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This restaurant is a cafeteria style, where the food is already prepared and they'll heat it up as you order. My plate was pretty solid, I had hash browns, eggs, sausage, bacon and French toast. Everything was pretty good besides the French toast which didn't have much flavor. I can tell it wasn't made with cinnamon and sugar like traditional French toast. The location is very traditional cafe diner style and service is pretty good. Overall I'd rate this place a 7.5/10. I'd go back if I was craving a traditional breakfast. Just stay away from the French toast.
This was absolutely one of our go-to spots while in Hyde Park! Easy, convenient and tasty, Valois is a great way to start the day. The location is prime when staying at the local hotels and is central to other shops, restaurants and things to see in the area. It can be a bit tricky trying to order at first, and the line can get long but it wasn't anything that would stop be from returning!
This place! Been looking for a breakfast diner like this for a while. No frills, great food and lots 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.
This place takes you back in time to college days dining hall ! Cafeteria style dining , grab a tray walk to counter order your food and pay with cash. The food was decent, we ordered and everything omelette, a steak, omelette, bacon, and egg, breakfast sandwich, hashbrowns, grits, pancakes, and bacon. The omelettes were a little undercooked. They were slimy and runny on the inside. Everything else was pretty good. The service was good. There was one lady behind the counter, amongst all the men, she was nice. They have ladies at the tables that come and serve you water. Not sure that I'd ever come back if ever in Chicago again, but today it was a good refuge from the rain.
If you want to step back to a simpler time where food was made with love and tasted like mom made; and when cash was king, head to Valois in Chicago! This place is right out of a SNL skit! The food was decent, especially the patty melt. Bring cash, no credit cards accepted!
If you are ever in Chicago make sure to stop at Valois for a cheap yet delicious, wholesome, hearty, 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!
food (4/5) - no one does pancakes quite like valois, they're fluffy without being too dry, and the syrup is sweet without being overpowering or too heavy on the pancake. eggs and sausage and steak are all fine too. price (3/5) - cash only but anything other than pancakes can still rack it up. average for the area ambiance (3/5) - typical diner, good for a big group as well. can be a little sticky. service (3/5) - prompt, but can be tough if you got your order wrong, the conveyor just keeps moving.
This place was on my visit list but when I looked out my hotel window and saw it. I knew it was a go. I didn't see the sign that showed cash only because I was so excited. I ordered one of President Obama's favorites. It was so amazing. And S/O to the lady who paid for my food!
Mainly came here because it's known to be President Obama's favorite. This place is cafeteria style and super efficient. As someone else said, the food here is warm, familiar, and comforting. Don't expect anything fancy. I really enjoyed the pancakes, they didnt taste too plain and had a nice sweetness to it. Cash only!
No frills cash only- diner that is known as one of President Obama's favorites. In a bustling part of Hyde Park neighborhood popular with both residents and students of University of Chicago. Get a whole assortment of classic diner food . I got the All vegi omelette part of Obama's fave list
I found this place on Yelp because this was President obamas breakfast restaurant. First it's cash only so bring cash! There is an atm there if needed. This place is a giant cafeteria. As soon as you walk in you see the menu with pricing. I loved how affordable this place was . As soon as you start ordering they start making the food. The service is fantastic and very efficient. You sit wherever you want and there's an Obama table. By the time we paid the food was ready. The food was delicious and three of us ate for $20. Definitely lived the experience and will definitely be returning. read more
Came to Valois with my husband for breakfast on a Sunday. I kept hearing so much hype about this restaurant so I was excited to try it out. We noticed a sign on the door that read, "cash only", before jumping into the end of the cafeteria style line which moved fast. The food was pretty decent for the price (around $40 for what we ordered). I'd go here again. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Feels warm, comforting, and peaceful. Decent food, great place to eat and chat with friends or family read more
Established in 1921 this spot is certainly a Chicago institution... what surprised me was how tasty the food was. It's clear why so many people LOVE this place. First, you should know it's cafeteria style... you wait in line, grab a tray, and order from an "assembly line" counter. Everything moves extremely fast. Ordered the everything omelette - bacon, ham, spinach, onions, peppers, and American cheese. Also comes with a choice of hash browns or grits. My meal was shockingly delicious. Can't wait to return to try more of the lunch options... read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
