Unbelievably over priced. I ordered pancakes expecting the typical side of hash browns or bacon, no such luck. If you order pancakes you will receive a plate with three pancakes, nothing else. I cannot believe I payed $12.00 for three pancakes, that would get me pancakes, eggs, and bacon at any other breakfast place. I left still hungry (the pancakes were not that big) and completely unsatisfied. Definitely will not be returning.
Review Source:Had an impromptu large party for a Sunday morning and we were accommodated swiftly! Smooth service, delicious food (I had some cool waffles) and no complaints out of anyone, and I can assure you there were picky eaters in my crew. Â This place will be on my short list of go to breakfast joints to have a good time at.
Review Source:Stax Café is a diner located on Taylor St. in little Italy and is open for breakfast and lunch daily.  The menu offers a wide assortment of food, including eggs, pancakes, waffles crepes, salads, sandwiches and wraps.  On my latest visit for breakfast I had a simple dish of eggs over easy and sausage links with coffee and a side of assorted cut fruit as a substitute for the house potatoes.  The eggs were properly cooked and the sausage links, which are a little plumper than usually served in this type of eatery, were flavorful.  The quality of the fruit was average, but it was amply served in a bowl rather than a cup and nicely chilled.  Moreover, there was no charge for the substitution.  'Intelligentsia' is the brand of coffee served and its pretty good.  My waitress was attentive and competent.  Expect to wait during peak hours, but the lines usually move at a decent pace.  Some of the dishes are a bit overpriced, so be judicious in your selections.
Review Source:I always have amazing service at Stax. I am regular, and greeted by the hostesses with hugs and smiles. Today I had the best wrap I'll probably ever have in my life. the fried chicken cobb wrap. It was a special but I highly recommend you request it. Amazing waitress, they are doing business right over there.
Review Source:I came here AFTER I tried to go to Sweet Maple's, but they had the LONGEST wait EVER and after I got done with my delicious breakfast, I was like SWEET MAPLE WHOO???? Stax breakfast blew my mind. When we walked in the hostess greeted us as if we were old friends that had not seen each other in 15 years, it was such a great feeling and not to mention AGAIN how GREAT the breakfast was. I waited all of 13.5 seconds, FANTASTIC!!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Review Source:I've been to Stax a few times for breakfast and lunch. I'm yet to order the same thing twice - and everything I've ordered so far has been delicious. Their waffles are PERFECT. Their breakfast potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and amazingly seasoned. They have a bacon corn chowder soup that is a meal in itself and my #1 recommendation. You won't be disappointed.
Review Source:Let me start with saying I like the food it really is good for a hangover brunch but even the best food does not make up for the worst service. If you are in the bathroom, outside or not in sight when they call your name they give away your reservation no questions asked. When you order a juice or coffee you need to remind them multiple times that you are still waiting because they tend to forget. If you do go the meat skillet is big enough for two hungover people.
Review Source:I still think the Bongo Room is the best place I've had breakfast in Chicago so far but this place was pretty great. It even had gluten-free pancakes. Their sweet and savory servings are delicious and filling. Coffee was from Intelligentsia, so of course it was pretty baller. Basically, you could do a lot worse than going here. I know a lot of folks go to the Sweet Maple Cafe down the street but this is frankly on par (and the wait is less pronounced). Eat it up!
Review Source:Every time my boyfriend and I have been to Stax, we have had quick (slightly rushed, but they've always been packed) and excellent service, with just really great fresh food. Their eggs Benedict is delicious. On our last trip, I had the caprese, which was super fresh and well rounded and he had the tuna sliders- ridiculously good. We love this place. The prices are also very reasonable for the quality of the food.
Review Source:Taylor street has many eating establishments.
Breakfast is a tough market in Chicago, but there are some basics that are important.
I have been to Stax 4 times, 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
The pros
1. food is good--I haven't had any bad dishes here
2. servers always seem friendly
The cons
1. latte or Capu tastes like not enough coffee--you should be supplying 2 shots or maybe their coffee brewer is not using enough grinds--coffee seems far too weak to be Intelligentsia
2. Price--too too expensive!
Stax was extemely busy and noisey, which is to be expected on a Sunday morning/brunch time. Â The pancakes, chocolate chip, were about average, and hit the spot. Â Wait was about 15 minutes longer than what we were told, but that is okay. Â We eventually were seated at the bar by the kitchen. Â Coffee was average and my waitress did her best to keep my cup filled! Â She did extremely well given the crowd.
