My husband and I went here for breakfast last weekend based on their great Yelp reviews. It really was a gem! I ordered their Mediterranean Frittata - it was huge and absolutely delicious. I finished the entire thing, which is rare for me, that's how good it was! Even their coffee was better than most places. There was no wait at all, so we sat down right away. Service was quick and our waitress was very nice. Parking was super easy - there's street parking, as well as a parking lot. They take credit/debit cards, too, which is nice! I'll be back soon!
(5)
Katherine K.
Been going here since I was a kid with my dad. Great food and great staff
(5)
Joelle S.
Love this place for breakfast!! Speedy service is excellent and the food is very good. I particularly like the variety of French Toast that they have on the extensive breakfast menu! The omelets are good too, large and fluffy! Plus they make this delicious orange marmalade in house that is unbelievable! The best!
(4)
Mark V.
Steak and Eggs are Great So are the Potato Pancakes Staff is always friendly and accommodating Down side is I like these things so much always order the same things
(4)
Lavon K.
We were seated quickly. Served quickly and out quickly. My kind of place. My husband had the George combo and I had the paradise crepes. Delish. Our waitress could've been a little more patient but we will still be back.
(4)
Janis F.
My neighbor is the owner and you couldn't find a nicer place for breakfast! :-D
(5)
Brian C.
I think this place wins hands down when you talk about the best bang for the buck for breakfast/brunch. I had their house special, which is three eggs, hash browns, a pound of ham, and choice of toast or pancakes. It runs about 8 bucks. I look forward to eating the leftover ham tomorrow morning. There was no wait on late Saturday morning, another big bonus. Service was very attentive and efficient. The sign on the front is very cool, and it lets you know that this place has real history. The interior was redone not too long ago, and it is very inviting. There are two flat screen TVs in the back that are unobtrusive and give one a little distraction if they so choose. It can mean not missing any of the game while going out to eat, anyway. This is certainly going to be a place in the rotation for us.
(4)
Kyle D.
Great food at beyond reasonable prices. Staff and management are very nice and friendly. Not sure why people are saying the ownership is terrible and rude. Never once had an issue with employees or management. Bottom line, good food, great prices and good staff. Love coming here!
(5)
Ethan S.
It's not one of your classic 50's Sugar Bowl's, but the food is excellent. Although it was closed for quite some time, it's back up and running now. :)
(5)
Marisol M.
If your looking for a nice place for breakfast this is it! I have been here 3 times so far and I have not been disappointed. In fact, everyone I have taken has also enjoyed this restaurant. Most have been back. They have a big menu, so pretty much anything you look for is there. The prices are average but the portions are large. It's clean and the staff is very friendly and attentive. They also have this homemade marmalade they bring to your table. YUM!! Make sure you try it.
(5)
Andy M.
Nice family restaurant in downtown Des Plaines. Not the worse and not the best. Good breakfest
(3)
Chris J.
So far, so good. I went for the first time on Sunday for brunch. Was enticed by an article about the preservation of the glorious sign in front. I love old signs and figured any business that (as I understand it) is keeping the name Sugar Bowl to match the sign was worth checking out. It was a very solid experience, the place was busy, but had available tables, which is sometimes hard to find when it comes to Sunday brunch. The decor seem new and there are a plentiful amount of booths along the wall and down the middle. The food was hot and quick and reasonably priced ($5-$8). The menu seemed to range from straight up regular (a variety of eggs and pancakes) to more exotic (egg white omelets and whole grain pancakes). I had a mini waffle combo, which came with mini waffles, eggs, sausage and bacon. Very tasty, the bacon was super crisp, but not over done. My guest had the whole grain pancakes, which were reported to be very good as well.
(5)
Steve F.
Foods great, service is usually good if you don't stay to long..
(4)
Jessica M.
Best pancakes in DP! Also, the owner makes rounds herself to check up on customers. Nice.
(4)
Angelina C.
Have only been here once, but definitely plan to return. Food was fantastic, not at all greasy, which is rare for a diner type if experience. Prices were reasonable and the staff was very attentive and friendly. They new quite a few customers by name, which is the sign of a great place. The only thing that prevented me from giving them five stars was the corn beef hash is not home made.
(4)
TJ M.
Whenever we visit a new town, my friends and I resort to Yelp to find good places to eat. And very few times had Yelp disappointed us. And with this attested belief, we did much the same thing to get breakfast at Des Plains. Unfortunately, the culinary experience that my friends and I had at Sugar Bowl could be summed up as dreadful. As college students, we weren't expecting much at all from an old fashioned breakfast and brunch place. But even for our ordinary standards, this place offers very poor food especially when given that it has such high reviews on Yelp. I ordered a spinach omelette which was served with hash browns and pancakes, and my friends had ordered a breakfast burrito. One would find it hard to believe that simple items such as these can be cooked in an unappetizing way. The hash browns were extremely under cooked to the extent that some of it was even raw. It tasted more like mashed potato rather than hash browns, which are supposed to be crispy. The omelette was overcooked leading the eggs to lose its tenderness entirely. Moreover the omelette didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The saving grace was the coffee, which was served piping hot (the way I like it). Again, our expectations from an inexpensive place like this were very ordinary, but even the service was poor in that it took us a few minutes each time to get the attention of our waitress. When your entire group starts to talk at the table about how poor the food was, one can clearly make out that the experience was very unsatisfactory. As is the case often, I suspect our experience might be a one off or that this place is more famous for its lunch menu and not so much for the breakfast menu. Regardless, given our experience we have no reason to eat at this place or recommend it to anyone we know. But given that we aren't likely to go to Des Plains any time soon, I guess that assertion was irrelevant. Our faith in Yelp reviews is far from lost, but is definitely shaken.
(1)
Annie J.
Perfect old school diner atmosphere with great food and a fantastic staff! Stacy makes you feel like family every time you walk in, food is consistently good with decent prices. Best for breakfast, gets busy on the weekends, but well worth it!
(5)
Trixie H.
Sugar Bowl finally reopens. It's clean, painted, and friendly. Menu has been paired down. Good coffee. One issue: eggs were uncooked-whites clear and running all over otherwise delicious breakfast. See full review at trixieandhowie.wordpress… .
(3)
Jovia F.
It's too bad their service was so terrible, otherwise I'd give it a star or two for the uh...basic yet tasty breakfast food. I sat there for an hour with my boyfriend waiting to get menus. Then a server asked if we'd been taken care of and said "well you shoulda said something!" when we said we hadn't. She continued to go argue with another server about whether she was supposed to take us before she did her end-of-shift work. This whole thing is so many kinds of rude to your customer. After that point we got mediocre service from the woman who asked if we'd been taken care of. She got our orders while babbling about her long day (I don't care about you once you've made me wait so long, especially when you dont ask me anything about myself to start this small talk off), then got us coffee 5-10 minutes later, then finally brought the food, then forgot to refill our coffee until we were almost done eating. Neither of us finished our food and I'm still not sure if it was because we didn't like it, we got full, or we were flustered with the experience. So, as much as I'd like to give this place a second chance I doubt I will be. Breakfast places are a dime a dozen in the burbs.
(1)
Linda N.
their pancakes are delicious. really really good. skillets phenomenal best HOT BEEF I have ever had, but it isnt on menu...occasional special. Oh how I wish they were open for dinner. Even closing at 6 would work. Starting a petition
(4)
Nanette S.
There is a large menu to choose from. There is everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner. One of the owners named Stacy is no longer there, but the restaurant started with her and George. Stacy had been there when the restaurant had a separate section that sold all kinds of candies. That is how The Sugar Bowl got its name. I met all three owners. Chris is nice as well. He packed extra soup for me one time free of charge. I also like George. George has waited on me himself. He talked me into a special which was really good. The Sugar Bowl has atmosphere. It has music as well as a television set to watch the news. I have walked in on a Sunday and the restaurant was packed. I had to wait for seating, but, it was well worth it. The restaurant has comfortable seating you can sit down and wait to get serviced. If you have a service or product to sell, they will accept your flyers and cards. The only thing I have to say is that the portions are so big and you can not obtain half portions if you want them. But, you don't go away starving. I recommend you come hungry or just order a bowl of soup!
(5)
Will M.
Amazing breakfast place. Wonderfully tasting Pancakes. We eat here often and the only thing better than the food is the service. Smiling friendly people throughout.
(5)
Karen K.
One of the best breakfast places ever! Prices are decent and the quality of the food is superb! I've tried a number of things but the best thing on their menu to me was their blintz. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Portions are huge, friendly staff, DELICIOUS food, plenty of parking... I could go on and on but I'm getting hungry just talking about this place. :D
(5)
Angie O.
This place was packed Sunday brunch. In the heart of downtown Des Plaines, & accross the street from the Metra, can't miss it. Was nothing special. Price range for this place should really be updated. A cup of orange juice was $4.50. .. service was quick but not attentive, the bus boy did a better job of asking if we needed anything when he brought us water vs the waitress when she brought the food. I had a Canadian Benedict, I was super hungry when I arrived but food & flavor was pretty short. Hash browns were dry, and no seasoning, (how dare they)! Maybe this place is a step up from retirement home meals . My brother and I ate for$30. Parents had coffee, total was $38. My suggestion would be going down the road east to the Des Plaines restaurant/ pancake house. Ten more dollars will feed two more.
(2)
Michael T.
This place is amazing. The menu is huge and they have a lot of decadent options for those of us who prefer sweet to savory breakfast (don't worry, there are plenty of savory options as well). The service is prompt and the food is delicious. It may be a small gripe, but my one complaint was the temperature in the restaurant. Bring a sweater. Brrr!
(5)
Vickey L.
Highly recommending this place. We ordered the Popeyes crepes (spinach and egg with hollandaise), a Monte Cristo, and the Sugarbowl waffle (pecans, vanilla ice cream, topped with cinnamon and honey). The meals came with chicken dumpling and cream of broccoli soup. Our order came at the perfect temperature and all of it was delicious. The only negative: the hollandaise was "broken" (didn't stop us from devouring the meal)! The positives: clean restaurant, friendly staff (even topped off my leftover soup), free wifi, easy/free parking in the garage, good honest food, and THEY PUT SPRINKLES ON THE HOT COCOA. In case you missed that... they put SPRINKLES on the HOT COCOA.
(5)
Simone T.
Right across the street from the Metra station, parking available nearby. Great hostess & our waitress was as nice as can be! Huge portions - I had the classic Eggs Benedict w/a half order of biscuits and gravy. Yum yum all the way. I was stuffed and had plenty to take home. Great way to spend a July 4th morning!
(5)
Coll F.
My father orders the pound of ham off the bone every single time. A pound! (The man likes his leftovers). The basics are good here. We've had pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelettes. The only thing I didn't like was the breakfast burrito. Maybe it was an off day. Run by a nice Greek family. A standard for us in Des Plaines.
(4)
Bill B.
Had the biscuits and gravy with three eggs and homemade potatoes. The breakfast was great. Service was excellent. Laughed with the lady's in there.
(5)
Michael W.
Good meal but not better than home (not to sound proud but my wife said it) and I have eaten at better diners / pancake houses. I had Biscuits and Gravy and it was good but not amazing. My wife had eggs and pancakes; she did not like the hash browns (missing seasonings, onions, peppers, etc.). A good meal but I would try another place next time to compare against.
(3)
Heather J.
My husband and I went here for breakfast last weekend based on their great Yelp reviews. It really was a gem! I ordered their Mediterranean Frittata - it was huge and absolutely delicious. I finished the entire thing, which is rare for me, that's how good it was! Even their coffee was better than most places. There was no wait at all, so we sat down right away. Service was quick and our waitress was very nice. Parking was super easy - there's street parking, as well as a parking lot. They take credit/debit cards, too, which is nice! I'll be back soon!
(5)
Katherine K.
Been going here since I was a kid with my dad. Great food and great staff
(5)
Sandra F.
Our Sunday morning go to. Always something good on the menu to eat, it's reasonably priced and very good coffee! Portions are very generous. Wait staff is friendly and very good, and the hostess in front acts you are her best friend when you get there! Time yourself carefully - after church it's pretty packed. Parking is also not a problem - parking garage close by and free! All in all a great place and good value. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)
S B.
Great French toast & yummy Raspberry iced tea. It is in downtown Des Plaines and has great parking. I love the outside of the place too, and the inside has a fun, refreshing vibe. The staff was nice and made sure to stay on top of refills, and food was delivered fast. Only downfall are some of the booths barely have any space between table and seat, making it hard to move around.
(4)
Jenna D.
From time to time, my sister likes to herd me along on her day trips; how we ended up all the way in Des Plaines is beyond me. Sugar Bowl is one of your typical Greek diners but.... more. By no means is it an upscale pancake house, but they do offer a ton of fun items like frittata. As of right now I am still on my quest to find the best pancakes in Chicagoland, so comparing breakfast restaurant's pancakes to other restaurants is my thing. Sugar Bowl's pancakes we're SO good!!! 5 Stars! The menu was huge and it was difficult to settle on something. My sister got a South of the border style skillet with Mexican peppers, sausage and cilantro. She was impressed with the portion and freshness. I got a create-your-own frittata with asparagus, cheese and bacon; don't forget the pancakes! We both ordered the hash browns well-done and that's how they came out. In fact, everything came out the way we ordered it and perfect! I don't know if SB is one of those places where you're supposed to seat yourself, but, we did wait a good 5-10 minutes before somebody greeted us and showed us to our table. The server also took her time in taking our order, but it was a late Sunday afternoon and she was the only one there. The only negative experience at the Sugar Bowl was how the dude at the register was playing games on his iPad while running my credit card, really dude? He didn't look up once. Anyway, this is the place for pancakes and good food. It fills up quickly, but they are fairly slow later on in the afternoon.
(4)
Randy K.
Very good breakfast restaurant, with lots to choose from and enormous portions. Comfort food, with excellent, friendly service.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I've been coming here for a while now, and the more often I eat here, the more I appreciate the staff. The owner knows my daughter and makes sure to say hello, as do several waitresses and one bus boy. They practically treat us like family. I feel like this is an experience that becomes more and more rare as faceless chain restaurants with high employee turnover push out small, independent shops like Sugar Bowl. From the fresh-squeezed OJ to the overflowing breakfast burritos, everything I've tried here has been something I want to try again. Whether I roll in after a sleepless night in pursuit of a huge breakfast or bring my mother-in-law here for lunch, I know I'll be seated and eating something good fast. Potato pancakes, blueberry waffles, eggs florentine, a veggie skillet--they're all good! Don't forget to check the menu board up front for specials and seasonal treats, and come prepared to listen to cheesy music.
(5)
Gabriella M.
This is your typical diner. Good food, good service. Seems family owned.
(4)
Joanne E.
Wish I lived closer. Great breakfast. Excellent quality ingredients. Very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating, even at 10:30am on Sunday morning. Everyone we dealt with, hostess, waitress, busboy, were very pleasant, helpful, and really seemed to enjoy working there. Five stars all around.
(5)
Maria G.
Went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. We sat at the counter for less of a wait. We had an unobstructed view of the kitchen and the staff. Some observations: 1) We ordered banana bread french toast and the house waffle. Both were pretty plain. The banana bread was dry. 2) We finished our meals before we were asked if we wanted our coffee topped off. Not after I had an empty cup for awhile, and we were no longer eating. 3) Overpriced for what you get. I can make this at home, and better. It was a pretty forgettable experience. We won't be going back.
(2)
Nicole W.
This is one of those diners that appeals to the masses. It's friendly, it hosts a diverse menu, it's affordable...it's a neighborhood staple. For those with families, it's clean and the kiddos would be happy to dine here, too. While it may look a bit vintage from the outside, Sugar Bowl slings out some pretty delicious eats. After a not-so-fun prenatal blood test, hubs and I drove to Sugar Bowl to fill my hungry belly. Just 15 minutes after we sat down, I was nose deep into my Paradise Crepes - thin and delicious crepes topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Because of my fasting and testing, I could have served cardboard and been happy, but those crepes were pretty on point. The portions are sizable but not magnanimous, and, frankly, I think that's a good thing. Fairly priced, quickly served by a friendly, seasoned server...Sugar Bowl does it up right.
(4)
Deborah G.
Love this place! Good food, generous portions, awesome service. My husband had the corned beef hash and I had the mixed berry french toast. Both were delicious. Our coffee mugs were never empty.
(5)
Pam P.
I'm gonna be honest and say I was partially sold to come here because I'm a big Arthur fan and know him and his friends frequently hang out at "The Sugar Bowl." Also, for some reason, I thought this place wasn't in business anymore but was kept around because the exterior looks cool. I've only been here once and it was such a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding. Our waitress was very friendly and easy to talk to. Upon arrival, we were seated in a booth but got moved to the counter upon request. I got the Philly Cheese Steak which comes with soup (I got Chicken and Wild Rice) and fries. It's a very generous portion considering all that it comes with. While we were eating, our waitress introduced us to the chef cooking for us in the back kitchen. Overall, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. There's lots to explore in the menu and I'm looking forward to the next time I come back.
(4)
Vito G.
love the bowl :) great value.. the breakfast special is really well priced, the service is great. they have wifi too which is good. also, free parking next door too is great.
(5)
S T.
The food is good, but the service is not that great! the waitress is so mean, look down the people, I went out to eat my husband, and he wanna to order first and she seems be very rude and mean said that wait for me to order so i can take it together!! and after the food came, never came back check on us do we need anything else, but gave us the check and walked away, and no thank you and no good bye!!
(4)
Jess B.
I got an avocado Benedict. It was okay but the hash browns are really good and they gave you a lot. The music was way too loud.
(3)
Jessica P.
My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday..they seemed busy, but we didn't wait long before we got seated..the waitress was really friendly and the service was great throughout our meal.. We all ended up getting omelets which comes with hash-browns and a choice of buttermilk pancakes or toast..The omelets were huge and since we got pancakes as well.. we were full and had leftovers to take home..reasonable price.. good brunch places are rare in the suburbs so if i'm craving brunch when i'm in the area.. i would go here again.. :)
(4)
Norh R.
Great food ... been here several times each time the food was good and staff was courteous.
(5)
Sarah T.
Big portions, friendly staff (both the server and hostess were incredibly thin and beautiful), I really like the color scheme in this large diner. I tried the breakfast special -- 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and toast for $5.99. That plus my hot coffee and small juice? What a great deal.
(4)
Joe W.
One of my favorite breakfast places! I go with my family for breakfast on holidays and just because. The host/waitresses and staff as a whole are very friendly, prompt and polite. Prices are reasonable with many items coming with hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. Pancakes are tasty! They are also gluten-free friendly. They have a portion of the menu dedicated to GF. It is small, but all of the staff are aware and they can and do accommodate by making or suggesting changes to other menu items that make them gluten-free. They have gluten-free pancakes, too. The restaurant is very clean. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. They also have a lunch menu consisting of melts, clubs, salads, burgers and other sandwiches. I personally have not tried these but other people I have gone with have and no one was disappointed. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Mike P.
Came upon this place thanks to Yelp as I was in the area....was looking for a place that served breakfast all day and this definitely fit the bill! I like to compare different egg dishes...from omlettes to skillets to ??. This place definitely had a wide variety but after checking the menu out I decided to try a scrambler...their western scrambler to be exact with eggs, tomato, mushrooms, ham, and cheese.....loved it ! It was a generous portion along with homemade potatoes and english muffin. Seems to be a great place to go for a bite to eat in the middle city/town square.
(4)
Kevin P.
Great atmosphere. Food is pretty good. Basic breakfast food. I usually get eggs Benedict. Its great. They are accommodating to orders.
(4)
Linda K.
Best Breakfast Ever!!! Our family does a new breakfast joint every Sunday. I picked this one and what a GEM! Food was fantastic. We will keep this one on our list as a favorite.
(5)
V H.
Went in last Monday after picking up my mom from Ohare, wanted to take her somewhere good since she had been stranded in the blizzard, I had read good reviews & am I glad to have tried it! It was amazing! Food was great & service was perfect. From the young man who served us our water & coffee & our server(Vicky) to the manager who checked us out, all great. We are gonna take another trip there for sure (from Indiana!)
(5)
Len L.
The ages-old neon sign should be enough to draw you in. The food is fresh cooked diner. I know that sounds odd. For example, the chicken dumpling soup was really nice with fluffy dumplings, white meat and a light broth. This was good soup. Because this is a Greek diner I tried the gyro sandwich, and that was also good. Megan liked her burger. We both thought the fires were a little limp. The breakfast plates others were eating looked good. If you are in Des Plains, give the Sugar Bowl a try.
(4)
Natalie S.
I've been going to the sugar bowl for about 4 years now and I am never disappointed. Soo yummy. It maybe not be gourmet, and that's jut fine with me! The owners are so welcoming they always come by and chat. Great food, great service, and great price. I recommend the butcher skillet.
(5)
Elle M.
The food and service could NOT be better!!! Ingredients are fresh, served hot and tasty. From the time you walk in the door you are greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. It continues the whole time! I cannot wait to return :)
(5)
A J H.
Great food; good service. Have always loved this place. Try the chicken dumpling soup - it's my favorite.
(5)
Rita P.
I love the sugar bowl! This place has amazing food (besides breakfast, chicken Malibu is one of my favorites) and an awesome atmosphere. One of my absolute favorite places. Try the fresh squeezed OJ- so good!
(5)
Liza G.
Had the veggie skillet with over medium eggs and still had half a skillet to take home! Deliciousness filled with toasty home fries, asparagus, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,spinach, broccoli and melty cheddar cheese. Great and efficient service. I'll be back again soon!
(4)
Rick K.
Sugar Bowl is one of those rare diner-style restaurants that provide good service, good food at reasonable prices and they let you dine at your own pace - even during rush periods. It's a neighborhood kind of place although we don't live that close. We've been coming here for years just not as much I'd like. The owner is a great guy and you can tell his style comes out in his bus and wait staff. Very attentive. Four+ stars here. We typically visit for breakfast and I stick with a couple favorites. Their menu is very diversified so if you can't find anything to try from their assortment then you probably weren't that hungry in the first place. Overall, I'd like to give them 3.5 stars. The only knocks from giving them four stars is their breakfast potatoes are sometimes overcooked, stiff and oily tasting. The other knock is the pricing on some of their items - most are reasonable and consistent with other restaurants in the area. They have a 'House Special' 3 eggs, ham, hash browns and toast or pancakes for $9.25. Their omelets run from $7.75 to $8.25 - seems a tad higher average than most. In short, I would strongly recommend Sugar Bowl.
(3)
E. G.
I come to the Sugar Bowl regularly for a late lunch, and the occasional breakfast, and I've never been disappointed. Everyone there - the hostess, servers, busboys, cooks & owners - are friendly and attentive. The extensive menu items aren't cheap, but the food is great and the service even better. I highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)
Mike H.
Food is ok. Waitress needs to stop telling stories and do her job. And when i say waitress i mean the one loud one
(2)
Pam D.
This is one place where I don't "get" all the Yelp love. The food was ok. I had one of their combos. The potato pancakes were good, the bacon was overly crispy and the eggs were skimpy. Christopher had the ham & cheese skillet. It was also ok, but nothing exciting. They were out of Diet Coke, so I opted for Root Beer. It was $2.25 for an average size fountain glass. If they offered free refills, no one asked if I wanted one, so who knows. Christopher had a glass of orange juice .... $4.50 !!! When he told me I kept asking if he was sure. He was. The restaurant is clean and cheerful looking, but they keep it like an icebox in there. They also blast dreadful "easy listening" music. I can see where it is convenient for the locals, and maybe other things on the menu are fine, but Sugar Bowl is not a breakfast destination for us. It does have a great vintage exterior, but that's not enough to pull us back all the way from the city.
(3)
Margaret R.
Good, basic breakfast place. The fruit cup was freshly cut and tasty---no grapes! My husband had a skillet which he enjoyed; everything came out exactly as ordered. Good coffee and you can't beat the great retro sign outside. I appreciate that their breakfast potatoes are homemade, and that there's Tabasco on every table.
(4)
Tricia D.
I almost almost almost ordered the spinach crepes, substituting one of them with a nutella one, but at the last minute, I opted for the portabella benedict. Gotta love shrooms... ... except when they're sour and not fresh. Gross. I left full though because of the side of home fries. My friend's eggs benedict with avocado smelled really sour, and the dish was just off. Not planning on returning.
(2)
Mike W.
Certainly no 'Wildberry' or 'Brunch Cafe' but better than 'ihop' or 'Dennys'. The staff was nice. They played some awesome 80's muzic the whole time. I got my own pitcher of H20 to nurse me hangover. The food was: aiight, but i'm a food snob (dahling)! So, what I didn't like, many of you'z will probably love. Will I be back? Hell no. But at least I can finally say: I've tried the place. As some thingz are just not meant to be, the Sugar bowl will alwayz be to me one of thoze "one-night standz" I just needed in a time of desperate morning breakfast sex. #mwah
(3)
Linda N.
their pancakes are delicious. really really good. skillets phenomenal best HOT BEEF I have ever had, but it isnt on menu...occasional special. Oh how I wish they were open for dinner. Even closing at 6 would work. Starting a petition
(4)
Lauren J.
I was hopeful in coming to this place. I still haven't found anywhere even remotely close to my house that serves a stellar breakfast/brunch. Everyone was nice upon our arrival and we were seated promptly. We ordered and everything seemed to be going really smoothly. After we ordered, things seemed to fall apart. Our food came out fairly quick, which was good, but it was really mediocre. We'd both ordered sides of sausage links (for $3.50 a piece) and it seemed as though the cook had just put them on the grill and left them there. They were almost rock solid. I got the apple cinnamon french toast and it was VERY mediocre. Not horrible. It was edible. But I wouldn't call that a compliment. My boyfriend got the mixed berry crepes. "Mixed Berry" apparently means strawberries and blueberries. Not exactly a mixture of berries. Once we got our food and we were picking at it, our waitress completely disappeared. We finished eating and she still hadn't come back. We were ready to go and she STILL hadn't shown up. I was practically holding my credit card in the air and waving it around. We ended up having to go up to the front and ask to pay, awkwardly. Everyone was nice but could have been a little more attentive and the food could have been MUCH better. Probably won't be returning.
(3)
Joelle S.
Love this place for breakfast!! Speedy service is excellent and the food is very good. I particularly like the variety of French Toast that they have on the extensive breakfast menu! The omelets are good too, large and fluffy! Plus they make this delicious orange marmalade in house that is unbelievable! The best!
(4)
Mark V.
Steak and Eggs are Great So are the Potato Pancakes Staff is always friendly and accommodating Down side is I like these things so much always order the same things
(4)
Joyce C.
I came here expecting more, since the reviews for this place were pretty good. But, eh, it is only just ok. There is an old school sign outside this place, which I thought was nice. Upon walking in, we were promptly greeted and sat right away. The waitress came by and took our orders quickly, and my husband had a question about one of the combos on the menu. Upon talking about the combo, the waitress had mentioned that the potato pancake that was included with the combo was not homemade. Eh, bummer. So, my husband ordered the George's combo and I ordered the Stacy's combo. Each are combos with eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage, with the only difference is that my combo came with french toast and his came with a waffle. It was a pretty standard combo and it didn't taste bad, but the meat was just of standard quality. The coffee was pretty gross and I ended up having to go to a Caribou on my way home to make up for the grossness. Overall, not a bad place but just pretty standard.
(3)
Grace K.
This is one of the best breakfast places I've ever tried. This place provide good service and good food at reasonable prices. The waitress was very friendly and very on top of things, was impressed that she knew just when to refill coffee and whatever else that was needed. The pancakes actually rival that of Walker Bros. which I always compare other places' pancakes to.
(5)
Eman A.
Found this place on Yelp. It had to be quick, because my sister wanted to go to panera, and I told her that you can't drag me out of bed to go to panera...since I was under the impression we were going to orange. :) Their menu is extensive. I haven't seen so much food in my life and the place was full for 10 am on a sunday morning, but it was mostly seniors and their families. I love pb&j and ordered the peanut butter and jelly french toast. O M G It was so delish, very sweet had to have the home fries as a side to cut through some of the sweetness, but it was very good. I didn't get pancakes, but my husband had them as a side and I had a bite of his. Very good. Hands down best pancakes so far. I'm so glad I found this place, normally I wouldn't go to this kind of diner and I'm so glad I did.
(5)
Jeff N.
Downtown Des Plaines is very well served by this cozy, breakfast/lunch restaurant. Nestled in the location previously held by the original Sugar Bowl (an old fashioned ice cream place) the varied restaurant meets almost any need. I love the large and tasty omelets. I am also a big fan of the salads there, too. Steve, the owner is the gregarious type who greets everyone and makes them feel like family.
(4)
Kelly W.
I like the Sugar Bowl. I have gone frequently ever since the reopening with family. The food is delicious (yes, basic breakfast food for cheap!) and the service has always been good, even when it was crazy busy. The parking is nice because it is the side as well as the street. It is a Des Plaines staple and a highly recommended one at that!
(4)
Ren S.
Not amazing but acceptable. When I came here I ordered a hamburger(I think...) and the food was way over priced. I think I paid more than $10 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink(I think... Sorry I came here a while ago and never came back..). Anyways I didn't like it here because the food sucks and the portions were small. If you want a good breakfast go to Des Plaines Pancake house(down the street on Miner St.). If you want a good lunch that isn't to far go to Thai Square(near the DP theater) or if you were looking for a burger like I was there is a McDonald down Metropolitan Square(ear the Original McD)
(3)
Kira K.
Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere! Love it!!
(5)
Anika F.
This place is the best for breakfast! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, the food is great! They have a very extended menu from crepes to pancakes to everything else. It doesn't take to long to get a table.
(5)
Janis F.
My neighbor is the owner and you couldn't find a nicer place for breakfast! :-D
(5)
Brian C.
I think this place wins hands down when you talk about the best bang for the buck for breakfast/brunch. I had their house special, which is three eggs, hash browns, a pound of ham, and choice of toast or pancakes. It runs about 8 bucks. I look forward to eating the leftover ham tomorrow morning. There was no wait on late Saturday morning, another big bonus. Service was very attentive and efficient. The sign on the front is very cool, and it lets you know that this place has real history. The interior was redone not too long ago, and it is very inviting. There are two flat screen TVs in the back that are unobtrusive and give one a little distraction if they so choose. It can mean not missing any of the game while going out to eat, anyway. This is certainly going to be a place in the rotation for us.
(4)
Kyle D.
Great food at beyond reasonable prices. Staff and management are very nice and friendly. Not sure why people are saying the ownership is terrible and rude. Never once had an issue with employees or management. Bottom line, good food, great prices and good staff. Love coming here!
(5)
Ethan S.
It's not one of your classic 50's Sugar Bowl's, but the food is excellent. Although it was closed for quite some time, it's back up and running now. :)
(5)
Scott Z.
Good food and good service in downtown Des Plaines. It's a diner experience that does it's best for breakfast and lunch. Competitive pricing and community feel.
(4)
Isabelle L.
