17 Best Breakfast Restaurants near Highwood

“This is a rarity today for restaurants of any type, a par-excellence value! This is a diner/breakfast/lunch restaurant, a few booths and counter seats. Most of the activity by the staff is out front, no secrets. Many customers have dined there frequently, they are regulars and recognized, the waitress can practically write the order without asking, they know the person that well. Occasionally it is a first timer and because of the ambience they feel free to voice their opinion as to how good it is, as we did the first time we ate here in late winter 2025.

We had driven by Sandy’s many times and I often remarked, we should try them out, and we would have sooner, but the parking is the limiting factor, basically curbside parallel parking, only 4 or 5 spots are in front of the restaurant, others down the block and across the street. There may be some in the alley behind but I’m not aware of any. I’m unable to walk any significant distance, so if the parking isn’t right near the door, I’d pass Sandys by, but that is my issue, if you are healthy, the distance isn’t an issue

The food is great, the owner/chef/cook knows what is expected of a dinner establishment. The eggs are prepared as asked, if the request is “over-medium” the egg whites are cooked through, yolks runny, and edges crisp ... Anyone who has trained as breakfast fry cook will know how to make eggs to request, and yes that is a SKILL. The biscuits and gravy are the best I have had in the NW suburbs, there is breakfast sausage crumbles in a cream gravy, and the gravy actually is seasoned and not just white flour paste.

No matter how rushed and busy a restaurant is, they should never lose sight of the fact that each meal served is important, there are not many 2nd chances in the restaurant business. I’m guessing that one of the wait staff is probably the owner, this is the difference, she is watching that the customer’s expectations are met, she deserves an A.“

“I literally had the best pancakes I’ve ever had“

“Delicious food & Great Service! Had the chilaquiles which were perfect because the tortillas were still a bit crunchy not all soggy and The Concha French toast was amazing. Would definitely be back.“

“Plenty of parking in back with rear entrance. Indoor and outdoor seating. Seated quickly. Beautiful interior with high top and regular height seating. Our server was polite and knowledgeable. The food came out quickly and accurately.
Bathrooms are clean.“

“Absolutely love it. we enjoy the food.. and the stuff is great 🤩“

“Excellent food and service with never having your water empty to offering more napkins and large portions. Thanks again and we will be back and going to try a lunch option next visit.“

“Delicious food and friendly service!!“

“great service!!! the hostess was very polite and professional 👍“

“We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the Lake Forest location when we were in town for our daughter's U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command graduation. By far the best place we ate when we were in the Chicagoland area. I gave it a nod in my book and encourage anyone visiting Great Lakes to stop there with their sailor during liberty.“

“God bless Egg Harbor Cafe and all personal, The best service“

“Here right now on a relaxing weekday. Oatmilk espresso drink: awesome. Carnitas avacado black bean skillet: awesome. Service: awesome. Indoor, semi-indoor, and outdoor seating: awesome.“

“Best scones! Excited to visit in February!“

“Nice breakfast and great location“

“Friday Wing and Taco specials! Best Tortilla soup! Must try the Turkey boat! Everything is yum here...“

“Hands down one of the best breakfast spots I've been to in while. I first visited their Naperville location in 2021 and fell in love with the potatoes and pancakes. There can be a wait but I suggest making reservations or going before 11am. Even if you wait, its totally worth it.“

“We were looking for breakfast while on the Highway. This place was 10 minutes out of our way, but well worth it! This was the best French Toast and the staff worked together like a well oiled machine. They were all so friendly and efficient.“

“I have to say this place was bussin! Ishmael our server was on top of the drinks, the food and service as well. I can't tell you as someone who lives on the road how much good service and food on the road is missing. This place though went above and beyond food came straight out the menu. Check it out“