Don't expect gourmet from this breakfast diner, but they nail the basics, and that's what I like about it. The staff is no-nonsense and quick and the tables have every jam, butter, creamer and item you need. Service is brisk. It's clear this is a well-loved and successful breakfast diner, and these places survive based on consistency and service. It's on a quiet corner of Balmoral, which makes it even more attractive -- no annoying crowds standing outside waiting to "do brunch." In fact, I have never waited during several visits. read more

I would describe Pauline's as a "greasy spoon, home cooked diner that all diners are aspiring to be". It was not greasy, and some good home cooking. It is a great place to go if you are looking for some kind of combination of breakfast/soup/sandwich. The menu is extensive and the staff was super friendly. Highly recommend cozy, neighborhood diner. Check it out. read more

"THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL WITH A GOLDEN CURL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD. AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD, SHE WAS VERY, VERY GOOD, BUT WHEN SHE WAS BAD, SHE WAS HORRID" Pauline's suffers from severe bi-polar disorder. One moment, she pets you and calls you pretty while the next moment, she whips the hat pin out of her hair and pokes you in the eye. Pauline's also suffers from a severe lack of systematic order. The stationless servers sprint about like harried, headless chickens. The food is ready in baffling order -- here come the eggs and later comes the soggy, microwaved bacon and cold toast. Pushy bus boys snatch at your plate as you lift the last bite of food to your lips. The crazy owner coos at a cute baby only to turn around and scream "get the f*ck out" to a patient customer with a legitmate complaint (I actually witnessed this). Are the poor servers often rather surly? Yes, but I'm sure you'd be too if you're being screamed at by your boss as your customers fidget hungrily as you sprint across the restaurant to to freshen the coffee of one of your ramdonly assigned tables. It seems like a handbasket on a roller coaster ride to hell. The place itself has charming potential. It's old and eclectic, kooky and kitschy albeit dulled by a patina of grease. The food? It's ok. Sometimes it's pretty great, other times it's pretty rotten. Pricey for what is it? Definitely! I must say that they always have really awesome soup -- hot, hearty and fililng. Other menu items are hit or miss. I think Pauline's is in need of a long "time out". Some time to reflect, re-organize and prioritize would do the old girl a world of good. Let's hope she considers this. In the meantime, Pauline's remains packed on the weekends despite her "Mommie Dearest"-esque demeanor. During the week she practices better behavior, but the good does not cancel out the evil. The joint must be the number one stop in the Weekend Brunch Masochists' Guide. Pauline's really must consider her potential. Otherwise, perhaps grand-ma-ma should reach into the family savings and pack her off to boarding school. As there is high probabilty that you will have a (far) less than stellar experience, I suggest you skip Pauline's until she manages to behave herself properly. read more

Literally the coziest breakfast place in Andersonville. The selection is pretty good. Tried almost everything on the menu. Try the slab of bacon! read more

Pauline's - Bacon n cheddar hotcake - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place makes me feel like I've grown up here (I haven't). I live in the neighborhood and drop in solo or with friends and family.. sometimes its during the week, and other times on the busier weekends. Regardless of when I go and who I go with, I've always had a good experience here. Sure, you'll wait a little on weekends, but they'll give you a Dixie cup full of OJ. Their food is nothing fancy, but it is good.. and there's a lot of it. And the staff is friendly and efficient. Too bad its after 3:00PM (when they close) because otherwise I'd head down the street for a feta omelet and some undercooked-because-I-asked-for-'em-that-way hash browns. Yum. read more

Kitschy cozy diner atmosphere in spades. The walls are a visual feast with all kinds of fun funky decor. Delicious simple breakfast that's well made and generous in size. Lumberjack special really hit the spot since I was starving and it was nearing mid-afternoon. Potatoes were well seasoned and mixed with roasted red peppers, steak and eggs were cooked perfectly. Coffee was very good. Nostalgia set in fast, it was like breakfast at Grandma's house. If you want retro and unpretentious, Pauline's is the place. The hostess told us to sit wherever we wanted, and service was prompt and friendly. I've been wanting to try this place for a long time, and was really glad I finally did. There are *a lot* of whiny, delusional, and/or entitled reviews on here, which I recommend taking with a huge grain of salt or just ignoring altogether... read more

