This restaurant is definitely a southside staple. It has been here for many years. If you are looking for a classic breakfast, that's not overly bougie and are looking for a true diner experience, this is it. This is where you go. The prices are perfect for your wallet and the serving sizes are top-notch. The staff was friendly and hospitable. read more

Thomas Restaurant - French toast with the eggs your way with grits - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been coming here forever literally since a little girl, just a southside diner that's been a staple for many years

Hi Regular Long-time Customer here, I just had breakfast at Thomas Restaurant, and I asked for the biscuits for my bread choice. Now, the biscuits were biscuits however, the cook need lessons on how to make biscuits. Currently, the supposed "BISCUITS" have too much Baking Soda, the consistency feels like sand. Manager should change biscuit recipe and make cook follow this recipe: Ingredients 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon coarse salt 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces ¾ cup milk (see headnote) This dough can be used to make two different types of biscuits: rolled biscuits and drop biscuits. 3 Tips for Better Biscuits These biscuits are surprisingly easy to make, but it's crucial to follow a few key tips to ensure yours bake up as light and tender as possible: Use extra cold butter: Just like when making a pie crust, it's important to use butter that's been cut into small pieces and chilled until very cold. The goal is to have small, pebbly pieces of butter dispersed throughout the flour mixture to achieve soft, flaky layers. If your butter is too warm, it can melt and leech out of the biscuits when they hit the oven. Add milk gradually: When making these biscuits, you may not need the entire amount of milk--it can depend on factors including how firmly the flour is packed when measuring and the humidity of your kitchen. Add it gradually while mixing, stopping when you reach the desired consistency. For rolled biscuits, the dough should be moist enough to just barely hold together (you'll knead it a bit more out the bowl, which will help it become more cohesive). For drop biscuits, continue adding milk until mixture resembles moist cookie dough (a scoop of it should be able to hold its shape without spreading or pooling on the baking sheet). Don't overwork the dough: You've likely heard this one before--and for good reason. Overworking--or overmixing--the dough can cause too much gluten to develophttps://www.marthastewart.com/316713/flaky-buttery-biscuits read more

Thomas Restaurant - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Thomas's is a neighborhood staple in the Black community.Esp.older Black people.You're sure to run into someone you know! The food is really good,the prices are reasonable and quick service.! read more

The waitresses are polite, courteous, and attentive. The pancakes with the warm syrup is delicious.

I normally have a great experience here but today not so much. I ordered the "homemade" turkey burger and you can definitely tell it's not homemade. When I took the soup out the bag the broth spilled all over the place because there was a crack in the cup. So needless to say all I had left was the ingredients. I'm sure the Uber driver had some in his car too since the bag was wet. I also ordered the eggs to be "country scrambled " and I'm not even sure what that means but I know now not to order like that again. It was basically just folded. And the hash browns were super dry. I'm still going to order from them again I just know what NOT to get. read more

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This historic neighborhood joint has amazing food! I especially love their breakfast. True value for the money. read more

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I have it there's start because the atmosphere is older restaurant with no updates, ever. The lady at the register was rude, but our waitress was super sweet and the food was delicious, I had the t bone steak which was cooked medium as I request it, the grits were creamy and the biscuit was soooo good, as well as their cream of chicken noodle soup. I also tasted the salmon croquettes which were amazing. However the atmosphere, well the place is an older restaurant that has not been updated and is ok, but the lady at the counter was super rude, kept making disrespectful comments which we ignored because we were there to eat. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive, although the comments on how much food we ordered were uncalled for. I know I'm fat and I'm here to eat, not to be judged! So if you do get food from here, I would suggest order to go. read more

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Long time neighborhood diner that cooks good breakfast food and gives you great portions. I order religiously on Uber eats so I can't speak to the dine-in experience. It looks pretty outdated , but I'd imagine it gives a nostalgic feel. Or it's simply outdated but that's okay lol, the food is good. read more

This place is time stamped on the inside and out. Like most places on the southside, it's got a lot of history and stories to tell. It's located on a pretty busy 87th street. It's almost impossible to cross the street to get to the restaurant. Let's talk about the food. So I got a standard breakfast which consisted of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I wasn't too impressed with the pancakes. They tasted a little overdone. They kinda missed the eggs when sprinkling the cheese on them. No big deal! It was still a decent meal. Once you walk in the diner it's like stepping into a 1970s blaxploitation. You expect Shaft to walk in and ask for his usual soup and salad combo. It's a lovely place though to have breakfast at. Can't wait to come back. read more

Thomas Restaurant - Pancakes - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Good food good inside good employees and basically good. One of the employees are in my neighborhood. The ambiance is good comfortable

The service was quick and the food was served hot and flavorful. Extra ingredients were added by recommendation of the waitress. Great friendly atmosphere. read more

I haven't been there recently, but beforeCovid I tried to go annually The restaurant was originally opened by my Dad in 1958. My visits have always been pleasant, and I like to talk to the owner. Hope to go back soon. I will review after my next visit. read more