I'm gonna be completely and totally honest here. I love eating at monument restaurants in cities. Ya know the restaurants that have been around for decades, a local staple, where the same cook has been cooking since forever. Valois is one of those places: typical get in line, order your food from the simplified menu, keep it cool, CASH ONLY. I appreciate that. However, the service was quick and stern and the food was average at best. If you want a simple, quick, cheap breakfast this is your place. read more
2 years ago
Above average food. Order first at the counter and they bring it to your table. Not bad. Fast seservice, reasonable prices too. Servers were nice. read more
We stopped by after hearing it's one of Obama's favorite restaurants, and we were sold by how cheap it is here. There was a long line when we came in, but it moved pretty quickly. It made me feel like I was back in a middle school cafeteria, and there were so many options. I got the all vegi-egg white omelet, and my friend got the southwest chicken wrap. I thought the omelet was great, and it was nice that they even had an egg white option. The hashbrowns were the classic diner style potatoes, and they were great. I was pleasantly surprised that nothing was too greasy or salty. The southwest chicken wrap was massive, and it comes with a ton of fries. The ranch on the wrap was a little watery, so it got soggy near the end. The fries were perfectly crispy though! We also got the iced tea unsweetened, but it wasn't anything special. Overall, we had a great cheap lunch, and we'd stop by again if we need some food fast. As a note, this place is cash only! read more
10 months ago
I was Visiting Chicago for Lollapalooza and was told this is THEE spot for breakfast. Obama certified Absolutely delicious and had a home like energy. The food was hot and flavorful, the menu was perfect enough good options but not too much to overwhelm you. read more
Valois is obviously infamous for being Obama's "favorite restaurant in Chicago." As a student in Hyde Park, I went to Valois after class with some friends for a late breakfast. Valois is an old fashioned restaurant, one where you order at the front and they give you your food on a tray. I ordered the #3 - Eggs, Bacon, and Two Pancakes. The food was exactly what you'd expect, nothing special at all. However, the pricing was very low, with one catch - Cash Only! I'll probably not revisit Valois, but I appreciate it for what it is. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
The menu is very standard diner fare, with a bunch of the classic items on there. They have another subsection called "Obamas favorites" which president Obama enjoys the most. I can attest that the president has good taste! For ambiance it is definitely less of a corporate vibe, lights are a little warmer, interior has some wood tones in terms of design. Could be a little cleaner though Food is super good! The steak Omelette is cooked just enough to not be too hard and spreads its flavor to the rest of the omelette. The eggs are definitely cooked with experience and melts a little in your mouth. Only real complaint is they didn't really maintain the integrity of the omelette shape but matters much less than the taste. This is definitely not high end dining but definitely gives you bang for your buck (Water is 10/10 super crisp) read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
Just your typical diner with average breakfast food but great history, fresh ingredients, and fast service. It's a must-try when you're in Hyde Park, but I don't see myself coming back again since I could make any of the food at home. UChicago students get a discount (I think it was 10% off) and they are cash only. read more
When you think of Hyde Park, you think of University of Chicago and the Robbie House. There is also the overlapping of multi-cultural realities as well. While gentrification of 53rd street has been profound, Valois still is a contrast to old time steam kitchens where fast food, generous portions and cash only was the norm. As their website says "Valois is one of the oldest cafeteria style restaurants in the United States and it was established in 1921 by French Canadian William Valois." This place is the real deal with solid food, good service and an expansive seating area assures you comfort food on demand. Their breakfasts, entrees, sandwiches and desserts are served continuously. The clientele is is diverse economically and racially - a rarity in today's polarized world. It proves food can bring people together. read more
2 years ago
This place needs another review like...I don't know, like Wrigley Field needs more people to love it? Valois is so classic, food is solid, people who work there are SO NICE, and it's just a So. Chicago classic. I blissed out over the pancakes Obama raved about while snow started to fall and I was loving being in Chicago after a long absence. read more
Not a huge breakfast person but this place exceeded expectations. Mostly went because Obama has eaten here. Good amount of food; definitely will get your money's worth. I had the Everything omelette with hash browns and the french toast. They had some of the best french toast I've had in a long time. The hash brown were not what I was expecting at all, composed of thickly, unevenly sliced potato. Definitely not the best part of the meal. Omelette was good but nothing special. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is no seat; everything is take out. You can either order ahead over the phone or order in person. Service is extremely fast! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Take cash and an appetite. No really they do not accept any form of payment other than cash. Of that is no problem, then get your taste buds ready for some delicious food. The portions are hardy and they care about what they are giving you and how it is presented, even if it is to go. read more
