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Valois
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (Traditional) Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional) [Edit]
1518 E 53rd St(between Harper Ave & Lake Park Ave)
Chicago, IL 60615
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
(773) 667-0647
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5:30 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
148 reviews for Valois
Review Highlights
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"This is a cafeteria style restaurant that can't be beat." In 31 reviews -
"Ham off the bone - This was outstanding." In 5 reviews -
"...get the French Toast or pancakes along with hash browns." In 19 reviews
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148 reviews in English
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Review from Runnan Y.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2012
This place is AMAZING. I've been here numerous times, and every time I am blown away by the quality of the food and the attitude of the staff. The portions are *very* generous (my friends and I like to call it, 'all you want to eat').
The restaurant itself is great too, well-decorated with paintings of Hyde Park landmarks. When my buddies and I swing by for dinner, we're usually some of the last customers so we always get to chat with the staff while they're closing up.
The patrons are a nice mix of students and locals, which is nice compared to some other restaurants in the area. Overall, a fantastic place to eat.
Dishes I've had here: BBQ ribs, Steak (T-Bone, NY), Eggs & Bacon.
Remember to bring cash, although they also have an ATM inside. -
Review from Brit M.
Chicago, IL
3/19/2012
In lieu of the nice weather, we decided to head to Hyde Park to try out a new breakfast place. The Downtown / Gold coast breakfast scene was getting old...
I am rating Valois only on its breakfast:
Well lets just say we will not being going out of our way to go to Valois.
I get it... Obama comes here and the "interesting cafeteria style" adds to the interesting factor - but maybe he went there for the convenience factor and not because the food was good.
Pro's
It was an inexpensive breakfast. ($14 for 2 people)
Plenty of seating.
Long lines move quickly.
The pancakes were just okay for a basic pancake.
Con's
4 tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny glasses of water for 2 people... just doesn't make sense?
The price is reflected based on the quality of the food.
Valois just isn't our cup of tea... I found myself dreaming of splitting a skillet at Tempo, the rich coffee of Yolk, the biscuits at Wishbone, the awesomeness that is Flo's, and the wonderful people watching at Howard Johnson (Cafe Luna).
Overall, it was great to get out of the downtown area.
Also, since we rode our scooter there (with dog in a bag) we had brought our bagged dog in. Had I not unzipped it to give her a tiny piece of toast we would of had a nice quiet breakfast. One woman spotted it and announced to everyone "NO WONDER I BE SNEEZIN'" and caused a huge raucous. She was on the other side of the restaurant so it was damn near impossible that her sneezing was from my dog, a Havanese. I tried explaining to her that my dog was hypo-allergic and was in a dog carrying bag that was zipped closed... but she continued to blab her mouth. The woman did not sneeze once, she just wanted to cause trouble.
This did not make a bland breakfast any better. -
Review from Yaniv K.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012
Most of what drives this place's popularity is one man: Barack Obama. The President used to be a regular here when he served as state senator and law professor at the University of Chicago. Valois had done a marvelous job marketing itself after this fact.
The food is not bad. The potatoes and salad are bland, but the meat plates like ribs and chicken are full of soul flavor and southern hospitality. I recommend this place for lunch, but no so much for dinner.
If it's your first time in Hyde Park and want to explore Obama-related spots, I recommend Morri's Deli too on 55th street. Otherwise, Valois will do just fine. -
Review from Tiffany K.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2012
Everything about this place is amazing, and if you aren't convinved to try it then there is something seriously wrong with you. Huge portions, cheap food, friendly atmosphere. Don't get intimidated by the lines!
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Review from Taylor E.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012
The two main pros here: very, very cheap and very, very large portions. The food is pretty standard greasy diner fare - an abundance of eggs, pancakes, and sausages served cafeteria style with surprising efficiency. It's popular among students for those early Saturday and/or Sunday breakfasts after a night of partying, and if nothing else this place is a fantastic hangover cure. Despite the Obama boost, this remains a solid neighborhood joint and nothing more.
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Review from Jack P.
2/14/2012
You say Val-oyz. I say Vahl-wa. I can't help it. Once a French major, always a French major. Moi, Je m'appelle "Jacques Tutite."
