Well I've been to Little Chef for breakfast and never been too disappointed or amazed just a decent breakfast at a decent price and kinda love the charm of this locally owned spot that's been around forever. So I decided to try it for lunch and am torn between 3-4 stars. I got the breaded veal diner/dinner type special, posted on the board behind the counter seating. $14. And it came with bean or cream of potato soup. The veal was not a whole piece of veal but a ground concoction that seemed like something from the grocery frozen food section. Not awful but not awesome. Then again this is a little diner so should I expect chef food? It is called Little Chef. Undecided. It was served hot and crisp which was good because the gravy and mashed taters were definitely overwhelming the texture and flavor of the meal. The gravy was ok but a little different taste than any gravy I've ever had. Definitely not homemade and was very strong flavored. I think if it had some beans or a small salad included with this would have been happier. I got hot tea which was a challenge as the water spilled all over from the tea pot and I was told to put my hand on the top to avoid that, but then your finger got a little bit of burn from the hot metal. The soup was good and I took it home. The service was fine, absolutely no issues there and since it wasn't too busy, as expected. I know everyone's prices everywhere have gone up, but I just can't justify what I paid for what I got. Again not sure what expectations should be in this economy or where to put the extra minus star for the state of restaurants and value, but this was just a bit under expectations. read more

The Little Chef - Bread Veal open face dinner w mashed. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

See all

The food is solid and plentiful. Has a very homey feel and the staff is friendly as can be! The prices are reasonable as well! I will visit again for sure! read more

Haven't been here in years!! Love that it's still the same little family restaurant old time feel, like stepping into the 60's. They have now opened the door to the bar next door to give this lil place some more room. So now have a choice between the bar area next door or the lil chef itself. Food is as amazing as I remember and the prices can't be beat!! My daughter and I went a couple weeks back and it was $27 for both of us!! I couldn't believe it!! The waitstaff is always friendly and on top of refills! Definitely will be our go to from now on!! read more

Bland bland bland! If you're afraid of flavor in your food, this is the spot for you. I do not say that as disparagement. If you're looking for a place that keeps almost everything as close to neutral tasting as possible you may want to consider going here. The disparagement comes with discussing the service: I asked basic questions like "do you know whether the biscuits have lard or shortening" and "do you know whether the omelette is made with adulterants like cornstarch, milk, flour, etc?" And rather than tell me that she didn't know she broke away from the conversation to go to the kitchen. I was asking whether SHE knew not whether she could find the answer. This made the interaction ridiculously long and frustrating. When I finally finished placing my order, I was relieved. When the order came it was missing one of the two biscuits so when she asked if we needed anything I said "yes, can I get some butter, mayonnaise, and my other biscuit please?" The server pulled two lukewarm buttter packets out of her pocket and slapped them onto the table and walked away. When I opened the packet (the little tubs with a foil covering) the butter was runny, not completely melted but runny. Not very appealing. I spread the melty "pocket cream" on my biscuits and mustered up the courage to take a bit and it was like someone had taken a hockey puck and dressed it up to look like bread. Oh and when the second biscuit was brought out it was separated on a plate with the top half face down allowing all of the steam from the bottom half to escape. This one was undercooked and the top half was basically glued to the plate it was served on. Not the worst dining experience ever but certainly any place I'd ever be inclined to patronize in the future. The final straw was when the bill was brought to the table. Rather than place it in the middle it was put on the half of the table closer to my date. I don't want to assume any malicious intent, but the optics of a black male sitting down to eat with a presumably white female , and then the bill being placed in front of her instead of me Seems insensitive at best. This is to say nothing of the fact that we weren't asked if we wanted anything else. They just dropped the bill off as if to suggest that we hurry up and leave because we're not welcome. I left the following as a note on, the credit card receipt: Service was abysmal Biscuits were rock hard I asked for two got one and When I asked for the other, the attitude was palpable. Never returning. Be well. - Cliff read more

The Little Chef - The note I left on the table/bill - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

10/10 black coffee. authentic black coffee the best not even starbucks can beat this. read more

The Little Chef - mug of black coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

See all

This place is great for that old school diner feel. The food came out quickly well portioned. Service was great and fast. If you are looking for a great and quick breakfast experience, this is your place! read more

Food is great service is good friendly you can get good food at a reasonable prices can't beat the friendly atmosphere

OMGGGGG ... so perfect ... we were indecisive on what to order ... the owner is amazing she helped in those decisions to make it easier to have the best of both worlds ... the history of the place is truly a marvel in this day and age ... I'm truly glad the owner, her staff, and her landlord has made it possible for her mom's legacy to continue ... I ordered the smothered chicken, minus the red peppers .... so beyond what I was imagining ... I wish we lived closer ... but I hope to return .... so quaint, so cute, such loving kind service ... such a gem read more

Food is always excellent. Old fashioned diner. Have always had great service. Everyone loves the specials.

