Whenever I go to Hyde Park I always say I'm going to try something different but I always just end up going here. I got addicted to this place when I was attending Kenwood highschool. I always get a bacon and cheese omelette or the baked chicken. I love this place. Sometimes the employees can get a little impatient with you which is why I'm not giving that 5th star.
Review Source:LOOOOOVE Valois. I am lucky enough to live in the neighborhood. Â Being a grad student, the price is right. Â If you come often enough they start treating you like a regular, which I guess I am. I'm usually solo and don't get any pity looks for that fact, but rather feel the respect I deserve for being cool with eating alone. Â Except you're not eating alone, because seated around you are nice, happy, friendly and dare I say interesting folks. Â The food by the way is solid. Â Love the turkey sausage, pancakes and french toast. Â The potatoes are yummy and crispy as well. Â The ham and cheese omelet is pretty old school, the way my mom would make it. The Obama thing is a plus, not the motivator. Â Go.
Review Source:We were staying in Hyde Park for a few days and were told we HAD to check out Valois. Apparently it's President Obama's favorite place to eat when he's home.
We were told it's fast-paced, cash-only, and to know what we wanted before stepping up to the plate. It was the weekend of Lollapalooza so we just assumed it would be super packed. Luckily, it wasn't horribly busy. We walked in, looked over the menu, stepped up and ordered, paid and sat down.
That's when it hit us: We had both ordered a breakfast plate, a biscuit on the side, juice AND coffee...for $8. Hell. Yes.
It was also super delicious. They made these simple breakfast meals incredibly tasty and it felt even better going down knowing it hadn't left a hole in our wallet.
Next time we're in town, we'll definitely be back.
This place is really reasonable. Nothing special. To be honest, the whole time I was here, I was just trying to avoid getting yelled at (per Yelp reviews). But we went at 1pm on a Thursday, and there was no line, so everyone seemed to be in a pretty tolerant mood.
I got the steak omelette for about $6.80. It was fine!
I think this is a good place if you're in the area, but not really anything worth going out of the way for! The Obama factor is the only thing that stands out, and only for a fleeting moment...
Wednesday lunch at Valois (a.k.a. Greek chicken day) is like stepping into Season 2 of THE WIRE. You get big tables of Greeks, plainclothes cops, and southside politicians. (If only Chicago had stevedores...) But unlike on THE WIRE, everybody is just chatting with each other and being real friendly.
Valois is great, and an incredible bargain. Â Can't say enough good things about this place!
What an experience! Â I got looked at funny, yelled at, choices were questioned and they only took cash! I can't wait to return!
Valois is by UChicago, in Hyde park. It is cash only, and you walk up and get a tray, cafeteria style. Everything is cheap. You can get the Obama special's, or really whatever breakfast food, steak or sandwhich you feel like. We got breakfast foods and the guy at the counter yelled directions at me (not in a mean way, of course). I can't help looking like an out of place tourist sometimes, okay?
They also acted upset with me that I didn't want 3 pats of butter with my oatmeal, and my dining companion did not want anything to drink or any grits to go with his eggs. This was all fine, I was mesmerized by watching a kitchen like that work- omelettes made instantly, pancakes ready to go, people calling out orders, women offering what's next for your breakfast meal. There isn't anything like this from where I'm from.
The food was solid and tasty. Not too greasy, and the hashbrowns actually tasted like thinly sliced fresh potatoes. Eggs not overcooked and breakfast meats not rubbery. 2 cafeteria trays full of food and OJ? Around $12. Sold.
I recently went for an appointment in Hyde Park and wanted breakfast when I was done and I walked into Valois and knew that it sounded familiar.
After I walked in and saw the sign with the Obama specials I knew why it sounded familiar.
I ordered the Pancake Obama Special. I was new to this style of ordering cafeteria style and I loved it. The people behind the counter were great, very friendly and helpful. Everything was made fast too. My order had 2 huge pancakes , eggs, and sausage. My food tasted so good and I was so stuffed when I was done.
The prices are very affordable!
Overall it was a great experience.
Thank you Valois for making my morning on Wednesday! I will definitely be coming back.
