Well, it's a diner with decent food. Very good omelets. So so prices. We did have a problem with a baked potato. Spoiled, black on inside and it was served opened....should have caught that! The replacement was undercooked so switched to some awesome steak fries. Fruit serving is a tiny slice of melon. It's a Greek place and you can't get pancakes instead of toast....what's with that? Service is not very good.
(3)
David Z.
I came here for a Sunday brunch and despite the buzzing atmosphere, we were all quickly seated. This is one of those classic diners. I hadn't been here before and I'm not in Chicago enough to know what to order, so in need of a filling breakfast, I went with the vegetarian skillet with scrambled eggs. We all ordered huge breakfasts and it came with a basket of toast. I'm not usually a toast fan, but there toast was actually pretty great (though how hard is it really to screw up toast?) Overall, it's a solid breakfast, but perhaps not great enough to return to immediately without checking out other downtown offerings!
(4)
Shaheen R.
One of my all time favorites, and I absolutely despise repeating restaurants, but this one is one of my very few exceptions. Things to know: this cafe is one of the very few 24/7 places with good food in all of Chicago. While the food quality will always be consistent, the type of atmosphere you encounter will depend on when you come! For example, let's say you're craving breakfast-- an spinach and feta omelet to be precise, at 11:30 PM on a Wednesday, or even 8 PM on a Friday night you will be greated by friendly staff, quick moving bussers and maybe only 3-4 other patrons in the entire restaurant. This type of time is my favorite time to come. The quickest service in the quietest atmosphere. Peak Times: HOWEVER, should you decide to come for breakfast during normal breakfast hours or even weekend brunch , be prepared to wait for a bit. The turnover is still relatively fast, and the wait is definitely worth it. Also, if you decide to come here when the bars close after 1-2 AM on friday-sunday, you're going to get a completely different crowd. Realize the bars have just closed and these are where you might find some of the patrons. Food will still be amazing, and the turnover still quick, but expect it to be packed full, and for it to be considerably louder. FOOD: Now while I cannot vouch for lunch/dinner options, I CAN vouch for their breakfast options. And dear lord are their breakfast options phenomenal. I haven't had a single dish that has failed to impress me. While all of their breakfast items are incredible, YOU GO HERE FOR THE OMLETS. I don't know what magic they put in these but if you try one you'll hear angels sing!!! The Spinach and Feta omelet is my all time favorite. 3 eggs with loads of baby spinach, and generous portions of fresh feta cheese atop a bed of thick cut, PERFECTLY golden brown sliced potatoes. When I say perfect, I mean PERFECT. like its got a crust of golden brown perfection. If you're the type of person whose reading this and going "big deal. omelets are omelets. They all taste the same no matter where I go, or if I make it at home" then you sir (or madam) have been deprived. I too was once deprived. I have NO idea how they prepare their omelets here, but they are the fluffiest, most flavorful omelets here!! You don't understand; I can't have omelets from anywhere else because Tempo has spoiled me and turned me into an omelet snob. All of their omelets are great-- If you're adventurous I highly suggest the Jamaican Omelet (honey, raisins, walnuts and I think I've added chicken sausage?), or even the Michigan omelet (swiss cheese and fresh apples!) A) I've also had their pancakes, eggs florentine, french toast, their skillets, and a ton of other dishes over the years that I know I'm forgetting by name. I cannot emphasize enough-- NONE HAVE EVER NOT IMPRESSED ME. B) No matter what dish you get, or what diet you're on (unless you're gluten free or allergic) GET. THE. GREEK. TOAST. I don't care if you don't like white bread, or if you think thicker cut bread is weird. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It will change your life. I don't know what magic is in this bread, but the combination of the taste, with the cut, and the generous serving of toasted sesame seeds embedded into the crust will make you hear angels sing. Servers: Even if you haven't been here in months, or for a particular stretch of time for me, a year and a half, they will always remember you and greet you with a smile. Notes: 1) Turnover is meant to be fast. Despite there being power outlets you won't be allowed to utilize them 2) Once upon a time they were cash only. That has since changed, and they take credit cards. TL;DR: Greek toast. Greek toast. Greek Toast. Omelets. Omelets. Omelets. Quick turnover, open 24/7. SUPER busy on weekends for brunch, and can become crazy when the bars close. No matter what time you go the wait is relatively short because turnover is quick and food is HANDS DOWN WORTH IT. They take cards (once upon a time cash only), but this is not the place to plug in your laptop to work.
