Ann Sather, a Chicago Breakfast Staple

I have to admit, I've been looking forward to my first trip to Ann Sather for a very long time. I remember passing by their locations on Belmont and Southport, always too late to catch their Chicago-famous cinnamon rolls, but I vowed that one day, I would find the opportunity. Not long ago, that day came. And, let me tell you, Ann Sather did not disappoint.

The first Ann Sather opened up in Andersonville, a Swedish restaurant in a Swedish-dominated neighborhood. There are also locations on Belmont, Broadway, and Southport, as I've previously mentioned. My first visit came at the Belmont location, just of the Belmont Brown Line stop, in the heart of Boystown. I soon found myself seated near the window, and served by an attentive and friendly waitress. Most of the staff seemed friendly, though I cannot personally speak for all of them.

The interior of the Belmont location is a little dark, but not distracting. Sunlight streams in from the large front windows, alleviating some of this. The walls are predictably decked with Swedish style decor, quaint and not at all kitschy or overwhelming. It reminds one of what someone's Swedish grandmother's kitchen might have looked like. The atmosphere is very laid-back, just what you would expect in a restaurant specializing in breakfast. And the patrons ranged from long-time residents, little old ladies, to young hipster types, all seeking a good meal.

Speaking of a good meal, I was tempted to try one of their famous benedicts. I have heard that Ann Sather makes amazing pancakes, but I'm just not a pancake kind of girl, so I'll let you determine that for yourself. I am, however, crazy about eggs benedict, and Ann Sather makes several varieties. I selected the crab cake benedict; poached eggs and, you guessed it, crab cakes atop a toasted english muffin, with hollandaise on the side. Better yet, in addition to this, you can also select two sides from their menu. I chose hash browns (a personal weakness of mine) and their famous cinnamon rolls, as I just couldn't justify leaving without one.

The meal was delicious. I finished half, and took half home with me, (they give you TWO immense cinnamon rolls) and it was every bit as good the second day. The hash browns are done with onion and a spice blend that makes them unique among most I've tried. The crab cake benedict was rich without being overwhelming. The eggs were poached perfectly, and the crab cake was firm and flaky, with just a hint of dill. And those cinnamon rolls. I could have eaten both in one sitting, had I only been able to physically finish them. They were tender and cinnamony, with a delicious glaze.

And now for the kicker. All this, this immense meal, complete with two gigantic cinnamon rolls, set me back a mere ten dollars. Ten dollars for a whole meal PLUS those cinnamon rolls. Ten dollars to eat the most delicious breakfast I've ever had, and then have leftovers for the next day. I am literally floored by the value of that.

Some day, I would love to go back and sample some of Ann Sather's other delectable treats. I noticed the table next to me had ordered french toast, and it came stacked high, with berries, syrup, and powdered sugar. In addition, there is a wide variety of sides to choose from, not just potatoes and cinnamon rolls, but fruit, bacon or sausage, biscuits, or muffins.

The only drawback in sight is that Ann Sather is typically only open until 3pm, with the exception of weekends, when they stay open until four. As someone who loves breakfast at any time of day, (and also someone who just cannot seem to get out of the house until midafternoon) I wish their hours were just a little longer each day, but I can hardly complain.

So... if you've ever passed by and wondered what Ann Sather is about, if you're in the neighborhood in the morning, and need a hearty meal, or if you're a visitor to Chicago, I'm telling you, run to the nearest Ann Sather location. You won't be sorry.