Located at 415 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL 60040, Sandy's stands as a welcoming destination for those who appreciate a relaxed dining atmosphere. Our establishment is built on the foundation of providing a comfortable space where neighbors, friends, and visitors can gather to enjoy a meal. We believe that the essence of a great dining experience lies in the combination of a warm environment and a commitment to consistent quality. Whether you are a local resident or just passing through the Highwood area, our doors are open to provide you with a memorable visit that reflects the character of our community.
At Sandy's, we focus on the fundamentals of hospitality. We understand that in today's fast-paced world, finding a place that feels like an extension of your own home is rare. That is why we prioritize creating a setting that is both inviting and unpretentious. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels acknowledged and well-cared for from the moment they arrive until the time they depart. We take pride in our location on Sheridan Road, which serves as a central hub for our patrons to connect and unwind.
What Makes Sandy's Special
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: We have cultivated a space that encourages conversation and relaxation. Our interior is designed to be comfortable for solo diners, couples, and groups alike, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
Commitment to Quality Service: Our staff is trained to provide attentive and friendly service. We believe that the human element is the most important part of the dining experience, and we strive to make every interaction positive and efficient.
Prime Location in Highwood: Situated conveniently at 415 Sheridan Rd, we are easily accessible to those traveling through the North Shore area. Our location allows us to be a consistent part of the daily routines of our local community members.
Focus on Consistency: We understand that our guests value reliability. By maintaining high standards in our daily operations, we ensure that every visit to Sandy's meets the expectations of those who choose to spend their time with us.
The Philosophy Behind Our Kitchen
The culinary approach at Sandy's is rooted in the idea that simple, well-prepared food is often the most satisfying. We source our ingredients with care, focusing on freshness and flavor profiles that resonate with a wide range of palates. Our kitchen team works diligently to prepare dishes that highlight the quality of the raw components, avoiding unnecessary complexity in favor of balanced and hearty meals. We view cooking as a craft that requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the ingredients we use.
Beyond the food itself, we are deeply invested in the Highwood community. Being part of this neighborhood means more than just operating a business; it means contributing to the local culture and supporting the people who live and work here. We are grateful for the support of our regulars who have made Sandy's a part of their lives, and we look forward to welcoming new faces every day. Our goal is to remain a staple of the Sheridan Road corridor by staying true to our core values of integrity, hospitality, and culinary excellence.
Experience Sandy's Today
We invite you to visit us at 415 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL 60040, to experience our hospitality firsthand. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a quiet lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends, Sandy's offers a setting that is designed to help you slow down and enjoy the moment. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service and ensure that our guests leave satisfied. Thank you for considering Sandy's for your next dining outing; we look forward to serving you and becoming a regular part of your dining experiences in Highwood.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
College students
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Menus
Photos
Reviews Sandy's
Koerrea Leonardo Rodriguez
24-06-2026
First time here but I loved it. I got the garbage omelet and coffee. They food was fresh and tasty. They also served me quickly from the time that I places the order. It's very cozy in there so not good for large groups.. More
Ron M
24-06-2026
Great homestyle food. Generous portions, friendly and efficient service (from Sandy herself), "part of the family" atmosphere. We would drive the 22 miles again just for more Sandy's! More
Zachary Stanley
18-06-2026
I get the high ratings from everyone else. The place is a gem. Exactly what you want from a breakfast diner. More
E MI
09-06-2026
The food was so phenomenal. Very well seasoned, cooked to perfection 👌. So happy we decided to have our breakfast here. We got the egg skillet made to our liking. Thank you so much "Sandy's" daughter and family for continuing to open your … More
Manuel Gonzalez
09-05-2026
Cool little place in Highwood, food and service is good, had a get together with the family.
Meal typ…
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Sherri Fossati
28-04-2026
I don’t give 5 stars often, but this place is so good it deserves it. Excellent food and service. We were here visiting and stumbled on it. I ate until I could no more. Highly recommend you dine here at least once if you’re in the area. More
Alan Choyna
14-04-2026
Great service, and great diner food in an old school setting.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Booth seating, Counter seating
John Risdon
14-04-2026
My family and I have eaten here for decades. I personally hadn't been back in many years until recently. Im happy to report it's still cozy, still delicious, still operated in the family. If you need a classic Chicago diner, eat here. More
Jason Knauff
03-04-2026
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to eat here. If you grew up going to Denny’s, Waffle House, or something similar and consider the term ‘greasy spoon diner’ a term of endearment, you will appreciate and love this place. Planning to come back again and again… More
Alan Choyna
21-03-2026
Great service, and great diner food in an old school setting.
Price per person…
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Gregg Hollander
01-03-2026
New menu for summer 2023. No neighborhood is complete without a place like Sandy’s. Go there twice and you’ll see recognize the regular. Go three times and you’ll be a regular yourself. … More
Michelle Swalheim
09-02-2026
This place is a warm hug. Great diner with probably the hardest working staff I have ever witnessed. We arrived about 9:45 on a Sunday morning and had a very short wait (of course I expected some sort of wait being Sunday brunch time and … More
Leigha Landry Wanczowski
25-12-2025
Our spring break vacation was falling apart, so we stopped here for a reset. And we got it. The food is always piping hot and delicious. The owner knows you need coffee or more tea before you do. We used to live nearby and as soon as we saw … More
Franck Brice
21-12-2025
I stop by Sandy’s on my return bicycle rides, always welcoming and great diner food, no bs.
