5/6/18 The only way I can eat like a former president - Obama. This place is great in that you get appropriate quality and quantity for good prices. They didn't drastically raise their prices (as far as I know) because they've had famous guests. You order diner quality food and sit down in a cafeteria. What I also like about this place is that it's humble as opposed to some nice looking restaurant that can still serve you overpriced subpar food. There's no mystery. read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time stopping in and glad I did! It is cafeteria style, you place your order and move along the line with your tray! Staff was very friendly and all wore masks, they even had the plexiglass to separate customers and staff. My friend ordered the #1 and I ordered the #5, everything was delicious but his biscuit was cold and a bit hard. Would love to visit again to try another dish from their vast menu! read more

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I've loved this place recently, but I recommend against going there, as I never will be again. The place is a walking health code violation, and while I overlooked it due to its cheap prices and large portions, I got violently ill the last time I went. I ordered a Greek wrap, and everyone in the kitchen looked at each other with worry. I should have known right then not to eat it. I have been throwing up everything for multiple days and the only reasonable culprit is that wrap. The place is completely unsanitary and I should have know it would get me sick sooner than later. Don't eat here unless you want to throw up your meal after. read more

Valois is a unique diner in the middle of Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Its super old school but nostalgic at the same time. The Service was fast and simple. I'll say the employees were bit rude, when my group made a comment that they couldn't understand due to noise leaves in the restaurant. The food was surprisingly a home run, made me full until dinner. Wanted to check it out since Former President Obama was his stomping grounds as president when visiting the city. read more

Can always rely on Valois for a super fast, cheap, and filling breakfast. It's cafeteria style- so you pick up a tray in line and tell them what you want and they make it right in front of you and hand it right over. The portions are quite large so I usually end up splitting something with a friend. This time we ordered the 3 pancakes with strawberries with hash browns and bacon on the side! My friend also got a coffee. With a 10% student discount, the entire meal came out to be just under 10 dollars and we were both full and satisfied afterwards! Honestly so much more worth it than paying 15 bucks for an omelet at another restaurant. They have quite a lot of options for being a cafeteria style place, and they have a separate menu of Obama's favorites. I've been pretty satisfied with the food here too- it's quite tasty! With its amazing prices and portions, you get the most bang for your buck here and it's definitely my preferred brekkie place in Hyde Park. read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this place. Very old-school and cafeteria style. When you give your order at the front counter with the staff/chefs, you get to see them making the food. It's a very busy place, fast return on food. And all is pretty tasty. It's a definite staple in Hyde Park. read more

Yummy! prices are going up with inflation. To be expected. Would definitely Barack, Everything Omelette read more

Valois - Bean Salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I don't know what the hype is. I get that it's cheap but the food is just super mediocre. The steak omelette was good but you can't really mess up an omelette. Roast beef was ok but it really was like school cafeteria style with boxed mashed potatoes. Mac and cheese was mostly liquid. I would spend 15 minutes and drive up to Manny's. Same cafeteria style but way better quality read more

Valois - Mediocre honestly - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

No frills diner with quick service and quality food. The portion sizes are more than enough. It reminds me of a diner I used to eat at when I was in college in Berkeley, CA. I say give them a try at least once. read more

Love this place, I like the freshness of the food. I always order the sandwich or number 9

This place is truly a local gem. I was first interested in Valois after seeing it on Anthony Bourdain's (RIP) Parts Unknown Chicago episode. After doing some quick internet research, I learned that this place is also a favorite of President Obama's. That sealed the deal: I decided to make a trip down to Valois for a hearty breakfast. When I arrived, I saw a decent sized menu board, along with a little board listing some of the President's favorite entrees. There are plentiful breakfast choices like omelets, pancakes, French toast, and even steak and eggs. Valois is counter style: grab a tray and move down the counter from the ordering station to the cashier. Your order will probably be ready right before or after you pay. I went with the everything omelet: ham, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, onion, pepper, and cheese. It was one of the best omelets I've ever had: made with REAL EGGS, none of that powdered mix crap, gooey on the inside but slightly crispy on the outside. So dang good. I also had a side of hash browns, which were tasty albeit a bit bland, and biscuits. The biscuits were a bit of a letdown, they were more like dry, sweet dinner rolls. I also was tempted by their big dessert selection and went with the peach cobbler, but I didn't enjoy it because it was ice cold. In my opinion, cobbler should be warm or at least room temp. Prices were extremely reasonable and the service was excellent: friendly and homey. Overall, a successful trip! Next time, I'm going to try their yummy-looking lunch or dinner entrees. read more

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They have great breakfast menu if you like cafeteria style atmosphere. Their lunch menu is very good such a variety of fresh food.

