This place used to be good, but today it was the worst meal I've ever had at a restaurant. Ordered crepes. What came out was a crispy thinly fried egg. Disgusting. If your cook doesn't know how to make crepes, don't have it on the menu. Yuck! read more

Love this place. Their is consistently great, best omelettes and coffee around. Great laid back atmosphere. read more

I drive by here a lot and today I finally decided to give it a go since I had a craving for eggs Benedict. Let me start with the service, walked in and one of the servers flew by me a few times and not even a 'hello' or 'how may I help you' should've walked out then and there because the service wasn't the only thing lacking. Other reviews mentioned how good the hollandaise sauce was but I guess I got a bad batch since the one I got with my carry out order was a thick yellow under seasoned (if they put any herbs/lemon/spices at all I missed it) goop. The egg was overdone, the yolk was not runny which is one of the things I'm pretty sure is a standard for a Benedict unless requested otherwise so that was a bummer. The potatoes were overly greasy and the pancakes were too dense, wasn't fluffy at all and the donut holes didn't taste fresh. Overall this is probably the best way to start my day, with terrible service, terrible food and a belly full of disappointment. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Un fluffy pancakes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

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The Chorizo legitimacy is without question, authentic. It smells like standard issue Abeula apron. The floral one, with the two pockets. Small business feel. The owner conducts his ledger and numbers in the restaurant area. I like those type of places, where an owner can be visible and approachable. Try the hash browns as a side, and take a donut for the road. This place boasts that old style coffee maker. Flavor, ladies and gentlemen, is sealed in that old, industrial marvel of engineering. You won't get that in a new barista with shiplap walls and open concept dining. The specials are written on a paper plate, because LCD screens are for your "tap my tablet" to pay places, and because when you have good food, you don't need chalk boards and hipster beards. Parking is okay. There are lines to help align your Prius. read more

Bugs, sticky stuff everywhere and horrifying silverware 0/5 server acts like we're a nuisance to her

The husband has left a review for here, but I have yet to post one. I've been coming here for the last couple years and everything tastes amazing, and fresh. Food is served hot and their breads and bagels are fantastic! The husband and I saw they were packed today and the owner who was sitting at a table was kind enough to give up his table to us. We asked our server if they are still planning on moving to a bigger location, but unfortunately it fell through. That's ok though, it won't stop us from dining here. They served the doughnut holes today with a nice little touch of icing for dipping. Where we sat we could see the cooks making everything. It was pretty neat seeing what was going on back there My omelette and hash browns I ordered were hot, and filling . My husband ordered their comfort food special of chicken and waffles. I had a taste of his and it was awesome. Obviously, we will be returning again very soon! read more

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This use to be our fav go-to for breakfast! Have been using carry out for the past couple years due to covid and finally decided to have a sit down. As I said this USE TO BE our fav. Today was absolutely horrible! Not an entire food issue (the sausage gravy and biscuits are still to die for) but more the non attentive wait staff. We arrived at 12:45 and were glad to see they had not yet closed shop, there were still a couple of tables of diners. Hub ordered a coffee and water to start. He got a coffee and a coke. No big deal to him. We ordered our meal. His lumberjack burrito came plain....as in no garnishes, just a split burrito on a plate. It was super dry. I ordered the smoke brisket skillet after a recommendation by our waitress. Should have realized that since I've been smoking my own meats, this probably wouldn't compare, and it did not. I couldn't get the attention of our server so I walked to the back counter where a couple of the wait staff were chatting it up to request some ketsup, which someone finally delivered to our table. My eggs were ordered over easy, as who doesn't want that yolk dripping all over the skillet goods (other than hub) and it arrived over hard. I mentioned it to the waitress, prefacing it with "I'm not sending these back but..." and she laughed, agreeing they were hard! I gave her a rather shocked look, saying these were suppose to be over easy. She checked her order pad "yep, they were, I'm sorry". The least she could have done was to offer fresh, correctly cooked eggs, but good help is hard to come by these days. When we were finished the servers were still chatting it up behind the counter and since I couldn't get their attention, again, I found my own to go boxes. Shame on me for leaving a decent tip for the horrible service. Not sure that we will be back for a sit down any time in the near future, but will be using carry out for their delicious sausage gravy and biscuits! read more

