RESTAURANT REVIEW Michaelâ??s Family Restaurant

WHY WE WENT:

Been noticing a pretty full parking lot on weekends, despite the reduced hours and the fact the place is no longer open for traditional dinner. There is a dinner menu, but see below for hours. And note: only breakfast is served on weekends.

STYLE OF FOOD: Breakfast, casual and homestyle.

DRESS & D�COR: Casual & homey. The place has been given a fresh new look since it was open in the evenings, and the décor is nothing if not pleasant.

SERVICE: Quick.

MUST-TRY DISHES: Snickers cakes are new on the morning menu. Like chocolate chip pancakes? Picture chopped Snickers pieces instead. Omelettes are more creative than usual. Think Hawaiian omelette and Denver omelette quesadilla, for example. (All omelettes are available folded up in a flavored wrap.) Our Italian omelette could have been a star, except mozzarella isn't the most flavorful choice in cheese, and the peppers, onions, mushrooms and sausage curiously didn't pick up a lot of the slack.

In a nod to local heritage, pasties are a Wednesday specialty and potato pancakes sizzle on Fridays.

OTHER MENU HIGHLIGHTS: A $5.95 breakfast sampler contains two eggs, pancakes (huge!) or French toast, homefries, bacon or sausage, toast and coffee or juice, nicely covering all the bases. One of the fun things about coming to Michael's, though, is seeing what he'll come up with next. (To wit, Snickers cakes.) If it's dinner/diner food, you're after don't be surprised by a creative, possibly crazy burger now and then (buffalo chicken AND beef piled high, say.) Barbecues, subs, salads, paninis, etc. also are plentiful.

BEVERAGES?
The usual

HOURS: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

PRICES: Budget-friendly

THE LOCATION: 235 South River St., Plains Township

CONTACT:
570-270-6453

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Michael himself is still a quality caterer, but he has something good going here with his limited eat-in hours. Less supply creates demand.