Being from the Midwest, I love a simple, hearty, home-cooked meal. Nothing can quite beat a classic cup of diner coffee, toast, and plate with belly-warming breakfast favorites, like pancakes and eggs. Growing up in a farming community, fresh bacon was always another must. So when I moved closer to Chicago, but still craved a meal from a restaurant that felt like home, I was lucky when I stumbled upon this local family-owned diner with free Greek doughnuts in North Riverside, IL.

Yia Yia's Pancake House & Restaurant, located at 2250 S. Harlem Ave., is a beloved local breakfast and lunch diner that's always humming with the sounds of meals being shared.
diner with free Greek doughnuts in North Riverside, IL
Linze Rice
Inside, the atmosphere is classic and cozy, with seasonal and kitschy decor lining the walls — a true sign of a diner.
Lisa Cortes/Google
Right away, the menu lets you know about the heart and soul put into the food. The word "yia yia" is Greek for grandmother, and the staff puts its all into making comfort dishes that remind you of home.
Linze Rice
With breakfast favorites like French toast, pancakes covered in fresh fruits, steak and eggs, and more, it's a go-to place for a filling and delicious meal. Personally, I love the chicken and waffles and French toast with fruit here!
YiaYia's Pancake House & Restaurant - North Riverside/Facebook

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Of course, they sling lunch classics, too, like sandwiches, burgers, salads, and wraps — though any fan of diners knows that breakfast is acceptable at any time of day.
YiaYia's Pancake House & Restaurant - North Riverside/Facebook
At lunch, I'm getting the BLT Club (hold the mayo) — hands down.
But what really sets Yia Yia's apart from other diners are the incredible, mouthwatering homemade loukoumades — aka mini Greek doughnuts — that come with each meal. First, the dough is freshly fried...
YiaYia's Pancake House & Restaurant - North Riverside/Facebook
...and then drizzled with sweet honey and topped with powdered sugar. *Cue drooling*
YiaYia's Pancake House & Restaurant - North Riverside/Facebook
A plate of 2-4 loukoumades is served to each table before every meal, so you can enjoy while sipping coffee and looking over the menu. And while your plate starts off like this...
Sharath Vipparthy/Google
...it turns into this pretty quickly. Pro tip: Use your finger or some toast to sop up the rest of the honey and sugar!
Carmina Diggs/Google

So, would you try this diner with free Greek doughnuts in North Riverside, IL? What’s your favorite breakfast or brunch spot in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Yia Yia’s Pancake House & Restaurant website and the Yia Yia’s Pancake House & Restaurant Facebook page. And while Yia Yia’s has you covered for breakfast or lunch, check out this one-of-a-kind tiki-themed Asian-fusion restaurant with live entertainment for dinner while you’re in North Riverside!

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Yia Yia's Pancake House & Restaurant, 2250 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546, USA