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    Big J Cafe

    5.0 (2 reviews)

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    This is a great lunch alternative from the regular tired fare. Everything is homemade and made to order.

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    Ancho & Agave

    Ancho & Agave

    3.3(139 reviews)
    8.8 mi
    $$

    I'm a big fan of this concept with comfortable seating in a spacious restaurant, plenty of parking,…read moregreat presentation, friendly service, and attractive decor. Compared to similar restaurants in this space, I prefer to go here with friends for its generally quieter atmosphere and overall vibe. Maybe the biggest complaint here is that the food preparation can be a bit inconsistent between dishes, and between different meat types. That is, that the output can range from delicious to somewhat average (and sometimes overcooked), depending on what you order. For example the birria was super flavorful and served with very crisp tacos and a delicious consomme, but the cilantro-lime rice and refried beans felt like an afterthought. The smoked pork belly quesadillas had a great flavor and just about the right amount of fattiness that was short of perfection due to the pork being overcooked. The tres leches cake also had a great creaminess and flavor to it, but parts of the cake weren't really soaked in the milk at all, which created an inconsistent experience - depending on where I took the bite. On everything I tried though, the presentation was excellent and there were enough great things about each dish to overcome some of the shortfalls. Overall though, I feel with improved execution on ensuring that all elements of the dishes are equally good in terms of texture and flavor -- there's a lot to love about Ancho & Agave. But even in its current state, it's still an enjoyable spot to take a group of friends for tasty food in an impressive looking spot.

    My boss and I came here for a quick lunch and it did not disappoint…read more We really enjoyed their complimentary chips and salsa. I don't know what it is, but there is something distinct about them that separates them from other restaurants. Service was excellent where quality checks, keeping beverages filled, and reading when it was time to wrap it up came naturally. It is a very open style bistro which I love. I can see the vibe of this place during a dinner rush being a lot of fun (seems like this place can accommodate groups of all sizes). Ancho & Agave seems more Mexican-fusion than traditional-Mexican so for what it is, I'd say overall it's very good and would definitely return.

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    Ancho & Agave
    Ancho & Agave
    Ancho & Agave

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    Valois - NY Steak & Eggs

    Valois

    4.2(794 reviews)
    26.6 miHyde Park
    $$

    This place! Been looking for a breakfast diner like this for a while. No frills, great food and…read morelots of variety. The counter service is set up like your old school lunchroom cafeteria. Takes me back to grade school. They take your order up front where the chefs cook your food right in front of you. You then take your tray and scoot on over, add beverages and whatever else to your order and at the end of the line - you pay. Everyone was super nice and friendly - gives off that old school diner where everyone is family. Just got a basic breakfast meal that consisted of eggs, sausage, and a side of pancakes. Ordered some bacon on the side. Everything was really good and the sausage was deliciously crisp and had that "snap". The pancakes were soft and fluffy. The price is also very reasonable. Also, they have Barack Obama breakfast specials. So cool as it looks like our former President frequently ate here as he has pictures up on their wall with the workers. I highly recommend and will be back.

    If you are ever in Chicago make sure to stop at Valois for a cheap yet delicious, wholesome,…read morehearty, breakfast that is so good even former United States president Barack Obama loves this place with some of his breakfast favorites! This is the place to go for true breakfast lovers that the whole family will enjoy! Valois is special because it is one of the oldest cafeteria style restaurants in the United States started in 1921 by French Canadian William Valois. When you walk in, the place stays busy, you actual see the food being prepared in front of you, and they offer lots of great breakfast options in a casual cafeteria like setting with a homely feel. Be ready to have cash on you because Valois only takes cash but there is an atm machine inside. Valois offers amazing breakfast specials such as steak and eggs, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and pancakes but also has alot of al la carte menu items or side orders you can add on such as extra bacon strips, side of oatmeal, grits, etc to truly satisfy your breakfast cravings! I love getting their french toast while my husband loves piling up on eggs, bacon, and sausage! They even have some lunch items like salads, wraps, and different specials of the day like hamburger steak with onions. My husband and I enjoy coming to Valois (Hyde Park) location close to the University of Chicago because the service is fast and friendly, the food is great, and has a lively yet cozy atmosphere! You can't go wrong giving Valois a try for a wonderful breakfast that won't break your bank account and fills your soul up with joy!

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    Valois - Obama Specials @ Valois. 1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL  Old School  Cafeteria Style! Chicago GreekAmerican Breakfast/Lunch!...Cool!

    Obama Specials @ Valois. 1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL Old School Cafeteria Style! Chicago GreekAmerican Breakfast/Lunch!...Cool!

    Valois
    Valois - Valois. 1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL  Old School Simple Quick Self Service Cafeteria Style! Chicago GreekAmerican Breakfast/Lunch!...Cool!

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    Valois. 1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL Old School Simple Quick Self Service Cafeteria Style! Chicago GreekAmerican Breakfast/Lunch!...Cool!

    Red Apple Buffet - Chicken Noodle soup

    Red Apple Buffet

    3.9(320 reviews)
    10.6 miNorwood Park
    $$

    I'm not really an expert on Polish food, but I have to give the Red Apple credit for being…read moreseriously tasty. They have all the things you think of when you think of Polish food, sausage, pierogis, schnitzel, stuffed cabbage, blintzes. Also all the things you think of at buffets, salads and carved meats, fried chicken, potatoes mashed and roasted, lots of desserts. A few things I didn't expect, like fish and shrimp. Everything we tried was at least pretty good, and several things were excellent. Service was friendly and good. Dirty dishes were cleared away promptly, beverages brought on request. The decor was a bit dated, but clean and comfortable. My one real complaint is that it's pretty crowded, especially when you have to squeeze between chairs multiple times to get back to the buffet. Prices are reasonable for all you can eat, considering the quality of the food. They're only open on weekends, so skip breakfast and come hungry and you're sure to leave stuffed and well satisfied.

    My sister and I decided to treat my brother in law here for his birthday. He found out that a…read morePolish buffet existed around here so he had to go! We went before the dinner rush on a Saturday. There's a small parking lot in the back but that was full so we parked on the street. We were immediately seated and drink orders were taken as well as soup (which is included). Drinks are added separately and not inclusive of the $34 per person. I had the borscht and that was tasty and comforting. My brother in law didn't waste any time and he immediately got his first plate going. My sister and I took our time to enjoy the soup. I then started with the appetizers and tried the different salads. It was cool to see they had aspic since that's not something you see often either. When I eventually made my way to the warm food, I was overwhelmed by all the choices. I tried to take one of everything but even then it was too much so I didn't get to try it all. The meats that I did try were super tender and juicy. They definitely know what they're doing with the meats! The dessert area had so many different options. There was cake, flan and cheesecakes. So many to choose from! I think I just love Polish food in general because of the comfort food aspect. The proteins are usually simmered in gravy and you get to pair it with potatoes cooked in all sort of ways! My sister was adventurous and just started putting random stuff on her plate that I've never seen before. She found the meat spread and that was surprisingly good too. If you're ever in the area, try to go before the dinner rush. It's a great space and is deserving of the title "Largest Polish buffet in Chicagoland".

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    Red Apple Buffet
    Red Apple Buffet
    Red Apple Buffet - Buffet

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    Buffet

    Big J Cafe - cafeteria - Updated May 2026

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