Quick Bite: Roy's Brunch

The lobster & shrimp omelet

We popped into Roy's this weekend to try their new Sunday brunch menu. Starting things off were a basket of yummy miniature muffins and an instant offer of coffee. I appreciated the opportunity to snack without ruining my appetite, but I could've easily snarfed on poppyseed muffins all morning. They were seriously good.

We were a guest of the restaurant, so there was little hesitation in trying the $26.95 prix fixe menu. Bridget chose three courses that included the smoked salmon salad, a haiku omelet stuffed with bacon, gouda, mushrooms and onions, and the hot chocolate soufflé. I almost took that option because of the buttermilk pancakes served with Macadamia nuts and bananas, but instead I went ala carte and tried the lobster and shrimp omelet served with a side of potatoes and toast. We could've gone for bottomless mimosas (another $12), but we decided to forgo that in favor of the excellent coffee.

The service was excellent and the refills limitless. Two things that I firmly expect for any brunch experience. Everything we had was well executed, but I can't say it was exceptional. Toast, eggs, soufflé -- they didn't lack, but they didn't stand out either. The only thing I finished that morning was my coffee.

Roy's is a nice place to take out of towners who don't want to stand in line to get in the quirkier, more affordable neighborhood options, or a place to drop in because it's conveniently located to the many churches in the area. It's a midway choice between the all-out Sixteen brunch blow-out and the casual but interesting Over Easy experience.

Go if you're there, but I wouldn't seek it out.

Roy's Restaurant
720 North State Street
$30 -$40 for brunch

Bridget's Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Overall: 8/10

Tammy's Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Overall: 6/10

Smoked salmon salad.

Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Glenn's Diner
Over Easy
Yolk

Online buzz about Roy's:
Metromix
Yelp

Check out our Roy's photos on Flickr.