Ina’s
1235 W Randolph StChicago, IL 60607-1517
Phone: (312) 226-8227
http://www.breakfastqueen.com/

Hours:
Monday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (breakfast only on Sundays)
Breakfast entrée price range: $8-$11

Ina’s has become such a breakfast institution in the West Loop that we just had to tell newcomers and Chicagoans who have not yet visited this café: Go there for breakfast. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be back. Ina’s is the culinary treasure house of inimitable chef/owner Ina Pinkney. She’s gregarious and a delight to know.

The website says it all: http://www.breakfastqueen.com/. But we think that “lunch queen” and “dinner queen” would work just as well. Any time of day, Ina’s has something wonderful to offer.

There are so many good breakfast things at Ina’s we hardly know where to start. So here are the basics: Prices are extremely reasonable. There is a free parking lot next door. The Intelligentsia coffee, served by the pot, is great. The room is quiet enough to hold a conversation, making it perfect for a business breakfast. The service is courteous, prompt and professional. In warm weather, there is a nice outdoor eating area. The quality of the food is excellent, portions are large but not overbearing and the baked goods are fresh and tasty. Ina is very committed to sustainability, so many of the ingredients are locally produced and organic.

What to order? We need go no further than to say Heavenly Hots, which are Ina’s signature pancakes, made with fresh eggs, sour cream and just a bit of flour. They are light and delicious, topped with fruit compote or ask for the real maple syrup. Ordered with a side of Boar’s Head bacon or one of three styles of sausage, and you’ll be sustained for hours. Similarly, you’ll enjoy the Vanilla Bean Waffle, Buttermilk Pancakes, Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes and Baked French Toast. If you’re in a savory mood, there are many specialty Omelets, a delicious vegetarian Frittata, Huevos Rancheros and the special Pulled Pork Hash.

Ina’s is a “cell phone free zone,” so as you finish your meal and head out to face the day, you’ll be surprisingly refreshed—and glad that you stopped by.