Hidden gem? No Quirky? Yes Good breakfast fare? 'Fraid not. Coffee barely qualifies as coffee and food is mediocre. Had feta spinach omelette. Can't understand how it turned out tasteless. Oh wait. They cooked it on overheated flattop. Good way to turn omelette into rubber disc. On the plus: prices ok. Will continue search for hidden gem. read more

No reviews for the Yellow Rose Cafe? Not too surprising, I guess. It's a NW side neighborhood breakfast/lunch diner in a nondescript deceptively small building, with the parking lot in the back. The food is good, probably the best diner in the area. Not anything worthy of a long trip, but a nice place to go if you find yourself in the area. The Sox banners are offensive, though. read more

A small local diner in a not so busy area. Plenty of parking in the back but there also street parking. The service was excellent. The owner was friendly and accommodated my special requests. When I asked for pancake with extra whip, she added a lot of whip and offered MORE if I'd like. The serving of 3 pancakes was huge for a good price ($6). The turkey sausage was a little bit dry but nicely flavored. They came by often to refill my coffee. Don't forget it's CASH only! Wish they would've put up a sign outside. read more

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I've been going there for us quite some time I can't even tell you how long it's been I might be there once a week I might be there twice a week I might not be there at all for weeks but every time I go there I feel welcome the food is excellent the price is a good. read more

This place is a gem. Top notch service, terrific food, and ridiculously cheap (seriously, charge more!!!). Don't miss out on the homemade hot sauce and jams. I would by them by the bottle if it was available! The corned beef hash is solid. read more

A bit out of the way maybe, but worth the trip. Saturday morning the place was full of regulars but there were a few stools at the counter. Pretty old-school, which is refreshing in this day and age. The clientele is a little older I guess, but friendly. It was pretty busy, though I got coffee right away and a few minutes to peruse the large menu. Corned beef hash was on my mind, and it didn't disappoint. Homemade and not from a can, thank god. Nice and chunky, served with hash browns, toast, and a couple overeasy eggs on top. They had a trio of interesting jellies for the bread, mango, peach, and another one, plus homemade hot sauce which was great. The waitresses here were very sweet and welcoming even to a first-timer like me. A great throwback diner with lots of options, popular with the locals. I'll return if headed this way on a weekend outing, great place for breakfast. read more

My hubby and I eat breakfast here every couple of Saturday mornings if we wake up early enough to get here before they close at 1pm! (We live in Roger's Park so it's not exactly a neighborhood place for us.) This place was recommended to my hubby by a manager at his job that lives in the area, and we've been going ever since, at least the last 4 months! i get the same thing every time (a BLT w/ fries - but I get a different beverage!!) and I REALLY like the BLT! Hubby tries something different every time, but I also nibble on what he gets, and I have to say the Eggs Benedict is amazing with the hollandaise sauce!! I've never had it before but it was definitely delicious - I might even get that on our next trip vs. my BLT. The staff is VERY friendly - I love the service! The decor is a little outdated, but it's really full of character. I think if this place was open a little later I would have given it 5 stars, but sometimes we have to haul it over there just to be seated before they close. (It's really the hubby's fault because he likes his beauty rest - I'm up at 6am on Saturdays!) read more

Great food and super nice staff. Everything we ordered was tasty and quite filling. It's a no frills menu but what they do, they do well. The staff were quick to take our order and nice as pie. The only drawback is limited seating for large parties. You might be waiting awhile for one of the 4 booths to open up. But that isn't going to stop us from going back again and again. read more

This is more of a message to the owners. I visited this place around 8am on a Thursday. Service was top notch, food was acceptable. (Cook the bacon a little more before you throw it in the omelet, it adds a nice crunch) My issued was with the CASH ONLY policy. I didn't see a single sign inside or on the door, and I looked. Instead I finished my omelette and took my 11 dollar bill to the register and handed over my debit card. No dice. I'm instructed to visit the chase bank about 3 blocks away. Thank God I drove, it's closer to half a mile. I get there and the arm is broken. I cross the street on foot and Mariano's us an atm with a 2.75 fee. My bank charges 2.50 for out of network ATMs. See where I'm going with this. With tip and fees it was 18 dollars and took an hour. Get a square card reader. read more