If I were to base my review on the food alone I would give Eggshells 5-stars. Our table ordered breakfast skillets or eggs benedict and we all enjoyed our dishes. I ordered the Mambo Italiano skillet and it was a very hearty meal and it came with choice of toast or fruit. The sausage in my skillet had a little spice to it which I really enjoyed, the eggs and veggies were cooked well, and the fruit was very fresh and perfectly ripe. I did feel like the service was a little unfriendly as some other reviews experienced. The server that brought us water told us she couldn't wait to go home (didn't make me feel very welcome). Our server did a decent job in terms of service besides mixing up a couple items, but she just wasn't very friendly or happy. The man who rang us up (possibly the owner or manager?) was very nice. The restaurant itself is small and the tables are very tight which made me a bit claustrophobic. I also felt like the restaurant could use a little more attention to detail; our table wasn't wiped very well from the previous customers, the hallways to the bathroom felt sticky, and my coffee cup had some chips in it. I would go back for the food and to try out the donuts but I hope that they can get some friendlier staff members and pay a little more attention to detail to really make the experience great! read more

Always good eats here. Very small spot which is probably why the food is so good. Everything is made fresh including the donuts. We've have omelettes, crepes, homemade hash browns (basically fried sliced potatoes yum) biscuits & gravy, coffee and donuts. All of it has been great. As always, we will be back. And staff are friendly, quick and funny! read more

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Small but they pretty much cook every dish well. Like Egg Harbor they do get pretty crowded and use better ingredients in their food. You can clearly tell when you try hash browns made of Yukon Gold potatoes or taste their corned beef hash. read more

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Was in unfamiliar territory and stopped here on a whim to feed the fam before a show, eyeballed it from the road. Glad we did. Tip - VERY tight space, to some cozy, others down right claustrophobic, crawling on top of each other. I imagine this place is insane at prime time. Breakfast is the focus (duh!) But we were there for lunch. My wife and I split the turkey pastrami sandwhich. Tip - $3 plate share fee so don't be so forward with your intention to share, my advice is to keep it on the down low. The sandwhich was fantastic. Very yummy and satisfying. Boars head is used here and you can tell. On the side were some very good home made tater chips. My son got a hot dog with onions, cheese and ketchup. The dog came served on a pretzel dog and looked very good. Note to self to try next time. My daughter ordered a side of hash browns, which looked like hash browns to me, but she informed me that they were NOT as good as Waffle House (so there you go). I also treated each kid to a doughnut too, they make them fresh here and they look like it. Yummy. I did not indulge, but noted that they had homemade macaroons that looked yummy, maybe next time. If you can find a seat, they will wait on you. As we waited for our food, I made a point to observe the other orders that were coming out of the kitchen. EVERY dish looked like a winner, even the platters that were already at neighboring tables. We have not made it to Zurich much, but if I was in the area and needed a bite, I would return and do recommend. read more

I really enjoy Egg Shells and have been going since it's opened. I specifically make the drive out here for their salt bagel because they are so hard to find anywhere else and my absolute bagel. I was sad to come in the other day and have them be out of all salt bagels. Their food is really good although I'm more of a shredded or crispy hash browns kind of person. The service was ok - waitress wasn't very personable and came off a little rude. Other times, the waiting staff has been very friendly and enjoyable. I will say that it's gone down a little in my rating book since when they first opened. Overall, would go back again for the food. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

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Wow!! Today we had Eggshells breakfast delivered to the house! As always the burritos were fantastic. Incredibly and surprisingly we received 4 donuts and a bucket with ice and 3 ice teas for FREE!!! Thanks EGGSHELLS read more

Spent about 20 mins waiting for a table which is understandable for breakfast on a Sunday. While waiting, I overheard a waitress try to give our table away, as we were next up, to someone behind us cause she knew them and they requested her. Fortunately, that didn't happen. We then waited over 10 mins to be talked to by anyone at our table while others, like the ones I spoke of earlier, were sat and already had drinks. We finally ordered and our food took a long time and when one of the items did, we were told another meal was made wrong so I had to wait more time while the other plate was dropped off. The food wasn't really anything impressive unfortunately, most of which seemed completely unseasoned. In all, it took over two hours to eat breakfast this morning and it feels like a complete waste of my time. read more

Had the burger here on brioche bun. Would compare the quality of meat to Brandts of Palatine. Great quality. I am not crazy about brioche bun at all. I would rather see other bread options. I will stick with coming to Brandts for the burgers for same price with better bread option. The fries was good. I tried a glazed donut while waiting and I am not a donut person but it was ok. I first came in to get breakfast but they did not have pineapples to make an hawaiian 5-0 omelette so decided on a burger. Alot patrons were enjoying their food. Pretty alot of them ate majority on their plate this morning while I was there. Service was stellar. Did not have to ask to get my drink refilled. Will I come back. Probably yes because they deliver and theyre local with quality stuff. Even the tomato on the burger was very fresh and perfect shade of red like it was picked out of someones garden. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Cheddar cheeseburger with bacon and fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