Diner conveniently located downtown Des Plaines across from the train station. Ended up there for breakfast / brunch with a group of friends after running the Des Plaines 5K and we were starving! Well the place met our needs, the portions were huge! The food is nothing special and pretty blend, not greasy though which is always a plus for me. So if you are looking for a local diner, with huge portions at a cheap price with attentive and friendly staff, by all means stop by your belly will be satisfied. If you are looking for something a bit more special, pass.
(3)
Chris J.
So far, so good. I went for the first time on Sunday for brunch. Was enticed by an article about the preservation of the glorious sign in front. I love old signs and figured any business that (as I understand it) is keeping the name Sugar Bowl to match the sign was worth checking out. It was a very solid experience, the place was busy, but had available tables, which is sometimes hard to find when it comes to Sunday brunch. The decor seem new and there are a plentiful amount of booths along the wall and down the middle. The food was hot and quick and reasonably priced ($5-$8). The menu seemed to range from straight up regular (a variety of eggs and pancakes) to more exotic (egg white omelets and whole grain pancakes). I had a mini waffle combo, which came with mini waffles, eggs, sausage and bacon. Very tasty, the bacon was super crisp, but not over done. My guest had the whole grain pancakes, which were reported to be very good as well.
(5)
Steve F.
Foods great, service is usually good if you don't stay to long..
(4)
Jessica M.
Best pancakes in DP! Also, the owner makes rounds herself to check up on customers. Nice.
(4)
Angelina C.
Have only been here once, but definitely plan to return. Food was fantastic, not at all greasy, which is rare for a diner type if experience. Prices were reasonable and the staff was very attentive and friendly. They new quite a few customers by name, which is the sign of a great place. The only thing that prevented me from giving them five stars was the corn beef hash is not home made.
(4)
Sarah A.
I discovered the Paradise Crepes. No way I can ever imagine another breakfast rivaling this. Its sweet but that speaks to my major sweet tooth. Oh and I really like their coffee too!
(5)
Josue J.
Everything was great and everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were very nice, definetly want to make this place a regular
(4)
Lola B.
Very nice place with great food and friendly people! We go there for a walk at least once w week for great breakfast!!!
(5)
Marisol M.
If your looking for a nice place for breakfast this is it! I have been here 3 times so far and I have not been disappointed. In fact, everyone I have taken has also enjoyed this restaurant. Most have been back. They have a big menu, so pretty much anything you look for is there. The prices are average but the portions are large. It's clean and the staff is very friendly and attentive. They also have this homemade marmalade they bring to your table. YUM!! Make sure you try it.
(5)
Andy M.
Nice family restaurant in downtown Des Plaines. Not the worse and not the best. Good breakfest
(3)
Jovia F.
It's too bad their service was so terrible, otherwise I'd give it a star or two for the uh...basic yet tasty breakfast food. I sat there for an hour with my boyfriend waiting to get menus. Then a server asked if we'd been taken care of and said "well you shoulda said something!" when we said we hadn't. She continued to go argue with another server about whether she was supposed to take us before she did her end-of-shift work. This whole thing is so many kinds of rude to your customer. After that point we got mediocre service from the woman who asked if we'd been taken care of. She got our orders while babbling about her long day (I don't care about you once you've made me wait so long, especially when you dont ask me anything about myself to start this small talk off), then got us coffee 5-10 minutes later, then finally brought the food, then forgot to refill our coffee until we were almost done eating. Neither of us finished our food and I'm still not sure if it was because we didn't like it, we got full, or we were flustered with the experience. So, as much as I'd like to give this place a second chance I doubt I will be. Breakfast places are a dime a dozen in the burbs.
(1)
TJ M.
Whenever we visit a new town, my friends and I resort to Yelp to find good places to eat. And very few times had Yelp disappointed us. And with this attested belief, we did much the same thing to get breakfast at Des Plains. Unfortunately, the culinary experience that my friends and I had at Sugar Bowl could be summed up as dreadful. As college students, we weren't expecting much at all from an old fashioned breakfast and brunch place. But even for our ordinary standards, this place offers very poor food especially when given that it has such high reviews on Yelp. I ordered a spinach omelette which was served with hash browns and pancakes, and my friends had ordered a breakfast burrito. One would find it hard to believe that simple items such as these can be cooked in an unappetizing way. The hash browns were extremely under cooked to the extent that some of it was even raw. It tasted more like mashed potato rather than hash browns, which are supposed to be crispy. The omelette was overcooked leading the eggs to lose its tenderness entirely. Moreover the omelette didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The saving grace was the coffee, which was served piping hot (the way I like it). Again, our expectations from an inexpensive place like this were very ordinary, but even the service was poor in that it took us a few minutes each time to get the attention of our waitress. When your entire group starts to talk at the table about how poor the food was, one can clearly make out that the experience was very unsatisfactory. As is the case often, I suspect our experience might be a one off or that this place is more famous for its lunch menu and not so much for the breakfast menu. Regardless, given our experience we have no reason to eat at this place or recommend it to anyone we know. But given that we aren't likely to go to Des Plains any time soon, I guess that assertion was irrelevant. Our faith in Yelp reviews is far from lost, but is definitely shaken.
(1)
Annie J.
Perfect old school diner atmosphere with great food and a fantastic staff! Stacy makes you feel like family every time you walk in, food is consistently good with decent prices. Best for breakfast, gets busy on the weekends, but well worth it!
(5)
Trixie H.
Sugar Bowl finally reopens. It's clean, painted, and friendly. Menu has been paired down. Good coffee. One issue: eggs were uncooked-whites clear and running all over otherwise delicious breakfast. See full review at trixieandhowie.wordpress… .
(3)
L V.
I came in with my kids and they wanted cheeseburgers. They didn't have any kids burgers so I ordered an adult burger and split it. My kids for whatever reason didn't like it (which is very rare) and asked if we can change the order and they said no! And still had to pay for the burger that they took only a bite out of. I Had to go home and make them something else to eat. We will never go there again!!!
(1)
Stacy P.
I always go at least once to the Sugar Bowl while visiting Des Plaines. The coffee is freshly ground Kona coffee from Hawaii. I always get a scramble. It is so good and the potatoes are the best!! Definitely not the frozen ones at the breakfast chains. I also get the pancakes which are excellent. I look forward to this tradition. I'm heading there now which will make two days in a row!
(5)
Ali R.
There's not much in Des Plaines, but there is Sugar Bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the great breakfast and super sweet service. Everyone was happy to see you and the service was efficient yet laid back. For breakfast I had the California omelet with fresh mushrooms, avocados and swiss cheese. Unlike many diners, the mushrooms were indeed fresh, the avocados plentiful, and the cheese must have been of a higher quality. The pancakes were great as well, however, a bit too soft for my liking. I usually like my pancakes a little more crisp and thin. I tried the corned beef hash which was also good but was not homemade which was a bit of a disappointment but still good. Overall, Sugar Bowl is a great spot if you're in the area and seeking a low cost meal. The menu is huge so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
(4)
Carl S.
Not your typical Greek Diner. The help here are Beautiful and service oriented. Skillets and Omelets are wonderful and the Pancakes are GREAT!
(4)
Zeke Y.
I went here for the first time on May 8, 2013 for breakfast. I will sum it all up with this phrase: I FREAKING LOVE IT! A little background. We used to live in the city in Wrigleyville. There used to be this unassuming, no fuss breakfast/lunch place called Manny at the corner Clark/Newport/Sheffield. During weekends, the place was packed with locals and regulars because they served the best no-fuss breakfast in the neighborhood. Portions where very generous, and the hashbrowns were crispy and crusty on the outside. They closed some time in the mid 90's, and I've never had breakfast like that since.... till now! We moved to Des Plaines about 3 years ago, and haven't found a good breakfast place yet. This past week, I walked into the Sugar Bowl and ordered my standard test: corned beef hash and eggs, over easy. When the plate arrived, my eyes went wide because it looked almost exactly as I remember getting at Manny. Eggs perfectly done and the hash browns... oh my god! It was as if I was back in Manny! Love the crusty hash, and generous amount of corned beef hash. I had the side of pancakes, and it was light and fluffy as I expected. Our server was one of the most pleasant server we've ever had at a restaurant like this. She made us felt very comfortable, and attentive enough to make sure my decaf coffee never ran dry. I wish I had gotten her name to give her proper credit, but I'm sorry, I was utterly distracted by the nostalgia of the food that I got. Y'know, it may seem like such an insignificant, trivial thing - a simple breakfast. However, when it is done well, and it invokes pleasant memories of the food that you thought you'd never come across again, it becomes something important because it makes you HAPPY! I have all the intention of coming back to the Sugar Bowl again, and bringing my friends with me.
(5)
Cecilia C.
I have been meaning to write a review for a while but when I went for lunch today I had such an absolutely wonderful experience I knew I had to get home and write about it. I go there often (1 or 2 a week?) with my husband or my father. They have great breakfasts with giant portions you can easily share with another person. From the fluffy omelet to the Monte Cristo sandwich...I haven't had something I did not like. Every waitress I have had has been polite, friendly, and efficient- as are the bus boys. But today....I went for a birthday lunch with my father. We mentioned it to the waitress and she brought out a honey and cinnamon covered crepe. It was so sweet (in so many senses of the word!) but the sweetest part was when the owner walked over and asked if we got the crepes. Yes, we said, he's turning 66 today! She immediately took the check away from us and told us it was on the house, then gave us a big hug. It was such a nice gesture on her part and made us feel very special. I have been a regular in many breakfast places over time- but few ever made such an effort to make me feel so welcomed. I think that's what really kicks a place up to five stars. You can get fluffy pancakes at alot of places- but fluffy pancakes and great coffee from people who seem to really care- that is priceless.
(5)
Jeff W.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place for breakfast and happened across the Sugar Bowl. It's the hole-in-the-wall diner/greasy spoon experience that everyone loves. Really tasty food at a cheap price and FAST service. You can't really ask for more from a place that does only breakfast.
(4)
Allison C.
Don't let the old school sign outside fool you! Updated and very clean inside. Visited on a weekday around 9a, only a handful of others in the joint. All the staff was extremely polite, food was quick and delicious. I ordered an omelette which came with hashbrowns and pancakes, my friend ordered eggs benedict, both of us got fresh-squeezed oj, and all was enjoyed. Will definitely be returning.
(4)
Shawn M.
Pretty good diner food but be prepared to be completely ignored if you dine during a shift change. Other area diners, like The Silver Stallion, have much better service.
(2)
Brenda G.
Excellent skillets. I had the Irish ( corned beef). It was perfect. The Greek toast has sesame seeds galore and was toasted perfectly. My husband had the Butchers Skillet (meaty!). It was good but what draws him to the Sugar Bowl is the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have a fancy juicing machine you can see from the dining room. Juice is pricey but worth it. Two skillets, coffee, a soda and a large OJ was $28. We've been to Sugar Bowl twice now for breakfast. Happy both times. Waitstaff is friendly and fast.
(4)
Hitomi A.
The best breakfast place! Great service and great food! Everything on the menu is good.
(5)
Bob A.
Had lunch with 4 coworkers today, I had the "Clubhouse" not bad, needed a little salt, otherwise very good. The place was packed, had a small wait, but had time to chat with my friends. 2 others had salads, man they were overwhelming large enough for 2 people. Service was good, staff was friendly. I will be back with my family.
(4)
Matt H.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and great price. I live nearby, so I try to make it here a couple times a month. They are located in downtown Des Plaines, and you can't beat their breakfast food! Keep up the great work.
(5)
Laura C.
My husband travels internationally, We found the sugar bowl while driving to O'Hare. How could we not stop when a restaurant has such a lovely name and it did live up to expectations. We had a great breakfast and had plenty of leftovers. I am a sucker for an omelet. My husband had pancakes that had tons of fresh fruit on it. Must go back! We highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)
Lavon K.
We were seated quickly. Served quickly and out quickly. My kind of place. My husband had the George combo and I had the paradise crepes. Delish. Our waitress could've been a little more patient but we will still be back.
(4)
Tara M.
FINALLY made it back to the Sugar Bowl since the reopening, again, for breakfast and was absolutely pleased with food, service, atmosphere... all of it! The new decor is lovely, very modern and pleasant, and not the same old decor you get from your local, American faire/family friendly restaurants... bold colors and tiled floors, lovely really. Food: First, my husband ordered blueberry pancakes, and while it's always frustrating that no one ever puts the blueberries in the pancakes (like I do at home) it was so refreshing to have fresh blueberries on top, instead of a compote that's overly saucey and too sweet. Husband really enjoyed it and said that the pancakes were very fluffy. Son ordered kids scrambled eggs and got plenty, even though the menu said he was only getting one. Daughter ordered kids French Toast and we were amazed that she got 4 halves! Large portion for a kids menu item! I had a broccoli & cheese eggwhite omlette (I'm not very versitile in the mornings... it's what I always order) and it was light/fluff/florets only... yum! My mother ordered one of their skillets, asked for onions in her hash browns and was very happy with her meal as well. The staff was incredibly attentive! On us right away, when we sat, with coffee and getting our drink order. We were really pleased and will definitely go back.
(5)
Richard B.
So, a friend and I are driving around, looking for a little diner to grab a bite when the sign for Sugar Bowl caught my attention: BREAKFAST!!! Bam, this is the place! Warm and friendly... we were seated immediately. Our waitress Tracey was very attentive but not pushy. Food was standard diner fair, served fast and hot! I had a classic Reuben (open face, extra kraut) . Large portion *(so big I had to take half home)..... we will be back!
(5)
Mike O.
This place hits all my buttons for a good restaurant. Walk through the front door and was greeted by the hostess who had a Greek accent, this is always a good sign for me as I love Greek diners. Within a minute or two of sitting down, one bus boy brought a pitcher of ice water and the other brought coffee and cups. The waitress came by to take our order but we were not ready, she said okay and went on to take care of her other tables. The other hostess (Greek also) came and seemed upset that our order was not taken yet. I told her it was okay because we were not sure of want we wanted. Settled for a skillet breakfast and it was enough for a meal and a half, and was nice and hot. Our waitress made sure we had coffee during the meal and always asked how every thing was going. Restaurant is very clean and well it. And if you enjoy watching trains, the Metra train runs right in front of the restaurant.
(5)
Candice G.
Okay- I'm sold. Sugar Bowl was always good but whoever is the owner now has totally stepped it up. Delicious food, attentive service, great prices. I had the french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage with a side of hashbrowns like a half hour ago. I'm full but I'm seriously thinking about going back for lunch! I'm a sugar bowl fan. A busboy brings you water as soon as you sit down, no need to ask for hot sauce it's at the table already. This place has it right.
(5)
Gamma R.
Very average brunch food but good service and the only brunch place in downtown Des Plaines (?) .. Really wish the food was better though. French toast and crepes were what we ordered and they were bot kinda really average.
(3)
Brittany S.
I have been hearing about this place since high school and after living in Des Plaines for about 18 years, I finally step into the Sugar Bowl. I randomly came in today for lunch to finally see what the buzz was about. The service was good and the staff was very attentive and hospitable. My server was really nice and checked on me often enough during my 2 hour stay... yea I'm a slow eater-- haha. I ordered one of the items listed on the specials list on the table for $6.99, which was a ham omelet with home fries, toast and a cup of coffee. The serving portion was so huge that I couldn't finish everything on my plate-- so I knew I was getting my money's worth. I may also have gotten super full because of continual service of filling up my coffee cup a lot. It was great cause I really need a good cup of coffee, and ended up finishing about 4 cups! The type of toast that I got with my meal was raisin, but I didn't expect marmalade to come with. I'm usually not a fan of orange marmalade, but this was tasty! I don't know if it is homemade, but it was flavorful! The home fries and ham omelet was also good. The omelet was really light and fluffy, which probably contributed to its massive size. I also saw how they treat their regulars well, the hostess knew who she was talking to and conversed with them. Their service wasn't too slow today, since it was busy for lunch, but she would also apologize if she came back to the front-- which I didn't mind cause I wasn't in any rush. The place and the bathrooms weren't too bad since they were renovated. And the booths were also comfy. There was also 2 large flat screens which featured the news. I would definitely come back with family and friends.
(4)
Dan L.
As always, the service (while outstanding) is only eclipsed by the quality/quantity of the food you get for your money...my only problem with Yelp is that it limits you to 5 stars in order to rate a restaurant that EASILY deserves 10!
(5)
Barry J.
Nice family style Greek diner. Delicious food, friendly service, clean and nicely priced. A real gem. I had the buttermilk pancakes with berries. Cakes were fluffy and had a great buttermilk aroma. The berries looked and tasted very fresh. Diner coffee was a-ok. Stacy is a sweetheart.
(5)
Julia P.
I've been here a couple times and have had great customer service... everyone is friendly and accommodating. The food is yummy and a lot to choose from.. great local spot for breakfast. :) Go for the pancakes!
(4)
Gregory B.
This is as good as this "type" (Greek-owned diner) gets. So nice. Huge portions. Great prices. Freshly sliced turkey. Amazing soups--navy bean as I have never had it before. I want to move in.
(5)
Betty V.
A great find! I was staying near O'Hare and was looking for a breakfast spot. Food was good and generous. Friendly service.
(4)
David M.
I have struggled to find much of a difference to report between the various diners in the area: Mrs. V's, Silver Stallion, Des Plaines Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Andy's, etc. I suppose Gail's Carriage House seems somehow better than the other food-wise, but I can't really put my finger on why. But in the realm of Sunday brunch, mostly it comes down to the parking lot. The Sugar Bowl: very nicely renovated, spacious, attentive staff, perfectly good food, ridiculously large portions, overall nice vibe. It's in walking distance of my home, so I don't care much about the parking lot. Actually they don't have one, though there's plenty of parking on-street and in the Metro Square Garage. The one thing that tweaks me about this place is that they almost always have Fox News on one or both of their TVs. Really now. I have just come from church. I don't need this to challenge my mood.
(4)
Matt H.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and great price. I live nearby, so I try to make it here a couple times a month. They are located in downtown Des Plaines, and you can't beat their breakfast food! Keep up the great work.
(5)
Laura C.
My husband travels internationally, We found the sugar bowl while driving to O'Hare. How could we not stop when a restaurant has such a lovely name and it did live up to expectations. We had a great breakfast and had plenty of leftovers. I am a sucker for an omelet. My husband had pancakes that had tons of fresh fruit on it. Must go back! We highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)
S T.
The food is good, but the service is not that great! the waitress is so mean, look down the people, I went out to eat my husband, and he wanna to order first and she seems be very rude and mean said that wait for me to order so i can take it together!! and after the food came, never came back check on us do we need anything else, but gave us the check and walked away, and no thank you and no good bye!!
(4)
Jessica P.
My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday..they seemed busy, but we didn't wait long before we got seated..the waitress was really friendly and the service was great throughout our meal.. We all ended up getting omelets which comes with hash-browns and a choice of buttermilk pancakes or toast..The omelets were huge and since we got pancakes as well.. we were full and had leftovers to take home..reasonable price.. good brunch places are rare in the suburbs so if i'm craving brunch when i'm in the area.. i would go here again.. :)
(4)
Norh R.
Great food ... been here several times each time the food was good and staff was courteous.
(5)
Nanette S.
There is a large menu to choose from. There is everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner. One of the owners named Stacy is no longer there, but the restaurant started with her and George. Stacy had been there when the restaurant had a separate section that sold all kinds of candies. That is how The Sugar Bowl got its name. I met all three owners. Chris is nice as well. He packed extra soup for me one time free of charge. I also like George. George has waited on me himself. He talked me into a special which was really good. The Sugar Bowl has atmosphere. It has music as well as a television set to watch the news. I have walked in on a Sunday and the restaurant was packed. I had to wait for seating, but, it was well worth it. The restaurant has comfortable seating you can sit down and wait to get serviced. If you have a service or product to sell, they will accept your flyers and cards. The only thing I have to say is that the portions are so big and you can not obtain half portions if you want them. But, you don't go away starving. I recommend you come hungry or just order a bowl of soup!
(5)
Will M.
Amazing breakfast place. Wonderfully tasting Pancakes. We eat here often and the only thing better than the food is the service. Smiling friendly people throughout.
(5)
Karen K.
One of the best breakfast places ever! Prices are decent and the quality of the food is superb! I've tried a number of things but the best thing on their menu to me was their blintz. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Portions are huge, friendly staff, DELICIOUS food, plenty of parking... I could go on and on but I'm getting hungry just talking about this place. :D
(5)
Angie O.
This place was packed Sunday brunch. In the heart of downtown Des Plaines, & accross the street from the Metra, can't miss it. Was nothing special. Price range for this place should really be updated. A cup of orange juice was $4.50. .. service was quick but not attentive, the bus boy did a better job of asking if we needed anything when he brought us water vs the waitress when she brought the food. I had a Canadian Benedict, I was super hungry when I arrived but food & flavor was pretty short. Hash browns were dry, and no seasoning, (how dare they)! Maybe this place is a step up from retirement home meals . My brother and I ate for$30. Parents had coffee, total was $38. My suggestion would be going down the road east to the Des Plaines restaurant/ pancake house. Ten more dollars will feed two more.
(2)
Michael T.
This place is amazing. The menu is huge and they have a lot of decadent options for those of us who prefer sweet to savory breakfast (don't worry, there are plenty of savory options as well). The service is prompt and the food is delicious. It may be a small gripe, but my one complaint was the temperature in the restaurant. Bring a sweater. Brrr!
(5)
Vickey L.
Highly recommending this place. We ordered the Popeyes crepes (spinach and egg with hollandaise), a Monte Cristo, and the Sugarbowl waffle (pecans, vanilla ice cream, topped with cinnamon and honey). The meals came with chicken dumpling and cream of broccoli soup. Our order came at the perfect temperature and all of it was delicious. The only negative: the hollandaise was "broken" (didn't stop us from devouring the meal)! The positives: clean restaurant, friendly staff (even topped off my leftover soup), free wifi, easy/free parking in the garage, good honest food, and THEY PUT SPRINKLES ON THE HOT COCOA. In case you missed that... they put SPRINKLES on the HOT COCOA.
(5)
Simone T.
Right across the street from the Metra station, parking available nearby. Great hostess & our waitress was as nice as can be! Huge portions - I had the classic Eggs Benedict w/a half order of biscuits and gravy. Yum yum all the way. I was stuffed and had plenty to take home. Great way to spend a July 4th morning!
(5)
Coll F.
My father orders the pound of ham off the bone every single time. A pound! (The man likes his leftovers). The basics are good here. We've had pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelettes. The only thing I didn't like was the breakfast burrito. Maybe it was an off day. Run by a nice Greek family. A standard for us in Des Plaines.
(4)
Bill B.
Had the biscuits and gravy with three eggs and homemade potatoes. The breakfast was great. Service was excellent. Laughed with the lady's in there.
(5)
Michael W.
Good meal but not better than home (not to sound proud but my wife said it) and I have eaten at better diners / pancake houses. I had Biscuits and Gravy and it was good but not amazing. My wife had eggs and pancakes; she did not like the hash browns (missing seasonings, onions, peppers, etc.). A good meal but I would try another place next time to compare against.
(3)
Heather J.
My husband and I went here for breakfast last weekend based on their great Yelp reviews. It really was a gem! I ordered their Mediterranean Frittata - it was huge and absolutely delicious. I finished the entire thing, which is rare for me, that's how good it was! Even their coffee was better than most places. There was no wait at all, so we sat down right away. Service was quick and our waitress was very nice. Parking was super easy - there's street parking, as well as a parking lot. They take credit/debit cards, too, which is nice! I'll be back soon!
(5)
Katherine K.
Been going here since I was a kid with my dad. Great food and great staff
(5)
Sandra F.
Our Sunday morning go to. Always something good on the menu to eat, it's reasonably priced and very good coffee! Portions are very generous. Wait staff is friendly and very good, and the hostess in front acts you are her best friend when you get there! Time yourself carefully - after church it's pretty packed. Parking is also not a problem - parking garage close by and free! All in all a great place and good value. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)
S B.
Great French toast & yummy Raspberry iced tea. It is in downtown Des Plaines and has great parking. I love the outside of the place too, and the inside has a fun, refreshing vibe. The staff was nice and made sure to stay on top of refills, and food was delivered fast. Only downfall are some of the booths barely have any space between table and seat, making it hard to move around.
(4)
S T.
The food is good, but the service is not that great! the waitress is so mean, look down the people, I went out to eat my husband, and he wanna to order first and she seems be very rude and mean said that wait for me to order so i can take it together!! and after the food came, never came back check on us do we need anything else, but gave us the check and walked away, and no thank you and no good bye!!
(4)
Jessica P.
My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday..they seemed busy, but we didn't wait long before we got seated..the waitress was really friendly and the service was great throughout our meal.. We all ended up getting omelets which comes with hash-browns and a choice of buttermilk pancakes or toast..The omelets were huge and since we got pancakes as well.. we were full and had leftovers to take home..reasonable price.. good brunch places are rare in the suburbs so if i'm craving brunch when i'm in the area.. i would go here again.. :)
(4)
Norh R.
Great food ... been here several times each time the food was good and staff was courteous.
(5)
Jenna D.
From time to time, my sister likes to herd me along on her day trips; how we ended up all the way in Des Plaines is beyond me. Sugar Bowl is one of your typical Greek diners but.... more. By no means is it an upscale pancake house, but they do offer a ton of fun items like frittata. As of right now I am still on my quest to find the best pancakes in Chicagoland, so comparing breakfast restaurant's pancakes to other restaurants is my thing. Sugar Bowl's pancakes we're SO good!!! 5 Stars! The menu was huge and it was difficult to settle on something. My sister got a South of the border style skillet with Mexican peppers, sausage and cilantro. She was impressed with the portion and freshness. I got a create-your-own frittata with asparagus, cheese and bacon; don't forget the pancakes! We both ordered the hash browns well-done and that's how they came out. In fact, everything came out the way we ordered it and perfect! I don't know if SB is one of those places where you're supposed to seat yourself, but, we did wait a good 5-10 minutes before somebody greeted us and showed us to our table. The server also took her time in taking our order, but it was a late Sunday afternoon and she was the only one there. The only negative experience at the Sugar Bowl was how the dude at the register was playing games on his iPad while running my credit card, really dude? He didn't look up once. Anyway, this is the place for pancakes and good food. It fills up quickly, but they are fairly slow later on in the afternoon.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I've been coming here for a while now, and the more often I eat here, the more I appreciate the staff. The owner knows my daughter and makes sure to say hello, as do several waitresses and one bus boy. They practically treat us like family. I feel like this is an experience that becomes more and more rare as faceless chain restaurants with high employee turnover push out small, independent shops like Sugar Bowl. From the fresh-squeezed OJ to the overflowing breakfast burritos, everything I've tried here has been something I want to try again. Whether I roll in after a sleepless night in pursuit of a huge breakfast or bring my mother-in-law here for lunch, I know I'll be seated and eating something good fast. Potato pancakes, blueberry waffles, eggs florentine, a veggie skillet--they're all good! Don't forget to check the menu board up front for specials and seasonal treats, and come prepared to listen to cheesy music.
(5)
Randy K.
Very good breakfast restaurant, with lots to choose from and enormous portions. Comfort food, with excellent, friendly service.
(4)
Gabriella M.
This is your typical diner. Good food, good service. Seems family owned.
(4)
Joanne E.
Wish I lived closer. Great breakfast. Excellent quality ingredients. Very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating, even at 10:30am on Sunday morning. Everyone we dealt with, hostess, waitress, busboy, were very pleasant, helpful, and really seemed to enjoy working there. Five stars all around.
(5)
Nicole W.
This is one of those diners that appeals to the masses. It's friendly, it hosts a diverse menu, it's affordable...it's a neighborhood staple. For those with families, it's clean and the kiddos would be happy to dine here, too. While it may look a bit vintage from the outside, Sugar Bowl slings out some pretty delicious eats. After a not-so-fun prenatal blood test, hubs and I drove to Sugar Bowl to fill my hungry belly. Just 15 minutes after we sat down, I was nose deep into my Paradise Crepes - thin and delicious crepes topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Because of my fasting and testing, I could have served cardboard and been happy, but those crepes were pretty on point. The portions are sizable but not magnanimous, and, frankly, I think that's a good thing. Fairly priced, quickly served by a friendly, seasoned server...Sugar Bowl does it up right.
(4)
Maria G.
Went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. We sat at the counter for less of a wait. We had an unobstructed view of the kitchen and the staff. Some observations: 1) We ordered banana bread french toast and the house waffle. Both were pretty plain. The banana bread was dry. 2) We finished our meals before we were asked if we wanted our coffee topped off. Not after I had an empty cup for awhile, and we were no longer eating. 3) Overpriced for what you get. I can make this at home, and better. It was a pretty forgettable experience. We won't be going back.
(2)
Deborah G.
Love this place! Good food, generous portions, awesome service. My husband had the corned beef hash and I had the mixed berry french toast. Both were delicious. Our coffee mugs were never empty.
(5)
Pam P.
I'm gonna be honest and say I was partially sold to come here because I'm a big Arthur fan and know him and his friends frequently hang out at "The Sugar Bowl." Also, for some reason, I thought this place wasn't in business anymore but was kept around because the exterior looks cool. I've only been here once and it was such a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding. Our waitress was very friendly and easy to talk to. Upon arrival, we were seated in a booth but got moved to the counter upon request. I got the Philly Cheese Steak which comes with soup (I got Chicken and Wild Rice) and fries. It's a very generous portion considering all that it comes with. While we were eating, our waitress introduced us to the chef cooking for us in the back kitchen. Overall, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. There's lots to explore in the menu and I'm looking forward to the next time I come back.
(4)
Vito G.
love the bowl :) great value.. the breakfast special is really well priced, the service is great. they have wifi too which is good. also, free parking next door too is great.
(5)
Jess B.
I got an avocado Benedict. It was okay but the hash browns are really good and they gave you a lot. The music was way too loud.
(3)
Sarah T.
Big portions, friendly staff (both the server and hostess were incredibly thin and beautiful), I really like the color scheme in this large diner. I tried the breakfast special -- 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and toast for $5.99. That plus my hot coffee and small juice? What a great deal.
(4)
Joe W.
One of my favorite breakfast places! I go with my family for breakfast on holidays and just because. The host/waitresses and staff as a whole are very friendly, prompt and polite. Prices are reasonable with many items coming with hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. Pancakes are tasty! They are also gluten-free friendly. They have a portion of the menu dedicated to GF. It is small, but all of the staff are aware and they can and do accommodate by making or suggesting changes to other menu items that make them gluten-free. They have gluten-free pancakes, too. The restaurant is very clean. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. They also have a lunch menu consisting of melts, clubs, salads, burgers and other sandwiches. I personally have not tried these but other people I have gone with have and no one was disappointed. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Mike P.
Came upon this place thanks to Yelp as I was in the area....was looking for a place that served breakfast all day and this definitely fit the bill! I like to compare different egg dishes...from omlettes to skillets to ??. This place definitely had a wide variety but after checking the menu out I decided to try a scrambler...their western scrambler to be exact with eggs, tomato, mushrooms, ham, and cheese.....loved it ! It was a generous portion along with homemade potatoes and english muffin. Seems to be a great place to go for a bite to eat in the middle city/town square.
