Fantastic menu with some very unique breakfast variations and some very interesting takes on eggs benedict. Â Certainly haven't had anything that I haven't enjoyed here yet, including the beverages. Â Mimosas, Pamosas, Bloody Marys,... A very friendly, inviting atmosphere and a wonderful breakfast / brunch spot.
Review Source:My favourite breakfast spot hands down! I have never, ever had a bad experience here and have honestly tried at least 1/3 of the entire menu items. I especially enjoy their benedicts, skillets & seasonal quiches and soups. And the chicken pot pie is the epitome of "comfort food". And they make a mean bloody mary as well!
But by far one of the most amazing attributes about Benedict's La Strata is their staff. They treat us like family on each and every visit which is a brand of sincerety not found so often these days. I cannot recommend this charming breakfast spot enough!
I love, and I mean, love the breakfast here. Â I, in fact, have never had a bad experience here... until I tried dinner. Â The food was pretty mediocre, comparing it to the breakfast selection. Â What I really had a problem with was my wife ordered the pasta bolognese and bit into a bay leaf. Â It turned out it had small broken shards of bay leaf scattered in the sauce. Â I call over our server and explained that this was a problem and a chocking hazard. Â She then explained to me that more "up scale places do this". Â I think it was because i was moving all day and came in with a hooded sweet shirt, that she thought I might not know what fine dinning is. Â Well I let here know that I am in fact a chef, classically trained.
The server did nothing to correct the problem and we bagged our stuff to go. Â I sorta feel bad that i have given hundreds of dollars to this place for breakfast and most likely will continue to do so. Â I will not however, recommend, or be back for dinner again.
Excellent! The breakfast offerings are unique and flavorful. The Benedict's salad with grilled chicken is my favorite. The lobster bisque is extremely good. It is definitely decadent. I know it must have a million calories so my husband and I usually split one cup. It is way too good to pass up. I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. The wait staff is always friendly and attentive. Outstanding food and service.
Review Source:Breakfast heaven.
My hungrier half & I seldom get to go out to breakfast, and when we do, we usually hit up our "regular" spot, which is within walking distance of our house. Â This time around, I wanted to try something new. Â The original plan was to go to Richard Walkers, but I got vetoed (judging by some of the reviews out there, I'm not missing much). Â I took to Yelp to save us from our routine, and I came across Benedict's La Strata. Â What caught my eye, after perusing the menu, were a few standout details:
- They serve some organic items (apple juice and yogurt are the two that stick in my mind)
- They serve Intelligencia coffee, which is my absolute fave!
- Their menu is HUGE & varied, offering a little bit of everything from omelets to crepes, benedicts, pancakes, waffles, etc. (they also have a small lunch menu, but breakfast is most definitely their mainstay.
- They're local & not a huge chain (something that we both appreciate)
Bonus, when we called to see how busy they were, we were told that a party of 2 would be seated right away. Â We hightailed it on over before the potential rush hit.
The decor is super cute, sort of a modern kitschy country farm thing going on, with red walls & rooster decor. Â There is ample seating, so grabbing a table was no problem at all. Â
Normally I'm not much of a "sweet" breakfast gal; I prefer omelets to pancakes any day. Â But for some reason the stuffed cherry French toast caught my eye (& my stomach for that matter), and I couldn't resist. Â To balance things out, I ordered myself some vanilla organic yogurt, the perfect compliment to my French toast.
My hungrier half got the breakfast burrito, because he's a sucker for anything wrapped up in a tortilla and/or containing chorizo. Â His portion was HUGE, and even though he's a longtime member of the clean plate club, even he had to pony up and ask for a take home box.
There are so many amazing sounding dishes on Benedict's La Strata's menu that I can't wait to come back for some more!
Very very good! Â I have only had breakfast here but everything ive had has been awesome! Â I recommend the corn beef, the crab-shrimp and red pepper fritatta, and of course and of their egg benedict dishes and they even serve Intelligentsia coffee! Â The staff is friendly and quick. Â I highly recommend!
Review Source:Oh Benedict's. Â I can't quit you.
Well, I really have no good reason to want to!!
This was my first time at this location, and it was great (I personally prefer the Dundee location, though), but this was a great experience as well!
After being seated (ten-minute wait at 9 on a Sunday, but there were a LOT of people waiting after us), my sister and I perused the menu and picked out about 27 things off of the menu that we wanted. Â
We may or may not have been "hungry shopping". ;)
So after much debate, she ordered the BLT Eggs benedict, I ordered the Egg white/turkey omelet (I added onions), and we had pumpkin pancakes off of the specials menu to share (like I said, HUNGRY).
