Tom’s Place

Tom's Place, a culinary gem, stands as a heartfelt tribute to Tom, the father of Bruce, and a beacon of love and community. Honoring Tom's legacy, this establishment embodies the values he cherished: love, welcome, and exceptional food. In his later years, Tom's visits to Chicago were marked by his dedication to preparing pancake breakfasts for the neighborhood youth, a gesture that ranged from feeding a few to as many as forty children. His profound belief, encapsulated in his final words to Bruce, "There is only love," serves as the guiding principle behind this remarkable project. Arriving at Tom's Place at just the right moment, after a light breakfast and a morning of activity, we were immediately struck by its vibrant atmosphere. Discovered through a search on Google Maps, the reality of Tom's Place far exceeded the enticing images online. The restaurant is not merely a place to eat; it's an artistic haven where fresh, high-quality cuisine takes center stage. The menu, while celebrating its pancake house roots, also boasts a diverse array of other delectable options, ensuring there's something for every palate. Tom's Place is truly one-of-a-kind, and it's no surprise that it's a popular destination. The experience is elevated by the exceptional staff, whose dedication and warmth leave a lasting impression. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them and vow to return, forever cherishing the memory of Tom and the love-filled environment he inspired.

Top tier food! Be patient here, the wait is worth it. Super quaint spot & will be back. I ordered -Cinnamon coffee (meh) - Orange nur pancakes (TO DIE FOR) - Eggs & Bacon (solid) - Chorizo empanada (incredible), fresh, flakes and top top tier Impressed is an understatement.

We were in Chicago on a trip & looking for a place with stuffed French toast & fun pancakes away from downtown & came upon this place. Not the best neighborhood but decided to trust the reviews & so glad we did. My spouse, child, & I all ordered different meals & loved it. This is the best food we had the whole trip: absolutely delicious, original, well priced, & filling. I’m so glad we went away from downtown. If I lived there I’d be a regular. The atmosphere was so cheerful & bright & immediately felt welcomed. The owner & workers were very friendly. 100% recommend.

This place does not disappoint! The food, was top tier, the staff super friendly, and just overall it was a great experience. We had the gingerbread pancakes, cheesecake stuffed french toast, and the sunrise burrito and all of it was PHENOMENAL!! We can’t wait to come back! :)

What a lovely little gem in Back of the Yards! The owner, Bruce, stopped by our table and chatted with us for 5 minutes. He loves his community and has a great sense of mission and purpose for his restaurant. I would support this place just because of that. The food is also excellent and a great value. I had the apple walnut pancakes. It was more than enough for both my wife and I for less than $13. My wife also had the empanadas which were super tasty. The sausage patties were excellently spiced and flavorful. They come from Park packing company a few blocks away. Most of the food is locally sourced. I'm looking forward to going back to try their other dishes. The atmosphere is nice and bright. It's an old two flat with the first floor converted. It's was small but bright. It was busy but we got a table right away and good service all around. I'm so glad we found this spot.

This place is so cozy and full of love! The food is a testament! Bruce and Mary are so kind! I’ve eaten here with my boyfriend and we’ve brought our parents here. I have to say that as picky as Mexican parents can be (specifically ours) they loved it and wanted to come back again!! Especially my dad who is hard to impress when we go out to eat, he told the owner that he’s had a lot of pancakes and tasted many recipes and that Tom’s place was one of the best pancakes he’s ever had especially since he’s worked in the restaurant business for over 30 years. I hope you give this place a chance and don’t let the size of the restaurant fool you. It’s the flavor and comfort of being in someone’s home that makes it worth every minute of it. You can definitely share pancakes and order your main course. Could range from $10-$30 depending on what you want.

Really enjoyed the pancakes- esp the seasonal blueberry! I love how this restaurant brings together such a wide range of people. Staff are very kind and hospitable. Definitely will be back

Bright, uplifting, & delicious. I love the simplicity of the menu. Do it & do it well. The sunflowers on the outside and the yellow & green walls inside just make you smile. It feels like wonderful space to be in. And the food was great. Be sure to check the limited time specials… especially the empanadas. I could eat those so day. I was very pleased. Enjoy!

Feels like eating at the home of a favorite relative! The food is delicious and extremely reasonably priced. The ever-fresh and creative seasonal items are especially fun. Comfortable, friendly indoor dining and family-friendly outdoor dining! A gem in the heart of the Back of the Yards!

Was recommended to come and try this place. Good flavor on the pancakes. Cheese empanada was good!! Great place to eat for the community.

I wasn't going to write but after seeing another review about the closing time I need to share our experience. Why? We were turned away at 12:50. I explained we did drive a distance and there was an empty table. My thought is if you think this is an acceptable practice, offer your guests a coffee to go, a pastry or a gift certificate. Just smart business practice and being neighborly. Maybe the hours should be extended and flexible.

Love this place got to try the lunch today. Cheddar broccoli was off the chain, grilled cheese or cheddar and Swiss was cooked to perfection. We have not had a single bad meal here.

Says they close at 2:00 Got turned away at 1:22 So they don't close at 2, they close at 1:20 (Mind you, I understand turning away last minute orders 10 minutes before close, but a full 40 minutes?! Just change your hours then)

Amazing food! The staff was friendly and fast. Small inside dining are with outdoor patio seating. Nice wall art and tables. Definitely returning.