(5)
Nneka I.
I was drunk and the food still wasn't good. The service was okay, hence the two stars.
(2)
Sarah R.
I came to grab a late brunch around 3:30 one day. I walked in and was asked if I wanted to sit inside or out. I originally said inside, and the lady at the front said to sit anywhere that I wanted. It was very dead inside. I sat down in a booth, and then realized how cold it was in there. So I got up and said I would rather sit outside. I sat close to the sidewalk, out of the way on the patio. Maybe that was a bad idea because I was hidden or something. Let me go on... My waitress brought me coffee that I ordered and immediately asked if I was ready to order. I've had this experience a lot lately at restaurants. It makes me feel very rushed, so I end up ordering the first thing that I see, which happened to be an omelet with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese. I opted for egg whites instead, which was $1.75 extra (wow. Most places have it for $1 extra, if that....). I chose wheat toast, dry, and fruit instead of hashbrowns. My food came out rather fast. The omelet was very tasty. The toast came with an orange marmalade that was made in house. I was NOT a fan. It tasted like an orange rind, to me.... So I scraped it off and used the blueberry spread. Let's talk about the fruit........you get ONE TINY SLIVER of honeydew or cantaloupe. ONE. I asked and my server even said that it was one or the other...really?? Ok.... I had to ask another server for coffee a few times, which I know is annoying. I'm a server, and it's annoying when customers ask me to do something when I'm not their server. HOWEVER, my server was very MIA, so I had to ask someone else. When my bill came out, it was a handwritten ticket...I'm not sure HOW they charged me $17.15, but I was charged that much for an omelet and coffee...I didn't argue because I had places to be, but nowhere on the ticket did it say how much each "up charge" was. Or even what I was up charged for. If I was charged extra for the ONE sliver of honeydew, I will laugh. Literally laugh. Yeah, the omelet was delicious, but there are far better breakfast places....
(2)
Bernie C.
I was walking around the Mag Mile on a Saturday morning and didn't want to have the standard breakfast provided by the Hampton Inn and I found this little charming old school diner. Apparently, they are open 24/7, which is great. I ordered the Intercontinental plate, which had chicken liver and onions, a massive portion of fluffy scrambled eggs, some hash potatoes and Greek toast (white sesame bread) with homemade marmalade. The eggs were good, but were bland so I had to add salt and ketchup. The liver was decent and an ample the portion. The best/most unique part though was the Greek toast with their homemade marmalade. It was delicious. Overall, this seems like a great place for your hangover or big breakfast.
(3)
Brandon V.
I gave Tempo another go today, after several years away. I've updated to three stars because they do now accept credit cards, and I believe that the soft drink refills are now free. However, the food and service was still mediocre at best, and still overpriced. I don't think I'll find myself here again.
(3)
Lisa S.
We always have brunch here while in Chicago. We always share an omelet because they are huge! Consistently great food and service! If you're coming on a weekend, be prepared to wait in line, but it's well worth it!
(4)
David H.
Very good food, large portions quick service. Some people enjoyed their food more than others (see pic).
(5)
Candice S.
Terrible food today. We waited nearly 45 minutes for our food to come out. When it arrived the eggs were so overcooked they were browned and dry. My boyfriend's scrambler was supposed to have 4 cheeses which it didn't have any, and his eggs were flat and browned too.. Clearly our food was forgotten about on the grill and when we sent it back the waitress question, "it's burned?" Anyways we will not return. We will save our breakfast meals when in town for wild berry cafe or yolk!
(1)
Tracy T.
My guilty pleasure hangover location after a late night and too many adult beverages. This time was after a friends wedding ,we packed the car and figured we would fill up before heading home. found a parking spot pretty quick and got our name on the list...... 10 -15 minutes promised. took closer to 30 minutes.......... the staff was not turning over and cleaning tables as quick as i remember from my last visit a couple of years ago. The food was as i remembered, a slice of orange and a prune to start with a bottomless coffee. I dined on the 3 eggs western omelet in the skillet with a side of slightly burned hash browns and rye toast. My man went the full carb route... french toast and hash browns... not burnt..... He shared :) Hangover fading....! A plus is they now take credit cards. I will give them another try next time in the city, Tempo Cafe and i have history.... but give me a realistic seating time and let me decide if i want to wait or move on .............