Breakfast/brunch here is fantastic! I come over and over again and love everything every time. I can't for the life of me figure out how it's only rated 3 stars. Some favorites: the lumberjack breakfast, bacon eggs Benedict, the French bread pudding, and the breakfast potatoes!! read more

This should be 4 and a half. Paulines is awesome, it can get busy and then service occasionally is less than stellar, but hey when a restaurant is slammed (which it often is on the weekends) you cannot expect miracles. Any one who doesn't like this place should go eat at some fast food hell hole, and keep out of our beloved Pauline's. read more

While the restaurant is clean, homey, very country kitchen feeling, the food is mediocre. Just lame, actually. i should have known that the salmon benedict was a bad choice in a small restaurant like this. I was very stupid to think it would be fresh...not frozen. Though, am I naive to think that if you put it on your menu, it should be superb? Also, the hollandaise sauce was more like watery cream sauce. No tang, no buttery salty-ness. almost an afterthought. And can we send out a memo that says, "Please toast the english muffins under the benedict?" come on........soggy muffin is gross under fishy smelling salmon. The man got the Lumberjack breakfast plate. Lots of eggs, their signature potatoes, and a strip steak. The potatoes are good, but not really much to write home about, and the steak was ridiculously over-seasoned and cheap quality. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and delicious, but thats about the only positive in this breakfast. Oh, and btw, only cash???? What is this 1977? read more

My parents were in town from Ohio and we wanted to grab brunch with the whole fam before they headed back home. If we went to brunch at some of the other hot spots on the northside we would have to wait 30 plus minutes for a table for all 7 of us. Luckily Pauline's is a close walk to Lincoln Square and you don't have to wait forever to get a table. The wait staff is great. They're super attentive and helpful. The coffee was also great. I could go for a cup of it now. The menu has something to please every pallet. I got one of the egg scrambles which was good. Since I was with my fam we were able to taste everyone's dishes. I enjoyed the smores pancakes. They were pretty good though I like more chocolate than marshmellow. The potatoes/homefries as some people call them were also good. If I need a decent place to head for brunch and I don't want to wait for hours, I'll be heading to Pauline's. read more

Maybe this place has improved a little since all those years ago, and when I almost gave it 2 stars instead of 3? Came back after a long absence of not coming here, and the food was a little better than I remembered it. I liked what I ordered(banana french toast, if I recall correctly), and I was surprised how good my friend's salmon benedict was! Maybe I should start ordering egg benedict dishes here from now on, when I come here? I was intrigued you could order a crab benedict, if you wanted to. The host and server my family got were both nice, as well. I'm also glad that they've decided to start taking cards, as of sometime in the last few years. Plus I found it amusing that the stories are indeed true from an article I read in a neighborhood newspaper a few years back, that there is a Bowmanville parrot owner that sometimes walks here with his parrots to eat here! From what I hear, Sunday mornings are usually the best time you might catch that person eating here on the patio. If only my past visits were as good foodwise, as my most recent visit here. Since I'm sure I probably would've given this place a better review, years ago? read more

What I like about Pauline's is that they know exactly who they are and attempt to execute fast, pretty friendly service with really good consistent food. I have had great experiences at Pauline's both on weekdays and weekends. They do not attempt to be upscale or corporate or scalable. They are a mom and pop breakfast diner. On the weekend expect to wait because they will be packed from 8:00am to 12 noon (based on my experiences). The serving staff is friendly but they are busting it, to get your your food in a timely manner in a space that is designed for a healthy bottom line and not extra wiggle room. Go to Pauline's for the food, the fun old posters on the walls and if you have to wait their are plenty of newspapers to read. read more

