Cozy, down home basic breakfast food. Staff is friendly, and the food is good, particularly the French toast. Nothing is going to blow you away with its greatness, but then nothing is bad, either. read more

Hmm..I don't like complaining or even giving bad reviews, but with my last experience I felt I needed to say something. One Sunday afternoon, my wife and I, after running errands were looking for a place for a very late breakfast. We stop by Pauline's. Now, we have been here several times before, good food, good service. The time was 2:30 pm. The workers appeared to be cleaning up. I noticed their sign said they closed at 3. I asked a woman if they were closing. She seemed to be a supervisor of sort. She brushed off the question and insisted we come in. So we sat, ordered some sandwiches which came with soup. Like I said before my wife and I have been here several times before. My wife became friendly with one of the waitresses, she bought some handmade jewelry from her once. We both mentioned to each other how noticeably standoffish she was that day. I just figured tired, long day. Our waiter was a young guy that seemed quite new. Our soup came first and hungry as I was I dove right in. Spoon first of course. I immediately gagged. It had an awful and familiar taste. I guess it was silly of me, but I tried it again. Gagged once again. My wife is quite the cleaner in our home, and that familiar taste reminded me of the smell of one of the cleansers she often uses. I had my wife try it and she agreed on the odd taste. We tried to get the attention of the waitress my wife was friends with. She steadily avoided even eye contact with us. Finally we called over our waiter, he agreed about the odd taste and took the soup away. My wife ,by that time, had finished her meal, I had lost my appetite. So I went to the register, the waiter informed me he would not charge us for the coffee. I just had say 'wow, really'. As we reached the door the supervisor/manager appeared again. I did mention the soup incident to her as we walked out. I couldn't help but wonder did our arriving there near closing time have anything to with the taste of cleanser in my soup. Well, how ever it happened, I have to say I lost my taste for Pauline's.... read more

if you want mediocre food and to be hustled out of your table, come on over to Pauline's. the bus boys were hovering over us with their dirty buckets of plates and silverware once they saw cash coming out of our wallets. I realize that they had to turn the table over, but we were not even lingering. I certainly do not intend to return, there are much better places for breakfast who would not dare hurry to get you off your table. read more

Better service, food, and environment for less money than my regular diner. I'm a new fan!

I just had the WORST breakfast ever. I am not sure where to even start to give an objective overview of my experience. I sit and write this and at the very same time I am waiting for the diarrhea to kick in. Things that went WELL: the OJ is great, the toast wasn't burnt Things that went BAD: we had to ask 3 times for milk and sugar substitute for our coffee which lead me to get up and search the restaurant for sugar substitute because the waitress never brought it, all of our meals where not delivered together (one person was missing their bacon, someone else was missing toast), ALL the food was cold?!?, my over easy eggs were not over easy - all three yolks were cooked solid, potatoes were cold, the bacon was NOT COOKED!, returned bacon was just put back on the grill and was returned full of grease and a pancake taste, the owner? was hanging pictures on the wall with a full restaurant, the owner refilled our much needed coffee mugs but proceeded to not only spill my coffee but BOTH of my friends coffees!!, the old man owner? made us move our table mid-meal and yes, again spill more coffee in the process, the waitress in her flight passed our table and knocked our paper and condiments off our table and on to the floor, the old man owner again made a comedic appearance by using our table as a wait station?!!? - loading up used cups from another table, filled water glasses for a new table and tossing silverware on our table. We also waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited some more for our check... after asking for it. This place is a JOKE. read more

No service, Fair food. I have tried many times to give this place a chance. The most recent two visits it took them 15 minutes to bring us menus and another 10 minutes after thet to bring coffee. The last time this happened I walked out. This place used to be Reva's and it's gone down hill after that. read more

I have been to Pauline's twice now, both during random trips to Chicago and I was told I must go. Loved it a lot the first time, so went back the second. The first time it was a hot August day and we had to wait nearly 45 minutes for an outdoor table, but were served fresh squeezed papaya orange juice while we waited. I got the blueberry pancakes and they were great. I go so much food, i could barely eat half. The service was great. I went again about 4 months ago and sat inside. It was Easter weekend and the service was just as great, we got Easter eggs at our table. This time I went for the french toast, and it was defiantly the best I had ever had. read more