(3)
Mike Q.
My visit to this restaurant was ok. I usually don't like to be negative. But the service was really slow. There was a lot of empty dirty tables in lobby and we had to wait for them to get cleaned to be seated. And then once seated, another 15 minutes until our order was taken. Now as far as food, my corned beef hash with eggs was ok. Not what I was expecting for the price or reputation this place has. My first visit was not too tempting for a second!
(2)
Tim K.
Omelettes in stainless steel skillets (with a handle!) are a cool idea, and you should come here and eat one. Truly a diner/cafe with great windows, great atmosphere, and lots of smiles. You will not find here those icky diner things (e.g. greasy floors and food, gross tables and and dinnerware, sweaty and always-urgent service). Instead, you'll find that diner comfort food that makes everyone happy, breakfast, lunch and dinner and every time in between. Eat here because the experience and value for your money is well-balanced and satisfying.
(3)
Emily O.
We stayed at the Talbott Hotel which was just a block from this little cafe. When we arrived the cafe was almost empty and we were starting to second guess our decision to eat here. I ordered the Banana, strawberry, blueberry waffles. Fruit was fresh and sweet and my waffle was pressed into the shape of a flower. The waffle was fluffy and had a nice crust to it. Syrup and butter was not needed due to the delicious fruit. Their coffee is what you would expect from a diner. It was good, nothing to rave about. By the time we left the placed was packed and there was a line out on the sidewalk. Really glad we stopped here and hit it on such perfect timing so we didn't wait long for seating or food.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Great choice for a solid meal that won't dissapoint. My favorite thing to get is the turkey salad--- superb! Moderately priced, great service and plenty of options make this a good choice for a delicious breakfast or lunch!
(4)
Christopher H.
Went here on the recommendation of the hotel clerk when we were looking for a nice place to grab breakfast. We roamed on over on a rather gorgeous Sunday morning and expected the place to be very busy. Much to our delight, we were seated outdoors instantly; if we'd have been about 20 minutes later, we'd have been stuck waiting. It's all about great timing, right? The hostess had all the personality in the world, and our server was very friendly. The menu is mostly classic diner food, but really - what's wrong with that? The French toast was very tasty. And the poor man's skillet I had, with all sorts of hashy-goodness (if I can create a word) underneath a bed of 4 cheese and 3 over easy eggs? That's just heaven in a skillet if you ask me! And all told breakfast was around $28.00. Can't beat that! We'll be back!
(4)
Kim L.
In my humble opinion Tempo Cafe is a much needed diner in this neighborhood. I mean, who doesn't love a diner with familiar dishes and big portions? I was happy that the hotel where I'm staying directed me here when I asked where I could have a kid-friendly big breakfast. This is a good ol' diner prefect for big plates of eggs, hash browns & toast. They have a few fresh squeezed juice options which is a nice touch. A definite revisit if I stay in this part of the city again.
(4)
Rick V.
This is a great diner and one of the only ones in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The staff is very friendly, pays good attention to the customer, though is sometimes a little on the slow side (it was a Sunday). I order a simple dish and was able to customize it to my needs and wants, which to me makes a good diner a great diner. The food was served out in time and very flavorful. A very cosy and much needed eatery in the neighborhood. I would definitely recommend it.
(4)
E D.
First time in Chicago for an overnight layover. Came here close to 3am starving. I'm super glad this place is open 24/7 but I can't believe this place was still packed at that hour. I ordered the Blueberry French Toast and a coffee. I was a little disappointed that the blueberries just topped the toast instead of mixed into the batter. Nevertheless, it was good and so pretty! Knocked down a star because the service here is a little lacking. They don't come to check on you once and I had to keep asking for a refill. It's annoying. And when you say thank you, they don't acknowledge it.
(4)
shamrock B.
