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.
T’was the day after Thanksgiving, the turkey’s picked clean, the relatives all left, and the house looks like a crime scene.
The leftovers were wrapped, and put away with care, in hopes that we have, another dinner to share.
Jim was all nestled, all snug in his recliner, when suddenly he said, “let’s go to a diner.”
Carlos’ Pancake House
83 N. Williams Street
Crystal Lake 60014
(779) 220-9693
No Website, sorry…
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Rte. 176 East to Virginia Street South to Woodstock Street East to Williams Street to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 25 minutes
Nancy was tired, and had lots of aches, so she replied, “let’s go to Carlos’ Pancakes.”
So we did. This restaurant is located in Crystal Lake and is most definitely different for breakfast. It serves breakfast/lunch with a Mexican twist.
When you enter, it doesn’t look like the typical breakfast venue. It looks like a Mexican cantina and offers a “grande” menu.
Jim, as usual, found a menu item that contains everything known to man. He chose the Monterey Burrito ($10.95), which includes scrambled eggs, diced ham, bacon, chorizo, onion, roasted poblano peppers, potatoes, and Monterey jack cheese. All Mexican dishes come with two choices of the following: rice and beans, tortillas, country potatoes, hash browns, toast, pancakes, or French toast. He went with the pancakes and the rice and beans. The burrito was a monster, and the items inside proved to be a great combination. The pancakes were fluffy, but crisp around the edges, just like he likes them.
Nancy loves, loves, loves, Chimichanga’s, and that’s exactly what she had, the Breakfast Chimichanga ($9.95). This was a deep fried burrito filled with country potatoes, scrambled eggs, chihuahua cheese, red onion, green pepper, and ham. Of course, she had to have it her way and switched out the ham for bacon. She chose French toast and hash browns as her sides. She loved the French toast, and said it was really packed with flavor.
It may be difficult to wrap your head around having a Chimichanga with French toast or a Burrito with rice and beans and pancakes, but it works. It sounds weird, but try it, you’ll like it. The food here is really delicious and worth a try. Satisfy your curiosity. You know you want to go and try it, it’s peaking your interest, so go for it!!!
The price for our post turkey day breakfast was $28.18. Making room in our refrigerator for the doggie bags was like stuffing the turkey all over again.
Jim’s take: Best rice and beans ever!!! The rice was almost as good as Nancy’s, almost… I’m not that dumb.
Nancy’s take: I loved the chimichanga, but it could have been fried more. Jim, you’re still a moron!!!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
