You can tell when you walk in it's going to be a good meal. Youare greeted and seated. Best coffee I've ever had...4 cups. Breakfast of veggies omelette, crispy hash browns, and fruit. Best breakfast out in years. I will definitely return as the service was great. Food served hot and delicious! Well done! read more

The Junction is a DeKalb staple going back generations. For me, it's the Sunday soup (cream of chicken with rice) that keeps bringing me back. Whenever I'm home to visit, a Sunday lunch at The Junction is an absolute must. read more

All the workers are very kind and frenidly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A really good family resurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There skilits and pancakes were really good. read more

Three generations, six members, of my family recently paid a visit after checking out the nearby campus. I had not been back in years! I found it was just as great as when I last visited. My family agreed. The food was fantastic and in huge portions. Price was very reasonable. Service was so delightful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And the ambiance was just perfect.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Do yourself a favor and take a trip back in time to a true dinner worthy of the name. read more

The Junction Eating Place - Some of the train decor. - American Near Me - DeKalb, Illinois

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Making a quick, pop in visit to Dekalb to see family and it just so happens to be Sunday - The BEST day of the week to go to The Junction!! I'm not sure I've ever visited this town when it wasn't Sunday....because of this soup. It just hits the stomach and soul right. The soup is so creamy and full of chickeney goodness. The rice is perfectly cooked everytime and never too mushy. Each spoonful you take has the perfect ratio of chicken and rice and it's not overwhelmed by any vegetables. I also had a patty melt and fries. Super tasty. And those pickles on the side!! The absolute best. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love this diner so much and always puts the cherry on top of my visit[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Great for a diner. My son and I wanted to do dinner in the area before I headed home and found this gem. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't busy when we arrived, but a lot of people were in line to pay.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their portions are very generous for the price now a days. We had the bacon cheddar fries appetizer, my son had the chicken Fettucine Alfredo and I got the Swiss burger sandwich, which was stacked with goods. They also provide you with wheat rolls and butter to start and my son got a side of soup with his meal. When the soup came out, it was a decent size bowl, I thought it would've been in a cup size, but we weren't complaining. Staff was wonderful & if you're a college student at NIU, they will offer you a discount! read more

Food is great, portions are good, staff is friendly and the prices are fair. I used to come all the time when I lived in DeKalb in the 90's, and now that I live somewhat close and work in Sycamore, I am coming back often. read more

This is my default place to grab a quick meal in DeKalb. The menu is extensive, the food quality is good and customer service is fast and friendly. What more could you ask for? read more

Nasty! [[HIGHLIGHT]]No air conditioning, the place smells old as you walk in, it's dirty, dusty and sticky with flies everywhere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We struggled to eat our food because you need your hands free to chase flies off your plate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'd hate to know what the flies are like in the kitchen, and is anyone shooing flies off the food in the kitchen??? Gave 2 stars because the food wasn't the worst I've had, but it's nothing to celebrate. read more

Our skillets were awful I couldn't even eat mine hash browns have changed you could taste the freeze burn. The coffee also changed just dark water with no coffee flavor. Waitress was ok... all the great waitresses have either left or retired. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Floor was dirty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Prices have gone up and quality & serving size has gone down. We have decided we are no longer going to this place. It has gone downhill. We have been going for years. I preferred this place when the old owners were running this restaurant. It's a shame that the new owners don't care about quality. Go to Egg Haven that place is always consistent, nothing is old, or has a funky smell, they use REAL & FRESH ingredients. Coffee is delicious. Only downfall is Egg Haven is only open until 2pm. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They also need to fix/update the booths very uncomfortable and they sag.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Loved it! Let's support local diners like this! It's not just a breakfast place! It has a big menu and good portions! I took my blind friend there for lunch and I had the Chicken Kabobs with rice and broccoli and so good. The server was amazing too since she explained everything to my friend and assisted him so much. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's casual and comfy too![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owner, Chris is awesome and cares so much! Blessings to this local business! read more