When it comes to a great breakfast & lunch menu, with friendly service, reasonable prices, and "old school" diner ambiance...this place is it! The yellow Rose isn't your frilly, trendy, & high priced Lincoln Park cafe, it's a well-worn and tidy joint, just across from the CTA's bus yard. There's plenty of street park...and no Lil' Richie Daley parking meters. The food is terrific! read more

This place is a hidden gem. If you're in the area stop by for excellent breakfast or lunch with good portions. The waitstaff is attentive, nice and I have never been without a refill. I am a huge fan of this place I just wish they were open late! read more

Yellow Rose Cafe - Ham, eggs, steak my kind of breakfast - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I dined Saturday at 12pm. This small diner is a genuine local chicago original.  It has 3 tables 5 booths and a long lunch counter full of regulars. As far as ambiance, this is exactly what I am looking for.  The staff seemed as authentic as the decor.  They were fast and polite and somewhat engaging, though they defiantly kept up conversations with the regulars. The coffee was fresh and hot.  The setup was nice with the full suger salt pepper and even a full old school creamer container.  I was disappointed when I drank the creamer, which was non dairy stuff. I order the biscuits and gravy with eggs over easy, which is my bell weather.  The biscuits were good.  The gravy was pleantiful but not verry good. The eggs were cooked right and pretty good.  I also had a side of sausage Pattis which came out as 3 pre made patties.  They were ok.   Overall I will try this place again.  Maybe get a special instead.  It looks awesome and was full of regulars but I would not get the bng. read more

I've been here about 40 times. I usually get the sidewalk special or the skirt steak and eggs. Occasionally I will also have the corned beef hash.in my opinion the best plate here is the skirt steak and eggs. The cut of steak is usually pretty decent and it turns out well. But I am going to focus on things that generally are always on our plate here, which are the eggs, hash browns and coffee. every time I order eggs I order over medium and without fail 100% of the time they come undercooked and runny. The cook needs to take a look at the temperature of his grill. the hash browns are usually good but quite often they have so much grease in them that they're just a ball of mushy potatoes and grease. Sometimes the eggs come looking like they've been dipped in a bucket of melted margarine you literally have to wipe them off with your napkin! The coffee is usually pretty consistent, it always tastes like hot water and a coffee filter. This place has some of the worst coffee around. They get a lot of good reviews from people who've never been to a breakfast restaurant like this before I'm supposing, but since I have lived in Chicago for 53 years I have seen my fair share of places that can throw these types of plates together with much more success, especially on the south side. I give them 2 1/2 stars. read more

I was referred to this restaurant by a coworker. When I first drove by I was not impressed, however when I walked in and I was greeted by the host and waitress, I felt welcomed. The food is amazing. The service is GREAT. And the coffee is delicious and always being refilled. They're homemade hot sauce is to die for. I always order the Irish skillet and I'm never disappointed. read more

Great place for breakfast and they have a lunch menu as well. Standard Americana. I think what makes this place great is the fresh food and great atmosphere. The wait staff and patrons are all very friendly and it has a great backwoods, home town feel. Good grease for hangovers. read more

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Last Saturday I meandered over to this place for a little breakfast by myself. Not used to dining alone, I snuck in to a corner spot at the counter and settled in for the mini adventure. First of all, the little kitchen in this place is just grinding it out. It is busy! The waitress was friendly and seemed to know many of the people there. She was efficient, but not overly fast so that made for a nice pace. The couple next to me, despite some friendly banter about how I ordered a 1-egg breakfast meal and they hadn't seen that happen ever before, were very chatty and nice. The food was solid, fresh diner fare. The coffee was the same. Several patrons also seemed to know each other and be very jovial. Solid food, nice people, and affordable (but Cash Only). I'll totally be back. read more

Not fancy at all, but the perfect diner and everything I had was made exactly as I'd hoped. Over medium, no runny white eggs? Check. Biscuits and gravy...good flavor...some crunch to the biscuits. Bacon. Crispy. The homemade hot sauce looks the color of Mustard, has great flavor and will kick your a$$ I think, if not prepared. Highly recommend. read more

I'll never be able to eat corned beef hash anywhere else again. It would be like going back to a 13" black and white TV.