The food came out SO quickly, and it was really, really delicious. Â My sister's BLT Benedict was amazing--well, you add bacon to anything, it's going to be awesome! Â My omelet was good, but there was a $.95 upcharge for adding onions....um, really?! Â That's a small onion right there. Â A DOLLAR?!?! Â That seemed a little extreme...
Oh, and the pumpkin pancakes were AWESOME. Â It came with three, so we each had one and I was able to take one home!! Â YUM--it was just as good the next day.
Our waitress was really sweet as was any of the other people who came to serve us (the woman delivering food, the woman who refilled our drinks). Â They were all really on top of things!
The only thing to keep my review from being five stars (other than a dollar for freaking onions) was the hostess. Â She was a little...brisk. Â That might be too nice of a word. Â She was downright rude (brisk toward me, but I didn't get yelled at). Â I get that you need to repeat the same thing a lot to customers ("I can't seat you until your entire party is here"). Â Heck, I even heard her say it to about 11 different people in my ten-minute wait, but that's what you signed on for when you got the job as hostess. Â But I actually heard her YELL it at customers and give them major attitude when they would come in with two people and request a table for three. Â The customer wasn't rude whatsoever, but basically got yelled at as the first impression. Â Whoa...
With the kids and they had perfect maners. Tanner counted the chickens on the wall. Angie loves the Bacon wrapped dates. Three Types of Bruchetta, tanner liked the red peppers with goat cheese, all were good. Angie had Beef Tend and I had spaghetti with meatballs which Ella loved. They gave the kids cookies, which they liked. Look home lots of food - loved it. would go again. used 10% off coupon.
Review Source:I was to meet a friend here and asked if I could be seated and drink some coffee or what not and wait - that she would be a bit. Â The hostess said their policy is to seat no one until the whole party is there. Â She didn't offer me a spot at the bar for people that are alone (like she did to all the other people that were actually alone). Â She also seated a woman that was alone at a table for two... which is exactly what I wanted. Â I sat on their bench for a full hour waiting on my friend... dying for a coffee or a water... Â hungry as all get out. Â Seriously? Â You can't even offer me a water or let me sit alone at the counter? Â Oh... she did ask if I wanted to sit outside - it was about 60 degrees out. Â Um, no I didn't.
Now this would not be a big deal, but when my friend got there it was about an hour before closing. Â There were about NINE empty tables. Â She could have made an exception when she saw I was sitting there that long and let me have a table. Â I will tell you this: Â if she had done that, I would have probably ordered double the amount of food that I actually did. Â I was hungry and would have easily had a salad and also had something before that salad. Â So in the end, they lost money from that order and any other order in the future.
Also of note, they started cleaning up our table for closing as we sat there... even though we left exactly at closing time.
The food was mediocre, the waitress was amazing, but because of my first impression, I won't be back.
We stopped by here on our way back from a wedding in the burbs. It was the perfect way to cure our champagne hangovers.
Definitely a hidden gem in the area, it seemed liked everyone there was a local which is always a good sign :)
Definitely pay close attention to the specials, they seem to always be changing and are worth while. My boyfriend tried the pulled pork skillet, YES pulled pork for breakfast, and was hooked. I opted for a veggie skillet and really enjoyed it, ingredients were fresh and dead on.
It sounds like the place could definitely expand, they have space outside but it was one of the 100 degree days of summer and the A/C was not working, which made it kind of brutal, but definitely understand those things happen sometimes.
Also I wish they would serve the beignets on the weekend! when else can I rationalize dessert for breakfast? definitely not on a monday...
overall a pretty good brunch spot in a cute area that you can mosey around in afterwards.
I have been coming to La Strata for breakfast for about 3 years now.. The first time was during Crystal Lake's Johnny Appleseed Festival when me and my mother ate breakfast before walking around the fest.
We were fawning over the breakfast menu for a good 10 minutes. They have every egg dish you would ever want, as well as every pancake, waffle, and skillet options. I haven't been brave (or hungry) enough for the Bavarian skillet. From what I remember it has like full sized bratwursts, onions, potatoes, swiss cheese all ontop of eggs.. This menu has something for every type of breakfast diner.
They also serve Intelligentsia coffee (and also give you your own carafe) with freshly made beignets, covered in powdered sugar.. It really is a treat!
My favorite time to go is during fall, you can sit out in the screened patio, with the nice fall breeze, sipping their delicious coffee. It is a great start to the weekend!
