Review - Breakfast at Frances’ Deli

By Caitlin Klein in Food on Nov 30, 2010 7:00PM

We already knew we liked the sandwiches at Frances’ in Lincoln Park. While in search of a good breakfast place on a recent Saturday, we stopped in to see what they had to offer in the way of eggs and tasty breakfast meats. Touting itself as the “oldest deli in Lincoln Park,” Frances’ serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the hungry people roaming Clark Street.

The interior was bright and warm, a welcome shelter from the November drizzle threatening to dampen our spirits and hairdos. It was quite crowded, but patrons were seated quickly. The throng of breakfast-goers seemed to cause some confusion (we had multiple servers try to take our orders,) but the staff was helpful, upbeat, and quick with the coffee.

Omelets of huge proportions compensate for the Clark Street prices you’ll have to pay to eat at Frances’ - omelets range from $6.95 to $10.75. The fried egg sandwich ($5.95), which we had on a bagel with superbly spicy habanero cheddar, was especially notable. If you’re so inclined, cheap beer makes up for some of the more pricey items - $3.50 for a Fat Tire Hoptober is a good deal regardless of the neighborhood you find yourself in. But overall, what you’re paying for at Frances’ includes the atmosphere and the food. The dining room is lively and noisy on a Saturday morning, with servers and busboys bustling through a maze of tables, carrying mimosas and stacks of chocolate chip pancakes. We didn’t see any parties larger than four, which was fortunate because seating during breakfast is a little tight.

Anybody have recommendations for good breakfast spots on a cold weekend morning?

Frances' Deli is at 2552 N. Clark and opens at 8:00 am on the weekends.