(4)
Kevin P.
Great atmosphere. Food is pretty good. Basic breakfast food. I usually get eggs Benedict. Its great. They are accommodating to orders.
(4)
Linda K.
Best Breakfast Ever!!! Our family does a new breakfast joint every Sunday. I picked this one and what a GEM! Food was fantastic. We will keep this one on our list as a favorite.
(5)
V H.
Went in last Monday after picking up my mom from Ohare, wanted to take her somewhere good since she had been stranded in the blizzard, I had read good reviews & am I glad to have tried it! It was amazing! Food was great & service was perfect. From the young man who served us our water & coffee & our server(Vicky) to the manager who checked us out, all great. We are gonna take another trip there for sure (from Indiana!)
(5)
Len L.
The ages-old neon sign should be enough to draw you in. The food is fresh cooked diner. I know that sounds odd. For example, the chicken dumpling soup was really nice with fluffy dumplings, white meat and a light broth. This was good soup. Because this is a Greek diner I tried the gyro sandwich, and that was also good. Megan liked her burger. We both thought the fires were a little limp. The breakfast plates others were eating looked good. If you are in Des Plains, give the Sugar Bowl a try.
(4)
Elle M.
The food and service could NOT be better!!! Ingredients are fresh, served hot and tasty. From the time you walk in the door you are greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. It continues the whole time! I cannot wait to return :)
(5)
A J H.
Great food; good service. Have always loved this place. Try the chicken dumpling soup - it's my favorite.
(5)
Liza G.
Had the veggie skillet with over medium eggs and still had half a skillet to take home! Deliciousness filled with toasty home fries, asparagus, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,spinach, broccoli and melty cheddar cheese. Great and efficient service. I'll be back again soon!
(4)
Rita P.
I love the sugar bowl! This place has amazing food (besides breakfast, chicken Malibu is one of my favorites) and an awesome atmosphere. One of my absolute favorite places. Try the fresh squeezed OJ- so good!
(5)
Rick K.
Sugar Bowl is one of those rare diner-style restaurants that provide good service, good food at reasonable prices and they let you dine at your own pace - even during rush periods. It's a neighborhood kind of place although we don't live that close. We've been coming here for years just not as much I'd like. The owner is a great guy and you can tell his style comes out in his bus and wait staff. Very attentive. Four+ stars here. We typically visit for breakfast and I stick with a couple favorites. Their menu is very diversified so if you can't find anything to try from their assortment then you probably weren't that hungry in the first place. Overall, I'd like to give them 3.5 stars. The only knocks from giving them four stars is their breakfast potatoes are sometimes overcooked, stiff and oily tasting. The other knock is the pricing on some of their items - most are reasonable and consistent with other restaurants in the area. They have a 'House Special' 3 eggs, ham, hash browns and toast or pancakes for $9.25. Their omelets run from $7.75 to $8.25 - seems a tad higher average than most. In short, I would strongly recommend Sugar Bowl.
(3)
Stacy P.
I always go at least once to the Sugar Bowl while visiting Des Plaines. The coffee is freshly ground Kona coffee from Hawaii. I always get a scramble. It is so good and the potatoes are the best!! Definitely not the frozen ones at the breakfast chains. I also get the pancakes which are excellent. I look forward to this tradition. I'm heading there now which will make two days in a row!
(5)
Carl S.
Not your typical Greek Diner. The help here are Beautiful and service oriented. Skillets and Omelets are wonderful and the Pancakes are GREAT!
(4)
Ali R.
There's not much in Des Plaines, but there is Sugar Bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the great breakfast and super sweet service. Everyone was happy to see you and the service was efficient yet laid back. For breakfast I had the California omelet with fresh mushrooms, avocados and swiss cheese. Unlike many diners, the mushrooms were indeed fresh, the avocados plentiful, and the cheese must have been of a higher quality. The pancakes were great as well, however, a bit too soft for my liking. I usually like my pancakes a little more crisp and thin. I tried the corned beef hash which was also good but was not homemade which was a bit of a disappointment but still good. Overall, Sugar Bowl is a great spot if you're in the area and seeking a low cost meal. The menu is huge so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
(4)
E. G.
I come to the Sugar Bowl regularly for a late lunch, and the occasional breakfast, and I've never been disappointed. Everyone there - the hostess, servers, busboys, cooks & owners - are friendly and attentive. The extensive menu items aren't cheap, but the food is great and the service even better. I highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)
Mike H.
Food is ok. Waitress needs to stop telling stories and do her job. And when i say waitress i mean the one loud one
(2)
Pam D.
This is one place where I don't "get" all the Yelp love. The food was ok. I had one of their combos. The potato pancakes were good, the bacon was overly crispy and the eggs were skimpy. Christopher had the ham & cheese skillet. It was also ok, but nothing exciting. They were out of Diet Coke, so I opted for Root Beer. It was $2.25 for an average size fountain glass. If they offered free refills, no one asked if I wanted one, so who knows. Christopher had a glass of orange juice .... $4.50 !!! When he told me I kept asking if he was sure. He was. The restaurant is clean and cheerful looking, but they keep it like an icebox in there. They also blast dreadful "easy listening" music. I can see where it is convenient for the locals, and maybe other things on the menu are fine, but Sugar Bowl is not a breakfast destination for us. It does have a great vintage exterior, but that's not enough to pull us back all the way from the city.
(3)
Margaret R.
Good, basic breakfast place. The fruit cup was freshly cut and tasty---no grapes! My husband had a skillet which he enjoyed; everything came out exactly as ordered. Good coffee and you can't beat the great retro sign outside. I appreciate that their breakfast potatoes are homemade, and that there's Tabasco on every table.
(4)
Tricia D.
I almost almost almost ordered the spinach crepes, substituting one of them with a nutella one, but at the last minute, I opted for the portabella benedict. Gotta love shrooms... ... except when they're sour and not fresh. Gross. I left full though because of the side of home fries. My friend's eggs benedict with avocado smelled really sour, and the dish was just off. Not planning on returning.
(2)
Mike W.
Certainly no 'Wildberry' or 'Brunch Cafe' but better than 'ihop' or 'Dennys'. The staff was nice. They played some awesome 80's muzic the whole time. I got my own pitcher of H20 to nurse me hangover. The food was: aiight, but i'm a food snob (dahling)! So, what I didn't like, many of you'z will probably love. Will I be back? Hell no. But at least I can finally say: I've tried the place. As some thingz are just not meant to be, the Sugar bowl will alwayz be to me one of thoze "one-night standz" I just needed in a time of desperate morning breakfast sex. #mwah
(3)
Linda N.
their pancakes are delicious. really really good. skillets phenomenal best HOT BEEF I have ever had, but it isnt on menu...occasional special. Oh how I wish they were open for dinner. Even closing at 6 would work. Starting a petition
(4)
L V.
I came in with my kids and they wanted cheeseburgers. They didn't have any kids burgers so I ordered an adult burger and split it. My kids for whatever reason didn't like it (which is very rare) and asked if we can change the order and they said no! And still had to pay for the burger that they took only a bite out of. I Had to go home and make them something else to eat. We will never go there again!!!
(1)
Lauren J.
I was hopeful in coming to this place. I still haven't found anywhere even remotely close to my house that serves a stellar breakfast/brunch. Everyone was nice upon our arrival and we were seated promptly. We ordered and everything seemed to be going really smoothly. After we ordered, things seemed to fall apart. Our food came out fairly quick, which was good, but it was really mediocre. We'd both ordered sides of sausage links (for $3.50 a piece) and it seemed as though the cook had just put them on the grill and left them there. They were almost rock solid. I got the apple cinnamon french toast and it was VERY mediocre. Not horrible. It was edible. But I wouldn't call that a compliment. My boyfriend got the mixed berry crepes. "Mixed Berry" apparently means strawberries and blueberries. Not exactly a mixture of berries. Once we got our food and we were picking at it, our waitress completely disappeared. We finished eating and she still hadn't come back. We were ready to go and she STILL hadn't shown up. I was practically holding my credit card in the air and waving it around. We ended up having to go up to the front and ask to pay, awkwardly. Everyone was nice but could have been a little more attentive and the food could have been MUCH better. Probably won't be returning.
(3)
Joelle S.
Love this place for breakfast!! Speedy service is excellent and the food is very good. I particularly like the variety of French Toast that they have on the extensive breakfast menu! The omelets are good too, large and fluffy! Plus they make this delicious orange marmalade in house that is unbelievable! The best!
(4)
Mark V.
Steak and Eggs are Great So are the Potato Pancakes Staff is always friendly and accommodating Down side is I like these things so much always order the same things
(4)
Joyce C.
I came here expecting more, since the reviews for this place were pretty good. But, eh, it is only just ok. There is an old school sign outside this place, which I thought was nice. Upon walking in, we were promptly greeted and sat right away. The waitress came by and took our orders quickly, and my husband had a question about one of the combos on the menu. Upon talking about the combo, the waitress had mentioned that the potato pancake that was included with the combo was not homemade. Eh, bummer. So, my husband ordered the George's combo and I ordered the Stacy's combo. Each are combos with eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage, with the only difference is that my combo came with french toast and his came with a waffle. It was a pretty standard combo and it didn't taste bad, but the meat was just of standard quality. The coffee was pretty gross and I ended up having to go to a Caribou on my way home to make up for the grossness. Overall, not a bad place but just pretty standard.
(3)
Grace K.
This is one of the best breakfast places I've ever tried. This place provide good service and good food at reasonable prices. The waitress was very friendly and very on top of things, was impressed that she knew just when to refill coffee and whatever else that was needed. The pancakes actually rival that of Walker Bros. which I always compare other places' pancakes to.
(5)
Zeke Y.
I went here for the first time on May 8, 2013 for breakfast. I will sum it all up with this phrase: I FREAKING LOVE IT! A little background. We used to live in the city in Wrigleyville. There used to be this unassuming, no fuss breakfast/lunch place called Manny at the corner Clark/Newport/Sheffield. During weekends, the place was packed with locals and regulars because they served the best no-fuss breakfast in the neighborhood. Portions where very generous, and the hashbrowns were crispy and crusty on the outside. They closed some time in the mid 90's, and I've never had breakfast like that since.... till now! We moved to Des Plaines about 3 years ago, and haven't found a good breakfast place yet. This past week, I walked into the Sugar Bowl and ordered my standard test: corned beef hash and eggs, over easy. When the plate arrived, my eyes went wide because it looked almost exactly as I remember getting at Manny. Eggs perfectly done and the hash browns... oh my god! It was as if I was back in Manny! Love the crusty hash, and generous amount of corned beef hash. I had the side of pancakes, and it was light and fluffy as I expected. Our server was one of the most pleasant server we've ever had at a restaurant like this. She made us felt very comfortable, and attentive enough to make sure my decaf coffee never ran dry. I wish I had gotten her name to give her proper credit, but I'm sorry, I was utterly distracted by the nostalgia of the food that I got. Y'know, it may seem like such an insignificant, trivial thing - a simple breakfast. However, when it is done well, and it invokes pleasant memories of the food that you thought you'd never come across again, it becomes something important because it makes you HAPPY! I have all the intention of coming back to the Sugar Bowl again, and bringing my friends with me.
(5)
Cecilia C.
I have been meaning to write a review for a while but when I went for lunch today I had such an absolutely wonderful experience I knew I had to get home and write about it. I go there often (1 or 2 a week?) with my husband or my father. They have great breakfasts with giant portions you can easily share with another person. From the fluffy omelet to the Monte Cristo sandwich...I haven't had something I did not like. Every waitress I have had has been polite, friendly, and efficient- as are the bus boys. But today....I went for a birthday lunch with my father. We mentioned it to the waitress and she brought out a honey and cinnamon covered crepe. It was so sweet (in so many senses of the word!) but the sweetest part was when the owner walked over and asked if we got the crepes. Yes, we said, he's turning 66 today! She immediately took the check away from us and told us it was on the house, then gave us a big hug. It was such a nice gesture on her part and made us feel very special. I have been a regular in many breakfast places over time- but few ever made such an effort to make me feel so welcomed. I think that's what really kicks a place up to five stars. You can get fluffy pancakes at alot of places- but fluffy pancakes and great coffee from people who seem to really care- that is priceless.
(5)
Jeff W.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place for breakfast and happened across the Sugar Bowl. It's the hole-in-the-wall diner/greasy spoon experience that everyone loves. Really tasty food at a cheap price and FAST service. You can't really ask for more from a place that does only breakfast.
(4)
Allison C.
Don't let the old school sign outside fool you! Updated and very clean inside. Visited on a weekday around 9a, only a handful of others in the joint. All the staff was extremely polite, food was quick and delicious. I ordered an omelette which came with hashbrowns and pancakes, my friend ordered eggs benedict, both of us got fresh-squeezed oj, and all was enjoyed. Will definitely be returning.
(4)
Shawn M.
Pretty good diner food but be prepared to be completely ignored if you dine during a shift change. Other area diners, like The Silver Stallion, have much better service.
(2)
Brenda G.
Excellent skillets. I had the Irish ( corned beef). It was perfect. The Greek toast has sesame seeds galore and was toasted perfectly. My husband had the Butchers Skillet (meaty!). It was good but what draws him to the Sugar Bowl is the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have a fancy juicing machine you can see from the dining room. Juice is pricey but worth it. Two skillets, coffee, a soda and a large OJ was $28. We've been to Sugar Bowl twice now for breakfast. Happy both times. Waitstaff is friendly and fast.
(4)
Hitomi A.
The best breakfast place! Great service and great food! Everything on the menu is good.
(5)
Bob A.
Had lunch with 4 coworkers today, I had the "Clubhouse" not bad, needed a little salt, otherwise very good. The place was packed, had a small wait, but had time to chat with my friends. 2 others had salads, man they were overwhelming large enough for 2 people. Service was good, staff was friendly. I will be back with my family.
(4)
Matt H.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and great price. I live nearby, so I try to make it here a couple times a month. They are located in downtown Des Plaines, and you can't beat their breakfast food! Keep up the great work.
(5)
Laura C.
My husband travels internationally, We found the sugar bowl while driving to O'Hare. How could we not stop when a restaurant has such a lovely name and it did live up to expectations. We had a great breakfast and had plenty of leftovers. I am a sucker for an omelet. My husband had pancakes that had tons of fresh fruit on it. Must go back! We highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)
Lavon K.
We were seated quickly. Served quickly and out quickly. My kind of place. My husband had the George combo and I had the paradise crepes. Delish. Our waitress could've been a little more patient but we will still be back.
(4)
Tara M.
FINALLY made it back to the Sugar Bowl since the reopening, again, for breakfast and was absolutely pleased with food, service, atmosphere... all of it! The new decor is lovely, very modern and pleasant, and not the same old decor you get from your local, American faire/family friendly restaurants... bold colors and tiled floors, lovely really. Food: First, my husband ordered blueberry pancakes, and while it's always frustrating that no one ever puts the blueberries in the pancakes (like I do at home) it was so refreshing to have fresh blueberries on top, instead of a compote that's overly saucey and too sweet. Husband really enjoyed it and said that the pancakes were very fluffy. Son ordered kids scrambled eggs and got plenty, even though the menu said he was only getting one. Daughter ordered kids French Toast and we were amazed that she got 4 halves! Large portion for a kids menu item! I had a broccoli & cheese eggwhite omlette (I'm not very versitile in the mornings... it's what I always order) and it was light/fluff/florets only... yum! My mother ordered one of their skillets, asked for onions in her hash browns and was very happy with her meal as well. The staff was incredibly attentive! On us right away, when we sat, with coffee and getting our drink order. We were really pleased and will definitely go back.
(5)
Richard B.
So, a friend and I are driving around, looking for a little diner to grab a bite when the sign for Sugar Bowl caught my attention: BREAKFAST!!! Bam, this is the place! Warm and friendly... we were seated immediately. Our waitress Tracey was very attentive but not pushy. Food was standard diner fair, served fast and hot! I had a classic Reuben (open face, extra kraut) . Large portion *(so big I had to take half home)..... we will be back!
(5)
Mike O.
This place hits all my buttons for a good restaurant. Walk through the front door and was greeted by the hostess who had a Greek accent, this is always a good sign for me as I love Greek diners. Within a minute or two of sitting down, one bus boy brought a pitcher of ice water and the other brought coffee and cups. The waitress came by to take our order but we were not ready, she said okay and went on to take care of her other tables. The other hostess (Greek also) came and seemed upset that our order was not taken yet. I told her it was okay because we were not sure of want we wanted. Settled for a skillet breakfast and it was enough for a meal and a half, and was nice and hot. Our waitress made sure we had coffee during the meal and always asked how every thing was going. Restaurant is very clean and well it. And if you enjoy watching trains, the Metra train runs right in front of the restaurant.
(5)
Candice G.
Okay- I'm sold. Sugar Bowl was always good but whoever is the owner now has totally stepped it up. Delicious food, attentive service, great prices. I had the french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage with a side of hashbrowns like a half hour ago. I'm full but I'm seriously thinking about going back for lunch! I'm a sugar bowl fan. A busboy brings you water as soon as you sit down, no need to ask for hot sauce it's at the table already. This place has it right.
(5)
Gamma R.
Very average brunch food but good service and the only brunch place in downtown Des Plaines (?) .. Really wish the food was better though. French toast and crepes were what we ordered and they were bot kinda really average.
(3)
Brittany S.
I have been hearing about this place since high school and after living in Des Plaines for about 18 years, I finally step into the Sugar Bowl. I randomly came in today for lunch to finally see what the buzz was about. The service was good and the staff was very attentive and hospitable. My server was really nice and checked on me often enough during my 2 hour stay... yea I'm a slow eater-- haha. I ordered one of the items listed on the specials list on the table for $6.99, which was a ham omelet with home fries, toast and a cup of coffee. The serving portion was so huge that I couldn't finish everything on my plate-- so I knew I was getting my money's worth. I may also have gotten super full because of continual service of filling up my coffee cup a lot. It was great cause I really need a good cup of coffee, and ended up finishing about 4 cups! The type of toast that I got with my meal was raisin, but I didn't expect marmalade to come with. I'm usually not a fan of orange marmalade, but this was tasty! I don't know if it is homemade, but it was flavorful! The home fries and ham omelet was also good. The omelet was really light and fluffy, which probably contributed to its massive size. I also saw how they treat their regulars well, the hostess knew who she was talking to and conversed with them. Their service wasn't too slow today, since it was busy for lunch, but she would also apologize if she came back to the front-- which I didn't mind cause I wasn't in any rush. The place and the bathrooms weren't too bad since they were renovated. And the booths were also comfy. There was also 2 large flat screens which featured the news. I would definitely come back with family and friends.
(4)
Dan L.
As always, the service (while outstanding) is only eclipsed by the quality/quantity of the food you get for your money...my only problem with Yelp is that it limits you to 5 stars in order to rate a restaurant that EASILY deserves 10!
(5)
Barry J.
Nice family style Greek diner. Delicious food, friendly service, clean and nicely priced. A real gem. I had the buttermilk pancakes with berries. Cakes were fluffy and had a great buttermilk aroma. The berries looked and tasted very fresh. Diner coffee was a-ok. Stacy is a sweetheart.
(5)
Julia P.
I've been here a couple times and have had great customer service... everyone is friendly and accommodating. The food is yummy and a lot to choose from.. great local spot for breakfast. :) Go for the pancakes!
(4)
Gregory B.
This is as good as this "type" (Greek-owned diner) gets. So nice. Huge portions. Great prices. Freshly sliced turkey. Amazing soups--navy bean as I have never had it before. I want to move in.
(5)
Betty V.
A great find! I was staying near O'Hare and was looking for a breakfast spot. Food was good and generous. Friendly service.
(4)
David M.
I have struggled to find much of a difference to report between the various diners in the area: Mrs. V's, Silver Stallion, Des Plaines Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Andy's, etc. I suppose Gail's Carriage House seems somehow better than the other food-wise, but I can't really put my finger on why. But in the realm of Sunday brunch, mostly it comes down to the parking lot. The Sugar Bowl: very nicely renovated, spacious, attentive staff, perfectly good food, ridiculously large portions, overall nice vibe. It's in walking distance of my home, so I don't care much about the parking lot. Actually they don't have one, though there's plenty of parking on-street and in the Metro Square Garage. The one thing that tweaks me about this place is that they almost always have Fox News on one or both of their TVs. Really now. I have just come from church. I don't need this to challenge my mood.
(4)
Eman A.
Found this place on Yelp. It had to be quick, because my sister wanted to go to panera, and I told her that you can't drag me out of bed to go to panera...since I was under the impression we were going to orange. :) Their menu is extensive. I haven't seen so much food in my life and the place was full for 10 am on a sunday morning, but it was mostly seniors and their families. I love pb&j and ordered the peanut butter and jelly french toast. O M G It was so delish, very sweet had to have the home fries as a side to cut through some of the sweetness, but it was very good. I didn't get pancakes, but my husband had them as a side and I had a bite of his. Very good. Hands down best pancakes so far. I'm so glad I found this place, normally I wouldn't go to this kind of diner and I'm so glad I did.
(5)
Jeff N.
Downtown Des Plaines is very well served by this cozy, breakfast/lunch restaurant. Nestled in the location previously held by the original Sugar Bowl (an old fashioned ice cream place) the varied restaurant meets almost any need. I love the large and tasty omelets. I am also a big fan of the salads there, too. Steve, the owner is the gregarious type who greets everyone and makes them feel like family.
(4)
Kelly W.
I like the Sugar Bowl. I have gone frequently ever since the reopening with family. The food is delicious (yes, basic breakfast food for cheap!) and the service has always been good, even when it was crazy busy. The parking is nice because it is the side as well as the street. It is a Des Plaines staple and a highly recommended one at that!
(4)
Ren S.
Not amazing but acceptable. When I came here I ordered a hamburger(I think...) and the food was way over priced. I think I paid more than $10 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink(I think... Sorry I came here a while ago and never came back..). Anyways I didn't like it here because the food sucks and the portions were small. If you want a good breakfast go to Des Plaines Pancake house(down the street on Miner St.). If you want a good lunch that isn't to far go to Thai Square(near the DP theater) or if you were looking for a burger like I was there is a McDonald down Metropolitan Square(ear the Original McD)
(3)
Kira K.
Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere! Love it!!
(5)
Anika F.
This place is the best for breakfast! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, the food is great! They have a very extended menu from crepes to pancakes to everything else. It doesn't take to long to get a table.
(5)
Janis F.
My neighbor is the owner and you couldn't find a nicer place for breakfast! :-D
(5)
Brian C.
I think this place wins hands down when you talk about the best bang for the buck for breakfast/brunch. I had their house special, which is three eggs, hash browns, a pound of ham, and choice of toast or pancakes. It runs about 8 bucks. I look forward to eating the leftover ham tomorrow morning. There was no wait on late Saturday morning, another big bonus. Service was very attentive and efficient. The sign on the front is very cool, and it lets you know that this place has real history. The interior was redone not too long ago, and it is very inviting. There are two flat screen TVs in the back that are unobtrusive and give one a little distraction if they so choose. It can mean not missing any of the game while going out to eat, anyway. This is certainly going to be a place in the rotation for us.
(4)
Kyle D.
Great food at beyond reasonable prices. Staff and management are very nice and friendly. Not sure why people are saying the ownership is terrible and rude. Never once had an issue with employees or management. Bottom line, good food, great prices and good staff. Love coming here!
(5)
Ethan S.
It's not one of your classic 50's Sugar Bowl's, but the food is excellent. Although it was closed for quite some time, it's back up and running now. :)
(5)
Scott Z.
Good food and good service in downtown Des Plaines. It's a diner experience that does it's best for breakfast and lunch. Competitive pricing and community feel.
(4)
Isabelle L.
Diner conveniently located downtown Des Plaines across from the train station. Ended up there for breakfast / brunch with a group of friends after running the Des Plaines 5K and we were starving! Well the place met our needs, the portions were huge! The food is nothing special and pretty blend, not greasy though which is always a plus for me. So if you are looking for a local diner, with huge portions at a cheap price with attentive and friendly staff, by all means stop by your belly will be satisfied. If you are looking for something a bit more special, pass.
(3)
Trixie H.
Sugar Bowl finally reopens. It's clean, painted, and friendly. Menu has been paired down. Good coffee. One issue: eggs were uncooked-whites clear and running all over otherwise delicious breakfast. See full review at trixieandhowie.wordpress… .
(3)
Chris J.
So far, so good. I went for the first time on Sunday for brunch. Was enticed by an article about the preservation of the glorious sign in front. I love old signs and figured any business that (as I understand it) is keeping the name Sugar Bowl to match the sign was worth checking out. It was a very solid experience, the place was busy, but had available tables, which is sometimes hard to find when it comes to Sunday brunch. The decor seem new and there are a plentiful amount of booths along the wall and down the middle. The food was hot and quick and reasonably priced ($5-$8). The menu seemed to range from straight up regular (a variety of eggs and pancakes) to more exotic (egg white omelets and whole grain pancakes). I had a mini waffle combo, which came with mini waffles, eggs, sausage and bacon. Very tasty, the bacon was super crisp, but not over done. My guest had the whole grain pancakes, which were reported to be very good as well.
(5)
Steve F.
Foods great, service is usually good if you don't stay to long..
(4)
Jessica M.
Best pancakes in DP! Also, the owner makes rounds herself to check up on customers. Nice.
(4)
Angelina C.
Have only been here once, but definitely plan to return. Food was fantastic, not at all greasy, which is rare for a diner type if experience. Prices were reasonable and the staff was very attentive and friendly. They new quite a few customers by name, which is the sign of a great place. The only thing that prevented me from giving them five stars was the corn beef hash is not home made.
(4)
Sarah A.
I discovered the Paradise Crepes. No way I can ever imagine another breakfast rivaling this. Its sweet but that speaks to my major sweet tooth. Oh and I really like their coffee too!
(5)
Josue J.
Everything was great and everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were very nice, definetly want to make this place a regular
(4)
Lola B.
Very nice place with great food and friendly people! We go there for a walk at least once w week for great breakfast!!!
(5)
Marisol M.
If your looking for a nice place for breakfast this is it! I have been here 3 times so far and I have not been disappointed. In fact, everyone I have taken has also enjoyed this restaurant. Most have been back. They have a big menu, so pretty much anything you look for is there. The prices are average but the portions are large. It's clean and the staff is very friendly and attentive. They also have this homemade marmalade they bring to your table. YUM!! Make sure you try it.
(5)
Andy M.
Nice family restaurant in downtown Des Plaines. Not the worse and not the best. Good breakfest
(3)
Jovia F.
It's too bad their service was so terrible, otherwise I'd give it a star or two for the uh...basic yet tasty breakfast food. I sat there for an hour with my boyfriend waiting to get menus. Then a server asked if we'd been taken care of and said "well you shoulda said something!" when we said we hadn't. She continued to go argue with another server about whether she was supposed to take us before she did her end-of-shift work. This whole thing is so many kinds of rude to your customer. After that point we got mediocre service from the woman who asked if we'd been taken care of. She got our orders while babbling about her long day (I don't care about you once you've made me wait so long, especially when you dont ask me anything about myself to start this small talk off), then got us coffee 5-10 minutes later, then finally brought the food, then forgot to refill our coffee until we were almost done eating. Neither of us finished our food and I'm still not sure if it was because we didn't like it, we got full, or we were flustered with the experience. So, as much as I'd like to give this place a second chance I doubt I will be. Breakfast places are a dime a dozen in the burbs.
(1)
TJ M.
Whenever we visit a new town, my friends and I resort to Yelp to find good places to eat. And very few times had Yelp disappointed us. And with this attested belief, we did much the same thing to get breakfast at Des Plains. Unfortunately, the culinary experience that my friends and I had at Sugar Bowl could be summed up as dreadful. As college students, we weren't expecting much at all from an old fashioned breakfast and brunch place. But even for our ordinary standards, this place offers very poor food especially when given that it has such high reviews on Yelp. I ordered a spinach omelette which was served with hash browns and pancakes, and my friends had ordered a breakfast burrito. One would find it hard to believe that simple items such as these can be cooked in an unappetizing way. The hash browns were extremely under cooked to the extent that some of it was even raw. It tasted more like mashed potato rather than hash browns, which are supposed to be crispy. The omelette was overcooked leading the eggs to lose its tenderness entirely. Moreover the omelette didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The saving grace was the coffee, which was served piping hot (the way I like it). Again, our expectations from an inexpensive place like this were very ordinary, but even the service was poor in that it took us a few minutes each time to get the attention of our waitress. When your entire group starts to talk at the table about how poor the food was, one can clearly make out that the experience was very unsatisfactory. As is the case often, I suspect our experience might be a one off or that this place is more famous for its lunch menu and not so much for the breakfast menu. Regardless, given our experience we have no reason to eat at this place or recommend it to anyone we know. But given that we aren't likely to go to Des Plains any time soon, I guess that assertion was irrelevant. Our faith in Yelp reviews is far from lost, but is definitely shaken.
(1)
Annie J.
Perfect old school diner atmosphere with great food and a fantastic staff! Stacy makes you feel like family every time you walk in, food is consistently good with decent prices. Best for breakfast, gets busy on the weekends, but well worth it!
(5)
Sarah A.
I discovered the Paradise Crepes. No way I can ever imagine another breakfast rivaling this. Its sweet but that speaks to my major sweet tooth. Oh and I really like their coffee too!
(5)
Josue J.
Everything was great and everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were very nice, definetly want to make this place a regular
(4)
Lola B.
Very nice place with great food and friendly people! We go there for a walk at least once w week for great breakfast!!!
(5)
Sarah T.
Big portions, friendly staff (both the server and hostess were incredibly thin and beautiful), I really like the color scheme in this large diner. I tried the breakfast special -- 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and toast for $5.99. That plus my hot coffee and small juice? What a great deal.
(4)
A J H.
Great food; good service. Have always loved this place. Try the chicken dumpling soup - it's my favorite.
(5)
Liza G.
Had the veggie skillet with over medium eggs and still had half a skillet to take home! Deliciousness filled with toasty home fries, asparagus, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,spinach, broccoli and melty cheddar cheese. Great and efficient service. I'll be back again soon!
(4)
Rita P.
I love the sugar bowl! This place has amazing food (besides breakfast, chicken Malibu is one of my favorites) and an awesome atmosphere. One of my absolute favorite places. Try the fresh squeezed OJ- so good!
(5)
Anika F.
This place is the best for breakfast! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, the food is great! They have a very extended menu from crepes to pancakes to everything else. It doesn't take to long to get a table.
(5)
Vickey L.