Now there may be any number of cafeteria style places where you can get breakfast and other treats here in Chicago, but I'm sure none are exactly like Valois. It's like a combination of Henry Ford assembly line efficiency, Central Casting where the people behind the counter are concerned ( where did they get those great Old Greek guys?) and production values only a Jack Welch could appreciate. Add to that the calm, academic and culturally diverse vibe that is Hyde Park. You have a winning formula.
I brought a young newcomer here after a little tour of the area and an attempt to get a glimpse of President Obama's local pad. It just seemed to make sense to hit his favorite breakfast haunt. The line was back to the front door when we walked in, and it moved quite rapidly. Obama's favorites are prominently displayed. I opted for the two eggs, two pancakes, two bacon ($5.75) and my guest opted for a Greek Salad($5.95). There must be at least 10 people behind the counter, each assigned their role. They work was fast and fluid, assembling our meals, getting our beverages, and utensils, and delivering H-2-O. All with a smile. All that stuff I usually hate about cafeterias AND they bus your table. So there is no knocking about with other patrons or separating trash from the dinnerware. Big points for that in my book.
Audrey and I commented that Valois would make a great movie scene location as we consumed our very decent, very fresh breakfast fare and salad. The Greek Salad, by the way, looked as if it had been created by an art major-quite visually appealing as well as tasty. All in all. as has been stated, a great value, and for me one of those Chicago experiences that cannot be replicated.
For me in Hyde Park, it will always be "pourquoi pas Valois?"Listed in: Uniquely Chicago, Queue Up!
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Review from Gail G.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2012
This is a quick place to go if you have little change and are hungry. Go for breakfast, which is served til 4pm. If you order an omelet, you will not need to eat much that day. There is no ambience, but the food is hot and usually fresh. Their chicken salad is also good, but no low fat dressing. I bring my own.
I'd pass on the fish...too greasy, and the same for the stuffed peppers. -
Review from Carole C.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Valois is a cultural experience. Well known authors perch in the window and pen great works of literature, while us peons revel in quick service and good bargains. Breakfast goes without saying, but later in the day they always have a great prime rib for $13.95 and a healthy portion at that. There is usually roast chicken, moist and juicy, my daughter used to love the mac n cheese. In lieu of canned veggies I'd opt for a fresh salad. Desserts look okay, there are a few but they always look ordinary. Staffers work to keep tables clean, bring you water & condiments. Atmosphere is strictly cafeteria with a lot of hustle and bustle. When you get to the counter know what you want, no time to stutter and if it's to go say so right away. There's a system here, it's fast and it works!
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Review from Adam B.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic breakfast value. The pancakes and hash browns are are delicious. The service is no-nonsense, polite, and efficient. It's a clean and inexpensive place to have a very good meal (especially breakfast). It's also an institution in Hyde Park, so it's worth taking people from out-of-town.
LEAVE A DOLLAR OR TWO ON THE TABLE WHEN YOU GO!
There is no table service, per se, but folks bring water when you sit down and clear your dishes and wipe the table when you leave. -
Review from Rachel V.
Montgomery, IL
1/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
At first glance this place looks like a restaurant with a cafeteria feel, but once you take a bit of the food all reservations go out the window. I was only here for breakfast, but the portion were generous and the food was fantastic. I highly recommend the potato hash browns and pancakes.
Large portions + Cheap prices + Good food = One happy stomach :) -
Review from K. D.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2012
I went here solely because I figured as a Chicago restaurant, I had to try President Obama's breakfast spot... it was surprisingly delicious. The prices were cheap, and the service was so fast. By the time I walked from the ordering spot to the cashier, my omelet was done!
I would definitely come back if I needed a quick, quality breakfast. I think we were in and out of there in twenty-five minutes. -
Review from Claudia D.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
CASH ONLY. CHEAP.
Cafeteria food. Nothing special, but breakfast is available until 4 PM.
OK, but not worth a special trip.
The line staff is most helpful and cheerful. -
Review from Nyomi L.
Indianapolis, IN
10/15/2011
Valois makes Hyde Park bearable. This efficient cafeteria-style restaurant offered up options that were at least "yummy."
I had the French toast, sausages and hashbrowns with a coffee on the side. The coffee, while mediocre, sated my early morning (11am) desire for coffee, while the french toast and hashbrowns were spot-on with minimal greasiness and maximal deliciousness. -
Review from Nick L.