Greasy dinner I'd consider this to be a lower option on the list if you're looking for breakfast. It feels like it was decorated in the 1960's or 70's and hasn't changed. That said it feels old. Maybe the only reason I'm giving 3 stars is they were open Thanksgiving Day and I brought my mom here for lunch. It was one of the only places open so we went. It's right by the college so it probably attracts students that don't really care how old it feels inside. read more

Favorite diner/family restaurant in the area. I've never had a bad meal here. Their breakfast/brunch foods are my favorite! Service is always fast and friendly. Family-owned by a lovely family. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ask your server to turn the train on for your kiddo(s)![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] :) read more

A few college and high school buddies and I decided it was time to have some breakfast at the Junction Eating Place in DeKalb. I've never been there, but they have. We got there before the crowd on a Friday morning. What a pleasant surprise, this place was great. I don't normally go for a skillet, but this was fantastic. I went for the Western Skillet that had diced ham, onions, tomatoes, green and jalapeño peppers, along with two eggs over easy, all over hashbrowns. It came with a side of pancakes, which were melt in your mouth good, and Coffee. I strongly suggest that you go for one of those. Our server was absolutely fantastic. KELLY was so on top of things and attentive to all of our needs, I would always suggest that you ask for her. I love the ambience. It's old-school with a little train that goes around up on top of one of the rooms. They have a diner style counter if you decide to sit that way, but we decided to have a wonderful meal sitting down and relaxing while going through fun stories. If you've never been there, I would suggest that if you're in DeKalb, you must stop for breakfast. Looking at their menu, they have all kinds of wonderful things. They've got appetizers and soups, sandwich, platters and wraps, all kinds of side, things, and specialties that look fabulous. Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, this is definitely a place you need to go. I really enjoyed the food. It was wonderful and will be back soon. read more

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I've only been here to eat breakfast food, but I've never been disappointed. Good American Family Restaurant menu.

The food was really bland, it was like they didn't try very hard. My salad was mostly yellow, old lettuce, not fresh at all. My bf had the chicken parm and the best part was the mozzarella cheese on top, no flavor. read more

It's nostalgia for me. When I was a student during the early 90's. I probably ate here three or four time a month! I'd order different things, but 90% of the time it was the fried chicken dinner for me. I'll pass through every year or two and always stop in for the same fried chicken dinner just for kicks. I'm pretty sure the chicken dinners were better in the 90's; back then, I was convinced that the Junction had the best chicken in town. But then again, college students aren't known for having the most discerning tastes. Haha. These days, the fried chicken is better than okay. But honestly, nothing to write home about or worth driving an hour+ to eat, but I do. read more

I enjoy all the food selections at the The Junction. I particularly like their pie and cake choices. For instance, I've had one of my favorites, Lemon meringue pie, at several restaurants in DeKalb & Sycamore, but none are like the offering at The Junction; the crust is soft and flaky. They have a great menu for seniors, as well. The prices are the lowest, with great choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner; which you can have at any time of the day. I could go on and on, but I think I've made my point. FABULOUS! read more

Diner breakfast done right!!! The staff is so friendly and sat us (large group of 10+) immediately! Menu is huge with an all day breakfast plus other entrees and fun diner food! We went for a late dinner and got served bread and drinks ASAP. Everyone ordered different things but all of it was the hearty goodness you want and need from a place like this! I got the veggie skillet bowl which came with a base of hash browns, various veggies sautéed, 2 eggs (any style) and lots of cheese! Choice of toast or pancakes too! The pancakes are HUGE!!! Even the side pancakes overflow the plate! Reminded me so much of the little diner I went to with my grandpa growing up. Only 4/5 because I'm the stingy one who really is picky about how my food is prepped, and could have felt a little fresher for my tasting when it came to veg in skillet) Side note: AMAZING ice-cream sundae menu, we didn't get one but would def want to try! read more

