Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Popular Highland Park spot for all-day breakfast and approachable American fare with buzzy weekends, good vegetarian choices, and occasional service inconsistencies; solid value for portions at neighborhood prices.
Highland Grill delivers solid neighborhood comfort with strong breakfast execution and genuine local loyalty, but inconsistent preparation and service variability during rush prevent a higher grade. Pleasant street setting and outdoor seating enhance the experience, yet the restaurant falls short of the area's premier dining destinations due to reliability gaps in food and service. Best experienced during quieter hours when the kitchen and staff can maintain their strongest form.
Highland Grill hums like a neighborhood living room, with booths, a front counter, and weekend buzz that feels warm and bustling. Guests praise easygoing hospitality when things click and note the waitlist text system helps tame peak crowds. One diner summed it up: "Cozy room, friendly staff, and breakfast that actually feels cooked with care." However, expect energy to rise at rush, and service can shift from attentive to hands-off when the room is busy and lively. In the kitchen, the approach stays grounded in comfort classics with just enough range to keep regulars curious—scratch hollandaise, oatmeal pancakes, pierogies, sprouts, and hearty plates like steak with dumplings. Lighter paths exist, from pesto pasta to a salmon entree and a veggie-forward breakfast bowl. A few items draw mixed notes (fish and chips and the fried chicken sandwich vary), but most breakfast staples deliver that reliable crowd-pleaser feeling that keeps locals returning. For families, it is an easy yes: pancakes, French toast, burgers, and chicken tenders are on deck, and staff routinely seat families with minimal fuss. The menu has gluten-free tags and mod-friendly options for selective eaters. If your kid is adventurous, they can dabble with sprouts or pierogies; if not, stick to the pancakes and eggs lane and you will be fine.
Area: Leafy neighborhood main street with shops, cinema, and University of St. Thomas nearby; family-friendly and student-friendly.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked corridor with steady foot traffic day and evening.
Nearby: Across from movie theater; retail and cafes on Cleveland Ave; convenient for campus meetups and errands.
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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