The food and lattes are so delicious and the servers are amazing! You will absolutely leave stuffed! If you are looking for some really creamy grits, go here! No instant lumpy gritty grits here! The Banana Anna French toast. Oh my. We decided we will have to go back a few more times to order different things that sounded so good! It is a bit noisy when it's their busy times but we didn't mind! read more

The Southern Cafe - Cinnamon roll latte and cookie butter latte - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

This is a cute place. We picked breakfast from the reviews and it was very good! They have regular and specialty coffees. I had the honey pistachio latte. Delicious! The biscuit was big under all the gravy which had good flavor. My husband had the traditional breakfast. It was a lot and he had to take the pancake home. Only item was the potatoes were a little over cooked. Otherwise a good meal. Plenty of choices and space for anyone to be happy if with a group. We here staying at a hotel nearby and wanted a real breakfast. Two coffees and two breakfasts cost us $47 without tip. The service was great and our waitress friendly. read more

The Southern Cafe - BISCUIT GRAVY /EGGS - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

I thoroughly enjoyed this spot. After a sad occasion, this was the comfort food needed to take us a way for a moment. The place is w9nderfully decorated. The server was definitely helpful. The host was not. Nuff said abt that. The food was an abundant offering. Oh my goodness. The corn beef hash was awesome. The grits and catfish with shrimp was awesome. Wonderfully seasoned. I didn't care for the biscuit albeit it was huge and they gave us 3 of em! Wow. Great place overall. read more

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This breakfast was stacked! I started with the Nasty Skillet and added sliced sausage and chorizo. The box was heavy and I immediately knew my lunch plans were ruined. However, this skillet turned out to last me all day. I also got a side of their excellent sausage gravy which made it even better. Next time I come thru, I may get 4 eggs and split into a multi day breakfast prep. read more

The Southern Cafe - Breakfast The Nasty Skillet plus extra meat - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Food was very good , the service was also very good. I Wii definitely come back to the southern cafe!

Fast friendly service , food was good. We were there for breakfast,would go back. Plenty of parking as well

Went at noon and we got seated right away on a Saturday. Our waiter was very friendly and came by to check on refilling our coffees. I ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken came with hashbrowns and eggs. The chicken was very delicious and wasn't overcooked or dry. Was fried and juicy. There was a good amount of gravy on top. Chicken was on top of a biscuit and it was about the same size of the chicken. Large portion and took half the dish home. read more

The Southern Cafe - Chicken Fried Chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Great food, nice and healthy size portions waitresses are pretty friendly. I go maybe once a month for breakfast. The nasty biscuit is very awesome. read more

Food is great. Excellent quality and larger portion sizes. Staff very pleasant and great service

First time dining here. I thought it was a family friendly restaurant with a comfortable ambiance. They offer a vast amount of dishes to suit many appetites. I had a Catfish filet on a bed of cheese grits with eggs, chunks of bacon and mushrooms. It was delicious just lacking a Cajun flavoring to make it really pop! Lisa was the host and she was kind and attentive. I am looking forward to returning and trying another great selection from the menu. read more

The Southern Cafe - Georgia Catfish & Jalapeno Cheddar Grits catfish filet on a bed of cheese grits with egg chunks of bacon and mushrooms. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

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We ordered eggs over medium with sausage. Eggs came over easy. Sausage was raw and literally cold. Sausage was sent back and re made, burnt. Our server Raquel was wonderful. Manager was rude read more

The Southern Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

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Love this place. The food is amazing. Get the nasty biscuit. So freaking good. Little of everything. Lisa was amazing this morning. I was a little hungover and not feeling well at all but she made my breakfast experience wonderful! We connected with our matching tattoos lol Food came out super fast and was so delicious. Reasonably priced too. Things be so expensive these days read more

The Southern Cafe - Nasty biscuit!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Stopped here for Sunday breakfast and it was very good. Had a southern vibe to it. It was crazy busy, packed! But we were seated after a short waiting time, our waitress was hustling! The cooks were putting in work because our food came out faster than we expected. Now for the food... eggs and bacon cooked to perfection, the hashbrowns looked questionable and lacked flavor. Very sad about that since I love me some hashies. The biscuits and gravy was delicious!!! Gravy was thick and hearty. The s'mores pancakes tasted like s'mores! It had marshmallow fluff. Warning: lots of chocolate! So if you don't want your kid bouncing off the walls, don't get it. I'll be back I'm sure. read more