Food is average nothing special. Price is a bit on the high side for breakfast but it's the location your paying for. Just an average breakfast place nothing special.
(3)
Annette J.
I went by the place on the bus practically every day for 5 years when I lived in Chicago and never stopped in to eat. But my fella's step sister lives across the street so when we were meeting his family for breakfast when we were all out in Chicago for a weekend we decided to pop in. Stopped by around early Sunday morning (10ish) and while it was crowded we still got a table pretty quickly. They have a lovely patio but it was a bit chilly so we went inside. The table was small and a bit cramped for 5 people but we made it work. Breakfast was simple but good. I had a ham and cheddar egg white omelet with a side of potatoes. Holy cow, what a huge portion! I could barely finish half. Egg white omelets can sometimes be a bit dry but this one was cooked very well. My fella got a belgian waffle and it was a modest size (no oversized waffle machines here) but just the right amount of food. Also it was very pretty to look at. Decorative and tasty to boot! Service was quick. It was inexpensive and unfussy. I'd do it again!
(4)
Lia V.
I wasn't impressed with this particular hangover breakfast. I got a skillet, but it was like the slackers skillet. The "hash browns" were just thick cut potatoes that weren't crispy. The ratio of cheese to everything else was insane. The toast was just thin wheat toast you'd buy for a dollar at the store. The eggs were cooked perfectly though and the hand squeezed juice was rockin', but that's about it. Service wasn't overly friendly. The food did come out fast though. I'll go elsewhere for breakfast in the future.
(2)
Rafael A.
Is hard to beat this breakfast place in downtown Chicago, you have to be patience but the way they cook it and serve it is completely WORTH it... Open 24 Hrs with the same menu!!!
(5)
Todd S.
My wife an I are staying at the Talbott Hotel and were looking for a nearby cafe for breakfast. I found this and was happy that it was only a block down. I had three eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. Their eggs are cooked in butter (the real stuff) and served in a skillet. I loved every bite. My wife had the Scrambler with mushrooms. That too is served in a skillet. I tried the Greek toast with marmalade based on other Yelp reviews and glad I did. They have desserts as well so I think we're going to grab one to go tonight after dinner and take it back to the room to enjoy Great place, great food and a very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit when downtown.
(4)
Oscar R.
The food was actually good. No complains there. However the service was terrible. I saw my server twice. To get the food order and drop the food. No water refill. No checking up if everything was okay. I order a sandwich which cost $9.95. I added avocado which she said it was $2. Then she said plus tax my total was $14.15. I'll pay for what I eat but not for your hidden fees. The receipt had nothing written down just the amount that was charged. She stood over me as I signed the copy which made it even more uncomfortable. Over all terrible service. Terrible customer service
(1)
Madeline H.
Wonderful soup deal! A large cup of soup and piece of bread for $2.50!! Cream of chicken and rice soup is my favorite!
(3)
Alisha M.
Worst breakfast place in the city. Currently sitting here for 30 min no server, no coffee. Bullshit.
(1)
Raj D.
24 HOURS!!! Restaurant only takes cash so be aware! It's a nice spot for an after bar hopping meal. Overall I didn't think the food was anything to die for and primarily felt like traditional brunch menu options... nothing over the top. Quality of the food was great... flavor of the food was just traditional. The place is fairly crowded so you may have to wait a bit. Plenty of street parking in the area which is a plus. I ordered the poor mans skillet with extra crispy potatoes. The meal was very nicely cooked and eggs were perfectly runny over easy like I love them. I'm willing to give this place another shot in the future but for brunch options there are many better options in the Chicago area.
(3)
Michael L.
This is a Greek diner with standard diner fare. Reasonable prices, generous portions, friendly waitstaff. Outdoor seating. Indoors is quite old-fashioned looking, a bit like a retirement home feel but maybe you like that.
(4)
Angie H.
