Love all the breakfasts I've tried especially the coconut oatmeal. Nellies breakfast special is so unique with the plantains and cooked in sofrito. Breakfast jibarito is really good as well
Suki Suki
We came because of the rave brunch reviews but at $25 a pop it wasn't worth it. The service was very slow, the food was mediocre, the plantains were hard and the oatmeal had been sitting too long so had a slimy texture. The omelette station was the only worthwhile brunch item. It was very disappointing for $70+ for 2 people.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I enjoyed the omelet/egg station most of all. The guy working the omelet/egg station was friendly and hard-working. I would have liked to see labels on brunch buffet items. I had no idea what some items were, which left me less inclined to try them. The service was slightly below average. In my opinion, the buffet brunch was not worth the price paid. My Cafe con Leche was not included. However, the OJ and Sparkling Passion Fruit Water my friends ordered was? Both items were not listed on the receipt. Would have been helpful to know what was included and what wasn't.
Mercedes Moctezuma
If you want to feel at home. If you want your grandmother's oatmeal. Or the most authentic triplet in Chicago, trust this is your place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Scott
Soup is good most of the time. Rare occasions where it does taste good (maybe it depends on who makes it) Sometimes they’ll say 5 min or 15 minutes to come pick up your food and still not have it ready by the time you get there.Parking: When parking make sure you’re in and out just to pick up your food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Eddie N
Oatmeal is good, a bit cold at times but still great place to visit. Buffet options and great rice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Norman O.
A trip to the Chi during the Easter holiday, and we just came across Nellie's. They were serving an Easter holiday buffet, I have to say, it was amazing! Of course, we had to make a reservation due to the holiday. 2nd floor, and it was on! It was set up like a catered buffet but was cooked, prepped at location. Pastelon was good, I loved the plantains in this dish! Maduros (plantains), Lechon (Cuban roast pork), Chicharron de Pollo (Puerto Rican fried chicken), very nice tender, crisp crust, very good. Ensalada de Papa (potato salad) looked very tasty, not overcooked as it sits out. We also had the pleasure of having a cook to prepare omelets or scrambled eggs, who were personable. After breakfast/brunch, there was the dessert table to take care of. Of all the wonderful desserts, my favorite was the coconut custard, chilled, very good. Happy Easter all
Rawk N Vegan
I visited this place in humble park. The staff was very friendly and very accommodating a Mushroom. Onion bell pepper, it was very good.I think they need more vegan options I would.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Gyamfua G.
Nellie's was amazing! This was a last minute brunch selection and though they were busy we made a reservation on open table for 12:45 and was seated quickly. Our seating was in their event space that was a separate entrance on the 2nd floor. The event space was very spacious with lots of folding tables covered with white table cloth. The servers were very quick and super nice! The food spread was plentiful with a good selection of Puerto Rican specialties including Puerto Rican oatmeal, fresh plantains, rice and the most amazing and flavorful pulled pork. I was so full I didn't get to try the omelet station. The desserts were amazing as well. I would definitely recommend this buffet to anyone looking for a tasty Sunday brunch for a reasonable price!
Rose P.
Been wanting to try this place for years and I'm glad I finally was able to. Came for Sunday brunch and was seated immediately. Place is cozy and seating is limited. The buffet was set up in the back but ordering off the menu was also available if that's what you fancy... buffet was a little smaller than what I had imagined but we were informed they used to have an omelette station and they were currently looking for a new cook. It made no difference to me- because the food was itself was enough for me. My favs were the sweet plantain and egg casserole, the maduros, the arroz con gandules, and the chicharron con pollo... and and let's not forget about the coconut oatmeal!! Yum, yum, and yum! They also had regular breakfast items like French toast, bacon/sausage, potatoes, eggs, cereal, and some pastries- but I didn't go there to eat food I can make myself...
I went once with my family during a weekend brunch. It's better if you make a reservation because it gets really packed! The host is very friendly and so are the rest of the staff. The buffet has tons of great options, even for vegetarians. There was arroz con gandules, chicken, breakfast items, and so much more. There was even avena and pancakes for my kids! The avena is so good. There is also a lovely chef in the buffet who will make you a custom omelet. I can't wait to go back again!
Fernando Zambrano
Trendy, cute restaurant. Great for a breakfast or lunch date. The portions are a little bit on the smaller side, but they do have a brunch available, if you have a healthier appetite. I ordered a Jabarito with lechon, which is a little dry. Overall the food was pretty good, but also came out kind of just warm.Not sure if I would go back, with so many Puerto Rican restaurant options.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Natalie Dias
The lack of service for a place that was not at all busy with so many open tables at 10:56 on a Sunday was wild.
Stephanie K. Vazquez
I dined in once and the service was extremely slow but the food is so good. I ordered carry out and the service was worse. The online ordering service notified me my order was ready, I went in and still had to wait another 15 minutes. If you have all day to wait and aren’t very hungry then this place is for you.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Avena De Coco
David H.
Arrived on a Friday morning around 9:30. Got seated, not many people in the place but maybe half of the tables had not been cleared. Sat for fifteen minutes before even getting water to the table with no ask if we wanted coffee nor leaving a menu. Eventually a waitress got off of her chair where she was playing with her phone and brought menus but left before asking about coffee. After a while she comes back and takes our order including coffee. Another ten minutes until I tracked a guy down and said we would really like some coffee. Another ten minutes and two cups of (very good) coffee came to the table with menus. Another fifteen minutes until food arrived and was average fare (lukewarm breakfast potatoes). Had to go to the waitress on her chair and ask for the check. I don't recall ever not leaving a tip before today.