Review Source:5 of us were looking for breakfast on Saturday morning - Stax was the first place without an hour wait. The seating and coffee were quick and efficient - so the menu perusal started....where is my classic breakfast - 2 eggs over easy, sausage, hash browns and rye toast? Â This combo didn't exist in the collection of omelets, skillets and fancy egg dishes. So I ordered it ala carte - with no rye offered btw....but the chicken apple sausage was pretty good and I'm sure a lot healthier then the usual pork stuff I crave. Â The server was not friendly at all - the issue was she didn't even make an attempt. The prices are higher than the average breakfast place - but I think they are trying for the upscale breakfast biz. Â I say scale down the fanciness, attempt a smile and add some rye bread to the menu.
Review Source:Great brunch place in the neighborhood! Wonderful setup, and great menu to choose from. My favorite are the  mini waffles and fresh apple juice!!!
As with any other popular brunch place, expect a little wait. But it really is not too crazy here, as it would at other places like Yolk. Give it a try, can't go wrong! :)
After the fun Santa Hustle 5k, my friends and I were looking for a breakfast joint to grab a quick bite to eat. Â Located in the middle of Little Italy (near UIC), we arrived at Stax. Â This restaurant pride itself in offering a variety of entrees that focus on wholesome ingredients. Â From the half dozen pancakes to the half dozen waffles to all the different omelets and skillets, Stax's variety will not disappoint. Â Overall, the food has great flavor, but there is always some part of the dish that just doesn't work. Â Whether it is over seasoning or being heavy handed on random ingredients, the dishes can't be labeled the best. Â The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and very welcoming. Â They staff is awesome and the location is great, especially for college students. Â Prices are what I consider average for brunch.
Review Source:Mmmm brunch. My absotutely positively favoritest meal ever. Stax does a goodjob with your standard fair. I like the fact that some of their entrees come with mini waffles/pancakes, as it satisfies my desire for sweet and savory without making my belly explode. The food is basic with some creative spins, and is essentially what you'll see at  any brunch place these days. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing however. Stax does most of it right (potatoes were a bit underseasoned). I've had their artichoke spin on an eggs benny, as well as their veggie skillet. Both were pretty tasty! The coffee is great, and so is the service. Some of the nicest people I have encountered at any restaurant here in the city!
Review Source:Sunday breakfast means another bowl of oatmeal. Â My friend and I came here on a buzy, warm Sunday. Â The place was slammed, wait was around 25 minutes and all the employees seemed calm.
We were seated at the bar and were able to watch the cooks do their thing. Â I enjoyed watching them. Â My oatmeal was topped with cooked cinnamon apples. Â It was delicious!! Â One of the better bowls of oatmeal I have eaten. Â My friends chocolate chip pancakes that looked outstanding.
Our waitress was great. Â Very patient and personable. Â She took her time with each table, was timely with refills and never seemed overwhelmed with the crowds. Â She deserves 5 stars. Â Yes, I will be back.
In an attempt to get breakfast at Sweet Maple Cafe on Taylor, we ended up at Stax. I do not like writing poor reviews but i'm simply being honest.
This immediately struck me as a standard, run of the mill breakfast place. Â It's stark inside, no real character but we were pretty hungry. Â The breakfast menu is ok, nothing too special. Â Our server was not friendly, at all. Â My omlet was basic, the potatoes were just regular potatoes....nothing stuck out at all. Â I should have gone with pancakes instead of an omlet as they had a few options that sounded delicious and my boyfriend said the pancakes that came with his skillet were pretty good. Â Our server spilled coffee in my boyfriend's skillet, thankfully not in his lap, and she brought us our check while we were still eating. For almost $40, including tip, for breakfast i should have had friendly service and a super tasty plate of food and I didn't have either one. Â
We were pretty disappointed and we will not be returning. Â Sweet Maple Cafe will be worth the wait next time.
Love this place. I have probably been there at least 3 times in the past month. I try to get something new each time (egg & cheese sandwiches, waffles, ham, burger..).
I like that you can get smaller portions such as a side of waffles so you can mix and match. The fresh squeezed orange juice is always a must.
The last time I went was on a busy Sunday morning. I would recommend going on a weekday. We had to sit at the bar and there was not enough space. My friend and I frequently had to pass the people next to us their food/check.
Was recommended this place by my husband so took a friend from out of town here to eat this morning. The interior looks pretty nice on the inside compared to the outside. I was surprised because I always drive past but never stopped in.