When we got to Pauline's, there was a little wait. The owner nice enough to offer eveyone a complimentary sample of orange/papaya juice. I like his anecdote about how he was in Mexico and discovered this interesting combiation and created his own recipe. I normally don't drink OJ, but it was yummy. Being the gluttons we are, my sister and I ordered our own savory dishes plus a sweet breakfast item to share. I want with my usual eggs over easy with Pauline's Potatoes and toast. To that , I added ham. The portions were huge. I like that Pauline's Potatoes had apples in it to give it a sweet and savory taste. The item we shared was the Trifecta of banana, blueberry, and strawberry pancakes. Mmm. Nothing like the combination of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes times three. I would consider Pauline's a hidden gem. Literally. One time I was with my boyfriend and I wanted to take him to Pauline's. I couldn't remember if it was closer to Lawrence or Foster. So, sadly, I didn't take him there because I couldn't find Pauline's. But I do like the fact that it's on a smaller street, not a big one like Clark. It's comfort food at a reasonable price. read more

We were there for lunch a few years ago...found the food greasy and tired. And not worth the money. Retried it last week for breakfast, same old tired food, although they offered to reheat some "fresh" potatoes for my flat greasy omelette. I highly suggest Nookies on Halsted north of Belmont, for breakfast and any place on Clark if you are in Andersonville. Kitschy decor can't be an excuse for bad food, read more

Pauline's is an amazing hole in the wall. Other more expensive/flashier places in Andersonville get talked about but the food here can not be beat. Probably the best pancakes I have ever had. Simple food done well. The patio is great too and look for the man with the parrot. read more

I don't care what anyone else says, this place is amazing! I love the red paint on the outside, and the pictures of people at Pauline's on the tables. Every time I have been there my waitress has been icredibly nice and the service is very speedy (usually around 11am-12pm). The banana pancakes are the best pancakes I've had in my life. It is obvious that they are made from scratch, and fresh, and the bananas are mixed into the batter. The pancakes are topped with whipped cream and strawberries. They're vegeterian omlette is also delicious! Very big, served with toast and potatoes. Sure, getting to the bathroom requires stepping over things in the back room, and there's barely any room to move in the bathroom once you get in, but really who cares to a restaurant just for the bathroom. My advice...go there now and order the banana pancakes. (or the trifecta--one banana pancake, one chocolate chip, and one of something else (blueberrry maybe?)) read more

I had breakfast last Sunday at Paulines and I had great meal. I ordered South American omelet and it was yummy. My only problem was the old guy walking around with his pants unzipped. He was also kept yelling the people working in the restaurant. I felt really bad for my waiter. He is a really great waiter. If I had a restaurant, I would ask him to work for me. read more

The breakfast was great and great atmosphere too. The host who took my name was very friendly and accommodating.

Pauline's is the epitome of a neighborhood spot. On an unassuming corner surrounded by houses it really is a peaceful oasis from the hustle of the rest of the city. The menu is pretty standard diner style breakfast fare with a few surprises, I had the patty melt which was delicious and served with Pauline's potatoes, which included an array of various vegetables and possibly even an apple or two. I really liked that all of the sandwiches come with a bowl of homemade soup, I had the lentil which was brimming with chunks of fresh bacon...YUM. The service was a little slow and disorderly, but friendly and since my dining mate and I were in no hurry and enjoying the sunshine on the lovely patio it didn't bother us. The one issue i did have is that they are cash only, and well that is kind of an annoyance it is not a big deal. I just wish they would have posted it on a sign, or on the menu, or somewhere so I would have been prepared. The only reason I even though to ask is because there seemed to be an exceptionally high number of diners using the atm on the side of the building. That being said I will definitely be back soon, with cash in hand. (Lunch for two with drinks was only $18, so I don't need to much of it either) read more

I use to love this place, I even recently posted about how awesome this place is. well I guess all good things come to an end. the quality of this place has become complete trash it is very saddening. I ordered the lumberjack steak medium, eggs over easy. what I got in return was a salsbury-esque steak that tasted like space food. it was rubbery and bland, it resembled the appearance of dog food, and over hard eggs, yes over hard. the yolk had solidified, that's ok if that is what I ordered but it wasnt. I watched the cook as I was waiting for my meal and I could see him pressing down hard on all the meat products in order for it to cook faster, which didn't matter because since this cook was a lazy pos and intentionally did everything out of order in order to make his life easier, every part of my meal came out cold. had an rc as well and immediately sent that back because it was terribly flat and dirty. they need to service their machine, and clean the spout off regularly. I know for a fact that is not happening. the previous owner is rolling over in his grave. read more