I hit Tempo Cafe for a quick Saturday Mid-afternoon brunch ( around 2pm ) when I visited Chicago two weeks ago. We were seated right away, albeit in the corner of the outdoor seating area. I think due to this, the service was a bit lackluster, since the servers didn't come outside all THAT often, or were pulled away by a table closer to the center of the seating area before they were able to reach us. As for food, the portions are GIGANTIC. I have a pretty healthy appetite, and I barely finished half of my skillet. I got the poor man's scramble, which is a feast of veggies covered in cheese (seriously, if you dont REALLY like cheese, ask for less cheese. there is a CRAPTON of cheese on this dish) and a THICK layer of egg. I had to salt and pepper and tabasco it a bit to get it to my liking, but that's true of most cheap brunch places I've been. Also, I have a slightly heavier palate, so that also may be why I had to add more flavoring. One of our party ordered an omelet, which was equally gigantic. I had a bite, and it was decent, although I preferred my poor man's scramble. Another got the strawberry french toast, which was passable, but a bit too dry to my liking, so my tip is to smother it with syrup. The third got some chicken dish that she really did NOT like, because it wasn't all that flavorful, and the meat was dry. The orange juice, though, is SPLENDID. All in all, the service was okay, the food was okay, and it was a reasonable price for the portion sizes ( i paid $12 after tax & a pretty generous tip ). Being from LA, where the only brunch places with food of equal volume in this price range are Denny's or Ihop, Tempo Cafe is a decent choice by me :)
(3)
Ellie W.
Like all stories, my story began with drinks with friends...and ended at sunrise with plates of food we ordered simply because someone sitting next to us was eating it and it looked good. Ok, maybe not all stories. But most of the fun ones worth mentioning. My friend and I, neither familiar with Chicago, had a post-bar craving for milkshakes and pancakes, and of course, went on a Yelp search for the closest diner still open. Sadly, we tried three and all of them were closed. So in lieu of Yelp, we trusted our local cabbie and he took us here, what he claimed was a "hot spot" for breakfast food. 3am at Tempo Cafe is basically like witnessing the walk of shame before the act of shame actually happens. It's packed with girls wearing blood clot-inducing bandage dresses, hobbling in and out on 5" heels, and the guys who will eventually have to piggy back 125 lbs of woman back home. But in between all of this is...*drumroll please*...some killer pancakes/eggs/omelets. Your standard diner food, made that much more delicious by the midnight crawl here.
(4)
Aja G.
While I dislike the cash only aspect of this place, their food is good! I have been here for every meal and sometimes in between and have always been satisfied. They have hearty soups, delicious breakfast and occasionally good service. The service is hit or miss, but overall the wait staff does make a genuine effort to take care of their customers' need. There is sometimes a wait on the weekends, but if you avoid brunching hour you shouldn't have an issue. There is an ATM on site for non-cash carries like myself, but it sometimes out of order. It is 24 hours, so anytime is a good time ( expect of course brunch time)
(4)
Mike B.
The best breakfast place I have ever eaten at. If your in the area must try will not be disappointed. The service is excellent and also the food.
(5)
Pauline J.
My boyfriend and I were staying at the Drake and were looking for some close by place to walk to at 3AM. This was one of the only places near by, so we went for it. The place looked nice and the staff was friendly. We got to watch a horde of drunk drag queens, so that was pretty fun. The food wasn't anything special. This place was overall pretty average. Downside, my boyfriend, who's lived in Madison, WI almost his whole life, doesn't really understand how big cities work. For some reason he made eye contact with a homeless person and when the guy asked for his to-go box my boyfriend actually talked to him to politely say no. Then the guy started threatening to follow us and mug us. That was fun. My boyfriend, who wasn't really interested in the leftovers anyway, shoved his food at the guy and copied my disinterested, vaguely annoyed demeanor and we briskly walked back the block over to the Drake. Not sure if the guy followed us, because we didn't look, but we didn't get mugged. Between the average food and poor experience leaving, I won't be back unless I'm stuck in a similar situation of having no where else to eat.
(3)
Kaitlin M.
I love this hot little breakfast place. Every time I have been there has been fairly good service, great food, good portion size and at a typical diner price. I cant rave enough about their skillets and omelets. As a vegetarian I appreciate the good produce. Their coffee is also good.
(5)
Aimee P.
Great in and out, with good food!
(4)
Lorraine L.
