SYCAMORE - If there’s one food that’s more divisive than any other, hands down it would be chili.
How spicy is too spicy? Beans or no beans? Tomatoes or nah?
While the “original” chili at the recently opened The Guys’ Place in Sycamore may have been on the more tame side, the menu offers an array of unique and popping flavors.
Most unexpected was an item called a Bubbie Roll that has bacon, sausage and cheddar wrapped in dough and served with syrup. Or so the menu said. By the time we arrived for a late lunch during the week, they were sold out.
If they are just a fraction as good as the pancakes, they will be amazing.
The pancakes are made with cake batter and served crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, an incredible contrast that’s impossible to achieve at home. The kids’ portion was four “silver dollar” pancakes that were still bigger than a standard pancake you’d find at a chain.
The Black and White Pancakes pulled off the balancing act of not being too sweet despite the prevalence of chocolate chips, adding another luscious level to the dish.
The menu also showcases omelets, frittatas, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and homemade, sticky pecan buns among the baked goods.
The “original” chili, as mentioned earlier, was mild and loaded with beans. So if you’re into the wild and bold style, it’s definitely not that, but will appeal to the tamer crowd with a vegetable-forward preference. Other chili variations also are featured.
The biscuits and gravy was excellent. While a lot of lesser gravies rely on black pepper for pop, this recipe actually let the sausage do the talking. And a good cut of sausage it was, truly elevating the dish.
The kids’ burger was gigantic and well-flavored. If we had known it would be so thick and not the standard, wafer-thin patty so common for children’s meals, we would have ordered it medium or medium rare.
The eggs, home fries and Canadian bacon were an appealing lighter option, with the kitchen delivering two nearly perfect, over-easy eggs.
The kids’ meal came with a side, so the young eater chose the home fries. They appealed more to the older dining companions’ palates. Mildly seasoned, they were perfect for soaking up, let’s say, gravy or egg yolk.
Also worth pointing out is a very friendly staff. When we were there, they included a server, chef and owner, who were circulating among the guests and making sure everything was satisfactory. They were quick to correct any hiccups.
The Guys’ Place is well worth a trip. Just make sure you get there early enough to try the Bubbie Roll.
• The Mystery Diner is a Daily Chronicle employee who reports on their experience at local restaurants. 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 story.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Guys’ Place
WHERE: 124 Maple St., Sycamore
PHONE: 815-991-2449
INFORMATION: facebook.com/theguysplace124