On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Diners, American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, EdgewaterNeighborhood: Near North Side
"My kind of town, Chicago is... And 676 is my kind of restaurant. Lucky me, I got to have two meals there. Lunch on a Friday and dinner on a…" read more »
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
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!!!!
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 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 :)
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
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I'm not one for being pushed out of my seat by the staff because the place can't handle the crowd. The food was OK. I like the location but will probably not come back any time soon.
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!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
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 ...
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (3)
Some reviewers need to learn how to spell "there."
I haven't had a bad meal there, either. Yum, yum, yum. If you're going on weekends, get there before 10 am -- otherwise, even w/ outdoor seating, you're likely to wait.
Cheers!
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
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.
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
I'm with John B. on the Jekyll/Hyde transformation that Pauline's experiences during the weekend rush, although I'm fine with that. I understand that any restaurant within walking distance of anywhere in Chicago and serving breakfast on any given Sunday will more than likely be busy on any given Sunday. I'm happy to wait if needed.
First, the food. Pauline's has some of the best pancakes around. Flapjacks so large that they are barely contained by the plate they arrive on. Fluffy with a crisp edge. This is how, I believe, a pancake should be served. Beyond serving the perfect pancake, Pauline's offers the gamut of breakfast staples. Eggs anyway with anything you need on the side. French toast and the such.
Although, eating comfortably on said any given Sunday at Pauline's is an issue. Due to the floating tables being so close to each other and as John B. has mentioned..the throng of diners looking for their Sunday morning fix. If we're in the 'hood, we definitely stop in. It's a cute place that seems to be filled with an air of authenticity. Authentic in the way...well, like...as Joan Crawford would say.."Don't f%*k with me boys, I've been to the rodeo!" authenticty. No frills kinda attitude permeates this place. I love the decor and I love the people who inhabit this breakfast joint. In my books, that makes this place a diamond in the rough.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
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!
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (8)
Cool (5)
Quaint, cute, neighborhood, mom-n-pops breakfast diner. The kind of place we should have more of in this sterile drive-thru world!
5-egg omelette was very good, but it didn't strike me as very big, to be honest - I don't know what the fussing is all about! Lincoln Restaurant serves a bigger, buttery omelette hands down!
Had cottage cheese instead of the potatoes, and was not hassled for the substitution - in fact, the waitress suggested it. I also had some very good rye toast, and some very strong decaf coffee.
Service was great.
No credit cards - bring cash!
Go thru the kitchen to get to the john - cool! I might suggest they put a space heater in there during the winter, though!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
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?
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (4)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Pauline's is a place I would miss if I were to move away. The service is as slow as the south but I've been paid prompt attention on a weekday morning. The potatoes are not as good as mine but I still order them.
Slow service is more tolerable when you have nowhere else to be. This is a place you can feel comfortable killing time in when it's not crowded. The prices are a bit high for breakfast but there is enough in an omelet to feed two people. It's always a friendly, polite crowd.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
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!
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
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
i seriously don't understand these bad reviews. their mexican omelet is the best omelet i have ever had in my life. a ton of peppers and cheese all shoved into five eggs, with guacamole, salsa and sour cream on the side. the owner is probably the sweetest man to ever own a restaurant. my boyfriend and i went in a little after 2pm, and close to 3 we noticed everyone had left except for us. the table behind us was empty, yet full of food--probably one of everything on the menu. slowly, every employee began to sit down and soon enough the entire place was having a family lunch. A+
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Not a huge fan of Pauline's and yet I find myself there somewhat frequently.
I've been for breakfast only once and it was such a hassle (super crowded, 35! minutes for waitress to come to our table, incorrect order delivered to our table, generally rude service) that you probably couldn't pay me to step foot in that place on a weekend again.
But I do work in the neighborhood and Pauline's is very close so I'll go for a weekday lunch every now and again. I usually get the grilled cheese with chedder and the fries which are very good. Very simple so they can't mess it up.
The staff is inattentive as always, but $5 for my (pretty good) grilled cheese and fries seems fair. They have generous portions, too, if that's your thing. Just don't expect your coffee to be refilled.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
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).
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This restaurant is an ass. So are half of the people working there. I won't bore you with my stories, as there are plenty of good ones here--especially Chris M.'s. Some of the absolute worst service in town. This place is run as if the owners and employees want to run it into the ground. Pauline's needs to be taken out behind the barn and shot. I will never go there again, thus freeing up table space for customers happy to be ignored by their servers and treated rudely by their cashiers.
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Wow is all I can say - this place has such potential and runs a busy place but the staff can be very rude. If I am meeting a friend and she is parking the car they won't seat me at the table for two. Also, they claim their omlettes have 5 eggs in them - BIG LIE - they maybe have 2-3. Just watch how they make them back in the kitchen and you will see. The pancakes are awesome but you will feel rushed to eat and go so they can flip the table.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I like to feel comfy for breakfast when I'm still waking up and need to just be myself. Pauline's lets me relaaaax...but then, I tend to go during the week. Aside from the laid-backness of the place, I love the pecan pancakes: delicious, huge and loaded with nuts. I can't finish two of them. Also yummy are the omelets of various kinds (I like the southwestern with chorizo...m-m-mmm!) which are made perfectly. The veggie burger comes with grilled vegetables, very tasty. Pauline's potatoes, which come with omelets and so forth, are laced with peppers and onions, a nice touch. I don't exactly live in the area, but I get to Pauline's at least every other week. Actually, probably more often. But who's counting.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Best thing on the menu are the pancakes. I wouldn't recommend the Orange Juice unless you LOVE pulp.
Nice little greasy-spoon coffee shop. Cash only, ATM outside.
Colorful interior, but the painters may have been colorblind. This would be a great find on a road trip and in the middle of nowhere. It is a nice compliment to the rest of Andersonville. Not snobby at all.
Service is FAST on the weekdays even around noon. However, the grilled cheese isn't melted all the way. At least they give me a few cheese and bread options. Fries are ok.
Go for the pancakes, chocolate chip if you can. You won't be able to finish them, but in a good way!
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.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)