Hyde Park, Chicago, IL
2/12/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Great value for extremely fast and fresh (not greasy) breakfast. Try to figure out your order before you get to the front of the line, or face the wrath of the Soup Nazis. But the gruff line cooks do possess a certain charm. Try the sausage and egg sandwich!
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Review from Elise A.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2011
This place is delicious. Big portions for not much cash (and it HAS to be cash). It's been awhile since I went there, but I can't stop thinking about how much I want to go back.
I've actually never been here for breakfast but, by the Yelp reviews, it looks like I should go! -
Review from andrea b.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2011
I was in the neighborhood for work yesterday and ended up at this place for lunch. I had never heard of it or been in the area so had no real expectations. First thing I noticed though was the awesome prices, everything is CHEAP! It is cafeteria style so you just grab a tray and move through the line. The employees are very friendly and helpful. Also, this place is cash only so be prepared.
I went with the baked chicken special which is $5.95. I got a huge piece of delicious juicy chicken, a side of boiled potatoes (or mashed), choice of biscuit or bread, and a cup of veggies (green beans, brocolli, or corn on the cob). I also got a can of soda and the price came out to just under $8. Great deal for a huge meal. The chicken was fantastic, and the cornbread was sooo tasty. I ate way too much and left super satisfied.
I definitely recommend this place for a cheap, no frills meal that stills tastes scrumptious. They had a pretty expansive menu, breakfast is served most of the day, and they had some awesome looking dessert options. I'll definitely try this place again. Yumm! -
Review from Gelene V.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Needed to look for a place to eat before the UChicago graduation, so went here after finding it on Yelp! Very interesting setup (cafeteria style) where you order and find seats by yourself. Ordered everything on the list with Obama's favorites. The food was pretty good, and the service is pretty fast (bus girls come by to clean tables pretty quickly)
It's definitely not a place for those who expected this to be an elegant/extremely clean restaurant, so be warned!
Remember to leave a tip for the cleaners, and watch out for the homeless that occasionally comes in and steals the money (they took the tips the table next to us left)... To be safe, personally give your tips to the bus girls because they really deserve it :) -
Review from laneka g.
3/31/2012
i have been eating here since the good old kenwood days, i have only ordered breakfast after all of these years. there pancakes are good, i also like the bacon and cheese grits. my family of four can eat here for about $25 versus $50 at the pancake house. nice option for a good filling breakfast, it can get kinda crowded i usually order takeout but some times i will sit in there and eat, my grandparents really like the lunch and dinner options im going to have to try them one day
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Review from David W.
Chicago, IL
6/25/2011
Apparently Mr. President himself is a regular patron -- and with good reason. For the price, you really can't get much better than this. It's probably one of my favorite places to go in Hyde Park, especially for breakfast. It has everything you want: eggs, toast, hash browns, and a variety of meats (STEAK, sausages, bacon, and more).
The lines are long, but they move quickly. The servers get the food out so promptly.
Basically...cheap, quick, and oh so good! -
Review from Francisco J.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2012
It's been a few years since I came here and I was glad to drop in while working in the area. This place has a range of what they can serve you and always tastes great. If you're every around this area and are not sure you want to do the usual fast food, stop by and enjoy the cafeteria environment.
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Review from Hana B.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2012
First things first: as others have already mentioned, CASH ONLY. Thankfully, they do have an ATM machine inside the restaurant.
Now, I'm not exactly sure why everyone loves this place. Hopefully, for the folks that do love this place, it's for reasons other than that big "Obama's Favorites" banner next to the menuboard. I mean, really people?
Anyway, this place really just serves unhealthy, greasy, cheap breakfast (or lunch/dinner) food -- really does remind me a lot of the food that's served in a school cafeteria. That's not saying a lot. But, I guess if that's what you're looking for, knock your socks off.
I could see this place being a once-a-quarter, brunch outing hotspot with some of my friends (just to make it a "Hyde Park/UofC" experience). There's something about eating really greasy, unhealthy junk food right before finals week...
I'm not too crazy about this place. Then again, your brunch options are limited in this part of town, so I guess this is the best Hyde Park can do. It is also super cheap for the portions you're getting. -
Review from Ishea B.
