On a typical weekend, you can often find me going out to breakfast with friends or family.  However with the limited options in the area, I find myself going to the same places over and over again. The opening of Hash Stacks at 909 Burlington Ave., Western Springs, is just what the town needed.

Formerly, Salty Fig occupied the space, however after an abrupt closure, Hash Stacks took over at the beginning of September. Hash Stacks promises to serve fresh, natural and wholesome breakfast and lunch to ensure an option for everyone. Breakfast and lunch are served from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to sit-down dining, they also offer a walk-up coffee bar where patrons can order coffee and smoothies along with a few food options.

As I entered the cafe, I first noticed the neutral and yellow color scheme. The warm tones make for a very pleasant and welcoming environment. The kitchen is open, forming a flowing, cohesive vibe, allowing customers to see what the chefs are doing behind the scenes. I was seated in a booth, but they also offer seating at tables or at the bar.

The menu is filled with an array of breakfast and lunch options, but I decided to go for breakfast. I started off with the Acai smoothie ($4.95) with no bananas. Without the bananas, the consistency was still thick and very sweet. The smoothie was the perfect size, so I was not too filled before my meal arrived. Next, I ordered the California Scrambler ($10.95), which included eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli and hash browns. The mix of these vegetables together was a great combination. I also tried out the Candied French Toast ($9.95). The toast itself was light and fluffy, however there was little, if any, cinnamon sugar on the crust. Along with this, I ordered a side of bacon ($3.95). The bacon was very thickly cut and the flavors were a great touch to add to the sweet French toast. Overall my meal was a little overpriced, but still exceeded my expectations.

Despite the prices being a bit high, I will definitely be going back for more. If you are looking for a new, trendy restaurant in the area, I highly recommend Hash Stacks Cafe.

Paws: 4.5/5