We came on a Tuesday morning and had no issue finding a seat. Our waitress was very friendly and answered our many questions. I got the Uncle Bucket. I enjoyed the name. It was good. Biscuits and gravy is one of those things I always think sounds good on a menu and I'm always disappointed. At this place I'd say the biscuit was very good and the gravy was okay. Eggs were eggs. Fine. Good hashbrowns. Good coffee. We got a cinnamon roll to share among all of us at our table. It was very good. Hot, soft, fluffy, sweet, yeasty in that good way. I'd call it the highlight of the meal. The various items in the bakery case looked delicious. Cozy, family-friendly interior. We really enjoyed the experience and would definitely return. read more

See all

The Breakast is absolutely amazing, staff is extremely friendly, they do get a lot of business but I only had to wait like 5 minutes and my food was served read more

9th Street Cafe - The smokehouse breakfast meat Behrmanns .The biscuit was like eating a cloud and my eggs were a perfect over easy. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highland, Illinois

Went for brunch with my granddaughter-service was great, food was great, and my granddaughter loved it! Plus apparently someone associated with the restaurant is a Cubs fan, just like my granddaughter, so she was extra happy!! read more

Sorry - I didn't take pictures but you'll have to believe me that this place was great. Our waitress was very good with taking our orders & special requests. The food arrived hot and was very good. One of my friends got something she always gets that looked like a skillet with lots of veggies. I got scrambled eggs with bacon, American potatoes (that were sliced and not cubed), biscuit & gravy. The biscuit was so flaky - truly homemade. The waitress was great at giving us coffee refills and just being attentive to our large group. The tables had news articles that were lacquered onto the tables regarding the history of Highland. So very interesting! Love it! As you know, I'm a Coca-Cola girl - no Coke just Pepsi so one less star. read more

9th Street Cafe - Article lacquered on dining table. Very creative & historical! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highland, Illinois

This is a somewhat hidden place in Highland. Unless you're a local you've probably never heard about it and how to get there. It's nearly disguised as a house since it's on a residential street which borders the business district. But either way, it's a great hidden gem. It's a great senior citizen's place, as they are open during certain hours. And in 2024, they will only accept cash - not that it's a bad thing. They do have a great menu, and some may say the food is not top quality. But the prices are very reasonable, whether you're coming here for breakfast and lunch. Service is great as well. Lots of Highland history on display too. read more

9th Street Cafe - Buffalo wing omelet with fries and toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highland, Illinois

Was passing through Highland Illinois recently and found this locally owned diner and decided to try. Unlike a lot of my reviews, I'm just gonna give it to ya straight. This is an okay spot but nothing memorable. Most of the food isn't from scratch. Find a spot with more "umph" and creativity. read more

Great tasteing food, and down home courteous service. Best prices in Highland for full breakfast. Skip any fast food and take the time for a sit down and take the time to read the tables for a history lesson while waiting briefly for the exceptional service. read more

The food used to be great. I went a few days ago and ordered my normal item. The Ruben sandwich was on thin white bread not Rye mix. It had almost nothing inside, it was soggy and it did not come with French fries. I had to pay extra. The sandwich price was the same as before but no fries. I'm still mad I didn't just walk out. read more

I've been here several times now and they never disappoint. Everything has great flavor and is always made just right. The biscuits are so fluffy! I often get the Logan's Breakfast and turn it into a horseshoe. They also have ski on tap. Great food, portions (huge), service, and price. Great bang for your buck. read more

Nice little diner in Highland. There were three of us that ate breakfast here. Inside was nice and our waitress was great. She was very attentive and super nice. We had the Preston's Scramble, Pancakes, Meat Lover's omelet, and the American potatoes. All were good, came out quick and hot. Good spot for breakfast. read more

Best diner breakfast in the area. Amazing prices, huge portions. I will definitely be back. The smothered hash browns are an absolute must. I would love to just get a big plate of those. Friendly service. I can't wait to try even more menu items! read more