Chicago, IL
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was on the hunt for a brunch spot in Hyde Park and decided on Valois after reading the great reviews on Yelp. The parking in Hyde Park can be somewhat atrocious (sidebar - it's NOT free on Sundays... had to learn the hard way with a $50 tickets), but the food and service at Valois was worth the parking struggle. This is a cafeteria style restaurant and the service is prompt, the food good, and the prices extremely affordable.
The only drawbacks to this place would be the "cash only" policy and no fresh fruit (only half a cantalope).
Breakfast is served from 530a to 4pm -
Review from Cindy J.
I can never figure out how to pronounce the name of this place. However, the fact that Obama has dined here pretty frequently made me a fan from the get-go when I moved to Hyde Park. It's a great place to bring visitors and brag about Hyde Park's "tourist" attractions. Only bad thing about bringing visitors - make sure you or they have cash b/c this place takes cash ONLY.
I've only had breakfast here. I really don't have any complaints about it. My and my hubby's fave thing to get for breakfast is the Sausage/Egg/Cheese sandwhich. It's like a McMuffin, but on wheat bread. Very tasty. You can also save money by just drinking the water they will automatically bring you upon sitting. You can also ask the nice ladies who serve you for anything else you need like extra silverware, napkins, syrup, etc. Don't feel shy about it! Also, if they do a good job, tip the ladies who help you out. Don't feel shy about that either. They do work for tips.
So, if you've never been here, here's the lowdown:
-Be ready to order once you get up to the counter or you may get a little Chicago-style attitude from the employees...
-This is a cafeteria-style place, so grab a tray and make your way...
-If you can't make up your mind, order from the Obama menu.
-The steak and eggs from the Obama menu is great and filling.
-Eggs/Hashbrowns are safe bets.
-The pancakes are a little different from your typical Bisquik, IHOP style. They are more whole-wheat, grainy tasting. You will either love them or hate them.
-Yes, this place is cheap overall. However, if your eyes are too big for your stomach, you can easily rack up a good size bill and not eat half of what you order.
-Their coffee is actually really good and comes with free refills.
-Oh yeah, they have Kool-Aid here, which is neat.
Very efficient place. If you are in Hyde Park, Valois is a must for breakfast before 4pm.Listed in: Hyde Park Hype
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Review from Ellen C.
our president goes here.
i think that's all i need to say....
but for the ppl who want a real review:
Cheap (with a capital C), fast, delicious.
okok, a little more: it's like a cafeteria, kind of, since you walk through a line with a tray. but it's like home because you get your coffee/hot chocolate in mugs. not in the best neighborhood, but it's a breakfast place so you'll be fine (unless you eat breakfast at night?). we got the Obama special steak and eggs, and i got the french toast. so the french toast looks like nothing special. but....IT IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING SPECIAL. the cornbread was just ok, but oh man that french toast..
too bad the validated parking lot was under construction when we went a few weeks ago, but we still found parking pretty easily. we definitely overpaid our meter since we were in and out in like 20 minutes. hahaListed in: Chi-Town
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Review from Jesse H.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
Cheap and delicious, with a down home vibe. The first time I went, I felt out of place and slightly intimidated as the server behind the counter stared at me, spatula in hand, half tending to a pile of eggs on the grill, asking me what I wanted. But every time after that, I realized he's totally on your side. You just tell him what ever you want, and he'll make it for you. The broccoli and cheese omelette is my favorite, along with hash browns and sausage. Wasn't a particular fan of the french toast, but my girlfriend loved it. The lunch and dinner food is always great - the kind of home cooked meals you want but don't always feel like making. Don't forget, it's cash only.
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Review from Michelle H.
Bolingbrook, IL
2/6/2011
Old-school cafeteria dining at it's best. Copious amounts of food for a little bit of cash. How could you possibly go wrong?
Nothing fancy, no frills, and surly but very efficient staff. When you walk in, be sure you know what you want before you enter the food line. The guys behind the counter want to get you your food and be done with you. Seating is plentiful, and it's fun to listen to all the old-time regulars in here talk about politics and local events.
