I decided to give this place a try for my daughter's birthday. We sat outside on the patio.. it was a beautiful sunny day so why not.. the food was delicious. The staff super friendly. Once we were done eating the waitress asked if we needed boxes we said yes.. she came back with a cute muffin and candle and sang happy birthday to my daughter who was surprised as much as I was.. did not see that coming.. such a lovely place with the best staff ever!!! Definitely a place to enjoy great food and wonderful atmosphere!!!! Highly recommended!! read more

I love this place! I go every now and then for breakfast! I usually get eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast! They are quick and very friendly! I also love the book exchange they have there! read more

Food was decent, however both the soups (clam chowder and mushroom soup) were extremely salty to the point where it made me gag. I mentioned to waitress and she agreed and heard numerous complaints from customers - yet they still continue to serve it. read more

Service was great. Food was outstanding. Definitely adding this to our breakfast rotation. I can't believe it took us this long to check this place out. Highly recommend! read more

So disappointed in Tony's Café. We've been a customer for years supported them during Covid with pick up. Recently was there and no one and I mean no one employees, customers and owner had masks on! definitely will never be back!! Will not support a business that doesn't support the wellbeing of the community...... read more

Really good food. Taste like home cooking but also healthy at the same time. I've only ever ordered takeout, and that service was good.

This place is pretty good I've tried a couple of different breakfast spots in the area and this is one of the better ones service was quick despite being busy food was also really good and prices are reasonable read more

Tony's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

One of the best breakfast place in the Crystal Lake/McHenry area! We enjoy coming here and during the holiday Santa comes and hangs out! read more

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Poor service and below average food. Told our server one of our meals was awful, twice, was completely ignored, and asked if we wanted a box. I've never seen a server completely ignore a complaint given multiple times. read more

I don't know what happened, but the food has gone downhill since last time we were here. I had the BLT again (not club; just regular) with fries, my husband had a burger with fries, and son had a chicken sandwich with fries. All of us started with the cream of chicken soup. The soup was pretty good, but way too salty this time. And our food was just "OK". Our fries were cold. Our server was just average - could've been a bit more friendly. Interior was smaller than we expected (last time we ate on the patio), quite dated, and tables too close to each other. read more

Good restaurant. Great food. The service is wonderful. Feels like family. John is the best. You should have karaoke nights.

Poor service. Poor quality of food. They made a mistake on the bill and refused to rectify. Also was rude to our whole party, from the waitress to the manager to the owner. read more

Just had breakfast here for the first time and really enjoyed it. I have seen the place probably a couple hundred times before but never considered stopping... today, starving and in dire need of coffee... I broke down and tried it! I'm Glad I did. You can describe Tony's as a nice little breakfast/lunch place. It is very clean, the waitress was really friendly and very attentive, and the food was very good. What I liked most about the place was you could tell the folks that worked there really cared. From the greeter who sat us, to our waitress, to the bus boy, to the man walking from table to table talking to patrons (I am assuming this was Tony himself). Very nice place with a good warm feeling. There is nothing fancy about Tony's, just good old fashion comfort food and great folks serving it up. read more

Tony's Cafe - Tony himself - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

We have breakfast here about every month and it's always delicious. The service is good as well. Today I had the Greek omelette. It's easily the best Greek omelette I've had. The spinach is fresh baby spinach. They use the perfect amount of gyro, tomato, feta, spinach, and onion. Often I find the eggs get lost. My husband had the andouille skillet which was also delicious. The sausage is very spicy. He loved it. read more

Great place and yummy food! My mom and I came here for lunch after doing the vehicle emission testing (ugh... Lol) based totally on the yelp reviews! We were greeted warmly and had our choice of sitting. My mom had the clam chowder and a egg salad sandwich. I had a ham and egg sandwich. We both had fruit on the side. There was plenty of food and everything was DELICIOUS!! This place is wonderful and it deserves each of the 5 stars I am giving it. read more

Tony's Cafe - Late afternoon lunch at Tony's. A bright and cheery, open style sitting area. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

We live in Crystal lake for Five years but went to Tony's Cafe for the first time today. I really wish we have gone before because we enjoyed our food. Husband ordered a meat skillet, very good and not greasy at all. My kids ordered chocolate chip pancakes which they devoured. Hot and good coffee. We sat outside. Outdoor area very cute as well. I just wish the staff wear a mask which none of them were wearing. Overall very good experience and we will be back! read more

Great service, great food, we got 45min before they closed but they took care of us and didn't rush us or nothing.