There really isn't anything I don't like about Valois. The cafeteria format is plain cool, the cooks and workers are fast and friendly, you get loads of hot, homestyle food for an amazing price. They have plenty of seating and they have staff to bring you water when you sit down. The food is American, with some southern mixed in (think bacon, eggs, grits). Valois has a home-like feel to the whole place, the food, the workers, the patrons. There are paintings of the city all around, not to mention lots of articles about President Obama when he used to call this place one of his favorites.
Review Source:First off, come here for breakfast. Â Dinner/Lunch is all right- the hamburger steak was strangely tasty- but breakfast is where Valois really shines. Â Everything is quick, cheap, and usually delicious. Â Get a bacon omelet, a steak omelet, or if you're really hungry, steak and eggs. Â For a UChicago student, show them your ID and you get a huge breakfast for under 5 bucks. Â You can't beat that, especially in Hyde Park. Â Plus it opens at 5 in the morning. Â After being out all night, partying, studying, whatever, getting a hot breakfast from Valois is the light at the end of the tunnel. Â That said, I usually find their food under-seasoned, so try it, then typically you'll reach for the salt and/or pepper. Â But that's fine, you can season to your liking. Â
Now, Valois isn't flashy. Â It's a great neighborhood place. Â Portions are big, and the preparation is unassuming. Â
One complaint- coffee refills are not free.
And if you're too cheap to get a drink and decide to stick with water, grab a few glasses because they use those tiny diner glasses that a normal person needs three of to quench a thirst.
Surprisingly good. Â For the price, I would have been happy if it were just okay, but it was actually pretty good. Â The boyf loves their Greek chicken (they only have it on Wednesdays), and I was really happy with the tenderloin tips (which they also call pepper steak...it's basically sort of potroasty with gravy and bell peppers). Â Is it a little sloppy? Â Well sure. Â But it's really very enjoyable, and it's lots of food for the price. Â
Both of our meals were $6.25 each. Â I got a very generous portion of tenderloin tips over noodles (you can also get it over rice), a side of veggies (today they had green beans, corn, or spinach), and a biscuit. Â The boyf's Greek chicken came with Greek potatoes, and then also veggies and a biscuit. Â Sodas are like $1. Â Way more food than we could finish for like $16, plus a couple bucks for a tip left on the table. Â Okay, so the biscuits are a bit dry...whatever, man. Â Dig.
Well Park 52 was randomly closed for Labor day weekend and Les Fler de Leis looked a little sketchy. So we tried this restaurant on a whim and happened to have cash. We got the #3 I think with pankcakes, turkey bacon, and scrambled eggs and Orange Juice. I thought the meal was really tasty for the price.
Review Source:Good, hearty cafeteria fare. We went for dinner, so I'll still need to try the vaunted breakfast by which Obama swears. The prices are really great, almost unbelievably so. I ordered the roast beef plate, which came with 2 sides: broccoli (average) and rice with gravy (good). The beef was quite tender, and the bread that came with it was truly excellent. My wife ordered the baked chicken dinner and cleaned that bird of all its meat. Mashed potatoes and gravy were a hit with her, but I do have to admit that the green beans she ordered were average. We got all this and 2 lemonades for $16!
Value: 5 stars
Relative quality of food: 3.5-4 stars
It's a cafeteria done correctly. Certainly a great place to get cheap, tasty food fast. To be honest, if the prices were higher, I would give it 3 stars, but they are so reasonable that the value pulls the overall rating up to a 4.
Think you're going to saunter to the counter and casually choose what you want to order? Think again or be embarrassed attempting to do so.
You may want to have your order ready to fire off to the glacial-mustached-order taker behind the counter. They do have lines stretching out the door, so I get it. Their main objective is to keep the line moving and to get you served, as soon as DISRESPECTFULLY possible.
The food is pretty moderately priced, cooked to order and they are pretty fast. I've never eaten breakfast here and been dissatisfied with the quality of the food, never! It's a pretty good breakfast spot on the who's who street of eateries in Hyde Park, 53rd street.
