This is our FAVORITE breakfast spot! Can't say enough about Pete and the ladies. The food is fresh, delicious and you won't go away hungry. We like to sit at the counter and watch Pete cook. These folks are a well oiled machine. They are all smiles and we really noticed the teamwork. Pete greets every customer personally when they arrive and knows most by name. We enjoy the "old fashioned " diner vibe. Plus they have good coffee. read more

THEY DO NOT ACCEPT credit cards- cash debit or atm. Small diner. Food was basic diner food. Coffee was not good at all. Service and owner were very friendly. read more

This place is officially, without a single doubt, my favorite place I've tried in YEARS. Is it "old"? Yes. Is it clean? YES. So I'd say it's NOSTALGIC. And, AMAZING SERVICE! Love the counter seating. Food was fabulous and fast! I CANNOT WAIT TO COME BACK! Cash only. ATM on site. read more

Highly recommend this breakfast restaurant, amazing people always a good time every time I eat there. Btw, Pete the owner down to earth guy, also his food is incredible, best prices read more

The great staff is just the start, food is always excellent! And the prices are more than reasonable. I can't say enough about this awesome cafe. read more

Potato Shak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

Pete is always welcoming Says hello when you arrive and goodbye when you leave. Great food and breakfast. Won't find potatoes better tasting than here. read more

The best food and price around! The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly.Pete is a great cook and always says hello and goodbye to all customers. I wish it was close to my house but it's 21 miles away. Worth every minute of the drive. read more

Best breakfast in the area with great service and the food is great. We had their steak and eggs American Fries toast and coffee. You get an endless cup of coffee. Five star read more

Always consistent and friendly service. The food never disappoints!!! Georgie is a fixture there and always has a great attitude!!

Nice restaurant but fairly mediocre. Pretty standard diner service and food. Everything was, as you would expect a typical diner to be.

Came here a couple times for breakfast. Love these mom & pop shops, especially with wonderful service, friendly staff, yummy food, & great bang for your buck! Keep in mind that this place is cash only. If you forget, they do have an atm on site for your convenience. Service is quick as soon as you get in from ordering & getting your food. My little family of 3 came out full without breaking our pockets. Our son got the rib eye steak & eggs that was very well seasoned & tender. It obvisouly came with eggs, 2 of them, any way you want, a 2nd side of which he got was american fries, & 2 pieces of toast. I ended up getting one of the letter options, it came with 1 egg, 2 pieces of toast, I also got bacon & sausage & american fries. Hubby had a skillet with all the fixings. Will definitely return & try something new each time. This may become our go to local spot for breakfast or lunch from now on. read more

I have always heard about this place and when driving down North 2nd St trying to decide where to eat, I decided I'd try it finally. It has a very old school diner feel inside. They have a counter you can sit at or tables. I was sat at a small table by myself. I looked over the menu and decided on the steak and eggs and I got it with potatoes. They asked if I wanted it with onions, peppers, or cheese and I figured I'd do all of it to try for my first time. The breakfast was okay. The service was a little bit lacking. It wasn't busy but the servers seemed rushed. I was not given a refill on my water or asked if I wanted a refill. I wasn't able to make eye contact with the server to ask either. Also they only accept cash but they do have an ATM inside. read more

Potato Shak - Ribeye and eggs with potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

One of the best hidden treasures in town. Came here countless times with my father in law before he passed. We came here on Saturday morning and had a great meal and good time. So I moved away 15 years ago and now when I visit I make it a point to come and eat here. We've all aged but it's good to enjoy a great meal with the same familiar faces. This place is a must try if your in the area. Love and thank you guys for keeping things the same. Until the next time Pete take care and keep cooking. read more

I came here on my lunch and stopped by to see if I time to place an order and was told it would take 20 minutes. Well the time doubled and by the time received the food, it was subpar. Heard a lot of good things about this restaurant, but I did not experience the same thing. read more