Love all the breakfasts I've tried especially the coconut oatmeal. Nellies breakfast special is so unique with the plantains and cooked in sofrito. Breakfast jibarito is really good as well
We came because of the rave brunch reviews but at $25 a pop it wasn't worth it. The service was very slow, the food was mediocre, the plantains were hard and the oatmeal had been sitting too long so had a slimy texture. The omelette station was the only worthwhile brunch item. It was very disappointing for $70+ for 2 people.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I enjoyed the omelet/egg station most of all. The guy working the omelet/egg station was friendly and hard-working. I would have liked to see labels on brunch buffet items. I had no idea what some items were, which left me less inclined to try them. The service was slightly below average. In my opinion, the buffet brunch was not worth the price paid. My Cafe con Leche was not included. However, the OJ and Sparkling Passion Fruit Water my friends ordered was? Both items were not listed on the receipt. Would have been helpful to know what was included and what wasn't.
If you want to feel at home. If you want your grandmother's oatmeal. Or the most authentic triplet in Chicago, trust this is your place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Soup is good most of the time. Rare occasions where it does taste good (maybe it depends on who makes it) Sometimes they’ll say 5 min or 15 minutes to come pick up your food and still not have it ready by the time you get there.Parking: When parking make sure you’re in and out just to pick up your food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Oatmeal is good, a bit cold at times but still great place to visit. Buffet options and great rice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A trip to the Chi during the Easter holiday, and we just came across Nellie's. They were serving an Easter holiday buffet, I have to say, it was amazing! Of course, we had to make a reservation due to the holiday. 2nd floor, and it was on! It was set up like a catered buffet but was cooked, prepped at location. Pastelon was good, I loved the plantains in this dish! Maduros (plantains), Lechon (Cuban roast pork), Chicharron de Pollo (Puerto Rican fried chicken), very nice tender, crisp crust, very good. Ensalada de Papa (potato salad) looked very tasty, not overcooked as it sits out. We also had the pleasure of having a cook to prepare omelets or scrambled eggs, who were personable. After breakfast/brunch, there was the dessert table to take care of. Of all the wonderful desserts, my favorite was the coconut custard, chilled, very good. Happy Easter all
I visited this place in humble park. The staff was very friendly and very accommodating a Mushroom. Onion bell pepper, it was very good.I think they need more vegan options I would.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Nellie's was amazing! This was a last minute brunch selection and though they were busy we made a reservation on open table for 12:45 and was seated quickly. Our seating was in their event space that was a separate entrance on the 2nd floor. The event space was very spacious with lots of folding tables covered with white table cloth. The servers were very quick and super nice! The food spread was plentiful with a good selection of Puerto Rican specialties including Puerto Rican oatmeal, fresh plantains, rice and the most amazing and flavorful pulled pork. I was so full I didn't get to try the omelet station. The desserts were amazing as well. I would definitely recommend this buffet to anyone looking for a tasty Sunday brunch for a reasonable price!
Been wanting to try this place for years and I'm glad I finally was able to. Came for Sunday brunch and was seated immediately. Place is cozy and seating is limited. The buffet was set up in the back but ordering off the menu was also available if that's what you fancy... buffet was a little smaller than what I had imagined but we were informed they used to have an omelette station and they were currently looking for a new cook. It made no difference to me- because the food was itself was enough for me. My favs were the sweet plantain and egg casserole, the maduros, the arroz con gandules, and the chicharron con pollo... and and let's not forget about the coconut oatmeal!! Yum, yum, and yum! They also had regular breakfast items like French toast, bacon/sausage, potatoes, eggs, cereal, and some pastries- but I didn't go there to eat food I can make myself...
Restaurantji Recommends
I went once with my family during a weekend brunch. It's better if you make a reservation because it gets really packed! The host is very friendly and so are the rest of the staff. The buffet has tons of great options, even for vegetarians. There was arroz con gandules, chicken, breakfast items, and so much more. There was even avena and pancakes for my kids! The avena is so good. There is also a lovely chef in the buffet who will make you a custom omelet. I can't wait to go back again!
Trendy, cute restaurant. Great for a breakfast or lunch date. The portions are a little bit on the smaller side, but they do have a brunch available, if you have a healthier appetite. I ordered a Jabarito with lechon, which is a little dry. Overall the food was pretty good, but also came out kind of just warm.Not sure if I would go back, with so many Puerto Rican restaurant options.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
The lack of service for a place that was not at all busy with so many open tables at 10:56 on a Sunday was wild.
I dined in once and the service was extremely slow but the food is so good. I ordered carry out and the service was worse. The online ordering service notified me my order was ready, I went in and still had to wait another 15 minutes. If you have all day to wait and aren’t very hungry then this place is for you.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Avena De Coco
Arrived on a Friday morning around 9:30. Got seated, not many people in the place but maybe half of the tables had not been cleared. Sat for fifteen minutes before even getting water to the table with no ask if we wanted coffee nor leaving a menu. Eventually a waitress got off of her chair where she was playing with her phone and brought menus but left before asking about coffee. After a while she comes back and takes our order including coffee. Another ten minutes until I tracked a guy down and said we would really like some coffee. Another ten minutes and two cups of (very good) coffee came to the table with menus. Another fifteen minutes until food arrived and was average fare (lukewarm breakfast potatoes). Had to go to the waitress on her chair and ask for the check. I don't recall ever not leaving a tip before today.