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First of all: 6 Stars! The Junction Resturant has been my family's go-to eating place for over 30 years. Why? The food and service have always been perfect. Their menu is huge! They serve a wide variety of complete breakfasts all day long, too. Everyday, they offer different specials. There is always a great variety of desert offerings for young and old. Also, there is a wide variety of Greek dishes, too, even Greek deserts, all in addition to the otherwise extensive variety. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decore features railroad motifs, hence - The Junction - as in railroad junction.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]A model railroad train circles one big section of the dining area right below the ceiling - and it crosses a 15 foot long wooden trestle bridge, all built to miniture scale. My kids all loved it and now all the new kids do, too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I watched the older generation of owner-operators raise their youngsters in the business. Now those grown-up youngsters own and operate it lovingly on a daily basis because it's their cherished family pride. At any one time, their customers usually include: regulars, old & young; families with children; special groups; first-time visitors; and even students from the nearby university. Oh, and the wait-staff are always helpful, attentive, prompt, and pleasant. Try it! You'll like it, too ... ... see you there! read more

Got a lame taco salad just lettuce, a couple pieces of tomato, and a wee cheese with a spicy sauce on the side yuck worst I ever had

Okay, the Junction is a DeKalb staple that is nothing else besides a small town, homey diner. No one goes here and expects a 5 star meal. The food is good, nothing special, the service is always great, and it's one of those places that you can go to in something comfy so you can relax in a both and simply have an enjoying meal of comfort food. What I ordered: I went for breakfast so I got the vegetarian omelet with egg whites, fruit, and toast. It was good! I wish I could have ordered something a little more tasty, but I have been doing well in my diet so I didn't want to break it. I always get coffee and the servers are always great about refills. If you are looking for a place to recover from a hangover, this is the spot;) read more

The Junction Eating Place - American Near Me - DeKalb, Illinois

My family sat here for over 30 minutes and we didn't even get our drink order. We told the staff on the way out and they could care less.

We have been going to this restaurant for years. It was always predictably ok. Not great, not terrible. The service was fine and the place mostly clean. The menu was chiseled on a rock. Today it seemed kind of quiet inside. Waited a few minutes for a table in a nearly empty dining room. Usually it's very busy with after church folks. Not today. Very few of the staff was recognizable, new faces. Hmmm. My wife then remembered that the owners for the last several decades had sold out. Cut to the chase, the menu is the same, but the food is not. The food is terrible, the service is terrible, the desk staff is terrible. The hash browns ordered crispy were not crispy. In fact they were undercooked, cold, dry and hard. I suspect they were from yesterday. The OE eggs were destroyed before they got to the table. Never was asked how things were after the food arrived. One order of toast finally arrived as I was placing my napkin on my mostly empty plate. (Hash browns were left on the plate) Super cheap barely warm slice of ham. Every item of the order was ruined. The wife said her omelette was ok and my son said his country fried steak was ok. The steak is a frozen patty reheated. All of us skipped the garbage hash browns. No offer or refill of coffee, which makes it more expensive than Starbucks. When the boy behind the counter asked how everything was I said it was pretty terrible. He just said "sorry about that" and took my card. No questions or curiosity as to what needs corrected. If they don't care about my terrible dining experience, I don't care if they stay open. I took my last look around the place, that I have patrons for years, and I can't wait to never come here again and left. read more

Wow, great service, great food. What more do you need? I had the California sandwich on the waitress' recommendation and it was outstanding. Tasty with real slabs of turkey, avocado, cucumber and tomato accompanied by an absolute ton of fries. I love that they don't over salt the fries so you can adjust salt levels yourself if you like. My husband had a perfect burger so all in all it's a good day. Wheelchair accessible is a plus as getting around is harder for us right now. We will definitely be back! read more

This was the worst place. Lost my appetite after seeing this on my plate and when I confronted the manager 'he said he won't charge' ....seriously you would even mentioned that... great managing! read more

Cute diner with a HUGE menu. Food is always just okay though. Convenient, quick, and casual place.

