Mystery Diner in South Elgin: Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe hits that delicious sweet spot

Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe is a tasty breakfast and lunch spot tucked in a Randall Road shopping plaza just north of Stearns Road in South Elgin.

A glass facade lets in natural light from the east to brighten the start of the day. The airy space has plentiful tables, booths and seating at a central counter, where a large espresso machine produces specialty drinks to cater to coffee lovers.

An homage to coffee adorns a wall at Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe in South Elgin. (Shaw Media photo)

Dominating one full wall are shelves filled with a colorful collection of books just waiting for patrons to pick them up. The dining room has a variety of nooks with large seating options perfect for a book club or other gathering.

Two cups of cappuccino at Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe in South Elgin. — Two cups of cappuccino are adorned with foamy hearts in nicely oversized coffee mugs. (Shaw Media photo)

We warmed up with cappuccinos, one traditional and the other with mocha flavoring for a chocolatey touch. They arrived in nicely oversized mugs, and were topped with foamy hearts.

Cream of broccoli soup at Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe in South Elgin. — Cream of broccoli was the soup of the day, in addition to the signature tomato basil. (Shaw Media photo)

The restaurant regularly offers its signature tomato basil soup, but we opted for the day’s cream of broccoli. The rich soup had tidbits of carrot and broccoli to contrast with the creamy base.

Ham and Swiss crepes at Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe in South Elgin. — Three large ham and Swiss crepes were rolled up with melted cheese and bite-size pieces of excellent, off-the-bone ham with a subtle glaze. (Shaw Media photo)

My dining companion was drawn to the menu’s listing of “colossal crepes.” While they offer such flavors as blueberry Danish, apple cinnamon, strawberry shortcake and banana coconut cream pie, he was lured to the savory side by the ham and Swiss. Three large crepes, delicate and flavorful, were rolled up with melted cheese and bite-size pieces of excellent, off-the-bone ham with an oh-so-subtle glaze.

“It was a generous serving and an excellent mix of ham, cheese and hollandaise sauce,” he said.

I had my eye on interesting-sounding omelets, including the fig and bacon, with California figs, scallions, applewood smoked bacon, and aged havarti cheese, tossed with extra-virgin olive oil. Also intriguing was the wild mushroom with provolone cheese, prosciutto ham, and herb-roasted cremini, oyster and shiitake mushrooms.

The Florentine omelet at Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe in South Elgin. — The Florentine omelet is stuffed with baby spinach, lightly caramelized onion, goat cheese and bacon. Crispy hash browns accompany the dish. (Shaw Media photo)

In the end, I selected the Florentine, with baby spinach, lightly caramelized onion, goat cheese and bacon. The large omelet was well-prepared and generously stuffed with ingredients. Honey Berry omelets come with a choice of hash browns or fruit, and a pick of toast or pancakes. I enjoyed the crispy hash browns, and opted for gluten-free pancakes for a slight up-charge. The pancakes were a treat.

A side of gluten-free pancakes at Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe in South Elgin. — A side of gluten-free pancakes is a treat. (Shaw Media photo)

The Honey Berry menu also lists gluten-free rice waffles, an array of heart healthy selections and all the breakfast classics. Lunch features salads, wraps and sandwiches.

We received our appetizing dishes quickly, with friendly service from our server and her team, and look forward to returning.

• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe

WHERE: 322 Randall Road, South Elgin

PHONE: 847-717-4330

INFORMATION: honeyberrycafe.com