SN: If you ever get the food to go, you're in for a real treat. The 6'2" 275 lb cashier exudes the warmth of fresh ice, the mobility of slightly dried cement and a voice that makes "unenthused" and "flaccid" seem energetic.
Overall, Valois is a pretty good spot to enjoy in the a.m.
This place is AMAZING. I've been here numerous times, and every time I am blown away by the quality of the food and the attitude of the staff. The portions are *very* generous (my friends and I like to call it, 'all you want to eat').
The restaurant itself is great too, well-decorated with paintings of Hyde Park landmarks. When my buddies and I swing by for dinner, we're usually some of the last customers so we always get to chat with the staff while they're closing up.
The patrons are a nice mix of students and locals, which is nice compared to some other restaurants in the area. Overall, a fantastic place to eat.
Dishes I've had here: BBQ ribs, Steak (T-Bone, NY), Eggs & Bacon.
Remember to bring cash, although they also have an ATM inside.
In lieu of the nice weather, we decided to head to Hyde Park to try out a new breakfast place. Â The Downtown / Gold coast breakfast scene was getting old...
I am rating Valois only on its breakfast:
Well lets just say we will not being going out of our way to go to Valois.
I get it... Obama comes here and the "interesting cafeteria style" adds to the interesting factor - but maybe he went there for the convenience factor and not because the food was good.
Pro's
It was an inexpensive breakfast. ($14 for 2 people)
Plenty of seating.
Long lines move quickly.
The pancakes were just okay for a basic pancake.
Con's
4 tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny glasses of water for 2 people... just doesn't make sense?
The price is reflected based on the quality of the food.
Valois just isn't our cup of tea... I found myself dreaming of splitting a skillet at Tempo, the rich coffee of Yolk, the biscuits at Wishbone, the awesomeness that is Flo's, and the wonderful people watching at Howard Johnson (Cafe Luna). Â
Overall, it was great to get out of the downtown area.
Also, since we rode our scooter there (with dog in a bag) we had brought our bagged dog in. Â Had I not unzipped it to give her a tiny piece of toast we would of had a nice quiet breakfast. Â One woman spotted it and announced to everyone "NO WONDER I BE SNEEZIN'" and caused a huge raucous. Â She was on the other side of the restaurant so it was damn near impossible that her sneezing was from my dog, a Havanese. Â I tried explaining to her that my dog was hypo-allergic and was in a dog carrying bag that was zipped closed... but she continued to blab her mouth. Â The woman did not sneeze once, she just wanted to cause trouble.
This did not  make a bland breakfast any better.
Most of what drives this place's popularity is one man: Barack Obama. The President used to be a regular here when he served as state senator and law professor at the University of Chicago. Valois had done a marvelous job marketing itself after this fact.
The food is not bad. The potatoes and salad are bland, but the meat plates like ribs and chicken are full of soul flavor and southern hospitality. I recommend this place for lunch, but no so much for dinner.
If it's your first time in Hyde Park and want to explore Obama-related spots, I recommend Morri's Deli too on 55th street. Â Otherwise, Valois will do just fine.
You say Val-oyz. I say Vahl-wa. I can't help it. Once a French major, always a French major. Moi, Je m'appelle "Jacques Tutite."
Now there may be any number of cafeteria style places where you can get breakfast and other treats here in Chicago, but I'm sure none are exactly like Valois. It's like a combination of Henry Ford assembly line efficiency, Central Casting where the people behind the counter are concerned ( where did they get those great Old Greek guys?) and production values only a Jack Welch could appreciate. Add to that the calm, academic and culturally diverse vibe that is Hyde Park. You have a winning formula.
