Eggy's Diner

Eggy's claims to be a throwback to simpler days, with a Mayberry feel, farm-fresh ingredients and a communal atmosphere. However, located as it is in the Lakeshore East neighborhood surrounded by high rises and new development, the only thing retro about this contemporary diner is a few of the menu items—namely, New York egg creams, ice cream floats, and classic diner fare like tuna salad and fried bologna sandwiches. Other menu options include more complex modern creations, such as the Green Eggs and Ham (two baked eggs, Anson Mills grits, tomatillo sauce, Tasso, avocado, pickled onion and queso fresco for $10).

Eggy's also serves family-style dinners. The breakfast fare is fine, but unremarkable. The Nino omelet ($10.50) with slow-roasted pork, roasted poblano pepper, black beans, queso fresco and ranchero sauce was surprisingly bland, as was the Verb omelet ($11.75) made with egg whites, avocado, Swiss cheese, spinach and jalapeño. The vanilla New York egg cream ($3.50) is delicious, though, made with soda, milk, vanilla and real vanilla beans. One sip of this delightful concoction does induce momentary thoughts of Mayberry, right in the heart of Chicago.