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very dissatisfied with the food we ordered for takeout. I got the nasty biscuit was nothing but a container full of hashbrowns with a biscuit on top two eggs and not even enough gravy on it to cover the biscuit no meat no nothing very dissatisfied would never order from there again. and the chicken and dumpling soup very salty, not worth it. read more

My daughter and I and her boyfriend went in there and it just seems when you find a good spot you just want to keep going back and let me tell you I probably ordered half the menu. We paid $130 just for three people.. Believe me, I'll order a lot of food. I wanted to try everything the fried green tomatoes. The country fried chicken and those little pearl waffles. They don't even need any syrup. Just delicious read more

The Southern Cafe - And this is probably the other half - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

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We arrived around noon on Sunday and were promptly greeted and seated within 5 minutes. Maria, our server, was attentive and welcoming. Everything we ordered was well seasoned and when we added cheddar cheese to the grits order there was a good amount of cheese. We will be back to try more. read more

Second time here so had to bring my introvert sister in law...she loves chicken and waffles so she for the Sugga Daddy. First picture. Loved it. Wife ordered the Southern chicken sandwich and had to being half home. Third picture, yes it is that big! I had the Southern Skillet and had to bring some home as well. I couldn't finish this delicious breakfast. Tips: -The menu is big. Decide if you want breakfast or lunch. - Be hungry for home cooking. - be prepared to bring home food Ambiance is like a noisy family gathering! Fun to watch what your neighbors are ordering and second guessing your decision . Fun place, great food. And the leftovers reheated great in an air fryer. read more

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Their pancakes are great-tasting and they've huge. One has enough for at least three more breakfasts or to eat anytime. Their corned beef hash is also a plentiful treat. You're sure to take a doggies bag home. I will be going back soon to try more from their large menu. Service done with a smile. Very friendly staff. The atmosphere is welcoming and well lit. Try it; you'll love it. read more

We stopped in for a late breakfast the other day. Everything was really good. My wife had the waffle and I had the Tex Mex Pollo Loco. Belgium waffle was pretty standard and properly crispy on the outside but tender interior. Tex Mex Pollo Loco was fantastic. Roasted jalapeno on the side was the perfect addition of heat to the fried chicken, biscuit and chorizo gravy...I drizzled a bit of maple syrup on it for a sweet and spicy flare. Also had a side of grits that were properly cooked. Service was great too. We will definitely be back again when in the area. read more

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Busy place but as it should be! Food was great! Portions huge!!! Priced just right! Staff was excellent! I would be back... read more

The Southern Cafe - Best breakfast I have had in a very long time! Pearl waffle didn't need any syrup! Highly recommend! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Visiting from outta town and decided to try the Southern Cafe. What an interesting and great menu. Many twists on traditional breakfast. I had a Sugga Mama... definitely one for someone with a sweet tooth. Huge portions! I'll definitely be back if I'm passing through Joliet again. read more

The Southern Cafe - Sugga Mama!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Quick to seat us despite being busy. If you're there as a couple, their tables for 2 people seat you about 4 ft apart, it's insane. Ordered the tres leche French toast, nothing special about it. No extra flavor, no caramel on it like the menu listed. It was just plain French toast and nothing special about it. Had to drench it in syrup to make it worthwhile. My side was forgotten but quickly brought out. I'll be honest, I was not impressed with the food by any stretch, but the service was quick, polite, and attentive. If I ever came back to the area again, I'd give it another shot because of service alone. read more

We went here for brunch while visiting the area. The food was very good and the portions were huge. I had the Sausage head biscuit and my partner the Southern skillet. The skillet came with huge pancakes. Neither of us came close to finishing up our food. The server was nice, but she didn't come around often. I guess they were quite busy. We liked the booth where we sat. It was more secluded than the open air tables and quiet enough for us to be able to talk to each other. The whole place had a nice country feel to it. We would definitely go back. read more

The Southern Cafe - Southern skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