Portion sizes are large but well cooked. I had a custom omelet with breakfast potatoes which were cooked just right. Not salty, not bland either. My omelet was flavorful with chedder cheese/ham and spinach. Had a large glass of fresh blended orange juice. Also came with a side of mini fluffy pancakes.
Host was a male. All pleasantries. Server was pleasant and efficient. Â
I liked it. Maybe I just came at a good time. Would come back.
The only place for sappy (aka unripened) bananas! Â Banana French Toast with Dulce de Leche is a waste of money. Â Dulce de leche is MIA -- no sweetness, no brown color either. Â Ingredients are not organic?
With a spacious venue, Server still manages to invade your personal space. Â When that happens, don't move!
I hope the Steak N' Eggs, and Brisket Hash are better options. Â With the sighting of a scary mega portion 3 pc pancake, I believe Stax's menu sounds better printed than food sampling.
Stax does have mega portions and nice venue. Â Taste....good luck.
My sister and I stopped in here before an appointment at Rush and I was impressed. Â It was relatively early on Friday morning and there were just a couple other tables in the restaurant. Â The service was quick which was perfect because we were cutting it close on time.
They have freshly squeezed orange juice which is always a highlight for me - seriously could have drank a couple more glasses of it! Â I had the Chorizo and Poblano Frittata and it was very good. Â It came with breakfast potatoes and a side of toast (or you could get pancakes or waffles). Â I love me some spicy food and while this didn't have as much kick as I usually like it was a good flavor. Â My sister has the breakfast wrap and she said it was fine...and tastes like most breakfast wraps at restaurants. Â
Overall a nice breakfast place and I would come back if I was in the area.
I don't know how this place doesn't have at least four stars!!! IT IS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. The mini waffles that come as a side (if you choose) are sooooo fluffy, soft, heavenly! The fresh squeezed red grape juice is the best juice/beverage I have ever had IN MY LIFEEE. The fresh juice is a MUST GET. The banana peanut butter chocolate chip pancake is PERFECTION!
I wish I was from Chicago so I could go back and try everything else!!!!
In a sunny afternoon, I wanted to treat myself with some omelet. I happened to pass by Stax Cafe, and figured maybe I should give them a try.
The interior looked better than what it seemed from outside. It looked clean and organized. The environment was relaxing. I thought I got into the right place.
Unfortunately, that was the end of it. It turned out I was completely mistaken.
I ordered the Spanish Harlem with mini waffles, and cranberry juice. I noticed their prices were generally higher than Yolk, so I was certainly hoping for some badass omelet.
Heck, I didn't even know what I was eating after finishing the goddamn thing. Let's see.. Egg definitely. I saw some green peppers, and onions.. What else? It just tasted so bland. There's no character. The accompanying potato was mediocre at best. Some chunks were a little too salty. I can make such omelet with confidence, but hey, this place charged me $10.
I ordered the juice because their menu said it's freshly made. Guess what? It tasted just like Ocean-freaking-Spray. I felt duped!
What really ticked me off was the server's attitude. Not even a slight smile, and it's a weekend. Before I even finished 2/3 of my food, my check was placed on the table. Did you really want me to disappear asap, even though I was supporting your business when not even half of your seats were taken?!
The hostess lacked of courtesy as well. No 'Thank you' or 'Have a good one', just pure indifference.
So basically I spent $14 on something bland as hell, and shitty attitudes.
Yeah, I think one star is actually quite a compliment to this sort of douchebaggery.
The service was great. The decor and cleanliness is top-notch. We both liked our breakfast. No expenses spared on the coolness factor and decor of this place.
The but, why only 4 stars? I don't know, but I didn't leave thinking about my meal and when I could get back again. I would eat here again, but maybe try a more simplified breakfast. Sometimes I don't like those real gourmet things for breakfast.
Kinda pricey. Didn't see the specials board until after I had ordered, and waitstaff didn't mention it.
My husband and I went here with our daughter on a Sunday morning. Â We only waited about 15 minutes which isn't to bad for a Sunday. Â The hostesses were not the nicest people. Â They didn't smile or really even greet us when we came in. Â They told us our table was ready and asked if we needed a high chair but we told her we travel with our own (the kind that clamps to the table) and she rolled her eyes at us... :(. Â Anyway, I ordered the banana chocolate chip peanut butter pancakes and me and my daughter loved them. Â My husband ordered the parma prosciutto and he said it was amazing. Â The waitress was very nice and was making our daughter smile and giggle which was cute. Â All in all, I would go there again and hope the hostesses were a little more friendly this time..