Meal type…
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Jay K
13-12-2025
Great local spot for a ‘garbage’ omelette. You can get excellent potatoes but they’re extra.
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Kelly Dubz
12-12-2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sandy’s Cafe in Illinois absolutely knocked it out of the park.
As someone who waited tables for 25 years, I do not hand out praise lightly. I notice everything. Timing. Flow. Energy. Detail. And Darcy? She was beyond exceptional. Truly above and beyond in every way.
From the moment we sat down, Darcy brought warmth, attentiveness, and that effortless professionalism you only see from someone who genuinely cares. She anticipated needs before we even had to ask. The pacing was perfect. The vibe was welcoming without ever feeling rushed. It was flawless service.
And the food? Incredible. I had the blueberry pancakes and the corned beef hash and both were outstanding. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy with that just right golden finish, and the hash was savory, comforting, and cooked to perfection. Every bite felt like someone in the kitchen really knows what they’re doing.
But what set this apart from a great breakfast to an unforgettable experience was Darcy. She made us feel special. Seen. Taken care of. That kind of hospitality is rare and it matters. She even pulled out a special little gift for basket for toddlers/kids! My bestie has an 18month old granddaughter and this was a game changer! 😊
We’re from Minneapolis visiting and stumbling into Sandy’s was such a joy. Thank you for a memorable meal and for having a gem like Darcy on your team!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Michael Gordon
24-11-2025
Absolutely wonderful. Felt like a regular immediately. Best tuna melt I've ever had. Endless coffee and an old school vibe. More
John McGraw
16-11-2025
This is a rarity today for restaurants of any type, a par-excellence value! This is a diner/breakfast/lunch restaurant, a few booths and counter seats. Most of the activity by the staff is out front, no secrets. Many customers have dined … More
Greg S
19-10-2025
Cool old school diner type breakfast place but I felt the food was just average.
Meal type…
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Ajit Kalra
16-10-2025
Super charming and welcoming neighborhood diner. Darcy is such a lovely owner and host - she can do it all while running a good kitchen and making people feel joy. Food was tasty and we had the best time. Darcy even made our birthday … More
Madeleine (The Ruiner)
17-09-2025
Sandy’s ain’t just a diner; it’s a place where folks come to sit a while, where they cook with hands that know flavor and hearts that know patience. You walk in, and the smell of good coffee and sizzling breakfast greets you like an old … More
Kelly Dubz
28-08-2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sandy’s Cafe in Illinois absolutely knocked it out of the park. … More
Kirsten Kuhlmann
20-08-2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE. A true gem of the North Shore. Sandy's serves the absolute best french toast ever made. It's a diner filled with love and smiles. "It's all good". More
Norrie Wilson
20-07-2025
This is the place to go to if you want a great vibe, a shot of joy, and food so good it reminds me of breakfasts at my grandmom’s. Don’t miss the waffles. Every time I eat here, I leave feeling happier. More
r c
11-07-2025
We stopped in for breakfast on the first day of our Lake Michigan circle tour trip. The food was amazing, but the service was above and beyond what I could have expected. My battery died and while we waited for our food our amazing server … More
Stephanie Pouse
06-07-2025
You walk into this place and immediately feel warm and welcome. The atmosphere has a strong sense of community, service is wonderful and food is fresh and delicious!
sharon iles
28-06-2025
Awesome service by the owner herself.
Love it- wait for it, you won’t be disappointed. Small little diner with a hometown cozy feel. Fab French toast! … More
Grayson Royall Lichtenstein
26-06-2025
BEST CHICKEN AND WAFFLES. AMAZING STAFF. REAL BREAKFAST DINER EXPERIENCE!
Sandy’s and Da Local Boy have highwood on LOCK as far as I’m concerned, throw in Tacos el Norte and it’s a wrap… LITERALLY. More
Tim J
24-06-2025
Sandy’s is a local gem! The owner treats everyone like family. The food is delicious and the service is top notch. We visit weekly for good reason! Their French toast is addictive fyi. More
linda bailey
22-06-2025
Sandy’s in one of our GO TO local favorites for breakfast! The staff is always friendly, and the food is delicious! It’s not a huge place so seating can be limited but it’s worth the wait or sitting at the counter! Their coffee mugs even say, “it’s all good.”
10/10 for us More
dominic bender
14-05-2025
Food was very good. The hostess, waitress, and cooks were excellent. Everyone was friendly and inviting. We went in with a large group after participating in Wreaths Across America on a negative degrees F morning. Sanday's was busy, but they still accommodated us perfectly. More
Jesica Trujillo
03-05-2025
First off I would like to say if you are a white individual this is the place for you, but if you are colored avoid this place if you dont want to have an embarrassing experience. The owner was our waitress and we were looking for ketcup … More
Greg S
01-05-2025
Cool old school diner type breakfast place but I felt the food was just average.
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reviews Sandy's