I have eaten at Pauline's twice - once inside and once outside. My outside experience - We were seated outside at a table that was too small to accommodate even two people. The table teetered back and forth and I recall being distinctly aware of where to place my feet below the table so as to no upset the entire works. Our server was courteous but not especially friendly. I ordered a vegetable omelet and an orange juice. The OJ was delicious and pulpy. The vegetables in my omelet were fresh and crisp however in their original size. They didn't bother to cut them up so I had huge stalks of asparagus thrown in my omelet. Other than that being a bit odd, it was tasty. I had a lovely time while eating outside however I think that had more to do with the weather and my company. The outside experience should get 3 stars. The reason I gave 2 stars is because my experience INSIDE was bad enough to detract from my original score. I was seated in the booth next to my son across the table from my friend. (Just setting the stage). The server came by took our orders but she was extremely rude and weird. My son ordered pancakes and a coffee. He was 11 at the time and the server went on a diatribe about how it was going to stunt his growth. 1. I didn't ask and 2. I didn't ask. I don't remember what anyone else ordered but I do recall the waitress making a regular appearance to mutter what felt more like a obligatory 'is everything ok honey' AT us stand there and wait for a response. She poured coffee from 2 feet above the cup splashing it everywhere. She burned my friend with the splash not once but twice and she reached over me while I was taking a bite to clear my son's plate. She was the pits. Anyway, if you are going to go: Get cash as it is a cash only establishment. Go on a day that you can eat outside Avoid the weird older server that calls everyone 'honey'. read more

This place was amazing , just stopped by in the neighborhood. And the omelets were perfect , the coffee & the customer service . I would highly recommend coming here if you're looking to get some breakfast:) definitely worth coming . read more

Pauline's - This place is good . Just stopped by in the neighborhood, and this place is delicious. I tried their omelets and they were so good - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a little quirky diner. It's got a whole heck-of-a-lot going on aesthetically, but the menu is pretty solid. Been coming for about two years. Pauline's Potatoes are some basic and tasty breakfast potatoes. They come with the Mexican Omelette which I like - comes with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Always a fan, but it's outshines by their French Bread Pudding Toast. It's soft, sweet, sometimes you get a bit of cranberry in a bite. Served with dollops of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, a cranberry compote, and syrup. Probably adds up to two or three thick pieces of French toast, but comes in six rectangular slices. Art. On your plate. For your taste buds. I've also had the banana bread French toast but don't recall much of it compared to the bread puddin'. My mom always gets pancakes and they are huge. Nearly the size of a dinner plate. Coffee is good. Friendly service. read more

When you're looking for fresh, traditional "American" (whatever the heck its definition is now-a-days), Pauline's has it. When I wake up in the morning and unsure of what I have a taste for, Pauline's it is. It reminds me of an urban Apple Holler. What's not to love about that while stuck in the city in need of a little rural escape?! I discovered this somewhat remote, yet bright eye-piercing RED diner while on the Metra train heading north to Kenosha. The name Pauline's excited me because I thought the southern belle cook Paula Dean opened up a local joint outside of Georgia. This ended up not being true, but I still wasn't disappointed because I didn't suffer from a heart attack afterward. It's just far away from the brunch rush of Andersonville's Clark Street to avoid the crowds, and you're satisfied with down-home cooking in a place where everyone feels at home. After walking in you're overwhelmed by the red, yellow, green and white color paint choice. The adorable owner is quick to greet you with a smile and insists to get a booth cleared for you since "our customers like the booths best." This must be true since he has posted a sign by each booth asking anyone on weekends to have only 2 or 3 coffee refills so others can take their booth. I think that all places need this at times. The booths are fun with a scrap of receipt paper stating your waitress' name, a rack with various recent magazines, collages on the table, and wall of their favorite patrons. Locals seem to become returners quickly. Like myself. I almost always go for the Breakfast Special which always includes a huge pancake, eggs and turkey sausage. The main draw are their delicious pancakes which have just the right amount of sweetness and come with a dollop of their homemade whipped cream. Paired with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice, yum! I personally enjoy the mango orange, but they also have papaya orange. Be sure to check the hanging chalkboard at the entrance with the daily special. You may not want to miss out! The one time I did veer away from breakfast, I had a Turkey Burger with guacamole, mayo, ketchup, a bed of lettuce, and tomato slices, PLUS their perfectly fried golden crunchy Cavendish Fries makes me lose my train of thought (no pun intended). As the menu depicts, these are "Canadian potatoes grown by Irish men and batter coated in Burlington Mass. (got it?)"--I didn't 'get it' but it refers to Burlington, Massachusetts?!?!) They're also cooked in non-hydrogenated canola oil. French Fry Perfection!! My boyfriend usually has the Country Time omelet (corned beef hash with cheddar cheese) which I want to go back myself for. Even though it had to be made with 3+ eggs, I wasn't aggressive enough to steal more than one fork-full from him before he had time to masticate it just enough to pass it on to his ravenous stomach. They're also only open breakfast/brunch/early lunch hours (7 am to 3 pm every day of the year--even holidays!) Plus, they have outdoor seating welcoming dogs, for the better or worst. read more