Highly recommending this place. We ordered the Popeyes crepes (spinach and egg with hollandaise), a Monte Cristo, and the Sugarbowl waffle (pecans, vanilla ice cream, topped with cinnamon and honey). The meals came with chicken dumpling and cream of broccoli soup. Our order came at the perfect temperature and all of it was delicious. The only negative: the hollandaise was "broken" (didn't stop us from devouring the meal)! The positives: clean restaurant, friendly staff (even topped off my leftover soup), free wifi, easy/free parking in the garage, good honest food, and THEY PUT SPRINKLES ON THE HOT COCOA. In case you missed that... they put SPRINKLES on the HOT COCOA.
(5)
Nanette S.
There is a large menu to choose from. There is everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner. One of the owners named Stacy is no longer there, but the restaurant started with her and George. Stacy had been there when the restaurant had a separate section that sold all kinds of candies. That is how The Sugar Bowl got its name. I met all three owners. Chris is nice as well. He packed extra soup for me one time free of charge. I also like George. George has waited on me himself. He talked me into a special which was really good. The Sugar Bowl has atmosphere. It has music as well as a television set to watch the news. I have walked in on a Sunday and the restaurant was packed. I had to wait for seating, but, it was well worth it. The restaurant has comfortable seating you can sit down and wait to get serviced. If you have a service or product to sell, they will accept your flyers and cards. The only thing I have to say is that the portions are so big and you can not obtain half portions if you want them. But, you don't go away starving. I recommend you come hungry or just order a bowl of soup!
(5)
Will M.
Amazing breakfast place. Wonderfully tasting Pancakes. We eat here often and the only thing better than the food is the service. Smiling friendly people throughout.
(5)
Karen K.
One of the best breakfast places ever! Prices are decent and the quality of the food is superb! I've tried a number of things but the best thing on their menu to me was their blintz. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Portions are huge, friendly staff, DELICIOUS food, plenty of parking... I could go on and on but I'm getting hungry just talking about this place. :D
(5)
Angie O.
This place was packed Sunday brunch. In the heart of downtown Des Plaines, & accross the street from the Metra, can't miss it. Was nothing special. Price range for this place should really be updated. A cup of orange juice was $4.50. .. service was quick but not attentive, the bus boy did a better job of asking if we needed anything when he brought us water vs the waitress when she brought the food. I had a Canadian Benedict, I was super hungry when I arrived but food & flavor was pretty short. Hash browns were dry, and no seasoning, (how dare they)! Maybe this place is a step up from retirement home meals . My brother and I ate for$30. Parents had coffee, total was $38. My suggestion would be going down the road east to the Des Plaines restaurant/ pancake house. Ten more dollars will feed two more.
(2)
Ali R.
There's not much in Des Plaines, but there is Sugar Bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the great breakfast and super sweet service. Everyone was happy to see you and the service was efficient yet laid back. For breakfast I had the California omelet with fresh mushrooms, avocados and swiss cheese. Unlike many diners, the mushrooms were indeed fresh, the avocados plentiful, and the cheese must have been of a higher quality. The pancakes were great as well, however, a bit too soft for my liking. I usually like my pancakes a little more crisp and thin. I tried the corned beef hash which was also good but was not homemade which was a bit of a disappointment but still good. Overall, Sugar Bowl is a great spot if you're in the area and seeking a low cost meal. The menu is huge so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
(4)
Zeke Y.
I went here for the first time on May 8, 2013 for breakfast. I will sum it all up with this phrase: I FREAKING LOVE IT! A little background. We used to live in the city in Wrigleyville. There used to be this unassuming, no fuss breakfast/lunch place called Manny at the corner Clark/Newport/Sheffield. During weekends, the place was packed with locals and regulars because they served the best no-fuss breakfast in the neighborhood. Portions where very generous, and the hashbrowns were crispy and crusty on the outside. They closed some time in the mid 90's, and I've never had breakfast like that since.... till now! We moved to Des Plaines about 3 years ago, and haven't found a good breakfast place yet. This past week, I walked into the Sugar Bowl and ordered my standard test: corned beef hash and eggs, over easy. When the plate arrived, my eyes went wide because it looked almost exactly as I remember getting at Manny. Eggs perfectly done and the hash browns... oh my god! It was as if I was back in Manny! Love the crusty hash, and generous amount of corned beef hash. I had the side of pancakes, and it was light and fluffy as I expected. Our server was one of the most pleasant server we've ever had at a restaurant like this. She made us felt very comfortable, and attentive enough to make sure my decaf coffee never ran dry. I wish I had gotten her name to give her proper credit, but I'm sorry, I was utterly distracted by the nostalgia of the food that I got. Y'know, it may seem like such an insignificant, trivial thing - a simple breakfast. However, when it is done well, and it invokes pleasant memories of the food that you thought you'd never come across again, it becomes something important because it makes you HAPPY! I have all the intention of coming back to the Sugar Bowl again, and bringing my friends with me.
(5)
Tara M.
FINALLY made it back to the Sugar Bowl since the reopening, again, for breakfast and was absolutely pleased with food, service, atmosphere... all of it! The new decor is lovely, very modern and pleasant, and not the same old decor you get from your local, American faire/family friendly restaurants... bold colors and tiled floors, lovely really. Food: First, my husband ordered blueberry pancakes, and while it's always frustrating that no one ever puts the blueberries in the pancakes (like I do at home) it was so refreshing to have fresh blueberries on top, instead of a compote that's overly saucey and too sweet. Husband really enjoyed it and said that the pancakes were very fluffy. Son ordered kids scrambled eggs and got plenty, even though the menu said he was only getting one. Daughter ordered kids French Toast and we were amazed that she got 4 halves! Large portion for a kids menu item! I had a broccoli & cheese eggwhite omlette (I'm not very versitile in the mornings... it's what I always order) and it was light/fluff/florets only... yum! My mother ordered one of their skillets, asked for onions in her hash browns and was very happy with her meal as well. The staff was incredibly attentive! On us right away, when we sat, with coffee and getting our drink order. We were really pleased and will definitely go back.
(5)
Richard B.
So, a friend and I are driving around, looking for a little diner to grab a bite when the sign for Sugar Bowl caught my attention: BREAKFAST!!! Bam, this is the place! Warm and friendly... we were seated immediately. Our waitress Tracey was very attentive but not pushy. Food was standard diner fair, served fast and hot! I had a classic Reuben (open face, extra kraut) . Large portion *(so big I had to take half home)..... we will be back!
(5)
Mike O.
This place hits all my buttons for a good restaurant. Walk through the front door and was greeted by the hostess who had a Greek accent, this is always a good sign for me as I love Greek diners. Within a minute or two of sitting down, one bus boy brought a pitcher of ice water and the other brought coffee and cups. The waitress came by to take our order but we were not ready, she said okay and went on to take care of her other tables. The other hostess (Greek also) came and seemed upset that our order was not taken yet. I told her it was okay because we were not sure of want we wanted. Settled for a skillet breakfast and it was enough for a meal and a half, and was nice and hot. Our waitress made sure we had coffee during the meal and always asked how every thing was going. Restaurant is very clean and well it. And if you enjoy watching trains, the Metra train runs right in front of the restaurant.
(5)
Candice G.
Okay- I'm sold. Sugar Bowl was always good but whoever is the owner now has totally stepped it up. Delicious food, attentive service, great prices. I had the french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage with a side of hashbrowns like a half hour ago. I'm full but I'm seriously thinking about going back for lunch! I'm a sugar bowl fan. A busboy brings you water as soon as you sit down, no need to ask for hot sauce it's at the table already. This place has it right.
(5)
Gamma R.
Very average brunch food but good service and the only brunch place in downtown Des Plaines (?) .. Really wish the food was better though. French toast and crepes were what we ordered and they were bot kinda really average.
(3)
Brittany S.
I have been hearing about this place since high school and after living in Des Plaines for about 18 years, I finally step into the Sugar Bowl. I randomly came in today for lunch to finally see what the buzz was about. The service was good and the staff was very attentive and hospitable. My server was really nice and checked on me often enough during my 2 hour stay... yea I'm a slow eater-- haha. I ordered one of the items listed on the specials list on the table for $6.99, which was a ham omelet with home fries, toast and a cup of coffee. The serving portion was so huge that I couldn't finish everything on my plate-- so I knew I was getting my money's worth. I may also have gotten super full because of continual service of filling up my coffee cup a lot. It was great cause I really need a good cup of coffee, and ended up finishing about 4 cups! The type of toast that I got with my meal was raisin, but I didn't expect marmalade to come with. I'm usually not a fan of orange marmalade, but this was tasty! I don't know if it is homemade, but it was flavorful! The home fries and ham omelet was also good. The omelet was really light and fluffy, which probably contributed to its massive size. I also saw how they treat their regulars well, the hostess knew who she was talking to and conversed with them. Their service wasn't too slow today, since it was busy for lunch, but she would also apologize if she came back to the front-- which I didn't mind cause I wasn't in any rush. The place and the bathrooms weren't too bad since they were renovated. And the booths were also comfy. There was also 2 large flat screens which featured the news. I would definitely come back with family and friends.
(4)
Dan L.
As always, the service (while outstanding) is only eclipsed by the quality/quantity of the food you get for your money...my only problem with Yelp is that it limits you to 5 stars in order to rate a restaurant that EASILY deserves 10!
(5)
Barry J.
Nice family style Greek diner. Delicious food, friendly service, clean and nicely priced. A real gem. I had the buttermilk pancakes with berries. Cakes were fluffy and had a great buttermilk aroma. The berries looked and tasted very fresh. Diner coffee was a-ok. Stacy is a sweetheart.
(5)
Julia P.
I've been here a couple times and have had great customer service... everyone is friendly and accommodating. The food is yummy and a lot to choose from.. great local spot for breakfast. :) Go for the pancakes!
(4)
Gregory B.
This is as good as this "type" (Greek-owned diner) gets. So nice. Huge portions. Great prices. Freshly sliced turkey. Amazing soups--navy bean as I have never had it before. I want to move in.
(5)
Betty V.
A great find! I was staying near O'Hare and was looking for a breakfast spot. Food was good and generous. Friendly service.
(4)
David M.
I have struggled to find much of a difference to report between the various diners in the area: Mrs. V's, Silver Stallion, Des Plaines Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Andy's, etc. I suppose Gail's Carriage House seems somehow better than the other food-wise, but I can't really put my finger on why. But in the realm of Sunday brunch, mostly it comes down to the parking lot. The Sugar Bowl: very nicely renovated, spacious, attentive staff, perfectly good food, ridiculously large portions, overall nice vibe. It's in walking distance of my home, so I don't care much about the parking lot. Actually they don't have one, though there's plenty of parking on-street and in the Metro Square Garage. The one thing that tweaks me about this place is that they almost always have Fox News on one or both of their TVs. Really now. I have just come from church. I don't need this to challenge my mood.
(4)
Eman A.
Found this place on Yelp. It had to be quick, because my sister wanted to go to panera, and I told her that you can't drag me out of bed to go to panera...since I was under the impression we were going to orange. :) Their menu is extensive. I haven't seen so much food in my life and the place was full for 10 am on a sunday morning, but it was mostly seniors and their families. I love pb&j and ordered the peanut butter and jelly french toast. O M G It was so delish, very sweet had to have the home fries as a side to cut through some of the sweetness, but it was very good. I didn't get pancakes, but my husband had them as a side and I had a bite of his. Very good. Hands down best pancakes so far. I'm so glad I found this place, normally I wouldn't go to this kind of diner and I'm so glad I did.
(5)
Jeff N.
Downtown Des Plaines is very well served by this cozy, breakfast/lunch restaurant. Nestled in the location previously held by the original Sugar Bowl (an old fashioned ice cream place) the varied restaurant meets almost any need. I love the large and tasty omelets. I am also a big fan of the salads there, too. Steve, the owner is the gregarious type who greets everyone and makes them feel like family.
(4)
Kelly W.
I like the Sugar Bowl. I have gone frequently ever since the reopening with family. The food is delicious (yes, basic breakfast food for cheap!) and the service has always been good, even when it was crazy busy. The parking is nice because it is the side as well as the street. It is a Des Plaines staple and a highly recommended one at that!
(4)
Ren S.
Not amazing but acceptable. When I came here I ordered a hamburger(I think...) and the food was way over priced. I think I paid more than $10 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink(I think... Sorry I came here a while ago and never came back..). Anyways I didn't like it here because the food sucks and the portions were small. If you want a good breakfast go to Des Plaines Pancake house(down the street on Miner St.). If you want a good lunch that isn't to far go to Thai Square(near the DP theater) or if you were looking for a burger like I was there is a McDonald down Metropolitan Square(ear the Original McD)
(3)
Kira K.
Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere! Love it!!
(5)
Cecilia C.
I have been meaning to write a review for a while but when I went for lunch today I had such an absolutely wonderful experience I knew I had to get home and write about it. I go there often (1 or 2 a week?) with my husband or my father. They have great breakfasts with giant portions you can easily share with another person. From the fluffy omelet to the Monte Cristo sandwich...I haven't had something I did not like. Every waitress I have had has been polite, friendly, and efficient- as are the bus boys. But today....I went for a birthday lunch with my father. We mentioned it to the waitress and she brought out a honey and cinnamon covered crepe. It was so sweet (in so many senses of the word!) but the sweetest part was when the owner walked over and asked if we got the crepes. Yes, we said, he's turning 66 today! She immediately took the check away from us and told us it was on the house, then gave us a big hug. It was such a nice gesture on her part and made us feel very special. I have been a regular in many breakfast places over time- but few ever made such an effort to make me feel so welcomed. I think that's what really kicks a place up to five stars. You can get fluffy pancakes at alot of places- but fluffy pancakes and great coffee from people who seem to really care- that is priceless.
(5)
Jeff W.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place for breakfast and happened across the Sugar Bowl. It's the hole-in-the-wall diner/greasy spoon experience that everyone loves. Really tasty food at a cheap price and FAST service. You can't really ask for more from a place that does only breakfast.
(4)
Allison C.
Don't let the old school sign outside fool you! Updated and very clean inside. Visited on a weekday around 9a, only a handful of others in the joint. All the staff was extremely polite, food was quick and delicious. I ordered an omelette which came with hashbrowns and pancakes, my friend ordered eggs benedict, both of us got fresh-squeezed oj, and all was enjoyed. Will definitely be returning.
(4)
Shawn M.
Pretty good diner food but be prepared to be completely ignored if you dine during a shift change. Other area diners, like The Silver Stallion, have much better service.
(2)
Brenda G.
Excellent skillets. I had the Irish ( corned beef). It was perfect. The Greek toast has sesame seeds galore and was toasted perfectly. My husband had the Butchers Skillet (meaty!). It was good but what draws him to the Sugar Bowl is the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have a fancy juicing machine you can see from the dining room. Juice is pricey but worth it. Two skillets, coffee, a soda and a large OJ was $28. We've been to Sugar Bowl twice now for breakfast. Happy both times. Waitstaff is friendly and fast.
(4)
Hitomi A.
The best breakfast place! Great service and great food! Everything on the menu is good.
(5)
Bob A.
Had lunch with 4 coworkers today, I had the "Clubhouse" not bad, needed a little salt, otherwise very good. The place was packed, had a small wait, but had time to chat with my friends. 2 others had salads, man they were overwhelming large enough for 2 people. Service was good, staff was friendly. I will be back with my family.
(4)
E. G.
I come to the Sugar Bowl regularly for a late lunch, and the occasional breakfast, and I've never been disappointed. Everyone there - the hostess, servers, busboys, cooks & owners - are friendly and attentive. The extensive menu items aren't cheap, but the food is great and the service even better. I highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)
Mike H.
Food is ok. Waitress needs to stop telling stories and do her job. And when i say waitress i mean the one loud one
(2)
Pam D.
This is one place where I don't "get" all the Yelp love. The food was ok. I had one of their combos. The potato pancakes were good, the bacon was overly crispy and the eggs were skimpy. Christopher had the ham & cheese skillet. It was also ok, but nothing exciting. They were out of Diet Coke, so I opted for Root Beer. It was $2.25 for an average size fountain glass. If they offered free refills, no one asked if I wanted one, so who knows. Christopher had a glass of orange juice .... $4.50 !!! When he told me I kept asking if he was sure. He was. The restaurant is clean and cheerful looking, but they keep it like an icebox in there. They also blast dreadful "easy listening" music. I can see where it is convenient for the locals, and maybe other things on the menu are fine, but Sugar Bowl is not a breakfast destination for us. It does have a great vintage exterior, but that's not enough to pull us back all the way from the city.
(3)
Margaret R.
Good, basic breakfast place. The fruit cup was freshly cut and tasty---no grapes! My husband had a skillet which he enjoyed; everything came out exactly as ordered. Good coffee and you can't beat the great retro sign outside. I appreciate that their breakfast potatoes are homemade, and that there's Tabasco on every table.
(4)
Tricia D.
I almost almost almost ordered the spinach crepes, substituting one of them with a nutella one, but at the last minute, I opted for the portabella benedict. Gotta love shrooms... ... except when they're sour and not fresh. Gross. I left full though because of the side of home fries. My friend's eggs benedict with avocado smelled really sour, and the dish was just off. Not planning on returning.
(2)
Mike W.
Certainly no 'Wildberry' or 'Brunch Cafe' but better than 'ihop' or 'Dennys'. The staff was nice. They played some awesome 80's muzic the whole time. I got my own pitcher of H20 to nurse me hangover. The food was: aiight, but i'm a food snob (dahling)! So, what I didn't like, many of you'z will probably love. Will I be back? Hell no. But at least I can finally say: I've tried the place. As some thingz are just not meant to be, the Sugar bowl will alwayz be to me one of thoze "one-night standz" I just needed in a time of desperate morning breakfast sex. #mwah
(3)
Joyce C.
I came here expecting more, since the reviews for this place were pretty good. But, eh, it is only just ok. There is an old school sign outside this place, which I thought was nice. Upon walking in, we were promptly greeted and sat right away. The waitress came by and took our orders quickly, and my husband had a question about one of the combos on the menu. Upon talking about the combo, the waitress had mentioned that the potato pancake that was included with the combo was not homemade. Eh, bummer. So, my husband ordered the George's combo and I ordered the Stacy's combo. Each are combos with eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage, with the only difference is that my combo came with french toast and his came with a waffle. It was a pretty standard combo and it didn't taste bad, but the meat was just of standard quality. The coffee was pretty gross and I ended up having to go to a Caribou on my way home to make up for the grossness. Overall, not a bad place but just pretty standard.
(3)
Lauren J.
I was hopeful in coming to this place. I still haven't found anywhere even remotely close to my house that serves a stellar breakfast/brunch. Everyone was nice upon our arrival and we were seated promptly. We ordered and everything seemed to be going really smoothly. After we ordered, things seemed to fall apart. Our food came out fairly quick, which was good, but it was really mediocre. We'd both ordered sides of sausage links (for $3.50 a piece) and it seemed as though the cook had just put them on the grill and left them there. They were almost rock solid. I got the apple cinnamon french toast and it was VERY mediocre. Not horrible. It was edible. But I wouldn't call that a compliment. My boyfriend got the mixed berry crepes. "Mixed Berry" apparently means strawberries and blueberries. Not exactly a mixture of berries. Once we got our food and we were picking at it, our waitress completely disappeared. We finished eating and she still hadn't come back. We were ready to go and she STILL hadn't shown up. I was practically holding my credit card in the air and waving it around. We ended up having to go up to the front and ask to pay, awkwardly. Everyone was nice but could have been a little more attentive and the food could have been MUCH better. Probably won't be returning.
(3)
Sandra F.
Our Sunday morning go to. Always something good on the menu to eat, it's reasonably priced and very good coffee! Portions are very generous. Wait staff is friendly and very good, and the hostess in front acts you are her best friend when you get there! Time yourself carefully - after church it's pretty packed. Parking is also not a problem - parking garage close by and free! All in all a great place and good value. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)
S B.
Great French toast & yummy Raspberry iced tea. It is in downtown Des Plaines and has great parking. I love the outside of the place too, and the inside has a fun, refreshing vibe. The staff was nice and made sure to stay on top of refills, and food was delivered fast. Only downfall are some of the booths barely have any space between table and seat, making it hard to move around.
(4)
Joe W.
One of my favorite breakfast places! I go with my family for breakfast on holidays and just because. The host/waitresses and staff as a whole are very friendly, prompt and polite. Prices are reasonable with many items coming with hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. Pancakes are tasty! They are also gluten-free friendly. They have a portion of the menu dedicated to GF. It is small, but all of the staff are aware and they can and do accommodate by making or suggesting changes to other menu items that make them gluten-free. They have gluten-free pancakes, too. The restaurant is very clean. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. They also have a lunch menu consisting of melts, clubs, salads, burgers and other sandwiches. I personally have not tried these but other people I have gone with have and no one was disappointed. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Mike P.
Came upon this place thanks to Yelp as I was in the area....was looking for a place that served breakfast all day and this definitely fit the bill! I like to compare different egg dishes...from omlettes to skillets to ??. This place definitely had a wide variety but after checking the menu out I decided to try a scrambler...their western scrambler to be exact with eggs, tomato, mushrooms, ham, and cheese.....loved it ! It was a generous portion along with homemade potatoes and english muffin. Seems to be a great place to go for a bite to eat in the middle city/town square.
(4)
Kevin P.
Great atmosphere. Food is pretty good. Basic breakfast food. I usually get eggs Benedict. Its great. They are accommodating to orders.
(4)
Linda K.
Best Breakfast Ever!!! Our family does a new breakfast joint every Sunday. I picked this one and what a GEM! Food was fantastic. We will keep this one on our list as a favorite.
(5)
V H.
Went in last Monday after picking up my mom from Ohare, wanted to take her somewhere good since she had been stranded in the blizzard, I had read good reviews & am I glad to have tried it! It was amazing! Food was great & service was perfect. From the young man who served us our water & coffee & our server(Vicky) to the manager who checked us out, all great. We are gonna take another trip there for sure (from Indiana!)
(5)
Len L.
The ages-old neon sign should be enough to draw you in. The food is fresh cooked diner. I know that sounds odd. For example, the chicken dumpling soup was really nice with fluffy dumplings, white meat and a light broth. This was good soup. Because this is a Greek diner I tried the gyro sandwich, and that was also good. Megan liked her burger. We both thought the fires were a little limp. The breakfast plates others were eating looked good. If you are in Des Plains, give the Sugar Bowl a try.
(4)
Elle M.
The food and service could NOT be better!!! Ingredients are fresh, served hot and tasty. From the time you walk in the door you are greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. It continues the whole time! I cannot wait to return :)
(5)
Nicole W.
This is one of those diners that appeals to the masses. It's friendly, it hosts a diverse menu, it's affordable...it's a neighborhood staple. For those with families, it's clean and the kiddos would be happy to dine here, too. While it may look a bit vintage from the outside, Sugar Bowl slings out some pretty delicious eats. After a not-so-fun prenatal blood test, hubs and I drove to Sugar Bowl to fill my hungry belly. Just 15 minutes after we sat down, I was nose deep into my Paradise Crepes - thin and delicious crepes topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Because of my fasting and testing, I could have served cardboard and been happy, but those crepes were pretty on point. The portions are sizable but not magnanimous, and, frankly, I think that's a good thing. Fairly priced, quickly served by a friendly, seasoned server...Sugar Bowl does it up right.
(4)
Maria G.
Went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. We sat at the counter for less of a wait. We had an unobstructed view of the kitchen and the staff. Some observations: 1) We ordered banana bread french toast and the house waffle. Both were pretty plain. The banana bread was dry. 2) We finished our meals before we were asked if we wanted our coffee topped off. Not after I had an empty cup for awhile, and we were no longer eating. 3) Overpriced for what you get. I can make this at home, and better. It was a pretty forgettable experience. We won't be going back.
(2)
Deborah G.
Love this place! Good food, generous portions, awesome service. My husband had the corned beef hash and I had the mixed berry french toast. Both were delicious. Our coffee mugs were never empty.
(5)
Pam P.
I'm gonna be honest and say I was partially sold to come here because I'm a big Arthur fan and know him and his friends frequently hang out at "The Sugar Bowl." Also, for some reason, I thought this place wasn't in business anymore but was kept around because the exterior looks cool. I've only been here once and it was such a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding. Our waitress was very friendly and easy to talk to. Upon arrival, we were seated in a booth but got moved to the counter upon request. I got the Philly Cheese Steak which comes with soup (I got Chicken and Wild Rice) and fries. It's a very generous portion considering all that it comes with. While we were eating, our waitress introduced us to the chef cooking for us in the back kitchen. Overall, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. There's lots to explore in the menu and I'm looking forward to the next time I come back.
(4)
Vito G.
love the bowl :) great value.. the breakfast special is really well priced, the service is great. they have wifi too which is good. also, free parking next door too is great.
(5)
Jess B.
I got an avocado Benedict. It was okay but the hash browns are really good and they gave you a lot. The music was way too loud.
(3)
Rick K.
Sugar Bowl is one of those rare diner-style restaurants that provide good service, good food at reasonable prices and they let you dine at your own pace - even during rush periods. It's a neighborhood kind of place although we don't live that close. We've been coming here for years just not as much I'd like. The owner is a great guy and you can tell his style comes out in his bus and wait staff. Very attentive. Four+ stars here. We typically visit for breakfast and I stick with a couple favorites. Their menu is very diversified so if you can't find anything to try from their assortment then you probably weren't that hungry in the first place. Overall, I'd like to give them 3.5 stars. The only knocks from giving them four stars is their breakfast potatoes are sometimes overcooked, stiff and oily tasting. The other knock is the pricing on some of their items - most are reasonable and consistent with other restaurants in the area. They have a 'House Special' 3 eggs, ham, hash browns and toast or pancakes for $9.25. Their omelets run from $7.75 to $8.25 - seems a tad higher average than most. In short, I would strongly recommend Sugar Bowl.
(3)
Jenna D.
From time to time, my sister likes to herd me along on her day trips; how we ended up all the way in Des Plaines is beyond me. Sugar Bowl is one of your typical Greek diners but.... more. By no means is it an upscale pancake house, but they do offer a ton of fun items like frittata. As of right now I am still on my quest to find the best pancakes in Chicagoland, so comparing breakfast restaurant's pancakes to other restaurants is my thing. Sugar Bowl's pancakes we're SO good!!! 5 Stars! The menu was huge and it was difficult to settle on something. My sister got a South of the border style skillet with Mexican peppers, sausage and cilantro. She was impressed with the portion and freshness. I got a create-your-own frittata with asparagus, cheese and bacon; don't forget the pancakes! We both ordered the hash browns well-done and that's how they came out. In fact, everything came out the way we ordered it and perfect! I don't know if SB is one of those places where you're supposed to seat yourself, but, we did wait a good 5-10 minutes before somebody greeted us and showed us to our table. The server also took her time in taking our order, but it was a late Sunday afternoon and she was the only one there. The only negative experience at the Sugar Bowl was how the dude at the register was playing games on his iPad while running my credit card, really dude? He didn't look up once. Anyway, this is the place for pancakes and good food. It fills up quickly, but they are fairly slow later on in the afternoon.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I've been coming here for a while now, and the more often I eat here, the more I appreciate the staff. The owner knows my daughter and makes sure to say hello, as do several waitresses and one bus boy. They practically treat us like family. I feel like this is an experience that becomes more and more rare as faceless chain restaurants with high employee turnover push out small, independent shops like Sugar Bowl. From the fresh-squeezed OJ to the overflowing breakfast burritos, everything I've tried here has been something I want to try again. Whether I roll in after a sleepless night in pursuit of a huge breakfast or bring my mother-in-law here for lunch, I know I'll be seated and eating something good fast. Potato pancakes, blueberry waffles, eggs florentine, a veggie skillet--they're all good! Don't forget to check the menu board up front for specials and seasonal treats, and come prepared to listen to cheesy music.
(5)
Grace K.
This is one of the best breakfast places I've ever tried. This place provide good service and good food at reasonable prices. The waitress was very friendly and very on top of things, was impressed that she knew just when to refill coffee and whatever else that was needed. The pancakes actually rival that of Walker Bros. which I always compare other places' pancakes to.
(5)
Randy K.
Very good breakfast restaurant, with lots to choose from and enormous portions. Comfort food, with excellent, friendly service.
(4)
Gabriella M.
This is your typical diner. Good food, good service. Seems family owned.
(4)
Joanne E.
Wish I lived closer. Great breakfast. Excellent quality ingredients. Very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating, even at 10:30am on Sunday morning. Everyone we dealt with, hostess, waitress, busboy, were very pleasant, helpful, and really seemed to enjoy working there. Five stars all around.
(5)
L V.
I came in with my kids and they wanted cheeseburgers. They didn't have any kids burgers so I ordered an adult burger and split it. My kids for whatever reason didn't like it (which is very rare) and asked if we can change the order and they said no! And still had to pay for the burger that they took only a bite out of. I Had to go home and make them something else to eat. We will never go there again!!!
(1)
Stacy P.
I always go at least once to the Sugar Bowl while visiting Des Plaines. The coffee is freshly ground Kona coffee from Hawaii. I always get a scramble. It is so good and the potatoes are the best!! Definitely not the frozen ones at the breakfast chains. I also get the pancakes which are excellent. I look forward to this tradition. I'm heading there now which will make two days in a row!
(5)
Scott Z.
Good food and good service in downtown Des Plaines. It's a diner experience that does it's best for breakfast and lunch. Competitive pricing and community feel.
(4)
Isabelle L.
Diner conveniently located downtown Des Plaines across from the train station. Ended up there for breakfast / brunch with a group of friends after running the Des Plaines 5K and we were starving! Well the place met our needs, the portions were huge! The food is nothing special and pretty blend, not greasy though which is always a plus for me. So if you are looking for a local diner, with huge portions at a cheap price with attentive and friendly staff, by all means stop by your belly will be satisfied. If you are looking for something a bit more special, pass.
(3)
Michael T.
This place is amazing. The menu is huge and they have a lot of decadent options for those of us who prefer sweet to savory breakfast (don't worry, there are plenty of savory options as well). The service is prompt and the food is delicious. It may be a small gripe, but my one complaint was the temperature in the restaurant. Bring a sweater. Brrr!
(5)
Carl S.
Not your typical Greek Diner. The help here are Beautiful and service oriented. Skillets and Omelets are wonderful and the Pancakes are GREAT!
(4)
Simone T.
Right across the street from the Metra station, parking available nearby. Great hostess & our waitress was as nice as can be! Huge portions - I had the classic Eggs Benedict w/a half order of biscuits and gravy. Yum yum all the way. I was stuffed and had plenty to take home. Great way to spend a July 4th morning!
(5)
Coll F.
My father orders the pound of ham off the bone every single time. A pound! (The man likes his leftovers). The basics are good here. We've had pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelettes. The only thing I didn't like was the breakfast burrito. Maybe it was an off day. Run by a nice Greek family. A standard for us in Des Plaines.
(4)
Bill B.
Had the biscuits and gravy with three eggs and homemade potatoes. The breakfast was great. Service was excellent. Laughed with the lady's in there.
(5)
Michael W.
