Community support has been a key factor in Eggsperience’s ability to persevere during the pandemic. The popular breakfast and lunch spot, 16 Conti Parkway in Elmwood Park, started serving up hearty breakfast and lunch offerings on “The Circle” in 2018. Today the café endures because Elmwood Park’s village government and residents know the importance of supporting their local restaurants.
Ray Corona took over as manager of the diner in August 2021 but brought a wealth of experience to the job. Eggsperience has three suburban and three city locations and Corona had spent time working at several of them before landing in Elmwood Park. He brings five years of “eggsperience” to his management role.
“Oh my! This neighborhood had been very welcoming,” said Corona passionately. “Elmwood Park is very unique, and this community never lets us down.”
Even when the restaurant seems slow Corona notes it can become busy in a snap. Employees from neighboring businesses, local government workers, and loyal regulars have kept Eggsperience going strong during the darkest days of the pandemic. Like many other establishments, Eggsperience is short staffed and Corona is pleased when customers are patient with his hardworking staff. He said matter-of-factly that some days they are getting through by the “grace of God.”
Corona credits the eatery’s expansive menu and quality ingredients for the restaurant’s broad community appeal and repeat customers.
“We worked on the menu very carefully so there is something there that will appeal to everyone’s tastes,” said Corona. “We study the community and what they like. We try and make an effort to please everyone.”
Eggsperience has savory breakfast lovers covered whether they are looking for basic breakfasts or more elaborate skillets, omelets, and benedicts. Staff members are quick to recommend the corned beef hash to traditionalists. Rather than fry up the canned hash relied upon for convenience by many diners, Eggsperience offers only house-made, small-batch hash. Customers can taste a clear difference.
“Our corned beef hash is really special and very popular with our customers. We make it in small amounts so it is always fresh. Once it is gone our cook will make another small batch,” said Corona.
South of the border specials, pancakes and biscuits and gravy are also popular selections. For those looking to make a healthier choice, Greek yogurt offerings are a standout at Eggsperience. Served on its own or as part of the berry Greek yogurt waffles, the flavorful homestyle yogurt is airy and tart. It pairs beautifully with fruit, oat granola, and a drizzle of local honey.
Eggsperience also serves notable lunch offerings. Top quality burgers, including one that comes appropriately topped with an egg, and the generously sized salads are popular choices in the afternoon.
Small batch hash: Eggspereince’s house-made corned beef hash and eggs are sure to please diner-style breakfast fans. 
Berry Greek Yogurt Waffles feature imported Greek yogurt, fresh berries, bananas and local honey. 
Vegetarian delight: Greek Salad with house made vinaigrette brims with cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, kalamata olives and feta cheese. 
The Country Bennie at Eggsperience is an indulgent choice, but still has vegetarian allure. Poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, fresh tomato, roasted red peppers and sautéed spinach perch atop a toasted English muffin. 
Flautas de Papa appear among the popular “south of the border” menu options at Eggsperience in Elmwood Park. 
Off menu: Greek Fries as ordered at Eggspereince in Elmwood Park 
A cozy lunch at Eggsperience
Though Eggsperience has temporarily stopped offering specials to combat rising food costs, Corona is eager to participate in Elmwood Park’s forthcoming restaurant week. From February 18-27 Eggsperience is offering their Rocky Mountain High Omelet with crispy hashbrowns and choice of toast for just $11.99. The dish boasts a classic combination of diced ham, green pepper, onion and shredded cheddar cheese. Eggsperience lunch lovers can also participate in the village supported event; for the same price diners can savor their best-selling avocado chicken sandwich and a cup of warming soup.
“At the end of the day I am thankful people come to eat here every day,” said Corona. “We are a family business, and we want everyone to feel at home here.”
When asked to pick his favorite item on the menu Corona said there were simply too many favorites to choose from at Eggsperience.