Went for breakfast after being extremely hungry. Got there as they were moving over to lunch. It's like cafeteria style. You order and go down the line. I got turkey patties, potatoes, grits, and Mac and cheese. I got breakfast and after I got down the line realized that they had lunch options so that's when the Mac and cheese was ordered. The turkey patties and grits were good overall. The potatoes were just okay. The Mac and cheese was not the best. It was like box Mac and cheese with the cheese sauce. I thought it would be homemade and it was not. I would like to try this again when I didn't feel rushed and had time to really explore the menu. It's clearly a popular place including by our former President. read more
3 years ago
Homey food spot with quick service. The vibe is someone whipping up something for you in their home. Bless whoever makes the amazing mac and cheese. read more
3 years ago
This spot is always good for a hot quick breakfast! I like how quickly the one moves so know what you want before stepping forward! read more
2 years ago
We came here for breakfast before the crowd started coming in. There was no one in line when we first arrived with a few tables open. By the time we sat down, there was a line all the way to the door! They were very friendly and welcoming. You grab a tray and put it on the counter and you tell them what you want. Then they'll yell your order to the cooks and you move on down the line. Here they ask what kind of bread you want, white wheat or a biscuit. I got the biscuit and a coffee. My wife ordered their French toast and I opted for their Mediterranean Omelette. I usually order a hearty breakfast with sausage or bacon, especially in an omelette, but the Mediterranean omelette sounded so good. It came with spinach, tomatoes and feta cheese. It was probably one of the healthiest breakfast I've had in a long time but was very tasty. Everything tasted fresh and it came with a side of potatoes. Unfortunately I need some meat during breakfast, so although it was delicious, I'd probably order me some steak and eggs next time. read more
7 years ago
Simple, classic breakfast food joint in Hyde Park. Big plates, affordable prices. Valois is well-known for being one of Obama's favorite breakfast spots when he lived in Chicago, so I had to go on a mission to taste for myself. I shared three plates with my friends to get a taste of everything. We split the NY steak & eggs, french toast, and an omelette with sausage & cheese. Yum! The steak was tender and exceptionally good for an unassuming eatery. Eggs were silky, french toast fluffy, and omelette extra meaty and cheesy. It's everything you could want in an old school diner. Cash only - make sure to have cash on you or use a nearby ATM. Oh, and UChicago students get a small discount :) Go on in and get your grub on! read more
Fast service, great prices and satisfying eats, this is as good as any breakfast diner gets! They were packed and lines were long when we came on a weekend morning but the line does move and seats clear out quickly. The staff here work extremely efficiently to keep the crowds moving. If you want a quality piece of steak for breakfast, then there's probably no better place to get it for $10 in all of Chicago. The portions are also huge so don't expect to leave hungry. I also really enjoyed their coffee and the staff provides iced water at each table. To order, you stand in line, then grab a tray and basically yell out your order to the staff. Everything is cooked and heated to order right before your eyes. You shuffle down the counter until you reach the cashier- they take cash only. read more
Came here for breakfast after hearing many good things as it is known to be Obama's favourite restaurant. The place gives you a high school cafeteria vibe where you order first, pay at the end of the line and bring your tray to your seat. Overall the food was mediocre, although it is just simply breakfast food. I got scrambled eggs with hash brown and two sausages. The sausages were very salty but the hash was very bland. It was a good experience and the food is relatively cheap but overall it was just okay. read more
5 years ago
Steak and Eggs Steak Omelette Mediterranean Omelette French Toast are all very good definitely gonna come for another breakfast and try pancakes sometime read more
5 years ago
Valois was a letdown. We got takeout and shared the roast beef, short ribs, mac and cheese, and cheesecake. I could barely eat any of it, and I don't say that often. Out of everything, the short ribs were okay. I basically just ate the white bread it came with. It was like nasty school cafeteria food. I love no-frills places but this was just not good. The mac was lumpy and chemical-tasting and the cheesecake tasted like it had been sitting out for days and had curdled. read more
More info about Valois
1518 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 60615
Hyde Park
Directions
(773) 667-0647
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Visit Website
http://www.valoisrestaurant.com/
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Ask the Community - Valois
How long is the typical wait for a table on Sunday morning?
It can be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. It's worth the wait, though.
How is parking? Where should I park for this place?
We parked on the street, metered parking
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