On Sunday afternoon we decided to check out this place after all the wonderful reviews I expected to have a nice lunch with my family. We were greeted and seated with a 5 minute period which was great because we have a 18 month old daughter. Being it was our first time the menu was huge and everything looked great! My husband orders a burger The big bad wolf burger that comes with a soup that was taking a while to receive.. I then asked for our sever to bring our soup and bread from this point it all went down hill and quickly. I ordered a seafood eggs Benedict My daughter had the chicken nuggets What I'm about to tell you now is what went wrong The husbands burger was supposed to have a fried egg on top ..... There was not one served My eggs Benedict was supposed to have scallops... there was none served in my plate My daughter had chicken tenders... they were burnt and full of grizzle Aside from the nuggets the food still was not a huge disappointment..... However the owners response was... We were asked if we wanted our order remade but with our little lady that's 18 months time was ticking and she was ready to go so we politely said no. The owner could care less about all the mistakes made he didn't bother asking what he could do or try to make it right. He honestly made us feel terrible we are new to the neighborhood and wanted to give it a try. I doubt we'll be going back and I will be sure to share my story here and any other social media's newsfeed and since I'm new to the area I will also share it with the locals. read more

I have been wanting to come for breakfast since I ate lunch here. Good breakfast but I like George's off Randall better for breakfast. I have their half-order if biscuits and gravy and the biscuit was good and the gravy good, but neither was great. I make a home made sausage gravy that is way better and, honestly, Bisquick biscuits are better. My wife liked her bacon waffle and my son his pancakes; but both felt George's is a bit better. I think their lunches are awesome. Best homemade soups and sandwiches. read more

Top notch breakfast and lunch diner. BEST crepes- don't even need sugar or syrup. If you like biscuits and gravy- stop eating whatever garbage you've had at other diners. Tony's Cafe recipe is so savory and meaty. How breakfast gravy should be. Mmm Also has incredible, juicy burgers, homemade chips, and killer soups, which they sell by the quart to take home. You'll always see the owner chatting with patrons and the wait staff are on their game. My boyfriend and I breakfast here frequently and feel right at home every time. Their patio seating is amongst a beautiful garden. We have even brought our own Champaign to enjoy over brunch on a sunny day. read more

My mom and I love this place we love to come here on the weekends when I'm off school and every time we come it always taste so good.

We just moved to the neighborhood and we're excited to check out a local eatery. Tony's was nice - cozy and had an extensive menu. The prices were a little higher than I expected, and the portions a little smaller, but honestly, they were probably the "right-size" instead of conforming to Big Plate America. They had "specials" in the board, which weren't really specially priced or new features, but rather highlights they wanted to share with the customers. We enjoyed a great breakfast and will certainly be back. Update: we came back to eat on Saturday, a few minutes after 2:00. We were greeted and were led to seats and in the process, an employee stopped the hostess and said the kitchen was closed (one minute prior to our arrival) and they would not be able to serve us. So, apparently, they close at 2, but promote otherwise. Update to comment: please post otherwise rather than seating your guests and then saying you can't serve them. If you are going to close the kitchen at 2:15, then your closing time should be 2:15. Also, I think a paying customer should be able to enjoy their meal. I've worked in restaurants and this was always standard. If you work the closing shift, you know that you may be working an hour past close to accommodate those who come closer to closing time. If you can't staff past 2:30, then perhaps your closing time is 1:30. Your choice I guess, but regardless your closing time should be clear, and a customer should not have to find out until the process of being seated. read more

We are glad we gave Tony's another try. We really enjoyed the service and food. Consistent flow of coffee. I had a yummy western omelette with ham right off the bone. Normally served with hash browns and I asked for tomato instead. Opens early and clearly a local favorite. read more

Tony's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

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Great food and great service! We will definitely be returning. Very homey restaurant.