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My partner and I's favorite breakfast place ever, and we are picky about breakfast. No matter how busy they are, we are always sat quickly. Food has always come out surprisingly fast after we order. Very nice wait staff and HUGE portions. Good unique coffees too. Love the skillets that come with a huge, yummy biscuit and the suga baby sandwich for a special treat! read more

I got the Cajun cheese steak which to be honest I did not like at all. The seasoning was too strong and it was greasy and overwhelming with the oily Cajun ranch dressing. The fries were good. Portions used to be a lot bigger but have gotten smaller I'm assuming because of food costs. My fiance got the deconstructed chicken and waffle combo. He always gets that and likes it. This is the second time we've had the same server. She is forgetful and takes for ever with your things but that's because we've come on Sundays when it's packed and she's given big parties so I don't blame her. She's really nice. Price is kind of high but better than most places and it's a modern establishment. read more

The Southern Cafe - The Cajun cheese steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

The service was great from the beginning to end. The inside is a farm style rustic that is super cute & inviting. The food was a great presentation but lacked flavor. The hash browns needed at least a sprinkle of salt & pepper (a little garlic would have boosted it as well). Some part of the sandwich needs to be seasoned properly - either the eggs or the chicken, something. Overall it was a good breakfast that minor things (seasoning) boost to great. Arissa was an attentive and amazing!! I appreciate her kindness. Will I be back? Yes. Will I bring other people with me? ABSOLUTELY! read more

The Southern Cafe - The Sugga Baby - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Might be my fav (or tied for my fav) breakfast in IL so far! Extensive menu with reasonable entree options, breakfast all day, and portions are HUGE. I ordered the fresh market omelette with egg whites, crispy hash browns and upgraded my side to cinnamon swirl pancakes (I've also had the apple cinnamon which weren't as good). The pancakes are tasty and gigantic! For a $3 upgrade. The omelette came out piping hot and wasn't drenched in oil which was nice. My husband got the fried chicken biscuit, similar to the Nasty biscuit and he loved it. Overall - quick service, reasonable prices, huge portions and great food. A win in my book! read more

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Cute interior/ clean, service was great, food was amazing!! Very busy but we didn't wait long. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Service was sloooow and food was very basic. I wouldn't return. Restaurant was a little in the dirty side.

Best food and service with a clean environment The southern skillet . Took my kids and they love it so much read more

This was a delightful breakfast place out in the Joliet/Crest Hill area. They were the only breakfast place in this little strip mall and there wasn't any competition around them, so it was busy busy busy. But to make up for the busy, the food was really pretty good. They do all the usual breakfast things, and do them pretty well. One in our party had the waffle with blueberry compote (4 stars and very nice taste with the blueberries); the other person in our party had pancakes (4 stars again, and perfectly done). The only drawback with the pancakes was the syrup, it was the usual HFCS that tastes just like melted sugar; pancakes that good deserved a better syrup. Anyway, overall very good food. My biggest problem was the noise level - this place is noisy. You eat in a high-ceiling room with no acoustics ... any noise just bounces off the wall and goes around the room. I think they just throw the dishes in the kitchen after they buss the tables - it was that noisy. The only other concern was one of our water glasses had a nice big chip out of it, so it was a hazard --- and maybe if they quit throwing stuff around in the kitchen they won't chip stuff so much. In sum, good food fair ambiance. read more

I didn't get what I ordered and the owner was very rude and refused to come to the table to talk to me

Amazing place the food is great and delicious and very quick something most restaurants struggle on, lots of food options for many people who are picky on what they like no kids menu though so not kid friendly for food but I did notice that there baby stools around the place to help. Talking about the place the layout is very good and spacious, the service is great there are many workers that speak Spanish for those who struggle with English and the waitress was very friendly and helpful to help us get what we wanted because there is to much good food in the menu you don't know what to choose from and sometimes your overwhelmed. Great place for anyone who wants to try something new. read more

