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Penny House Cafe
ZipPicks Awards
Best Brunch in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Best Breakfast in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Master Critic Review
Penny House Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A Prospect Heights all-day cafe (founded in 2009) that plays best as a fast, dependable breakfast sandwich stop with good coffee and zero drama. Treat it like a routine: one egg-and-cheese build, one baked good, and keep moving while it’s hot.
Must-Try Dishes:
BEC on a bagel, Breakfast bagel sandwich, Iced coffee
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A 2009 neighborhood cafe built for reliable breakfast sandwiches.
Who should go: Coffee-and-sandwich morning people
When to visit: Early morning for fastest turnaround
What to order: BEC bagel, breakfast sandwich, coffee
Insider tip: Eat within 10 minutes—bagel sandwiches fall off fast after travel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability during weekday mornings and tougher on weekends. Plan to walk or grab-and-go.
Dress code: Ultra casual—anything goes. Athletic wear, work clothes, and weekend jeans all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter buzz and coffee machine noise, but short stays keep it manageable.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—daytime cafe only.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; brief line possible during peak breakfast hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—egg-and-cheese sandwiches, baked goods, and meat-free builds are easy to order.
Vegan options: Limited—coffee with plant milks and a small selection of baked items; not a full vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some packaged snacks may work, but bagels and sandwiches are not gluten-free focused.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive breakfast sandwiches and coffee when you want zero friction and reliable execution.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down brunch, inventive plates, or a place to linger—choose a full-service breakfast spot instead.