Green construction paper shamrocks hang in the windows and cupcakes with green frosting line the shelves at Hotcakes Cafe in Wilmette.

The 13-year-old business at 1195 Wilmette Ave. is already prepping for St. Patrick's Day with a full lineup of specials.

"We do this for every holiday," says the owner, Carla, who preferred to go by her first name only. She also owns Green Bay Cafe at 568 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka.

St. Patrick's Day specials at Hotcakes Cafe include a homemade, open-faced reuben sandwich with cabbage called the Emerald Isle; homemade Irish soda bread; and the cupcakes, which are chocolate chip with cream cheese frosting.

There's also a smoked salmon scramber special with smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill and green onions, Carla says.