-[Eat]- Best Ethiopian Breakfast at Royal Coffee, Chicago
The motto at Royal Coffee is “We know coffee from it’s root”, and judging by the name, decor, and website, they are absolutely proud of it. Imported straight from Ethiopia and neatly served with two little biscuits, their coffee does not disappoint. At first sip, it’s strong yet smooth with a slight chocolate taste.
Aside from the coffee, they offer a great breakfast menu that include some American staples like bagels and omelets, but the best parts are in the Ethiopian-style breakfast plates, and my absolute favorite is the combo plate, comprising both veggie and non-vegetarian options. Their combo plate includes fava beans, injera in beef stew, chechebsa (shredded flatbread coated with spiced butter and berbere), and kinche, a porridge rich with niter kibbe, clarified butter. Another option is the Kitfo, “Ethiopian tartare” in beef, chicken, or lamb tibs. Their vegetarian option is a plate with red lentils, split peas, gomen (chopped greens), with a combo of potatoes, green beans, and carrots. They are all amazing.
Aside from the food, the atmosphere is another one of my favorite parts of this place. The workers at this fine establishment are family orientated and very welcoming. On a good morning, the sun shadows the entryway eloquently, it’s poetry really. On a nice summer’s day, you can sit outside the patio, perfect for a nice breeze off the lake that’s hardly a block away, and perfect for people watching. The place is never too crowded and always holds a diverse bunch of people, a truely authentic Rogers Park feel.
Try them out and let us know what you think. Let me know forget to mention it’s BYOB.