Breakfast has returned to 111th Street in Mount Greenwood courtesy of Bacon & Jam.
Brothers Sam and Joe Maglaris opened the dine-in breakfast spot Oct. 12 at 3335 W. 111th Street across the street from St. Christina Church. The cozy diner was the longtime home of Magic.
Magic caught fire May 21, 2012. It was first reborn as Antonio’s Cafe & Restaurant and later as Magic Cafe & Grill. But neither concept was able to gain a foothold on the Far Southwest Side.
But the Maglaris brothers seem to have rekindled the “magic” by relying on a smaller menu, allowing chef Joe Maglaris time to prepare breakfast staples such as biscuits, gravy, hollandaise sauce and more by hand each day. The menu also has some unique additions that are proving popular.
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“It’s been great. The community has really embraced us, and it has almost all been by word of mouth,” said Sam Maglaris, who handles the front-of-the-house operation.
On the menu: Bacon & Jam’s most popular items include omelets, skillets and egg combos. These items range in price from $6-$9. The corned beef hash ($8.99) is a particular favorite and a bit of a throwback.
Like Magic, Bacon & Jam makes its corned beef hash from scratch. It’s nothing like the canned variety, as this hash has large chunks of freshly trimmed corned beef and is served with three eggs on top. The combo also includes hash browns or fruit and toast or pancakes.
Specialties: While breakfast is the staple, the menu also has a few lunch items including the signature Bacon Jam Burger ($8.99).
This half-pound burger is topped with cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, a fried egg and something called “bacon jam.” Joe Maglaris said this unique burger spread is made by cooking down bacon and combining it with a bit of brown sugar as well as both balsamic and apple cider vinegars.
About the owners: Sam and Joe Maglaris both attended St. Catherine of Alexandria School and went on to graduate Richards High School in Oak Lawn. Sam Maglaris, 31, now lives in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. Joe Maglaris, 30, lives in Oak Lawn.
Joe Maglaris previously worked in the kitchens of Maple Tree Inn in Blue Island, Horseshoe Casino in Hammond and for the Hilton Hotels.
Décor: Sam Maglaris described the look of Bacon & Jam as more contemporary than what many would expect of a breakfast place. He said this look was modeled after popular brunch spots on the city’s North Side.
Logistics: Located at 3335 W. 111th St. in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood, Bacon & Jam is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. The diner is closed on Monday. Parking is available behind the building and immediately to the west. Street parking is also available. Information is at 872-356-5400 and www.facebook.com/Baconandjam/
Howard Ludwig is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.