Nellie’s Restaurant

"Nellie’s is known for its breakfast buffet that features a mix of continental American and Puerto Rican favorites. It’s never a real visit unless customers order a bowl of coconut oatmeal (avena de coco). Gluten-free diners may find solace in the breakfast jibarito. Make a reservation through OpenTable or order ahead online." - Sam Nelson

"This Humboldt Park cafe opened in 2006 and has provided the Puerto Rican community with a delicious destination. Menu highlights include the addicting avena de coco (sweet coconut oatmeal) and jibaritos (the sandwiches served between fried plantains and stuffed with lettuce, tomato, garlic, and protein; try it with an egg for breakfast). The space is family-friendly and welcoming. There’s also a full espresso bar. This is the antidote to North Side brunches where impatient customers and frustrated workers combine to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Nellie’s is above that with courteous service, well-seasoned food, and affordable prices." - Ashok Selvam

"Nellie’s is a breakfast lover’s paradise where corn-flake-battered french toast coexists peacefully alongside breakfast jibaritos on the same menu. On weekends they serve breakfast buffet-style, but their weekday special is an omelet with salchichon and maduros, which is a great way to thread the sweet-savory needle if you’re the type of person who can never choose. The special also comes with a cup of their coconut oatmeal, which is so popular that they sell it to go—by the gallon." - josh barnett, john ringor

"Nellie’s is one of the most welcoming restaurants in Chicago, a Puerto Rican restaurant popular for its breakfast buffet and full espresso bar. Chicago is allegedly the inventor of the jibarito, the Puerto Rican sandwich made with fried plantains instead of bread, giving folks avoiding carbs and gluten a special treat. That was irrelevant to the creation of the dish. It’s delicious. At Nellie’s, they offer a ham version with garlic goodness topped with eggs for the morning crowd." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"Open since 2006, this Humboldt Park restaurant specializes in Puerto Rican breakfast and lunch, known for its massive weekend breakfast buffet. It has a full espresso bar that turns out flavorful coffee drinks that put the chain shops to shame. The breakfast jibarito is also a genius way to go carb-free for those who engage in that sort of behavior. And don’t forget to try the coconut oatmeal, a unique treat that makes many a repeat customer." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff