Happened upon it looking for a good breakfast spot nearby to make it our new go to. We found it at Sandy's! The food is so delicious. Simple, classic, and so good. Good portions too. Have tried breakfasts and lunches. The French toast and the tuna sandwich are favorites. But you can't go wrong with anything you pick. You're always asked if you want more coffee too. What makes this place special is the camaraderie. Darcy, the owner, is warm and can be lovingly teasing with her regulars. She is the exact personality you want in a diner. The patrons are just as welcoming and fun. You don't have to socialize but it feels so inviting even to listen and watch. I can't get enough of this place. I am also thrilled to learn they'll open a second location soon. Darcy and her employees deserve all the success. Sandy's: Thanks for filling up our bellies with food and laughter! read more

We stopped at Sandy's for breakfast wanting that classic diner experience, and it was absolutely perfect. There are just a few tables out front, a cozy diner counter, and some tables in the back--it has that small-town charm that makes you feel right at home. We had a party of seven, and they made sure to seat us all together without a problem. The restaurant was super clean, the food was delicious, and the prices were very fair. What really stood out, though, was the service. Our waitress was so kind and attentive, checking on us several times to make sure we had everything we needed. When she found out my son had just graduated, she said she would have given him a discount--but since he had already snuck off to the counter to pay, she gave him a coffee cup instead. That thoughtful gesture meant so much to us and really showed how much they care about their guests. I'll be recommending Sandy's to everyone I know. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again. read more

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It's a small restaurant and has very warm and welcoming ambience. My sister wanted some biscuit and gravy and I think they made pretty good ones. She didn't complain so it has to be good I already had breakfast before coming with her but I still ordered a cup of chilli because I didn't want to take up space but don't buy anything. But you know when something tastes good is that you are not hungry but still want to eat it. read more

This is Highwood's breakfast equivalent to "Cheers," a friendly, casual diner where everyone "knows your name." Who is the "moron" breakfast sandwich named for, I wonder? I ordered the biscuits and gravy with a side of home fries and onions. My companion ordered the two egg breakfast with "Goofy Donna" (lo carb) toast. Our food was fine. The home fries were a little overdone but tasted good. We added the cook's homemade hot sauce to give it a little kick. Goofy Donna is on to something -- that toast was great! The secret ingredient here is the service. The patrons greeted us with smiles and greetings and our server (owner?) set us at ease, made multiple passes with the coffee pot, and made us feel welcome. If you want to get the pulse of the town, hear the latest gossip, all while having tasty, simple diner fare, I think this is the place to start. read more

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Always Great Always entertaining Always great to see Darcy Food Service Atmosphere All excellent Some might argue slow service , to that I say stop complaining. Cool can only cook so fast Always well worth the wait Love you Darcy Bob C read more

Sandy's Restaurant - Coffee cup on the counter :) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

I love going to Sandy's for breakfast. It has an inviting home like feel. The owners were very accommodating with my order. Great service, good food & coffee. I like the relaxed environment. Sandy's is a local treasure. read more

Sandy's is Sandy's. The old school mom and pop diner that's never changed the griddle which makes all the food taste that much better. Service is always spot on too read more

Easily the best tuna melt I've ever had. Darcy was the nicest lady and made us feel like regulars. Endless hot coffee, old school diner feel...we'll be coming back. read more

My husband and I absolutely love Sandy's. We bike from our home to have breakfast here on the weekends. I recommend sitting at the bar only because that's the only place I enjoy sitting. The owner and the rest of the staff are amazing people with great personalities. They are quick to take your order and bring out your food. I never feel forgotten there as they are always checking up on us and topping off the coffee. I always feel at home here. I think that's why I keep going to Sandy's. It reminds me of the local diners at home in Nashville. The place is always clean and we usually happen to run into a neighbor. The food... has never disappointed me here. My husband usually orders the moron and I am fan of their omelettes. Great diner food. The moron though, it's the bread. The sandwich is great all around. I highly recommend. Their omelettes are always fluffy and I change up my topics all of time. The ingredients are fresh. If you're in Highwood in the morning, don't skip this classic diner. read more

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A great classic diner in the heart of Highland Park Darcy the owner is so welcoming and friendly! I'm told the chef and family have been there over 30 years! The food is great and a wide variety of choices. I'm from out of town but when I visit, I will have breakfast here every time read more

I can taste why Sandy's gets a 4.9 out of five stars. Not a fancy place but French toast and eggs Benedict were both out of this world. Waitress was hustling and funny. Good vibe in Highwood - delightful little Italian enclave with several small restaurants. read more

This says it all. Best place the ever. Corned beef hash. Omelette. Fresh. Hot. Great service. read more

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This is a wonderful restaurant with amazing food and excellent service. My friend and I had such a great experience on Saturday evening. I highly recommend this place -- 100%! read more

It isn't often I'm in Highwood looking for breakfast, so I've never discovered this gem until now. Though we stopped in only 15 minutes before closing, the women behind the counter served us with warm smiles, efficient service, and delicious food. Both my son and I had egg white omelets, we both agreed some of the best we've had. I'll find a reason to return to this quaint diner, it's the perfect breakfast spot. read more

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My husband kept stealing my potatoes, that is how perfect it was made! High quality food, small family diner, great service you would definitely love! read more

Sandy's Restaurant - My husband kept stealing my potatoes... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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Come to Sandy's knowing what to expect, and you will love it! Sandy's is a true diner. A greasy spoon. They serve eggs and bacon, and it is really freaking good! While they have delicious food, this is not your $50 farm-to-table omelet topped with organic hummus from heirloom chickpeas. This is classic breakfast fare done right. Friendly service and great food for an affordable price. That's five stars to me! read more

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Super charming and welcoming neighborhood diner. Darcy is such a lovely owner and host - she can do it all while running a good kitchen and making people feel joy. Food was tasty and we had the best time. Darcy even made our birthday celebration so special. This is a perfect neighborhood diner, and one we will frequent often. read more

I have always been recommended this breakfast spot but I finally got an opportunity today. Fantastic! My garbage omelette was just greasy enough to hit the spot. They served it with one slice of toast quartered and buttered. What a perfect volume of food :) read more

We have been going to Sandy's since 2005! It is the essence of small town diner with big town flavor! If you are looking for a unique dining experience for breakfast, this is your place read more

This is a laid back place where you can relax and be your self. The staff is friendly and just really kind and interested in making your experience a pleasant one with delicious food that comforts you. It's not pretentious and you do not have to worry that you don't fit into the crowd that is dining or serving there. They have a family feeling where you can take sone time in your hectic life to feel cared for and maybe have a laugh or two. If you want an old school diner with a relatable experience surrounded by people that really care about making you happy and comfortable as you sink into some real tasty food. Then get your hiney in this place and take a load off. Hope you guys never change. Keep up the great work. read more

Loved every bite!! We were looking for our new breakfast go to (having moved to the area recently) and this is it. Staff was fabulous and attentive I had the French toast and hubby got the skillet. Yummy! They will see us again very soon!! read more

Sandy's is a fantastic restaurant. One of the best (and only) diners for breakfast and lunch around. Great food, great service, great vibe and wonderful owner. Very accommodating to diet restrictions. Go in hungry, come out full and happy. read more

Delish, home-cooking. I love when I have real estate work near Highwood. This is my go-to stop. www.SarahRothschild.com read more

Sandy's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

The food was super good and our waitress was the best we have had in a very long time. She even had a gift basket for the kids to pick a gift out of. It's a small place but worth the wait if there is one. read more

No better breakfast and honestly the best service in the entire north shore. This throwback to a simpler time is somewhere we cherish. You won't miss with literally anything on the menu! We love you Darci!! read more

This is the real deal. Friendly server, really nice bottomless cup of coffee, and ample portions of good food. If you are looking for a good local joint, this is it. My wife and I split the Sandy's Combo. Two eggs, two pancakes, potatoes (we added onion at our server's suggestion...good call) and two sausages. We substituted chicken sausage. Everything was great, in fact my wife thought the potatoes were the best she ever had. Glad we dropped in. read more

Wonderful diner! The food is 10/10!!!! Service is quick and super friendly. I can't wait to bring my family back! read more

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What a wonderful experience! The food was great and the atmosphere was like that of an old-school, small town diner. Darcy was attentive and kind to our son. We'll definitely come back! read more

The. Best. French. Toast. Ever. 10/10 and I don't even usually LIKE French toast. Easily one of the best egg custards of any type I've ever eaten. I have no idea what they do to make it this good. It's staggeringly awesomely addictive. read more

I've been here 3x and it really feels like I'm part of the family at this point. I think I'm close enough to grab my own coffee now. Maybe a name tag is in my future. Darcy and Tara are the best - they'll make you laugh and you'll feel right at home in no time. Best breakfast in Highwood. read more

We love Sandy's! It's a small-town family feel with delicious food and the best service!

