Valois

Chicago
Breakfast Spot
$$$$

This cafeteria-style diner has been around since 1921 and is a favorite of Hyde Park’s most famous resident, President Obama. Valois serves quintessential greasy spoon American food all day long, but breakfast is the highlight. The menu includes a list of Obama's favorites, and Favorite #1 (NY steak & eggs) comes highly recommended. The counter-service spot is cheap but cash-only.

Monday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

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For more than a century, Valois has been perfecting the art of the cafeteria in Hyde Park. A far cry from the cafeterias of your high school lunches, though, this is the kind of cafeteria that commands diehard regulars like President Obama. One step within these hallowed walls makes the legacy clear: this family-run institution is the realest of deals. In operation since 1921, and stubbornly still cash-only, Valois has gone through three families of ownership (current owners have been behind the stick since 1971), all of whom adhering to time-tested recipes utilizing wholesome ingredients and heartwarming Americana. The always-bustling breakfast and lunch joint keeps it classic with timeworn dishes like steak and eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast, Reuben sandwiches, patty melts, hot turkey sandwiches, and Greek salads, all doled out in hulking portions on cafeteria trays. Make sure to save room on said tray for dessert—the rice pudding, peach cobbler, and homemade Jell-O are not to be missed.
How to book: Reservations are not available, but walk-ins are always easy and convenient.

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Monday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

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