Perfect small family local diner. Quality food served hot and fresh! Love!! Filled with locals and staff call many by name. Place is located in an industrial area so a bit removed from hectic areas with zero parking. Few min away and kids love the hash! read more

Yellow Rose Cafe - Honey and just perfect - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love this vintage looking cafe! Very quiet and feels like home. I love the food! The Patty Melt is juicy and very well seasoned! Staff very friendly! Liz read more

Simple, old style breakfast and early lunch diner. Food is good. Coffee is hot. Service is always with a smile. Be prepared - it's small and can be rather crowded - there is no where to stand and wait either other than outside. Bring cash! read more

This little restaurant is amazing. Stopped here for breakfast last month as a what the hey whim. 8.25 got me a feast. 4 eggs 4 bacon 4 pancakes. It's directly across from the cta garage and best of all has it's own parking on back! We sat down and ordered and within a few minutes had our food. The kitchen was right there and you can see them cooking which is a huge plus for me. My now favourite breakfast stop. read more

My kinda breakfast place. It's no frills, greasy spoon, in and out diner. The place has not changed much over the years....thats a win. I will definitely b back. All my favorites have either changed or closed. I am sure I found my new/old spot. read more

When I spend 30 dollars on a meal I expect that meal to be to prepared to my exact specifications, with that being said I've been disappointed more times than not by the high end places. I've been a customer at the 'ROSE for years and I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bad dining experience. Real food, cozy surroundings and decent folks hanging out grabbing a bite while exchanging colorful banter. Great daily specials, you can eat a hearty, freshly cooked breakfast here for a few pennies more than you'd pay for a questionable drive thru sandwich with mystery ingredients. A great way to start your day! read more

Meh. Not much flavor and was overpriced for the quality and taste. BnG was not hot and lacked flavor. Sausage patties were okay. I enjoyed the quaintness of the place.....brings you back to a Woolworths coffee counter. read more

Simply the best corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy Service is great They always know your name, read more

I love their corn beef hash!!!! I've always had good service, great breakfast food! I enjoy the atmosphere... I see bus drivers coming in after a night shift ordering soup for breakfast, etc. I tried to bring visiting fam. on Sunday morning...but they are closed... read more

This is a great place for breakfast. We've been looking for a great spot for a while and this is it. The eggs were just right, the pancakes delicious, and the coffee is always fresh. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 is because the pork chop was a bit hard, but everthing else was supperb. read more

You always want a go to spot in the neighborhood for that home made food feel. This diner has it. It's a small gem wi y big heart. The staff is friendly and the regulars will joke wo tug you too! I've only been here for breakfast, everythi by is your regulate breakfast food, but the corn beef hash is their specialty! Love the prices on the specials too! Just remember to bring cash! Hence my 4 stars..no credit at this place. Check it out. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I have been going to the Yellow Rose since I was a kid, and I will continue to come back to the Rose. It's a wonderful little cafe with a home feel to it. The owners, and staff are very friendly, the food is great, and the prices definitely will not hurt your wallet. I recommend this establishment to everyone. If you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner to hit the spot and put a smile on your face... Yellow Rose Cafe is the place! read more

When you find yourself in the Forest Glenn neighborhood, and you tummy is looking for something to eat, don't pass up the chance to stop at The Yellow Rose Cafe. Owned by Angelo and Rula, this place is a rare find in today's environment Great food and friendly service as it is a family owned business! Angelo creates great specials, and you can never go wrong with the items on the menu. Nobody makes pancakes like Angelo or Gus. And as Angelo says, "that is why you come here." The regulars know each other, and there is friendly banter amongst the wait staff (Rula, Laurie, and Candy, with Roger doing the bus routine and helps keeping coffee, drinks, and water filled) and the patrons. If you're new to the place, don't be surprised if Angelo doesn't greet you personally. He appreciates and knows his customers. A rare commodity today I've found. Located on Elston Avenue, near Central, and directly across from the CTA bus garage, you'd probably drive right past it. Don't, you won't be sorry you stopped in.. They have parking in the back and on street parking is easy. All of Angelo's creations are good, both breakfast and lunch. They close at 2:30 PM and it is CASH only. So bring yourself, your cash, and not a credit card. Breakfast recommendations: South of the Border Omelet with rice, beans and tortillas), Mexican chopped steak, Country Breakfast (eggs, sausage, and pancakes), home made corned beef hash and eggs (no not the canned stuff) . . . and the best coffee in Chicagoland. Lunch specials are served with home made soup and a drink of your choice. Top recommendations: the Corned Beef sandwich, the Pot roast sandwich, and many more. All reasonably priced and worth the stop. So stop by, it isn't fancy food, but wholesome and filling fair. I know you'll be glad you did. They take a day of rest and are closed on Sunday. read more

