Nick's Hi Ho Cafe — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

This is a quaint, old fashion, diner.

We arrived there and the first thing we noticed was the nearly impossible curbs that we needed to climb. This wasn't the restaurants doing but the City of Chicago. I had to walk about 20 feet to the corner, not wanting a chance of falling. So if you intend to invite your handicapped friend take this into account. There is a work-a-round though and I'll tell you that it minute.

As I got to the corner I had to backtrack to get to the front door of the restaurant. It wasn't that far because the restaurant is on the corner.

I stood near the entrance waiting for my friend to get her cane out of the car. As I waited the restaurant door opens and out pops an elderly gentleman who looked at me and then my friend and offered to help.

That was rather kind of him. These days you don't run across people who want to help anyone else, especially two handicapped old folks.

It's been several years since I was in this restaurant. The owner, Nick is his name, has a smiling face 🌝 and wonderful personality.

He helped both of us get into the restaurant and even introduced the waitress.

After a few minutes of looking over the menu we put our order in. The menu is rather extensive so if you go there, be prepared for a wide variety of food with a price that doesn't eat away at your money. Nick gives you a fair amount of food at an affordable price.

After we spent about an hour eating and having several cups of coffee, we got up to leave.

Nick had left the restaurant but before going, he mentioned that next time just call the restaurant and speak with him or Linda so that they can come out to help us get into the restaurant.

It was very touching to say the least. Here you have a restaurant who's owner has the old ways about him, who cares to help people and shows concern for your well-being. That's a rare thing these day.

My hats off to Nick.

The work-a-round I mentioned earlier was to call the restaurant and tell Nick you're handicapped and need help up front to get into the restaurant.

Enjoy the food!!! Tell Nick...

We love this place! The food here great— delicious, large portions, at competitive prices. (My fave. is the Greek omelette.)

But the thing that makes this place so special are the people who run it. First of all, Linda is one of the sweetest servers I’ve ever met. She always remembers us and greets us warmly, even if it’s been months since we’ve been in. Our little chats with her always feel meaningful. Nick, the owner, is also such a great guy. He never forgets a face. He treats his customers like family. Nick really cares about his staff and customers and really puts in work (I’ve seen him in the kitchen once making food alongside his cooks on a busy morning).

It’s hard to explain the magic in this place, but all I can say is they don’t make ‘em like Nick’s Hi-Ho anymore! This place is a neighborhood gem and I couldn’t love it more. If you want to start your day off right, look...

I can't say it enough good about this restaurant. You would drive right by it if you weren't looking for it they're not flashy or anything like that but the food is so yummy the staff is so wonderful and friendly and Nick himself always seems to be around helping where it's needed and socialising with the customers. He should be very proud of his restaurant. He made us feel like number one customers. We had my daughter's birthday meal here and he even used his lighter as a candle for her to blow out and gave her a huge ice cream sundae (she was only 2 :). It was a very very sweet. They don't make diners like this anymore. For this reason we keep coming back and tell others...