If you in the Hyde Park hood this is the place for breakfast... if you happen too be staying in one of the many hotels in the area leave and go too this restaurant this establishment has been open for at least 50yrs I know of. There hash browns are the best on this side of town.... Cafeteria style service relaxing atmosphere... where you just get down eat a good breakfast read more

A true hidden gem in the heart of Hyde Park. I found out later it was of the restaurant that former President Obama frequent and ate at. I went and I was not disappointed! The food was very good and inexpensive. Former President Obama has his own personal menu. I got the number 1 off his menu. It was steak and eggs. For my side I got hash browns. They accompanied the food with a gigantic biscuit about the size of my face. Like wow! The food was very, good and for those visiting Chicago. This place is a must! read more

Valois - Steak and eggs with hash browns! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Valois is a Chicago classic made famous by many local politicians but known for former President Obama. This place is cash only but they have an ATM and plenty of signs warning you before you actually purchase. If you show up and the line is long don't worry! Valois' crew is a well oiled machine and move quickly to serve you and have you sitting down. I've had their steak omelette and their pancakes with eggs and bacon during another visit....both very good and very cheap! Valois is worth going out of your way for and I can't wait to be back! read more

Yes We Can! This is Obama's jam! This Hyde Park cafeteria is an institution! It's a no-frills, family friendly, delicious cafeteria where a buck goes a long way, and where Barack Obama would eat to grow strong to become the President! (Obama's former home is down the street and around the corner) This place is also known for being on Anthony Bourdain's show, so I had to go! It's where all Chicago politicians come and hang out with the masses and has been open forever. If these walls could talk! In fact, the walls are pretty cool- painted with murals of the Hyde Park area's highlights. It's cash only! No credit cards. The staff was speedy and friendly moving the crowds through, and getting everybody just what they need. When you come in, they have the Obama menu on a special board. I opted for the Mediterranean Omelette, with spinach and feta cheese. It was huge and yummy. Coffee refills came often. It really was a great value for the amount of food that came. The restaurant was clean, and well lit. People seemed friendly, mostly locals and not tourists like me! read more

This is Obama's favorite breakfast spot. It's in Hyde Park, a neighborhood south of downtown Chicago and near the University of Chicago. I had the #4 steak omelette with grits and cornbread. It was cheap at $7 for all of the food that you get and it was good. The cornbread was gigantic. The plate was overflowing with food and I didn't even finish my food. I got to try my friend's reuben sandwich and it was delicious, more than my steak omelette. The setup is cafeteria style where you grab a tray at the front of the line, order, get your food on a plate, and pay. Very casual and very fast. I'd come back if I was in the area. read more

Valois - Steak omelette with grits and cornbread - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So, I was out in Hyde Park checking out the Museum there, and was absolutely starving beforehand. I found this place along the bus route and decided to come here and check it out. Its a no frills kind of breakfast joint that runs real fast. I guess Obama used to eat here a lot, and they have President Obama specials! (plus one star for that coolness! YES!) They have a variety of menu items to choose from that are reasonably priced. I went with the veggie omlette becuase it sounded the most delicious. While the staff here is in a hurry and makes your food just as fast ,I was fine with it becuase I needed something in my system. By the time i got to the register, the food was ready and my tray was loaded with silverware, a biscuit, plus my food. After I sat down, a nice table person dropped off two glasses of water. Surprisingly, the hash browns were top notch and I ate them literally in two seconds. Omelette was awesome, and I didn't leave an inch of food when I was done. Overall, even though the place isn't fancy, but it's a nice place to grab a legit meal before hitting a museum or a long commute. Thank you for the quick service, ample seating and overall relaxed enviroment here while I visit! read more

Great food fast. The staff is nice and I'm glad they did some expanding. I like it a lot, I will always go back. We take out of town guests and they enjoy it as well, even request repeat visits!! Keep it up! read more

Valois is and will always be my go-to breakfast/home-cooking spot in Hyde Park. I LOVE breakfast, it's my favorite meal of the day, and these guys (and gals) do it right - simple, cheap, and delicious! I have tried a couple things outside of the breakfast realm (ham + sweet potato dinner, a little too sweet for me, and the Ruben sandwich, amazing) and they have been hit and miss, but also you're never spending too much to try something new there so I'm not mad when I don't like something as much as I thought. Next on my list is to try their chicken pot pie!! Also, I'm a timid person when ordering, so their aggressive style there threw me off a little bit - but know they're not trying to be rude, just trying to get you your food ASAP :) read more

