2/12/2019

• 1 check-in

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!

4/27/2019

As I don't actually live in Hyde Park, but often pass through or conduct business there, I've been to this restaurant only about five or six times over the past 20 years. Even so, having dined all over the city and across the world, it still doesn't ever cross my mind that it is a cash-only establishment -- because in 2019, who even does that?

I mean, who does it that actually cares about their business? It seems not just inconvenient and inconsiderate to a customer, but also unfriendly and damaging. Longtime neighborhood institution or not, accepting cash-only for payment puts a bad taste in one's mouth, and makes you feel that something underhanded or illegal might be going on in the back-office.

Yes, they have the obligatory signs on the front door stating the policy, but as I was in conversation with a guest as I walked in this past week, of course we both missed seeing it. We had selected our food and were at the register ready to pay when we were alerted that they did not accept credit cards. And how were we alerted? A Hispanic lady at the register frowned, shook her head negatively and waved me off when I presented my credit card.

Instead of addressing me in English, she just looked at my guest and I like we were criminals, or had committed some cardinal sin and pointed her finger at the ATM machine off to the side. We got out of line and walked over to the old, cheap looking off-brand cash machine and even though I had just effortless used my cards across the street at a store without issue, suddenly nothing worked.

After more than five minutes of trying to get my cards to work, they suggested that we go over to the Chase bank ATMs, which were several blocks away. That was the only relief offered. Several people behind the counter, including chefs, servers and others, looked at us out of the corners of their eyes like we were attempting to run some bizarre scam. It felt to us, the customers, like they were.

The food was good, as I'd remembered, but not worth all of this.

4/14/2019

I'm not sure why this place is so popular? It reminds me of a high school cafeteria, the food is mediocre and the environment is similar to a cheap buffet. I liked the staff, they were friendly and patient but that's about it.

It is interesting that most cops eat there, every time I've walked past there is always at least one table filled with them.

I'm giving three stars only because the staff was nice and the food was cheap. Other than that, honestly, there are plenty of other places in Hyde park that I would recommend over this place.

4/12/2019

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.

5/4/2019

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!

• 

  Steak and eggs with hash browns!

  Steak and eggs with hash browns!

5/6/2019

What can I say?? It's cheap, delicious, and always consistently quality (with the Obama stamp of approval!) My favorite is the presidential steak and eggs - I normally get it without fail but this time I branched out and got the French toast which was also delicious! Cannot go wrong.

5/2/2019

Place went from fair, decent to just bad! Trays were all sloppy And not rotated,(stuff clearly sticking hard to the pans). I use to like this place but it's not worth a trip again. Cash only, ordered few items, Rueben sandwich,sweet potatoes and side salad. I threw it all in the trash after a second bite. Not fresh nor was it appeasing to me at all. I hate to waste food, so I'm avoiding this place. Only good thing is the staff, ladies at front! Really a downgrade of hospital cafeteria food now.

11/19/2018

• 1 check-in

Valois was a nice experience.  While on my Chicago tour, we stopped by for a late brunch.  I think what I liked most, was the neighborhood and the feeling in it.  

Ambiance: You walk in and there are several tables to sit at, but it's a cafeteria style restaurant, so you much line up, view the menu while in line, grab a tray, and as you slowly walk down the line, the cooks are  quickly making your food and then you pay at the end and add a beverage.  The cooks who were the line chefs kept it moving with quick questions and were not at all annoyed when newbies, like myself, didn't know the process. LOL  Kind of an old world charm...

Food: decent breakfast food is what I had.  The only thing I did not like, were the pancakes; they had a texture I didn't care for and I did not care for the syrup.  Other than that, it's your basic eggs, meat, coffee kind of breakfast.

Service:  Simple, fast, efficient.. nothing to brag about.  Simplicity at it's best and it works.

I would definitely come back, if I missed the standard brunch hours some where else.

• 
• 
• 

  #3 with hashbrowns

  #3 with hashbrowns
• See all photos from Tawanda R. for Valois

2/6/2019

• 1 check-in

Only downside is they take cash only. Aside from that, I had the mediterranean omelette (#5) which was one of Obama's favorite breakfast meals (Obama used to frequent this restaurant when he lived in this neighborhood) and it was PHENOMENAL.

This place has great food, they serve food cafeteria style, it is the quintessential midwest diner located in Hyde Park. SUPER packed in the morning

I inadvertently also sat at Obama's favorite table lol. It was great to sit and journal, the wait service was excellent, brought me water and refilled my glass. I sat there for 2 hours just writing and drinking my coffee.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

1/3/2019

• 1 check-in

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.