Good meal but not better than home (not to sound proud but my wife said it) and I have eaten at better diners / pancake houses. I had Biscuits and Gravy and it was good but not amazing. My wife had eggs and pancakes; she did not like the hash browns (missing seasonings, onions, peppers, etc.). A good meal but I would try another place next time to compare against.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Heather J.
My husband and I went here for breakfast last weekend based on their great Yelp reviews. It really was a gem! I ordered their Mediterranean Frittata - it was huge and absolutely delicious. I finished the entire thing, which is rare for me, that's how good it was! Even their coffee was better than most places. There was no wait at all, so we sat down right away. Service was quick and our waitress was very nice. Parking was super easy - there's street parking, as well as a parking lot. They take credit/debit cards, too, which is nice! I'll be back soon!
(5)Katherine K.
Been going here since I was a kid with my dad. Great food and great staff
(5)Joelle S.
Love this place for breakfast!! Speedy service is excellent and the food is very good. I particularly like the variety of French Toast that they have on the extensive breakfast menu! The omelets are good too, large and fluffy! Plus they make this delicious orange marmalade in house that is unbelievable! The best!
(4)Mark V.
Steak and Eggs are Great So are the Potato Pancakes Staff is always friendly and accommodating Down side is I like these things so much always order the same things
(4)Lavon K.
We were seated quickly. Served quickly and out quickly. My kind of place. My husband had the George combo and I had the paradise crepes. Delish. Our waitress could've been a little more patient but we will still be back.
(4)Janis F.
My neighbor is the owner and you couldn't find a nicer place for breakfast! :-D
(5)Brian C.
I think this place wins hands down when you talk about the best bang for the buck for breakfast/brunch. I had their house special, which is three eggs, hash browns, a pound of ham, and choice of toast or pancakes. It runs about 8 bucks. I look forward to eating the leftover ham tomorrow morning. There was no wait on late Saturday morning, another big bonus. Service was very attentive and efficient. The sign on the front is very cool, and it lets you know that this place has real history. The interior was redone not too long ago, and it is very inviting. There are two flat screen TVs in the back that are unobtrusive and give one a little distraction if they so choose. It can mean not missing any of the game while going out to eat, anyway. This is certainly going to be a place in the rotation for us.
(4)Kyle D.
Great food at beyond reasonable prices. Staff and management are very nice and friendly. Not sure why people are saying the ownership is terrible and rude. Never once had an issue with employees or management. Bottom line, good food, great prices and good staff. Love coming here!
(5)Ethan S.
It's not one of your classic 50's Sugar Bowl's, but the food is excellent. Although it was closed for quite some time, it's back up and running now. :)
(5)Marisol M.
If your looking for a nice place for breakfast this is it! I have been here 3 times so far and I have not been disappointed. In fact, everyone I have taken has also enjoyed this restaurant. Most have been back. They have a big menu, so pretty much anything you look for is there. The prices are average but the portions are large. It's clean and the staff is very friendly and attentive. They also have this homemade marmalade they bring to your table. YUM!! Make sure you try it.
(5)Andy M.
Nice family restaurant in downtown Des Plaines. Not the worse and not the best. Good breakfest
(3)Chris J.
So far, so good. I went for the first time on Sunday for brunch. Was enticed by an article about the preservation of the glorious sign in front. I love old signs and figured any business that (as I understand it) is keeping the name Sugar Bowl to match the sign was worth checking out. It was a very solid experience, the place was busy, but had available tables, which is sometimes hard to find when it comes to Sunday brunch. The decor seem new and there are a plentiful amount of booths along the wall and down the middle. The food was hot and quick and reasonably priced ($5-$8). The menu seemed to range from straight up regular (a variety of eggs and pancakes) to more exotic (egg white omelets and whole grain pancakes). I had a mini waffle combo, which came with mini waffles, eggs, sausage and bacon. Very tasty, the bacon was super crisp, but not over done. My guest had the whole grain pancakes, which were reported to be very good as well.
(5)Steve F.
Foods great, service is usually good if you don't stay to long..
(4)Jessica M.
Best pancakes in DP! Also, the owner makes rounds herself to check up on customers. Nice.
(4)Angelina C.
Have only been here once, but definitely plan to return. Food was fantastic, not at all greasy, which is rare for a diner type if experience. Prices were reasonable and the staff was very attentive and friendly. They new quite a few customers by name, which is the sign of a great place. The only thing that prevented me from giving them five stars was the corn beef hash is not home made.
(4)TJ M.
Whenever we visit a new town, my friends and I resort to Yelp to find good places to eat. And very few times had Yelp disappointed us. And with this attested belief, we did much the same thing to get breakfast at Des Plains. Unfortunately, the culinary experience that my friends and I had at Sugar Bowl could be summed up as dreadful. As college students, we weren't expecting much at all from an old fashioned breakfast and brunch place. But even for our ordinary standards, this place offers very poor food especially when given that it has such high reviews on Yelp. I ordered a spinach omelette which was served with hash browns and pancakes, and my friends had ordered a breakfast burrito. One would find it hard to believe that simple items such as these can be cooked in an unappetizing way. The hash browns were extremely under cooked to the extent that some of it was even raw. It tasted more like mashed potato rather than hash browns, which are supposed to be crispy. The omelette was overcooked leading the eggs to lose its tenderness entirely. Moreover the omelette didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The saving grace was the coffee, which was served piping hot (the way I like it). Again, our expectations from an inexpensive place like this were very ordinary, but even the service was poor in that it took us a few minutes each time to get the attention of our waitress. When your entire group starts to talk at the table about how poor the food was, one can clearly make out that the experience was very unsatisfactory. As is the case often, I suspect our experience might be a one off or that this place is more famous for its lunch menu and not so much for the breakfast menu. Regardless, given our experience we have no reason to eat at this place or recommend it to anyone we know. But given that we aren't likely to go to Des Plains any time soon, I guess that assertion was irrelevant. Our faith in Yelp reviews is far from lost, but is definitely shaken.
(1)Annie J.
Perfect old school diner atmosphere with great food and a fantastic staff! Stacy makes you feel like family every time you walk in, food is consistently good with decent prices. Best for breakfast, gets busy on the weekends, but well worth it!
(5)Trixie H.
Sugar Bowl finally reopens. It's clean, painted, and friendly. Menu has been paired down. Good coffee. One issue: eggs were uncooked-whites clear and running all over otherwise delicious breakfast. See full review at trixieandhowie.wordpress… .
(3)Jovia F.
It's too bad their service was so terrible, otherwise I'd give it a star or two for the uh...basic yet tasty breakfast food. I sat there for an hour with my boyfriend waiting to get menus. Then a server asked if we'd been taken care of and said "well you shoulda said something!" when we said we hadn't. She continued to go argue with another server about whether she was supposed to take us before she did her end-of-shift work. This whole thing is so many kinds of rude to your customer. After that point we got mediocre service from the woman who asked if we'd been taken care of. She got our orders while babbling about her long day (I don't care about you once you've made me wait so long, especially when you dont ask me anything about myself to start this small talk off), then got us coffee 5-10 minutes later, then finally brought the food, then forgot to refill our coffee until we were almost done eating. Neither of us finished our food and I'm still not sure if it was because we didn't like it, we got full, or we were flustered with the experience. So, as much as I'd like to give this place a second chance I doubt I will be. Breakfast places are a dime a dozen in the burbs.
(1)Linda N.
their pancakes are delicious. really really good. skillets phenomenal best HOT BEEF I have ever had, but it isnt on menu...occasional special. Oh how I wish they were open for dinner. Even closing at 6 would work. Starting a petition
(4)Nanette S.
There is a large menu to choose from. There is everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner. One of the owners named Stacy is no longer there, but the restaurant started with her and George. Stacy had been there when the restaurant had a separate section that sold all kinds of candies. That is how The Sugar Bowl got its name. I met all three owners. Chris is nice as well. He packed extra soup for me one time free of charge. I also like George. George has waited on me himself. He talked me into a special which was really good. The Sugar Bowl has atmosphere. It has music as well as a television set to watch the news. I have walked in on a Sunday and the restaurant was packed. I had to wait for seating, but, it was well worth it. The restaurant has comfortable seating you can sit down and wait to get serviced. If you have a service or product to sell, they will accept your flyers and cards. The only thing I have to say is that the portions are so big and you can not obtain half portions if you want them. But, you don't go away starving. I recommend you come hungry or just order a bowl of soup!
(5)Will M.
Amazing breakfast place. Wonderfully tasting Pancakes. We eat here often and the only thing better than the food is the service. Smiling friendly people throughout.
(5)Karen K.
One of the best breakfast places ever! Prices are decent and the quality of the food is superb! I've tried a number of things but the best thing on their menu to me was their blintz. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Portions are huge, friendly staff, DELICIOUS food, plenty of parking... I could go on and on but I'm getting hungry just talking about this place. :D
(5)Angie O.
This place was packed Sunday brunch. In the heart of downtown Des Plaines, & accross the street from the Metra, can't miss it. Was nothing special. Price range for this place should really be updated. A cup of orange juice was $4.50. .. service was quick but not attentive, the bus boy did a better job of asking if we needed anything when he brought us water vs the waitress when she brought the food. I had a Canadian Benedict, I was super hungry when I arrived but food & flavor was pretty short. Hash browns were dry, and no seasoning, (how dare they)! Maybe this place is a step up from retirement home meals . My brother and I ate for$30. Parents had coffee, total was $38. My suggestion would be going down the road east to the Des Plaines restaurant/ pancake house. Ten more dollars will feed two more.
(2)Michael T.
This place is amazing. The menu is huge and they have a lot of decadent options for those of us who prefer sweet to savory breakfast (don't worry, there are plenty of savory options as well). The service is prompt and the food is delicious. It may be a small gripe, but my one complaint was the temperature in the restaurant. Bring a sweater. Brrr!
(5)Vickey L.
Highly recommending this place. We ordered the Popeyes crepes (spinach and egg with hollandaise), a Monte Cristo, and the Sugarbowl waffle (pecans, vanilla ice cream, topped with cinnamon and honey). The meals came with chicken dumpling and cream of broccoli soup. Our order came at the perfect temperature and all of it was delicious. The only negative: the hollandaise was "broken" (didn't stop us from devouring the meal)! The positives: clean restaurant, friendly staff (even topped off my leftover soup), free wifi, easy/free parking in the garage, good honest food, and THEY PUT SPRINKLES ON THE HOT COCOA. In case you missed that... they put SPRINKLES on the HOT COCOA.
(5)Simone T.
Right across the street from the Metra station, parking available nearby. Great hostess & our waitress was as nice as can be! Huge portions - I had the classic Eggs Benedict w/a half order of biscuits and gravy. Yum yum all the way. I was stuffed and had plenty to take home. Great way to spend a July 4th morning!
(5)Coll F.
My father orders the pound of ham off the bone every single time. A pound! (The man likes his leftovers). The basics are good here. We've had pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelettes. The only thing I didn't like was the breakfast burrito. Maybe it was an off day. Run by a nice Greek family. A standard for us in Des Plaines.
(4)Bill B.
Had the biscuits and gravy with three eggs and homemade potatoes. The breakfast was great. Service was excellent. Laughed with the lady's in there.
(5)Michael W.
Good meal but not better than home (not to sound proud but my wife said it) and I have eaten at better diners / pancake houses. I had Biscuits and Gravy and it was good but not amazing. My wife had eggs and pancakes; she did not like the hash browns (missing seasonings, onions, peppers, etc.). A good meal but I would try another place next time to compare against.
(3)Heather J.
My husband and I went here for breakfast last weekend based on their great Yelp reviews. It really was a gem! I ordered their Mediterranean Frittata - it was huge and absolutely delicious. I finished the entire thing, which is rare for me, that's how good it was! Even their coffee was better than most places. There was no wait at all, so we sat down right away. Service was quick and our waitress was very nice. Parking was super easy - there's street parking, as well as a parking lot. They take credit/debit cards, too, which is nice! I'll be back soon!
(5)Katherine K.
Been going here since I was a kid with my dad. Great food and great staff
(5)Sandra F.
Our Sunday morning go to. Always something good on the menu to eat, it's reasonably priced and very good coffee! Portions are very generous. Wait staff is friendly and very good, and the hostess in front acts you are her best friend when you get there! Time yourself carefully - after church it's pretty packed. Parking is also not a problem - parking garage close by and free! All in all a great place and good value. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)S B.
Great French toast & yummy Raspberry iced tea. It is in downtown Des Plaines and has great parking. I love the outside of the place too, and the inside has a fun, refreshing vibe. The staff was nice and made sure to stay on top of refills, and food was delivered fast. Only downfall are some of the booths barely have any space between table and seat, making it hard to move around.
(4)Jenna D.
From time to time, my sister likes to herd me along on her day trips; how we ended up all the way in Des Plaines is beyond me. Sugar Bowl is one of your typical Greek diners but.... more. By no means is it an upscale pancake house, but they do offer a ton of fun items like frittata. As of right now I am still on my quest to find the best pancakes in Chicagoland, so comparing breakfast restaurant's pancakes to other restaurants is my thing. Sugar Bowl's pancakes we're SO good!!! 5 Stars! The menu was huge and it was difficult to settle on something. My sister got a South of the border style skillet with Mexican peppers, sausage and cilantro. She was impressed with the portion and freshness. I got a create-your-own frittata with asparagus, cheese and bacon; don't forget the pancakes! We both ordered the hash browns well-done and that's how they came out. In fact, everything came out the way we ordered it and perfect! I don't know if SB is one of those places where you're supposed to seat yourself, but, we did wait a good 5-10 minutes before somebody greeted us and showed us to our table. The server also took her time in taking our order, but it was a late Sunday afternoon and she was the only one there. The only negative experience at the Sugar Bowl was how the dude at the register was playing games on his iPad while running my credit card, really dude? He didn't look up once. Anyway, this is the place for pancakes and good food. It fills up quickly, but they are fairly slow later on in the afternoon.
(4)Randy K.
Very good breakfast restaurant, with lots to choose from and enormous portions. Comfort food, with excellent, friendly service.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I've been coming here for a while now, and the more often I eat here, the more I appreciate the staff. The owner knows my daughter and makes sure to say hello, as do several waitresses and one bus boy. They practically treat us like family. I feel like this is an experience that becomes more and more rare as faceless chain restaurants with high employee turnover push out small, independent shops like Sugar Bowl. From the fresh-squeezed OJ to the overflowing breakfast burritos, everything I've tried here has been something I want to try again. Whether I roll in after a sleepless night in pursuit of a huge breakfast or bring my mother-in-law here for lunch, I know I'll be seated and eating something good fast. Potato pancakes, blueberry waffles, eggs florentine, a veggie skillet--they're all good! Don't forget to check the menu board up front for specials and seasonal treats, and come prepared to listen to cheesy music.
(5)Gabriella M.
This is your typical diner. Good food, good service. Seems family owned.
(4)Joanne E.
Wish I lived closer. Great breakfast. Excellent quality ingredients. Very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating, even at 10:30am on Sunday morning. Everyone we dealt with, hostess, waitress, busboy, were very pleasant, helpful, and really seemed to enjoy working there. Five stars all around.
(5)Maria G.
Went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. We sat at the counter for less of a wait. We had an unobstructed view of the kitchen and the staff. Some observations: 1) We ordered banana bread french toast and the house waffle. Both were pretty plain. The banana bread was dry. 2) We finished our meals before we were asked if we wanted our coffee topped off. Not after I had an empty cup for awhile, and we were no longer eating. 3) Overpriced for what you get. I can make this at home, and better. It was a pretty forgettable experience. We won't be going back.
(2)Nicole W.
This is one of those diners that appeals to the masses. It's friendly, it hosts a diverse menu, it's affordable...it's a neighborhood staple. For those with families, it's clean and the kiddos would be happy to dine here, too. While it may look a bit vintage from the outside, Sugar Bowl slings out some pretty delicious eats. After a not-so-fun prenatal blood test, hubs and I drove to Sugar Bowl to fill my hungry belly. Just 15 minutes after we sat down, I was nose deep into my Paradise Crepes - thin and delicious crepes topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Because of my fasting and testing, I could have served cardboard and been happy, but those crepes were pretty on point. The portions are sizable but not magnanimous, and, frankly, I think that's a good thing. Fairly priced, quickly served by a friendly, seasoned server...Sugar Bowl does it up right.
(4)Deborah G.
Love this place! Good food, generous portions, awesome service. My husband had the corned beef hash and I had the mixed berry french toast. Both were delicious. Our coffee mugs were never empty.
(5)Pam P.
I'm gonna be honest and say I was partially sold to come here because I'm a big Arthur fan and know him and his friends frequently hang out at "The Sugar Bowl." Also, for some reason, I thought this place wasn't in business anymore but was kept around because the exterior looks cool. I've only been here once and it was such a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding. Our waitress was very friendly and easy to talk to. Upon arrival, we were seated in a booth but got moved to the counter upon request. I got the Philly Cheese Steak which comes with soup (I got Chicken and Wild Rice) and fries. It's a very generous portion considering all that it comes with. While we were eating, our waitress introduced us to the chef cooking for us in the back kitchen. Overall, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. There's lots to explore in the menu and I'm looking forward to the next time I come back.
(4)Vito G.
love the bowl :) great value.. the breakfast special is really well priced, the service is great. they have wifi too which is good. also, free parking next door too is great.
(5)S T.
The food is good, but the service is not that great! the waitress is so mean, look down the people, I went out to eat my husband, and he wanna to order first and she seems be very rude and mean said that wait for me to order so i can take it together!! and after the food came, never came back check on us do we need anything else, but gave us the check and walked away, and no thank you and no good bye!!
(4)Jess B.
I got an avocado Benedict. It was okay but the hash browns are really good and they gave you a lot. The music was way too loud.
(3)Jessica P.
My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday..they seemed busy, but we didn't wait long before we got seated..the waitress was really friendly and the service was great throughout our meal.. We all ended up getting omelets which comes with hash-browns and a choice of buttermilk pancakes or toast..The omelets were huge and since we got pancakes as well.. we were full and had leftovers to take home..reasonable price.. good brunch places are rare in the suburbs so if i'm craving brunch when i'm in the area.. i would go here again.. :)
(4)Norh R.
Great food ... been here several times each time the food was good and staff was courteous.
(5)Sarah T.
Big portions, friendly staff (both the server and hostess were incredibly thin and beautiful), I really like the color scheme in this large diner. I tried the breakfast special -- 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and toast for $5.99. That plus my hot coffee and small juice? What a great deal.
(4)Joe W.
One of my favorite breakfast places! I go with my family for breakfast on holidays and just because. The host/waitresses and staff as a whole are very friendly, prompt and polite. Prices are reasonable with many items coming with hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. Pancakes are tasty! They are also gluten-free friendly. They have a portion of the menu dedicated to GF. It is small, but all of the staff are aware and they can and do accommodate by making or suggesting changes to other menu items that make them gluten-free. They have gluten-free pancakes, too. The restaurant is very clean. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. They also have a lunch menu consisting of melts, clubs, salads, burgers and other sandwiches. I personally have not tried these but other people I have gone with have and no one was disappointed. Keep up the good work!
(5)Mike P.
Came upon this place thanks to Yelp as I was in the area....was looking for a place that served breakfast all day and this definitely fit the bill! I like to compare different egg dishes...from omlettes to skillets to ??. This place definitely had a wide variety but after checking the menu out I decided to try a scrambler...their western scrambler to be exact with eggs, tomato, mushrooms, ham, and cheese.....loved it ! It was a generous portion along with homemade potatoes and english muffin. Seems to be a great place to go for a bite to eat in the middle city/town square.
(4)Kevin P.
Great atmosphere. Food is pretty good. Basic breakfast food. I usually get eggs Benedict. Its great. They are accommodating to orders.
(4)Linda K.
Best Breakfast Ever!!! Our family does a new breakfast joint every Sunday. I picked this one and what a GEM! Food was fantastic. We will keep this one on our list as a favorite.
(5)V H.
Went in last Monday after picking up my mom from Ohare, wanted to take her somewhere good since she had been stranded in the blizzard, I had read good reviews & am I glad to have tried it! It was amazing! Food was great & service was perfect. From the young man who served us our water & coffee & our server(Vicky) to the manager who checked us out, all great. We are gonna take another trip there for sure (from Indiana!)
(5)Len L.
The ages-old neon sign should be enough to draw you in. The food is fresh cooked diner. I know that sounds odd. For example, the chicken dumpling soup was really nice with fluffy dumplings, white meat and a light broth. This was good soup. Because this is a Greek diner I tried the gyro sandwich, and that was also good. Megan liked her burger. We both thought the fires were a little limp. The breakfast plates others were eating looked good. If you are in Des Plains, give the Sugar Bowl a try.
(4)Natalie S.
I've been going to the sugar bowl for about 4 years now and I am never disappointed. Soo yummy. It maybe not be gourmet, and that's jut fine with me! The owners are so welcoming they always come by and chat. Great food, great service, and great price. I recommend the butcher skillet.
(5)Elle M.
The food and service could NOT be better!!! Ingredients are fresh, served hot and tasty. From the time you walk in the door you are greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. It continues the whole time! I cannot wait to return :)
(5)A J H.
Great food; good service. Have always loved this place. Try the chicken dumpling soup - it's my favorite.
(5)Rita P.
I love the sugar bowl! This place has amazing food (besides breakfast, chicken Malibu is one of my favorites) and an awesome atmosphere. One of my absolute favorite places. Try the fresh squeezed OJ- so good!
(5)Liza G.
Had the veggie skillet with over medium eggs and still had half a skillet to take home! Deliciousness filled with toasty home fries, asparagus, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,spinach, broccoli and melty cheddar cheese. Great and efficient service. I'll be back again soon!
(4)Rick K.
Sugar Bowl is one of those rare diner-style restaurants that provide good service, good food at reasonable prices and they let you dine at your own pace - even during rush periods. It's a neighborhood kind of place although we don't live that close. We've been coming here for years just not as much I'd like. The owner is a great guy and you can tell his style comes out in his bus and wait staff. Very attentive. Four+ stars here. We typically visit for breakfast and I stick with a couple favorites. Their menu is very diversified so if you can't find anything to try from their assortment then you probably weren't that hungry in the first place. Overall, I'd like to give them 3.5 stars. The only knocks from giving them four stars is their breakfast potatoes are sometimes overcooked, stiff and oily tasting. The other knock is the pricing on some of their items - most are reasonable and consistent with other restaurants in the area. They have a 'House Special' 3 eggs, ham, hash browns and toast or pancakes for $9.25. Their omelets run from $7.75 to $8.25 - seems a tad higher average than most. In short, I would strongly recommend Sugar Bowl.
(3)E. G.
I come to the Sugar Bowl regularly for a late lunch, and the occasional breakfast, and I've never been disappointed. Everyone there - the hostess, servers, busboys, cooks & owners - are friendly and attentive. The extensive menu items aren't cheap, but the food is great and the service even better. I highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)Mike H.
Food is ok. Waitress needs to stop telling stories and do her job. And when i say waitress i mean the one loud one
(2)Pam D.
This is one place where I don't "get" all the Yelp love. The food was ok. I had one of their combos. The potato pancakes were good, the bacon was overly crispy and the eggs were skimpy. Christopher had the ham & cheese skillet. It was also ok, but nothing exciting. They were out of Diet Coke, so I opted for Root Beer. It was $2.25 for an average size fountain glass. If they offered free refills, no one asked if I wanted one, so who knows. Christopher had a glass of orange juice .... $4.50 !!! When he told me I kept asking if he was sure. He was. The restaurant is clean and cheerful looking, but they keep it like an icebox in there. They also blast dreadful "easy listening" music. I can see where it is convenient for the locals, and maybe other things on the menu are fine, but Sugar Bowl is not a breakfast destination for us. It does have a great vintage exterior, but that's not enough to pull us back all the way from the city.
(3)Margaret R.
Good, basic breakfast place. The fruit cup was freshly cut and tasty---no grapes! My husband had a skillet which he enjoyed; everything came out exactly as ordered. Good coffee and you can't beat the great retro sign outside. I appreciate that their breakfast potatoes are homemade, and that there's Tabasco on every table.
(4)Tricia D.
I almost almost almost ordered the spinach crepes, substituting one of them with a nutella one, but at the last minute, I opted for the portabella benedict. Gotta love shrooms... ... except when they're sour and not fresh. Gross. I left full though because of the side of home fries. My friend's eggs benedict with avocado smelled really sour, and the dish was just off. Not planning on returning.
(2)Mike W.
Certainly no 'Wildberry' or 'Brunch Cafe' but better than 'ihop' or 'Dennys'. The staff was nice. They played some awesome 80's muzic the whole time. I got my own pitcher of H20 to nurse me hangover. The food was: aiight, but i'm a food snob (dahling)! So, what I didn't like, many of you'z will probably love. Will I be back? Hell no. But at least I can finally say: I've tried the place. As some thingz are just not meant to be, the Sugar bowl will alwayz be to me one of thoze "one-night standz" I just needed in a time of desperate morning breakfast sex. #mwah
(3)Linda N.
their pancakes are delicious. really really good. skillets phenomenal best HOT BEEF I have ever had, but it isnt on menu...occasional special. Oh how I wish they were open for dinner. Even closing at 6 would work. Starting a petition
(4)Lauren J.
I was hopeful in coming to this place. I still haven't found anywhere even remotely close to my house that serves a stellar breakfast/brunch. Everyone was nice upon our arrival and we were seated promptly. We ordered and everything seemed to be going really smoothly. After we ordered, things seemed to fall apart. Our food came out fairly quick, which was good, but it was really mediocre. We'd both ordered sides of sausage links (for $3.50 a piece) and it seemed as though the cook had just put them on the grill and left them there. They were almost rock solid. I got the apple cinnamon french toast and it was VERY mediocre. Not horrible. It was edible. But I wouldn't call that a compliment. My boyfriend got the mixed berry crepes. "Mixed Berry" apparently means strawberries and blueberries. Not exactly a mixture of berries. Once we got our food and we were picking at it, our waitress completely disappeared. We finished eating and she still hadn't come back. We were ready to go and she STILL hadn't shown up. I was practically holding my credit card in the air and waving it around. We ended up having to go up to the front and ask to pay, awkwardly. Everyone was nice but could have been a little more attentive and the food could have been MUCH better. Probably won't be returning.
(3)Joelle S.
Love this place for breakfast!! Speedy service is excellent and the food is very good. I particularly like the variety of French Toast that they have on the extensive breakfast menu! The omelets are good too, large and fluffy! Plus they make this delicious orange marmalade in house that is unbelievable! The best!
(4)Mark V.
Steak and Eggs are Great So are the Potato Pancakes Staff is always friendly and accommodating Down side is I like these things so much always order the same things
(4)Joyce C.
I came here expecting more, since the reviews for this place were pretty good. But, eh, it is only just ok. There is an old school sign outside this place, which I thought was nice. Upon walking in, we were promptly greeted and sat right away. The waitress came by and took our orders quickly, and my husband had a question about one of the combos on the menu. Upon talking about the combo, the waitress had mentioned that the potato pancake that was included with the combo was not homemade. Eh, bummer. So, my husband ordered the George's combo and I ordered the Stacy's combo. Each are combos with eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage, with the only difference is that my combo came with french toast and his came with a waffle. It was a pretty standard combo and it didn't taste bad, but the meat was just of standard quality. The coffee was pretty gross and I ended up having to go to a Caribou on my way home to make up for the grossness. Overall, not a bad place but just pretty standard.
(3)Grace K.
This is one of the best breakfast places I've ever tried. This place provide good service and good food at reasonable prices. The waitress was very friendly and very on top of things, was impressed that she knew just when to refill coffee and whatever else that was needed. The pancakes actually rival that of Walker Bros. which I always compare other places' pancakes to.
(5)Eman A.
Found this place on Yelp. It had to be quick, because my sister wanted to go to panera, and I told her that you can't drag me out of bed to go to panera...since I was under the impression we were going to orange. :) Their menu is extensive. I haven't seen so much food in my life and the place was full for 10 am on a sunday morning, but it was mostly seniors and their families. I love pb&j and ordered the peanut butter and jelly french toast. O M G It was so delish, very sweet had to have the home fries as a side to cut through some of the sweetness, but it was very good. I didn't get pancakes, but my husband had them as a side and I had a bite of his. Very good. Hands down best pancakes so far. I'm so glad I found this place, normally I wouldn't go to this kind of diner and I'm so glad I did.
(5)Jeff N.
Downtown Des Plaines is very well served by this cozy, breakfast/lunch restaurant. Nestled in the location previously held by the original Sugar Bowl (an old fashioned ice cream place) the varied restaurant meets almost any need. I love the large and tasty omelets. I am also a big fan of the salads there, too. Steve, the owner is the gregarious type who greets everyone and makes them feel like family.
(4)Kelly W.
I like the Sugar Bowl. I have gone frequently ever since the reopening with family. The food is delicious (yes, basic breakfast food for cheap!) and the service has always been good, even when it was crazy busy. The parking is nice because it is the side as well as the street. It is a Des Plaines staple and a highly recommended one at that!
(4)Ren S.
Not amazing but acceptable. When I came here I ordered a hamburger(I think...) and the food was way over priced. I think I paid more than $10 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink(I think... Sorry I came here a while ago and never came back..). Anyways I didn't like it here because the food sucks and the portions were small. If you want a good breakfast go to Des Plaines Pancake house(down the street on Miner St.). If you want a good lunch that isn't to far go to Thai Square(near the DP theater) or if you were looking for a burger like I was there is a McDonald down Metropolitan Square(ear the Original McD)
(3)Kira K.
Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere! Love it!!
(5)Anika F.
This place is the best for breakfast! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, the food is great! They have a very extended menu from crepes to pancakes to everything else. It doesn't take to long to get a table.
(5)Janis F.
My neighbor is the owner and you couldn't find a nicer place for breakfast! :-D
(5)Brian C.
I think this place wins hands down when you talk about the best bang for the buck for breakfast/brunch. I had their house special, which is three eggs, hash browns, a pound of ham, and choice of toast or pancakes. It runs about 8 bucks. I look forward to eating the leftover ham tomorrow morning. There was no wait on late Saturday morning, another big bonus. Service was very attentive and efficient. The sign on the front is very cool, and it lets you know that this place has real history. The interior was redone not too long ago, and it is very inviting. There are two flat screen TVs in the back that are unobtrusive and give one a little distraction if they so choose. It can mean not missing any of the game while going out to eat, anyway. This is certainly going to be a place in the rotation for us.
(4)Kyle D.
Great food at beyond reasonable prices. Staff and management are very nice and friendly. Not sure why people are saying the ownership is terrible and rude. Never once had an issue with employees or management. Bottom line, good food, great prices and good staff. Love coming here!
(5)Ethan S.
It's not one of your classic 50's Sugar Bowl's, but the food is excellent. Although it was closed for quite some time, it's back up and running now. :)
(5)Scott Z.
Good food and good service in downtown Des Plaines. It's a diner experience that does it's best for breakfast and lunch. Competitive pricing and community feel.