We stopped for a quick lunch after a bike ride from downtown to Hyde Park. From the reviews I thought the food was going to be excellent, and it was good, it was almost very good but the overcooked roast beef, flavorless Greek dressing and watery lettuce on the salad took it down to three stars. Make no mistake this is a cafeteria, not a restaurant. There are tables and after you order your food and keep moving down to the right to pay (cash only, be warned!) You can take the food is ready with you to the table and a worker will bring ice water. The cold flourescent lighting is what really ruined the ambiance for me, it was just too sterile. They do have a broad menu, serving breakfast all day, freshly cooked pancakes, grits, omelettes, hash browns etc., sandwiches and salads. The hot food sitting waiting in the steam table for you to choose it didn't look the greatest. The chicken looked overcooked and dry, the roast beef was overcooked, the fish looked moist but it didn't look like it had a lot of flavor. You are best off ordering something that has to be made specifically for you like a hot grilled sandwich or salad with grilled chicken on it. read more

Quick service, huge portions, fair prices, lots of awesome options for traditional breakfast foods and there's a menu of Obama's favorites! Super nice location. Know that it is CASH ONLY. UChicago students get a 10% discount. read more

Grew up eating here its really a staple in the city ifykyk best breakfast in the city no lie. The only bad thing about them is its cash only but they have a atm onsite. Sundays are always super busy. Also wish they were on food delivery apps. Cmon valois step into the future with us read more

Always fast and great food. Setting is sometime s problem but seats get vacated quickly.

Today was my first time visiting this restaurant, and because my nephew was visiting from out of town, I took him and his girlfriend with me. I generally try to stay away from "cash only" restaurants. Unfortunately, I was cheated out of about $10 to $15. I wasn't paying attention because I was busy talking to my nephew. When I got home, I realized I gave the guy, who I think was the owner, $40 (two $20 bills). He gave me change back in the amount of $1.15. When I checked the menu online, I realized our meal should of been approximately $26 (without tax) or maybe close to $29 with tax. This owner also didn't give me a receipt, therefore, I don't know for certain what he charged me for. I'll never visit this restaurant again. I hate thieves and liars!!! Especially when they want "cash only". read more

Cafeteria style restaurant and CASH ONLY! Prices were reasonable and we enjoyed our lunch sandwiches. They even had an "Obama's Favorites " menu. read more

WTH is this place. I walk up order three eggs ($3 something) then am told you want bacon or sausage? As if it's included or something. I came in for eggs and hasbrowns and ended up with a bunch of extra shit I didn't actually want but had to pay cash money for. This place is filthy from a dining perspective. read more

Valois was a nice experience. While on my Chicago tour, we stopped by for a late brunch. I think what I liked most, was the neighborhood and the feeling in it. Ambiance: You walk in and there are several tables to sit at, but it's a cafeteria style restaurant, so you much line up, view the menu while in line, grab a tray, and as you slowly walk down the line, the cooks are quickly making your food and then you pay at the end and add a beverage. The cooks who were the line chefs kept it moving with quick questions and were not at all annoyed when newbies, like myself, didn't know the process. LOL Kind of an old world charm... Food: decent breakfast food is what I had. The only thing I did not like, were the pancakes; they had a texture I didn't care for and I did not care for the syrup. Other than that, it's your basic eggs, meat, coffee kind of breakfast. Service: Simple, fast, efficient.. nothing to brag about. Simplicity at it's best and it works. I would definitely come back, if I missed the standard brunch hours some where else. read more

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Great breakfast option in Hyde park. Cash only which is my biggest knock on the place, but the food is great and it comes out pretty fast.

Tried Majani the other day - I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich along with their hibiscus tea. Two thumbs up

Great spot for a classic diner breakfast at fair prices. Be prepared that it is cafeteria style and cash only. read more

Valois - #2 - 2 eggs bacon hash browns and toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is delicious. I haven't been in a while but it is reliable for a good warm-your-belly soulful meal. And it is affordable. A friend of mine introduced me to this place and I wish I had one where I live now. I hadn't been introduced to the world of cafeteria restaurants until I first went to Valois. I went there most recently before the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur. And for those who don't know, following this meal you have to fast for 24 hours. This meal kept me full and well. read more

