Geraldine's Counter   

Though you won't find bee-hived waitresses in starched pink uniforms shouting to short order cooks, what this modern diner does have to offer is a crisp and easygoing corner site, flooded with light and staffed by cute, smiling servers. Geraldine's is a welcome addition to the heart of Columbia City, a joint where folks can grab a quick nosh or linger in a booth until closing time. Breakfasts range from traditional (corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy) to contemporary (bacon, egg and arugula on a batard and a sweet white corn, havarti and herb scramble). French toast is made with bread from Macrina. Main meal offerings include a killer Reuben, chicken chutney salad (sweetened with raisins, apples, and grapes), mac and cheese, and a biscuit-topped chicken pot pie. A bowl of cream of tomato and basil soup makes an ideal cool-weather warmer. Kids are made to feel welcome, happy to sit -- crayons at hand -- twisting on stools by the counter.