An bohemian little place with an excellent selection of breakfast and lunch items. There are just the right number of items as to not be overwhelming. It's rather small and we happened to get lucky to get a table rather fast. I could see it being a long wait on the weekends. As it was quite crowded on a Friday midmorning. I had the country eggs Benedict which was served on a biscut with a sausage patty and sausage gravy. The breakfast comes with a choice of two sides so I had the cheese grits and tomato slices. With so much food, I wound up taking half home. My only issue with the place was the waitstaff. They were quick but not pleasant. A smile would be a vast improvement over the scowl when we ask for drink refills. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Country Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

Thank you for serving our community! And the owners are worthy of your business indeed. Followed by a huge disappointment from another local restaurant, we called and ordered brunch which was ready in 40 mins and enjoyed by this family. For most of the delivery and curbside services that I thought would be prepared for Mother's Day 2020, Egg Shells stepped up. We are fans and will be continued guests for many years and especially for the Mother's Days in the future. read more

Went back to the new location to see if all the bad reviews were accurate. Was very impressed with how attentive the staff, chef, and owner were. Good was great as always and send in a reasonable time. Some to owner, sounded like they had a couple of bad Apple waitresses, who are gone now. Well be back! read more

Food is really good and the service is great. Always a good experience at Eggshells!!!

Decided to go "back to the well". I used to like this place, so I was hopeful that things had changed. There were 4 customers and 3 employees in the restaurant when I went at 8AM in the morning. Place looked tidier and the server was attentive. I placed my order immediately and assumed I could get in and out quickly. I watched as the cook went in and out of the kitchen (never washed hands), then he sits at a table on the phone. I just decided to leave. I want to also note for you when you visit: the servers are the ones who toast your bread and plate it. Do you think they wash their hands every time they handle your food, no! I watched my server run his hands through his hair, and that sent me out the door as well. A new breakfast place opened next door, Molly's, lot was packed, wonder why! read more

Stopped by for a quick breakfast with my parents before heading to O'hare. If you're wanting a diner experience, this is the place! I loved the breakfast options and loved the affordable prices even more. They make homemade donuts and pastries which were pretty low by the time I came in around 11am, so get there early! I ordered the lumberjack breakfast burrito which was really filling but also really tasty. It is essentially everything you'd want in a diner breakfast meal: hash browns, eggs, sausage, bacon and cheese all wrapped up in a tortilla. My dad ordered pancakes with some eggs and sides and really enjoyed them. He also got a side of their donut holes which were good but I really could only have like two because that burrito was no joke! Seriously, if you're wanting a filling but affordable breakfast, come check them out. The service was also nice and friendly but not overly attentive. The space is a bit small, however, so if you have a huge party that might be difficult. They have like two outdoor tables as well. read more

Off the bat the man was so sweet and the pancakes are to die for. Amazing. I can eat like 100 of them. So fresh and warm and it melts in your warmth. It's like heaven exploding in my mouth. Must eat the pancakes. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - The menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

This is definitely a staple restaurant for me especially for breakfast. We have our ups and downs with my take out orders but I remain a faithful regular..lol they have good breakfast combos that include 2 or 3 eggs your choice of meat and two sides for under 10 bucks. And just in case your a donuts and coffee kind of person, they have the most delicious donuts and bagels fresh daily. They go fast so if you want to get a variety early morning is the best time to visit. This store is quite small so dining in for me isn't always a choice so we often order take out. They also deliver and cater. read more

Went here for the first time and was extremely disappointed!!! I ordered a Traditional Eggs Benedict and FRESH SQUEEZED Orange Juice. The English Muffin was not even lightly toasted (which it always is at other places), so you felt like you were just eating it on soft bread! One taste of the Orange Juice and I knew that it was NOT freshed squeezed! I question the waitress about this and she told me that there juicing machine was broken and it IS NOT freshed squeezed! When I got my bill, I saw that I was still charged for the fresh squeezed...$4.99!!! I didn't mind paying that if it was what they advertised on their menu but since it wasn't, the price should have been adjusted! I spoke to the manager (who then spoke to the owner) who said that it was freshed squeezed and he is getting it from his produce vender. Anyone who has had freshed squeezed orange juice would no the difference and that this wasn't so. SHAME ON YOU FOR TRYING TO DECEIVE YOUR CUSTOMER'S!!!! read more

