2017 has been the year of the brunchstaurant. The newest is Sweet Diner, filling a void in the Third Ward with its focus on all-day breakfast and lunch.
The restaurant, which opened Nov. 8 at 239 E. Chicago St., has taken off, pulling crowds into its open, light-filled space.
The modern decor, with spiky gold-toned chandeliers and marble-look tables, is an apt match for the tony Third Ward. The owners are three Chicagoans, George Prassis, George Karkalis and Yianni Konstantinou, general manager Genevieve Vermeulen said.
Sweet Diner seats about 200, including about 40 in a semi-private room.
Like any diner, it has a full complement of breakfast plates: omelets, eggs Benedict, ham hash and other skillet dishes, pancakes, waffles and French toast.
Sweet Diner dresses up staples; pancakes can be had with caramel apple topping, for instance, and waffles can be made of cornbread batter and served with fried chicken.
Lunch items include salads (one has lentils and brown rice with ham, egg, green onion and carrots) and sandwiches (like a BLT with Swiss, mayo and avocado).
I popped in on a busy weekday and found good service and food that was appealing (although the bun fell apart under a juicy burger, and poached eggs were made in a form instead of traditionally).
Most menu items are from $9 to $12; it tops out at $17 for a pound of bacon or ham cut off the bone, or a 10-ounce skirt steak with three eggs and potatoes.
For beverages, expect coffee, espresso drinks and juices, but also some beers, house wines plus Veuve Cliquot Champagne, and cocktails including Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Paloma.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, including holidays. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Sweet Diner will be open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations are accepted weekdays; on the weekends, customers can reserve a digital place in line with the NoWait app. Weekend waits for a table can be an hour.
The full menu is online. To contact: (414) 488-9600.