CASH ONLY. You don't have to eat at a 5-star Michelin awarded restaurant to receive 5-star customer service and high quality, fresh food. The Yellow Rose is known for their made-from-scratch corned beef hash. Crap, that's a mouthful -- isn't it! If you try nothing else here this is a must try. You would be an idiot to NOT try the CBH. We enjoyed it very much. It was not overly salty which we also appreciated. Melt-in-your mouth tender morsels, seasoned with tiny specks of onions and green peppers. Flavorful perfection! If you order something that doesn't bring this item you can order a "side" dish of the CBH for only $3.25 (plenty for two people to share). We tried their stuffed French Toast with fresh strawberries and cream cheese. The amalgamation of the sweet and savory was awesomeness. We shared this dish and thought it was definitely 4-star worthy. For $8 and change one of my other friends ordered the 3-3-3 (three large eggs cooked any style, your choice of three bacon strips or sausage -- your choice of three pancakes or hash brown. In addition, it came with your choice of toast. They don't charge you extra for the toast. My other friend ordered the 2-2-2 (2 eggs any style, hashed brown, your choice of toast and CBH). This place has been compared to the show "Cheers" because.....it is very friendly and "everybody knows your name." They provided great philoxenia making you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door. It is polyphloisboisterous with chattering of conversation, clanking coffee mugs and silverware. You hear greetings of "Good Morning" or "Hi, how are you today" or a simple smile. We perused the menu and noticed that this is a place where the "regulars" come and are known by name. BTW, if you are a Vegetarian you will definitely find something on the menu (my friend is a Vegetarian and she said she was "surprised" how many items they have listed on the menu). We saw this restaurant reviewed on an evening "foodie" show (with Brittany Payton). We've lived in Chicago for decades, but had never heard of this joint before. The restaurant itself is a throw-back to the mid-1970's with tacky decor of a dark burgundy faux plastic brick back splash where the cooking takes place to the Formica counter top at the bar and rusty brownish-red faux leather swivel stools. It is definitely very dated. It's not really a "Dive" diner, but some may refer to it as a "hole in the wall." In fact, I am a preterist, so I absolutely loved this about the restaurant. It is very compact. The service is exceptional and somewhat effusive. The restaurant is on the west side of Elston Ave. We left fully satisfied, and our check was under $20 (excluding tip). Take your check and walk up to the register and pay. Remember the theme song from "CHEERS"?? Well, they knew our names by the time we left here..... "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same You wanna be where everybody knows your name Be glad, there's one place in the world Where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came You want to go where people know, people are all the same You want to go where everybody knows your name" Yeah, this song pretty much sums up what the Yellow Rose is all about. My 4-star rating is due to the fact that this joint is CASH ONLY and their parking lot is the size of a postage stamp! We would return again if we are ever in this area. The Owners have warm hearts who truly care for their customers. They use quality ingredients (fresh, not frozen) and serve up delectable food. Request their home-made jam or jelly for your toast. Skip the prepackaged Smucker's jelly. They treat every customer with R-E-S-P-E-C-T which was evident from the moment we entered to the moment we paid and left. Service alone receives 5-stars! read more

Very small neighborhood cafe. Would've been much better if we could've sat in a booth but the restaurant was so packed that we had to sit at the counter cramped in between to strangers. Pancakes were good not great oatmeal was lukewarm. That being said their corned beef hash was the best I've ever had. I would go back to this place just for that. read more

The boy and I stopped in after spending the night at a friend's in Saugatash and heading to Great America for the day. No frills where regulars- city employees, retirees- talk it up with the waitresses/servers. The corned beef hash was pretty awesome....some crispiness but not too greasy. My son wasn't too hungry so he had some fried eggs that did the trick. Hit the Rose if you want a good, straight-forward breakfast. read more

This is a small local diner with long time loyal customers. Classic breakfasts and lunches done well, quickly and affordably. Very friendly waitresses with a warm attitude who will probably call you hon or sweetie in a nice Northwest sider accent. Come hungry and with cash. They don't play with those credit card fees. Free parking in the back! read more

This is a small, friendly diner with counter and booth service. The waitresses are very sweet and accommodating. There is nothing fancy about Yellow Rose Cafe, but if you are looking for diner food with that home-cooking touch, they deliver at a great price. If you blink when driving, you will pass this place. It is midway between Central Ave and Bryn Mawr on Elston, across from the Forest Glen CTA bus garage. Cash only! Accessible by CTA 85, 85A and Pace 225/226 buses. read more

Great little diner tucked away in a neighborhood with few decent diners. Lots of locals and regulars, but I didn't feel like an outsider like a guy from Atlanta normally does around here. The food is good, service is great, and they have a great homemade hot sauce that's Southern-Boy-Approved! You gotta ask since it's not on the menu, though. read more

