Great local breakfast and lunch spot you should try. Friendly service, copious refills on coffee and water. Corn beef hash is great. Locally owned. read more

Used to love this restaurant. I would come every week with 'the crew'. Unfortunately, it seems things have gone downhill with the change in ownership. Everyone felt sick after eating there. I hope they can improve as this used to be the perfect breakfast spot. read more

Very friendly and great food! Generous portions at a great price! We shared biscuits and gravy, hash browns, pigs in a blanket. I'm pretty picky about my biscuits and gravy and I would saw about middle of the road on those. Pigs in a Blanket and hash browns were delicious! Highly recommend and we will be going back! read more

Was a loyal customer. Since long before everything. I think you will be able to do as well or better elsewhere. Historically my go-to, but recent past visits, indicate there has been a shift. I'm out 4 now. Sad. read more

Good food at a reasonable price! I always ask for my omelette to be cooked soft and Golden Skillet does it very well. They actually just LOWERED their prices (who does that in 2023?!?) but the quality of food is exactly the same. Great little family breakfast joint read more

A solid performance for its style of cafe. Smaller than I was expecting (maybe 15 booths and tables). Clean and orderly. Definitely a family owned neighborhood restaurant. Small staff with everyone on point. I was seated immediately by the hostess/ waitress. This woman was constantly moving. Even though the tables were full she effectively performed all of the front of house duties. The food came quickly and was cooked well. I was pleased right down to the dark brown crust on the hash browns. I hate when they're soggy and undercooked. Everything was done well and I would go back. I would recommend this restaurant based on this visit. read more

Loving that they haven't price hiked like everyone else. Support local businesses that aren't taking advantage of customers everywhere. Food is nothing fancy but is on par for diner food. Grilled Chicken salad here is $9.99. Same salad at Paul's $12.95 plus cc fee, Baker Hill $13.50/$14. Thank you for not price gouging. read more

If you're going to dine here I would not suggest it, service was horrible wait is 45 minutes and waitress don't really care, I would not recommend. read more

I have added a photo with a roach on the fries . This is so discussing. Was it cooked with the fries. read more

Golden Skillet - Over cooked omelette!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

My friend used to live not far from this place, so we'd go every so often for breakfast before we'd start our daily adventures, and we came back yesterday after attending the All American Grooming Show and it was so nice to be back. The food is always so good and service moves at a good pace; the servers are nice as well. I've always been pleased with what I've ordered and I'm happy with the prices as well. I don't believe I've spent over $20 there. If I'm ever in the area, I'll be stopping by to have some more of the wonderful food. read more

Was taken here by a local who used to eat here weekly, and I was incredibly disappointed (as was the local who used to eat here). I can't speak to what he had, but the other two of us had tuna melts and were very disappointed. The tuna salad was... bland. The sandwiches arrived cold (even the bread that had been toasted), and mine was fairly burned on one side. My sandwich didn't even had the decency to taste like burned... it just tasted like nothing. It was one of the most disappointing tuna melts I've ever had. The other tuna melt at out table felt the same way. It's not one star, because while I feel I should have to pay for food I feel so horribly ambivalent about, it wasn't actively horrid - I'd eat it if it was free/my only option versus going hungry that day. When you'd had food so bad you'd actually rather go hungry and wouldn't eat it even if it were free... completely tasteless becomes not the worst thing to happen to food. Still, wouldn't go back. I can find a number of other cool dive breakfast places with better food. read more

Stopped in for breakfast at Golden Skillet during a recent visit to Chicago. What a great find. It's in a strip mall a little off the beaten path in Elgin, Illinois, but easy to see as you are driving down the street. Plenty of parking in front of the restaurant with additional side parking if needed. Golden Skillet is not a fancy place, and I like that. Its a basic diner inside with really good, basic food. Their specialty is their egg skillets on the menu, as well as your ability to create your own skillet with a list of 10-12 potential ingredients. Service was outstanding despite our server having a couple big tables in addition to us. She really hustled to check in on us regularly and refill our coffee and bring the check when we were ready. Highly recommended when a lot of the beaten path breakfast places are crowded. read more

I recently went to golden skillet and the service was great, I walked in and almost immediately someone came to seat me. The food was also so good, it came very fast and you could tell it was freshly cooked. The waiters and waitresses are also very kind. I would definitely recommend coming. I used to come here at least once a week though I will say service used to be better. read more

We used to go Golden Skillet (GS) almost 3 times a week. Past few months when we'd go there, the service was a lot less then desired. About 4-5 occasions now. The food is quick, but it's usually cold when received. I ordered a omelette a couple days ago, it was literally dried out. Almost like it was kept in a fridge, then microwaved before serving. The hash browns are usually stale now, so I don't even touch them. It's so close to where we live so it was always a convenience. Even when we enter the door now the waitresses look at us like we're an inconvenience. The service is cold/stoic to say the least. I'm usually the last person to write any reviews but I miss the good service, food & interaction. So we will find another place to have breakfast. read more

