within walking distance from where I live, so I frequent this restaurant often. Though sometimes I find myself driving or taking the train to somewhere else because frankly Pauline's could be so much better. Even though this is a small no frills breakfast place, which I like, you really don't get what you pay for. They charge $9 for a very BASIC eggs benedict that comes with NO sides. Their omelettes are quite good and come with a side of potatoes, which makes them reasonably priced. The potatoes, however, are a hit and miss. They're usually too mushy and flavorless. Not a fan. In other words, if you want a traditional no-frills breakfast, you can go elsewhere for much more reasonable prices.
(2)Pamela B.
My bf been wanting to try this place, we finally went. I got banana pancakes and holy shit they were awesome!!!!!!! they dont just slap it on top its IN the pancakes. He got some steak and eggs and was in love. We will be coming back to this place again.
(5)