We recently had our family reunion and our entire family met for breakfast here. The food and service were outstanding!

Fun as hell and historic Open since 1927. Harold Washington and Batak Obama adored this place.

Affordable, low-brow, no-frills diner food in Hyde Park. This place is a community staple. It's not refined (or dare I say well made) food by any stretch of the imagination, but it's so cheap and accessible, you really can't complain. The food is ordered along a long counter where you are handed your order as you go along with a tray. It's a great place to go for breakfast. read more

Overall score 4/5 I have to admit, one of my friends frequents this place often and told me that we were going to get brunch at a diner. I was skeptical at first but then he mentioned it was President Obama's spot. I became a little more excited to see what it was about. True to form this place was very cafeteria like which is not bad because everything comes out quick. They have their supply chain right, the line was long and steady but moved super quick. Some highlights: bring cash, it's CASH only. They have Kool-Aid, so try some out if you haven't since a child. Their is an Obama Fav menu which was what I ordered off. The prices were super cheap for what I'm used to so $20 should cover a lot or for two people maybe. Know what you're ordering to keep the line moving or the chefs will get pissed. Seating is whatever is available but the staff does a good job at cleaning tables when they see someone left pretty quickly and they also bring you water. Food review: - steak omelette 3.5/5 - everything omelette 3.5/5 - grits 3/5 (it tastes like everything else out there) - pancakes 3.5/5 (light and airy) - bacon 4/5 (can't complain, it was cooked so right) - kool aid 4/5 ( taste like my childhood) - atmosphere 4/5 - Service 4/5 read more

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Great food. Great food Great food Great food And also great food . If I were you I would dine in. Hyde park has a great ambiance to it . Relax and enjoy read more

03/24/17 - I took my wife to work this morning at 6:30am. I have an appointment in Hyde Park @ 9am so I thought I would grab some breakfast to kill some time instead of driving back to the NW side of the city. As usual I checked Yelp for someplace in the area to grab breakfast. What I found is Valois at 1518 E 53rd Street in Hyde Park. Valois has a large dining area a large menu and a lot of staff working. I ordered the New York strip medium rare w/2 eggs over easy, crispy hash browns and wheat toast all for $9.95. That's a pretty dam good deal. The steak was a pretty generous cut. It was also a decent cut of meat & it was cooked the way I asked, medium rare. I mean it's obviously not going to be the quality of a Bavette's, Gordon's or Ruth Chris, but for $9.95 you can't beat it. The last 2 times I have been down in the Hyde Park area I have found 2 pretty decent places to eat with good quality food that aren't going to break the bank. Nice restaurant with good food, good service and decent prices. What else can you ask for? read more

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This seems like a nice little spot to the grab a bite to eat. Standard breakfast items available and a special menu that is supposedly some of Obama's favorite meals. I ordered the number three from his menu. If came with pancakes, eggs, and sausage. The eggs were spot on. It's not often someone is able to cook over medium eggs to perfection, but this guy had it down! Not runny, but not super well done. The sausage was good, but could have had a little more flavor in my opinion. The pancakes were standard. Nothing too ground breaking. Very reasonable prices, but it's cash only. Always skeptical about those kind of places. The venue is an open format with lots of tables. You can walk up to the area they cook the food and see all the ingredients out in front, which is cool. read more

Valois - Number 3 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw this place on with good ratings and 1 $. So I had to try it out. Let me tell you there is a reason why it's rated the 4 stars. The establishment is very wallet friendly and food portions are generous. It has an old school cafeteria feel where you pick up a tray and tell the man what you want and it's cooked fresh and fast and magically the food appears on the plate before yours ready to pay. This place is run like a well oiled machine. Here breakfast is served all day and there is everything from the typical steak and eggs to broasted chicken with grits and biscuits. You'd like some desserts? Well that's served here too. Just make sure that you order that while in line, and don't wait to the end like myself. I immediately regretted not picking up a dessert first, becase this place is BUSY!! As a Chicagoan, this is one of President Obama's eatery's. He even has is own menu! This is a must eatery stop when in Chicago! read more

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The price was amazing. Loved the old school feel. I loved the cappuccino so much that i still dream of it. Got the steak could have used a bit of salt haha. Potatoes were great. Service was very quick as well. Definitely a staple will come again. read more

