OK, so I do not typically write Yelp Reviews but I felt compelled to based on a lot of the mixed reviews I was seeing below. So with that being said, I am a native Chicagoan who was driving down 55 about two weeks ago to go visit family. My family and I were hungry and decided to find something to eat during our pit stop. We found this restaurant simply by searching new breakfast in bloomington. So we headed there and much to our surprise we were really happy with what we found. Yes, the line was long and we waited about an hour to sit down but that's normal across all restaurants in Chicago. When we sat down, our server Maria greeted and guided us through the menu and cocktail beverages...Yes, you read that right, cocktails. I was NOT expecting this and to my delight i ordered "The Pink Lady" which i could honestly say tasted amazing and even had floral decorations on it. My husband and older son ordered a mimosa set of Peach, Strawberry, and Lavender. They really liked them and I gotta honestly say, never seen a Lavender Mimosa, and I also gotta say, it tasted pretty good as well. OK, so the drinks so far were a win. What about the food? Well before we could order, the owner Jon, decided to swing by with a "Bubble Machine" for cocktails. He greeted us, asked if we wanted to see what "Brunch & Bubbles" was all about and then after agreeing he began to throw edible bubbles with various flavors on the table. In the bubbles was flavored smoke! I gotta say, I stopped in for breakfast and also got a show!
Next we ordered some breakfast items, I personally ordered the Paco's and they were Phenomenal! Chorizo, hot honey, and pancakes in a simple bite?!? Sign me up. My husband ordered the Shrimp and Grits which he loved and my daughter tried the Shakshuka... Which again... Are we in central Illinois or Chicago?
My honest opinion here is the food quality, the service, the ambiance, and the Bubbles not only exceeded my expectations, they shattered them. Jon was amazing, he was walking around to all the tables greeting them and talking to them. At the same time, he would run to the kitchen to help with food orders when needed.
So here's where I take issue with some of the reviews that I believe don't give Egg Republic its due justice: 1) You cannot compare this place to Cracker Barrel, that's like saying don't go to a 5 star restaurant, go to McDonalds, you will be happier. What kind of comparison is that? Cracker Barrel is to be compared with IHOP and Dennys. If you like those places, that's great but it's in NO WAY comparable to Egg Republic. Plus, last time I looked, those places were not serving Alcohol, shakshuka, chicken battered bacon, or french omelets. I mean come on people. 2) I have no understanding of what was said about the discrimination piece. My family is from the middle east and we were given equal attention as everyone else. Also, I saw the staff was also diverse... So I would say everyone should make their own unique judgment here. 3) Management was perfect, everything was running smoothly and effectively. Yes they were busy but we showed up on a Sunday. Ever tried to get into Lula's cafe on a Sunday in Chicago? 3 HOUR WAIT. That's considered normal and NO ONE Complains.
My final thoughts here. Come in and try the place. Coming from a person who has eaten at more breakfast places than I care to document, this place is perfect and I hope Jon considers opening one up in Chicago as well. Keep up the great work! read more