9th Street Cafe - a plate of breakfast food - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highland, Illinois

This Cafe is small and quaint, but the food is BOLD! My husband and I like to eat at local places as opposed to Chains. We get up on Saturday and before shopping like to have a nice breakfast to get the day started. On occasion we will driver almost 30-miles one way to get to this oasis. We generally know what we are ordering before we leave the house; Todd's Big Breakfast, I get the ham slice and my husband gets the sausage links and we share.... my husband loves the smothered hash browns, but me I'm an American fries kinda girl. We are always VERY full, happy with the service and the quality and quantity of food.... but the best part is the price. This place is a gem that doesn't dent your funds. If you have not tried this place, regardless of the driver, give it a shot and you will be like us.... return customers. read more

Come here every few weeks. The food is excellent and the portions great and the prices are also great. The food is made quick and hot. Thank you and see you soon read more

This cafe is the epitome of what a greasy spoon should be, in all the best ways. My boyfriend's family is from the area and swears by 9th st. We were even chastised for visiting without them. For such a hole in the wall, the Social distancing was good. Our Waitstaff was kind and accommodating. The food was phenomenal. The portion sizes were huge! I had the western omelette with smothered hash browns. And I ate nearly all of it, which is even more impressive when you see the size. 10/10 would frequent. read more

See all

Chop salad is delicious. Love the all-day breakfast. Excellent service Enjoy looking at old Highland photos and newspaper articles on the tables. Looking forward to sitting at every table. Pleasant atmosphere read more

Great hidden gem! The eggs were perfect! We also enjoyed the biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and bacon. The bacon is thick cut but not salty. Biscuits were amazing also! Highly recommend. read more

Came for breakfast and were very pleased with everything. We split the Country Fried Steak breakfast and had plenty to eat. The biscuit was very light and very good, one of the best I've ever had! Had the American fries and scrambled eggs with the country fried steak. The steak was tender and well cooked (little bit crunchy on the outside). The American fries were cooked well, a little crispy. Service was very good, enjoyed the breakfast and will be back! read more

Thanks to all the Yelpers that put places like this on the map for travelers like myself. I was looking for a nice Saturday breakfast spot and wow did I find one in the beautiful town of Highland, IL. 9th Street Cafe delivers a wonderful small town feel coupled with excellent service and food that is just delicious! To begin my I enjoyed some nice hot coffee served by an attentive wait staff. When my order (The Uncle Bucket's Breakfast) was delivered I thought how much I misjudged my hunger as a feast had just been set down before me. 2 eggs cooked to order, a slab of a ham steak, smothered hash browns, and a biscuit with gravy!! Everything tasted great and I would order this a dozen times again. I walked in with an appetite but still carried half of the ham out in a box to enjoy as a sandwich later. I'm sure some can finish it all but not this guy. I highly recommend this place if you're anywhere in the area. I drove 30 minutes to get here and it was worth every mile. read more

9th Street Cafe - Uncle Bucket's Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highland, Illinois

Great food & large portions. Our favorite breakfast place to bring out of town guests to when they visit.

Excellent local diner. Highland is lucky to have this home town diner. Food is great, especially the biscuits and gravy. Service is friendly. Prices are reasonable. Only open until 2 PM, get there for breakfast or lunch! They are open Fridays for dinner too. read more

Before moving to highland... 9th st Cafe has always been my favorite. Choosing from breakfast foods lunch and dinner, it's the only thing that will have to make you think twice about coming back! All of the cooks, and staff are absolutely tremendous. This little staple in highland will have you coming in a regular basis whether you live in highland or not. read more

9th st Cafe never disappoints. Great food! We have young children and they were so good with them, great service.

