Back to Basics: At Patti Ann’s, Diners Get Schooled in Greg Baxtrom’s Version of Midwest Nostalgia

Named after his mother, a retired elementary school teacher, the acclaimed New York chef's latest venture is a classroom-themed, comfort food-dealing tribute to his family and upbringing

Staples of the Midwest family restaurant, from the bread basket to the mashed potatoes, are reimagined at Patti Ann's. Noah Fecks

If the sign outside proudly advertising “stroller parking” doesn’t give it away, the cheerful, primary-colored decor and board game-stocked cubbies probably will. If not, then certainly the menu will—a roster of down-home comfort food printed on a paper placemat that comes with an activity book and crayons.

Patti Ann’s is a family restaurant through and through.