I brought a young newcomer here after a little tour of the area and an attempt to get a glimpse of President Obama's local pad. It just seemed to make sense to hit his favorite breakfast haunt. The line was back to the front door when we walked in, and it moved quite rapidly. Obama's favorites are prominently displayed. I opted for the two eggs, two pancakes, two bacon ($5.75) and my guest opted for a Greek Salad($5.95). There must be at least 10 people behind the counter, each assigned their role. They work was fast and fluid, assembling our meals, getting our beverages, and utensils, and delivering  H-2-O. All with a smile. All that stuff I usually hate about cafeterias AND they bus your table. So there is no knocking about with other patrons or separating trash from the dinnerware. Big points for that in my book. Â
Audrey and I commented that Valois would make a great movie scene location as we consumed our very decent, very fresh breakfast fare and salad. The Greek Salad, by the way, looked as if it had been created by an art major-quite visually appealing as well as tasty. All in all. as has been stated, a great value, and for me one of those Chicago experiences that cannot be replicated.
For me in Hyde Park, it will always be "pourquoi pas Valois?"
Fantastic breakfast value. Â The pancakes and hash browns are are delicious. Â The service is no-nonsense, polite, and efficient. Â It's a clean and inexpensive place to have a very good meal (especially breakfast). Â It's also an institution in Hyde Park, so it's worth taking people from out-of-town.
LEAVE A DOLLAR OR TWO ON THE TABLE WHEN YOU GO! Â
There is no table service, per se, but folks bring water when you sit down and clear your dishes and wipe the table when you leave.
At first glance this place looks like a restaurant with a cafeteria feel, but once you take a bit of the food all reservations go out the window. Â I was only here for breakfast, but the portion were generous and the food was fantastic. Â I highly recommend the potato hash browns and pancakes. Â
Large portions + Cheap prices + Good food = One happy stomach :)
Valois makes Hyde Park bearable. This efficient cafeteria-style restaurant offered up options that were at least "yummy."
I had the French toast, sausages and hashbrowns with a coffee on the side. The coffee, while mediocre, sated my early morning (11am) desire for coffee, while the french toast and hashbrowns were spot-on with minimal greasiness and maximal deliciousness.
I was in the neighborhood for work yesterday and ended up at this place for lunch. I had never heard of it or been in the area so had no real expectations. First thing I noticed though was the awesome prices, everything is CHEAP! It is cafeteria style so you just grab a tray and move through the line. The employees are very friendly and helpful. Also, this place is cash only so be prepared.
I went with the baked chicken special which is $5.95. I got a huge piece of delicious juicy chicken, a side of boiled potatoes (or mashed), choice of biscuit or bread, and a cup of veggies (green beans, brocolli, or corn on the cob). I also got a can of soda and the price came out to just under $8. Great deal for a huge meal. The chicken was fantastic, and the cornbread was sooo tasty. I ate way too much and left super satisfied.
I definitely recommend this place for a cheap, no frills meal that stills tastes scrumptious. They had a pretty expansive menu, breakfast is served most of the day, and they had some awesome looking dessert options. I'll definitely try this place again. Yumm!
I was on the hunt for a brunch spot in Hyde Park and decided on Valois after reading the great reviews on Yelp. The parking in Hyde Park can be somewhat atrocious (sidebar - it's NOT free on Sundays... had to learn the hard way with a $50 tickets), but the food and service at Valois was worth the parking struggle. This is a cafeteria style restaurant and the service is prompt, the food good, and the prices extremely affordable.
The only drawbacks to this place would be the "cash only" policy and no fresh fruit (only half a cantalope).
Breakfast is served from 530a to 4pm
Needed to look for a place to eat before the UChicago graduation, so went here after finding it on Yelp! Very interesting setup (cafeteria style) where you order and find seats by yourself. Ordered everything on the list with Obama's favorites. The food was pretty good, and the service is pretty fast (bus girls come by to clean tables pretty quickly)
It's definitely not a place for those who expected this to be an elegant/extremely clean restaurant, so be warned!
Remember to leave a tip for the cleaners, and watch out for the homeless that occasionally comes in and steals the money (they took the tips the table next to us left)... To be safe, personally give your tips to the bus girls because they really deserve it :)
Apparently Mr. President himself is a regular patron -- and with good reason. For the price, you really can't get much better than this. It's probably one of my favorite places to go in Hyde Park, especially for breakfast. It has everything you want: eggs, toast, hash browns, and a variety of meats (STEAK, sausages, bacon, and more).
The lines are long, but they move quickly. The servers get the food out so promptly.
