Valois

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...

Former President Obama's favorite restaurant! They even have a menu with Obama's favorite dishes there. It's a cafeteria style restaurant. You order at the front, watch them make your food, slide your tray down to the cashier, pay in cash (cash only!!), then enjoy your food! There are separate servers that will bring you water after you choose your seats. The food came out incredibly efficiently!! We got the steak omelette (also comes with toast), everything omelette, and the southwest chicken wrap. The wrap was warmed up but used chicken breast, so it felt a bit dry after a few bites. We added French fries to it, and loved that they were shoestring fries. The everything omelette was so so juicy and filled with melty cheese - I loved it! The omelette comes with hashbrowns, but they're a bit of a hit or miss depending on which chef made them. Some felt more like smashed potato's.

the restaurant interior needs a refresh/deep clean, feels so dingyfood is still okservice is generally fast

Valois was already 63 years old by the time I discovered it as a fresh-faced grad student at the University of Chicago nearby. It provided many a homestyle comfort food meal when I was far away from home, so I wanted to bring Jamie W. here to acquaint him with the haunts of my youth. Now Valois is over a century old, so don't bother doing the math.The cafeteria set-up and wide variety of all-American food are exactly the same as I remembered. The dining space looked expanded but the tables were the same formica tops. The veteran staff knows exactly what they're doing, so just follow their direction to move down to the register while your food is being prepared. I ordered the $11.75 Hot Beef plate.It consisted of four thick slabs of beef brisket piled on top of a couple of slices of wheat bread. There was a huge side of whipped mashed potatoes, and all of it was covered with hot gravy (photo: https://yelp.to/yQsGkqaV52). There was also a side of corn (photo: https://yelp.to/LgmvWrLaUE), and a big tumbler of Diet Pepsi (no Coke please) for the price. I was awestruck by the amount of food they served especially nowadays versus my youth.Jamie decided on the $3.25 Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the $2.50 order of French Fries (photo: https://yelp.to/hWkQzIr-ON). Delicious. Along with his Diet Pepsi, his meal only added up to $7.60. Such a deal that a struggling student would be grateful. Apparently native son Barack Obama eats here when he's in town as his foundation is on the next block. His favorite dishes are highlighted on its own menu.FOOD - 5 stars...awesome comfort food that hasn't changed over the yearsAMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...plenty of elbow room nowSERVICE - 5 stars... shut up,they know what they're doingTOTAL - 5 stars..."See Your Food" is their legacy slogan, and they mean itRELATED - Exploring Chicago? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/44c4CZO

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.

Having come back after a few years, I'm actually going to upgrade my review. Not only is it a nice trace of the old 53rd street, but it has the best hash browns I have ever had at any diner in the US. They have crispy edges like few other hash browns I've ever encountered. The eggs are cooked well too, with a distinct sheen of oil, and it's good quality sausage.

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.

We came here to prepare for a day trip and this was close to our car rental. We had not eaten inside in YEARS, and I still don't remember the last carryout order we placed. It was definitely before COVID. We got cash and stood in line on a Saturday morning. It was populated but not packed.My party asked for an omelet and requested oatmeal for a substitute instead of grits, the guy behind the counter brusquely replied he can't, 'he would lose his job'! Seriously? It's the same price! Anyway I got eggs, scrambled, grits, bacon, toast, and coffee. It was a decent price, definitely cheaper than the Pancake House, but that place is sit down service. The food was fine, but the grits were flavorless! I used more butter and salt than I wanted to. Dine in coffee should have at least 1 refill.We sat at the 'Obama' table, with the picture and everything.

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.

Always a wonderful place to dine. Always friendly and serving with a smile. Ample portions allow you to share, while feeling completely satisfied when departing. The biscuits are amazing...pancakes outstanding!! I've never left disappointed.