Tempo was my go to brunch food. If you like brunch/breakfast all hours of the day, this place is great for you. The portions are generous. It's usually busy every time I go to eat there, but I think it is worth the wait. It has a very diner-like atmosphere, which is something I appreciate. I am originally from New Jersey and diners are everywhere. It's very comforting. They have booths and table settings. They only accept cash. If you do forget to bring cash, they have an ATM machine by the entrance for your convenience.
(5)
Pete B.
pretty awesome diner/breakfast place in Gold Coast, and best of all, it is pretty cheap for the area! A skillet entree can be easily split between two people. I was skeptical when I read that because I eat a lot, but the portion was just enormous. A quality meal for two for $10 + tax + tip = big bargain for the area.
(4)
Rhondi S.
Got the tip from our seemingly knowledgable bus driver. Great joint, looks like a lot of regulars that come here. Huge portions of breakfast goodies.
(3)
Brittany V.
I used to live a few blocks over and would visit here for breakfast once in a while. Pros: *Good food! Nice quality. *Big portions. I always took some of my meal home. Cons: *They used to take cash only. Do they still do that? I couldn't believe that in 2008 I was scrambling to find an ATM to pay this place. *It's crowded on the weekends. I believe we always waited around 1 hour for a table. *Sometimes the service had that "you're one in eleventy billion" feeling. You know, like they just wish you would order in as few words as possible so that they could move on. I know it's busy, but still, c'mon now. If you're in the neighborhood, this would be my place for breakfast.
(4)
Paige W.
This is the first restaurant that I visited when I first moved to Chicago. And for this, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year I probably would have only given Tempo 3 stars, due to their cash only policy. Luckily however, they recently started accepting credit cards. I also really appreciate that this cafe is 24 hours. I usually stick with the breakfast menu; their skillets are generous and delicious. Their sandwiches and soup are also good. No, there is nothing spectacular about this place, but I appreciate that they have consistent, quality food.
(4)
Kris L.
I thought this place was just for late night...but I was wrong. It's a no frills brunch, cash only, stern service, but the omelets are amazing, lights fluffy and come on top of hash browns in a skillet! Love it. Also the portions are ridiculous. Ate my omelet for 2 days afterwards.
(4)
Amanda C.
I'm not at all impressed with this place. They are extremely OVER PRICED. You can get better food for cheaper elsewhere. I get that it's downtown, but with the higher prices the quality should be much better don't you think? I went in with my son to have a little breakfast. His water based (not milk) hot chocolate was $2.75. Really? They also have no kids menu, so I got 2 eggs which they ran me at $3.50. Explain to me how 3 eggs with meat is $4.50 & 2 eggs alone are 3.50? I mean I'm not cheap but being that my mediocre "blueberry" french toast was $8.95. I expected a good portion of french toast but it was 2, not so thick slices cut into four pieces with a small amount of fresh blueberries on top. Meh. I don't know why I expected more from here, but I did. They have free wifi thus the two stars. The waitress was nice also so I can't knock them for that. It is a restaurant though so HELLO the food is what should shine.
(2)
Will C.
Coming from the Aloha State, one truly appreciates 24 hr any things. So that in itself garners 3 stars for me. Straight from Ohare, with no hotel room ready, we took a recommendation and tucked into this corner diner. Friendly fast service and staff that was on their A game. Service people who enjoy servicing? What a novelty. Large food portions and easy on the wallet. They also have a big ole wall of celebrities that choose to chow down here too.
(4)
David K.
Very good breakfast place overall however you probably will have to wait on weekends between 8:30 and 12:30 or so. Omelette skillets are very good and large portions with hash browns (or more like American fries). Home made orange marmalade is great. Eggs Benedict is very good as well. Rest of menu is typical huge Greek diner stuff and is hit and miss.
(4)
Matthew M.
While I was disappointed, I was also not surprised. Being in the Gold Coast, I expected Tempo Cafe to have a bit more creativity with the menu. The menu consists of the American diner basics prepared poorly with a 'twist' on nothing. Some of you diner food purists might love it here with the bland dishes and dingy interior, but I can't find a reason to go back.
(2)
Amy G.
I love that I can count on Yelp reviews to help me find such great places to eat when I'm traveling. Such is the case with Tempo Cafe. It was within walking distance of my hotel, great prices, huge portions ( especially the skillets) and fast service. Don't forget your cash!