Basically...cheap, quick, and oh so good!
I can never figure out how to pronounce the name of this place. However, the fact that Obama has dined here pretty frequently made me a fan from the get-go when I moved to Hyde Park. It's a great place to bring visitors and brag about Hyde Park's "tourist" attractions. Only bad thing about bringing visitors - make sure you or they have cash b/c this place takes cash ONLY.
I've only had breakfast here. I really don't have any complaints about it. My and my hubby's fave thing to get for breakfast is the Sausage/Egg/Cheese sandwhich. It's like a McMuffin, but on wheat bread. Very tasty. You can also save money by just drinking the water they will automatically bring you upon sitting. You can also ask the nice ladies who serve you for anything else you need like extra silverware, napkins, syrup, etc. Don't feel shy about it! Also, if they do a good job, tip the ladies who help you out. Don't feel shy about that either. They do work for tips.
So, if you've never been here, here's the lowdown:
-Be ready to order once you get up to the counter or you may get a little Chicago-style attitude from the employees...
-This is a cafeteria-style place, so grab a tray and make your way...
-If you can't make up your mind, order from the Obama menu.
-The steak and eggs from the Obama menu is great and filling.
-Eggs/Hashbrowns are safe bets.
-The pancakes are a little different from your typical Bisquik, IHOP style. They are more whole-wheat, grainy tasting. You will either love them or hate them.
-Yes, this place is cheap overall. However, if your eyes are too big for your stomach, you can easily rack up a good size bill and not eat half of what you order.
-Their coffee is actually really good and comes with free refills.
-Oh yeah, they have Kool-Aid here, which is neat.
Very efficient place. If you are in Hyde Park, Valois is a must for breakfast before 4pm.
This place is RIGHT up my alley (figuratively not literally) If it was right down my alley, I would eventually weigh 600 lbs from eating here three times a day.
This place is a cafeteria plain and simple everything is prepared in plain view hence their slogan - "See your food". The joint was clean and well kept and the folks behind the counter were all very friendly and pleasant.
I ordered one of President Obama's favorites: The steak and eggs. Eggs, steak, hash browns and a choice of toast or biscuits. Let me start out by saying that you get a large portion of good food at a very reasonable price and the coffee is pretty darn good here too. The biscuits blew my mind. I was expecting buttermilk but they were HUGE corn muffin type biscuits. They were very good but since both biscuits were the size of a small loaf of bread I was unable to finish them both!
Since this place is within walking distance from the Museum of Science and Industry, I think that I am going to be making this my usual stop beforehand!
I loved the breakfast that I had there. I've only been once but had every intention of going back - just dont live in the neighborhood anymore.
Like another reviewer said: you better know what you want as soon as you get to the front of the line or you're gonna look like an idiot - and you'll piss peeps off!!
The time I went there was no difficulty in finding a table despite the flood of people, though I cant imagine that's always the case.
Overall, great breakfast (I had eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc) and bustling atmosphere.
There are two main types of patrons at Valois: the regulars and the haters. I've batted for both teams (get your mind out of the gutter).
The first time I tried Valois in 2003, it looked like a hospital cafeteria at night: eerily quiet, sterile, dead to the world. I stopped in randomly for a quick dinner. My meal consisted of some sort of boney fish (cod / tilapia) rice and beans...lackluster enough that I didn't return for another two years.
Then I discovered the error of my ways. Silly me. You don't go to Valois for lunch or dinner. You go for brunch. The establishment is hopping on weekend mornings, more resembling a rambunctious school cafeteria, replete with children and laughter. It is as greasy and good as they say, with thawed sweet strawberries in high fructose corn syrup (not fresh fruit, please, where do you think you are, a hotel?) for your french toast, eggs, biscuits, sausage, bacon, grits and syrupy love... you know, the works.
Just like Salonica, it's cheap enough that they ask you pay with cash only. Be quick about it - this place is an institution. You're eating by their rules. If you don't like it, go to OPH on 51st. The regulars will thank you for freeing up a table.
I love Valois like a family member. Â We've known each other a long, long time. I know its strengths and acknowledge its weaknesses. Â My love for this restaurant will never, ever die.