Pauline's feels like a small town Wisconsin diner. They've covered the walls with photos of customers and stuff that your grandma would chuckle at. The menu has plenty of options for the caloric'ly oblivious and the waitresses are the sorts who'll call you "hun" or "sweety" at least once. They've also gone as far as to trademark their Pauline's Potatoes*(tm). Ask what their especially known for serving, and they'll proudly rattle off half the menu. On my two visits, I've had their Country Breakfast biscuits and gravy, and their pumpkin pancakes. Both were big and satisfying. The food came out quick and they never let my coffee cup go empty. Get here early or a bit after 11:00 to avoid the weekend morning rush. We came in at 11:30 both times and didn't have to wait at all for a table. read more

Love, love LOVE Pauline's! Cute, kitschy diner atmosphere and the always cheerful 'morning people' serving up fantastic pancakes and "falling - off - the - plate - they're - so - darn - huge - omelets". Get there before 10am on the weekends, or you'll be waiting for a bit. But even that isn't too shabby as they typically serve up fresh squeezed orange juice to tide you over. My boyfriend and I stopped in for brunch on Valentine's Day weekend this year, and sipped complimentary mimosas while we waited. Once seated, your coffee mug will never be empty and the food arrives hot and fast. The pictures of family and friends that decorate the tables and grace the walls behind the booths make you feel that you are in somebody's cozy kitchen. As does the spry and gregarious manager (older gent with a huge, welcoming grin) who is always there, usually wearing red and working alongside his fantastic crew. read more

Finally got to Pauline's after driving by it for a few months now on my way home from work. Staff was very friendly and accomodating to everyone that walked through the door. We sat outside and were promptly give water. Boyfriend ordered coffee and I ordered OJ. His coffee mug hadn't been cleaned very well as there was still lipstick on it which he wound up wiping off. I got the panacke special and he had the lumberjack special. The food was tasty and it was a change of pace from going to Golden Nugget. I will say that both of us wound up having heartburn the rest of the day, possibly from the eggs as that was the only thing we both had that could have caused it. Overall the place is OK, staff was nice and food was decent. Maybe a smidge overpriced as before tip the bill was $27. I felt I had enough food but I feel we do get more for our money elsewhere. I'd like to try their lunch/soups one day and will probably save that for cooler months. read more

Friendly service if less than perfect. Excellent, hearty, quality food served hot if not especially quickly. Pauline's has room for improvement, but honestly, it's not trying to be the #1 restaurant in the world. What it is, is a neighborhood restaurant. Their food is honest and delicious. The portions are very generous. I mean, this place has a 5-egg omelette. Five. Few people I know can finish it with the accompanying Pauline's Potatoes and toast. Lots of really tasty items on the menu, and most are the old stand-bys with a bit more care than you'll see at the regular diner around town. The owners mind the store. The place has a sense of community. And it feels good to support a local business that goes out of its way to show you it wants you to be happy. Often they serve complimentary, fresh squeezed juice. "Just because". This is the way they work it. Recommended, especially when it's not super busy. And even on a Saturday or Sunday breakfast-brunch time, the wait isn't painful and the service isn't much different than when they're mostly empty. This is not a high stress environment. It's more like, well, home. read more

Love this breakfast diner. They are always busy but they turn over tables fast so you don't have a long wait. Breakfast is my favorite meal and they never disappoint. You can choose from healthy options or indulge in their seasonal pancakes. It is a no frills eclectic decorated diner so definitely not for fancy brunch. But they have good service, great food and a cute patio to enjoy during the nice weather. read more