I'd been wanting to try this place forever and finally made it there today. We absolutely loved the place. It was very friendly, the food was excellent and we will definitely come back again. Eggs Benedict is awesome and so is the corned beef hash. read more

I hate to burst anyone's breakfast bubble but this place isn't quite what many of the 4 and 5 star reviews claim it to be. I have been here 5, maybe 6 times, for breakfast only and it is just okay. Portion sizes are average, except for corned beef hash, which is a skimpy serving, at best, for the price. (I won't order it anymore) and they could wipe up the tables more carefully- I hate sitting in anyone else's crumbs - wait "staff" (which consists of 1 waitress) is typically inattentive. I do get the attraction of a small, folksy neighborhood diner, counter seats, the newspaper and that wonderful smell of coffee but I'd gladly trade it for better food and service. read more

Great place! Warm and friendly, great staff, great food. Regulars get called by name and their coffee orders and favorite breakfast is already known. It's like stepping into grandmas kitchen. Loved it! read more

Yellow Rose Cafe - Johnny loving his Combo breakfast. Eggs, ham off the bone, and fluffy pancakes. Can you see the happiness?! - Diners Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Headed there right after a reprise appearance on Check Please, so it was a bit mad in there! Cute place, decent service and good food. The cooks were adorable, will give it another try! They're closed on Sunday, which is a bummer for those of us who work all week, but what can ya do? read more

If you're looking for a wonderful place to have breakfast and lunch...this is your spot! Great food at reasonable prices. The Yellow Rose is owned by Angelo and Rula who are the best! Of course, Angelo is a great chef assisted by Gus. Somehow Candy always comes up with a suggestion that is exactly what you need. The coffee is the best, the food is freshly prepared and for some specials, you better get there early before it's off the board. If you need anything, Roger will help you out. You won't be disappointed with your choice. The first time you walk in the door, you may be surprised by the welcome you receive but you will be pleased for the warm atmosphere and new friends. My friend Jan and I were welcomed and have now become regulars. I love dining at Yellow Rose for so many reasons, the food, friends, atmosphere and because no matter if you're with a friend or by yourself, you will enjoy your experience. I only wish we found this hidden gem sooner! Be sure to check out the Yellow Rose's Facebook page to find out the specials. Laurie is always updating the page to keep life interesting! read more

This place isn't fancy (at all!) but the food was tasty and the people were friendly. Basic breakfast offering and everything we saw looked good. Had country fried steak and it was hot, crispy and hit the spot! read more

Delicious food and great service. Love coming here with family and friends for a great way to start the day. Always fresh coffee and your cup is never empty. I hope everyone has as great experience then I did read more

This is a tiny place. cash only. antique, vintage, hole in the wall goodness. This place especially early in the A.M. is full of early risers. Tiny place amazing food! read more

I really hate the expression "hidden gem", but that absolutely applies to the Yellow Rose Cafe. The breakfast here is fantastic. The daily special- 2 eggs, hash browns, toast, 2 sausage and coffee for less than $6? Shut the front door. And their hash browns are awesome. Wait staff is so extremely nice and friendly. My husband also loves their biscuits and gravy and the pancakes are good, too. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I haven't tried their lunch menu. It's cash only so be prepared, but you will be stuffed with goodness for less than $10. read more

Hands down best place on earth Omelet is sick as fuck Truly hidden gem of the neighborhood Worlds best cup of coffee read more

I really like this little place. It's the perfect place to go when you're in the mood for a diner breakfast. It's soooo gooood. The ladies that work there are so nice. It's tiny inside, but I haven't had to wait for a seat yet. During our last visit, we sat at the counter. I think the last time I did that I must've been a little girl with my mom at Woolworth. Heads up: This place is Cash Only! So be prepared before feasting on a delectably greasy yummy breakfast. read more

A classic, greasy, diner. Owner is always there watching every transaction. Cash only. Don't tell the IRS.

Love this place. Was first taken here a few years ago and enjoy going occasionally. It's a small family run business. The husband is one of the cooks and the wife is greeter. The waitress has been there forever and they treat you like family after you go a few times. The food is fresh and good. It's a small place with a small lot or you can park on Elston. It's worth stopping in as you feel like you're back in some small town diner. read more

One of the great diners of a generation long gone. I love going to places where it's clear that most of the customers are regulars, and yet the waitresses are still kind and friendly!! Even better- the food is great! I wish this diner wasn't so far away... read more

My husband and I finally stopped in to have breakfast here, and it was really good. It's hard to find diners like this these days. It's very quaint but don't except any fancy decor, definitely old school. I had the ham & cheese omelet with hash brown very good. Super fast service and a good cup of joe. can't wait to go back! read more

You might hear people making obscene sounds when you're there because the hash browns are perfectly crispy and the corned beef out of this world. The cooks and waitresses at this classic diner do it right. The coffee flows like water and Candy the waitress has worked there for 38 years for a reason. "It's my home!" she says. The waitresses brought me a complimentary treat too. read more

