The Little Chef

Bland bland bland! If you're afraid of flavor in your food, this is the spot for you. I do not say that as disparagement. If you're looking for a place that keeps almost everything as close to neutral tasting as possible you may want to consider going here. The disparagement comes with discussing the service: I asked basic questions like "do you know whether the biscuits have lard or shortening" and "do you know whether the omelette is made with adulterants like cornstarch, milk, flour, etc?" And rather than tell me that she didn't know she broke away from the conversation to go to the kitchen. I was asking whether SHE knew not whether she could find the answer. This made the interaction ridiculously long and frustrating. When I finally finished placing my order, I was relieved. When the order came it was missing one of the two biscuits so when she asked if we needed anything I said "yes, can I get some butter, mayonnaise, and my other biscuit please?" The server pulled two lukewarm buttter packets out of her pocket and slapped them onto the table and walked away. When I opened the packet (the little tubs with a foil covering) the butter was runny, not completely melted but runny. Not very appealing. I spread the melty "pocket cream" on my biscuits and mustered up the courage to take a bit and it was like someone had taken a hockey puck and dressed it up to look like bread. Oh and when the second biscuit was brought out it was separated on a plate with the top half face down allowing all of the steam from the bottom half to escape. This one was undercooked and the top half was basically glued to the plate it was served on. Not the worst dining experience ever but certainly any place I'd ever be inclined to patronize in the future. The final straw was when the bill was brought to the table. Rather than place it in the middle it was put on the half of the table closer to my date. I don't want to assume any malicious intent, but the optics of a black male sitting down to eat with a presumably white female , and then the bill being placed in front of her instead of me Seems insensitive at best. This is to say nothing of the fact that we weren't asked if we wanted anything else. They just dropped the bill off as if to suggest that we hurry up and leave because we're not welcome.I left the following as a note on, the credit card receipt:Service was abysmalBiscuits were rock hardI asked for two got one andWhen I asked for the other, the attitude was palpable.Never returning.Be well. - Cliff

Haven't been here in years!! Love that it's still the same little family restaurant old time feel, like stepping into the 60's. They have now opened the door to the bar next door to give this lil place some more room. So now have a choice between the bar area next door or the lil chef itself. Food is as amazing as I remember and the prices can't be beat!! My daughter and I went a couple weeks back and it was $27 for both of us!! I couldn't believe it!! The waitstaff is always friendly and on top of refills! Definitely will be our go to from now on!!

The only place we eat breakfast in mchenry and we live in walking distance of everywhere. Always busy and extra seating in the bar next door.For someone that likes spicy food the raw jalapeños on the side are a must!

This is a nice little spot, great menu and generous portion sizes. First time I came in I ordered chicken fried chicken breakfast, and it was excellent. They make killer gravy! The second visit was for my birthday and I picked the pot roast. Falling apart good. I'm going back this morning, they open at 7AM.

Funny how sometimes you just happen upon a great local place. We were out on a long Saturday drive. Not much else to do during the pandemic. We took a detour through Main Street McHenry. There were lots of small restaurants to pick from with outdoor dining. I'm so glad we chose this place.It's a restaurant with an attached bar. We of course chose to eat outside. Tables were set far apart from each other. Menus were disposable. In fact when we first sat down, the waitress said give me a minute I need to wipe down this table for you. I appreciate that in normal circumstances, but especially now.I couldn't decide between the barbecue beef sandwich or egg salad which was a special. At the waitress recommendation I ordered egg salad on a croissant with homemade potato salad. A cup of soup also comes with the meal. I had homemade dill soup. It was more like a potato soup but was delicious.. The egg and potato salads were both homemade and really good. Our waitress suggested we save room for the homemade dessert. At that point there was no way I could consider dessert. I'd love to go back and try that another day.This is definitely a hidden Gem. Great service, clean, good food, and extremely inexpensive.

This is a great little diner in McHenry IL. I grew up in the area & do not remember this place. Two of my Bro-in-Laws brought me here over Thanksgiving. Apparently they partake nearly every Saturday morning. Since I was in town, they invited me for Friday after Thanksgiving.First off -- I love diners. And I love local restaurants. This is both. A great family-owned and operated diner.Many choices for food. I had a great breakfast with eggs, sausage & home fries.Fun place...wish I was still local if only to drop in here every so often.

2 1/2 stars. We went here because a friend really likes it. Service was friendly, unfortunately, I asked for well done hash browns and they were not well done at all. Omelettes were ok, pancakes not good. Tiny place and breakfast was only $25.

Their black coffee is really good and their beans come from columbia which i was surprised about. really good coffee. 5/5 would drink again!

Excellent food great service!Enjoyed a full breakfast menu Lots to choose from Highly recommend and I am very picky about quality

The food is pretty decent prices about average... All the waitress are friendly except one in particular. She's lazy and very very un friendly. Unfortunately because of her nasty vibes we refuse to eat there anymore. It's a shame. How one person can ruin it for. Others