People who work all night or have to get up in the middle of the night to go to work know the real pleasures of a diner. This one’s my favorite, and it has the very best middle-of-the-night waffles to be found in Chicago. The scene may not be Edward Hopper, but its close. Sit at one of the stools (which I prefer to a booth for diner food); the midnight shift waitress will come over and pour that first cup of hot coffee and with pad in hand, she’s ready to take your order. Make it the waffle-golden toasty from the iron, still steaming with plenty of whipped butter on top and syrup on the side. The best waffles come from well-worn waffle irons used by an experienced short-order cook. The man at the Golden Apple really fills the bill. Scan the morning paper, sip a second or third cup of coffee, and be sure to leave a generous tip. Anyone who works the midnight shift-deserves it!