New Northcenter Diner Aims to Spice Up Breakfast

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then a new place in Northcenter might put a little more zest in the mornings. 

Egghead Diner, named for an epithet of intelligence, is now open at 2012 W. Irving Park in Northcenter. 

The food is a modern twist on breakfast classics with Spanish flare. A chorizo hash joins chilaquiles and several variations on eggs benedict. The Bucktown benedict uses roasted veggies with a chipotle hollandaise. And for seafood lovers, The Shore benedict incorporates crab meat and a lobster hollandaise. 

Managers and close friends Horacio Coronel and Edgar Palma said they were nervous but excited to begin their new venture. The diner had a soft opening Jan. 4 and officially unlocked its doors last week. 

Coronel began his career in the restaurant industry 10 years ago and worked at What’s Cooking in Rogers Park. When the restaurant closed in January 2012, the two began looking to run their own eatery. Coronel paired up with his older brother Danny, who owns the diner along with Tom Folley. 

Northcenter seemed like the perfect place, Palma said, with foot traffic and a neighborhood feel. 

“Winter for business is pretty slow so we’re thinking of getting to know the neighborhood and having them get to know our food,” he said. 

Palma and Coronel know breakfast is important but also include soups and salads on the menu. Entrees range between $6 and $12. 

Everything is made in house, Coronel said, from the salad dressing to guacamole. Looking ahead to the summer, Egghead aims for more juices and dinner options.

For now, diners can bring in a funky mug and get free coffee at the restaurant. Palma said the mugs would join the décor along with local artwork for sale. 

Egghead Diner is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.