A trip to Tony’s Cafe

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.

While sitting in the Drendel Ballroom engrossed in a heated game of Bingo, we got a hot tip on a new breakfast joint. One of the “Bingo Queens” told us about Tony’s Cafe in Crystal Lake.

One Sunday morning my Bingo Queen didn’t feel like getting the kitchen all greasy preparing breakfast, so we jumped into the Dining Duo Mini-Mobile and off we went. Tony’s Cafe is nestled next door to the Crystal Lake South High School and across the street from a church. Unless you are going to one of these places, you probably would never know Tony’s Cafe ever existed.

It is a typical cute cafe/diner with its 12 tables, 12 booths, and 6 counter seats. They offer outdoor seating, but more on that to come. This seemed like a favorite haunt among the locals, since a lot of the patrons new each other and the waitstaff.

It took us a while to digest their enormous menu, but no worries, since our waitress kept the caffeine flowing. Nancy wanted something hearty this morning since we skipped dinner the night before. When she saw the Irish Skillet ($9.29), this fit the bill, but of course, she wanted it her way. This skillet consisted of hash browns, eggs, and either toast or pancakes. She asked to have her hash browns and corned beef hash browned and crunchy. She jokingly told the waitress she prefers it this way so the hash does not resemble canned dog food. She decided to go with the rye toast to complete her entree.

Jim’s big brown cow eyes began to bulge when he spotted the Stuffed Potato Pancake ($8.99). This coronary-clogging concoction consisted of two potato pancakes stuffed with two eggs, bacon, a sausage patty, cheese, and smothered with sausage gravy. Our waitress smirked while taking his order and said, “You’re being a naughty boy and will have to walk home, but we don’t judge here.”

The stuffed potato pancake arrived, but our ever-vigilant waitress explained that Nancy’s hash wasn’t brown and crunchy so she made them re-fire it. She made a judgment call and brought mine so that it didn’t congeal sitting under the warming lights. Because we’ve been married for 42 years, I started eating without her and boy was it ever delicious.

After a few minutes, my skillet arrived cooked just like I ordered it thanks to my waitress. This was a really tasty skillet, especially combined with the rye toast. I really appreciated that my waitress actually cared enough and had my hash re-fired. This almost never happens in a restaurant.

While we were enjoying our breakfast, Nancy noticed customers and the waitstaff constantly going through the door labeled “Restrooms.” This would be no big deal, except for the fact that the waitstaff were bringing in food & coffee. Inquiring minds wanted to know, so we brought this up to our waitress’ attention. She said, “You have to walk past the restrooms to get to the patio seating,” and added with a smirk “but the food is pretty cra#!y in there.” We really liked our waitress’ humor!!!

FYI: Handicap accessible and the hours are 6:30 to 2:30 daily, except on Fridays they’re open until 9 p.m. Like it says on the door, “If this door is locked, we’re not here.”

This place is a hidden gem. The waitstaff is great, the people are friendly, and most importantly, the food is delicious. Their menu proudly proclaims their potatoes are imported from Idaho. This place shares our sense of humor.

The total for our “lite” breakfast was $24.55.

Jim’s take: I absolutely loved this breakfast. Even if my cholesterol meds have to work overtime.

Nancy’s take: I tasted Jim’s potato pancake and it was thicker than I prefer, but stuffed like this it was delicious.

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com

---