Valois is a casual, no-frills breakfast spot with an Obama history. It's cafeteria style, so you order at a counter and then seat yourself. Above all, a breakfast with a coffee will only set you back $10. I went on a Saturday at 10am and was eating within 10 minutes, with plenty of seating available. The eggs and sausage were good, but the pancakes were some of the best I've ever had! They were fluffy and flavorful. Go to Valois so you can eat like Obama at an amazing value. read more

I went to Kenwood back in the day soooo there was a point in my life where I ate here at least 4x a week! I love Valois and the fact that they've been so consistent over the years. Honestly! They have the best French toast in the city. read more

Love the food and cafeteria style seating!! Been going there forever for over 18 years!! I especially love cabbage and corned beef on Wednesday!!! read more

If you in the Hyde Park hood this is the place for breakfast... if you happen too be staying in one of the many hotels in the area leave and go too this restaurant this establishment has been open for at least 50yrs I know of. There hash browns are the best on this side of town.... Cafeteria style service relaxing atmosphere... where you just get down eat a good breakfast read more

Came here for lunch before heading to the Museum of Science and Industry and definitely was pleased. They serve breakfast all day and I got one of Obama's favorites (it's advertised on a big sign), the steak and eggs, which also came with hash brown and bread. And I'll say I agree with Obama's palette right off the bat, as the steak was tender and moist, cooked perfectly, and came together well with the rest of the plate. My mom got the meat loaf and mashed potatoes, which she liked as well. Portion size is huge too, relative to the price, which is always a plus. The staff was nice and accommodating for us first timers and the cafeteria style seating is very homey. I'm always a fan of value and if I'm back in town, I'll be certain to return for a meal that is tasty, filling, and inexpensive. read more

Valois - Steak and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very chill vibe once walking in. You really feel the good elementary school atmosphere standing in line with the lunch tray and choosing your dinner and choice of biscuits or toast. The New York steak, eggs, and hash brown was great! The steak needed some more seasoning, but the salt and pepper shakers were right at the table. The price was great, and there was enough in the budget for some great carrot cake. The apple pie was alright. All in all, it was a cozy meal with my group of 10 friends. The restaurant is very well lit and has a nice ambiance of wall decor and television. I would definitely return as it is a friendly college budget. Next time I'd like to try the omelette! It looked yummy. read more

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Cheap breakfast spot that is also one of Obama's favorite restaurants. It's kind of weird to call this place a restaurant because it reminds me of a cafeteria. You order food and you can watch them cook your food in the assembly line. I got Veggie Omelette and my boyfriend got Mediterranean Omelette. You get to choose if you want rice or potatoes on the side. They didn't ask me so I got potatoes by default although I wanted rice but it's okay because the potatoes were pretty delicious. I really missed some American breakfast with eggs and the omelettes hit the spot. I recommend this place and I'd be back if I'm in Hyde park area! Oh and this place is CASH ONLY. There's Bank of America near by, if you want to avoid the ridiculous ATM fees in the restaurant. read more

Valois - @ Assembly line - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The place for breakfast that you LL enjoy, and prices are Great . This is a wonderful place in Hyde Park read more

Great food fast. The staff is nice and I'm glad they did some expanding. I like it a lot, I will always go back. We take out of town guests and they enjoy it as well, even request repeat visits!! Keep it up! read more

Total greasy spoon, cheap and quick steam table and grill cafeteria. The menu is fairly large and varied, but there's a huge sign with Obama's top five favorites right up front so I'm sure most people just order these. The main menu is up on a board and you'd have to strain your neck up to see it, which I feel like other impatient customers would not appreciate, so I personally just got the Obama #5 Mediterranean omelet. They didn't ask what starch i wanted (grits, potatoes, or rice) but it came with potato hash. They did ask if I wanted a biscuit or toast and I regret the biscuits. Very artificially sweet tasting, weird bready texture with an unpleasant crunchy bottom. My husband had the steak and eggs (also from the Obama favorites) and the medium rare ended up medium well. The staff is short, but not rude, just ready to get you in and out. They bring water to your table and bus the table for you. I would not go here with dietary restrictions or special requests, this is an extremely affordable, working class folks type of place. They don't have time for your extra. read more

