Mystery Diner in St. Charles: Syrup hits sweet spot for breakfast and lunch

Early risers and ladies who lunch – or brunch (well, anyone really) – are in for a treat at Syrup, whether in the mood for creamy, zesty biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried chicken with loaded potatoes, cinnamon roll French toast, or cinnamon swirl pancakes topped with a dreamy icing. Sister locations are in St. Charles, Algonquin and Aurora.

The breakfast and lunch menu is packed with all sorts of goodness we learned at the Algonquin spot. The restaurant is light and airy, boasting an almost farmhouse vibe, the staff is warm, and the vast array of offerings is, to put it simply, flavorful.

Syrup makes waking up early for breakfast worth it. And, for those over 21, check out the variety of mimosas made with fresh juices.

On a recent mid-morning weekday, our friendly and efficient waitress served us patiently as we took our time choosing what to eat from the jam-packed menu. I ordered up a hefty, fluffy, cheesy omelet with avocado, tomatoes, spinach and extra American cheese.

My meal came with a side of crispy, seasoned potatoes. I was hungry and seeking protein, but also wanted a little something sweet, so I ordered small sides of bacon and the chocolate chip waffles topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream (a small upcharge). The flavors of everything were right on point.

The servings were so big I took most of it home and nibbled throughout the day. Our waitress compared the size of the omelet to a “mini-football,” and I would agree.

My partner selected the Carnivore skillet, made with ham off the bone; thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon; seasoned sausage; onions; green peppers; cremini mushrooms; Tillamook cheddar; eggs selected over easy; and potatoes cooked perfectly in a cast-iron skillet. He said it is a dish that will “definitely have me returning for more.”

Other menu items (that I cannot wait to go back and try) include loaded potato cakes, hearty cakes loaded with Tillamook cheese, thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon, seasoned crema drizzle and chives; s’more pancakes, topped off with chocolate and toasted mini marshmallows; the mini waffle flight; and sweet honey pancakes, which are honey-infused buttermilk pancakes topped with Syrup’s homemade cream-cheese icing, toasted almonds and drizzled honey.

And don’t forget the inventive lunch dishes – from creative salads to burgers, sandwiches and small plates. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

The menu has such unusual variety that I would recommend going with a few friends, and having everyone sample the different dishes.

And an absolute must-try, of course, is the restaurant’s signature, homemade, creamy syrup.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a different restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Syrup

WHERE: 552 Randall Road, St. Charles; also in Aurora and Algonquin

PHONE: 630-443-8338

INFORMATION: eatatsyrup.com