541 West 17th Street


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(2 out of 5)

Review by: Gussie on 8/17/2008

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

Who's Jackie? I wish I knew. But anyone and everyone goes to Jackie's Place for breakfast, especially on Saturdays, when they're only open until 2pm. While the generous and filling breakfasts are especially popular among older folks, everyone feels welcome at Jackie's--families with kids, construction workers, and even the lone newspaper reader at a two-seat table.

If you're a first-timer, you may notice that there are many regulars whose favorite orders are already memorized, and who all seem to know each other. Don't be intimidated. Start with the pancakes and some sausage links, which are both a good introduction to the place; the former are quite thin and a little elastic with deliciously crispy edges, while the latter have a nice casing that pops when you bite into it. Next, move onto the baked oatmeal with milk, fruit, and a bran muffin--a fabulous bargain. If you're feeling adventurous, try the corn cakes (pancakes made with cornmeal) or the Balkenbrij (a local Dutch specialty made with liver). Or try one of the weekly specials, which are often a steal.

The waitresses serve the food with obvious enthusiasm, navigating skillfully among the tightly packed tables. If you really want to make their day, go to Jackie's on your birthday. Instead of slightly embarrassed youthful staff belting out a song off-key, they crank up their special version on the cassette player. A parade of motherly waitresses processes around the entire restaurant bearing a plate with a cupcake, adorned with a li candle and mounds of whipped cream, which they deposit in front of the person of honor at the end of the song, to much applause.

Jackie's Place also serves lunch & dinner (except on weekends), but you'd be sorry if you missed breakfast.

Award Nomination: Best Service

Review #14587


Connect With Mr Breakfast:




Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Holland, Michigan - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Jackie's Place.