This was our first visit and it won't be the last! We got there at about 7:20 on a Sunday morning (they open at 7) and it was already busy. It's a classic diner-style restaurant--longer than jt js wide--with a counter and the grill right behind it. It's old but spotless, and their aren't many places where the chef (who we think might be the owner) calls out a cheery "Good morning!" when you walk in. This is definitely a place with regular customers, because the chef and servers greeted most of the customers by name, and a lot of people greeted each other on arrival. The food was excellent diner-style fare, and the prices matched. We both had the #2 breakfast special, which is two eggs, bacon or sausage, American fries, and toast for $6.25. Coffee was $1.50 and quite good. The service was quick and friendly. The American fries are what some restaurants call home fries. These are delicious and perfectly cooked, and while you can get them covered in cheese and peppers and onions, they were good as is. As we were leaving, I asked the chef what kind of potatoes they use, and he smiled and said, "Special." : ) We left it at that. If you're in the Rockford area, give Potato Shak a visit! read more

I am giving this restaurant 4 stars. It should be 3 But I did anyway for a couple of reasons, not because of the food. First and foremost this is a diner style restaurant not a gourmet restaurant. Expect diner style breakfast and lunch. Simple good food Eggs / pancakes / hamburgers etc/and very inexpensive!!! As soon as you walk into the restaurant one of the owners. Who usually works the grill says come on in!! I sat at the counter. By the time I finished breakfast I was on a first name basis with the owner. He welcomes his customers on a first name basis. The owner engages in conversation with all of the patrons. This is a family owned business for over 40 years. Two brothers run the restaurant. When I left, I actually felt / If I'm ever in the neighborhood I would go back and say hello to a old friend. It's nice to see locally owned restaurants that are still in existence. read more

Everything you would expect from a great little greasy spoon EXCEPT for good food prepared well. Skip it and go to one of many other great family owned diners. Bacon was rubber, eggs good quality + 1 star, potatoes loaded with grease, soggy and stale. Sausage gravy was home made but quite tasteless. Tiny Bisquick biscuits not cooked through. Menu prices went up, food quality went down. Too bad, nothing lasts forever. Oh, and bring cash. No way to pay with debit or credit. They're quite rude about that fact too. My fault, though, as it was said to be written somewhere on the menu. read more

Imagine walking into a place that holds such fond memories you get goosebumps. The smells, sounds, people, menu, decor are just as you remember. It's been 20 years since my last visit to Potato Shak and I love, love, love that it hasn't changed a bit. I stopped in on a recent visit to my hometown and introduced my two daughters to one of my childhood faves. The American fries and biscuits and gravy are delicious with a side of crispy bacon to boot. The service is always friendly and efficient without making you feel rushed. Bottom line: A great little spot for breakfast. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. Be sure to bring cash (or utilize the ATM next to the door.) read more

Great little place with a good following. First time there this morning and could not ask for much more. Food was excellent, staff very friendly, and good prices. Would definitely stop again for breakfast or lunch. read more

I have been coming to this place for over 20 years and it hasn't changed a bit. Staff are super friendly and the meals are always cooked to perfection. When I come into town to visit my grandfather, we already know that we will start our day here to fuel up on tasty breakfast item to take on the day. Please enjoy this local treasure and bon appetit! read more

EXTREMELY rude manager or owner! Don't waste your time. Find a more hospitable place to enjoy a meal, instead of being harassed.

This place has some very rude owners and or manager. And there patrons r very rude to. Over a Biden mask. Name calling and caused a scene. Was very scary to be treated with such hatefulness. read more

The Potato Shak is a simple diner full of nice people and good food. You're not going to find gourmet fare, but what you will find is a well-prepared, straight forward breakfast. I have yet to try the biscuits and gravy which is what sets good diners apart from average diners, so when I do, I'll post an update. Minus 1 star because they do not accept credit cards. In today's society it's almost inconceivable that a place doesn't take plastic. Go ahead and add .25 cents to my bill or whatever to cover the fees. read more

Potato Shak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

I have been coming here for over 20 years now, ever since i was a little kid with my parents and grandparents. Still enjoying the food and amazing service from the same people today! A very cool atmosphere and amazing food! (the potatoes with cheese and onions and peppers are delicious!) read more

The food is grease. They also want to nickel and dime you. They want to charge you for a refill on a fountain soda. Who does that every place has free refills. When I complained about it the owner which I understand was the owner was an ass about it. That isn't right if you are going to charge someone for a refill you need to let the person know you will be charged full price not just be surprised when you get the bill. Then when you complain you get told cant do nothing for you that's how it is. REALLY I felt bad for the waitress you could tell she was not pleased by his response but she couldn't say or do anything. Also they dont like to come around for refills on coffee either I guess you have to ask for it but they dont charge for that refill. It is just a pain in the ass that you have to keep asking since it is served in small cups. read more

Incredible service, and perfect dinner food. Best that Rockford has to offer. Pleasant crowd and a great start to your day, just remember to bring cash. read more

The best breakfast for miles. The staff is so friendly and always makes you feel welcome. Highly recommend.

