Jelly Breakfast N' Lunchery — Restaurant in Dyer

Went last Sunday; it was pre-rush, so the place wasn't -too- packed, and there was quite a few tables open. I came in with a party of four, and my two year old, to a nicely decorated lobby. That was pretty much where the good impressions ended, though.

Walked in holding my little one, told the host party of 4 and a child. He looked at me, and my baby, said nothing, but got the menu and ushered us right out to the patio seating, not asking us if we preferred indoors or outside. That didn't bother me so much, as it was a really nice day anyway, but it would have been nice to have been asked, and I felt like it was because I had a child with me that we were pushed outside instead.

Whatever, no big. We get seated in some trendy, yet terribly uncomfortable, aluminum seats, and have relatively prompt service. The server came back once we had decided without prompting, so that was a plus, at least.

The food, for a breakfast place, seemed like it took a bit longer than most places, but it wasn't the longest I have waited for a meal to come out. The problem, however, came when she brought the order out incorrect (aside from not knowing who ordered which plate). It was an easy enough mistake to make; I ordered the country fried steak plate, my brother ordered the country fried steak skillet, and we both got skillets. Still, she did accurately repeat the order back to us, when she took it. She offered to replace it, but I didn't feel like waiting another 15+ minutes for it, so I took it.

The meal itself wasn't anything special; you can get equivalent meals from nearly any other place in the region. My steak seemed small, even for a skillet, and everyone's hash browns were over seasoned with rosemary. I ordered the red velvet french toast because it sounded great, but was disappointed to see that for the price they charge, you only get a single piece. It was good, but not worth the value. The crepes, also, were disappointing; plain crepe and some macerated apples didn't add up to the nearly $8 that it cost.

Perhaps it was an off-day for them, or perhaps I'm just spoiled with other restaurants around the region, but Jelly is not a place we will be returning to; the five of us, little one inclusive, all gave it a thumbs down. Poor service, mediocre food, and a cost of nearly $65 for relatively basic meals was an...

I had a delicious full sized Belgian waffle covered with fresh sliced strawberries for 9.99 plus 2.50 for the strawberries. While I waited my server had brought out my coffee and a big glass of water with lots of ice and a straw. The coffee was well above average quality and fresh. A variety of sweeteners and flavored/unflavored creamers were on the table already with the salt/pepper. While I was enjoying the coffee my server stopped by to refill (if I get good coffee and plenty of ice to cool it off a little bit I REALLY enjoy it!) Then she stopped by again to bring a jar of warmed syrup (much nicer than a plastic container with a peel off) and a small bowl of sealed butter. Then the big reveal! A beautifully done waffle with loads of sliced fresh strawberries was impressive. The only thing missing was whipped cream. I had carefully checked for any mention of it on the menu and had found none. I asked if there was an extra charge for it and was told "of course not, I'll be right back" She brought a bowl with just the right amount whipped cream for me to apply all I wanted and I was in heaven! The best waffle I have had in years! Add 2.99 for the coffee, tax, and a generous but reasonable tip and I was about 20.00 lighter but much fuller in my belly....

I'm not sure what this place is trying to be. They have a theme of music and rock n' roll, but it's a brunch place? It was incredibly loud, so much so that I could barely hear conversation in our group from across the table. The house manager came off as disorganized and focused only on getting people in and out as quickly as she could. It felt unpleasantly packed, and with the high ceilings and lack of decor, everything echoed like crazy. It felt like I was eating in a half-finished restaurant.

Which brings me to the food. There were almost zero redeeming qualities to the Eggs Florentine I ordered. The only appetizing part of my breakfast was the poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Everything else about it was awful. The traditional Eggs Florentine has sauteed mushrooms and spinach, perfectly wilted and soft, served on a crispy English muffin. Half of the spinach and mushrooms served with my dish were raw. Just spinach and mushrooms tossed onto my plate on an untoasted English muffin, topped with the egg and sauce. The dish was also unseasoned, excepting the sauce. I don't think I have ever been so disappointed in a breakfast before. The only good part of my breakfast was the coffee and the fresh fruit.

I will not...