• 
• 
• 
• See all photos from Dane Y. for Valois

4/17/2019

Thumbs up to all employees at this place! It was not even 5 minutes before closing, they let us sit in and eat way past their closing time. Employees were all very courteous and recommended us food options. I had bbq chicken with spinach, mashed and gravy, and biscuits. My boyfriend had open face turkey sandwich. In addition we both had desserts: pecan pie and rice pudding, and it was all about $20. If you're in the area and want fast, home cooked, a bit southern affordable food, this would be a place.

6/8/2018

• 1 check-in

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.

4/24/2019

First I asked for two entrees that were supposed to be available on Wednesdays according to the online menu. They had neither.
Then I asked for two entrees that were posted on the menu above the service counter. They had neither.
Then we walked out.
I'll give them one star more than one because I had a couple of good meals there twenty years ago.

11/18/2018

Cash only!!!! However, they do have an ATM!

Valois is a Hyde Park staple!!! The food is cheap and hot.  I have had better else where but it's not horrible. It's cafeteria style. When I get breakfast here I order Scrambled eggs with cheese (they put an American cheese slice on top lollll )They never take the chalaza from the scrambled egg! (Which annoys me), rice, bacon and pancakes.

Lunch or dinner... I always get the Chicken Organato (it's a huge chicken breast cooked in a lemony sauce! It's really tasty) My sides are always mashed potatoes and spinach (the spinach sales out fast!!) or I get the Roast Beef (which is surprisingly tender if they remember to cut it against the grain), mashed potatoes, spinach and a salad. It's always under $11 which you can't beat with a bat!

12/11/2018

• 1 check-in

Had an absolutely awful experience here and ended up with food poisoning the next day. My broccoli was over cooked and the steak undercooked. The dining area server who brings the water was very unfriendly. Lastly, after my mother sadly admitted that her food wasn't good either, we left and ordered Domino's Pizza.

The person behind me ordered an omelette that looked good, but I won't be returning.

4/4/2018

This is Obama's favorite breakfast spot. It's in Hyde Park, a neighborhood south of downtown Chicago and near the University of Chicago. I had the #4 steak omelette with grits and cornbread. It was cheap at $7 for all of the food that you get and it was good. The cornbread was gigantic. The plate was overflowing with food and I didn't even finish my food. I got to try my friend's reuben sandwich and it was delicious, more than my steak omelette.

The setup is cafeteria style where you grab a tray at the front of the line, order, get your food on a plate, and pay. Very casual and very fast. I'd come back if I was in the area.

• 

  Steak omelette with grits and cornbread

  Steak omelette with grits and cornbread

2/11/2019

I've been eating here since I was a little girl. I moved away from Chicago long ago, but I make it my business to come here once I come home. I bring my husband now to experience the food and environment. It's the same cooks, cashier, and waitresses. Everything is the same and I love it. The food is delicious and always fresh.

3/4/2019

• 1 check-in

Being in historic Hyde Park I had to try Valois. Barack Obama has his own menu here and I had to try what kind of breakfast/lunch Mr.Obama likes to grub on. Walking in looks like your grade school cafeteria with a variety of sides ready. They only take cash, they do have an ATM inside. You walk up pick up a tray and let the cooks know what you will be having. The cooks are fun to talk to and are quick to get your order. As you progress down they ask for any other sides or drinks you would like. This being my first time I tried the N.Y steak with 2 eggs, hash browns, toast, and a hot coffee. The meal was good overall nothing special but for the price I was pleased. The only reason I gave them 4 stars was because of the employees at the end who were rather uninterested and looked unhappy to be there.

• 

  N.Y Steak with eggs, hash browns

  N.Y Steak with eggs, hash browns

10/4/2018

Totally not what I expected when I first heard that President Obama comes here sometimes - but still great good! So food is cooked as you wait on line, even a steak medium was cooked on the spot after I ordered on the flattop by one of the line chefs (they have like 9!). Some items are ready to go like bacon and ham sides, or French toast. But man they are fast! The food is very good, not too salty or dry from sitting out too long or anything. Portions are big - my kids who eat a lot could not finish they French toast with strawberries.  And atmosphere is very cool - not typical college seen as there is a nice mix of locals. Would definitely come again here - keep it up guys!

• 

  This is President Obama's table here

  This is President Obama's table here

3/25/2018

A Hyde Park institution that's hosted Obama and Bourdain, though not at the same time.

Big fan on this cafeteria-style dinner. We grabbed breakfast here and were delighted by the efficient speed, affordable price, and welcoming atmosphere. I got a ham and cheese omelette with home fries and it hit the spot. Can't wait to come back.