Excellent food great service! Enjoyed a full breakfast menu Lots to choose from Highly recommend and I am very picky about quality read more

The only place we eat breakfast in mchenry and we live in walking distance of everywhere. Always busy and extra seating in the bar next door. For someone that likes spicy food the raw jalapeños on the side are a must! read more

The food is pretty decent prices about average... All the waitress are friendly except one in particular. She's lazy and very very un friendly. Unfortunately because of her nasty vibes we refuse to eat there anymore. It's a shame. How one person can ruin it for. Others read more

This is a nice little spot, great menu and generous portion sizes. First time I came in I ordered chicken fried chicken breakfast, and it was excellent. They make killer gravy! The second visit was for my birthday and I picked the pot roast. Falling apart good. I'm going back this morning, they open at 7AM. read more

Funny how sometimes you just happen upon a great local place. We were out on a long Saturday drive. Not much else to do during the pandemic. We took a detour through Main Street McHenry. There were lots of small restaurants to pick from with outdoor dining. I'm so glad we chose this place. It's a restaurant with an attached bar. We of course chose to eat outside. Tables were set far apart from each other. Menus were disposable. In fact when we first sat down, the waitress said give me a minute I need to wipe down this table for you. I appreciate that in normal circumstances, but especially now. I couldn't decide between the barbecue beef sandwich or egg salad which was a special. At the waitress recommendation I ordered egg salad on a croissant with homemade potato salad. A cup of soup also comes with the meal. I had homemade dill soup. It was more like a potato soup but was delicious.. The egg and potato salads were both homemade and really good. Our waitress suggested we save room for the homemade dessert. At that point there was no way I could consider dessert. I'd love to go back and try that another day. This is definitely a hidden Gem. Great service, clean, good food, and extremely inexpensive. read more

This is a great little diner in McHenry IL. I grew up in the area & do not remember this place. Two of my Bro-in-Laws brought me here over Thanksgiving. Apparently they partake nearly every Saturday morning. Since I was in town, they invited me for Friday after Thanksgiving. First off -- I love diners. And I love local restaurants. This is both. A great family-owned and operated diner. Many choices for food. I had a great breakfast with eggs, sausage & home fries. Fun place...wish I was still local if only to drop in here every so often. read more

Had the breakfast platter for 2 and it was great! Came with plenty of everything to share. Even let you split the eggs, 3 over easy for him, 1 scrambled for me. The biscuit wasn't great but the sausage gravy made up for it. The service was friendly. They don't serve alcohol but we were able to fetch a Bloody Mary from the bar next door. Will be back! read more

The Little Chef - Took the pic after we started digging in. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

2 1/2 stars. We went here because a friend really likes it. Service was friendly, unfortunately, I asked for well done hash browns and they were not well done at all. Omelettes were ok, pancakes not good. Tiny place and breakfast was only $25. read more

OMG We went here for the first time and it was amazing let me tell you why the Food was Not only great it was Fast, Hot, delicious and eye pleasing, the Staff was warm, friendly, fast, and Professional. The atmosphere is Diner where everyone knows each other and the owner is there working and talking to guess. So if you want great food go here. read more

Such a great place. My group of 13 was heading through town and stopped in. Even though a group of 13 kids all paying on separate checks isn't a waitress's favorite thing, our waitress was super nice and really funny. We had some nice banter with her. I ordered a country skillet and it might have been one of the best skillets I've ever had. I recommended getting the Texas toast as the bread. read more

The Little Chef - Nothing better than breakfast with Texas toast and great friends! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

Local place, good food, friendly staff. Just your simple diner. If you get there during a busy period don't be surprised if they sit you at the bar area next store. seating is limited. read more

This was the first time we had been there the waitress was nice but when we got our food my bacon we're so overdone that I could pick it up and it broke in my finger. My pancake I think they cooked it on top of the burnt bacon on the grill it was not good at all they offered me to replace my bacon but we never saw the waitress after I told her about it again as we were leaving I told the owner we would not be back and they needed to clean the grill cause I think that's the big problem I think their grill is dirty and they're cooking food all over it my husband biscuit and gravy combo tasted like it was burnt as well I'm not sure what the problem is but maybe they just need to clean the grill before they serve to their customers oh one more thing I told the owner and she could care less not a welcoming place to eat read more

THE FRENCH TOAST WAS GREAT I can't stress this enough it was awesome and I love diner feel to it:)

Great place for breakfast and awesome service. Love that you can get breakfast anytime!