(4)Isabelle L.
Diner conveniently located downtown Des Plaines across from the train station. Ended up there for breakfast / brunch with a group of friends after running the Des Plaines 5K and we were starving! Well the place met our needs, the portions were huge! The food is nothing special and pretty blend, not greasy though which is always a plus for me. So if you are looking for a local diner, with huge portions at a cheap price with attentive and friendly staff, by all means stop by your belly will be satisfied. If you are looking for something a bit more special, pass.
(3)Chris J.
So far, so good. I went for the first time on Sunday for brunch. Was enticed by an article about the preservation of the glorious sign in front. I love old signs and figured any business that (as I understand it) is keeping the name Sugar Bowl to match the sign was worth checking out. It was a very solid experience, the place was busy, but had available tables, which is sometimes hard to find when it comes to Sunday brunch. The decor seem new and there are a plentiful amount of booths along the wall and down the middle. The food was hot and quick and reasonably priced ($5-$8). The menu seemed to range from straight up regular (a variety of eggs and pancakes) to more exotic (egg white omelets and whole grain pancakes). I had a mini waffle combo, which came with mini waffles, eggs, sausage and bacon. Very tasty, the bacon was super crisp, but not over done. My guest had the whole grain pancakes, which were reported to be very good as well.
(5)Steve F.
Foods great, service is usually good if you don't stay to long..
(4)Jessica M.
Best pancakes in DP! Also, the owner makes rounds herself to check up on customers. Nice.
(4)Angelina C.
Have only been here once, but definitely plan to return. Food was fantastic, not at all greasy, which is rare for a diner type if experience. Prices were reasonable and the staff was very attentive and friendly. They new quite a few customers by name, which is the sign of a great place. The only thing that prevented me from giving them five stars was the corn beef hash is not home made.
(4)Sarah A.
I discovered the Paradise Crepes. No way I can ever imagine another breakfast rivaling this. Its sweet but that speaks to my major sweet tooth. Oh and I really like their coffee too!
(5)Josue J.
Everything was great and everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were very nice, definetly want to make this place a regular
(4)Lola B.
Very nice place with great food and friendly people! We go there for a walk at least once w week for great breakfast!!!
(5)Marisol M.
If your looking for a nice place for breakfast this is it! I have been here 3 times so far and I have not been disappointed. In fact, everyone I have taken has also enjoyed this restaurant. Most have been back. They have a big menu, so pretty much anything you look for is there. The prices are average but the portions are large. It's clean and the staff is very friendly and attentive. They also have this homemade marmalade they bring to your table. YUM!! Make sure you try it.
(5)Andy M.
Nice family restaurant in downtown Des Plaines. Not the worse and not the best. Good breakfest
(3)Jovia F.
It's too bad their service was so terrible, otherwise I'd give it a star or two for the uh...basic yet tasty breakfast food. I sat there for an hour with my boyfriend waiting to get menus. Then a server asked if we'd been taken care of and said "well you shoulda said something!" when we said we hadn't. She continued to go argue with another server about whether she was supposed to take us before she did her end-of-shift work. This whole thing is so many kinds of rude to your customer. After that point we got mediocre service from the woman who asked if we'd been taken care of. She got our orders while babbling about her long day (I don't care about you once you've made me wait so long, especially when you dont ask me anything about myself to start this small talk off), then got us coffee 5-10 minutes later, then finally brought the food, then forgot to refill our coffee until we were almost done eating. Neither of us finished our food and I'm still not sure if it was because we didn't like it, we got full, or we were flustered with the experience. So, as much as I'd like to give this place a second chance I doubt I will be. Breakfast places are a dime a dozen in the burbs.
(1)TJ M.
Whenever we visit a new town, my friends and I resort to Yelp to find good places to eat. And very few times had Yelp disappointed us. And with this attested belief, we did much the same thing to get breakfast at Des Plains. Unfortunately, the culinary experience that my friends and I had at Sugar Bowl could be summed up as dreadful. As college students, we weren't expecting much at all from an old fashioned breakfast and brunch place. But even for our ordinary standards, this place offers very poor food especially when given that it has such high reviews on Yelp. I ordered a spinach omelette which was served with hash browns and pancakes, and my friends had ordered a breakfast burrito. One would find it hard to believe that simple items such as these can be cooked in an unappetizing way. The hash browns were extremely under cooked to the extent that some of it was even raw. It tasted more like mashed potato rather than hash browns, which are supposed to be crispy. The omelette was overcooked leading the eggs to lose its tenderness entirely. Moreover the omelette didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The saving grace was the coffee, which was served piping hot (the way I like it). Again, our expectations from an inexpensive place like this were very ordinary, but even the service was poor in that it took us a few minutes each time to get the attention of our waitress. When your entire group starts to talk at the table about how poor the food was, one can clearly make out that the experience was very unsatisfactory. As is the case often, I suspect our experience might be a one off or that this place is more famous for its lunch menu and not so much for the breakfast menu. Regardless, given our experience we have no reason to eat at this place or recommend it to anyone we know. But given that we aren't likely to go to Des Plains any time soon, I guess that assertion was irrelevant. Our faith in Yelp reviews is far from lost, but is definitely shaken.
(1)Annie J.
Perfect old school diner atmosphere with great food and a fantastic staff! Stacy makes you feel like family every time you walk in, food is consistently good with decent prices. Best for breakfast, gets busy on the weekends, but well worth it!
(5)Trixie H.
Sugar Bowl finally reopens. It's clean, painted, and friendly. Menu has been paired down. Good coffee. One issue: eggs were uncooked-whites clear and running all over otherwise delicious breakfast. See full review at trixieandhowie.wordpress… .
(3)L V.
I came in with my kids and they wanted cheeseburgers. They didn't have any kids burgers so I ordered an adult burger and split it. My kids for whatever reason didn't like it (which is very rare) and asked if we can change the order and they said no! And still had to pay for the burger that they took only a bite out of. I Had to go home and make them something else to eat. We will never go there again!!!
(1)Stacy P.
I always go at least once to the Sugar Bowl while visiting Des Plaines. The coffee is freshly ground Kona coffee from Hawaii. I always get a scramble. It is so good and the potatoes are the best!! Definitely not the frozen ones at the breakfast chains. I also get the pancakes which are excellent. I look forward to this tradition. I'm heading there now which will make two days in a row!
(5)Ali R.
There's not much in Des Plaines, but there is Sugar Bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the great breakfast and super sweet service. Everyone was happy to see you and the service was efficient yet laid back. For breakfast I had the California omelet with fresh mushrooms, avocados and swiss cheese. Unlike many diners, the mushrooms were indeed fresh, the avocados plentiful, and the cheese must have been of a higher quality. The pancakes were great as well, however, a bit too soft for my liking. I usually like my pancakes a little more crisp and thin. I tried the corned beef hash which was also good but was not homemade which was a bit of a disappointment but still good. Overall, Sugar Bowl is a great spot if you're in the area and seeking a low cost meal. The menu is huge so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
(4)Carl S.
Not your typical Greek Diner. The help here are Beautiful and service oriented. Skillets and Omelets are wonderful and the Pancakes are GREAT!
(4)Zeke Y.
I went here for the first time on May 8, 2013 for breakfast. I will sum it all up with this phrase: I FREAKING LOVE IT! A little background. We used to live in the city in Wrigleyville. There used to be this unassuming, no fuss breakfast/lunch place called Manny at the corner Clark/Newport/Sheffield. During weekends, the place was packed with locals and regulars because they served the best no-fuss breakfast in the neighborhood. Portions where very generous, and the hashbrowns were crispy and crusty on the outside. They closed some time in the mid 90's, and I've never had breakfast like that since.... till now! We moved to Des Plaines about 3 years ago, and haven't found a good breakfast place yet. This past week, I walked into the Sugar Bowl and ordered my standard test: corned beef hash and eggs, over easy. When the plate arrived, my eyes went wide because it looked almost exactly as I remember getting at Manny. Eggs perfectly done and the hash browns... oh my god! It was as if I was back in Manny! Love the crusty hash, and generous amount of corned beef hash. I had the side of pancakes, and it was light and fluffy as I expected. Our server was one of the most pleasant server we've ever had at a restaurant like this. She made us felt very comfortable, and attentive enough to make sure my decaf coffee never ran dry. I wish I had gotten her name to give her proper credit, but I'm sorry, I was utterly distracted by the nostalgia of the food that I got. Y'know, it may seem like such an insignificant, trivial thing - a simple breakfast. However, when it is done well, and it invokes pleasant memories of the food that you thought you'd never come across again, it becomes something important because it makes you HAPPY! I have all the intention of coming back to the Sugar Bowl again, and bringing my friends with me.
(5)Cecilia C.
I have been meaning to write a review for a while but when I went for lunch today I had such an absolutely wonderful experience I knew I had to get home and write about it. I go there often (1 or 2 a week?) with my husband or my father. They have great breakfasts with giant portions you can easily share with another person. From the fluffy omelet to the Monte Cristo sandwich...I haven't had something I did not like. Every waitress I have had has been polite, friendly, and efficient- as are the bus boys. But today....I went for a birthday lunch with my father. We mentioned it to the waitress and she brought out a honey and cinnamon covered crepe. It was so sweet (in so many senses of the word!) but the sweetest part was when the owner walked over and asked if we got the crepes. Yes, we said, he's turning 66 today! She immediately took the check away from us and told us it was on the house, then gave us a big hug. It was such a nice gesture on her part and made us feel very special. I have been a regular in many breakfast places over time- but few ever made such an effort to make me feel so welcomed. I think that's what really kicks a place up to five stars. You can get fluffy pancakes at alot of places- but fluffy pancakes and great coffee from people who seem to really care- that is priceless.
(5)Jeff W.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place for breakfast and happened across the Sugar Bowl. It's the hole-in-the-wall diner/greasy spoon experience that everyone loves. Really tasty food at a cheap price and FAST service. You can't really ask for more from a place that does only breakfast.
(4)Allison C.
Don't let the old school sign outside fool you! Updated and very clean inside. Visited on a weekday around 9a, only a handful of others in the joint. All the staff was extremely polite, food was quick and delicious. I ordered an omelette which came with hashbrowns and pancakes, my friend ordered eggs benedict, both of us got fresh-squeezed oj, and all was enjoyed. Will definitely be returning.
(4)Shawn M.
Pretty good diner food but be prepared to be completely ignored if you dine during a shift change. Other area diners, like The Silver Stallion, have much better service.
(2)Brenda G.
Excellent skillets. I had the Irish ( corned beef). It was perfect. The Greek toast has sesame seeds galore and was toasted perfectly. My husband had the Butchers Skillet (meaty!). It was good but what draws him to the Sugar Bowl is the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have a fancy juicing machine you can see from the dining room. Juice is pricey but worth it. Two skillets, coffee, a soda and a large OJ was $28. We've been to Sugar Bowl twice now for breakfast. Happy both times. Waitstaff is friendly and fast.
(4)Hitomi A.
The best breakfast place! Great service and great food! Everything on the menu is good.
(5)Bob A.
Had lunch with 4 coworkers today, I had the "Clubhouse" not bad, needed a little salt, otherwise very good. The place was packed, had a small wait, but had time to chat with my friends. 2 others had salads, man they were overwhelming large enough for 2 people. Service was good, staff was friendly. I will be back with my family.
(4)Matt H.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and great price. I live nearby, so I try to make it here a couple times a month. They are located in downtown Des Plaines, and you can't beat their breakfast food! Keep up the great work.
(5)Laura C.
My husband travels internationally, We found the sugar bowl while driving to O'Hare. How could we not stop when a restaurant has such a lovely name and it did live up to expectations. We had a great breakfast and had plenty of leftovers. I am a sucker for an omelet. My husband had pancakes that had tons of fresh fruit on it. Must go back! We highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)Lavon K.
We were seated quickly. Served quickly and out quickly. My kind of place. My husband had the George combo and I had the paradise crepes. Delish. Our waitress could've been a little more patient but we will still be back.
(4)Tara M.
FINALLY made it back to the Sugar Bowl since the reopening, again, for breakfast and was absolutely pleased with food, service, atmosphere... all of it! The new decor is lovely, very modern and pleasant, and not the same old decor you get from your local, American faire/family friendly restaurants... bold colors and tiled floors, lovely really. Food: First, my husband ordered blueberry pancakes, and while it's always frustrating that no one ever puts the blueberries in the pancakes (like I do at home) it was so refreshing to have fresh blueberries on top, instead of a compote that's overly saucey and too sweet. Husband really enjoyed it and said that the pancakes were very fluffy. Son ordered kids scrambled eggs and got plenty, even though the menu said he was only getting one. Daughter ordered kids French Toast and we were amazed that she got 4 halves! Large portion for a kids menu item! I had a broccoli & cheese eggwhite omlette (I'm not very versitile in the mornings... it's what I always order) and it was light/fluff/florets only... yum! My mother ordered one of their skillets, asked for onions in her hash browns and was very happy with her meal as well. The staff was incredibly attentive! On us right away, when we sat, with coffee and getting our drink order. We were really pleased and will definitely go back.
(5)Richard B.
So, a friend and I are driving around, looking for a little diner to grab a bite when the sign for Sugar Bowl caught my attention: BREAKFAST!!! Bam, this is the place! Warm and friendly... we were seated immediately. Our waitress Tracey was very attentive but not pushy. Food was standard diner fair, served fast and hot! I had a classic Reuben (open face, extra kraut) . Large portion *(so big I had to take half home)..... we will be back!
(5)Mike O.
This place hits all my buttons for a good restaurant. Walk through the front door and was greeted by the hostess who had a Greek accent, this is always a good sign for me as I love Greek diners. Within a minute or two of sitting down, one bus boy brought a pitcher of ice water and the other brought coffee and cups. The waitress came by to take our order but we were not ready, she said okay and went on to take care of her other tables. The other hostess (Greek also) came and seemed upset that our order was not taken yet. I told her it was okay because we were not sure of want we wanted. Settled for a skillet breakfast and it was enough for a meal and a half, and was nice and hot. Our waitress made sure we had coffee during the meal and always asked how every thing was going. Restaurant is very clean and well it. And if you enjoy watching trains, the Metra train runs right in front of the restaurant.
(5)Candice G.
Okay- I'm sold. Sugar Bowl was always good but whoever is the owner now has totally stepped it up. Delicious food, attentive service, great prices. I had the french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage with a side of hashbrowns like a half hour ago. I'm full but I'm seriously thinking about going back for lunch! I'm a sugar bowl fan. A busboy brings you water as soon as you sit down, no need to ask for hot sauce it's at the table already. This place has it right.
(5)Gamma R.
Very average brunch food but good service and the only brunch place in downtown Des Plaines (?) .. Really wish the food was better though. French toast and crepes were what we ordered and they were bot kinda really average.
(3)Brittany S.
I have been hearing about this place since high school and after living in Des Plaines for about 18 years, I finally step into the Sugar Bowl. I randomly came in today for lunch to finally see what the buzz was about. The service was good and the staff was very attentive and hospitable. My server was really nice and checked on me often enough during my 2 hour stay... yea I'm a slow eater-- haha. I ordered one of the items listed on the specials list on the table for $6.99, which was a ham omelet with home fries, toast and a cup of coffee. The serving portion was so huge that I couldn't finish everything on my plate-- so I knew I was getting my money's worth. I may also have gotten super full because of continual service of filling up my coffee cup a lot. It was great cause I really need a good cup of coffee, and ended up finishing about 4 cups! The type of toast that I got with my meal was raisin, but I didn't expect marmalade to come with. I'm usually not a fan of orange marmalade, but this was tasty! I don't know if it is homemade, but it was flavorful! The home fries and ham omelet was also good. The omelet was really light and fluffy, which probably contributed to its massive size. I also saw how they treat their regulars well, the hostess knew who she was talking to and conversed with them. Their service wasn't too slow today, since it was busy for lunch, but she would also apologize if she came back to the front-- which I didn't mind cause I wasn't in any rush. The place and the bathrooms weren't too bad since they were renovated. And the booths were also comfy. There was also 2 large flat screens which featured the news. I would definitely come back with family and friends.
(4)Dan L.
As always, the service (while outstanding) is only eclipsed by the quality/quantity of the food you get for your money...my only problem with Yelp is that it limits you to 5 stars in order to rate a restaurant that EASILY deserves 10!
(5)Barry J.
Nice family style Greek diner. Delicious food, friendly service, clean and nicely priced. A real gem. I had the buttermilk pancakes with berries. Cakes were fluffy and had a great buttermilk aroma. The berries looked and tasted very fresh. Diner coffee was a-ok. Stacy is a sweetheart.
(5)Julia P.
I've been here a couple times and have had great customer service... everyone is friendly and accommodating. The food is yummy and a lot to choose from.. great local spot for breakfast. :) Go for the pancakes!
(4)Gregory B.
This is as good as this "type" (Greek-owned diner) gets. So nice. Huge portions. Great prices. Freshly sliced turkey. Amazing soups--navy bean as I have never had it before. I want to move in.
(5)Betty V.
A great find! I was staying near O'Hare and was looking for a breakfast spot. Food was good and generous. Friendly service.
(4)David M.
I have struggled to find much of a difference to report between the various diners in the area: Mrs. V's, Silver Stallion, Des Plaines Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Andy's, etc. I suppose Gail's Carriage House seems somehow better than the other food-wise, but I can't really put my finger on why. But in the realm of Sunday brunch, mostly it comes down to the parking lot. The Sugar Bowl: very nicely renovated, spacious, attentive staff, perfectly good food, ridiculously large portions, overall nice vibe. It's in walking distance of my home, so I don't care much about the parking lot. Actually they don't have one, though there's plenty of parking on-street and in the Metro Square Garage. The one thing that tweaks me about this place is that they almost always have Fox News on one or both of their TVs. Really now. I have just come from church. I don't need this to challenge my mood.
(4)Matt H.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and great price. I live nearby, so I try to make it here a couple times a month. They are located in downtown Des Plaines, and you can't beat their breakfast food! Keep up the great work.
(5)Laura C.
My husband travels internationally, We found the sugar bowl while driving to O'Hare. How could we not stop when a restaurant has such a lovely name and it did live up to expectations. We had a great breakfast and had plenty of leftovers. I am a sucker for an omelet. My husband had pancakes that had tons of fresh fruit on it. Must go back! We highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)S T.
The food is good, but the service is not that great! the waitress is so mean, look down the people, I went out to eat my husband, and he wanna to order first and she seems be very rude and mean said that wait for me to order so i can take it together!! and after the food came, never came back check on us do we need anything else, but gave us the check and walked away, and no thank you and no good bye!!
(4)Jessica P.
My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday..they seemed busy, but we didn't wait long before we got seated..the waitress was really friendly and the service was great throughout our meal.. We all ended up getting omelets which comes with hash-browns and a choice of buttermilk pancakes or toast..The omelets were huge and since we got pancakes as well.. we were full and had leftovers to take home..reasonable price.. good brunch places are rare in the suburbs so if i'm craving brunch when i'm in the area.. i would go here again.. :)
(4)Norh R.
Great food ... been here several times each time the food was good and staff was courteous.
(5)Nanette S.
There is a large menu to choose from. There is everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner. One of the owners named Stacy is no longer there, but the restaurant started with her and George. Stacy had been there when the restaurant had a separate section that sold all kinds of candies. That is how The Sugar Bowl got its name. I met all three owners. Chris is nice as well. He packed extra soup for me one time free of charge. I also like George. George has waited on me himself. He talked me into a special which was really good. The Sugar Bowl has atmosphere. It has music as well as a television set to watch the news. I have walked in on a Sunday and the restaurant was packed. I had to wait for seating, but, it was well worth it. The restaurant has comfortable seating you can sit down and wait to get serviced. If you have a service or product to sell, they will accept your flyers and cards. The only thing I have to say is that the portions are so big and you can not obtain half portions if you want them. But, you don't go away starving. I recommend you come hungry or just order a bowl of soup!
(5)Will M.
Amazing breakfast place. Wonderfully tasting Pancakes. We eat here often and the only thing better than the food is the service. Smiling friendly people throughout.
(5)Karen K.
One of the best breakfast places ever! Prices are decent and the quality of the food is superb! I've tried a number of things but the best thing on their menu to me was their blintz. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Portions are huge, friendly staff, DELICIOUS food, plenty of parking... I could go on and on but I'm getting hungry just talking about this place. :D
(5)Angie O.
This place was packed Sunday brunch. In the heart of downtown Des Plaines, & accross the street from the Metra, can't miss it. Was nothing special. Price range for this place should really be updated. A cup of orange juice was $4.50. .. service was quick but not attentive, the bus boy did a better job of asking if we needed anything when he brought us water vs the waitress when she brought the food. I had a Canadian Benedict, I was super hungry when I arrived but food & flavor was pretty short. Hash browns were dry, and no seasoning, (how dare they)! Maybe this place is a step up from retirement home meals . My brother and I ate for$30. Parents had coffee, total was $38. My suggestion would be going down the road east to the Des Plaines restaurant/ pancake house. Ten more dollars will feed two more.
(2)Michael T.
This place is amazing. The menu is huge and they have a lot of decadent options for those of us who prefer sweet to savory breakfast (don't worry, there are plenty of savory options as well). The service is prompt and the food is delicious. It may be a small gripe, but my one complaint was the temperature in the restaurant. Bring a sweater. Brrr!
(5)Vickey L.
Highly recommending this place. We ordered the Popeyes crepes (spinach and egg with hollandaise), a Monte Cristo, and the Sugarbowl waffle (pecans, vanilla ice cream, topped with cinnamon and honey). The meals came with chicken dumpling and cream of broccoli soup. Our order came at the perfect temperature and all of it was delicious. The only negative: the hollandaise was "broken" (didn't stop us from devouring the meal)! The positives: clean restaurant, friendly staff (even topped off my leftover soup), free wifi, easy/free parking in the garage, good honest food, and THEY PUT SPRINKLES ON THE HOT COCOA. In case you missed that... they put SPRINKLES on the HOT COCOA.
(5)Simone T.
Right across the street from the Metra station, parking available nearby. Great hostess & our waitress was as nice as can be! Huge portions - I had the classic Eggs Benedict w/a half order of biscuits and gravy. Yum yum all the way. I was stuffed and had plenty to take home. Great way to spend a July 4th morning!
(5)Coll F.
My father orders the pound of ham off the bone every single time. A pound! (The man likes his leftovers). The basics are good here. We've had pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelettes. The only thing I didn't like was the breakfast burrito. Maybe it was an off day. Run by a nice Greek family. A standard for us in Des Plaines.
(4)Bill B.
Had the biscuits and gravy with three eggs and homemade potatoes. The breakfast was great. Service was excellent. Laughed with the lady's in there.
(5)Michael W.
Good meal but not better than home (not to sound proud but my wife said it) and I have eaten at better diners / pancake houses. I had Biscuits and Gravy and it was good but not amazing. My wife had eggs and pancakes; she did not like the hash browns (missing seasonings, onions, peppers, etc.). A good meal but I would try another place next time to compare against.
(3)Heather J.
My husband and I went here for breakfast last weekend based on their great Yelp reviews. It really was a gem! I ordered their Mediterranean Frittata - it was huge and absolutely delicious. I finished the entire thing, which is rare for me, that's how good it was! Even their coffee was better than most places. There was no wait at all, so we sat down right away. Service was quick and our waitress was very nice. Parking was super easy - there's street parking, as well as a parking lot. They take credit/debit cards, too, which is nice! I'll be back soon!
(5)Katherine K.
Been going here since I was a kid with my dad. Great food and great staff
(5)Sandra F.
Our Sunday morning go to. Always something good on the menu to eat, it's reasonably priced and very good coffee! Portions are very generous. Wait staff is friendly and very good, and the hostess in front acts you are her best friend when you get there! Time yourself carefully - after church it's pretty packed. Parking is also not a problem - parking garage close by and free! All in all a great place and good value. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)S B.
Great French toast & yummy Raspberry iced tea. It is in downtown Des Plaines and has great parking. I love the outside of the place too, and the inside has a fun, refreshing vibe. The staff was nice and made sure to stay on top of refills, and food was delivered fast. Only downfall are some of the booths barely have any space between table and seat, making it hard to move around.
(4)S T.
The food is good, but the service is not that great! the waitress is so mean, look down the people, I went out to eat my husband, and he wanna to order first and she seems be very rude and mean said that wait for me to order so i can take it together!! and after the food came, never came back check on us do we need anything else, but gave us the check and walked away, and no thank you and no good bye!!
(4)Jessica P.
My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday..they seemed busy, but we didn't wait long before we got seated..the waitress was really friendly and the service was great throughout our meal.. We all ended up getting omelets which comes with hash-browns and a choice of buttermilk pancakes or toast..The omelets were huge and since we got pancakes as well.. we were full and had leftovers to take home..reasonable price.. good brunch places are rare in the suburbs so if i'm craving brunch when i'm in the area.. i would go here again.. :)
(4)Norh R.
Great food ... been here several times each time the food was good and staff was courteous.
(5)Jenna D.
From time to time, my sister likes to herd me along on her day trips; how we ended up all the way in Des Plaines is beyond me. Sugar Bowl is one of your typical Greek diners but.... more. By no means is it an upscale pancake house, but they do offer a ton of fun items like frittata. As of right now I am still on my quest to find the best pancakes in Chicagoland, so comparing breakfast restaurant's pancakes to other restaurants is my thing. Sugar Bowl's pancakes we're SO good!!! 5 Stars! The menu was huge and it was difficult to settle on something. My sister got a South of the border style skillet with Mexican peppers, sausage and cilantro. She was impressed with the portion and freshness. I got a create-your-own frittata with asparagus, cheese and bacon; don't forget the pancakes! We both ordered the hash browns well-done and that's how they came out. In fact, everything came out the way we ordered it and perfect! I don't know if SB is one of those places where you're supposed to seat yourself, but, we did wait a good 5-10 minutes before somebody greeted us and showed us to our table. The server also took her time in taking our order, but it was a late Sunday afternoon and she was the only one there. The only negative experience at the Sugar Bowl was how the dude at the register was playing games on his iPad while running my credit card, really dude? He didn't look up once. Anyway, this is the place for pancakes and good food. It fills up quickly, but they are fairly slow later on in the afternoon.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I've been coming here for a while now, and the more often I eat here, the more I appreciate the staff. The owner knows my daughter and makes sure to say hello, as do several waitresses and one bus boy. They practically treat us like family. I feel like this is an experience that becomes more and more rare as faceless chain restaurants with high employee turnover push out small, independent shops like Sugar Bowl. From the fresh-squeezed OJ to the overflowing breakfast burritos, everything I've tried here has been something I want to try again. Whether I roll in after a sleepless night in pursuit of a huge breakfast or bring my mother-in-law here for lunch, I know I'll be seated and eating something good fast. Potato pancakes, blueberry waffles, eggs florentine, a veggie skillet--they're all good! Don't forget to check the menu board up front for specials and seasonal treats, and come prepared to listen to cheesy music.
(5)Randy K.
Very good breakfast restaurant, with lots to choose from and enormous portions. Comfort food, with excellent, friendly service.
(4)Gabriella M.
This is your typical diner. Good food, good service. Seems family owned.
(4)Joanne E.
Wish I lived closer. Great breakfast. Excellent quality ingredients. Very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating, even at 10:30am on Sunday morning. Everyone we dealt with, hostess, waitress, busboy, were very pleasant, helpful, and really seemed to enjoy working there. Five stars all around.
(5)Nicole W.
This is one of those diners that appeals to the masses. It's friendly, it hosts a diverse menu, it's affordable...it's a neighborhood staple. For those with families, it's clean and the kiddos would be happy to dine here, too. While it may look a bit vintage from the outside, Sugar Bowl slings out some pretty delicious eats. After a not-so-fun prenatal blood test, hubs and I drove to Sugar Bowl to fill my hungry belly. Just 15 minutes after we sat down, I was nose deep into my Paradise Crepes - thin and delicious crepes topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Because of my fasting and testing, I could have served cardboard and been happy, but those crepes were pretty on point. The portions are sizable but not magnanimous, and, frankly, I think that's a good thing. Fairly priced, quickly served by a friendly, seasoned server...Sugar Bowl does it up right.
(4)Maria G.
Went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. We sat at the counter for less of a wait. We had an unobstructed view of the kitchen and the staff. Some observations: 1) We ordered banana bread french toast and the house waffle. Both were pretty plain. The banana bread was dry. 2) We finished our meals before we were asked if we wanted our coffee topped off. Not after I had an empty cup for awhile, and we were no longer eating. 3) Overpriced for what you get. I can make this at home, and better. It was a pretty forgettable experience. We won't be going back.
(2)Deborah G.
Love this place! Good food, generous portions, awesome service. My husband had the corned beef hash and I had the mixed berry french toast. Both were delicious. Our coffee mugs were never empty.
(5)Pam P.
I'm gonna be honest and say I was partially sold to come here because I'm a big Arthur fan and know him and his friends frequently hang out at "The Sugar Bowl." Also, for some reason, I thought this place wasn't in business anymore but was kept around because the exterior looks cool. I've only been here once and it was such a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding. Our waitress was very friendly and easy to talk to. Upon arrival, we were seated in a booth but got moved to the counter upon request. I got the Philly Cheese Steak which comes with soup (I got Chicken and Wild Rice) and fries. It's a very generous portion considering all that it comes with. While we were eating, our waitress introduced us to the chef cooking for us in the back kitchen. Overall, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. There's lots to explore in the menu and I'm looking forward to the next time I come back.
(4)Vito G.
love the bowl :) great value.. the breakfast special is really well priced, the service is great. they have wifi too which is good. also, free parking next door too is great.
(5)Jess B.
I got an avocado Benedict. It was okay but the hash browns are really good and they gave you a lot. The music was way too loud.
(3)Sarah T.
Big portions, friendly staff (both the server and hostess were incredibly thin and beautiful), I really like the color scheme in this large diner. I tried the breakfast special -- 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and toast for $5.99. That plus my hot coffee and small juice? What a great deal.
(4)Joe W.
One of my favorite breakfast places! I go with my family for breakfast on holidays and just because. The host/waitresses and staff as a whole are very friendly, prompt and polite. Prices are reasonable with many items coming with hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. Pancakes are tasty! They are also gluten-free friendly. They have a portion of the menu dedicated to GF. It is small, but all of the staff are aware and they can and do accommodate by making or suggesting changes to other menu items that make them gluten-free. They have gluten-free pancakes, too. The restaurant is very clean. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. They also have a lunch menu consisting of melts, clubs, salads, burgers and other sandwiches. I personally have not tried these but other people I have gone with have and no one was disappointed. Keep up the good work!
(5)Mike P.
Came upon this place thanks to Yelp as I was in the area....was looking for a place that served breakfast all day and this definitely fit the bill! I like to compare different egg dishes...from omlettes to skillets to ??. This place definitely had a wide variety but after checking the menu out I decided to try a scrambler...their western scrambler to be exact with eggs, tomato, mushrooms, ham, and cheese.....loved it ! It was a generous portion along with homemade potatoes and english muffin. Seems to be a great place to go for a bite to eat in the middle city/town square.