Thought my husband & i would try a new place in Highland since we always go to the Highland Diner when we are in the area. DAMN, what a mistake that was!!! We seated ourselves, just like the sign said & waitress came by & threw silverware on the table w/o a hello, good morning, or any greeting. She then dropped off 2 drinks that we didnt order & i politely told her we havent received any menus yet, She looking pissed , said we need to go to the podium & look @ the menu. I thought restaurants/ bars pass out paper menus since Covid. I tried to explain nicely this is my 1st time here, she muttered something about i need to look at menu & Covid restrictions. I have been a server & bartender for years , she was beyond rude & ignorant, dont know if the food was good or not ....my husband & I walked out !!! read more

I came in for breakfast around 1030am with a group of 6 people. The place was quite busy but we were able to find a booth right away and had zero wait. The staff was extremely friendly and patient as the children in our group tried to figure out what they wanted. We made our order and it was out in less than 15 mins. The portions were gigantic! My veggie omelette was amazing. The eggs were full of flavor and all the vegetables were super fresh. Everyone had nothing but wonderful things to say about their breakfast. The price points were wonderful as well. For all the food you get the price is amazing! I never knew this place existed but now that I do I will definitely be coming here a lot more! Best breakfast restaurant in the area, hands down. Highly highly recommended. read more

Passing through Highland, Illinois just about brunch time. I was really hungry and not in a smoothie mood. What could be better than country fried steak with over easy eggs? I'm sorry for no pictures. I forgot until it was too late. I had the choice of home fries or hash browns. I didn't ask for it but I was delighted the the plate arrived with very crispy hash browns and biscuits on the bottom, steak on top of the potatoes and gravy over it all. Eggs were on the side. The eggs were perfect, three not two by the way. The sausage gravy was really really good. The only reason for four stars instead of five is that the country fried steak was chewy. Cube steak is hit or miss I think. I just happened to get a chewy one. The portions were huge. The biscuits were fresh, not day old. The has browns were browned to perfection. The gravy was really really good. Did I mention that? The restaurant is not diner like. I'd say more country comfy. Nice ambiance. My wait staff person was super. I'll go back for sure. read more

Great place for breakfast and lunch since they're only open 5-2pm. Breakfast- great selection of eggs, toast, omelets, pancakes, waffles, and french toast. The pancakes have a great taste to them and they use Mrs. Butterworth's syrup. Best hashbrowns I've had in a LONG time. They're obviously made on the griddle and cooked until crispy (unlike so many sub-par diners) and taste fresh. The 9th St. Chopped Salad is impressive- unexpected, tasty, healthy, two thumbs way up! The prices are good, the waitresses are quick and busy, but nice. This is a small-town place where everyone knows everyone. read more

Wow! Amazing service, biscuits and gravy, and ham! The ham was awesome and from the local butcher!! We will definitely be back and you could tell that there is a great local following. read more

I highly recommend! Great food! Great prices! Friendly staff! Limited street parking, but a cute, quiet, little cafe. Definitely worth it. read more

9th Street Cafe - Blueberry hill pancakes and sausage patties - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Highland, Illinois

Anyplace that serves breakfast all day has a good breakfast. Ninth street has a great breakfast! Excellent service and great food!

This place has the most amazing pancakes I have ever tasted; they are perfectly fluffy,sweet, and filling. Overall they breakfast food is great; gotta love the Logan's Country fried steak on top of biscuits loaded with hash browns, eggs, and gravy. The restaurant is nestled in a building in the center of town; and provides a great display of the history of Highland, Illinois in its rustic, farmeresque, decor. read more

This is the best breakfast in town. It can get busy so be prepared for a bit of a wait especially on weekend end mornings. Wait staff is pleasant. You won't leave hungry for sure. read more

Yes, so glad for Yelp in cases like this. Would NEVER known about this place because 1) it's off the beaten path and 2) it doesn't look like a restaurant from the outside AT ALL. I had a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and a BOCKWURST patty on rye. Where else would'ja be able to find THAT? Food is tasty, service is friendly and pretty quick, and prices are reasonable. Decor is interesting! read more