Went on a saturday beautiful morning. Â Was sat outside which we loved and the view is so relaxing in the dow town crystal lake. Â The cofee was yummy, the pomgoj was superb and tm not usually daring but due to the reviews, i tried the one of their specials with eggs, avocados, hollIndale sauce n it was amazing! Â My husband was Very happy as we went for his bday n i hope to go for mine. Â Cant wait, it was yummy!
Review Source:We visited La Strata for Easter brunch and based on the reviews we were expecting much more.
We felt rushed. The food was not fresh. Â The potatoes were hard. The lamb burger my fiance wanted was not available. According to our waitress they just havent been able to order lamb!?!?
The plus side? The Eggs Benedict was okay and they didnt screw up the Mimosas!
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I come with friends and family regularily, for breakfast, lunch, and dinners. They are alway's friendly, don't insist "all members of the party be here" before seating you, don't rush you out... a real neighborhood feel. The food is outstanding. Fresh, innovative, delicious!
Review Source:I have wished that the portions were just slightly bit bigger. But otherwise I've never been disappointed, The service and food is always great. And the prices really aren't that bad, $25 for two people including drinks. It's the place I'll have my birthday breakfast.... yea it's that good ;)
Review Source:Very good for a "different" kind of breakfast. Â We are huge fans of the original Benedicts, but for some reason that same magic did not translate up into Crystal Lake. Â
Similar creative menu, but something is missing. Â Maybe it is a little more cramped, it is not in a cool house with tree growing in the middle. Â I do not know.
The Crystal Lake version is good, but not great.
I don't know why this place gets 5 star reviews, I mean its pretty good especially for the area but its not the best thing ever.
I have been there 3 times recently and had breakfast twice and lunch once. This first time I ordered some special waffles with bananas and stuff. It was pretty good but nothing too special. The eggs with it were over cooked, but the hot cider I had with it was great. The next time I had another special which was a stuffed french toast. It was ok, very rich, but a little disappointed that all I got was one biggish piece and nothing else.
The next time I was there I decided to get a sandwich, I got a chicken panini. It was ok, again nothing special. I also hate that the chicken breast only filled one side of the sandwich. Â I didn't want potato salad so i got some tasteless orzo instead, my mistake.
For the price the place is pretty good, it actually quite reasonable in price. I also like going there better then a chain place.
Busy place but we were able to get a few hot drinks while waiting. I had to ask for them to warm my coffee up and would have asked again but by that time they were sitting us.
Bottom line place is tiny but well worth the wait. I have to say our waitress was one best I ever had. When asking what was good she gave us idea. Offered suggestion and was always there when we needed anything. The food was great. Wasn't the best but worth coming back. The waitress was the highlight of the whole experience. Even offered us to go cups for our coffee. I wish I would have remember her name.
Going back again next time I want to go out for breakfast.
Wow, just wow! Â I mean, I read so many good reviews here that I had pretty high expectations coming in and was still extremely impressed. Â It doesn't get much better than this for breakfast/lunch places in the area.
Went here at prime lunch time on a Saturday and was seated immediately. Â Before I had scooted my chair all the way in there was a waitress ready to take our drink orders. Â It had been a rough night for me the night before so I kicked off the meal with a Mimosa - delicious! Â It was much larger than most other ones I have had and it still was a respectable $6.00.
The menu is massive, it took me a while just to narrow it down to one section, and then deciding on something in that section became a whole new challenge. Â They have all your traditional breakfast and lunch dishes but what really makes it neat is their unique twists to these dishes.
I am a huge fan of eggs benedict and they had a whole section of their menu just dedicated to different takes on this great dish. Â There were 9 different kinds of eggs benedict in total! Â All three of us at my table got different kinds of eggs benedict, I personally went with the Smoked Salmon Benedict. Â It was amazing!
I highly recommend this place. Â They said they are open for dinner on Friday and Saturday night so I may have to come back for that. Â But after looking over all the mouth watering descriptions on their breakfast/lunch menu, I know I'll be coming back for much more! Â Great food, great service, perfect location in downtown Crystal Lake, this place has it all!
This review rating is for dinner only, not breakfast. Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 5:00 pm.
Crystal Lake has a real gem in La Strata restaurant.
La Strata has a magnificent outdoor dining space. The local traffic is low, so street noise is not noticeable when eating outdoors. Both the patio and the interior are clean and enticing.
The dinner menu selection is not quite Greek, not quite Mediterranean. There are several specials offered each night, each outstanding, and priced accordingly. Our orders were very good. In addition to the souvlaki and the beef medallion special, we ordered a salad. Portions were large, almost too large. It is not possible to finish a dinner order in one sitting.