I came in for breakfast. I really didn't know what I wanted, and everything sounded delicious. So we each ordered steak and eggs, and split an order of French toast. The French toast was all right, nothing really too special, but the steak and eggs over easy were absolutely perfect. Served cooked to my liking, and with a pile of hash browns and a choice of toast or cornbread (Next time, I'm getting the toast. The cornbread, although a huge two chunk portion, was extremely dry and very overwhelming,) for under $10 couldn't be beat. The coffee was very fresh as well, which is always a must in my breakfast book!
By the way, when Obama lived this way, this was his favorite breakfast joint. I really don't care if it's approved by the President, it's approved by me, and that is all that counts!Listed in: Call me Cheap, Breakfast Bests
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Review from Dee R.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2012
I've been a faithful customer for years, this is the CHEERS of neighborhood restaurants. If you've never been please go and experience Valois a Hyde Park tradition.
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Review from Emily M.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2012
Cheap and delicious. No-frills breakfast food, but it tastes better than homemade and the cafeteria staff is hilarious. And let me tell you, at 8:00 am, there's nothing quite like a Valois breakfast sandwich that you paid for with extra change you found at the bottom of your purse.
I've never been there for lunch but I've heard it's just as great. -
Review from Ryan B.
6/14/2011
I had high expectations after all the hype from my sister, and it blew my expectations.
This is pretty much a cafeteria surrounded by energetic workers, murals of the south side & great cheap food! You simply go up to the counter, order, they make it on the spot, and you sit down and enjoy. Key word, Enjoy.
After joking with the man making my everything omelet (that happens to come w/ great potatoes (surprise!)) I found out coffee was only $1.30 & had more than enough breakfast for under $7.
That doesn't happen in Chicago.
And the food was fantastic! Perfect omelet, normal coffee (but & 1/2 the price) & a great atmosphere.
Next time I'm on the South Side, I'll be there! -
Review from Winston G.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2011
I've only had dinner here (twice), but each time, I get the baked chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and a side of vegetables. Comes with a roll or cornbread. All of this is only $6.60 with tax, and if you have a University of Chicago student ID, it's only $6 (10% off).
Ridiculously cheap, really fast, and the food is pretty good. No complaints so far. Cash only though, so make sure you have $6 bucks on you. -
Review from Allison E.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2011
I feel somewhat guilty that I've lived on the South side for nearly 4 years now and it took me this long to visit Valois. My friend and I stopped in for a Sunday brunch. It was busy but moving quickly. Valois had an interesting mix of students, locals, young and old, various community members. It is definitely a local spot. A place were you run into your neighbor or someone from church. Hyde Parkers all over the place.
As for the food. It was mostly short order, quick, brunchy, diner fare. Which, of course, means delicious. I had hashbrowns and french toast. My friend had an omelet with regular toast. Add in some OJ, coffee, etc. We managed a giant breakfast between the two of us and it only cost $12. I am amazed at how much food we got for so cheap. This was fantastic. I will certainly be back. -
Review from Matt P.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2012
Food here reminds me of when one cleans a large scale chicken rotisserie machine and your gloves are filled with chicken grease. Good place to pickup industrial grade grease (their menu offerings) but, there are so many better places to eat in Hyde Park why go here and get heart disease.
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Review from Dave S.
10/12/2010
This place is RIGHT up my alley (figuratively not literally) If it was right down my alley, I would eventually weigh 600 lbs from eating here three times a day.
This place is a cafeteria plain and simple everything is prepared in plain view hence their slogan - "See your food". The joint was clean and well kept and the folks behind the counter were all very friendly and pleasant.
I ordered one of President Obama's favorites: The steak and eggs. Eggs, steak, hash browns and a choice of toast or biscuits. Let me start out by saying that you get a large portion of good food at a very reasonable price and the coffee is pretty darn good here too. The biscuits blew my mind. I was expecting buttermilk but they were HUGE corn muffin type biscuits. They were very good but since both biscuits were the size of a small loaf of bread I was unable to finish them both!
Since this place is within walking distance from the Museum of Science and Industry, I think that I am going to be making this my usual stop beforehand!Listed in: Breakfast of Champions
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Review from Mark F.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2012
Went here for a late lunch on a Saturday. The service is super-fast. Basically they cook your order between the time you order it and reach the register. I had one of their "Obama ate this" items (well, I imagine lots of other people have also ordered eggs, sausage, and hash-browns). Anyhow, the food was good, and very reasonably priced. One gripe though: the sausage is a little paddy thing rather than something shaped like a sausage (and it was just okay tasting).
