“February 3, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — Students come and go over the years in Evanston, but one thing hasn’t changed in nearly two decades: The Lucky Platter.

The staff at the Platter has never taken itself that seriously. On their website, they bill themselves as serving “funkalicious post-hippy eclectic world cuisine.” What does that mean, exactly? For a few generations of locals and Northwestern students, it translates into sheer comfort food at a fair price.

As it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, The Lucky Platter hasn’t had to worry about keeping up with trends, because its regulars know they can count on the funky, off-beat diner for solid, reliable, homemade food.”

“I first stumbled upon Lucky Platter’s strange-yet-satisfying creations—gingered fruit and cinnamon-glazed bacon—more than two years ago. For the next 14 months I relentlessly tried to convince my skeptical friends to accompany me on a second visit. My roommate reluctantly agreed last month, and since then we’ve made up for lost time, frequenting the kitschy upscale diner for affordable breakfasts and lunches at least twice a week.”

“Decorated with kitchen knickknacks and thrift-store art, this is a whimsical setting for down-home diner cooking that features lots of options for vegetarians. Chef-owner Eric Singer has a talent for scrumptious vittles that shines especially bright at breakfast: heavenly banana and blueberry buttermilk pancakes with homemade syrups, vegetable-and-potato hash, house-made breads and scones…”