http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/restaurants/ct-breakfast-with-ina-november-food-1120-20161110-story.html
The 3rd Coast Cafe
"Breakfast anytime" are my favorite words when looking for a place to write about. My friend, restaurateur Dan Rosenthal, with whom I worked to make Chicago restaurants smoke-free, joined me. He said he loves this neighborhood spot — which proudly says it's the oldest cafe in the Gold Coast — for dinner too.
On entering the cafe, which is a few steps down from street level, giving it a cozy feel, I was drawn to the counter with its freshly baked scones — a signature item. We ordered some, of course, and also shared a Chicago-style smoked Polish sausage, cut and grilled. It was a nice change from other sausages and came with eggs, toast, some spicy mustard and hash browns.
The Texas French toast can be either thick-cut sourdough or cinnamon raisin sprinkled with powdered sugar. I chose the latter. A great option was the Old Smokehouse bacon, which is ordered by the "stick." "I'll have three please." And the scones? 3rd Coast deserves to be very proud of them.
No wonder it's been around so long.
Of note: Full service. Street parking. Three-hour $14 valet parking available at 1250 N. Dearborn. Full bar.
Find it: 1260 N. Dearborn St., 312-649-0730, www.3rdcoastcafe.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to midnight daily
Ina Pinkney, the former owner of breakfast spot Ina's, writes the monthly "Breakfast With Ina" column for the Tribune. Find more of her columns here.