Pauline's - Outside of Pauline's in Edgewater/Andersonville - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Seriously good omelette. I mean mouth-wateringly delicious and SPICY! They obviously buy some good quality ingredients 'cause the veggies (and jalepenos) were tastier than I'm used to in Chicago. Both myself and my companion's omelette's were heavenly. We were ridiculously full and still kept going 'til our plates were empty. Each agreed the other's omelette was wonderful (while secretly thinking "but mine is a little better"). Potatoes were equally good although I could have stood for them to be a little crispier but that's a personal preference which they are by no means required to fulfill. Unfortunately service is ensuring this place is only getting 3-stars. Our server was not friendly at all and in fact bordered on surly. She also neglected to get my order right. Maybe it was the kitchen. Maybe it was because she was just barely paying attention when I ordered. Who knows. Since I was starving and didn't want to make a fuss I just ate around what I can't eat. Coupled with her attitude and the general manner in which she treated us, it marred an otherwise perfectly lovely breakfast. The place is cute. Obviously popular. The other waitresses seemed much friendlier. I will absolutely return for more omelette especially since this is pretty decently priced breakfast food. I'll just hope I get a different waitress next time. read more

I have heard tons of good reviews about this place but just didn't think it was special. In fact, I didn't even think it was average. Went there early on a Sunday morning. About half of the tables were full and we were seated immediately. Although none of the other 2 person tables were used, we were placed near the entrance to the back room and it was annoying. The menu was large but I figured that I would go with a breakfast staple: an omelette. I actually felt jipped that the eggs were totally unfluffy and seemed to be an egg burrito instead of a mixture of egg and veggies. The menu said they used a bunch of eggs but it seemed like 1 or 2. Maybe I had a rookie chef! I did like the potatoes though! Maybe I will give it another try cause everyone keeps saying it is so good. read more

I think the more often you come here, the more you tend to appreciate the quirkiness that many off the bat would find offensive. The owner's more than a bit eccentric - I almost get the soup nazi vibe from him a little, although he does quite kindly go around (with his backpack oxygen tank) pouring orange juice in the morning (often ending up in the glass you're holding). He's an animated fellow who obviously loves what he's doing. About the food, I've always enjoyed it - their specials I've also always liked, although I most recently had to ask them to hold the bacon for their "Vegan" special I had ordered - the waitress didn't seem to get it - I can only assume it was some kind of joke. In all, it's a cute neighborhood breakfast place that ends up being a wonderful start to any hungover or not saturday or sunday, especially outside on a beautiful summer morning. read more

The place definitely has the neighborhood charm thing going for it. It's been around for a really long time & has fed this belly more than enough times. The food is very, very tasty....just nothing spectacular. Really safe menu items, but that's okay. I really don't think this restaurant is looking to win any Iron Chef awards. The coffee & the awesome waitstaff make your stay enjoyable. read more

Why oh why is there ALWAYS a wait when I go to Paulines for brunch on the weekend? Oh yeah, because they have AWESOME food! My boy and I went there this past weekend for a late breakfast/brunch on Saturday morning. As usual, a wait for a table and as usual, they were passing out their freshly squeezed juice to all of us waiting for a table. Yummy! Their menu is not overly extensive. They are only open for breakfast and lunch (close at 3pm). Their servings are HUGE! The time before last when I went, I got the buttermilk pancakes, bacon and potatoes. No way did I finish it all. I mean, I tried my darnedest to finish every bite of food, it was so good, but I just couldn't do it. I did have to walk back to the car afterward....I couldn't just sit there for hours in food coma. So this past time I got the small stack of Chocolate Chip pancakes and bacon (I skipped the potatoes altogether) and guess what...I still couldn't finish my food!!!! OK, enough about their huge servings, because who wants that large a serving if the food is not good? But that's the thing....their food is SO GOOD! I recommend the chocolate chip pancakes with powered sugar on top. The perfect blend of breakfast and chocolate that a girl like me needs in her life. Their bacon is nice and crispy, just the way I like it. Their potatoes are oh-so-flavorfull with peppers and onions. I love them, even though I have to skip them at times because of the amount of food I leave behind when I order too much. I honestly don't remember what my boy got...probably because I was so engrossed in my own meal. Regardless, he loved it, I remember that! The service is good, don't have to wait very long for our server to come. The food is made fairly quickly, I guess depending on what you order. They have a dog friendly outdoor area set up in the summer. I'm all about the dog-friendly places that I can take my baby! It is very hard for me to give 5 stars to any place. I am much too picky a person. I would have given Pauline's a five because that's how much I LOVE their food but....but.... it's always so crowded and there is always a wait for a table! I'm usually famished from smelling all of the delicious smells when waiting that I become very impatient. I want a table NOW!!!!! In the end...it's worth the wait. (And to be honest, the longest I have ever waited was 15 minutes...it just feels like a long 15 minutes when standing there smelling all that deliciousness!) Eat there, you'll love it! read more

