Tom’s Place - Back of the Yards

Tom’s Place - Back of the Yards Find us in the great Back of the Yards.
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More than a place to enjoy a homestyle American breakfast, Tom's Place offers the chance to meet friends, old and new, to talk about what really matters and even find resources to help with life's journey.

These cool, cloudy, rainy days remind us that Autumn IS here...but our tasty Seasonal Apple Walnut pancakes can bring a ...
09/30/2026

These cool, cloudy, rainy days remind us that Autumn IS here...but our tasty Seasonal Apple Walnut pancakes can bring a smile to your face! With shredded apple and spices in each pancake, topped with housemade apple walnut compote over the top and whipped cream sprinkled with spices on the sides, they are a delicious treat.

As September draws to a close we want to thank Tom for his famous-among-family-and-friends Cheesecake recipe which we us...
09/25/2026

As September draws to a close we want to thank Tom for his famous-among-family-and-friends Cheesecake recipe which we use to fill the thick French bread slices for our Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. Topped with mixed berry sauce and sweetened walnuts, with a dusting of powdered sugar this remains one of our signature dishes --

We recognize today as the 45th anniversary of International Peace Day, established by the United Nations to strengthen t...
09/21/2026

We recognize today as the 45th anniversary of International Peace Day, established by the United Nations to strengthen the ideals of peace across all nations and people. Peace is far more than the absence of war, but rather the presence of dignity, safety, cooperation and human rights in everyday life. May our garden Peace Rose be a beautiful reminder of the worth of all our efforts for Peace and Justice.

As we remember Tom this month, we recall a family favorite -- his Orange Nut Pancakes! Each pancake carries the flavor ...
09/16/2026

As we remember Tom this month, we recall a family favorite -- his Orange Nut Pancakes! Each pancake carries the flavor through orange juice and zest, along with the walnuts (used in the pancake and on top. We've developed our own orange sauce to top the pancake stack to share with you at Tom's Place. Enjoy!

This coming week is thought to be the peak migration season for hummingbirds to pass through Chicago. We are hoping our...
09/11/2026

This coming week is thought to be the peak migration season for hummingbirds to pass through Chicago. We are hoping our Cardinal Flowers offer them some nourishment on their way south! We actually have two patches of Lobelia (their "family name") -- can you find the other as you walk through the garden?

We've extended the offer of "pulled pork pancakes" to include the Sundays of Oktoberfest, ending October 4. Two classi...
09/09/2026

We've extended the offer of "pulled pork pancakes" to include the Sundays of Oktoberfest, ending October 4. Two classic buttermilk pancakes (using Tom's recipe!) with 4 ounces of pulled pork between, a little more on top, and served with housemade bourbon-maple syrup - a great late summer/early fall treat!

Happy to announce that the resident Fairies in our garden are enjoying their new upgrades...especially this week, the sw...
09/04/2026

Happy to announce that the resident Fairies in our garden are enjoying their new upgrades...especially this week, the swimming pool...all gifted to them by "Bryna, Friend of the Fairies"! Be sure to take a look this weekend -- in the northwest corner of the garden space

We remember Tom today on the eve of his earthly birthday, September 2. Whether preparing his Silver Dollar pancakes for...
09/01/2026

We remember Tom today on the eve of his earthly birthday, September 2. Whether preparing his Silver Dollar pancakes for grandchildren, or a loaf of bread for a neighbor, Tom was well known for his hospitality and extensive sense of family. Thank you, Tom, for the many ways you inspired us!

While perennial flowers (and natives even more) are ideal for pollinators, there are several annuals that serve as well....
08/26/2026

While perennial flowers (and natives even more) are ideal for pollinators, there are several annuals that serve as well. One is the zinnia, which we feature every year. This beautiful Black Swallowtail Butterfly is likely attracted to the bright colors, the "landing platform" the flower provides, and the abundant nectar. Sitting in the garden for a while these days, you can spot many birds, butterflies....and of course bees.

As summer transitions toward fall, we offer our Pulled Pork Pancakes the next four Sundays. Two buttermilk pancakes wit...
08/21/2026

As summer transitions toward fall, we offer our Pulled Pork Pancakes the next four Sundays. Two buttermilk pancakes with a quarter pound of pulled pork nestled between, and served with housemade bourbon-maple syrup! Don't miss out on these delicious favorites: 8.23, 8.30, 9.6 and 9.13....

In the garden’s front and back (alley) beds, you will find several mounds of “Lamb’s Ears”. A hardy perennial, this plan...
08/19/2026

In the garden’s front and back (alley) beds, you will find several mounds of “Lamb’s Ears”. A hardy perennial, this plant actually prefers dry soil! During the summer, it sends up stalks with purple flowers loved by bees. And it does spread, so over the years it needs a “trim” from time to time. We encourage you to gently rub its gray leaves to see where the name comes from - yes, soft as a lamb’s ear!

Our Cinnamon Peach seasonal pancakes have ended their summer run...giving us the opportunity to show off our new "Black ...
08/15/2026

Our Cinnamon Peach seasonal pancakes have ended their summer run...giving us the opportunity to show off our new "Black Forest" seasonal pancakes! Inspired by the luscious cake of that name, we offer three double-chocolate pancakes with a housemade cherry sauce between each layer, and a good side of whipped cream. Cherries are an end-of-summer fruit and so this pancake stack will be on the menu until mid-September!

Even on these dreary August days, the sunny Rudbeckia brings a smile to our faces. Known most commonly as Black Eyed Su...
08/14/2026

Even on these dreary August days, the sunny Rudbeckia brings a smile to our faces. Known most commonly as Black Eyed Susans, the Rudbeckia family is another drought resistant addition to our gardens, blooming mid summer through fall. They are beloved by bees and butterflies in the summer and a favorite of birds who enjoy the dried seed heads into the winter. We have three mounds of Rudbeckia - can you spot them when you visit?

Popular year-round, but especially during the summer, the soda pop we serve (five shown here) are filled with natural fl...
08/11/2026

Popular year-round, but especially during the summer, the soda pop we serve (five shown here) are filled with natural flavor. A special shout out to our partners at Filbert's Old Time Root B**r for their 100-year anniversary as a family business! Visit them at 3430 South Ashland for a choice of all their many flavors.

"We read to know we are not alone." (William Nicholson) Booklovers know this to be true in so many ways. So let's cele...
08/07/2026

"We read to know we are not alone." (William Nicholson) Booklovers know this to be true in so many ways. So let's celebrate ourselves this Sunday on National Booklovers Day! Find a book for yourself, a friend, or a child in your life here at the Tom's Place Little Free Library -- any day and time our garden gate is open. Take a book (and if you want, leave a book). And enjoy!

Ok, we didn’t see much sun today. At all. But it is still National Sunflower Day and we are excited our redeveloped pat...
08/02/2026

Ok, we didn’t see much sun today. At all. But it is still National Sunflower Day and we are excited our redeveloped patch in the garden is beginning to bloom. Remember, “rise each day, face the sun, and shine!”

We can't let National Cheesecake Day go by without mentioning our menu favorite Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast! With t...
07/31/2026

We can't let National Cheesecake Day go by without mentioning our menu favorite Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast! With the cheesecake recipe coming straight from our namesake Tom, it is topped with a mixed berry sauce and candied walnuts - all housemade - and a dusting of powdered sugar - enjoy it for yourself, or split an order with a friend.

Address

1509 W 47 Street
Chicago, IL
60609

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 1pm
Wednesday 8am - 1pm
Thursday 8am - 1pm
Friday 8am - 1pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm
Sunday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+1 773-823-9335

Website

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