(4)Kevin P.
Great atmosphere. Food is pretty good. Basic breakfast food. I usually get eggs Benedict. Its great. They are accommodating to orders.
(4)Linda K.
Best Breakfast Ever!!! Our family does a new breakfast joint every Sunday. I picked this one and what a GEM! Food was fantastic. We will keep this one on our list as a favorite.
(5)V H.
Went in last Monday after picking up my mom from Ohare, wanted to take her somewhere good since she had been stranded in the blizzard, I had read good reviews & am I glad to have tried it! It was amazing! Food was great & service was perfect. From the young man who served us our water & coffee & our server(Vicky) to the manager who checked us out, all great. We are gonna take another trip there for sure (from Indiana!)
(5)Len L.
The ages-old neon sign should be enough to draw you in. The food is fresh cooked diner. I know that sounds odd. For example, the chicken dumpling soup was really nice with fluffy dumplings, white meat and a light broth. This was good soup. Because this is a Greek diner I tried the gyro sandwich, and that was also good. Megan liked her burger. We both thought the fires were a little limp. The breakfast plates others were eating looked good. If you are in Des Plains, give the Sugar Bowl a try.
(4)Elle M.
The food and service could NOT be better!!! Ingredients are fresh, served hot and tasty. From the time you walk in the door you are greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. It continues the whole time! I cannot wait to return :)
(5)A J H.
Great food; good service. Have always loved this place. Try the chicken dumpling soup - it's my favorite.
(5)Liza G.
Had the veggie skillet with over medium eggs and still had half a skillet to take home! Deliciousness filled with toasty home fries, asparagus, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,spinach, broccoli and melty cheddar cheese. Great and efficient service. I'll be back again soon!
(4)Rita P.
I love the sugar bowl! This place has amazing food (besides breakfast, chicken Malibu is one of my favorites) and an awesome atmosphere. One of my absolute favorite places. Try the fresh squeezed OJ- so good!
(5)Rick K.
Sugar Bowl is one of those rare diner-style restaurants that provide good service, good food at reasonable prices and they let you dine at your own pace - even during rush periods. It's a neighborhood kind of place although we don't live that close. We've been coming here for years just not as much I'd like. The owner is a great guy and you can tell his style comes out in his bus and wait staff. Very attentive. Four+ stars here. We typically visit for breakfast and I stick with a couple favorites. Their menu is very diversified so if you can't find anything to try from their assortment then you probably weren't that hungry in the first place. Overall, I'd like to give them 3.5 stars. The only knocks from giving them four stars is their breakfast potatoes are sometimes overcooked, stiff and oily tasting. The other knock is the pricing on some of their items - most are reasonable and consistent with other restaurants in the area. They have a 'House Special' 3 eggs, ham, hash browns and toast or pancakes for $9.25. Their omelets run from $7.75 to $8.25 - seems a tad higher average than most. In short, I would strongly recommend Sugar Bowl.
(3)Stacy P.
I always go at least once to the Sugar Bowl while visiting Des Plaines. The coffee is freshly ground Kona coffee from Hawaii. I always get a scramble. It is so good and the potatoes are the best!! Definitely not the frozen ones at the breakfast chains. I also get the pancakes which are excellent. I look forward to this tradition. I'm heading there now which will make two days in a row!
(5)Carl S.
Not your typical Greek Diner. The help here are Beautiful and service oriented. Skillets and Omelets are wonderful and the Pancakes are GREAT!
(4)Ali R.
There's not much in Des Plaines, but there is Sugar Bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the great breakfast and super sweet service. Everyone was happy to see you and the service was efficient yet laid back. For breakfast I had the California omelet with fresh mushrooms, avocados and swiss cheese. Unlike many diners, the mushrooms were indeed fresh, the avocados plentiful, and the cheese must have been of a higher quality. The pancakes were great as well, however, a bit too soft for my liking. I usually like my pancakes a little more crisp and thin. I tried the corned beef hash which was also good but was not homemade which was a bit of a disappointment but still good. Overall, Sugar Bowl is a great spot if you're in the area and seeking a low cost meal. The menu is huge so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
(4)E. G.
I come to the Sugar Bowl regularly for a late lunch, and the occasional breakfast, and I've never been disappointed. Everyone there - the hostess, servers, busboys, cooks & owners - are friendly and attentive. The extensive menu items aren't cheap, but the food is great and the service even better. I highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)Mike H.
Food is ok. Waitress needs to stop telling stories and do her job. And when i say waitress i mean the one loud one
(2)Pam D.
This is one place where I don't "get" all the Yelp love. The food was ok. I had one of their combos. The potato pancakes were good, the bacon was overly crispy and the eggs were skimpy. Christopher had the ham & cheese skillet. It was also ok, but nothing exciting. They were out of Diet Coke, so I opted for Root Beer. It was $2.25 for an average size fountain glass. If they offered free refills, no one asked if I wanted one, so who knows. Christopher had a glass of orange juice .... $4.50 !!! When he told me I kept asking if he was sure. He was. The restaurant is clean and cheerful looking, but they keep it like an icebox in there. They also blast dreadful "easy listening" music. I can see where it is convenient for the locals, and maybe other things on the menu are fine, but Sugar Bowl is not a breakfast destination for us. It does have a great vintage exterior, but that's not enough to pull us back all the way from the city.
(3)Margaret R.
Good, basic breakfast place. The fruit cup was freshly cut and tasty---no grapes! My husband had a skillet which he enjoyed; everything came out exactly as ordered. Good coffee and you can't beat the great retro sign outside. I appreciate that their breakfast potatoes are homemade, and that there's Tabasco on every table.
(4)Tricia D.
I almost almost almost ordered the spinach crepes, substituting one of them with a nutella one, but at the last minute, I opted for the portabella benedict. Gotta love shrooms... ... except when they're sour and not fresh. Gross. I left full though because of the side of home fries. My friend's eggs benedict with avocado smelled really sour, and the dish was just off. Not planning on returning.
(2)Mike W.
Certainly no 'Wildberry' or 'Brunch Cafe' but better than 'ihop' or 'Dennys'. The staff was nice. They played some awesome 80's muzic the whole time. I got my own pitcher of H20 to nurse me hangover. The food was: aiight, but i'm a food snob (dahling)! So, what I didn't like, many of you'z will probably love. Will I be back? Hell no. But at least I can finally say: I've tried the place. As some thingz are just not meant to be, the Sugar bowl will alwayz be to me one of thoze "one-night standz" I just needed in a time of desperate morning breakfast sex. #mwah
(3)Linda N.
their pancakes are delicious. really really good. skillets phenomenal best HOT BEEF I have ever had, but it isnt on menu...occasional special. Oh how I wish they were open for dinner. Even closing at 6 would work. Starting a petition
(4)L V.
I came in with my kids and they wanted cheeseburgers. They didn't have any kids burgers so I ordered an adult burger and split it. My kids for whatever reason didn't like it (which is very rare) and asked if we can change the order and they said no! And still had to pay for the burger that they took only a bite out of. I Had to go home and make them something else to eat. We will never go there again!!!
(1)Lauren J.
I was hopeful in coming to this place. I still haven't found anywhere even remotely close to my house that serves a stellar breakfast/brunch. Everyone was nice upon our arrival and we were seated promptly. We ordered and everything seemed to be going really smoothly. After we ordered, things seemed to fall apart. Our food came out fairly quick, which was good, but it was really mediocre. We'd both ordered sides of sausage links (for $3.50 a piece) and it seemed as though the cook had just put them on the grill and left them there. They were almost rock solid. I got the apple cinnamon french toast and it was VERY mediocre. Not horrible. It was edible. But I wouldn't call that a compliment. My boyfriend got the mixed berry crepes. "Mixed Berry" apparently means strawberries and blueberries. Not exactly a mixture of berries. Once we got our food and we were picking at it, our waitress completely disappeared. We finished eating and she still hadn't come back. We were ready to go and she STILL hadn't shown up. I was practically holding my credit card in the air and waving it around. We ended up having to go up to the front and ask to pay, awkwardly. Everyone was nice but could have been a little more attentive and the food could have been MUCH better. Probably won't be returning.
(3)Joelle S.
Love this place for breakfast!! Speedy service is excellent and the food is very good. I particularly like the variety of French Toast that they have on the extensive breakfast menu! The omelets are good too, large and fluffy! Plus they make this delicious orange marmalade in house that is unbelievable! The best!
(4)Mark V.
Steak and Eggs are Great So are the Potato Pancakes Staff is always friendly and accommodating Down side is I like these things so much always order the same things
(4)Joyce C.
I came here expecting more, since the reviews for this place were pretty good. But, eh, it is only just ok. There is an old school sign outside this place, which I thought was nice. Upon walking in, we were promptly greeted and sat right away. The waitress came by and took our orders quickly, and my husband had a question about one of the combos on the menu. Upon talking about the combo, the waitress had mentioned that the potato pancake that was included with the combo was not homemade. Eh, bummer. So, my husband ordered the George's combo and I ordered the Stacy's combo. Each are combos with eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage, with the only difference is that my combo came with french toast and his came with a waffle. It was a pretty standard combo and it didn't taste bad, but the meat was just of standard quality. The coffee was pretty gross and I ended up having to go to a Caribou on my way home to make up for the grossness. Overall, not a bad place but just pretty standard.
(3)Grace K.
This is one of the best breakfast places I've ever tried. This place provide good service and good food at reasonable prices. The waitress was very friendly and very on top of things, was impressed that she knew just when to refill coffee and whatever else that was needed. The pancakes actually rival that of Walker Bros. which I always compare other places' pancakes to.
(5)Zeke Y.
I went here for the first time on May 8, 2013 for breakfast. I will sum it all up with this phrase: I FREAKING LOVE IT! A little background. We used to live in the city in Wrigleyville. There used to be this unassuming, no fuss breakfast/lunch place called Manny at the corner Clark/Newport/Sheffield. During weekends, the place was packed with locals and regulars because they served the best no-fuss breakfast in the neighborhood. Portions where very generous, and the hashbrowns were crispy and crusty on the outside. They closed some time in the mid 90's, and I've never had breakfast like that since.... till now! We moved to Des Plaines about 3 years ago, and haven't found a good breakfast place yet. This past week, I walked into the Sugar Bowl and ordered my standard test: corned beef hash and eggs, over easy. When the plate arrived, my eyes went wide because it looked almost exactly as I remember getting at Manny. Eggs perfectly done and the hash browns... oh my god! It was as if I was back in Manny! Love the crusty hash, and generous amount of corned beef hash. I had the side of pancakes, and it was light and fluffy as I expected. Our server was one of the most pleasant server we've ever had at a restaurant like this. She made us felt very comfortable, and attentive enough to make sure my decaf coffee never ran dry. I wish I had gotten her name to give her proper credit, but I'm sorry, I was utterly distracted by the nostalgia of the food that I got. Y'know, it may seem like such an insignificant, trivial thing - a simple breakfast. However, when it is done well, and it invokes pleasant memories of the food that you thought you'd never come across again, it becomes something important because it makes you HAPPY! I have all the intention of coming back to the Sugar Bowl again, and bringing my friends with me.
(5)Cecilia C.
I have been meaning to write a review for a while but when I went for lunch today I had such an absolutely wonderful experience I knew I had to get home and write about it. I go there often (1 or 2 a week?) with my husband or my father. They have great breakfasts with giant portions you can easily share with another person. From the fluffy omelet to the Monte Cristo sandwich...I haven't had something I did not like. Every waitress I have had has been polite, friendly, and efficient- as are the bus boys. But today....I went for a birthday lunch with my father. We mentioned it to the waitress and she brought out a honey and cinnamon covered crepe. It was so sweet (in so many senses of the word!) but the sweetest part was when the owner walked over and asked if we got the crepes. Yes, we said, he's turning 66 today! She immediately took the check away from us and told us it was on the house, then gave us a big hug. It was such a nice gesture on her part and made us feel very special. I have been a regular in many breakfast places over time- but few ever made such an effort to make me feel so welcomed. I think that's what really kicks a place up to five stars. You can get fluffy pancakes at alot of places- but fluffy pancakes and great coffee from people who seem to really care- that is priceless.
(5)Jeff W.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place for breakfast and happened across the Sugar Bowl. It's the hole-in-the-wall diner/greasy spoon experience that everyone loves. Really tasty food at a cheap price and FAST service. You can't really ask for more from a place that does only breakfast.
(4)Allison C.
Don't let the old school sign outside fool you! Updated and very clean inside. Visited on a weekday around 9a, only a handful of others in the joint. All the staff was extremely polite, food was quick and delicious. I ordered an omelette which came with hashbrowns and pancakes, my friend ordered eggs benedict, both of us got fresh-squeezed oj, and all was enjoyed. Will definitely be returning.
(4)Shawn M.
Pretty good diner food but be prepared to be completely ignored if you dine during a shift change. Other area diners, like The Silver Stallion, have much better service.
(2)Brenda G.
Excellent skillets. I had the Irish ( corned beef). It was perfect. The Greek toast has sesame seeds galore and was toasted perfectly. My husband had the Butchers Skillet (meaty!). It was good but what draws him to the Sugar Bowl is the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have a fancy juicing machine you can see from the dining room. Juice is pricey but worth it. Two skillets, coffee, a soda and a large OJ was $28. We've been to Sugar Bowl twice now for breakfast. Happy both times. Waitstaff is friendly and fast.
(4)Hitomi A.
The best breakfast place! Great service and great food! Everything on the menu is good.
(5)Bob A.
Had lunch with 4 coworkers today, I had the "Clubhouse" not bad, needed a little salt, otherwise very good. The place was packed, had a small wait, but had time to chat with my friends. 2 others had salads, man they were overwhelming large enough for 2 people. Service was good, staff was friendly. I will be back with my family.
(4)Matt H.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and great price. I live nearby, so I try to make it here a couple times a month. They are located in downtown Des Plaines, and you can't beat their breakfast food! Keep up the great work.
(5)Laura C.
My husband travels internationally, We found the sugar bowl while driving to O'Hare. How could we not stop when a restaurant has such a lovely name and it did live up to expectations. We had a great breakfast and had plenty of leftovers. I am a sucker for an omelet. My husband had pancakes that had tons of fresh fruit on it. Must go back! We highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)Lavon K.
We were seated quickly. Served quickly and out quickly. My kind of place. My husband had the George combo and I had the paradise crepes. Delish. Our waitress could've been a little more patient but we will still be back.
(4)Tara M.
FINALLY made it back to the Sugar Bowl since the reopening, again, for breakfast and was absolutely pleased with food, service, atmosphere... all of it! The new decor is lovely, very modern and pleasant, and not the same old decor you get from your local, American faire/family friendly restaurants... bold colors and tiled floors, lovely really. Food: First, my husband ordered blueberry pancakes, and while it's always frustrating that no one ever puts the blueberries in the pancakes (like I do at home) it was so refreshing to have fresh blueberries on top, instead of a compote that's overly saucey and too sweet. Husband really enjoyed it and said that the pancakes were very fluffy. Son ordered kids scrambled eggs and got plenty, even though the menu said he was only getting one. Daughter ordered kids French Toast and we were amazed that she got 4 halves! Large portion for a kids menu item! I had a broccoli & cheese eggwhite omlette (I'm not very versitile in the mornings... it's what I always order) and it was light/fluff/florets only... yum! My mother ordered one of their skillets, asked for onions in her hash browns and was very happy with her meal as well. The staff was incredibly attentive! On us right away, when we sat, with coffee and getting our drink order. We were really pleased and will definitely go back.
(5)Richard B.
So, a friend and I are driving around, looking for a little diner to grab a bite when the sign for Sugar Bowl caught my attention: BREAKFAST!!! Bam, this is the place! Warm and friendly... we were seated immediately. Our waitress Tracey was very attentive but not pushy. Food was standard diner fair, served fast and hot! I had a classic Reuben (open face, extra kraut) . Large portion *(so big I had to take half home)..... we will be back!
(5)Mike O.
This place hits all my buttons for a good restaurant. Walk through the front door and was greeted by the hostess who had a Greek accent, this is always a good sign for me as I love Greek diners. Within a minute or two of sitting down, one bus boy brought a pitcher of ice water and the other brought coffee and cups. The waitress came by to take our order but we were not ready, she said okay and went on to take care of her other tables. The other hostess (Greek also) came and seemed upset that our order was not taken yet. I told her it was okay because we were not sure of want we wanted. Settled for a skillet breakfast and it was enough for a meal and a half, and was nice and hot. Our waitress made sure we had coffee during the meal and always asked how every thing was going. Restaurant is very clean and well it. And if you enjoy watching trains, the Metra train runs right in front of the restaurant.
(5)Candice G.
Okay- I'm sold. Sugar Bowl was always good but whoever is the owner now has totally stepped it up. Delicious food, attentive service, great prices. I had the french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage with a side of hashbrowns like a half hour ago. I'm full but I'm seriously thinking about going back for lunch! I'm a sugar bowl fan. A busboy brings you water as soon as you sit down, no need to ask for hot sauce it's at the table already. This place has it right.
(5)Gamma R.
Very average brunch food but good service and the only brunch place in downtown Des Plaines (?) .. Really wish the food was better though. French toast and crepes were what we ordered and they were bot kinda really average.
(3)Brittany S.
I have been hearing about this place since high school and after living in Des Plaines for about 18 years, I finally step into the Sugar Bowl. I randomly came in today for lunch to finally see what the buzz was about. The service was good and the staff was very attentive and hospitable. My server was really nice and checked on me often enough during my 2 hour stay... yea I'm a slow eater-- haha. I ordered one of the items listed on the specials list on the table for $6.99, which was a ham omelet with home fries, toast and a cup of coffee. The serving portion was so huge that I couldn't finish everything on my plate-- so I knew I was getting my money's worth. I may also have gotten super full because of continual service of filling up my coffee cup a lot. It was great cause I really need a good cup of coffee, and ended up finishing about 4 cups! The type of toast that I got with my meal was raisin, but I didn't expect marmalade to come with. I'm usually not a fan of orange marmalade, but this was tasty! I don't know if it is homemade, but it was flavorful! The home fries and ham omelet was also good. The omelet was really light and fluffy, which probably contributed to its massive size. I also saw how they treat their regulars well, the hostess knew who she was talking to and conversed with them. Their service wasn't too slow today, since it was busy for lunch, but she would also apologize if she came back to the front-- which I didn't mind cause I wasn't in any rush. The place and the bathrooms weren't too bad since they were renovated. And the booths were also comfy. There was also 2 large flat screens which featured the news. I would definitely come back with family and friends.
(4)Dan L.
As always, the service (while outstanding) is only eclipsed by the quality/quantity of the food you get for your money...my only problem with Yelp is that it limits you to 5 stars in order to rate a restaurant that EASILY deserves 10!
(5)Barry J.
Nice family style Greek diner. Delicious food, friendly service, clean and nicely priced. A real gem. I had the buttermilk pancakes with berries. Cakes were fluffy and had a great buttermilk aroma. The berries looked and tasted very fresh. Diner coffee was a-ok. Stacy is a sweetheart.
(5)Julia P.
I've been here a couple times and have had great customer service... everyone is friendly and accommodating. The food is yummy and a lot to choose from.. great local spot for breakfast. :) Go for the pancakes!
(4)Gregory B.
This is as good as this "type" (Greek-owned diner) gets. So nice. Huge portions. Great prices. Freshly sliced turkey. Amazing soups--navy bean as I have never had it before. I want to move in.
(5)Betty V.
A great find! I was staying near O'Hare and was looking for a breakfast spot. Food was good and generous. Friendly service.
(4)David M.
I have struggled to find much of a difference to report between the various diners in the area: Mrs. V's, Silver Stallion, Des Plaines Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Andy's, etc. I suppose Gail's Carriage House seems somehow better than the other food-wise, but I can't really put my finger on why. But in the realm of Sunday brunch, mostly it comes down to the parking lot. The Sugar Bowl: very nicely renovated, spacious, attentive staff, perfectly good food, ridiculously large portions, overall nice vibe. It's in walking distance of my home, so I don't care much about the parking lot. Actually they don't have one, though there's plenty of parking on-street and in the Metro Square Garage. The one thing that tweaks me about this place is that they almost always have Fox News on one or both of their TVs. Really now. I have just come from church. I don't need this to challenge my mood.
(4)Eman A.
Found this place on Yelp. It had to be quick, because my sister wanted to go to panera, and I told her that you can't drag me out of bed to go to panera...since I was under the impression we were going to orange. :) Their menu is extensive. I haven't seen so much food in my life and the place was full for 10 am on a sunday morning, but it was mostly seniors and their families. I love pb&j and ordered the peanut butter and jelly french toast. O M G It was so delish, very sweet had to have the home fries as a side to cut through some of the sweetness, but it was very good. I didn't get pancakes, but my husband had them as a side and I had a bite of his. Very good. Hands down best pancakes so far. I'm so glad I found this place, normally I wouldn't go to this kind of diner and I'm so glad I did.
(5)Jeff N.
Downtown Des Plaines is very well served by this cozy, breakfast/lunch restaurant. Nestled in the location previously held by the original Sugar Bowl (an old fashioned ice cream place) the varied restaurant meets almost any need. I love the large and tasty omelets. I am also a big fan of the salads there, too. Steve, the owner is the gregarious type who greets everyone and makes them feel like family.
(4)Kelly W.
I like the Sugar Bowl. I have gone frequently ever since the reopening with family. The food is delicious (yes, basic breakfast food for cheap!) and the service has always been good, even when it was crazy busy. The parking is nice because it is the side as well as the street. It is a Des Plaines staple and a highly recommended one at that!
(4)Ren S.
Not amazing but acceptable. When I came here I ordered a hamburger(I think...) and the food was way over priced. I think I paid more than $10 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink(I think... Sorry I came here a while ago and never came back..). Anyways I didn't like it here because the food sucks and the portions were small. If you want a good breakfast go to Des Plaines Pancake house(down the street on Miner St.). If you want a good lunch that isn't to far go to Thai Square(near the DP theater) or if you were looking for a burger like I was there is a McDonald down Metropolitan Square(ear the Original McD)
(3)Kira K.
Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere! Love it!!
(5)Anika F.
This place is the best for breakfast! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, the food is great! They have a very extended menu from crepes to pancakes to everything else. It doesn't take to long to get a table.
(5)Janis F.
My neighbor is the owner and you couldn't find a nicer place for breakfast! :-D
(5)Brian C.
I think this place wins hands down when you talk about the best bang for the buck for breakfast/brunch. I had their house special, which is three eggs, hash browns, a pound of ham, and choice of toast or pancakes. It runs about 8 bucks. I look forward to eating the leftover ham tomorrow morning. There was no wait on late Saturday morning, another big bonus. Service was very attentive and efficient. The sign on the front is very cool, and it lets you know that this place has real history. The interior was redone not too long ago, and it is very inviting. There are two flat screen TVs in the back that are unobtrusive and give one a little distraction if they so choose. It can mean not missing any of the game while going out to eat, anyway. This is certainly going to be a place in the rotation for us.
(4)Kyle D.
Great food at beyond reasonable prices. Staff and management are very nice and friendly. Not sure why people are saying the ownership is terrible and rude. Never once had an issue with employees or management. Bottom line, good food, great prices and good staff. Love coming here!
(5)Ethan S.
It's not one of your classic 50's Sugar Bowl's, but the food is excellent. Although it was closed for quite some time, it's back up and running now. :)
(5)Scott Z.
Good food and good service in downtown Des Plaines. It's a diner experience that does it's best for breakfast and lunch. Competitive pricing and community feel.
(4)Isabelle L.
Diner conveniently located downtown Des Plaines across from the train station. Ended up there for breakfast / brunch with a group of friends after running the Des Plaines 5K and we were starving! Well the place met our needs, the portions were huge! The food is nothing special and pretty blend, not greasy though which is always a plus for me. So if you are looking for a local diner, with huge portions at a cheap price with attentive and friendly staff, by all means stop by your belly will be satisfied. If you are looking for something a bit more special, pass.
(3)Trixie H.
Sugar Bowl finally reopens. It's clean, painted, and friendly. Menu has been paired down. Good coffee. One issue: eggs were uncooked-whites clear and running all over otherwise delicious breakfast. See full review at trixieandhowie.wordpress… .
(3)Chris J.
So far, so good. I went for the first time on Sunday for brunch. Was enticed by an article about the preservation of the glorious sign in front. I love old signs and figured any business that (as I understand it) is keeping the name Sugar Bowl to match the sign was worth checking out. It was a very solid experience, the place was busy, but had available tables, which is sometimes hard to find when it comes to Sunday brunch. The decor seem new and there are a plentiful amount of booths along the wall and down the middle. The food was hot and quick and reasonably priced ($5-$8). The menu seemed to range from straight up regular (a variety of eggs and pancakes) to more exotic (egg white omelets and whole grain pancakes). I had a mini waffle combo, which came with mini waffles, eggs, sausage and bacon. Very tasty, the bacon was super crisp, but not over done. My guest had the whole grain pancakes, which were reported to be very good as well.
(5)Steve F.
Foods great, service is usually good if you don't stay to long..
(4)Jessica M.
Best pancakes in DP! Also, the owner makes rounds herself to check up on customers. Nice.
(4)Angelina C.
Have only been here once, but definitely plan to return. Food was fantastic, not at all greasy, which is rare for a diner type if experience. Prices were reasonable and the staff was very attentive and friendly. They new quite a few customers by name, which is the sign of a great place. The only thing that prevented me from giving them five stars was the corn beef hash is not home made.
(4)Sarah A.
I discovered the Paradise Crepes. No way I can ever imagine another breakfast rivaling this. Its sweet but that speaks to my major sweet tooth. Oh and I really like their coffee too!
(5)Josue J.
Everything was great and everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were very nice, definetly want to make this place a regular
(4)Lola B.
Very nice place with great food and friendly people! We go there for a walk at least once w week for great breakfast!!!
(5)Marisol M.
If your looking for a nice place for breakfast this is it! I have been here 3 times so far and I have not been disappointed. In fact, everyone I have taken has also enjoyed this restaurant. Most have been back. They have a big menu, so pretty much anything you look for is there. The prices are average but the portions are large. It's clean and the staff is very friendly and attentive. They also have this homemade marmalade they bring to your table. YUM!! Make sure you try it.
(5)Andy M.
Nice family restaurant in downtown Des Plaines. Not the worse and not the best. Good breakfest
(3)Jovia F.
It's too bad their service was so terrible, otherwise I'd give it a star or two for the uh...basic yet tasty breakfast food. I sat there for an hour with my boyfriend waiting to get menus. Then a server asked if we'd been taken care of and said "well you shoulda said something!" when we said we hadn't. She continued to go argue with another server about whether she was supposed to take us before she did her end-of-shift work. This whole thing is so many kinds of rude to your customer. After that point we got mediocre service from the woman who asked if we'd been taken care of. She got our orders while babbling about her long day (I don't care about you once you've made me wait so long, especially when you dont ask me anything about myself to start this small talk off), then got us coffee 5-10 minutes later, then finally brought the food, then forgot to refill our coffee until we were almost done eating. Neither of us finished our food and I'm still not sure if it was because we didn't like it, we got full, or we were flustered with the experience. So, as much as I'd like to give this place a second chance I doubt I will be. Breakfast places are a dime a dozen in the burbs.
(1)TJ M.
Whenever we visit a new town, my friends and I resort to Yelp to find good places to eat. And very few times had Yelp disappointed us. And with this attested belief, we did much the same thing to get breakfast at Des Plains. Unfortunately, the culinary experience that my friends and I had at Sugar Bowl could be summed up as dreadful. As college students, we weren't expecting much at all from an old fashioned breakfast and brunch place. But even for our ordinary standards, this place offers very poor food especially when given that it has such high reviews on Yelp. I ordered a spinach omelette which was served with hash browns and pancakes, and my friends had ordered a breakfast burrito. One would find it hard to believe that simple items such as these can be cooked in an unappetizing way. The hash browns were extremely under cooked to the extent that some of it was even raw. It tasted more like mashed potato rather than hash browns, which are supposed to be crispy. The omelette was overcooked leading the eggs to lose its tenderness entirely. Moreover the omelette didn't seem to be seasoned at all. The saving grace was the coffee, which was served piping hot (the way I like it). Again, our expectations from an inexpensive place like this were very ordinary, but even the service was poor in that it took us a few minutes each time to get the attention of our waitress. When your entire group starts to talk at the table about how poor the food was, one can clearly make out that the experience was very unsatisfactory. As is the case often, I suspect our experience might be a one off or that this place is more famous for its lunch menu and not so much for the breakfast menu. Regardless, given our experience we have no reason to eat at this place or recommend it to anyone we know. But given that we aren't likely to go to Des Plains any time soon, I guess that assertion was irrelevant. Our faith in Yelp reviews is far from lost, but is definitely shaken.
(1)Annie J.
Perfect old school diner atmosphere with great food and a fantastic staff! Stacy makes you feel like family every time you walk in, food is consistently good with decent prices. Best for breakfast, gets busy on the weekends, but well worth it!
(5)Sarah A.
I discovered the Paradise Crepes. No way I can ever imagine another breakfast rivaling this. Its sweet but that speaks to my major sweet tooth. Oh and I really like their coffee too!
(5)Josue J.
Everything was great and everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were very nice, definetly want to make this place a regular
(4)Lola B.
Very nice place with great food and friendly people! We go there for a walk at least once w week for great breakfast!!!
(5)Sarah T.
Big portions, friendly staff (both the server and hostess were incredibly thin and beautiful), I really like the color scheme in this large diner. I tried the breakfast special -- 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and toast for $5.99. That plus my hot coffee and small juice? What a great deal.
(4)A J H.
Great food; good service. Have always loved this place. Try the chicken dumpling soup - it's my favorite.
(5)Liza G.
Had the veggie skillet with over medium eggs and still had half a skillet to take home! Deliciousness filled with toasty home fries, asparagus, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,spinach, broccoli and melty cheddar cheese. Great and efficient service. I'll be back again soon!
(4)Rita P.
I love the sugar bowl! This place has amazing food (besides breakfast, chicken Malibu is one of my favorites) and an awesome atmosphere. One of my absolute favorite places. Try the fresh squeezed OJ- so good!
(5)Anika F.
This place is the best for breakfast! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, the food is great! They have a very extended menu from crepes to pancakes to everything else. It doesn't take to long to get a table.
(5)Vickey L.
Highly recommending this place. We ordered the Popeyes crepes (spinach and egg with hollandaise), a Monte Cristo, and the Sugarbowl waffle (pecans, vanilla ice cream, topped with cinnamon and honey). The meals came with chicken dumpling and cream of broccoli soup. Our order came at the perfect temperature and all of it was delicious. The only negative: the hollandaise was "broken" (didn't stop us from devouring the meal)! The positives: clean restaurant, friendly staff (even topped off my leftover soup), free wifi, easy/free parking in the garage, good honest food, and THEY PUT SPRINKLES ON THE HOT COCOA. In case you missed that... they put SPRINKLES on the HOT COCOA.