Adding to the experience is the al fresco patio. The stone indoors and out, along with the sun and fresh air, and the low ambient street noise, combine to bring as much of a Greek Island dining environment to Crystal Lake as one could expect.
In summary, La Strata is our choice for a weekend dinner in Crystal Lake.
Been here a few times already and they have THE BEST hollandaise ever. Maybe even the best eggs benedict! And let me tell you, I have had a lot of friggin eggs benedict.
I really appreciate the balance of ingredients of the hollandaise - not too heavy and not too buttery. Eggs are ALWAYS poached PERFECTLY. The pom orange juice is super yummy, too.
Their coffee is excellent as well, but I think their 'fruit cup' can be more exotic and innovative.
Going to def have to try the seafood benedict soon! Can't wait to go back!
Just wanted to add that we made a point in coming back so that my family could try the beignets. Â I was the only one who had had beignets before (at Cafe du Mond in New Orleans (where else!)) and had raved about them when I saw them on the menu at Benedict's.
Like everything else, Benedict's beignets were terrific! Â
I'd add a 6th star if I could! Â :-)
I have been here twice, and each visit has been a wonderful experience.
This morning I ordered the Fresh Fruit Crepe with country potatoes. The two crepes were delicious; however, I found myself sprinkling Equal on each since I found them to be a bit bland (despite the hefty helping of whipped cream on the side). Perhaps my sweet tooth got the best of me.
This is definitely a popular joint in town, as each time I have visited the place has been hopping. The restaurant isn't overly decorated, but the bright red walls definitely wake you up. Also, the service this morning was excellent.
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT
I went with 3 other girlfriends. Â Every one of us loved our entree's. Â I had the omlet with sundried tomatos, spinachand cheese. Â It was cooked to perfection, and just the way I like it. Â Which is, loaded with "stuff" and only enough egg to hold it all together. Â Hashbrowns were tasty too.
Another favorite at the table was the zuchini pancakes with poached eggs and holandaise. Â AMAZING.
I haven't been to Benedict's La Strata for dinner...just breakfast and lunch. Â I would go as far to say that this is my favorite restaurant in McHenry County and my favorite breakfast restaurant ever! Â Their food is absolutely fantastic. Â There are more healthy options than unhealthy, which is a nice change of pace. Â The menu is extensive, and everything sounds so great, it's hard to choose! Â This is the kind of restaurant you will go to time and time again and never get bored. Â They have a nice selection of vegetarian and gluten free items on their menu, which is hard to come by out here in the burbs. Â
I have had the smoked turkey sandwich with cranberry orange relish, the grilled ahi tuna panini club, the lobster bisque, the mango shrimp wrap and the Benedict ala Munich. Â They were all very fresh and tasty, but the Benedict ala Munich really wins the prize. Â It is such a creative dish.... Â potato pancakes topped with carmelized onions, sliced bratwurst, poached eggs and mustard hollandaise. Â It has a boat-load of flavor. Â
The prices are really great too. Â Most breakfast and lunch dishes are under $10.
Benedict's is one of my top 3 places for breakfast anywhere. Â The fact that it is walking distance from my house AND in McHenry County is amazing. Â I really hope the people of Crystal Lake realize what they have here. Â The only reason they don't get five stars is they don't have the lemon zest pancakes on the menu all year round (something about not being able to get fresh raspberries - hey put something else on top!) Â
Menu is constantly changing and always fresh, creative and very yummy. Â Best coffee too!
Wasn't quite sure what to file this one under since the food is a mixture of American breakfasts, European style foods (fritattas, quiche, crepes, etc.), muffins, Â and even some Mexican just for good measure. Â There is also what looks to be a decent lunch menu.
This place is at the location of the failed Italian restaurant (can't recall the name right now, not that it's worth remembering). The inside has been redecorated and looks great...clean and nice looking for sure.
This place serves breakfast and lunch only, no dinner. They are open from 6:30AM to 2PM.
I had the huevos rancheros for breakfast and my wife had eggs/toast/bacon. The food came out fast. Mine was very good due to their use of some spicy chorizo sausage. There was no salsa, but a decent little cold bean relish thing kind of made up for that. Also it was on blue corn tortillas which made things interesting. My wife let me try the bacon...it was the good smoked stuff, not the cheap kind.
The prices here were a couple dollars more than the usual greasy spoon breakfast diner kind of place...but I'm happy to leave the grease behind and pay a couple dollars more!
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