Obama and I might not agree on everything politically, but we do have consensus on Valois' No. 1: N.Y. Steak and Eggs ($9.95 as of 06/29/2015). I didn't expect much from a family-owned Greek diner place like this. However, it wouldn't hurt to fuel up our bodies with steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and wheat toast. Here's the flow of how the ordering process works in Valois: 1) grab a tray 2) tell the handsome Greek man what you want 3) move your tray down to the next person you encounter 4) figure out if you want toast (white or wheat), coffee, pop, or any other add-ons 5) pay with the cashier (cash-only; ATM is available inside) I HIGHLY recommended the No. 1 on the Obama's favorite list. That steak was juicy, meaty, and cooked exactly how you wanted. Some have mentioned in the previous reviews on the quality of this middle-class diner steak. Anyways, they were correct! This piece of steak could easily put Gibs*n's or Ru*h Chr*s to shame! Daddy J., on the other hand, liked the hash browns. He said he isn't normally a fan of potatoes. Nevertheless, he was very satisfied and delighted upon finishing his meal. Valois also offers free wifi, so young folks shouldn't be intimidated by coming to this historical family-friendly diner. What a Chicago institution! While there's no CTA train stations in the Hyde Park area. The Metra (53rd. St.) is very close by and there are various CTA buses (#15 and #28) that will take you 53rd./Harper. Otherwise, try CTA bus #55 (55th.-Garfield) and walk southbound. read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A true hidden gem in the heart of Hyde Park. I found out later it was of the restaurant that former President Obama frequent and ate at. I went and I was not disappointed! The food was very good and inexpensive. Former President Obama has his own personal menu. I got the number 1 off his menu. It was steak and eggs. For my side I got hash browns. They accompanied the food with a gigantic biscuit about the size of my face. Like wow! The food was very, good and for those visiting Chicago. This place is a must! read more

Valois - Steak and eggs with hash browns! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Quick service, huge portions, fair prices, lots of awesome options for traditional breakfast foods and there's a menu of Obama's favorites! Super nice location. Know that it is CASH ONLY. UChicago students get a 10% discount. read more

Always fast and great food. Setting is sometime s problem but seats get vacated quickly.

Grew up eating here its really a staple in the city ifykyk best breakfast in the city no lie. The only bad thing about them is its cash only but they have a atm onsite. Sundays are always super busy. Also wish they were on food delivery apps. Cmon valois step into the future with us read more

Valois is a Chicago classic made famous by many local politicians but known for former President Obama. This place is cash only but they have an ATM and plenty of signs warning you before you actually purchase. If you show up and the line is long don't worry! Valois' crew is a well oiled machine and move quickly to serve you and have you sitting down. I've had their steak omelette and their pancakes with eggs and bacon during another visit....both very good and very cheap! Valois is worth going out of your way for and I can't wait to be back! read more

Today was my first time visiting this restaurant, and because my nephew was visiting from out of town, I took him and his girlfriend with me. I generally try to stay away from "cash only" restaurants. Unfortunately, I was cheated out of about $10 to $15. I wasn't paying attention because I was busy talking to my nephew. When I got home, I realized I gave the guy, who I think was the owner, $40 (two $20 bills). He gave me change back in the amount of $1.15. When I checked the menu online, I realized our meal should of been approximately $26 (without tax) or maybe close to $29 with tax. This owner also didn't give me a receipt, therefore, I don't know for certain what he charged me for. I'll never visit this restaurant again. I hate thieves and liars!!! Especially when they want "cash only". read more

Yes We Can! This is Obama's jam! This Hyde Park cafeteria is an institution! It's a no-frills, family friendly, delicious cafeteria where a buck goes a long way, and where Barack Obama would eat to grow strong to become the President! (Obama's former home is down the street and around the corner) This place is also known for being on Anthony Bourdain's show, so I had to go! It's where all Chicago politicians come and hang out with the masses and has been open forever. If these walls could talk! In fact, the walls are pretty cool- painted with murals of the Hyde Park area's highlights. It's cash only! No credit cards. The staff was speedy and friendly moving the crowds through, and getting everybody just what they need. When you come in, they have the Obama menu on a special board. I opted for the Mediterranean Omelette, with spinach and feta cheese. It was huge and yummy. Coffee refills came often. It really was a great value for the amount of food that came. The restaurant was clean, and well lit. People seemed friendly, mostly locals and not tourists like me! read more

Cafeteria style restaurant and CASH ONLY! Prices were reasonable and we enjoyed our lunch sandwiches. They even had an "Obama's Favorites " menu. read more