Valois - Mashed potatoes, gravy, bread, greens, macaroni and cheese, fish with tomato and sauce. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well, what can you expect from cafeteria style restaurant but fast service, good food at a reasonable price. This is definitely a greasy spot but the food is made fresh to order. The location does not have a private parking lot, you will need to find a spot on the street. The establishment is also "cash only" so bring your dollars otherwise there is an ATM available for your use. This restaurant is pretty popular since it is considered one of President Obama's favorite restaurants in Chicago, specifically Hyde Park. If you can, try to grab President Obama's table which displays his picture and a thank you note to the restaurant. The restaurant offers several of President Obama's favorite breakfast selections and a host of other options for breakfast and lunch. Don't be afraid of the long line, the food is good. You grab a tray and place your order at the counter. Most often you will receive your order before you pay and leave the line. If not, they will bring your food to you. If you are in the area and want breakfast/brunch, try them out you will not be disappointed. read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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God this place is so Chicago. Honestly, the second you walk in you know it's South Side because they have a very particular sense of hospitality that is quick, blunt, but somewhat comforting honestly. You're going to get what you ordered (in my experience.... MUCH MUCH more than what you thought you ordered actually). Got the prime rib that came cooked pretty nicely and with a heaping yummy pile of hash browns. It comes with a "biscuit" (which in all honesty isnt really a biscuit but a really big dinner roll). I'd come here if you just have one of those days you just need to pig out and don't really want anyones opinion on it. For its price it's absolutely fantastic and service is very, very quick. Will definitely be back sometime. Thoroughly enjoyed the feel of the place, feels like home! read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let's face it, lots of people come here because they've heard it's Obama's favorite spot in Hyde Park. I first came here with my mom without that knowledge, the first week I moved to Chicago. We were looking for no-frills, nice portions, hearty food. And we loved it. If my mom likes it, that says a lot. It's a cafeteria-style home style cooking spot, very good omelettes, great breakfast. You'll have to decide what you want while you're in line and be ready to order, or you'll be holding up everyone else and just annoy folks. I haven't tried lunch or dinner dishes but I'd bet they are just as good. Remember it's CASH only so bring a $20 with you for eats and a dessert to go. ;) read more

Last Breakfast in Chicago and it was delicious! I ordered bacon, eggs and grits. I enjoyed the home like atmosphere which made it very welcoming and comfy, my fiancé has grown up eating breakfast here so he was excited to show me his childhood eatery! read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We were in the neighborhood and decided to eat here since it had so many great reviews. The staff was very pleasant. It is cafeteria style and prices are reasonable. I drank water that was brought to the table. My husband ordered pop which is a can with a cup of ice. The food was good not great. I would come here again if I was looking for something reasonable but would not go out of my way for it. I had the Denver omelette which was large and had lots of onion peppers and ham. My husband had the steak omelette and felt the same as me it was ok. read more

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Super affordable place to eat for UChicago students in hyde park. They only take cash though, so be aware!

You gotta eat @Valois'. It's the Hyde Park, South Side, Chicago, IL. thing to do. Grab a tray, don't forget to bring CASH.

Consistently good food. No frills, basic cafeteria style diner. Cash only but clearly a staple of the area. Always can count on great food and an even better price. read more

Can't believe what I had cost only 6-7 dollars (pulled pork tenderloin dish with a side of spinach). Very tasty and in generous portion. The only explanation is that the ingredients are neither organic nor grass-fed nor from small farms, but I'm still alive and feel totally great. With the 10% discount for UChicago folks, it's hard to beat this place in terms of sheer value in Hyde Park. I like the laid back, intimate atmosphere as well: the gentlemen and ladies who serve out the food are genuine and friendly. read more

Valois - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hyde Park classic that lives up to the hype! You won't get a better or more filling brunch anywhere else. Everything is cooked to perfection and comes out fast- the assembly line set up is truly unique. Inside there is a cozy diner feel which makes it the perfect place to catch up with friends after a busy weekend. Sunday mornings can be crowded but you never have to wait long for a seat or for your food. Plus, the Obamas love Valois so how could you not? read more

Valois - Everything omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's cafeteria style. Some curmudgeons behind the counter, but it's all part if Valois' personality. I went to the bathroom once precovid. I've been too afraid to reenter since. The breakfast bacon sandwich is very tasty. The coffee leaves a lot to be desired. They give a lot of food, so it's great for those who want a large portion. read more

One of my fave spots for breakfast or lunch. Cash only. Have an idea of what you want before you show up or hang back from the counter until you decide. It's an old school cafeteria - they expect you to be decisive, move quickly, take your own tray. I like the #2 breakfast combo with overeasy eggs (always done perfectly), sausage, and hash browns. The biscuits are hit or miss. $10 for the meal + coffee. Classic diner style food. read more