What an amazing restaurant with upscale southern charm. If you like an open space with a sleek modern design and deliciously delectable food and good service then this is the place for you. I ordered the southern skillet which you could taste with every bite - fresh seasoned ingredients. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the ham, sausage and bacon with the vegetables were a home run in my mouth! The hash browns were a perfect crisp and they were not greasy. The skillet came with a ginormous home made biscuit that melted in your mouth. My sister had scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage and grits. The sausage was a little dry but the grits were creamy incredible. You heard me creamy incredible! My sister said they were the best grits she ever had at a restaurant. We ordered the cinnamon pancakes to go. These pancakes were to die for. Wait stop I think I'm in heaven oh no I'm still here because I'm writing this review. These pancakes were - Light, fluffy with a cream cheese cinnamon frosting but not overly sweet. This was out first time here it was a Tuesday morning slightly before 9:30 and we just beat the breakfast rush in the door. Our wait staff Maria was attentive and personable. As we were were enjoying our meal we could see so many other dishes being served that looked amazing and we knew we would have to return. This restaurant is a two thumbs up and well worth the 28 min drive. I've added this place to my list of favorites. Try it soon you will be hooked! read more

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Good, Tasty, Huge servings of food. Almost to much food on my plate. Highly recommend the nasty skillet and nasty biscuit. read more

The Southern Cafe - a sandwich on a plate with a knife - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Great food, fast service and friendly waitress! Highly recommend! Take family and friends there. You won't be disappointed. read more

The Southern Cafe - Southern chicken sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Breakfast started off beautifully when we ordered the biscuit basket. I was not expecting three biscuits the size of my fist to arrive; they were freakin huge. They were served with apple butter and raspberry jam. I'm not an apple butter girl and prefer other jams to raspberry, but their raspberry was absolutely delicious. It comes to the table warm. From what I was told the coffee is pretty good (I don't drink it, but my partner did). One drawback is that they do charge for extra apple butter or jam; as of April 2019 it was $1 extra (after what comes standard with the biscuit basket.). On the other hand, this is housemade or something, so that is not totally unexpected. And the biscuits are good with butter only (or dry, if you prefer), so if you don't want more jam you'll still enjoy them--just be sparing if you want to stretch it out over more than two or three! The meal was good. I had just a standard omelet, which was good; I just wish they'd cooked the bacon a little more (this is something I have noticed at lots of restaurants--not cooking bacon through--so it's not that it's just something unusual here). I don't get to the south suburbs very often at all and really wanted to try one of their specialties, but I was craving an omelet this morning so I went that way. Next time I'll try one of their other items. You don't pay with the server, but up at the front, so if you're like me and forget how to do math, you may want to figure out your bill at the table. I think I tipped the girl less than I thought because got flustered in trying not to hold up the line and miscalculated. Sorry! read more

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BAM! I was in town for a few days and my boss choose this place randomly. What a find! The food was excellent and the menu was very large. If I was staying around, I would dine again and try many more items. The grits were delicious and sausage patties fantastic! Our server was friendly and clearly enjoyed helping us. The building was super cool w a southern feel. I highly recommend stopping in multiple times! read more

Solid huge breakfast servings. Huge inside. Can't believe they can put the volume of food through the kitchen that they do. Can be quite a wait on weekends. Plenty of parking. Ask to sit in Pepper's section when you go. She'll be the high point of your day. read more

Let me start off by saying that we had breakfast here about 7 o'clock in the morning on a Saturday they open at 6:30. Our server was Angie amazing server ask for her you will not be disappointed. I ordered the southern omelette with pancakes, asking that they come out before the food. I asked for golden hashbrowns with grilled onions. My wife ordered the shrimp and grits minus the mushrooms and jalapeños and a side order of biscuits and gravy she ordered scrambled eggs. She said the shrimp and grits were amazing with slices of perfectly cooked bacon and cheddar cheese, and large shrimps and many of them that it tasted perfect. She knows her shrimp and grits to having them in New Orleans. The biscuit and gravy, the biscuit was large tasted good the gravy was, tasty hot second delicious. Everything was great. Mama came out perfect. It appeared to be a five egg omelette was quite huge the pancakes or ginormous. It tasted amazing the only knock was that the butter was cold and hard other than that the syrup came in a cute little bottle with a liquor stopper on the top. Very nice touch. It was also warm and it was high-quality. My hashbrowns came out as ordered. Despite other reviews on coffee the coffee here according to my wife is excellent. You can ask her flavored creamers. I had water. It was served in little mason jars with handles. Quite cute. Overall you get a great tremendous value for your money. The food is delicious. Hot prepared is ordered. The ambience is nice. You cannot go wrong coming here for breakfast. If we go anywhere for shrimp and grits again, we will come here. read more