Tony's Café is definitely one of the best spots here in Crystal Lake. Their menu here is incredible and perfect for all times. They have offers for breakfast, brunch, and even dinner. Their menu is so big and has a huge selection of food. You can absolutely find anything you want here. Everything they have here is affordable and reasonable. They really made their food here so fresh and delicious. Their sandwiches are so great, they have crepes, toast, wrap, and others. Perfect place for a quick breakfast or brunch. They also have skillets here, it is so great and mouth-watering. At such a reasonable price you can literally order and try anything you want on their menu. Great place to bring your family and friends. Perfect for bonding, meetings, dates, and others. This place is so clean, bright, neat, and organized. They are really well-maintained and the ambiance inside the place is really nice and relaxing. They also have outdoor seating and it is organized. Very convenient and cozy spot. If you are looking for the best café in the whole town of Crystal Lake, you must visit this place and give their food a try! This place never disappoints. Lots of their customers either old or new is keep visiting this place over and over again. I would really love to explore their menu next time I visit. I will be with my family and friends soon! Thank you Tony's Café for your wonderful service! It was a pleasure! Also, thank you for the great experience! Keep it up! read more

Small but very cute and comfy breakfast place, I enjoy the decorations and how sweet the waitresses are

Tony's Café is been a Crystal Lake institution for as long as I can remember. It is a family run business where the food is always fresh, hot and tasty. From the burgers, to the monstrous breakfast skillets, the food is delicious and satisfying. It is a really small restaurant with maybe a dozen tables, very kid friendly with high chairs and service is always good. The place is too small to be overlooked service-wise. The coffee is always fresh and hot and the servers are always ready with a refill. Prices are reasonable too. I have nothing bad to say about Tony's. These are good people, running a good business, selling good food. You can't go wrong eating here. read more

I've lived in the area for 7 years and seem to always forget about Tony's Cafe for breakfast....maybe because it's not near much....but after today's visit we will definitely be back more often. This was our first time sitting outside which was absolutely wonderful. It was a perfect 72 and sunny, so that definitely helped, but the abundance of shades and umbrellas would make even warmer temperatures feel great. The gardens and planters are maintained well and the overall vibe of the patio is very Southern California. My veggie skillet was excellent and contained lots of fresh veggies, not just canned like some diners. My wife enjoyed her Irish skillet, and the sides were plenty for our daughter. Our server was prompt, professional, and the food arrived quickly. Their extra large coffee mugs are really great and unlike most diners where they're constantly at your table filling those thimble sized mugs. I also appreciate that condiments are kept at the table. The atmosphere inside is charming and inviting. They have a take one/leave one library section with decent books near the counter, as well as an assortment of beautifully frosted cookies handmade by someone related to the owner. I'm looking forward to heading back soon and maybe even trying lunch. read more

I enjoy going here with my dad. He knows all the waitresses and owner and they greet him like family . I'm a creature of habit so I almost always order the stuffed potato pancakes. Their soups are really tasty and made fresh in house daily. Even during the covid 19 we had to go here and pick up breakfast because we need to support those that are there for us year round. Instead of going through a delivery company we go and pick it up . They make it really easy for us to do no contact and why pay a third party to take away from this wonderful restaurant. If I could give more stars I would. read more

Tony's cafe in Crystal lake will not be returning ever again server was rude and had an attitude the whole time and anytime we had a question. I have a severe nut allergy and asked what oils were used in the kitchen and she acted as if it was an inconvenience for her to go ask. When we were given our food my fish fry was very chewy when I told the waitress all she had to say was the manager checked the batter and then tried to still charge me for it. She then called the manager out and when trying to explain it to him he was struggling to understand what we meant so my grandma tried explaining because I had her try the fish so she could see what I was talking about he continued to tell her to calm down and that he wasn't talking to her he was talking to me. read more

This is our go to breakfast spot. Great food, great location, offer dine-in & to-go. Clean and welcoming environment. I gave it a 4 only because we've placed a few to-go orders which they have missed condiments/side order requests. read more

First post-quarantine meal! Great food and nice patio. A good value for the dollar. Thanks for the great food and service!