I had bookmarked Valois for nearly a year. A few weeks ago, I finally got an opportunity to visit Hyde Park after a stop downtown. I was first introduced to Valois on TV after watching an earlier episode of Check, Please!. Halfway through the segment, lo and behold, one of the guests on the show was our hometown, former President Barack Obama. If Valois had the Presidential seal of approval, then it must be good. I had to have it on my list of restaurants to visit while in Chicago. Valois is a no frills, blue collar establishment with only one goal in mind: Get a hot filling meal into your hands as soon as possible. They use a cafeteria style, which I like. It brought back lunch hour nostalgia from my grade/high school days and it gave me the opportunity to truly "see your food" being prepped. The process starts the moment you enter their door. First check out the menu towards the back, get in line toward the counter, pick up a tray, and quickly place your order. Your food is prepped assembly line style. Follow the assembly and pay at the end of the counter. The line moves fast and it does not wait for indecisive stragglers. We ordered from their presidential breakfast menu. Ben ordered the NY Steak and Eggs and I had the Mediterranean Omelet. Both meals came with your choice of grits or hash brown potatoes. Ben loved his medium rare steak and my omelet was fantastic. Feta is my friend and to have it in a veggie omelet was the perfect trifecta of veggies, protein, and fat! I loved how it was bursting with flavor. The side of potatoes and toast rounded out the meal; although the potatoes were a little flat in taste (I had to season mine table side) and mushy, the portion was generous and filling. My inner child was screaming with delight when I noticed a fruit punch Kool Aid fountain! I haven't had Kool Aid in decades and seeing that fountain in my favorite flavor was magical. Our meals were definitely solid choices and we both agreed we would order these again in a heartbeat. Affordability was another positive factor considering each meal was under $10. When I find myself back in Hyde Park, I will make a return visit. read more

Valois - Mediterranean Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I forgot to take pics. That's how fast I cleared my plate. If you're in HP please stop by and order any one of the specials. You can not go wrong here! I'll definitely be back. This is a neighborhood favorite. read more

Great local comfort food experience that I'll always refitting when I'm in Chicago. If you are in the Hyde park area I'd suggest you do the same. They have been serving the community with love for decades. read more

**CASH ONLY** I had to pay for a bunch of my friends since no one brought cash haha. The options are good. They ask if you want omelet or scrambled for the eggs. The flow of the line is really fast. They start your tray, add what you want, pay at the end of the line. Have someone grab a table though because it fills up quickly! read more

CASH ONLY~~ Remember that (they have an atm in store if you forget but there's a fee to withdraw money) There's probably good reason why Valois is one of President Obama's favorite restaurants. The amount of food for the amount of money you pay is insane. Yes, sometimes, the quality slacks a little, but this is rare and most of the time the food is so filling it doesn't even matter. The people who work there may seem like they're rushing you at times, but honestly, that's just how they are. They're actually super sweet and patient and always willing to suggest you foods you should try. Yesterday I got the Hamburger Steak with Onions (~7.95 ish) and my friend got the Steak and Eggs (~9.99 ish). Hamburger Steak with Onions (4/5)-- It comes with two sides so I got mashed potatoes and corn. It also comes with a choice of bread-- GET THE BISCUIT. They're so amazingly good. I basically got a GIGANTIC portion of mash potatoes (couldn't finish tbh) and a cup of corn. The corn was okay, nothing too special about it at all. The mashed potatoes were great, but the steak itself was amazing. It was pretty much a gigantic patty of hamburger meat (and by gigantic, I mean it, I couldn't finish). It was so juicy too. Would definitely recommend. Great dish at a great price. Corn was a little bland but everything else was on point. Steak and Eggs (5/5)-- I've gotten this before, but this time, the steak tasted much better than the last time I got it. Turns out the best way to get their steak is MEDIUM so definitely go to medium (medium rare is a little bit too raw and chewy as I recall). The eggs are standard and so are the potatoes, but once again you also get a huge biscuit and those are so worth. Definitely worth it's price, especially since most steak and eggs you find are about ~20 and this was half the price. The ambiance at Valois is very cafeteria-esque. You order and watch your food being prepared in front of you, and then you sit down at tables (or get take out). Definitely a great place to take anyone to have good food and at a great cost. Also, please try the biscuits. They're to die for. read more

Valois - Hamburger Steak with Onions (Sides: Corn and Mashed Potatoes) with Biscuits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place ROCKS! It's located in cute, historic downtown Hyde Park and it's a cafeteria set up. You just grab a tray and give your breakfast order, which gets made in front of your eyes and you slide your tray down towards the CASH ONLY cash register. If you're illiterate or don't read signs, like me, there is a very slow ATM machine right next to the cash check out, so there's no need to bolt for the door. Plus a lot of Chicago cops easy here so you wouldn't get far anyway. The food is authentic and the services is self, so there's not much to complain about. The dining area is yuge, and the lines move very quickly so this'll be my regular stop when I join the Wooded Island Bird Walk on Saturday mornings at 8. read more