**We did return a second time and again the hostesses were not happy people. Â Why work at a busy restaurant on the weekend and be mean? Â People go out for breakfast and brunch to enjoy themselves. Â You are the first impression, don't make the place feel cold, just sayin. Â Anyway, I ordered the spiro omlet and it was just ok. Â The husband ordered the spanish harlem. Â Ehh, I still say Meli has great omlet's so maybe I'll stick with pancakes when if we return to Stax...
Stax to the max!
Ok, not QUITE to the max...but definitely deserving a bump to 4-stars. I still think it may be on the pricey side, but our breakfast for 2 on this particular Sunday afternoon rounded out to about $30, a much better price point.
My omelette with prosciutto, mozzarella, peppers and potatoes with a side of mini-waffles came to $10.50, plus coffee and an OJ. My dining compatriot a Coke and oatmeal waffles.
The service was quick and efficient, the space was clean and shiny per usual...and I feel like they've hit a groove. Nice spot in Little Italy/Tri-Taylor...and appropriately crowded for a late lunch around 130pm on a Sunday.
And the mini-waffles were a great choice as a side dish. :)
Solid brunch spot. Â Clean interior. Â Came at noon on a Sunday and was seated right away for a table of 2. Â Standard fair of brunch food...nothing too crazy or unique. Â
Lumberjack skillet was a good portion with a ton of meat (ham, bacon, sausage)..actually might be too much meat. Â On the other end of the spectrum is the Veggie skillet with a ton of veggies. Â This was probably better than the grease laden Lumberjack. Â Comes with your choice of mini-pancakes, mini-waffles or toast. Â Had the mini-waffles which was good, but nothing too special.
Visited here several times. Â Juice is usually quite good, but they've had trouble with their food quality. Â Some days the pancakes are great. Â Other days they taste terrible. Â Some visits the service is quite good and other days we've been blamed for suggesting the pancakes taste funny. Â To be very sure, the manager tried to blame my guest for having a poor palate and insisted his pancakes were perfect. Â They might have been perfect, but they still tasted funny.
Regardless, it is good to have another breakfast spot along Taylor, but they really need to ratchet up their game to compete with SM, which is always worth the wait. Â
Good place for children and larger groups, but  you might have to wait.
3.5 stars.
I like to have brunch on a Saturday morning once in a while, and we went to this place several times. Â I generally liked their food (usually omelet), but somehow not convinced to give them 4 stars (it's just my opinion). Â I like the ambience (typical clean brunch place), and TV always helps me with the sports update (ESPN's on all the time). Â My opinion might change after some more visits. Â If that happens I will update.
So charming and adorable. Stax reminds me a bit of my cozy undergraduate coffee shop with a touch of gentrification.
Brunch wait was decent 30 mins ish although they don't take reservations. Â
Generous free Intelligentsia refills. Fresh squeezed juices were phenomenal. Â Classic Benedict was really yummy. Â Chocolate chip bacon pancakes were decent but I had envisioned fatty bacon mixed into the pancake batter and instead it was more a sprinkling of bacon on top. Â
Some other delicious looking things I saw other people order were: The egg skillet (huge and hearty looking), Peach french toast (looked ammmazing) and mini waffles (so cute and appetizing).
So happy that there's a trend-setting delicious breakfast/lunch place on Taylor Street that I can go to every day of the week if I want! Their fresh juices are so wonderful...and the menu has sweet and savory choices fit for small and larger appetites. And mini waffles or pancakes on the side?? YES PLEASE!
I know this place is super crowded (especially in the summer months) but it's definitely worth the wait. The ambiance is bright and cheery and service has always been a pleasure as well.
Can't wait to go back!
Third times a charm. Â
It was time to change up my old faithful Spiro omelet order I keep falling back on. Â I decided to jump in with both feed and go with something completely different. Â I went with the oatmeal waffles with apples and cinnamon. Â They did not disappoint. Â I love a good fluffy waffle, lightly crisp on the outside and airy and soft on inside. Â I only just wish there were more apples because the hubby kept stealing them! Â He went with his good old standby, the Harlem omelet...yes, it's just that good.
We had a really good server this time too, which never hurts the rating. Â
FYI, soda comes in a bottle. Â Which our server was happy to exchange for me after the bottle landed in front of me.
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