Food is so good it's not even funny! The staff is super sweet, fun, and generous. Wish there was more seating. The catering is beyond amazing as well. read more

Alisha and I are always on the look out for a new breakfast place. The Chicagoland area has more amazing breakfast restaurants than any other part of the country I've been to. It seems like there are at least 1 or 2 amazing places in even the smallest of towns. Usually when a new place opens we go within a few weeks. In Egg Shells case though it took us a little longer. It happens to be in a small strip mall right next to Lovers Lane (a little awkward especially if you happen to be a minister in the community). Eventually though we bit the bullet and checked the place out. It was worth it. Everything is made fresh, including the donuts, bagels and bread. They also serve my favorite coffee Intelligentsia (if you haven't checked them out and like coffee at all, you need to). Their menu has the basics: stuffed French toast, eggs Benedict and pancakes as well as well as house specialties like the 'Lumberjack Burrito' and 'Eggs El Maxino' (what I had). Eggs El Maxino - Chorizo hash topped with 2 eggs prepared over medium, chipotle ketchup, avocado, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, served with toast. The Chorizo and chipotle ketchup is enough to make me happy! I will say that I order a lot of eggs with chorizo and rarely does it not overpower everything else on the plate. This dish however works well, not overpowering at all. It's refreshing to a locally owned small 'hole in the wall' (in the best possible sense) restaurant that makes amazing food, and all of it fresh. Check Egg Shells out! read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Eggs El Maxino - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

We've been going to Eggshells since it opened at the other location. At times the quality has gone down. Visited the new place for the second time. The food was great. Glad it's back to its original form. read more

We had breakfast catered to our business, and we just simply ordered the "Catered Breakfast," for 15 people off of the menu. The owner showed up, on time, with the food that included: Scrambled eggs, breakfast quesadillas, french toast, sausage, bacon, hash browns, donuts, fruit, orange juice, and even unopened bottles of ketchup and hot sauce.The food was OUTSTANDING, and I think it would have fed more than 15. Will definitely be ordering from there again! read more

Had eaten breakfast there and not the greatest meal and service was slow on the coffee.

This is my second time here. They first time I did not write a review - they had just opened up and so was very forgiving thinking they were working things out. The order was incorrect and the food was very average. So today, my friend and I went and were seated. The people next to us were seated first and placed their order first. My friend and I ordered 5 minutes later. About 7 minutes later, my food was served - kinda surprised it was served so quickly, especially before the people next to us who ordered before us. My friend said to start eating and my egg Benedict was room temperature. The side dish of bacon was on the cooler side of room temperature. The people next to us were served about 5 minutes later, then my friend about 10 minutes later. If I had to guess, my order was already prepared by mistake or an extra, and they just wanted to get it out of the kitchen. Not a fan of room temperature Egg Benedict. Another gripe, the Eggs Benedict comes with two side dishes so I requested the bacon and the hash browns. Well, the Eggs Benedict already comes with hash Browns to I had two orders. If I was informed, I would have requested something else. The coffee was good. read more

Ordered the "Lumberjack Burrito." Service was great, they brought out donut holes to snack on while we waited for the food, and offered a donut to go as well. Staff was polite and food came out fresh. Reasonably priced and they even offer delivery too. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Lumberjack Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

Terrible service. I've been here a few times and each time I've been, the server acts as though I'm bothering her just by showing up. The last time I went, I waited more than 15 minutes for a coffee so i wound up leaving. I predict they are overwhelmed in their small kitchen and have taken on too much by offering delivery. I will say that their delivery drivers are always pleasant to interact with. I've been a server before and when you're in the "weeds" the most important thing is a greeting and the initial drink service. But their servers can't handle being in the "weeds" and are very rude when the pressure is high. read more

Good breakfast here. Little place with a few tables and a wall of fresh made doughnuts and bagels. I had a omelette with potatoes and everything was real good. read more

Egg Shells Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

Very good food and very nice staff! Would definitely return if I'm in the area again. They gave a couple donuts on the way out which I thought was very nice! read more

Typical breakfast/lunch joint. They offer eggceptional food that isn't priced eggspenively. Dining area is small, so the place fills up rather quickly, but also empties just as fast. I ended up having the home made corned beef hash with 2 eggs and toast. They serve Intelligentsia-branded coffee; it's a little too bitter for my taste, even with sugar and cream. If you're into that, more power to you. read more

