-[Eat]- Noon Hour Grill with Susie in Chicago

On Glenwood Ave., a narrow street in East Roger’s Park in Chicago, lies a stretch of quaint storefronts, bars, restaurants, and theaters, all locally owned. It’s here where we stumbled upon Noon Hour Grill, a small Korean-American fused breakfast & brunch diner. Filled with a warm welcome, there to greet you is Susie, an older Korean woman who is everything for the diner, as the sole owner, cook, dishwasher, and waitress. The decor bears evidence of her hand as well.

Here, you can order regular diner favorites such as pancakes and bacon,  but the bulgogi comes highly recommended. The kimchee omelet is the perfect example of how Susie makes American and Korean dishes mesh together ever so deliciously. In this first photo, you’ll find her Bulgogi Bi Bim Bop for $8.50, which includes the savory combination of pan-fried zucchini, steamed spinach, carrots and bean sprouts, with fried egg and red hot paste, served over rice. Definitely one of her signature dishes.

This next photo is another amazingly fused Korean-American style dish with bulgogi steak, 2 eggs and brown rice for just $5.75. With
this dish, the eggs are made to order whether you like them scrambled or over easy. You can also substitute white rice instead brown, and add a side of toast with jelly. The perfect brunch.

Of course since this joint is a one woman show, this is isn’t the type of place you’d come to in a hurry. Instead, you are treated as if you are entering Susie’s home, not rushed, as your immediately offered a warm cup of deliciously blended coffee. Cold milk and sugar are also immediately ready at your disposal.

Noon Hour Grill embodies everything needed at a warm neighborhood brunch establishment as it’s one of the true hidden gems to be found in the city.

Find reviews, location and more photos on it’s highly rated Yelp page here. Let me not forget to add that this is a cash-only establishment, but thankfully there are plenty of ATM’s nearby.