After loading up on rye bread at Andy's Deli, we wanted to get a bite to eat on our way back to Wisconsin. I feel so fortunate we came across The Yellow Rose. Super friendly and efficient service, good food, just a great feel to the place. Old school in the best way! read more

Cash only, no frills but quality, decent food with super nice people. The bottom line: Never disappointing. read more

You need to get the sautéed banana french toast and the corned beef hash with siracha hot sauce. They call it the rooster hot sauce. Everything else is not something I would go out of my way for. But the sautéed bananas are similar bananas foster on french toast. I like that the corned beef is real pieces. Typical diner atmosphere and service is not rushed. read more

Delicious! Awesome retro diner - I had an omelette and dad had the pancakes - from the food to the condiments to the coffee, everything was delicious, served hot, and was priced well! read more

I walk into The Yellow Rose, and for me it was a little tight with the seating six booths, a long counter eating and a few tables, but as for me, I was in a time warp. I felt as if I had just walked into the set of "Mel's Diner" from the seventies television show "Alice". I found the service so personal to be warm and friendly (just like the show). And their food was just what I had expected, their was plenty of good food at a great price. I think I may have found a perfect breakfast hide away. It is hidden in plane site. just two blocks east of Centeral on Elston Ave. I give The Yellow Rose a huge thumbs up. read more

The BEST homemade corned beef hash EVER. Lovely people, too!!

After reading reviews on Yelp my husband and I went here for brunch on a Saturday. The environment was perfect. A tiny diner with a few booths, a few tables, and lots of counter seats. I loved that there were regulars that the waitstaff and cooks obviously knew. I enjoyed the atmosphere completely. Then there was the food! When it comes to brunch, I am a very general eater, I got the 2 eggs breakfast. I ended up with 3 eggs, and they were cooked perfectly. There was a side of hashbrowns that I expected to need hot sauce but I did not they were fluffy and still a little crispy. The bacon was perfect as well. We will definitely be coming back here often! read more

Truly a hidden gem. I've lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, and I am disappointed I didn't find Yellow Rose sooner. When you first enter, everyone behind the counter and on the floor says hello and smiles. The setting is comfortable and diner like. The food is delicious, served fresh, and comes in a generous portion. More importantly, you'll be pleasantly surprised how affordable your meal is on your wallet. They have daily specials. Check out their Facebook page so you know what the daily specials are. read more

Stopped here for breakfast yesterday and it was great! No frills little place that does breakfast and lunch and does it very well. Awesome!

CASH ONLY! Good eggs...no kids menu :-(

The reviews don't lie, clean, bright, fresh hot food, great people watching and nice staff. Real corned beef hash, not canned!

Pretty good food. Small place with the real diner feel including the counter with stools for solo diners. Cash only.

Good, fresh food, at a good price! The food came fast, they were willing to make changes based on my taste and specific preferences, recommend this place for a good, hearty, fast, and fresh breakfast-plu the staff are very nice, too! read more

This is definitely an old school dinner everything from the booths to the waitress. It's welcoming and the food is good. When your bill comes that's when this place becomes even better. Price is right and food is great. Try it you will be glad you did. read more

Clean, cute little old school diner full of neighborhood regulars. Service is fast and friendly, and the home made corned beef hash is unbelievably delicious! Can't wait to go back and try other menu items as well! read more

Even better than homemade. Excellent food. Generous portion sizes. Great prices. Wonderful service. This small place is proof that great things come in small packages. Ample parking around back. One of Jefferson Park's treasures. Check it out. read more

Yellow Rose is a favorite of mine. I'd go there every day if I could. Sad that I can't have me some Yellow Rose on Sundays, that's the only downside. The food is fantastic - I recommend their tuna salad sandwich, and the soup is always fresh and tasty. Breakfast specials are a great value and a ton of yummy dishes. The staff is warm and friendly - don't be surprised if you get a home made cookie or slice of cake with your check. The Yellow Rose - a hidden gem. I recommend it if you are anywhere near Jefferson Park. read more

This is a very cute little old school diner place, that is open for breakfast and lunch. Cash only. They don't make places like this anymore, with a neighborhood charm and feel to it. We come on Saturdays, and rarely wait for more than 10 minutes, even if it's crowded. After a few visits you become a regular with people saying hello and happy to see you back. Angelo and Gus are your great kitchen chefs and you get a good meal for a good price, with some waitress loving to boot !! Give Candy and Lori a good tip, they work hard for your money !! The soups are homemade and the breakfast specials are hearty. I recommend the Eggs Benedict when on special or the Yellow Rose Chopped Steak Mexican that is always on the menu. They don't do fancy cooking here, you won't find a Quiche or some trendy breakfast fad here. Just good food, for a good price and your belly will walk away full. That is the charm of the Yellow Rose Cafe on the northwest side of the city. By the way, order the Corn Beef Hash - its sooo good, all hand made. read more