Wonderful find for us. Sat outside on a beautiful Sunday morning with no wait inside or out. Great biscuits and gravy, great bacon, great pancakes -- and lots of everything. Quick, pleasant service. Even sat next to the Parrot Guy, who was very nice. read more

This place is now just ok. Ever since the ownership change, the service and food quality has been going downhill. Lacks the friendliness and attention as before. The formerly best dish, Pauline's potatoes, were dry. read more

Kitschy atmosphere, not great for the OCD cleanliness type... A regulars place:) seemed really comfy and staff seems very friendly. Food was okay not great. Had the eggs Benedict with something that was not hollandaise on top...tasted like warm ranch dressing so it freaked me out a bit. All in all seemed like a cute neighborhood place with mediocre food and smiling faces. I wouldn't go back. read more

After strutting my way through a 5k at Montrose harbor, we crashed on in to this lil' breakfast/lunch spot to restore a few calories. I have to say, I am surprised over the low reviews on this place. I have to attribute it to the advanced intellect and palates of north siders. As a lowly south sider, I could only rave over the fresh squeezed juice and "Pauline's potatoes," which is their take on potatoes O'Brien. My wife got eggs benedict with crab, which was the first time we've ever seen that on a menu. What we got was not the heavily processed Alaskan Pollock that you'd get at most places advertising crab...but REAL EFFING CRAB MEAT. It was awesome. As for myself, I got the cold saltwater salmon omelet with asparagus and goat cheese...equally awesome. Oh, and I have some advice for you peeps that are extremely dissatisfied with this place...count your blessings and take your one star..hug them tight, and go to Denny's! ;] read more

This has become my go-to breakfast/brunch place. Not only is the food always fresh tasting and delicious but it always comes out in a jiffy. You can't go wrong with either breakfast or lunch here. The Benedict's are outstanding, pancakes are like a fluffy dream, fresh squeezed juices are life savers, and their thick-cut bacon has to be the best restaurant bacon I have ever had. As for lunch stuff you can't go wrong with a burger here. But my favorite is the Turkey Bacon Swiss Club. With carved turkey, the same amazing bacon, and a strong Jarlsberg Swiss; this sandwich is king. Their homemade soups are always good their signature ham and bean is outstanding. The service is always friendly and like I said earlier the service and food is quick and you are never waiting too long if they are full up. Overall this place is consistent with great food, fast service, and don't forget the candy bin before you leave! read more

I love brunch at this place, but only if you're prepared to spend the majority of your Saturday/Sunday in a food coma - their portions are huge. I mostly order their omelette, which are 5 (!!) eggs (the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato one is my fav) and the potatoes they come with are awesome, crispy and not soaked in oil like some places. The service here has always been very courteous, even if you do have to wait a while on weekends, but what do you expect. In the summer they have seating outside, which is great if it's nice out. read more

The best thing about this place in being able to sit outside in a quaint neighborhood. Food was ok. Service very mediocre. They also had s stinky man with a big bird eating spaghetti next to tables. Kinda gross. read more

Fabulous breakfast/brunch place! Best omeletes in Chicago! Clean facility with lots of funky charm. Fun, personable staff who deliver quick service ... never let coffee even get half empty! read more

One of my top places to ride my bike to for brunch. It does get busy, but as other posters said the wait isn't ridiculous and they serve you fresh-squeezed OJ while you wait! I rarely order pancakes, but when I am here indulge in them, and it is oh so worth it. read more

Friends took me to Pauline's for Sunday brunch. I definitely enjoyed the place. The décor is kitschy, but didn't bother me. Service was friendly and helpful. I had the eggs and pancakes, which was plenty of food, but we also shared bacon. The regular portions for omelets and such are huge (5 eggs), which seems excessive to me. So I was glad my meal was just 3 eggs and 2 pancakes. Food was good. They have a nice patio to sit in if the weather cooperates. Overall, enjoyed Pauline's. read more

Food - disgusting. Decor - disgusting. I live right by this place and would love nothing more than to have an awesome diner place to hop in and have breakfast on the weekend, especially if it's after a big party night or I have someone in town staying with me. Alas it cannot and will not happen at Paulines. I had an omelet when I went, I think the best way to put it is that their food is sloppy. I know it's a diner, and I know it's just breakfast, but I know the difference, this place is gross. My veggie omelet was swimming in grease (and I am not opposed to greasy food from time to time) I think there was like one piece of something that resembled a vegetable. The potatoes, not good. The super kitschy decor made me want to barf almost as much as my omelet. And just a heads up - a lot of kids there. I personally like kids, plan to have a bunch one day, but for now I am enjoying the days when I don't have any. It was like eating at a McDonald's play place. Not my idea of a good time. Hope I didn't offend any proud parents out there, I know people get all sensey when you bring up the kiddies, I'm just keepin' it real. read more