Just the best breakfast and congenial atmosphere. As Floridians, one of our first stops when returning home to Illinois.

Always a number one. Medium steak, over easy eggs, pancakes. Then add on American fries. It just doesn't get any better. read more

Excellent tasting, made to order food! Excellent staff service! Friendly environment! Clean, well maintained restaurant! Convenient parking! Excellent restaurant!!! read more

If you are looking for a good breakfast value, this is it. Food was great. Service was better. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great basic breakfast at low cost. Note that it is cash only. read more

Chris Treager would say "This place literally has the best breakfast ever". The service is phenomenal and the food is even better. Legit support this place at all costs. read more

Cozy little spot with great food, a definite must stop in spot. 4 star because something was changed in my Biscuits n Gravy, but it still good better than most. The staff is very friendly which is a nice change, I was so use to rudeness that the first time I stopped in, their kindness seemed corny...but now I've learned this is how others should be. A nice and loud "Hi, Welcome....have a seat anywhere you'd like" awaits for you. Once they get to know you it would be more friendly a nice "Good Morning....your name.... what can I make for you today? " I love this place. A lot of points were lost because i had never realized you will not get served in order you arrive but as to how many are in your party. I stood up in middle of diner while parties of 3 & 4 after me were being seated. When i sat on one of the open tables i was asked to get up and wait for a seat to open up at the bar. If you come in with a party this is still a good place to eat....but NEVER GO IN BY YOURSELF.* i left up my initial comment the bottom portion was edited 6/29/14 read more

Expectation level: VERY casual breakfast diner A known local spot for decades, Potato Shak is dependable for a good quick breakfast Pros: It's cheap, quick, and you know what you're getting every time after a few visits. Definitely has a great neighborhood feel. Shak is an accurate term, but the food is good for where it is, and its amazing how much food is cranked out in such a small area. Rating is really based on the TYPE of establishment it is Cons: Inflated expectations should look elsewhere. Menu does seem a little limited, and it can be a fairly cramped atmosphere especially by the door during the winter read more

Good service, food is fairly good. Unfortunately they have raised they're prices, comparable with other restaurants near by. A couple years ago I paid $3.75 for my breakfast, now it's $4.75.... read more

Great diner! Good prices and friendly staff. We end up here at work a lot because it's quick and cheap. Highly recommend over a chain any day!!! read more

This is the best local diner for breakfast or lunch in the Rockford area. Food is always hot and tasty. My favorite is the ham and cheese skillet. Potatoes are prepared on the grill with onions and green pepper. Excellent creamy tasting results. Great prices for above average food and great service. Just to add this is the BEST breakfast place in Rockford. Where else do you get greeted by the owner, called by name by the waitresses and hear see ya "buddy" when you leave. A big happy family, great food and reasonably priced! Give yourself a treat. ! read more

Hands down some of the best breakfast foods you'll find in the Loves Park area. The waitstaff is friendly and always topping off your drinks. Pete (the owner) is right behind the counter on the grill and is always on queue with a smile and a "Hey come on in. Sit anywhere you like!" and when you're done " How was everything today?" Great quality meal for such a remarkable price. Stop in! You won't regret it. read more

Uptight group of people. God forbid you talk amongst yourself or accidentally laugh in this place. They freak out and say you're being too loud. They want you to whisper and no phones. We were a group of 8 discussing what we were gonna do that day. Nothing excessive and not loud, just regular indoor voices. We were too loud. Never been back. read more

This is Loves Parks version of a small time Cheers! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the chef who cooks in front of the bar/counter and also knows EVERY customer by name! Everything is reasonably priced and I love the feels here!!!!! Definitely coming back!!!! read more