Tom's

Tom's has been feeding Prospect Heights since 1936. By 8.30 on a Sunday morning, the line stretched along the counter, and out the door, and down the block. As we ate our waffle with bacon and cinnamon pancakes, we listened to the tables around us. A dad brought his bashful little daughter to get photos with two young boys dressed as Superman. Some cops discussed donuts and exes with a boyfriend and girlfriend. Countless folks ignored the menu and just ordered their version of the regular.  

The food was good, especially the aforementioned pancakes, spiced with warmth. But what was really good was the sense of community that pooled in the place like syrup, similarly sweet, albeit far more nurturing and nourishing.