I used to love coming to this place like ten or fifteen years ago before it 'caught on'. I still ADORE their food (breakfast, anyway), their omelettes are ridiculously large, pancakes quite good, potatoes fantastic. But, still, I always leave this place in a shitty mood, and invariably about two hours later than when I arrived, which is just silly. This isn't a five-star dinner. The service is consistently awful, really. It always takes forever to get your food, and if at the first try they forget something (which is more often than not), you may or may not see your server, or the rest of your meal, for another half hour. Not sure if the problem(s) relate to incompetence, disorganization, the owner, or what, but they've been around long enough to have their shit together, they just don't. Great food, probably not worth the irritation unless you're a saint, have lots of time to waste or are not that hungry. But if you come here with a raging hangover, this may make it worse unless you sneak a bottle in, seriously. I just want breakfast, and though I like their food half as much as Pauline's, I'd rather go to Golden Nugget or Ann Sather (though their service sucks, too, usually) and not waste two hours of my day. It's just not that serious. read more

Stopped at this place since I always run by it . It's a local cozy spot, hidden by the metra that runs along the metra. I did like the patio seating option. Food menu was pretty standard to that of a diner ( golden nuggetish). Nothing extremely unique or mouth watering. I got one of the 2 veggie options. Definitely not a place for vegetarians. But nice for a friendly brunch. read more

The food is pretty good, but the service is lacking. Yesterday I went w my daughter and TONY was our server. He was really good, thanks tony, my faith is restored in the service here! If its a nice day and u want to sit outside be warned if the weird bird guy is there getting into your business, listening to your conversation and when those birds SQUAWK be ready to pee yourself. read more

My friend and I had breakfast on the weekend at Paulines. The food was extremely disappointing. My veggie omelet was tasteless; my friend had a steak and eggs. His meat was full of tendons and fat--it was a truly terrible cut of meat. The only thing on the breakfast that was somewhat good was the fresh squeezed orange juice and the waitress service. When the bill arrived after our half eaten meals--as they were so bad--we were truly outraged: $40 dollars plus a tip of $6--almost $50 dollars for eating a truly mediocre meal of breakfast!!!!!!!! read more

Pauline's is a little hidden gem...its kinda out of the way, next to a cemetary, and ironically across the street from one of my more adeventurous dates in which i'm not eager to run into again (im very lovable with addictable kissing skill yet I'm not first date boyfriend material...sorry princess). It's also only open from 7am to 3pm, which we all know is peak Mike K world domination hours. Luckily I had some free time before a rather big day/night and feeling pretty good about myself, which meant I needed to be put in my place by a friend who doesn't see life as all sunshine and lollipops, and especially my lollipop. This was the place, a small little cafe/diner dressed up in troll dolls with an atmosphere that said "hey, I was in the last Dixie Chicks video". I like the decor, love the fact that they have bottomless sugar, cream butter, and jellies, plus breakfast all day (or at least from 7-3) how can your beat that. And its cheap! A solid little place to disappear to if you wanna get away from the busy city life and expensive priced brunch outlets Andersonville gives you. read more

For what it's worth, Pauline's could be the BEST neighborhood spot for breakfast if it just tweaked a couple things. Yes, I realize it has been there forever. Yes, I realize that they capitalize on those people who, like myself, live off of Ravenswood instead of Clark or Ashland and want to avoid the craziness which is weekend brunch in Andersonville. I just simply wish that Pauline's could improve on their food quality, their service, and the general feeling of the restaurant overall. I have visited here many times and have left upon many occasions feeling, this place COULD be so great. But, I have had slow and / or non-existent service, where the 40 year old waitresses are much more interested in catching up with each other than in taking care of their guests. I have experienced full out conversations with their family members over the phone as I am patiently waiting to pay my bill up at the front. Where I have had a plate of food delivered to me ten minutes before my companions is ready. Yes, I understand this is supposed to be a "diner", but you do realize Pauline's that most people will wait out of courtesy for their dining companions' food to arrive before they eat their own plate of food? Just set mine out under a heat lamp instead of sending it out only to be freezing cold ten minutes later because I'm trying to be polite. Or, I have a genius idea. How about cook the food at the same time?! Genius!!!!! I mean, c'mon. I have been there at least three times where this sort of thing has happened to me. Not to mention, you have to flag down the gum flapping waitress in order to see IF the food is actually coming. I have sat for long extended times without coffee refills or water refilled, or silverware. Common sense, people. At least in a real diner, you feel taken care of by the staff and that they really do care about getting you in, getting you a hot cup of coffee, and getting you fed, all within a reasonable amount of time. For my money, I'll head to Golden Nugget, Tiztal Café, or M Henry. read more