I've eaten here a few times last summer and since I was back from school I decided to go back today. The food is awesome but the experience was not worth it at all. The owner is awesome when he's in the place. Super nice and always talking to people however the staff is just plain rude. When we walked, we stood in the entrance waiting to be seated, there was one table open, and one table being cleared. The waitress saw us, and literally looked me in the eye, and then walked away. We waited for about two minutes, and the waitress gave the check to the two tables next to us without even acknowledging that we were there. So we assumed that it was then a seat yourself place now, so we took the open table which was literally one inch away from the two in the middle. We sat and waited, and again the waiter walked past us. I turned to look at her to see people were waiting in the back hallway, and when I tried to stop the waitress to ask if that was the line for people waiting for a table or pick up (since it was right next to the pick up window) and she just ignored me. We immediately got up and left. I don't understand why they were giving us the cold shoulder, but nothing is worth being treated like crap. It's very strange that everyone was so rude to use, because the owner is such a nice man. I know this review probably doesn't matter, because so many people like this place, but seriously I've never been treated so poorly. read more

I was very excited when Eggshells opened in Lake Zurich since I am a big fan of breakfast and I loved the idea of an independent neighborhood restaurant I could support. However, after giving them a number of tries I have sadly decided to give up. Which is too bad because the place is cute and the food has been mostly very good with just a couple of misses. Unfortunately,I can't say the same for the service, which has run the gamut from decent on a rare occasion to downright rude and disdainful. In the interest of full disclosure, I generally have breakfast alone which is, I'm sure, not a restaurant's dream. I do, however, tend to go at off times so I'm not taking up a table for four, so I would think they would be happy to have one person at a table rather than zero. I guess that is not the case here. I would take it personally but I've read other reviews from lone diners that have gotten the same attitude. Anyway, after standing at the door this morning in a mostly empty restaurant while three employees looked up and then proceeded to completely ignore me, I said enough is enough and headed to Walker Brothers where I was seated, treated with respect and served a delicious breakfast. From now on, this will be my first choice which is too bad because, as I mentioned, I am a big fan of supporting local independent establishments. read more

Absolutely the BEST breakfast you can get anywhere...! The place is crowded all the time and there's always a wait, but it's worth the waiting (perhaps if you're too tired, grouchy, and aggravated to wait for a table I suggest you find somewhere else to go... and come back another time when you're feeling better (that way people like me all excited, "craving" waiting with mouth-watering anticipation of the breakfast to be served...I'll get seated quicker if you follow my suggestion). Any way, it's pretty incredible, and you'll understand the experience I've had here, which I'm trying to communicate to you, that once you get your table and order, what you get is going to satisfy!!! Try the Eggs El Maxino, the corned beef hash (awesome), ham-off-the bone, the best bagels... And so on all delicious ! read more

Had breakfast at Eggshells this morning trying to cure the BF's massive hangover. We found the restaurant quickly, and had no trouble getting a table, but if we'd walked in 5 minutes later, we'd have been waiting. The interior is cute, very small, a little too small to be deemed "cozy." Wait staff has to push their way past to get to tables. They do have a few tables outside for those who can handle the heat. C'mon, it was like, 80 at 9am, that shiz wasn't happening for me. We ordered beverages (intellegensia coffee bumped my original 3 star up to a 4, score.) and our server came back quickly to take our order. My friend asked how large the biscuits and gravy were (they are listed as a side) and the server went to the kitchen to check, and came back and said "we're out of biscuits right now." No apology, just basically "we don't have them." The food was very VERY good. I had the country benedict (on an english muffin, because, they were out of biscuits.) Their gravy is absolutely 100% freshly made, the sausage patty (Boar's Head, again, score.) was well seasoned, and the eggs were poached perfectly. The hash browns are also clearly freshly shredded. So, food, 5 stars. Service, left a lot to be desired, at a 2. Aside from the whole biscuit debacle, our server (who was wearing a shirt that said 'caution, I bite,' fitting) was rude and cold. She rolled her eyes at several customers, I heard her snapping at the table next to us when they were ready to take their order, and she told me that the B&G "taste really great" and then in the next breath told me she doesn't eat pork so she doesn't know what they taste like. Our lovely, charming server ended our encounter by telling us of a time that she got sh*t bombed on goldschlagger, and woke up in the back seat of her car, with the car half in and half out of the driveway. The kicker? "At least I was still wearing my panties, right?" Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, that's how my meal at Eggshells ended. I'll go back, but if Ms. Biter with the Panties is serving, I'll wait for someone else. read more

So simple and so good. This is a great little nook of a breakfast place. everything is so fresh and they don't try and out-do themselves. Great prices, greats staff. I look foprward to dining here again very soon! read more