The "New" Leo's Lunchroom

Now that Leo's has been in new hands for quite awhile, does anyone have any opinions as to how successful the changeover has been? I am strangely reluctant to try it without letting someone else be my canary in the coalmine...which I know is wrong and bad and antithetical to this forum, but I would be happy to give lots of opinions on other places to make up for this rude behaviour

My gf and I eat breakfast at Leo's Lunchroom at least once a weekend and quite often twice. It is part of the routine.
To me it is just as good as it ever was.
Yes there have been some small changes aesthetically, but when it boils down to it the food is still some of the best breakfast food in the city (and that is what is important).
Still have a large variety of specials up each week and the menu remains relatively the same (they did just recently add banana and blueberry pancakes to the menu, instead of them being specials off and on).
I would say if you liked it before there is no reason not to like it now (especially since the chef is the same).
Jamie

For a couple of years now, my policy has not wavered. And, it is quite similar to the one that I have at Bite.

I NEVER deviate from the pastrami reuben at Leo's, so I never go unless that is exactly what I am in the mood for, and it NEVER fails me.

I NEVER deviate from the burger at Bite, so I never go unless that is exactly what I am in the mood for, and it NEVER fails me.

I have been eating at these places off-and-on for years. Years. And, only the Lord knows why. But, trust me, I have spent a fair amount of time in the weeds at both spots, with both menus, failing miserably. I mean, I have had some of the worst meals of my Chicago career at Leo's and Bite.*

Now, though, now I am happy to just work my system.

Erik M.

* They nearly all involved a chalkboard.

I mean, I have had some of the worst meals of my Chicago career at Leo's and Bite.* * They nearly all involved a chalkboard.

Which is funny because I have had almost the opposite experience: I've many great meals at Bite from the chalkboard--the few meals I didn't like were off the menu! I walk by all the time, and I always look in at the specials on the board before deciding to go in or not. But I do like the hamburger there, my usual dining companion gets it fairly frequently and I always end up eating some of it...just as a favor, you understand.

Good to know that the pastrami reuben at Leo's is still tasty, that's a good sign.

geli wrote:Good to know that the pastrami reuben at Leo's is still tasty, that's a good sign.

For me, the bread is a key player in their composition.

I consider it a blessing that I cannot recall the exact titles or compositions of my many, many failures at Leo's and Bite. I do recall that one dreadful dish at Bite involved--amongst other things--bok choy, wasabi, fettuccine, and a fishy broth. Oh, it also involved a waitron's strong recommendation.

Erik M.

geli wrote:Which is funny because I have had almost the opposite experience: I've many great meals at Bite from the chalkboard

Another data point - I've eaten at Bite many times - never had a bad meal. Cheap and BYOB.

During the transition a few months ago the quality definitely suffered. Food came out cold, not quite as good, I couldn't put my finger on it. Then I found out they had changed ownership, and I figured it out.

More importantly, that warm cozy friendly feeling disappeared. That skinny curly red-haired guy that worked the counter and was always quick with a smile and a refill of your mug now seemed distracted and unhappy. And no more post cards? Not even Dwight Yoakam? Really ruined the experience for me.

I'm glad to hear reports the dust has settled, I'll have to go back soon.

vegmojo