Potato pancakes were delicious! Quality food and quickly delivered which is nice with a toddler!

One of the most slept on restaurants in the area, perfect breakfast spot. Staff are prompt and friendly.

Went here for years thinking it was this little hole in the wall with red checkered tablecloths. Just last week found out there is another entrance through the bar on the corner to a completely updated and roomier venue. Still The Little Chef but with options. The food is good along with the service. read more

This review is long overdue! My husband and I have been going to Little Chef for many years. Before our kids were born, we would go every single Sunday for breakfast. The owner is so sweet and nice as are all the staff. The food is fabulous! The prices are low and the portions are large! This is a real hometown diner with a hometown feel. This is our go to breakfast spot in McHenry and a must visit for those visiting our town. After the birth of our first daughter, we brought her in for breakfast when she was a few months old. It was a wonderful breakfast and the owner surprised us by writing congratulations on our bill instead of a dollar amount. It is places like these and people like her that make family memories that last a lifetime. read more

Another dirty dive hole in the wall restaurant.The food was hot.But that's were it ends.Rather small portions of each potato and omelette.My waitress came took my order served my order left the check.Thats the service I got.Not a hey hows everything Can I get you some more water na da..To much of a dirty dive for me to go back.This place needs serious updating .And cleaning read more

The Little Chef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

See all

Tasty, homemade breakfast. Inexpensive and quick. They offer carry-out so I often call ahead to order. The food is always hot and ready to go when I arrive. On the many times I've dined here over the years it's always been extremely consistent. Friendly, personable service and simple but good food. read more

Great little diner in town! Breakfast food is amazing and great prices. Can walk out playing less than $15 for two people. I had the corned beef hash skillet with English muffin. It was phenomenal. You walk back in time coming here and it's a charming little place. Definite go to in mchenry! read more

The Little Chef - Corned beef hash skillet! Really good! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

Love this restaurant. Always good food and good service. This was my dad's favorite place to go in the morning before he went to work.

I stop in for hamburger but I have to gave my. Order to both server. And I still have hour to get my order and it. Wasn't busy

Breakfast was very good. The pancakes, however were really very dry. Everything else my son and I had was very good. Their eggs and hash browns were deliciously buttery. read more

Great prices for the food..This place had more stars until the dump bar next door has gotten connected to it. Don't sit in the bar and eat. They make you buy something in the bar just to sit in there. It's so stupid, you end up getting two bills and have two tips, ridiculous !! read more

Ordered carry out during the Covid-19 shutdown and was pleased with the friendliness of the owner and staff. We ordered the cinnamon French toast which was delicious (though a small portion so if that's all you are ordering, I'd recommend ordering two or some sides) and the Irish skillet which was also really good. The bacon was really well cooked. Crispy, not overcooked. I'd come here again and look forward to trying more dishes. read more

This small family owned restaurant is always fantastic. It is by far the best Bang for your buck for food. They are currently open for carry out during the covid 19 shut down. They have daily hours from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. read more

My wife and I recently moved to the area and she really enjoys going out for breakfast on the weekend. The Little Chef was a hit with us. Really good food, good service, and a fair price. We can't wait to stop again on the weekend. read more

Really love this little spot. Classic breakfast that's always very good! My favorite breakfast spot in mchenry

Doesn't look like much but I was wanting a good breakfast and I was in the area. It's nothing fancy inside but the service was awesome. Staff was very attentive and friendly. My kind of service. You never know what a person is going through and just a simple thing like making you feel important is a big plus in my book. I'm a loner and eat a lot alone. It means a lot to me when a place makes you feel like an important guest. They weren't over the top they just care about their customers. I mean...isn't that what every restaurant wants? Repeat customers that enjoy their food. Many customers leave and never return and they nor care or understand what they did wrong. Anyway, little Chef was alive and fun to be at. The food I forgot to mention was very good! It's on my breakfast to go list. I hope they keep up the great work. Bon Apetit' read more

What a little gem! Our first time here, and definitely not our last! Walking in, was very welcoming. It was like a party in there! While the small dining room was full, the owner led us into the bar, where we were comfortably seated. The food was excellent, the price affordable, and the ladies were friendly. Check it out! read more