We are from MN and we were visiting a friend in Chicago who touted this to be the brunch place that he loves. I was thoroughly disgusted regarding several things: 1. You have to walk thru the kitchen to get to the bathroom. Um, gross. 2. The owner came in and had his shorts completely unzipped and had suspenders holding them up. I don't know if it was part of a medical condition or what b/c he also was carrying an oxygen tank. But no excuse - nobody wants to see an elderly man's crotch while eating. 3. The owner came up to our table and asked us if we had good service and we said yes. He said, "Well I pay them very well so you should." I thought that was really tacky. 4. I ordered a burger and it was so god awful. It was the cheapest quality of hamburger - grainy and chewy - I didn't even eat 1/2 of it. The fries were good though! Everyone else ordered off the breakfast menu and they were pleased. Conclusion: I don't ever want to go back to this place - with all the other great options in the area I'd be crazy to return to Pauline's. read more

We split an omelette and the banana bread French toast, and it was excellent. Huge portions so I'm glad we shared

Let me start off by saying I appreciate a good greasy spoon. I don't think I ask for too much in a breakfast place, just a good plate of eggs and some friendly service. Pauline's couldn't deliver either of those. After driving by Pauline's a million times and saying "ooh, we should try that place," today we finally did. Even though it was crowded, we got a table right away. We were told to sit in the first table behind the counter. This proved to be an unfavorable seat when the hostess informed us with a look of discontent that "usually the kids stand on your chair to get to the candy bowl." Sorry to inconvenience you, but YOU sat us there! Anyway, we were seated in Omega's station, which also proved to be unfavorable to us. She ignored us for awhile before finally taking our order. I ordered an omelet, orange papaya juice (which came a few minutes after my omelet), and a biscuit (which came about 15 minutes before the omelet), and my husband ordered the banana pancakes. The omelet was really bad, and the biscuit had clearly been stuck in the microwave before being served. The juice was okay, but it was too thick and pulpy (and I LOVE fresh squeezed juice filled with pulp). The banana pancakes were soggy and lukewarm. After our food was delivered, our server said she'd be right back with the syrup for the pancakes. She then disappeared and we didn't see her again until we asked for the check. Since moving to Chicago 3 years ago, I can often be heard saying "you can't find a bad meal in Chicago." Kudos to you, Pauline's, for proving me wrong. read more

While I thoroughly enjoyed my cranberry bread pudding pancakes, my mom's biscuits and gravy was made with Pillsbury grands. My mom insisted they were, she has this whole theory about how she can detect a pillsbury flavor from thin air. anyway....if you put BISCUITS and GRAVY on your menu, you MAKE the freaking biscuits, right? It's like, the whole point...the homemade biscuit. duuuhhhh. I like the homey atmosphere here. Reminds me of an off-the-highway michigan diner. And the location by the train out in the middle of a residential area is unique. You don't feel like you're in the city. But the service is slow and apathetic. read more

I went here a few times...the last time I went here was on a Wednesday morning. Only two other tables were occupied so service was quick! Right before we knew it, our items were being set down on our table. Their potatoes are a must...they're delicious and very tasty! I like going to Pauline's since the food's always good and the service is quick and friendly. read more

My mom, husband, and I went here for our breakfast on Christmas and it was PERFECT. We had never been here before, but we WILL be back again. It was cute, the owner was very nice, the staff was upbeat and friendly, and it seemed the perfect place to be. The wait was nonexistent (probably because other "real" families were at home) and the food came quickly. I thought the food was quite yummy (I had the feta omelette, my mother the same, and my husband the HUGE blueberry pancakes) and it was reasonably priced. The food may not have been as fancy as, say, M. Henry's, but it was much better than average (better than Augie's) and it was well priced compared to many of the other places in the area. Loved it, loved it, loved it. read more

