Another suburban Chicago breakfast, this one in the town of Elgin, far west of the city straddling the Fox River. The 8th largest city in Illinois, it was founded as a dairy center (there was a Borden factory) and home to the Elgin Watch Company, maker of timepieces big and small. It was the largest manufacturer of fine watches in the US for many decades. The town boasts some incredible Victorian homes.
I was just looking for eggs, and the Big Skillet is a typical Chicago style “coffee shop,” meaning a very long menu covering all meals of the day, and an extensive bakery selection.
I’ve kind of always eschewed “skillets” for breakfast, no particular reason, I mean it’s the same food, just piled up instead of spread out. But I’ll always go for a breakfast plate that gives you all three meats, and the “Butcher Skillet” did just that. A mound of hash browns, smothered in melted cheese, with ham, bacon, and sausage, topped with three eggs. Side of toast? Yes please, with an ample set of bread choices, I went for rye.
As with most area ‘coffee shops’, an ample dish of butter or butter like substance graces the table. The massive dish in front of me, I didn’t make much of a dent. I managed two eggs, some of the meat/cheese, and 1 piece of toast.
Excellent food, great value. Downside? I left my favorite hat behind. Sniff.
Mmmmmm butter stuff
Butcher Skillet
Big Skillet Review