This fairly new kitschy lil' diner in Columbia City has many people's hearts...but not mine. The food, though bright, clean, and good, isn't exceptional in my mind. I mean, people swear by this... More

This fairly new kitschy lil' diner in Columbia City has many people's hearts...but not mine. The food, though bright, clean, and good, isn't exceptional in my mind. I mean, people swear by this place, and I think it's probably the fact that it's a good looking community meeting place in a cute neighborhood more than anything. The people are pleasant, the food is pleasant, and the prices are pleasant...but I don't find it exceptional. My favorite part: the sweet-potato fries and good coffee. My least favorite part: they are not open on Mondays, and they don't really attempt to "fit" in a multicultural neighborhood.
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How often have you been tired at the end of the day (or bored in the middle of it) and wished someone would just magically prepare you a home-cooked plate of comfort food and serve it to you with... More

How often have you been tired at the end of the day (or bored in the middle of it) and wished someone would just magically prepare you a home-cooked plate of comfort food and serve it to you with all the love that your mom did when you were a kid - no need to be on your best behavior, or perfectly groomed? Well, then you need to head on down to Geraldine's Counter in Columbia City. Though I don't think anyone named Geraldine has prepared a meal there, it sure tastes like someone's heart and soul went into the creation of these comfort food classics. Mac and Cheese, BLT's with Arugula instead of lettuce, sweet-potato fries, fabulous salads, GREAT fish-n-chips. Because we live in the 'hood, we're down there all the time for lunch and dinner. It always fits the bill when we want "cheap, easy, yummy and healthy." No pre-made stuff that's been nuked before it's served to you - all real ingredients prepared by real people. It's casual, but chic. Lively, but not overrun. Kid-friendly, but not romper room. A great menu that is short and to the point, but still has enough variety to please absolutely anyone. It is, for sure, our favorite family joint - and as close as I have found to a yummy home cooked meal served to me like my mother would have, if my mother could cook - which she can't!
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New place run by two partners who used to manage great grub at places like the Coastal Kitchen and the Jitterbug. This is a really bright, clean, family friendly place in Rainer Valley (not too... More

New place run by two partners who used to manage great grub at places like the Coastal Kitchen and the Jitterbug. This is a really bright, clean, family friendly place in Rainer Valley (not too far from Tutta Bella). Wonderful counter service. Great coffee. Delicious hash browns and some of the best "pancakes of the day" anywhere. Love the hustle and bustle of the place on Saturdays and Sundays. Have only been there for breakfast but looking forward to dinner too.
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