Svea Restaurant, Chicago

The homelike atmosphere when you walk in. Friendly conversation among the patrons. A smiling waitress at your table pouring fresh coffee and taking your order back in a flash with their take on the Viking breakfast. Eggs, skillet fried potatoes and a very flavorful browned sausage that melts in your mouth along with wheat toast and a side of pancakes that I swear my grandpa Chris just made, you never forget that TASTE ! Kitchen memories at it's best probably made in the same old black iron skillet he used.

While it may not be as popular as its more famous neighbor, Ann Sather's, Svea holds its own as one of the best places in Andersonville for Swedish pancakes. As a matter of fact, most opinions I hear, are that they are better. This is such a quaint place. The service is above friendly. I felt that our waitress was as if my mom was serving us breakfast. At our host's suggestion, I tried the the Viking Breakfast (eggs, potatoes, sausage, toast and Swedish pancakes). Yes, it had to be split with my son. Their menu also includes lunchtime basics like BLTs and burgers, as well as Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches. The dining room has a very cheerful appearance, offering counter seating and intimate tables for two and four. I loved it and so did my son. While we may not be Swedish, thumbs up!

This bare bones (no credit cards), breakfast place (open til 2:30pm), serves wonderful filling breakfasts with great potatoes, thick bacon, eggs, and delicious swedish pancakes, they do all the basics well without fanfare, fuss or pretension. Sort of a cozy Swedish take on a Jersey Diner.