This is one of the best restaurants that make the yummiest crepes; compared to others I've tried. The flavor is on point and the thickness is perfect. No dousing of confection sugar (which I don't necessarily care for) and your choice of plain or fruit. Whip cream? Yes please! As for their other food, it is just as good! We need more small family restaurants that offer great food, fair prices and nice service! read more

Take this from someone who had frequented almost every diner in Elgin multiple times, this is the place. The food is fast, cheap, and always HOT! My friends and I have a Sunday breakfast club that used to rotate among several places in Elgin. Now we go here every single week. If you're there on a Sunday morning or early afternoon, look for the large obnoxious bunch of "Gentlemen" and I'll be there. For breakfast, try the "#1" for a bit of everything, or a "#3" for the best pancakes around. For lunch and dinner, get the soup with anything else. The atmosphere is bright and upbeat unlike the depressed slow feeling you get from some diners. Juan the owner will likely come by at least once to make sure everything is flowing smoothly, which it undoubtedly will be. read more

Fantastic breakfast options! I Yelped around Elgin, IL for some good breakfast options. This place had some great reviews so why not?! The breakfast options were seemingly endless as well as inexpensive. I tried to test the other reviews about bottomless coffee and I can confirm its true! I never had to ask for more coffee, it was always refilled before I knew it. Everybody enjoyed their meal and praised me for my yelp-inspired restaurant recommendation. Next time I go back to Elgin, I plan to stop here for a legit breakfast. read more

We went here today, have not been since it was the Oak....was a little concerned was not aware it had changed....Been awhile but I have to tell you how impressed I was with the food... My girlfriend and I are eating healthier including a keto diet. They made all kinds of substitutions like extra egg in the place of toast and made us some fantastic vegetables instead of hash browns. Even the chopped steak was on point. The service was also excellent....we can be fairy tough critics but when a Stellar review is earned I will surely give it....no not the Oak but honestly and I really liked the Oak....miss it but think this may have been better...Great prices, service, and good quality food...will be back for sure... Often read more

Decent no frills nothing to special diner with fair pricing and pretty bland food. The service was good and portions are just enough.

Delicious food and a convenient location. Didn't order a huge breakfast but was hungry enough for eggs, bacon, hash and wheat toast. The eggs were light and fluffy and the bacon was fried just how I had ordered it. The coffee was very good and was always filled promptly and politely. Despite filling up and being slightly noisy, the experience was nice and I'd definitely be back for a hearty breakfast and friendly service. read more

Golden Skillet - Delicious bacon, eggs and hash browns... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

We definitely enjoyed our experience at this little local place. The staff was incredibly friendly- definitely my favorite part of the entire place. We came here on a Monday morning, and most of the tables were full which I assume means at least decent food and good service. I found this to be accurate about the entire experience. Our beverages were filled multiple times (coffee and soda), and our waitress checked back frequently. My husband polished off all of his biscuits and gravy, and I enjoyed my eggs, sausage, and pancakes. We would definitely come back to this location to try another meal in the future. A nice neighborhood spot with friendly employees is nice! read more

To be honest, this place is not really 4 stars, but it is definitely more than 3 stars, so I am going to play nice for two reasons. One, the service here is outstanding. Not overbearing, not neglectful. Just the right amount of attention given. I really like that. Two, the Country Fried Steak is simply the best around. I don't know what they do differently, but its just got a great buttery crispy breading to it. Add to it the tender steak inside, and it is near perfect. When I am craving CFS, this is my place! Give it a try! read more

Very good service. Large portions for the money. Exceptional biscuits and gravy! They were not very busy when I was there, 7:30 AM on a Sunday. read more

Golden Skillet is an unprepossessing, little place. When we visited on a Sunday afternoon, it was busy and stayed that way until closing time. Even though they were packed to the gills, the service was attentive and timely. My husband had the chicken fried steak, which came with three eggs, cooked to order, and hash browns. I had a small stack of pecan pancakes, and we ordered the "small" biscuits and gravy to share. The portions were generous, the food was simple and tasty, and the value is excellent. I would love to see this place switch to making their sausage gravy from scratch, and it should have more sausage. It seemed to have been a pre-made concoction, and the little bit of sausage was bland. Don't get me wrong, it was still worth the calories, but I am a bit of a biscuit/gravy snob. My only other gripe is that I have not been able to find any place in the Fox Valley that will cook an over easy or poached egg properly (at any price point, but it is much more forgivable at Golden Skillet prices). We moved to St Charles 18 months ago, and have been on a hunt for new favorite restaurants. We have been sorely disappointed until now. I would much rather have good old-fashioned food at the Golden Skillet, than to pay three times as much for food that is pretentious and falls way short of its hype. We will definitely be going back. And, btw, thanks for serving Pepsi products! read more

Food taste good but be prepared to wait to be seated! I called in an order for breakfast and noticed a meal missing when I picked it up. They fixed it but when I came home my plain omlette that I asked to be with egg beaters had been made with regular eggs. read more

Golden Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

Our go-to breakfast place. Ham is delicious, food always consistent and service is great. Their prices can't be beat, no where else can you feed two for $20. read more