Food is excellent and breakfast is all day. Servers are very friendly. A wide variety on menu.

Their food is AMAZING! But about 2 months ago I found a hair in my food so the waitress sent it back, by the time the new food was ready my boyfriend was already done eating, so I had to eat by myself and have him wait for me. When I tried to ask for some kind of discount on the burger the waitress argued with me and the other young server with the glasses started calling me rude and insulting me. Thankfully the older gentlemen came over to talk and apologized and gave me a discount! read more

The Junction Eating Place - Burger and Spicy Fries - American Near Me - DeKalb, Illinois

This was the most DISCUSTING thing I have eaten in my life. It tasted like it was thrown in the dishwasher to be cooked. It has no flavor. It was cold and soggy. If I could rate this place 0 stars I would. This is definitely not worth going and wasting your money on. Definitely not EVER going back. read more

The Junction Eating Place - Blueberry crepe - American Near Me - DeKalb, Illinois

To put it simple, this is A little slice of heaven. If you went back in time to the early 60s and stumbled upon a local dinner you would be here ! The service here was beyond excellent, my coffee cup never went below half as my server made sure to give me an amazing experience. I had just begun to read my newspaper after ordering when bang ! My food had already been brought to me. Not even 10 minutes before I had ordered it, I was in absolute awe as I'd never been treated so good before. The environment of this fine establishment was very relaxing and I found it easy to slip into happy childhood memories. read more

The Junction Eating Place - Colossal Omelette And Steak and Eggs - American Near Me - DeKalb, Illinois

Yes this long time family owned business was sold sometime in early 2023. HOWEVER, some of the family members have bought it back. At there on 11/17/2023. They are as good as they always were, pre-2023 sale. Food is fantastic, I had fried chicken. Service is stellar. If you haven't been there lately, go back. You'll be glad you did. Back under OLD MANAGEMENT! I've always loved their Railroad motif. read more

I just ordered and this food was taste less and bland and all I got was a burger and fries like come on. It's not that difficult how is it tasteless ??? Even the fries y'all couldn't spare a sprinkle of salt? Since I know I can't get a refund I will be leaving review where I can. I'm pregnant I really wanted this and it RUINED my day. Please SAVE YOUR MONEY eat somewhere better. read more

Food always tastes fresh, prices aren't crazy. I highly recommend the junction! If you eat it they have a very cozy atmosphere.

Terrific breakfast with a cool dinner feel! Very friendly service! Very happy we decided to stop!!!

This place is unbelievably good! There is not a bad choice on the menu, you will not be disappointed! There desserts are awesome, so you better leave room, or do like we did and take some for later. read more

Love this place. They always are glad to see you. If you are looking for good food at a fair price this is the place for you. I favor breakfast but that's me. The cinnamon rolls are great as are the skillets and omelettes. read more

Had the junction skillet, swapped in sausage for the ham. It was unflavorful and mediocore. I also got pancakes and they were undercooked, so spongy, very pale yellow. The syrup was nice and hot and tasty. The bread comes packaged for some reason, not a good nor bad thing, just interesting. The service is nice and the price is good. The rest of the people said their food was ok to good. For 8 of us it only cost us 80 dollars to eat, that's pretty darn good. read more

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This is your classic American diner. You're not getting fancy food, but you are getting food that will satisfy your taste buds, and fill you up. Plus, the prices are cheap compared to other places. The Junction is a popular spot in DeKalb, because it is open late, and serves breakfast all day long. I am a fan of the steak and eggs. The staff is helpful, nice, and fun to talk to. You really cannot go wrong here. Also, the place has a theme of a train station, so while some people might say it's "dated," I say it's nostalgic! read more

The Junction Eating Place - American Near Me - DeKalb, Illinois

Business meeting? Social gathering? Come in and have coffee and great food! My friends and I usually go here if we want to chat and drink coffee. Breakfast is amazing. Made however you love it. Waitresses are fast. Food is fast. Nice atmosphere and a great piece of DeKalb! read more