Grandma J’s Local Kitchen

After eating brunch at Grandma J's on Saturday morning, I found myself telling everyone about this place for the next week. As I was warming up with a strong cup of coffee, I looked over and noticed the hutch next to me and my initial thought was 'this is exactly something my Grandma would have in her house.' The atmosphere was cozy, just as it would be at Grandmas and the food was amazing. Brought in locally and organic with gluten free options. This will definitely turn into my new go-to brunch place in the city!!

I can't believe I've lived by this place for almost a year and hardly noticed it till recently. For sure my go to spot for brunch now. I've just been on weekdays...always no wait. Some really amazing flavors here...no matter what you order. I love the fact that you can get a simple breakfast for 6 bucks, and plenty of side dishes to add as well as mimosas and bloody marys...you bring the booze though. I love the Kale and also the Leek fried rice...though a side dish with it wouldn't hurt as i could always eat more. Nice folks working...never had a problem with them.

I cannot use words to describe how excited I am when I know we are going to Grandma J's for breakfast. We always enjoy the staff and the food is always excellent. We tend to get there right at 9a to get a seat right away whether it's the three of us or a group of eight. The menu is updated frequently and always introduces a new spin on a classic dish or something we never expected. Breakfast starts with fruit slices and the coffee is served from an old school pitcher. Totally worth it.

The first time we went, the food was AMAZING. We went on a lunch date and the food was impeccable! When the chef came out to say hi and ask how the food was, my sister even proposed to him bc the food was so good. Since we liked the food so much we decided to go there for brunch on a weekend with some friends. The service was AWFUL. First, we were told there was a 40 minute wait for 5 people, which on a Sunday isn't bad until the waitress sat her friends before sitting us even though they arrived minutes after the people left the big table. Second, she was rude. There was a minor miscommunication in which an extra order of pancakes was made because she thought we ordered two orders of pancakes when I had asked for two pancakes, not two orders. I very politely sent it back telling her I only wanted ONE order of two pancakes. She rolled her eyes, told me I ordered two orders then proceeded to take the food to the table where her friends were sitting. Next, when our chicken and waffles were ready, we didn't get the full order. We left there hungry which didn't happen the first time. We have not been back since because the service was so bad.

It is with great hesitation that I write this review of Grandma J's.. I would be inclined to not write about this new 'favorite fishing hole' secret find restaurant fearing that it will soon be overrun with people (like me that discovered it on line) and the short waits I've had there will turn into long lines. Nevertheless, Layla (the owner) said she would love a review as she has a business to run and loves her customers. This place is great - kitschy, authentic, creative, and the staff really is very attentive and considerate. The 'Fried Chicken and Waffle Fritters' are amazing, the Breakfast sandwich (do not remember the name) was very tasty - and other dishes that I saw on other people's plates looked impressive.

This place is cozy. The food was delicious and the waiter very friendly. They do a good job at being up front at what some people may consider deficiencies like cash only, long table/food wait times, which I think weeds out uptight personalities so the mood there is very chill. The fried chicken looks perfect, I will try that one day. Board games and books are available, and there are kids toys as well. I found a Chicago Cubs cookbook on the shelf, Go Cubs!

Great food and friendly. You'll wait for a little bit to get served -- there's not a lot of staff -- but the coffee is good and the atmosphere is relaxed and kind. There's a strong emphasis on organic sustainable food, meaning high quality ingredients, and the cook knows what he's doing. Well worth it!

Amazing food amazing service had breakfast this morning and I will be returning. Had the french toast bites with a cream sauce with apple jam on the bottom words cant explain how great it was also had a breakfast sandwich with eggs bacon kale fried tomato and a garlic aioli to die for!!! This place is byob and cash only. Food is worth every penny and everything is fresh.