This is my favorite place to go get breakfast/lunch after my early morning classes, going out with my friends or my girlfriend, or really any time! It barely costs $20 for a two person breakfast! The food is *great*, never had a complaint! The servers are wonderful, especially Misty. She's super sweet (and sometimes remembers what my girlfriend and I get :D). If I could give this place more stars I would. read more

Shout out to the guys in the kitchen ! You guys always know how to cook my personalize food GRACIAS ! Everyone there, the owner sorry don't know your name , shame on me you are always working ( siempre que te veo andas travajando mucho ) . Today had a chicken Philly sandwich mmmm so good . Good food excellent prices read more

Great place, good breakfast burritos the whole breakfast menu is really great. The service and people are great read more

Clean restaurant, flavorful, ample portions, and the prices are reasonable! Wonderful!!!

Healthy size portions. Breakfast had good flavor - I had the chicken fried steak with buttermilk pancakes and my bf had the golden skillet. Good service. Gets busy. Parking leaves a bit to be desired but a little walking won't hurt if need be. read more

Best little spot for great, cheap breakfast in the Elgin area. Example - $8.66 for good coffee and a 4 egg omelette with hash browns and pancakes. Excellent breakfast food and lots of menu choices. read more

I'm incredibly lucky that this gem is within walking distance of my home. The service and food are outstanding!! Biscuits and gravy are divine, as are the pecan rolls. This place is popular for a reason! read more

Our favorite neighborhood diner for breakfast! Simple, tasty and large portions for cheap. The owner and staff are very friendly and accommodating. Lunch/Dinner menu is very good too. It really doesn't get any better than this, from a value perspective, when it comes to diners! I don't really understand some of the bad reviews. It's a diner, not a steakhouse. How about politely saying something to someone instead of just walking out and writing a bad review? It doesn't bother me though because a quaint neighborhood diner doesn't need people like that in it anyways! read more

Our favorite breakfast spot in Elgin. Yes, I am giving this five stars. Breakfast is breakfast: it does not require ridiculously obsequious Michelin-quality service. It does not require gold leaf decorated eggs. You will be seated closely to your neighbors. That is fine. All that is required is a comfy, cozy place to sit, simple but well prepared food, and attentive service. You get all of these here. The prices are extremely reasonable. And it has great community warmth and spirit. read more

The smallish storefront space and low-key appearance do not do justice to Golden Skillet's charm as a nice neighborhood restaurant with tasty food and welcoming service. Though they do not offer much in the "dinner" category, they are a sure-fire place to get a fantastic breakfast, or a sandwich 'n' soup if you're in a lunch mood. My wife and I frequent GS because of their good food and terrific prices. Servers are always attentive (we rarely see the bottom of our coffee cups until we throw in the towel) and friendly, and we always feel like they appreciate our business. Though we generally stick with the same few items (yes, we can be a bit boring in our menu choices), they are consistently delicious. My wife likes her eggs criminally well done, so we have had to send her eggs back a couple times - I'm sure because the cook recognizes the injustice he is being asked to commit :) . However, the staff always seem eager to correct what is not really a mistake on their part, simply an underestimation of my wife's egg-related depravity. I better hope that she doesn't read this.... For breakfast, I usually go for an omelet, while my wife loves the chorizo and eggs - she's Mexican, so if she says it's good, it's good! For lunch, our mutual favorite is hands down the Chicken Philly sandwich with a cup of the soup of the day. Be sure to check out their daily specials on the wall as well! For great food and great service at a great price, The Golden Skillet is a great choice! And, mi amor, if you're reading this, TE AMO! read more

Food was very good. We had breakfast. amazingly affordable prices. Our particular waitress was easily distracted, therefore, our service was not up to par. we sat on in the room on the right as you enter. It seemed hot and crowded. The room on the left seemed better and not so crowded. We would still highly recommend this place. read more

Not enough people know about this place! My cousin used to live in the neighborhood, so we would walk down there a lot. CRAZY cheap. At least, it was. Haven't been there in at least a year. Though I think the prices remained low even after it became Golden Skillet (used to be 'The Oak'). Great diner food. I've had both breakfasts and lunches; it's all good. read more

I have lived in Elgin my whole life, and I never ate here. I decided to take my boys out for breakfast before school. When we arrived, the restaurant looked like it might need a update. It felt like one of those restaurants when you're on a road trip. May I add I'm is a big fan of those restaurants. You can tell they care more about their food then there look. Our waitress was Cheryl; she was very sweet to our boys. You can tell she worked there for a long time because she knows a lot of the guest by name. I love that!! For someone to take the time to get to know your regular guest is wonderful. Our food was yummy, and the price was cheap. I must say the coffee was one of the best coffee's I had in a long time. The only down fall was it's not open late. I will still come back even if it's just for the coffee read more

The food is okay. There was no wow factor. Old diner environment. Friendly waitress such a sweetheart but the environment is old and dingy. Smells musky. Fruit flies were annoying me the entire time. A few changes starting with removing carpet adding laminated floor would make it feel fresher. read more