I adore: french toast, hash browns, eggs over hard on an english muffin.
I avoid: scrambled eggs and omelets (a little wetter than I prefer, plus they use american cheese in their omelets which I don't like). Pancakes can be a bit dry. Fruit topping on pancakes or french toast is not fresh fruit.
I love the ritual of this place. Waiting in line, being greeted, recognized and called "sweetheart" by the old Greek guys who run the place, placing my order and scooting my tray down the line with full faith that my completed order will land on my tray before I reach the cashier at the other end. Â The "toast or biscuits?" lady. Â The "something to drink?" lady. The fact that even though the restaurant is always packed I never have trouble finding a table or feel rushed to leave after eating. Â The tiny waters that magically appear on the table moments after sitting down.
They only take cash. Â The staff can be a little touchy if you don't know the routine-- make sure to take a tray, and be ready to state your order when you get up to the front of the line and a Greek guy in a paper hat shouts "NEXT!". Â Prepare to get hooked on this place-- I wake up on Sundays craving it now. The salt, the grease, the atmosphere-- there's nothing else like it.
This place is the bomb. Seriously. I love everything I have ever had here. My favorites are the spinach pies and roast beef sandwiches but everything is great. Hot and fresh. Â They have this bread you can get too - I don't know what it is - like a cross between white bread and a biscuit. Â Awesome. I have to drive out from the northwest side to get here (about an hour drive) but it's always worth it. Â
My mom has a tremor and bad arthritis and without her ever asking someone always pops out and carries her food to her table.
Interesting factoid about this place: I read an article in the Tribune about how many of the most groundbreaking sociological studies ever conducted at UofC took place at Valois. Â Apparently many of the older participants liked to take researchers from UofC to Valois while they were interviewed.
Valois is a fast paced cafeteria style restaurant that doesn't really allow new visitors to "See Their Food" before they order. You can tell this is a true local haunt cuz customers are expected to decide and move quickly once they hit the food ordering area.
So during my first visit, I was left to just scanning the menu on the wall and made an abrupt decision of getting simple over medium Eggs, Sausage and Hash Browns. While definitely not regrettable, once we moved down along the line, I finally saw their offerings and fell in love with this lone Chicken Pot Pie in a brown stone bowl with a huge muffin top style pie crust. Even though I pretty much convinced everyone behind the counter that I am a fat ass, I could not resist and ordered it anyway despite that they were already cooking a full breakfast for me on the grill.
All the items above came out to $9.58. Not only is this place cheap, the food is solid and trusty. Especially for super night owls who party all night long, they open at 5:30am.
P.S. If you like your French Toast ghetto style like me, as in ones that taste more like eggs than bread, Valois IS the place TO BE.
Greasy sandwiches and scary set up. I do not understand why people rave about this place. The food is mediocre at best and the facility is just scary. It resembles the prison cafeterias you see in movies.
I've lived in Hyde park for a long time and never really understood why the local people like this place.
I've never eaten breakfast here and may be that is why I don't appreciate the place. But, my lunch was horrible and dripping with grease.
This place is a great sociological phenomenon in an of itself (read Slim's Table by Mitchell Duneier, and you'll see what I mean). Whether you are black or white, a U of C professor or a working class African-American, this is a cafeteria that brings every race, class and gender together under one roof to enjoy great eats at a cheap price.
This establishment has been located in the heart of Hyde Park since the early 60's, and has always provided quality food at a great price. It's an amazing atmosphere, as you see different people from all walks of life enter into this restaurant, and suddenly begin chatting with one another. It's a friendly, clean atmosphere, and is the only place I know of in Chicago where I can get a FULL chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob for $5.75. You read that right, $5.75!!!
The two Greek brothers that have run this place or at least 25 years are still working as short-order cooks behind the counter and run the line with "Soup Nazi"-like precision.
This place is a Hyde Park staple, a south side favorite, and a historic Chicago gem. Harold Washington ate here frequently, so did former White Sox owner Bill Veeck. If it was good for them, than it's definitely good for you! Come "see your food", eat and enjoy!
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