This is a prime example of not to rely on your Yelp community for assistance selecting a good restaurant for breakfast. I am in the area waiting for a business to open at 10am so I decided to have breakfast instead of waiting in my car. From the outside of this place it is an automatic turn off, but it had a lot of people inside and was giving decent reviews so I decided to give it a shot. I should have known no host, "seat yourself" sign was going to = a sub par experience. I entered with my guest and we sat at a booth. We reviewed the menus and determined in 1 minute what we wanted. The busboy gave us water 5 minutes later and asked if we wanted coffee, which I ordered. My guest ordered orange juice though the busboy had a hard time understanding. He came within 2 minutes with drinks. He returned 2 minutes later and asked if i wanted more coffee but i had only taken 2 minor sips. There were 2 female servers, neither stopped by our table to acknowledge us or anything. I was watching my clock and noticed that 13 minutes had passed and no one besides busboy stopped by the table. In addition I noticed how badly this place has been maintained so we decided to leave before we got sick. Would I give them another chance?? As the Deborah Cox song says, "Absolutely Not!" read more

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Co-workers suggested meeting at Thomas before heading to a work outing. I ordered the salmon croquettes w eggs and hash browns with onions. I was very satisfied with my food. Eggs were perfect! Not runny. Hash browns with perfect! Not soaked in oil. I even had two cups of coffee and a piece of my co-workers ham.. which was delicious! I appreciate the neighborhood spot feel. I had a great first-time experience at Thomas. I will definitely be back. read more

Old time diner that's great to bring my senior citizen friends. Large portions of tasty and affordable comfort foods. We can sit in a comfy booth and visit. I enjoy the breakfast options. Fried chicken tenders and liver dinner have also been good. read more

I ate breakfast there and I was very glad to see that they'd remodeled. I had grits, eggs, bacon and toast. I wasn't pleased with the taste of the grits cause they tasted very watery and bland. The bacon tasted like grease and very, very salty. The waitress brought my toast a few minutes later loaded with butter. I didn't ask for buttered toast. I wouldn't have minded if it wasn't so much. My son agreed with me about his breakfast. He also didn't like the taste of the French toast. He said it tastes different from what he is used to eating. It's a hit or miss. It's usually a miss when we come. I should have just got a breakfast sandwich which is usually a hit. read more

We had very nice, quick service. Our server was very attentive and very quick. The portions are huge and everybody was happy. We were glad they served grits as we're from Atlanta and was told everyone doesn't always eat that or have that as a breakfast option outside of the South. Nice ! read more

Ok, how do I start. This place is not fancy. The servers consist of seasoned women. And the place caters to a more seasoned clientele. I try not to go there on weekend mornings. The food is good. The food comes out fast and piping hot. I usually call in my order during the week, when they answer the phone. The salmon croquettes are satisfying and tasty. They have generous pour on butter. They make a delicious BLT that doesn't used 2 day old bacon like some places. I"ll return but it's likely to pick up my food and go. read more

My co worker ordered me some breakfast and look what was in my food a staple. Wow this was my first time eating their food and the last!! read more

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Thomas' is a classic neighborhood favorite! My family have been coming here for a very long time. This place just takes you back to childhood. The food is home fashioned not just simply "homemade". Large potions at a very affordable price and food is actually really good. I typically get breakfast here but I'm inclined to try them out for dinner and lunch. If your in the mood for a home cooked meal but would rather order in, Thomas' is the place to go. read more

Great service and excellent food! I've never ordered anything that I didn't like. Their French toast is awesome. Their homemade turkey burger is the best, period! I highly recommend for carry out or dining in. read more

This place has been around for 30+ years. It's a neighborhood staple with diner breakfast. I've only eaten here for breakfast and it's pretty good. It's better than most of the other mom and pop restaurants in the area. I mainly get it delivered to my home when I don't feel like cooking. It is a good breakfast that will get you through your morning. The pancakes are good I love the potatoes and they get my eggs right every time. read more

I've been coming here since childhood, 30 + years. If you're looking for a fancy breakfast spot, this isn't it. But, if you want a cozy neighborhood diner filled with friendly locals and good eats, this is your place. The portions are huge, the food is really good, and the atmosphere is easy going. The place is in dire need of a facelift, but looks aside, you can't go wrong here! read more

Unbelievable, I was born and raised close to the Thomas restaurant and have never been inside for a meal. Well, today my mother and a few childhood friends decided to go there for lunch. What a great time we had. Our waitress was fabulous! One friend who is a vegetarian, looked at the menu and decided to have a soft drink only. However, the waitress spoke to the owner and the owner said she would grill a fish filet, so she could eat with us. Now that was a blessing! I ordered the turkey burger and it was fabulous! Everyone else enjoyed their meal as well. It's took us a long time to get there but my friends and I promise to go back soon. read more

I ordered a tuna melt and just got tuna slapped on a piece of bread. No cheese at all or Mayo. Super annoyed.