Awesome biscuits and gravy; grits; stuffed banana bread French toast; the list goes on. Love this place. Always busy but always well prepared and the atmosphere is wonderful! read more

Excellent Burgers and the Home made soups are really good. Cooks must have went to Soup School. Breakfasts and lunches have been consistent for the past several years. Always feel welcome and Bobbi who runs the front side of the restaurant is always accommodating. Decor is outdated but that is what adds to the charm of the place. Give Tony's a try and get a Burger and some soup. Better yet take a few quarts home and tell your wife you made it. read more

Food and service always fantastic. The country gravy is addictive. The home made soups the best you'll have in CL. (The chicken noodle is better than moms medicine & the chowder the absolute best around.) We have tried every brunch joint in the area & always conclude that they aren't even in the same league as Tony's. read more

Great food and wonderful people! Love the skillets. You won't be disappointed. Try it!

Not family friendly. When going to a local family-run diner, one presumes that accommodations for diners and their families will be available. NO DIAPER CHANGING FACILITIES. When i asked if there was a place for me to change my 2 month old, i was told they have "never" had a place for changing diapers of small people. Was told to use counter in the bathroom, 5 inches on either side of the sink??? The hostess then muttered numerous times about how they "never" had a changing table and "that's how it's always been" when she realized i was upset. Additionally, access to bathroom and bathroom itself was not terribly handicapped-friendly either. Food is meh. Greek omelet is bland. Service is ok we ran out of water even though there were very few patrons. Not recommended read more

We must have found a different Tony's Cafe as I am shocked by the great reviews. Aside from the delicious vegetable soup, the Tony's Cafe I found on McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake lacked anything special, and the lunches were not good. I disliked the fact that at 1:30pm, they were cleaning up, including vacuuming next to the table I occupied while I was eating my food. I felt that was incredibly rude. My meal was not as described on the menu but the server never came by again until she asked if we wanted boxes, and by then, I had to leave as my lunch hour was over. Maybe breakfast is better but I won't be back to find out. Truly a shame that I encountered the wrong Tony's Cafe. read more

Hands down the best breakfast in McHenry County! This is our go-to spot for breakfast. We've tried many other places in the area and always wind up back here. I always feel like I'm sitting in my mother's kitchen waiting for her to cook breakfast--good home cooking. I do try different things but I always resort back to the Popeye Benedict. My husband always orders the Irish Skillet. We order to-go quite often at work, my co-worker is hooked on their Breakfast Tacos. Nothing beats sitting outside here with a hot cup of coffee! read more

Honestly? I don't get it. Figured we would try this, as all the review seemed to be raves. We got seated right away, which was nice. The noise level was horrendous. I'm not sure if there is any way to dampen the sound, but I needed to lean over and have my wife speak nearly directly into my ear to hold a conversation. The place could probably do with a few less tables, as it has a crowded feel, and it's virtually impossible not to eavesdrop on neighboring parties. I ordered the stuffed potato pancakes. They were interesting, but my eggs were supposed to be poached HARD, and still had runny yolks. The "more must be better" theory seems to have been applied to the sausage gravy, because the dish was swimming in it. I'm not sure if my wife's french toast was the victim of over beaten eggs, or what, but she did not enjoy it, and had to pick leaves off of her strawberries. My sister-in-law had better luck, as she just went with eggs, sausage links, and hash browns. Pro tip: I get that you're tall, and it saves time, but just because you CAN lean all the way across the table to refill my coffee doesn't mean that you SHOULD. read more