My friend came to Chicago to do a marathon the week before I was going to be in the area for a wedding. Given that she's a total foodie, I knew anything she recommended would be good. And she said this was not to be missed. I was so determined to come visit, that I got everyone up at 7:00am to drive from Valpo over to Chicago -- some people even skipped sleep to be awake for the departure car --to arrive at 8:20am...only to find out the place opened at 9:00. :p But it was actually a good thing in the end because there was a lineup out the door before the place opened. And it was GOOD. White chocolate pancakes, lemon ricotta, pear, chocolate tower french toast. OMG, the smells and the sights around were getting me all giddy. :) I ordered the white chocolate pretzel pancake, which was a great balance of sweet and salty, my friend ordered the strawberry pancakes, the rest ordered eggs benedicts and all were worth the trek. Would definitely come here for breakfast if I am in town again.

Bongo Room is one of those places that makes you wish you lived in Chicago.

We got there 20 minutes before they opened on a Sunday and there was a line 10 deep and for a good reason - it's amazing. We split the white chocolate and caramel pancakes (one pancake is really a meal ha!) and some amazing eggs benedict. Friends of ours were on the way to the airport and they accommodated us by rushing out the order - really cool.

Are there any deals from San Francisco to Chicago right now...?