Sandy's does not handle busy breakfasts. It took at least 35 minutes to get our order. When I pointed it out to the waitress she not only denied it but hollered at me. This was a big disappointment. When are food came, the eggs were cooked incorrectly besides. read more

Sandy's looks tiny from the outside but has a long breakfast bar and 6 or seven tables.The Ladies here are super friendly and super service forward people love the family Vibe here , we had a sausage breakfast sando , biscuits & Gravy , Eggs Benny all were done nicely simple foods here but done exactly how you want them. Don't drive by stop in and get you some great eats and great service !!! read more

Sandy's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

Place&people are amazing. Never had a bad meal! Love the French toast here! Yumo It's our go to place...

This is my go to place for breakfast. Super friendly and fast service and the food is great diner fare. They also serve lunch but I haven't tried it yet. I usually get the Sandy's combo: 2 eggs, sausage or bacon, French toast or pancakes, toast or potatoes. Deeeeelish! Go! read more

Sandy's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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I've had two experiences here so far. The first was a simple take out order and was just great. Service and food were great. The most recent experience I had was in Father's Day and unfortunately it was less than stellar. It was a hot and busy day. We were told it would be a 30 min wait and it was about an hour or so. They seated groups same size as us ahead of us even though we had our name in the list earlier...which can understandably happen on such a busy day. We were eventually seated outside. When orders were finally taken we had placed very simple ones. 3 orders were identical specials (Southern Benedict), 2 others were regular menu items and one was a bowl of fruit. We waited an hour post placing the order. People sat after us and yet got their food, finished and left and we still had no food. What was worse was that it was getting steamy outside and we were offered water 1 time and the pitcher brought to fill our glasses was 1/4 full and a couple of us got a little water and a couple of us of us got a little left over ice poured in their glass. After an hour I asked if our food was ready and was told there were a few tickets ahead of us. I went inside a few minutes later and politely informed the waitress we had to leave and could not stay any longer. I felt bad doing this but there was no joy left to be had for this outing. My kids felt bad because they took me here for fathers day because I've been saying that I wanted to try this place out for so long...this made me feel bad for them. Not their fault. I would consider trying this place again as maybe this was just an off day for them and a busy one at that but I can't give 5 stars for that experience but I'll average it to 3 stars given the prior takeout experience was just fine. read more

We went here because there was only one recent review of this place and I could not believe it. What a find! Old school all the way for sure. We went on a Sunday morning and Sandy was not there but her daughter was and she told us that her mother has been at that location for 49 years. WOW I had a garbage omelet and my wife a bacon and cheese, both were wonderful. The garbage had two kinds of cheese and a ton of meats and vegetables. In the words of the Terminator....I'll be back! read more

Sandy's Restaurant - Garbage omelette, potatoes with onions and Italian toast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

Came here for breakfast just the other day, many since my last visit. Wow, much better than I remember it. A throw back to the fifties this little breakfast/lunch place has a small menu but the food packs a wallop! Both hubby and I had omelettes. I had the broccoli and cheese and hubby the garbage. My broccoli and cheese was delicious. Lots of large chunks of broccoli and plenty of cheese. Eggs were fluffy and cooked just right. The garbage omelette is amazing, filled with just about everything under the sun. I would have loved it but just didn't think my waistline could afford it. Service was a bit slow but friendly. Will definitely be back! read more

Very old school delicious diner. Total throwback with counter service and some booths. Filled with regulars and a sweet attentive wait staff who will chat you up and call you "hon". Yes, it's totally dated, but that's part of the charm. We really liked it! I had the garbage omelette which was very tasty and exceeded my expectations. It was more of a scramble style than a dense traditional omelette which I really liked. It was stuffed with bacon, ham, 2 kinds of cheese, broccoli, peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. I ordered my potato side extra crispy and they were well browned and had nice crunchy bits. We also tried: Pancake- good fluff, texture but standard flavor Ham off bone- very good Egg skillet- you pick your ingredients, my husband was very happy with it Prices are very reasonable. We plan on returning and adding it to our regular weekend breakfast rotation. Thanks Darcy for being such a doll and making our first visit so welcoming! read more

Sandy's Restaurant - Garbage omelette- super delicious! Egg skillet and ham off bone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

Sandy's is an old fashioned diner with great food and wonderful staff. Love the food and the people make it even better.