My fiancé and I came to this restaurant after having walked past numerous times from parking nearby for the nail salon or shopping. This particular Saturday we had some time to kill as our car was being serviced at the GoodYear up the street. We figured what better day to try it out, not to mention it was small business Saturday. It's a seat yourself policy and we were brought water and menus. I hadn't had the menu 2mins before our waitress insisted on "helping me out" and flipping my menu to the breakfast side. Mm-okay. I kinda wanted to see what they had to offer overall seeing as how this was my first time, but I guess not. I ordered the vegetarian omelette add feta cheese, grits, toast and a side of salmon croquettes. Simple enough. My guy had the Greek omelet, turkey sausage, hash browns and toast. The waitress seemed rushed as he tried to add additional items such as juice. She had nearly walked away and had to walk back to hear what he wanted. Geez, slow down, please. The place wasn't packed and nearly no one was waiting to be serviced in our section (or the next ) Our food came, it looked great. I could see the butter on my "dry" toast but whatever. I cut into my omelette, no feta, I cut into a different section, still none. I sent the food back with a different service person (busboy, maybe?). The waitress rushed back to me and challenged my claim. I kindly said I wanted feta cheese, she told me there was feta cheese in it and then looked at it and loudly said I don't see any feta! And rushed off towards the kitchen. I heard her explain to the cook along with other words..I won't say what I thought I heard. Moving on. She brought back my plate, my guy waited for me to eat his, and told us there was feta in there the cook had added more as a compliment. This time I could see feta at the tip so I felt better. Now, my guy's omelette was laced with feta, which btw I love, there was no doubt it was in his food. After I consumed the visible amount of feta cheese there was none to be found throughout the rest of the omelette. Overall, I would not go back, service felt rushed, my guy took issue with the food portions and the price of OJ, and I felt duped about what I ordered. Can you send the same plate back twice without offending the cook and feeling comfortable that your food wasn't spat in? Well, I can't. Also, during the journey to the washroom something smelled mildewy, maybe they need to bleach the wash rags or something because that's the last thing you want to smell in a restaurant and my guy wants me to note that the men's bathroom smelled of urine. I'm not adding this to further trash the business but to give others a realistic visual of what to expect. As we were leaving, there was a young couple picking up take-out and I felt envious of their decision. This restaurant is likely a staple for the local, older/senior-esque crowd...I now wonder if takeout should've been our route. read more

Looking for a place to eat breakfast. Some one in the Walgreens line recommends this place!AWSOME!

Love diners and this place definitely has been added to the list. Love it when a restaurant can put their spin on well-known faves and their cheeseburger definitely was unique. Wish it could stay open later! Will definitely come back when I'm in town again! read more

My moms favorite place after church. Get in early before the Sunday morning crowd get in there. You will have to wait or you can order out.

Order a bacon turkey club I asked them to heat turkey up an oboyyyy it was good just to much for me too eat at one time a it was ready when I walked thru the door . Just one thing time for some remodeling out dated inside for dining inn read more

ive Been there three times now. 1 time with my family and the other two times alone. The hostess Lucy sweet as pie. She'll flash a smile as your walking in making you feel welcomed. The waiters and waitresses are kind and VERY ATTENTIVE! I am checked on about 5-7 times during my meal. They remember my name and my orders. Keep in mind again I've only been three times!!! This is a very warm atmosphere and honestly I'd send everyone I know here! Clean, great food with an even better taste then smell. You will never ever find any place with better hospitality on 87th st in Chicago. Give them a try I promise you won't be disappointed! -dev read more

First time here. Loved it. They're friendly. The food was good. I had French toast, bacon, and orange juice. The orange juice was real orange juice not that fake, tang stuff. It has a simple, homely feel. I'd go again. read more

This is a great neighborhood restaurant! Small cozy and friendly. They have reasonable prices and the food is great. I eat here at least biweekly. The staff are so kind and courteous! I really really do love this place. read more

Our favorite restaurant for breakfast for years- similar to old-fashioned breakfast diner--. Open for breakfast and lunch. There's a good variety of menu choices- generous servings- fast, courteous service. read more

Just nasty!!! And outdated! Don't even bother. There are many other great breakfast options to choose from.

Food is awful. I think people go because it's in the community & nostalgic.

I have ate here twice. The 1st time, my pancakes was burnt and eggs cold. I decided than, this was not the place for me. However today my co-workers wanted Thomas... so I tried again. I will never eat here again. This time the toast was burnt and ball up(bread was soft) my Deluxe omelette was horrible!! Hashbrowns 1/2 cook.. I was ask what condiments I wanted only not to get them... This place is read more

I love this place. Been going here for years. The breakfast food is excellent!!! Best hash browns in town !!

WOW!!!! The food you get from here is definitely not worth the $. You can cook your own food & save on the disappointment. I unfortunately ordered 3 denver omelet breakfasts for my family. The total came out to be $26.25 ($8.75 each). It comes with the omelet of course, hash browns (I had grits) & 2 pieces of toast. The omelet came as a surprise to me. They don't mention on the menu how many eggs they use to make the omelet, but it's obviously a 2 (medium) egg omelet. It was so small that I was trying to make excuses for them when my fiance' found out the price. "Maybe they were running low on eggs", Lol. Just sad Thomas'...... Oh, but the food was good, I would be wrong not to say so. Just not meant to fill you up. But with the weight I just lost from my wallet, I guess it wasn't that bad. Lol read more