Valois - Typical tray of breaky - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Look, the place doesn't take cash. If you can't handle going to an ATM, then you can't be trusted as a Yelp reviewer (looking at you reviewer "Ronald C" -- are you a cylon from the Battlestar Galactica universe?). There are signs that say cash only, there is an ATM. Get over it. The ordering process could have been more communicative but whatever, its an old school spot. Pay attention to the people in front of you and you'll get it. We went for breakfast and had some pretty large omelettes for a great price. Seemed like lunch options were available fairly early too. Would go back in a heartbeat. read more

Going Old School at Valois In a city that changes faster than we can keep up you sometimes have to search a little to find the true old school Chicago spots. They seem to shutter their doors daily fading away and being replaced with big box, care less, sterile chain restaurants that lack in substance and character not to mention colorful characters. But if you're willing to venture outside of your comfort zone and cross over 51st Street/E. Hyde Park Blvd then you've gone old school and will never regret you did. Smack dab in the middle of a quaint section of Hyde Park with throwback era shops, timeless original boutiques and fabulous architecture, if you listen with your eyes you'll hear it's history. Throw in the streetscapes and prestigious University of Chicago Hyde Park you'll take a trip back in time to Chicago 1970's and beyond. Yeah, in Chicago we like to eat and at Valois Cafeteria, (the Valoys) to the locals, the eats are top notch. While it's undoubtedly the smells and comfort food that brings the regulars back to the table time and again to dine with students and travelers alike, it's the reputation, conversation, academia, racial and cultural diversity that keep them coming back daily, sometimes several times a day, not to mention it's insanely affordable. At Valois everyone is on the same playing field, it's a gathering place of sorts and many have gathered at Valois. In its over half a century Valois has seen them all, neighborhood folks, beat cops, international travelers, entertainers and intellectuals, mayors, colorful characters, infamous Chicago politicians and even presidents. President Barack Obama and family have long been regulars at Valois. The moment you walk into Valois and you can smell the greatness, Chicago style. Real home town fare, affordable neighborhood comfort food. The room is spacious and airy affording every table enough space to spread out and savor a meal in comfort. You may sit at a table with family and friends or during busy hours with a stranger who will likely become a friend. If there is an open seat at the tables of four expect a fellow diner to join in. At Valois it's obvious they're not trying to squeeze a nickel out of every square foot, to the contrary you will get more than what you expected in every way. But quality surely doesn't take second place to quantity here. The cafeteria style menu hangs just over the steam tables where, true to Valois motto, you 'See Your Food' as it's prepared. And while the offerings are straight forward and simple it can be a bit overwhelming especially for a first timer. I mean, when you're a lover of Chicago neighborhood style comfort food you tend to want it all at once. And if you're anything like me, when it's right in front of you, you have to mumble a small prayer and ask "give me the strength" before you step up to the dinner plate. For my first time and at the steam table servers suggestion, I ordered the short rib plate special that came complete with brown gravy and roasted potato wedges complimented by a large helping of creamed spinach. This was no ordinary short rib. Browned just right it is extra large, fork tender and meaty bursting full of flavor at the first cut with just a small piece of fat on the tip that brings out all that extra flavor you hope for in a short rib. Flavor, that in a nouveau, chic, highbrow, big dollar restaurant you might otherwise be robbed of. Not around here. Generously ladled over it is a delicious broth, brown gravy, just enough to dress up the rib, not overdue it and still flatter its partner golden brown potato wedges. The spinach was gracefully creamed while not trying to hide the taste of the slightly bitter green vegetable but instead enhancing it. Some of the best I have ever enjoyed. To top it off you get your choice of a homemade biscuit or a large brioche bun to sop up any extra gravy. Waste not want not, right? Now, I never claimed comfort food was synonymous with heart healthy. This is after all Chicago, the Midwest, where we don't always concern ourselves with the politics of such trivial details. No in an old school place like this your taste buds are respected. But Alas, not to be without the finale I had to spring a whole $2.50 for some homemade warmed cherry cobbler. What would be considered a large soup sized bowl in many places was Valois regular size bowl of cherry cobbler. Sweet, tart and covered in a fresh, flaky crust I did my best to refrain from licking the bowl. Yet, when no one was looking I did the next best thing, I scooped the remaining syrupy cherries from the bowl with two fingers. Do yourself a favor and treat your taste buds to comfort and get down to Valois. read more