Valois Restaurant

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wow wow wubzy101

Joined 3 years ago

The BEST kind of REAL food AND atmosphere in Chicago. The words when i came out of valois my first time was WOW (in a good way of course) in all of my life i have never been incountered a resteraunt that not only serves you quality food and fantastic service but one heck of a fast meal! The portions were big and the pricing was small its like how most resteraunt should be it was fantastic food with a good kick of homemade which you don't get at most resteraunts in the city. I'm a working patron in Chicago and for the past 2 weeks straigh I have either had a breakfeast or dinner with them not once was i inconvienced by seating. This place is as clean as a whistle too .The owner, and one of the head chefs to is always there to not only serve you but to gurantee Your meal was better than you expected. He personally told me that food is something that is supposed to be enjoyable for the preson who is consuming it not just something we used to be just satisfied. It is like my second kitchen!

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Krankheit

Joined 4 years ago

One of Hyde Park's (Few) Gems. Forget the Obama nonsense. Forget the age and history of the place. Those things have no bearing on whether, at this moment, Valois is a solid joint. But it is nonetheless, especially when contrasted with the other options in Hyde Park.

You walk into this place and immediately are faced with a massive sign on the opposing wall. You grab a tray and place it on the counter while a cook looks at you--often impatiently--and awaits your order. You should have an idea of what you want, because a quick flash of annoyance darts your way if you hold up the line during busy times.

Once you order, though, it's right down to business. Food is finished fast. And your wallet will thank you, too, since this place is dirt-cheap (example: massive omelet with everything + hash browns for less than $6).

The seating can be packed during peak hours, but I've always been able to find a chair anyway. They keep the place really clean, and the floor staff whisks away dirty dishes as soon as an individual departs.

All in all, this place is a machine firing on all its cylinders. I docked a star simply because the food quality is -not- perfect and because the rushed atmosphere can come across a little rough to those with a sensitive demeanor.

Doesn't Recommend

ultravioletlite

Joined 4 years ago

Low. This is a family owned cafeteria. During my first visit, I asked one of the chef 's (**possibly an owner** --he is always there in the morning, accent, 5'11, medium build, 55 years old with a dark heavy thick mustache) if they had a restroom. His response to me was, "Don't be asking me no stupid Sh**, you know were the bathroom is."

I was not shocked by this guys response. This place is low.

I seldom visit Valois. I like their "Everything Omelet", but the negative vibe coupled with pools of standing water, and filth in the bathroom is too much for me to handle.

This place reminds me of Walmart.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Hyde Park favorite serves up classic meat-and-potatoes fare in a sunny cafeteria setting.. In Short
A mixed crowd of old-timers, families, and local workers grab trays and make their way through the fast-moving line at this friendly spot, where servers dish out plates of macaroni and cheese, fresh-cut roast beef sandwiches, and all-day breakfasts of omelets, pancakes, and bacon and eggs. The open room is bright and cheerful, with gleaming tile floors and colorful, South Side-themed wall murals; above the front windows hang clocks that tell time around the world.

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mfreund

Joined 11 years ago

A neighborhood institution!. Valois has been in Hyde Park since the 1920s, when Mr. Valois worked the counter and Mrs. Valois baked the desserts. Over the years, Valois has become a true crossroads of the community, one of the few places in Hyde Park and the city where people of all races and walks of life can mix. From high school and U of C students, to young families, to elderly white and black widowers, the European-style rule to sit anywhere there's space during peak hours creates chances for unexpected conversations that can be truly magical.

As for the food, the hearty cafeteria-style fare isn't gourmet but it's fast and an excellent value. Weekend brunches are especially yummy.

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mello001

Joined 11 years ago

Great place to eat. Great place to grab a quick no waiting, always can find a table, bite to eat for a lite on the pocket feeling.