It's service with a smile at Arlington Heights' must-try Honey-Jam Cafe

A funny thing happened on the way to the new Honey-Jam Cafe, which is a few furlongs west of Arlington International Racecourse on Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights.

My breakfast buddy for this trip knew this spot because she had been to a pizza place in the same strip mall where Honey-Jam opened recently. Upon arrival, she was mystified because she couldn't figure out how the pizza place could have ... poof! vanished into thin air? Then when we walked into Honey-Jam she suddenly realized ... this had been the pizza place!

What used to be Aurelio's has been converted into a breakfast and lunch eatery focusing on freshly made-to-order creations served up in a warm, friendly neighborhood atmosphere that includes service with a smile. There's even a bar where bloody marys were being prepared on this weekend morning.

Honey-Jam's menu is big. There's definitely something for everyone. But our server kindly pointed out which sections and specials we might want to look at first and clearly enjoyed showing us everything the kitchen had to offer. The restaurant experience is always more enjoyable when you're being helped by waitstaff who you can tell really enjoy working there.

With a huge selection of omelettes, skillets, pancakes, French toast and other breakfast specialties before us, we ordered what amounted to a morning meal combo. My choice from the specials menu was the Southwest scrambler featuring barbecue chicken, bacon, tortilla strips, black beans, tomatoes and shredded cheeses topped with sliced avocados, salsa verde and pico de gallo. It comes in what looks like a big, white gravy boat brimming with color. Even better: It tasted fantastic.

We also ordered the avocado toast. That dish features smashed, bright green avocado on top of whole grain toast along with herbed ricotta cheese, sea salt and two scrambled eggs (which you can order any style). While on the lighter side, it was still packed with flavor.

Don't worry if you're more of the hearty breakfast type: Honey-Jam will not disappoint. There's a wide variety of pancake, waffle and French toast platters on the menu, including gluten-free choices. Honey-Jam offers upgrade options where you can substitute many of these platters with other breakfast dishes.

For instance, the tiramisu pancakes looked too good to pass up. But the thought of trying to eat five chocolate-drizzled, cocoa powder-dusted, rich tiramisu pancakes in one sitting nearly caused my belt buckle to go on strike. No problem as the two tiramisu pancakes that came with my Southwest scrambler were more than enough and made for a fantastic upgraded side order.

A note about ordering gourmet pancakes: Honey-Jam recommends preordering them because they take about 30 minutes to prepare. Options include the apple cinnamon pancake, the tall and fluffy Dutch Baby pancake and the Monkey Bread, which is a plate full of bite-sized cinnamon biscuits baked with brown sugar and butter sauce.

Other notable breakfast dishes include the Madison Egg Sandwich featuring two scrambled eggs, cherrywood smoked bacon, ham and cheddar cheese on grilled wheat bread as well as several eggs Benedict combinations. Among those selections is a Prime Rib Benedict with shaved prime rib, grilled peppers and onions and two poached eggs all sitting on a toasted English muffin drizzled with hollandaise sauce and a sprinkle of paprika.

For lunch there's an extensive menu selection of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. One of the more unusual items is the salsa turkey burger - a grilled turkey burger topped with avocado, Jack cheese and mango salsa.

There's also an ample drink menu complete with coffees, teas, juices and bar beverages as well as shakes, blasts, smoothies and even a selection of frozen/iced coffee flavors.

You'll definitely want to come hungry when visiting Honey-Jam Cafe. Although a big menu with lots of choices can seem overwhelming, Honey-Jam's staff is the key ingredient in making for a pleasant experience that in no way feels hurried. Customers are encouraged to try something they haven't had before and venture outside their breakfast and lunch comfort zones.

And if you feel that way, there are plenty of menu choices to take the plunge.

Honey-Jam Cafe

2944 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, (847) 749-3580, honeyjamcafe.com/

<b>Cuisine:</b> Breakfast and lunch

<b>Setting:</b> Casual

<b>Entrees:</b> $5.59-$15.99

<b>Hours:</b> 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily

<i>Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.</i>