The Junction Eating Place, 816 W Lincoln Highway, has served the DeKalb community since 1969, providing students and locals with indulgent, homestyle meals.

What sets Junction apart from other local eateries is an atmosphere that recalls an earlier period in time. Blending with the nostalgic style of the restaurant is a bar where patrons can enjoy a cup of coffee and read the newspaper. The fast-paced nature of school and work life tends to favor a quicker, drive-thru breakfast option, but the Junction turns every meal into a savory comfort.

Server and DeKalb native Shaylee Hester has been working at the Junction for one year and recommends the skillets to anyone wondering where on the menu to start.

“It’s like an old-fashion diner, so it’s very homey,” said Hester. “We have good company here and people like to come to just talk or hang out.”

The Junction skillet, comprised of hash browns, ham, onions, green peppers and cheese with a bed of fluffy eggs served overtop, is a staple of the menu and notable classic. With contrasting flavors that come together to make every bite delectable, the Junction skillet is the definition of a rich, classic breakfast.

However, the menu is far more diverse than just morning-oriented meals. Server Chris Bahramis has worked at the Junction since he was a teenager and said the numerous meal options are one of the Junction’s selling points.

“We have a variety of a menu,” Bahramis said. “We serve breakfast all day. ”

Though “light and fit” may not be the first thing that comes to one’s mind when thinking of rich, diner-style cuisine, the Junction offers healthy options like salads and soups. According to their website, the dishes are made with fresh ingredients, low-trans fat, low-cholesterol oils and no extra MSG is added.

Overall, the diner earns the slogan “make the Junction Eating Place your meeting place” with a relaxed, authentic environment that can’t be matched by chain restaurants.

“[It’s] your old-fashion diner,” said Bahramis. “You’ve got students and townies that come in here and everyone just kind of gets along with everyone.”