Shay's Restaurant — Restaurant in Shoreline

If you like the way the world is headed, don't come here. Things at Shay's are the way "it used to be."

It still has a choice of sitting in the classic American diner setting, or sneaking into the lounge. Regardless, the waitress will call you 'sweetie' and gladly serve you a stiff coffee, or something stronger if you're of that persuasion.

Shay's is a genuine "local" watering hole. Whether you sit out at the counter or back in the bar, if you strike up a conversation you're likely to meet your local blue collar worker or their spouse. Painters, sailors, machinists, fishermen and truck drivers are fixtures here.

Don't be surprised in the mornings when they all argue over how much the showcase is worth on the Price Is Right.

If you're lucky, you'll run into the 'Mayor of Shoreline' or Greg, the charismatic chef who's been working here for more than 40 years. If you're REALLY lucky he'll even tell you how he lost his hand... but that's not likely.

You only live once, so have the biscuits and gravy, or a world famous mashed potato omelette. Their BLT is better than most and the turkey bacon croissant comes with thick pieces of white meat, not any damned sissy sliced deli meat.

You'll tip well because they treat you well... and you'll be remembered next time....

Decent prices, pleasant atmosphere, and good food. The staff was nice and accommodating to my requests. The wide ranging menu and large portion sizes make it a good choice for many American and Irish options.

The only problems I had were: The upholstery on many different seats was horrible and limited my options for comfortable seating. The parking situation isn't the best though I don't see them changing that anytime soon, by itself it wouldn't be enough to warrant docking a star. The biscuits and gravy tasted almost sour and barely savory. What seems like a biscuit cut in half with some gravy, a rather small glass of milk, and a couple strips of bacon on the side cost more than my main course, titled "the big one" bringing my total bill from $16 to $35. Considering how large my omelette was, that it came with hash browns and two English muffins, and how disappointing all three of my sides were, I would not ever get more than coffee or water on the side...

A locals/regulars-supported diner on the Aurora Gauntlet that clearly feels no pressure to change from the outside world other than things that force their prices up, like rent, utilities and supplier costs. It certanly isn't coming from the clientele.

OK breakfast. The corned beef hash comes from a can. The hash browns come just a bit burnt (not only mine). The value for price is off by about two bucks and not in the customer's favor. The service is friendly enough without running any risk of being overly solicitous. The place has a full bar in a separate lounge so potent breakfast beverages are available for inadvertently sun-dazzled bar flys.

I live just a couple of miles a way but it's just not a place I'd ever become a regular. I come in once or twice a year when I find myself nearby with time to kill around breakfast time, sit at the bar and listen to the good-natured snarking between the cooks and...