Those who live outside of Rogers Park (and possibly many people who do live there) are unaware of Misericordia/Heart of Mercy, a Catholic charity that provides support for 550 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities. And even those who are familiar with the charity and the work it does — most publicly, its candy day every year, upon which thousands of volunteers take to the streets offering Jelly Belly jellybeans in return for a donation — have probably never been to its Greenhouse Inn.

The on-site restaurant is staffed by volunteers and high-functioning residents of the Misericordia campus, and the menu is simple but satisfying. It’s possible to order a la carte items, but the real reason frugal Chicagoans should visit the Greenhouse Inn is its lunch buffet. The daily smorgasboard — served weekdays from 11:30am to 2pm — includes a full salad bar, a choice of two soups, an entree, a vegetable, a potato dish, and bread for $9 (or $8 on Tue and Thu). Soup and salad bar are available for $7; salad bar alone is $5.50; and unlimited soup, bread, and butter are $3. The restaurant also offers a brunch on Sundays from 9:30am to 2:30pm, where values and flavors are just as plentiful. And the best part? Knowing that all proceeds benefit Misericordia and its charitable foundation.

Misericordia’s Greenhouse Inn is located at 6300 N. Ridge Ave, between Devon and Granville. Visit the inn’s website or call 773.273.4182 for information or reservations.

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