In town for a wedding and we found this place. Very unique small country town breakfast diner. It is in an old 2 story house in the center of downtown. The decor inside is just as unique as the building itself. You don't want to miss this place if you have time when in town. The food is good and the prices are great. read more

The 9th Street Cafe is a cute, little house cafe/oasis in Highland, IL. It's always packed full of locals sitting around wood tables decorated with historic newspaper clippings and old town photos, and the famous Southern Illinois hand-sewn quilts. They serve omelets, scrambles, breakfast combos with all the classic items, pancakes and French toast. They also have Mett links which are ultra smoked sausage links. In a farming community, as you'd expect, all meats sold are produced locally by Highland's Korte Meats. Many entrees come with their Smothered Hashbrowns which are hashbrowns smothered in gravy with cheese. You also have the option of a Hot Wing, an egg wrapped up with cream cheese and hot sauce. This was my first introduction to such a thing. They also sell the largest Pigs in a Blanket I've ever seen--and delicious! It's the best down home cookin' with super reasonable prices and huge portions. read more

See all

We went to the 9th Street Cafe for lunch on Sunday. This is very much a family kind of place in a building that's surely a hundred years old. The neighborhood reminds me a lot of the older parts of Kirkwood. If you ever get a chance, take a drive through Highland. We ordered the grilled cheese, grilled pork tenderloin sandwich and a small order of onion rings. Their onion rings are obviously a specialty. They are the big, chunky kind - about an inch tall. They were good, but needed a bit more seasoning for my taste. The sandwiches were pretty ordinary - about the quality I would make at home. Prices were reasonable: The sandwiches were over $5 with no sides and the onion rings were $4.70 for a small order (enough for two). I was more impressed by the food we didn't get. We saw a few breakfast orders passing by and the pancakes looked absolutely incredible. It this place was anywhere near our house, we'd be breakfast regulars, I'm sure...that's assuming they taste as good as they look. Service was prompt and friendly, nice ambience. We'll be back if and when we're in HIghland again. read more

Visiting some in-laws in Highland, Yelped up this place and was very glad I did. I thought it was great, had breakfast there and nobody at our table could finish their meal. I've never eatin Bockwurst or even heard of it but it is very good and I will be back before driving back to Texas. Nice place with local history exactly the kind of place I want to eat at when I'm traveling. read more

Total sleeper place. From the looks of the place on the outside, I figured I'd get the classic "You boyz ain't from around here is ya" and the mouth thing wouldn't be too far behind. Once inside, completely the opposite. Clean, simple, welcoming. Very nice servers and a little local pride and history spattered all around. The food is tasty too. read more

We had a wonderful breakfast experience here. Family who live nearby took as and it was amongst the best breakfasts out that we have had, and we have had many great breakfasts. The smoked pork chops, smothered hash, "American fries," and buttermilk pancakes were all outstanding and made very well. A salad with fried chicken was simple but very good, fresh, and nicely balanced. In an old building with old pictures, etc., on the tabletops, it has neat small-town eatery character, too. read more

This is a fairly typical small town restaurant. The servings are quite large, as are most of the people there - that''s usually a sign of the (lack of) healthiness of said food... The prices are good, but the food is pretty average. Not bad if you are tired of the usual. read more

This is the go-to place for breakfast. When you go, be sure to bring your appetite as the portions are very large. I was quickly greeted with menus and water upon my arrival. The place is most notably open for breakfast and lunch. The menu is heavily built on freshness. I had the farm fresh scramble. The eggs were light and fluffy, the onions were bursting with flavor, and the fried potatoes were tasty. I highly recommend the signature breakfasts, they are all under $10 and you will likely bring home leftovers. The wait staff was quick on refills, which is very much appreciated. The cafe has a historical reference to it as well. Look on the table top for clippings about Highland. The walls are covered with antiques. The cafe opens at 5 a.m. so if you wake up early, head on in and have a great meal and a little peace and quiet. read more