I've gone to this place 3 times. The first 2 times everything was nice. The last time is why I will never go back. I went with my son to have breakfast. We came in, everything was good, then it wasn't. I ordered a breakfast with sausage as the side. Once it came, the sausage was severely undercooked. The lady who's normally at the front came over when I was trying to get it switched out and alert them of this. She got an attitude, went to talk to the kitchen, then came back and said, "Next time, ask for it to be double cooked" .......she said this as if I was suppose to know and proceeded to say where they get them from, etc. She was rude and I just packed up my food and left. I'm big on service and she ruined that place for me. I would have loved to continue to frequent this place, but I will not be.

A bright friendly place that serves very good breakfast. The pancakes are some of the best I've tasted, light and fluffy. Even the syrup they use is higher quality, my sister asked:). The owner said the pancakes were his father's own recipe. The place is named after his father. Also had the breakfast burrito, also very good. I'm a hash brown fan and they were great. Reasonable prices too!

Nice place to enjoy pancakes , tasty food , hot fresh coffee, great service. Good prices , a definitely Gem in the Back of the yards neighborhood. A must visit If in the area.

Horrible it was my first time there ordered hash browns that took over 20 minutes. Place was not full at all. Lady at the front threw the recipe at me after I paid. I'll say it again, horrible.

Super cute outdoor patio decorated with flowers. I had the breakfast burrito which was perfect size for me not too big it was very good with eggs bacon and crispy hash browns inside. Pancakes were also good. Would repeat!

Great food at a great price. It's hard today to find an affordable restaurant. This is one.

If you are looking for some amazing pancakes and food in general, Tom's Place is the location. This was our first time there and we left very pleased and satisfied with the food and the service. Very nice, helpful, and it good spirits. Will definitely be going back.

Food service is okay staff can be a bit abundant during the weekends! And it's usually crowded! Food overall could be better some dishes are way too much or undercooked other plates are quite small and expensive for their posted price! Place is very comfy and is a great location parking is limited in parking lot!

SOOOOOOO happy to have found this place. I called in our office order for pick up, Angela walked me through the menu items and help me save a little cash. We ordered a little of everything, stuffed French toast, pancakes, chia pudding, hash browns, sausage and bacon. Literally everything was so good. The price was super nice for all the food we got. In conclusion.... Food...DELICIOUS! Employees...Super helpful Location....Easy to find Price....Chef's Kiss

A cute breakfast/ brunch spot with the Best food! Good price and nice people! A total win! The empanadas were

Don't pass by this place!! Best breakfast ever. It reminds me of my grandmother's breakfast!!! Cute, clean, adorable and well appointed, this spot has a quaint outdoor setting area. Make sure you order the pancakes, link sausages and hash browns! Don't miss this Back Of The Yards gem!!

Great breakfast! Very cozy and friendly staff. Would recommend coming here if you're in the neighborhood and hungry. Coffee is yummy! Orange nut pancakes are really good!

Some of the best and most tasteful pancakes I have ever eaten! Enjoyed the bright, flowery decor and the gracious service also! I'll be back!

Great little breakfast restaurant. My 11 years said it was one of the best French toast he ever had and actually ate slowly to enjoy. I had the pancakes and they were cooked perfectly with care and very fluffy. Interesting paced restaurant and they prepare the food with care. Also the coffee is delicious.

Hands down, my favorite breakfast/brunch spot in Back of the Yards. Everything I've tried has been amazing, but I keep coming back for the cheesecake French toast. You would think it sounds super sweet/heavy, but it's perfect. Their hash browns are also bomb! Coffee's from Back of the Yards Coffeehouse which is delicious. They sell goodies from local artists and their new patio is beautiful. Owners and staff are kind hearted and I love hearing about how they engage with the community and what they're up to next.

Everything made to order! Pancakes are good on their own and do not need syrup. Staff are friendly and take their time with each customer.

Omg this little place was excellent. I have been sleeping on this little spot but when I tried their breakfast I was hooked

Food is amazing! It's like having a home cooked meal. Prices are super reasonable and affordable

First off we stopped here since the grocery store wasn't open across the street so we decided (My sister and I) to grab a bite since they were open. Walking in the patio to the right was cute with flowers plus it was just a perfect sunny day that definitely complimented the ambiance. Upon walking in we were greeted with a smile and a nice lady who was knowledgeable about the menu items and suggested things to us since it was our first visit. So with that being said we had omelettes and my sister ordered a pancake instead of toast. Let me tell you something this was THEEE BEST PANCAKE I have ever tried in my 43 yrs here. It was light, fluffy and definitely not out of a box nor was anything we were served. The owner came out and spoke with us and he also made our food and brought it to our table. We also asked about the hours and he stated that running his nonprofit and opening up his pancake house is enough for him to handle. He also spoke briefly how he has partnered with other business owners and have handed out scholarships to kids in the neighborhood as he believes on giving back to his community but also honoring his father's legacy by naming this place after him. His story touched my soul as I walked out and saw a picture of his father hung up on the way out of the restaurant making these delicious pancakes and reading the caption brought me to tears. So Bravo to this wonderful soul who is making a difference in the community one pancake at a time. God bless you and thank you for a wonderful breakfast served with love.

excellent place for breakfast.Best pancakes in Chicago. My wife's omelette was also delicious.

This place is a gem. Great food. Great local coffee. A family recipe for the pancakes that can't be beat. Super friendly staff, too. I'll be back!

This place is amazing!!! The whole staff was so accommodating! Food included the best pancakes I've ever had! Empanadas were delicious and beautifully presented! Highly recommend the gingerbread pancakes! The owner even came out to check on us. So kind and genuine! Will be back