This place was PACKED. When I walked in to put in for a table for 5, I got a glimpse and a whiff of the blueberry and strawberry pancakes that were cooking on the stove and man did it smell and look so good... but I was starving cause it was my first meal of the day at 12:30pm so I could've just been hungry. Our server was really cool though and checked up on us often. Sincce they were crazy busy our server warn us with a, "just so you know it's goningto take a long time because--" something about being backed up or busy in the kitchen as she was on her way to put the order through. It did take a while though cause we finished our cup of coffee and my husband and friend took a long smoke break and came back joking about how there was still no food... Oh! Their coffee is good! I did end up pouring coffee for for the 3 of us who ordered a cup at the table since our server was running around the place BUT it was cool... Hey they were busy... And once our food came, she did keep checking back and I was happy with my country breakfast! man my son even picked at it even though he was done with his pancake stating, "Mmm this gravy is good!!" as he spooned bites into his mouth! So hey... I'd definitely go back (maybe on a weekday to avoid the chaos though) but if future visits happen to be on a weekend morning or afternoon, I'll just expect a long wait and busy server read more

Strawberry pancakes , chocolate chip pancakes and omelettes all very delicious! Diner with a lot of character inside and outside patio. Friendly staff! Check out this great restaurant! read more

If quantity was the benchmark, 5 would be the stars. I have eaten a grilled cheese with bacon here, that bordered on fantastic. A recent foray left me with a half ton of potatoes, a 5 egg omelet that looked and tasted flat as a cloth napkin. Service was extremely classy, but, ya can't eat service. I've visited here several times, as I do believe in supporting local business, coupled with the fact that they do give back to the neighborhood associations, but the food hasn't evolved or improved. I'll stick with the grilled cheese. read more

I love it when I walk into a place and the nostalgia of a different time in history just hits you. This is the perfect place to go and feel like you're sitting in a cute 1950's diner. The way it's set up and decorated is enough to convert me into a regular customer. Honestly, I've had better breakfast food elsewhere for the price. But at Pauline's it has a great home cooked taste, and I'll take the comfort of that experience over any industrially made food any day. And I haven't tried much on the menu, so it's not entirely enough to judge the food just yet. Can't wait to go back for more. read more

(I wish they accepted plastic.) Excellent & enormous pancakes w/ fresh fruit (not frozen) if you like! I had the "eggs Benedict" & it was great (though, a little misleading b/c it had a fried egg instead of poached) the flavor was wonderful & the price was right! Definitely glad we found this lil spot! See you soon! read more

Breakfast joint on the west side of Andersonville that doesn't compete well with the other local options in the area. Interior goes for the retro vibe and has a very cramped feel to it. The menu consists of primarily classic breakfast items. The execution on the items is average at best. No sticker shock on the prices, but hard to call them reasonable when the food is subpar. read more

Been to this establishment many times over the years & I have to say it is a wonderful place to go for Sunday brunch. Now, if you do go on a Sunday you SHOULD expect to wait to be seated as it is a VERY popular place to eat in the neighborhood (also try & get there before the church crowd--they tend to move in massive herds :-) If you do get stuck waiting the staff are super & give you free fresh squeezed orange juice (YUM!) and really you never wait more then 15 mins. The food is just what you would expect from a diner like place--although more tasty & the atmosphere is warm & inviting. A little on the quirky side with the decor--but that makes it fun. Parking can definitely be a pain & sometimes the servers can be testy. Overall though the portions are very generous & the food is good! read more

I've lived in Ravenswood a pretty good portion of my life, and somehow always managed to avoid Pauline's. So when a couple of Yelpers recommended I check out their corn beef hash, I took my friend here and got my hash on. The verdict? A-okay, indeed, probably a little more than A-okay, but Yelp won't let me grade that way. Portions are huge, service is good, and the prices are reasonable. I also got some pancakes which were gigantic and delicious--served with fresh strawberries, yum! They also have a bowl full of SAF-T POPS by the cash register! My childhood! read more