Gabe's Place — Restaurant in Bloom Township

Lordt. This was the worst. I never ever leave reviews. It was my first time at this place. New to the area and thought I give this place a try. I ordered take out of the country skillet. I asked for my hash brown to be well done and as you can see they’re burnt, dry, and not chewable. Well done does not equate to burnt. The sausage I expected to be cut up or diced into the skillet but instead they sliced the entire sausage once and laid it across the burnt hash brown mixture and scorched the cheese on top. It is also burnt and dry. I have never been more dissatisfied with anything in my life. To add. The guy at the front desk was more engaging with the old yt people that were walking out instead of the patron standing in front of him. There was not a thanks or any verbal communication. Makes me feel we aren’t welcomed in the establishment.

Update: after posting my initial review, looking at the other reviews and not finding a reply to any of them, I decided to call the establishment. I thought hmmm there aren’t that many bad reviews and so depending on how they handle this I’d consider removing my review. I immediately asked to speak to a manger and Marie promptly picked up the phone. I explained to her what I ordered and what I received. She apologized and said the “next time if I’d like my sausage diced then I could ask for it that way”, she also agreed that “well done does not equate to burnt”. I was happy to hear that as I waiting silently on the phone for her to offer some sort of resolve. Nothing! Finally I asked “well how can we resolve this, do I get my money back or the meal made over?”

Maria’s response: “well if you bring it back and once I look at it and if its what you say it is, then yes you’d have a preference. But, we’re closing soon so when are you coming back?”

Me: I’ve also posted the pictures online and so you can also see them there.

Angry Maria: why would you do that without giving me a chance to fix it? It makes new customers think we aren’t willing to fix the problem. 🤔

Me: I posted my review after noticing there wasn’t a response to any of the other reviews namely the other review that is much like mine. Which is what prompted this phone call. And depending on how the interaction went, I’d then consider removing my review.

Maria: Sometimes I respond to reviews privately.

Me: No Maria, not responding publicly to a public review, not offering a resolve until the customer asks, and stating that not until you see the food then options are given, makes customers think you aren’t willing to fix the problem.

Also Me: Welp, I guess I’m...

Gabe's Place is a regional institution. It's literally not, but I was trying to convey how long it has been in service and part of Chicagoland food culture for close too a few decades now. Delicious breakfast, great but sometimes crowded atmosphere. One of those places that have a huge "Saturday/Sunday" after or before church followings. So if you decide to go on those two days. Expect a small wait. Nice enjoyable management and wait staff. Nothing to out of the ordinary as far as the menus are concerned. They have you basic mom & pop "comfort food" w/ all the fixins! Including love! Their wait staff is very knowledgeable and only after being there a few times, had already remembered my name and what I had ordered the previous time, and asked if "I would be having that again or something else". As great as she was at serving, I wish I would was as good as her, but at remembering names. Cause she deserves a huge "Thank You" and I would recommend her section if your into excellent customer service! Overall, this place is an absolute delight to dine at. Too bad they didn't have the old Sanfratellos building. I betcha they'd kill it there at all times of the day. That building coupled w/ their employees, food, and management staff would not only keep the old Sanfratellos building in use, but would expand their seating capacity by almost 100 tables or more and open their dinning experience to others that may have wanted to try them, but always looked too full and too small. Nonetheless, I expect them to be around for...

My latest order from Gabe's was on Friday, March 12th, 2021, during their popular, yearlong Fish on Friday evening menu. The potato soup was good; the split pea even better. The 3 salads were tasty as always. The mashed potatoes with gravy and baked potato were good. The lake perch and cod were excellent as usual. There were a few glitches this time. The biscuits, which we love, were missing from the meals. There was not nearly enough tartar sauce, only one container per meal with a miniscule amount in each, only about a third of the container filled. The tapioca pudding, which we normally enjoy, had a very questionable taste this time. After a taste, it had to be thrown away. All in all, the positive outweighed the negative. We've dined at and enjoyed Gabe's for years, but another reason to order from Gabe's is their continued contactless curbside service, even amidst inside dining options opening up. We phone in the order, pay with a credit card and give a description of our car. When we arrive, we pop the trunk and they place the food, with the receipt attached, in the trunk. We really enjoy Gabe's Place for their food and the thoughtfulness of...