There's nothing fancy about Yellow Rose Cafe and I'm hard pressed to even say what neighborhood it's in. With a CTA bus garage across the street and Lefty's Automotive next door, it's kind of in the middle of nowhere. But if you want good, honest food from a real-life diner, this is the place. Breakfast is the draw and the prices and quality can't be beat. We ran the gamut at our breakfast this morning: a Mexican skillet, the sidewalk special (two eggs, two sausage links, hash browns and toast), the 4 Deuces and Chicken Fried Steak with 2 eggs, etc. Goodness abounds. Insiders tip: ask for the homemade jams and jellies for your toast and the homemade hot sauce for your eggs: you won't be sorry! read more

Orange counters and brown coffee mugs, what's not to love? Nothing I say. Cash only but this place serves up some mighty fine vittles for cheap. I think everything here is homemade. I could be wrong but I don't think you'll see any big ass Sysco truck pulling up here. Fantastic breakfast place. I love their sausage patties, sunny side eggs and buttered toast I dip into the eggs. I call them dippen eggs! Friendly career waitresses. I see myself coming back on a chilly day for a bowl of their soup. Comfort food at its finest at the Yellow Rose Cafe! read more

Every time I've been to the Yellow Rose Cafe the service has been top notch. Everything I've eaten here has been tasty & fresh & everyone seems to know each other... Great ambience I suggest everyone give it a try... read more

its like a "cheers" type of ambiance where everybody knows your name. I always order their corned beef hash. bring cash and ask for roulas special homemade jam! They will bring some out if you ask. And if you love hot sauce ask to try their homemade hot sauce too! Its a Jefferson Park secret place for breakfast. Simple mom and pop place making awesome dishes for years! read more

Mywife and I live in the Sauganash area and wanted to try out this cafe. I did not find this place to be very friendly, actually quite average and Basic. You will find it much easier to drop by Starbucks for a great cup Of coffee, certainly not the watered down Continental coffee is kind of Gross with the unfiltered water. You are better off going to Mariano's Down the street, spend 20.00 on eggs, bacon, and a fresh bagel and Make it yourself. Don't waste your time unless your desperately Hungry and just do not want to cook at home.I read more

Avoid this Dump! The pancakes were burnt, and the rest of the breakfast was a standard helping of hashbrowns, bacon, and toast. Waitress forgot my order of orange juice and never bothered to ask me if I needed anything. I understand why they close early in the day,they have spent enough time poisoning people. They have regulars--obviously, these people don't mind lousy food and lousy service. There are better diners in Chicago that offer good food and service--go and patronize these diners not this one. read more

I LOVE this joint, and by joint I mean up close and personal diner. They have the bar table and a few tables and chairs. First thing when you walk in you are welcomed by two absolutely lovely ladies, who I think they are the owners. The food is great!! I love the hash, and don't get me started on the homemade jelly, I want to rub that all over my body. I'm here almost every weekend and will keep coming to the day I die or move read more

I was just stunned to discover this place in a stretch of Elston Ave. that is otherwise pretty dead. It's tiny, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in heart. Everyone seems to know everyone else. The waitresses are friendly and funny, and the food is terrific. This is one of those hidden gems that I kind of hope stays hidden because it's hard enough to find a place to sit there as it is. Definitely worth a trip. read more

Bring cash! Nice little cozy breakfast place. Few tables available and parking lot is always full. Food was good, everything was cooked well and fresh. read more