I enjoyed this place for the most part. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my husband had the blueberry pancakes and potatoes (a very healthy breakfast indeed). He really enjoyed his pancakes even though they served a "mixed" maple syrup instead of a pure maple syrup. The potatoes were flavorful. I'm pretty sure the biscuits were Hungry Jack (not flakey enough) and my plastic plate came warm which made me think that it took a turn in the micowave. Still, the gravy was dressed up with Italian sausage and was pretty good. The service was reasonably good. I would go here again and my husband, who doesn't go to restaurants alone, already did go back on his own. So I'm guessing he would have given this place four stars. read more

if you are hung over or have some loud ass kids that you have to feed, this is the perfect spot

My husband and I LOVE Pauline's for weekend brunch. The food is fantastic, the coffee is great too. There's almost always a short wait saturday and sunday, but it's worth waiting. This place is very popular, and rightfully so. read more

The best thing about the place is its location and a local guy who usually hangs out there with his two Macaw parrots. We ate there once and don't want to go back. The food was rather tasteless and the service ok. Basic dinner. If the chef was better, we would go back, as we like the location, but we don't like to pay for food that tastes bad! read more

this place is cash only! they do have an atm on the outside of the restaurant, but i wish there was a big ass sign when you entered letting you know. we went at 9am so there was no waiting. i ordered the south american omelette, chorizo, cheddar and jalepeno. it was alright. it was a little greasy and my biggest complaint is that the jalepenos were on top of the omelette and not inside. my husband got pancakes and eggs with sausage on the side. our waitress forgot the sausage, but did bring it immediately when we reminded her. his pancakes were good, not the best i had but pretty good. nothing really stands out from what we had. the best thing i ate was probably the english muffin. it was super crispy and buttery. i didn't share it with my husband; it was soo good. however, i wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

I have been going to Pauline's for years and love it. I usually get the veggie omelet with egg whites. It is huge and loaded with tons of fresh veggies. I've only had one bad meal here and that was years ago. I ordered oatmeal and I'm sure it was instant. That's ok, you're not supposed to go there for oatmeal but for their egg dishes. I also love how on holidays and special occasions they usually give you a free glass of champagne with your breakfast. Oh, and they only take cash. read more

Nestled on the corner of Balmoral and Ravenswood is this little restaurant that is a serious throw back to the 60's! We brought our friend here for lunch on our way to check out Rosehill Cemetery. The service was good, the waitress got our order promptly, but the ice tea tasted like the coffee brewer had been used to brew it, and wasn't cleaned, yuck! I ordered the bacon turkey club which was huge and tasty, girlfriend ordered the rueben...tasty but really needed a little more meat. Burger hound ordered the spaghetti Bolognese and really wished he had ordered the burger. Sauce had celery in it, and not enough tomato, which is definitely not what Bolognese is supposed to have in it!...he was less than impressed. However, we loved the soups, lentil and bean with ham. I myself, have been here for breakfast on several occasions, and love their breakfasts, especially their omelettes. All things considered I will gladly give them three stars, and tell all to steer clear of the pasta. read more

i had gone to pauline's several times over the years. i can honestly say that i wasn't a fan for a long time. it's been hit or miss from time to time. though, last time was such a hit, i have to give it 4 stars and say that i'm planning on going back soon. the service was solid, the plates of food were on the larger size, the owner was so cheerful and attentive and shared a few great stories with us. the group was made up of my wife, our 5 month old son, and a couple who is expecting. the were very attentive that we were comfortable, that my son was safe and comfortable and the expectant mother was well looked after. it was what i had heard pauline's was like from all my friends who love the place and an experience i had never had before. i hope next time i go back the trend continues, because if it does they'll have a big fan in me. read more