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Review from Jason P.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2012
My dad once told me that any place that always has some older people and police officers eating inside has to good. Been enjoying meals since the mid 90s. Love the breakfast food. One of the few establishments that knows how to make an omelet that's not overcooked. They have good lunch and dinner too. Ability to call ahead and place an order for takeout is a plus. You get good portions and the prices are fair. Just keep in mind that it's a cash only establishment.
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Review from David C.
1/10/2011
Any time I see a lot of people lining up at a cash-only place, I know it is probably going to be pretty good. Valois was okay-- I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt despite my experience-- because I had the chicken special which was just stupid cheap. $5 for 3-4 pieces of pan roasted chicken, two sides, and a piece of bread. Gravy on everything (except the bread).
Not the best decision on my part. If I ever go back to Hyde Park, I'd drop by again. -
Review from Joe R.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2010
Valois represents one of the last truly authentic dining experiences in Chicago. An untouched, classic cafeteria with excellent food, great prices, and unbeatable atmosphere.
No matter what day or time you go, you'll be sure to have a whole bunch of delicious options to choose from. My three personal favorites are Lamb Shank with Spaghetti, Corned Beef with Cabbage, and their Hamburger Steak (which is one of the best I've ever had).
The food is classic cafeteria/diner fare, meaning huge portions, overwhelming taste, and everything is soaked in juicy goodness.
The sides are tremendous as well (best candied yams I've had) and every dinner comes with free slices of bread (they give you a choice, but go with the wonderbread style "white;" it's sooo good with everything).
Remember, this is cafeteria style so you don't need to tip or throw out your trash. They do that for you! But the staff is awesome and definitely deserves a tip, if you're willing.
And the atmosphere? Well, that's maybe the best part! The place is full of real Hyde Parkers who have clearly lived in the neighborhood and been coming to Valois for years; families and lots of elderly.
It's truly heartwarming to go to Valois week after week and see the same tables of men in their 60s through 80s sitting and chatting. Maybe it's corny to say this, but Valois is one of the few remaining relics which reminds you of the great city Chicago was. And may it stand, untouched, for years to come. -
Review from Fe T.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2011
I was hungry and had been craving for cheesecake but no where else was open (it was 9:00 ish) and offering cheese cake at the same time. So I went in.
Very homely, old-schooled cafeteria feel. You know when food is cooked in large amount or when steak is cooked in huge pack of meat, not individual pieces.
I got plenty of food and it was good. Not great or sophisticated. Just your grandma's food feels kinda thing (although in reality, my grandma's food tastes terrible, but you got the idea), but still really good. This is the kind of meal that I consider "hearty."
I god a huge meal with a piece of cheesecake for a little bit over $10.
Not a place I would crave for night and day but definitely a place to stop by when convenient. Good meal.
I think the only thing Valois is kinda inconvenient is it doesnt offer delivery. -
Review from Helena G.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2011
Simple and tasty food for a reasonable price.
The Obama special is a must try!
Portions are huge and prices low!
Be prepared to order fast because!The staff will not let you compromise the flow of the line! -
Review from Karen T.
1/28/2009
There are two main types of patrons at Valois: the regulars and the haters. I've batted for both teams (get your mind out of the gutter).
The first time I tried Valois in 2003, it looked like a hospital cafeteria at night: eerily quiet, sterile, dead to the world. I stopped in randomly for a quick dinner. My meal consisted of some sort of boney fish (cod / tilapia) rice and beans...lackluster enough that I didn't return for another two years.
Then I discovered the error of my ways. Silly me. You don't go to Valois for lunch or dinner. You go for brunch. The establishment is hopping on weekend mornings, more resembling a rambunctious school cafeteria, replete with children and laughter. It is as greasy and good as they say, with thawed sweet strawberries in high fructose corn syrup (not fresh fruit, please, where do you think you are, a hotel?) for your french toast, eggs, biscuits, sausage, bacon, grits and syrupy love... you know, the works.
Just like Salonica, it's cheap enough that they ask you pay with cash only. Be quick about it - this place is an institution. You're eating by their rules. If you don't like it, go to OPH on 51st. The regulars will thank you for freeing up a table.Listed in: Hyde Park: Ivory Tower of the…
