Close- to- Campus Quality

Erin Ortiz

In the last year many restaurants across the United States have seen a decline in business. According to Mike James, supervisor of Annie G’s Pie and Pancake restaurant, “business at Annie G’s could not be better, even with the hurting economy.”

The privately owned restaurant opened six months ago under new management (Jim and Linda Mason), which many believe the new ownership and ideas they have produced are factors contributing to the success of the restaurant. Located near the Northern Illinois campus, it is a convenient walk or drive for any student who needs a break from dorm food. The prices are reasonably cheap and Annie G’s accepts Huskie Bucks. If these are not incentives to come and enjoy the restaurant, catering or delivery is available. There is a two dollar delivery charge.

Weekday nights are not extremely busy. On an average day, there are 250 people and between 600-750 people on the weekends. During family weekend and other special events hosted by Northern Illinois, it is be best to come early or expect a between a 20-30 minute wait. The waiting period can be enjoyed outside on the “newly installed patio” where waiters can bring coffee and a menu.

The interior is colored shades of green and light blue giving the restaurant a comfortable feel. The tables are spaced far enough apart, allowing for plenty of space between customers. No need to worry about glancing down at the floor because the staff keeps the restaurant clean, even on crowed days. During the day the sun’s rays shine through the large windows enclosing the restaurant and at night the lights inside are dimmed to for a more calming atmosphere.

People who may have complained about the quality of other restaurant’s food can be reassured that the menu Annie G’s provides is filled with a variety of high quality meals. In the past few years demand for locally grown and healthier food has increased. To accommodate these demands Annie G’s has partnered with, Inbodens, a local beef and pork supplier, to provide Grade A meat for the menu. Supervisor Mike James believes “adding Inbodens has helped bring in customs, because people like to know where their food comes from.” In addition to fresh meat, the pies are made with all natural ingredients, such as 100% real dairy whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

The most popular dish is the Huskie Slammer. The meal includes two eggs made to order, ham, bacon, or sausage, with a choice of toast, English muffin, or biscuit and hash browns or fruit cup. I did not eat this particular dish, but the buttermilk pancakes I had were golden brown, fluffy, and almost perfectly circular. The velvety pancake melted in my mouth. I quickly devoured my meal. I wish the fresh fruit cup could have been a little bigger, but at least it was not wilted or from another century. To save for later, I ordered a cinnamon roll, which was half the size of a pancake, layered in sweet icing. The check total was less than eight dollars, which I thought was a bargain for purchasing three menu items.

Do not expect to find five star quality foods at Annie G’s, but they offer a menu selection that will satisfy anyone’s craving.

Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant ***
131 Annie Glidden Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 217-0227
Open: Mon-Thurs., 7 a.m.-10p.m. Fri-Sat., 7 a.m.-11p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Entrée Prices: $6.99-12.99
Credit Cards: V,M,DCReservations: Recommended Sundays
Noise: friendly
Other: wheelchair accessible, no smoking