Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery / 78th Street

After a long day on the slopes with the Alpine Ski Team, my friends and I decided to refuel at Perkins, and it certainly did not disappoint!

Upon entering, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after an exhilarating day of skiing. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring our drinks were always full and checking in on us regularly.

Now, let’s talk about the food! We tried a variety of dishes, and everything was delicious. I went for the classic country fried steak, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with gravy and mashed potatoes that were to die for. My friends enjoyed burgers and the hearty breakfast options, with the pancakes being a standout—fluffy and perfect for sharing!

The menu offered a generous selection, catering to all tastes, whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or a lighter option. Plus, the dessert menu is a must-see. We couldn’t resist sharing a slice of their famous pie, which was the perfect way to end our meal.

Overall, Perkins was a fantastic choice for our post-skiing dinner. Great food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere made for a delightful experience. We left feeling satisfied and happy, ready to hit the slopes again. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a hearty meal after an adventurous day!

This Perkins is amazing. The food is so tasty, the service is so accommodating and quick, everything is delicious, and tom continues to be the best. Chad, our server, was amazing and gave us excellent service!! 15/10 will come back again!

We had an an exceptional time here at this Perkins location for my friends birthday. They were very welcoming and they even joked around with us and it was a lot of fun and they showed my friend a lot of love on his special day of turning 19. The food was great nothing was wrong with the food. No hairs no overcooked or undercooked. The food came out pretty quickly. It wasn’t that much of a wait and it was really good! Not only was the food good but the service was absolutely amazing! Our server Hollie was nice and kind and very welcoming, even when we might’ve given her a rough time a couple of times. She handled our group of 14 very well. The manager Tom was very nice. Overall, it was a good experience and if you have good food and nice people, you should definitely come here!

I.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has been a staple of American dining since its founding in 1958. Known for its comfort food, warm service, and family-friendly atmosphere, Perkins offers a dining experience that combines both familiarity and affordability. One of the standout features of the Perkins menu is its “5 Under 5” promotion, which offers customers five distinct meal options for under five dollars. This menu not only makes dining out more accessible but also challenges the typical expectations of quality fast-casual dining. In this paper, we will explore how the “5 Under 5” menu contributes to Perkins’ success, how the restaurant maintains high service standards, and why both the food and the people at Perkins are a key part of its appeal. Through customer testimonials, comparative analysis, and an examination of its broader impact on the dining landscape, it will become clear why Perkins continues to stand out in a competitive industry.

II.
Perkins was established in 1958 in the small town of Cincinnati, Ohio, by Louis Perkins. Originally designed as a small bakery, the restaurant quickly expanded, gaining popularity for its wide range of delicious, home-style meals and fresh-baked pies. Over the years, Perkins expanded nationally, becoming a favorite choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As the brand grew, it recognized the changing needs of its customer base—particularly with the rise of fast-casual dining and budget-conscious families. In response, Perkins introduced the “5 Under 5” menu, providing diners with an affordable option without compromising on taste or quality. This menu is part of Perkins’ broader commitment to making dining out an accessible and enjoyable experience for a wide variety of customers. By offering a value-oriented menu, Perkins maintains its longstanding reputation as a family-friendly dining destination.

III.
The “5 Under 5” menu is one of Perkins’ most celebrated features, offering five distinct meals, each priced at under five dollars. This initiative caters to a broad demographic—families with children, budget-conscious individuals, students, and anyone looking for an affordable yet satisfying meal.

Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

Each meal on the “5 Under 5” menu is carefully crafted to ensure it meets the same high standards that Perkins customers expect. While the price point is lower, the restaurant ensures that the ingredients used in these meals are fresh and flavorful. This affordability allows Perkins to cater to customers who may not typically be able to dine out regularly, giving them access to quality meals that fit into their budgets.

Nutritional Balance

An important factor that differentiates Perkins from many other fast-casual restaurants is the nutritional balance of its “5 Under 5” offerings. These meals are designed not only to satisfy the taste buds but also to ensure that customers feel good about what they are eating. For example, meals might include healthier options such as grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, or lean proteins, ensuring a well-rounded meal that supports healthy eating habits.
And then there’s Tom!! Tom is a tall handsome lad who has an amazing way with words. Tom is amazing and love. He made my day. He probably made my year too. I really do love him he is the best.
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I spent so much time writing this by hand so here’s my review of Perkins:

When we first walked in, we were greeted by someone other than Tom (gasp), but he was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and worked his perkinsly magic to accommodate our group of chaotic theater kids even though we had no idea who or how many of us were showing up. Then, like the true hero he is, Tom appeared! He greeted us with the kindness and charm like the kind of thing you’d expect from the lead in a Broadway show about Perkins. He even asked about our performance, and the hospitality wasn’t just through the roof, it was through the stratosphere!

We got seated by another fabulous staff member Ben, who is just phenomenal. And let me just say, this booth? ICONIC. It’s the Beyoncé of Perkins booths/ seating. It’s the most comfortable seat in any Perkins, ever. Period. Fin.

Now, let’s talk lemonade. BEST LEMONADE EVER. I ordered one, and Ben had it arrive faster than lighting. It was love at first sight and at first sip. if a witch made a house of this lemonade, call me Hansel and gretel. Our waiter, incredible Ben, was an actual superstar. He was so quick, so kind, and so accommodating. He even brought me a lemonade refill before I could even think about asking. That’s telepathic-level service that you won’t get at any other restaurant let alone any other Perkins!

When the food arrived, it was pure perfection. I got a Belgian waffle platter, the finest platter of them all, and a side of hashbrowns that made me clap my hands giddily with joy! Every bite of this scrumptious waffle and hash browns felt like an opening night standing ovation.

We spent our time we weren’t eating chatting and laughing, and the vibe was immaculate. In the Perkins, we all fam. The staff made sure we felt like VIPs in here, offered us cookies, talked with us, and make this experience special. Truly, this wasn’t just a meal, it never was just a meal, it was an experience. Five stars isn’t enough; I’d give it an Oscar, Emmy, 5 Michelin stars, cute puppies, and a first place metal award if I could.

P.S. Ben, you’re an absolute gem. Tom, never change. We love ya! Perkins, BRAVO!

Updating my review to show the service and food is still great. Still coming late with friends and having a great time cause everything is fantastic.

I know it’s customary to share pictures of the food before, but I’m sharing an empty plate to show that it was indeed delicious and I cleaned my plate completely 😁. Adding another empty plate to this collection.

This Perkins always so amazing and gives spectacular service. I always go with a group and they are so accommodating. The staff are the nicest people who care for the guests and there experience they give their 100% even late at night when even when we with friend are tired they are so nice. The whole staff is amazing. I’ve never met a person that worked here that isn’t nice. Tom is so amazing he has always been there. He always cares and asks about our shows for theater. He remembers what school we are from and what shows we have done.