(5)Nanette S.
There is a large menu to choose from. There is everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner. One of the owners named Stacy is no longer there, but the restaurant started with her and George. Stacy had been there when the restaurant had a separate section that sold all kinds of candies. That is how The Sugar Bowl got its name. I met all three owners. Chris is nice as well. He packed extra soup for me one time free of charge. I also like George. George has waited on me himself. He talked me into a special which was really good. The Sugar Bowl has atmosphere. It has music as well as a television set to watch the news. I have walked in on a Sunday and the restaurant was packed. I had to wait for seating, but, it was well worth it. The restaurant has comfortable seating you can sit down and wait to get serviced. If you have a service or product to sell, they will accept your flyers and cards. The only thing I have to say is that the portions are so big and you can not obtain half portions if you want them. But, you don't go away starving. I recommend you come hungry or just order a bowl of soup!
(5)Will M.
Amazing breakfast place. Wonderfully tasting Pancakes. We eat here often and the only thing better than the food is the service. Smiling friendly people throughout.
(5)Karen K.
One of the best breakfast places ever! Prices are decent and the quality of the food is superb! I've tried a number of things but the best thing on their menu to me was their blintz. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Portions are huge, friendly staff, DELICIOUS food, plenty of parking... I could go on and on but I'm getting hungry just talking about this place. :D
(5)Angie O.
This place was packed Sunday brunch. In the heart of downtown Des Plaines, & accross the street from the Metra, can't miss it. Was nothing special. Price range for this place should really be updated. A cup of orange juice was $4.50. .. service was quick but not attentive, the bus boy did a better job of asking if we needed anything when he brought us water vs the waitress when she brought the food. I had a Canadian Benedict, I was super hungry when I arrived but food & flavor was pretty short. Hash browns were dry, and no seasoning, (how dare they)! Maybe this place is a step up from retirement home meals . My brother and I ate for$30. Parents had coffee, total was $38. My suggestion would be going down the road east to the Des Plaines restaurant/ pancake house. Ten more dollars will feed two more.
(2)Ali R.
There's not much in Des Plaines, but there is Sugar Bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the great breakfast and super sweet service. Everyone was happy to see you and the service was efficient yet laid back. For breakfast I had the California omelet with fresh mushrooms, avocados and swiss cheese. Unlike many diners, the mushrooms were indeed fresh, the avocados plentiful, and the cheese must have been of a higher quality. The pancakes were great as well, however, a bit too soft for my liking. I usually like my pancakes a little more crisp and thin. I tried the corned beef hash which was also good but was not homemade which was a bit of a disappointment but still good. Overall, Sugar Bowl is a great spot if you're in the area and seeking a low cost meal. The menu is huge so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
(4)Zeke Y.
I went here for the first time on May 8, 2013 for breakfast. I will sum it all up with this phrase: I FREAKING LOVE IT! A little background. We used to live in the city in Wrigleyville. There used to be this unassuming, no fuss breakfast/lunch place called Manny at the corner Clark/Newport/Sheffield. During weekends, the place was packed with locals and regulars because they served the best no-fuss breakfast in the neighborhood. Portions where very generous, and the hashbrowns were crispy and crusty on the outside. They closed some time in the mid 90's, and I've never had breakfast like that since.... till now! We moved to Des Plaines about 3 years ago, and haven't found a good breakfast place yet. This past week, I walked into the Sugar Bowl and ordered my standard test: corned beef hash and eggs, over easy. When the plate arrived, my eyes went wide because it looked almost exactly as I remember getting at Manny. Eggs perfectly done and the hash browns... oh my god! It was as if I was back in Manny! Love the crusty hash, and generous amount of corned beef hash. I had the side of pancakes, and it was light and fluffy as I expected. Our server was one of the most pleasant server we've ever had at a restaurant like this. She made us felt very comfortable, and attentive enough to make sure my decaf coffee never ran dry. I wish I had gotten her name to give her proper credit, but I'm sorry, I was utterly distracted by the nostalgia of the food that I got. Y'know, it may seem like such an insignificant, trivial thing - a simple breakfast. However, when it is done well, and it invokes pleasant memories of the food that you thought you'd never come across again, it becomes something important because it makes you HAPPY! I have all the intention of coming back to the Sugar Bowl again, and bringing my friends with me.
(5)Tara M.
FINALLY made it back to the Sugar Bowl since the reopening, again, for breakfast and was absolutely pleased with food, service, atmosphere... all of it! The new decor is lovely, very modern and pleasant, and not the same old decor you get from your local, American faire/family friendly restaurants... bold colors and tiled floors, lovely really. Food: First, my husband ordered blueberry pancakes, and while it's always frustrating that no one ever puts the blueberries in the pancakes (like I do at home) it was so refreshing to have fresh blueberries on top, instead of a compote that's overly saucey and too sweet. Husband really enjoyed it and said that the pancakes were very fluffy. Son ordered kids scrambled eggs and got plenty, even though the menu said he was only getting one. Daughter ordered kids French Toast and we were amazed that she got 4 halves! Large portion for a kids menu item! I had a broccoli & cheese eggwhite omlette (I'm not very versitile in the mornings... it's what I always order) and it was light/fluff/florets only... yum! My mother ordered one of their skillets, asked for onions in her hash browns and was very happy with her meal as well. The staff was incredibly attentive! On us right away, when we sat, with coffee and getting our drink order. We were really pleased and will definitely go back.
(5)Richard B.
So, a friend and I are driving around, looking for a little diner to grab a bite when the sign for Sugar Bowl caught my attention: BREAKFAST!!! Bam, this is the place! Warm and friendly... we were seated immediately. Our waitress Tracey was very attentive but not pushy. Food was standard diner fair, served fast and hot! I had a classic Reuben (open face, extra kraut) . Large portion *(so big I had to take half home)..... we will be back!
(5)Mike O.
This place hits all my buttons for a good restaurant. Walk through the front door and was greeted by the hostess who had a Greek accent, this is always a good sign for me as I love Greek diners. Within a minute or two of sitting down, one bus boy brought a pitcher of ice water and the other brought coffee and cups. The waitress came by to take our order but we were not ready, she said okay and went on to take care of her other tables. The other hostess (Greek also) came and seemed upset that our order was not taken yet. I told her it was okay because we were not sure of want we wanted. Settled for a skillet breakfast and it was enough for a meal and a half, and was nice and hot. Our waitress made sure we had coffee during the meal and always asked how every thing was going. Restaurant is very clean and well it. And if you enjoy watching trains, the Metra train runs right in front of the restaurant.
(5)Candice G.
Okay- I'm sold. Sugar Bowl was always good but whoever is the owner now has totally stepped it up. Delicious food, attentive service, great prices. I had the french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage with a side of hashbrowns like a half hour ago. I'm full but I'm seriously thinking about going back for lunch! I'm a sugar bowl fan. A busboy brings you water as soon as you sit down, no need to ask for hot sauce it's at the table already. This place has it right.
(5)Gamma R.
Very average brunch food but good service and the only brunch place in downtown Des Plaines (?) .. Really wish the food was better though. French toast and crepes were what we ordered and they were bot kinda really average.
(3)Brittany S.
I have been hearing about this place since high school and after living in Des Plaines for about 18 years, I finally step into the Sugar Bowl. I randomly came in today for lunch to finally see what the buzz was about. The service was good and the staff was very attentive and hospitable. My server was really nice and checked on me often enough during my 2 hour stay... yea I'm a slow eater-- haha. I ordered one of the items listed on the specials list on the table for $6.99, which was a ham omelet with home fries, toast and a cup of coffee. The serving portion was so huge that I couldn't finish everything on my plate-- so I knew I was getting my money's worth. I may also have gotten super full because of continual service of filling up my coffee cup a lot. It was great cause I really need a good cup of coffee, and ended up finishing about 4 cups! The type of toast that I got with my meal was raisin, but I didn't expect marmalade to come with. I'm usually not a fan of orange marmalade, but this was tasty! I don't know if it is homemade, but it was flavorful! The home fries and ham omelet was also good. The omelet was really light and fluffy, which probably contributed to its massive size. I also saw how they treat their regulars well, the hostess knew who she was talking to and conversed with them. Their service wasn't too slow today, since it was busy for lunch, but she would also apologize if she came back to the front-- which I didn't mind cause I wasn't in any rush. The place and the bathrooms weren't too bad since they were renovated. And the booths were also comfy. There was also 2 large flat screens which featured the news. I would definitely come back with family and friends.
(4)Dan L.
As always, the service (while outstanding) is only eclipsed by the quality/quantity of the food you get for your money...my only problem with Yelp is that it limits you to 5 stars in order to rate a restaurant that EASILY deserves 10!
(5)Barry J.
Nice family style Greek diner. Delicious food, friendly service, clean and nicely priced. A real gem. I had the buttermilk pancakes with berries. Cakes were fluffy and had a great buttermilk aroma. The berries looked and tasted very fresh. Diner coffee was a-ok. Stacy is a sweetheart.
(5)Julia P.
I've been here a couple times and have had great customer service... everyone is friendly and accommodating. The food is yummy and a lot to choose from.. great local spot for breakfast. :) Go for the pancakes!
(4)Gregory B.
This is as good as this "type" (Greek-owned diner) gets. So nice. Huge portions. Great prices. Freshly sliced turkey. Amazing soups--navy bean as I have never had it before. I want to move in.
(5)Betty V.
A great find! I was staying near O'Hare and was looking for a breakfast spot. Food was good and generous. Friendly service.
(4)David M.
I have struggled to find much of a difference to report between the various diners in the area: Mrs. V's, Silver Stallion, Des Plaines Family Restaurant & Pancake House, Andy's, etc. I suppose Gail's Carriage House seems somehow better than the other food-wise, but I can't really put my finger on why. But in the realm of Sunday brunch, mostly it comes down to the parking lot. The Sugar Bowl: very nicely renovated, spacious, attentive staff, perfectly good food, ridiculously large portions, overall nice vibe. It's in walking distance of my home, so I don't care much about the parking lot. Actually they don't have one, though there's plenty of parking on-street and in the Metro Square Garage. The one thing that tweaks me about this place is that they almost always have Fox News on one or both of their TVs. Really now. I have just come from church. I don't need this to challenge my mood.
(4)Eman A.
Found this place on Yelp. It had to be quick, because my sister wanted to go to panera, and I told her that you can't drag me out of bed to go to panera...since I was under the impression we were going to orange. :) Their menu is extensive. I haven't seen so much food in my life and the place was full for 10 am on a sunday morning, but it was mostly seniors and their families. I love pb&j and ordered the peanut butter and jelly french toast. O M G It was so delish, very sweet had to have the home fries as a side to cut through some of the sweetness, but it was very good. I didn't get pancakes, but my husband had them as a side and I had a bite of his. Very good. Hands down best pancakes so far. I'm so glad I found this place, normally I wouldn't go to this kind of diner and I'm so glad I did.
(5)Jeff N.
Downtown Des Plaines is very well served by this cozy, breakfast/lunch restaurant. Nestled in the location previously held by the original Sugar Bowl (an old fashioned ice cream place) the varied restaurant meets almost any need. I love the large and tasty omelets. I am also a big fan of the salads there, too. Steve, the owner is the gregarious type who greets everyone and makes them feel like family.
(4)Kelly W.
I like the Sugar Bowl. I have gone frequently ever since the reopening with family. The food is delicious (yes, basic breakfast food for cheap!) and the service has always been good, even when it was crazy busy. The parking is nice because it is the side as well as the street. It is a Des Plaines staple and a highly recommended one at that!
(4)Ren S.
Not amazing but acceptable. When I came here I ordered a hamburger(I think...) and the food was way over priced. I think I paid more than $10 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink(I think... Sorry I came here a while ago and never came back..). Anyways I didn't like it here because the food sucks and the portions were small. If you want a good breakfast go to Des Plaines Pancake house(down the street on Miner St.). If you want a good lunch that isn't to far go to Thai Square(near the DP theater) or if you were looking for a burger like I was there is a McDonald down Metropolitan Square(ear the Original McD)
(3)Kira K.
Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere! Love it!!
(5)Cecilia C.
I have been meaning to write a review for a while but when I went for lunch today I had such an absolutely wonderful experience I knew I had to get home and write about it. I go there often (1 or 2 a week?) with my husband or my father. They have great breakfasts with giant portions you can easily share with another person. From the fluffy omelet to the Monte Cristo sandwich...I haven't had something I did not like. Every waitress I have had has been polite, friendly, and efficient- as are the bus boys. But today....I went for a birthday lunch with my father. We mentioned it to the waitress and she brought out a honey and cinnamon covered crepe. It was so sweet (in so many senses of the word!) but the sweetest part was when the owner walked over and asked if we got the crepes. Yes, we said, he's turning 66 today! She immediately took the check away from us and told us it was on the house, then gave us a big hug. It was such a nice gesture on her part and made us feel very special. I have been a regular in many breakfast places over time- but few ever made such an effort to make me feel so welcomed. I think that's what really kicks a place up to five stars. You can get fluffy pancakes at alot of places- but fluffy pancakes and great coffee from people who seem to really care- that is priceless.
(5)Jeff W.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place for breakfast and happened across the Sugar Bowl. It's the hole-in-the-wall diner/greasy spoon experience that everyone loves. Really tasty food at a cheap price and FAST service. You can't really ask for more from a place that does only breakfast.
(4)Allison C.
Don't let the old school sign outside fool you! Updated and very clean inside. Visited on a weekday around 9a, only a handful of others in the joint. All the staff was extremely polite, food was quick and delicious. I ordered an omelette which came with hashbrowns and pancakes, my friend ordered eggs benedict, both of us got fresh-squeezed oj, and all was enjoyed. Will definitely be returning.
(4)Shawn M.
Pretty good diner food but be prepared to be completely ignored if you dine during a shift change. Other area diners, like The Silver Stallion, have much better service.
(2)Brenda G.
Excellent skillets. I had the Irish ( corned beef). It was perfect. The Greek toast has sesame seeds galore and was toasted perfectly. My husband had the Butchers Skillet (meaty!). It was good but what draws him to the Sugar Bowl is the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have a fancy juicing machine you can see from the dining room. Juice is pricey but worth it. Two skillets, coffee, a soda and a large OJ was $28. We've been to Sugar Bowl twice now for breakfast. Happy both times. Waitstaff is friendly and fast.
(4)Hitomi A.
The best breakfast place! Great service and great food! Everything on the menu is good.
(5)Bob A.
Had lunch with 4 coworkers today, I had the "Clubhouse" not bad, needed a little salt, otherwise very good. The place was packed, had a small wait, but had time to chat with my friends. 2 others had salads, man they were overwhelming large enough for 2 people. Service was good, staff was friendly. I will be back with my family.
(4)E. G.
I come to the Sugar Bowl regularly for a late lunch, and the occasional breakfast, and I've never been disappointed. Everyone there - the hostess, servers, busboys, cooks & owners - are friendly and attentive. The extensive menu items aren't cheap, but the food is great and the service even better. I highly recommend the Sugar Bowl.
(5)Mike H.
Food is ok. Waitress needs to stop telling stories and do her job. And when i say waitress i mean the one loud one
(2)Pam D.
This is one place where I don't "get" all the Yelp love. The food was ok. I had one of their combos. The potato pancakes were good, the bacon was overly crispy and the eggs were skimpy. Christopher had the ham & cheese skillet. It was also ok, but nothing exciting. They were out of Diet Coke, so I opted for Root Beer. It was $2.25 for an average size fountain glass. If they offered free refills, no one asked if I wanted one, so who knows. Christopher had a glass of orange juice .... $4.50 !!! When he told me I kept asking if he was sure. He was. The restaurant is clean and cheerful looking, but they keep it like an icebox in there. They also blast dreadful "easy listening" music. I can see where it is convenient for the locals, and maybe other things on the menu are fine, but Sugar Bowl is not a breakfast destination for us. It does have a great vintage exterior, but that's not enough to pull us back all the way from the city.
(3)Margaret R.
Good, basic breakfast place. The fruit cup was freshly cut and tasty---no grapes! My husband had a skillet which he enjoyed; everything came out exactly as ordered. Good coffee and you can't beat the great retro sign outside. I appreciate that their breakfast potatoes are homemade, and that there's Tabasco on every table.
(4)Tricia D.
I almost almost almost ordered the spinach crepes, substituting one of them with a nutella one, but at the last minute, I opted for the portabella benedict. Gotta love shrooms... ... except when they're sour and not fresh. Gross. I left full though because of the side of home fries. My friend's eggs benedict with avocado smelled really sour, and the dish was just off. Not planning on returning.
(2)Mike W.
Certainly no 'Wildberry' or 'Brunch Cafe' but better than 'ihop' or 'Dennys'. The staff was nice. They played some awesome 80's muzic the whole time. I got my own pitcher of H20 to nurse me hangover. The food was: aiight, but i'm a food snob (dahling)! So, what I didn't like, many of you'z will probably love. Will I be back? Hell no. But at least I can finally say: I've tried the place. As some thingz are just not meant to be, the Sugar bowl will alwayz be to me one of thoze "one-night standz" I just needed in a time of desperate morning breakfast sex. #mwah
(3)Joyce C.
I came here expecting more, since the reviews for this place were pretty good. But, eh, it is only just ok. There is an old school sign outside this place, which I thought was nice. Upon walking in, we were promptly greeted and sat right away. The waitress came by and took our orders quickly, and my husband had a question about one of the combos on the menu. Upon talking about the combo, the waitress had mentioned that the potato pancake that was included with the combo was not homemade. Eh, bummer. So, my husband ordered the George's combo and I ordered the Stacy's combo. Each are combos with eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of sausage, with the only difference is that my combo came with french toast and his came with a waffle. It was a pretty standard combo and it didn't taste bad, but the meat was just of standard quality. The coffee was pretty gross and I ended up having to go to a Caribou on my way home to make up for the grossness. Overall, not a bad place but just pretty standard.
(3)Lauren J.
I was hopeful in coming to this place. I still haven't found anywhere even remotely close to my house that serves a stellar breakfast/brunch. Everyone was nice upon our arrival and we were seated promptly. We ordered and everything seemed to be going really smoothly. After we ordered, things seemed to fall apart. Our food came out fairly quick, which was good, but it was really mediocre. We'd both ordered sides of sausage links (for $3.50 a piece) and it seemed as though the cook had just put them on the grill and left them there. They were almost rock solid. I got the apple cinnamon french toast and it was VERY mediocre. Not horrible. It was edible. But I wouldn't call that a compliment. My boyfriend got the mixed berry crepes. "Mixed Berry" apparently means strawberries and blueberries. Not exactly a mixture of berries. Once we got our food and we were picking at it, our waitress completely disappeared. We finished eating and she still hadn't come back. We were ready to go and she STILL hadn't shown up. I was practically holding my credit card in the air and waving it around. We ended up having to go up to the front and ask to pay, awkwardly. Everyone was nice but could have been a little more attentive and the food could have been MUCH better. Probably won't be returning.
(3)Sandra F.
Our Sunday morning go to. Always something good on the menu to eat, it's reasonably priced and very good coffee! Portions are very generous. Wait staff is friendly and very good, and the hostess in front acts you are her best friend when you get there! Time yourself carefully - after church it's pretty packed. Parking is also not a problem - parking garage close by and free! All in all a great place and good value. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)S B.
Great French toast & yummy Raspberry iced tea. It is in downtown Des Plaines and has great parking. I love the outside of the place too, and the inside has a fun, refreshing vibe. The staff was nice and made sure to stay on top of refills, and food was delivered fast. Only downfall are some of the booths barely have any space between table and seat, making it hard to move around.
(4)Joe W.
One of my favorite breakfast places! I go with my family for breakfast on holidays and just because. The host/waitresses and staff as a whole are very friendly, prompt and polite. Prices are reasonable with many items coming with hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. Pancakes are tasty! They are also gluten-free friendly. They have a portion of the menu dedicated to GF. It is small, but all of the staff are aware and they can and do accommodate by making or suggesting changes to other menu items that make them gluten-free. They have gluten-free pancakes, too. The restaurant is very clean. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. They also have a lunch menu consisting of melts, clubs, salads, burgers and other sandwiches. I personally have not tried these but other people I have gone with have and no one was disappointed. Keep up the good work!
(5)Mike P.
Came upon this place thanks to Yelp as I was in the area....was looking for a place that served breakfast all day and this definitely fit the bill! I like to compare different egg dishes...from omlettes to skillets to ??. This place definitely had a wide variety but after checking the menu out I decided to try a scrambler...their western scrambler to be exact with eggs, tomato, mushrooms, ham, and cheese.....loved it ! It was a generous portion along with homemade potatoes and english muffin. Seems to be a great place to go for a bite to eat in the middle city/town square.
(4)Kevin P.
Great atmosphere. Food is pretty good. Basic breakfast food. I usually get eggs Benedict. Its great. They are accommodating to orders.
(4)Linda K.
Best Breakfast Ever!!! Our family does a new breakfast joint every Sunday. I picked this one and what a GEM! Food was fantastic. We will keep this one on our list as a favorite.
(5)V H.
Went in last Monday after picking up my mom from Ohare, wanted to take her somewhere good since she had been stranded in the blizzard, I had read good reviews & am I glad to have tried it! It was amazing! Food was great & service was perfect. From the young man who served us our water & coffee & our server(Vicky) to the manager who checked us out, all great. We are gonna take another trip there for sure (from Indiana!)
(5)Len L.
The ages-old neon sign should be enough to draw you in. The food is fresh cooked diner. I know that sounds odd. For example, the chicken dumpling soup was really nice with fluffy dumplings, white meat and a light broth. This was good soup. Because this is a Greek diner I tried the gyro sandwich, and that was also good. Megan liked her burger. We both thought the fires were a little limp. The breakfast plates others were eating looked good. If you are in Des Plains, give the Sugar Bowl a try.
(4)Elle M.
The food and service could NOT be better!!! Ingredients are fresh, served hot and tasty. From the time you walk in the door you are greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. It continues the whole time! I cannot wait to return :)
(5)Nicole W.
This is one of those diners that appeals to the masses. It's friendly, it hosts a diverse menu, it's affordable...it's a neighborhood staple. For those with families, it's clean and the kiddos would be happy to dine here, too. While it may look a bit vintage from the outside, Sugar Bowl slings out some pretty delicious eats. After a not-so-fun prenatal blood test, hubs and I drove to Sugar Bowl to fill my hungry belly. Just 15 minutes after we sat down, I was nose deep into my Paradise Crepes - thin and delicious crepes topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Because of my fasting and testing, I could have served cardboard and been happy, but those crepes were pretty on point. The portions are sizable but not magnanimous, and, frankly, I think that's a good thing. Fairly priced, quickly served by a friendly, seasoned server...Sugar Bowl does it up right.
(4)Maria G.
Went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. We sat at the counter for less of a wait. We had an unobstructed view of the kitchen and the staff. Some observations: 1) We ordered banana bread french toast and the house waffle. Both were pretty plain. The banana bread was dry. 2) We finished our meals before we were asked if we wanted our coffee topped off. Not after I had an empty cup for awhile, and we were no longer eating. 3) Overpriced for what you get. I can make this at home, and better. It was a pretty forgettable experience. We won't be going back.
(2)Deborah G.
Love this place! Good food, generous portions, awesome service. My husband had the corned beef hash and I had the mixed berry french toast. Both were delicious. Our coffee mugs were never empty.
(5)Pam P.
I'm gonna be honest and say I was partially sold to come here because I'm a big Arthur fan and know him and his friends frequently hang out at "The Sugar Bowl." Also, for some reason, I thought this place wasn't in business anymore but was kept around because the exterior looks cool. I've only been here once and it was such a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding. Our waitress was very friendly and easy to talk to. Upon arrival, we were seated in a booth but got moved to the counter upon request. I got the Philly Cheese Steak which comes with soup (I got Chicken and Wild Rice) and fries. It's a very generous portion considering all that it comes with. While we were eating, our waitress introduced us to the chef cooking for us in the back kitchen. Overall, it was a very welcoming atmosphere. There's lots to explore in the menu and I'm looking forward to the next time I come back.
(4)Vito G.
love the bowl :) great value.. the breakfast special is really well priced, the service is great. they have wifi too which is good. also, free parking next door too is great.
(5)Jess B.
I got an avocado Benedict. It was okay but the hash browns are really good and they gave you a lot. The music was way too loud.
(3)Rick K.
Sugar Bowl is one of those rare diner-style restaurants that provide good service, good food at reasonable prices and they let you dine at your own pace - even during rush periods. It's a neighborhood kind of place although we don't live that close. We've been coming here for years just not as much I'd like. The owner is a great guy and you can tell his style comes out in his bus and wait staff. Very attentive. Four+ stars here. We typically visit for breakfast and I stick with a couple favorites. Their menu is very diversified so if you can't find anything to try from their assortment then you probably weren't that hungry in the first place. Overall, I'd like to give them 3.5 stars. The only knocks from giving them four stars is their breakfast potatoes are sometimes overcooked, stiff and oily tasting. The other knock is the pricing on some of their items - most are reasonable and consistent with other restaurants in the area. They have a 'House Special' 3 eggs, ham, hash browns and toast or pancakes for $9.25. Their omelets run from $7.75 to $8.25 - seems a tad higher average than most. In short, I would strongly recommend Sugar Bowl.
(3)Jenna D.
From time to time, my sister likes to herd me along on her day trips; how we ended up all the way in Des Plaines is beyond me. Sugar Bowl is one of your typical Greek diners but.... more. By no means is it an upscale pancake house, but they do offer a ton of fun items like frittata. As of right now I am still on my quest to find the best pancakes in Chicagoland, so comparing breakfast restaurant's pancakes to other restaurants is my thing. Sugar Bowl's pancakes we're SO good!!! 5 Stars! The menu was huge and it was difficult to settle on something. My sister got a South of the border style skillet with Mexican peppers, sausage and cilantro. She was impressed with the portion and freshness. I got a create-your-own frittata with asparagus, cheese and bacon; don't forget the pancakes! We both ordered the hash browns well-done and that's how they came out. In fact, everything came out the way we ordered it and perfect! I don't know if SB is one of those places where you're supposed to seat yourself, but, we did wait a good 5-10 minutes before somebody greeted us and showed us to our table. The server also took her time in taking our order, but it was a late Sunday afternoon and she was the only one there. The only negative experience at the Sugar Bowl was how the dude at the register was playing games on his iPad while running my credit card, really dude? He didn't look up once. Anyway, this is the place for pancakes and good food. It fills up quickly, but they are fairly slow later on in the afternoon.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I've been coming here for a while now, and the more often I eat here, the more I appreciate the staff. The owner knows my daughter and makes sure to say hello, as do several waitresses and one bus boy. They practically treat us like family. I feel like this is an experience that becomes more and more rare as faceless chain restaurants with high employee turnover push out small, independent shops like Sugar Bowl. From the fresh-squeezed OJ to the overflowing breakfast burritos, everything I've tried here has been something I want to try again. Whether I roll in after a sleepless night in pursuit of a huge breakfast or bring my mother-in-law here for lunch, I know I'll be seated and eating something good fast. Potato pancakes, blueberry waffles, eggs florentine, a veggie skillet--they're all good! Don't forget to check the menu board up front for specials and seasonal treats, and come prepared to listen to cheesy music.
(5)Grace K.
This is one of the best breakfast places I've ever tried. This place provide good service and good food at reasonable prices. The waitress was very friendly and very on top of things, was impressed that she knew just when to refill coffee and whatever else that was needed. The pancakes actually rival that of Walker Bros. which I always compare other places' pancakes to.
(5)Randy K.
Very good breakfast restaurant, with lots to choose from and enormous portions. Comfort food, with excellent, friendly service.
(4)Gabriella M.
This is your typical diner. Good food, good service. Seems family owned.
(4)Joanne E.
Wish I lived closer. Great breakfast. Excellent quality ingredients. Very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating, even at 10:30am on Sunday morning. Everyone we dealt with, hostess, waitress, busboy, were very pleasant, helpful, and really seemed to enjoy working there. Five stars all around.
(5)L V.
I came in with my kids and they wanted cheeseburgers. They didn't have any kids burgers so I ordered an adult burger and split it. My kids for whatever reason didn't like it (which is very rare) and asked if we can change the order and they said no! And still had to pay for the burger that they took only a bite out of. I Had to go home and make them something else to eat. We will never go there again!!!
(1)Stacy P.
I always go at least once to the Sugar Bowl while visiting Des Plaines. The coffee is freshly ground Kona coffee from Hawaii. I always get a scramble. It is so good and the potatoes are the best!! Definitely not the frozen ones at the breakfast chains. I also get the pancakes which are excellent. I look forward to this tradition. I'm heading there now which will make two days in a row!
(5)Scott Z.
Good food and good service in downtown Des Plaines. It's a diner experience that does it's best for breakfast and lunch. Competitive pricing and community feel.
(4)Isabelle L.
Diner conveniently located downtown Des Plaines across from the train station. Ended up there for breakfast / brunch with a group of friends after running the Des Plaines 5K and we were starving! Well the place met our needs, the portions were huge! The food is nothing special and pretty blend, not greasy though which is always a plus for me. So if you are looking for a local diner, with huge portions at a cheap price with attentive and friendly staff, by all means stop by your belly will be satisfied. If you are looking for something a bit more special, pass.
(3)Michael T.
This place is amazing. The menu is huge and they have a lot of decadent options for those of us who prefer sweet to savory breakfast (don't worry, there are plenty of savory options as well). The service is prompt and the food is delicious. It may be a small gripe, but my one complaint was the temperature in the restaurant. Bring a sweater. Brrr!
(5)Carl S.
Not your typical Greek Diner. The help here are Beautiful and service oriented. Skillets and Omelets are wonderful and the Pancakes are GREAT!
(4)Simone T.
Right across the street from the Metra station, parking available nearby. Great hostess & our waitress was as nice as can be! Huge portions - I had the classic Eggs Benedict w/a half order of biscuits and gravy. Yum yum all the way. I was stuffed and had plenty to take home. Great way to spend a July 4th morning!
(5)Coll F.
My father orders the pound of ham off the bone every single time. A pound! (The man likes his leftovers). The basics are good here. We've had pancakes, waffles, eggs, omelettes. The only thing I didn't like was the breakfast burrito. Maybe it was an off day. Run by a nice Greek family. A standard for us in Des Plaines.
(4)Bill B.
Had the biscuits and gravy with three eggs and homemade potatoes. The breakfast was great. Service was excellent. Laughed with the lady's in there.
(5)Michael W.
Good meal but not better than home (not to sound proud but my wife said it) and I have eaten at better diners / pancake houses. I had Biscuits and Gravy and it was good but not amazing. My wife had eggs and pancakes; she did not like the hash browns (missing seasonings, onions, peppers, etc.). A good meal but I would try another place next time to compare against.
(3)