(5)
Bruce K.
Wandering the streets in search of a decent and not terribly expensive meal, I walked past and decided to give it a shot. I only realized after I ordered that they don't accept credit cards, which is just weird. Fortunately, I had enough cash in my wallet. My egg omelette (the "Omni" which includes ham, green peppers and onions) was light and fluffy and moist. There is no way that's just three eggs. It has to be at least four! And underneath were sliced potatoes. On the side, two pieces of excellent toast and what tasted like fresh homemade marmalade. Pretty inexpensive for such a large meal, I was very pleased. Good service too and it was nice to sit outside with the traffic going past. Woohoo! As good as it gets!
(5)
R T.
The cafe was crowded, but my food was on point!
(4)
Amy H.
Breakfast on a Wednesday morning at 10am during the holidays - great experience! AWESOME service: They poured me coffee and gave me a bit of fruit to snack on while I waited for my former-boss-and-now-mentor. They were great about refilling my coffee constantly even though we stayed for almost 2 hours catching up. VEGGIE POOR MAN'S SKILLET: Delicious! HUGE portion, and I had to take half of it home, but I got it with scrambled eggs and wheat toast, and it was so full of flavor! Definitely woke up my taste buds for the day haha.
(4)
Regina S.
There is nothing like a patty melt for breakfast. I don't know why in my corner of the world we don't have more places where you can get lunch for breakfast. Sometimes, after a night of festivities you want to start the day with a greasy carb overload that doesn't involve eggs and bacon. This place is good in a pinch. It's open 24/7 so it may be a great choice at 4:00 AM when your palate may not be too demanding. I had one of the breakfast skillets on the first go around and it was just OK. The potential was great - potatoes, cheese, veggies, and scrambled eggs all in a cast iron pan. The potato layer was under seasoned and the proportion was too great as compared to the other ingredients. Cheese was spotty, as were the vegetables. Depending on the line cook, you might score a better preparation. Second time around, I wasn't taking any chances with breakfast. The melt was good - juicy patty, melted, gooey cheese, caramelized onions, and nicely buttered and griddled rye bread. The super hot and crisp steak fries made the perfect partner. It filled the tank and brought a smile of contentment. Fine dining? No. But choose right and you will leave happy.
(3)
Kara P.
For chicago breakfast options avoid this place. Food is poor quality. Butter is a form if processed margarine Pancakes and toast has zero flavor. All food here is cheap and low quality. So bad I now have to get another meal as this one left me still hungry. Service is terrible. Waited 20 minutes for a coffee refill. The staff is clearly illegal aliens . Bad place bad food bad quailty bad service bad bad bad
(2)
Evan S.
Love this place. Super fast, friendly staff, and lots of food!!! Pretty inexpensive. Emma was very lovely.
(5)
Kevin D.
Love it here. Great diner food and atmosphere. Open 24 hours - cash only - breakfast served any time. I've tried a couple sandwiches and salads and they were not amazing but pretty darn good for an inexpensive diner. Great people watching at night... gets busy when the clubs and bars let out.
(4)
Food M.
great food, ok coffee but the bathrooms were horrible...... If its like that with the space you can see, what is it like behind the kitchen?
(2)
Whitney W.
Can't deny that the food is good here! 24 hours, and you may or may not see a celebrity there if you're lucky lol. Good price on the food, hardly ever any waiting time, and I think they take cards now for payment?
(4)
Peter D.
Tempo cafe serves a much needed late night option when the bars close and you need to eat before you crash. its open all night and is similar in menu to Denny's. the food is not great but its ok so no complaints. That it was right next to the hotel was even better. i pretty much stayed with the club sandwich. No complaints and service was ok. Peter
(3)
Mohammed A.
Found a dead fly on the burger
(1)
Dominique M.
I called to order food from Tempo Cafe while on a business trip-just now actually, and was treated to the absolute rudest, most condescending, most abrasive individual I have probably ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I asked a basic question about the menu after explaining that the website was down and that their carryout menu was therefore unavailable to me. I was snapped at and told that it was my responsibility to get ahold of a menu-which I had obviously already attempted to do. I asked what kind of fare they had available (ie American, Chinese, Burgers, Steaks...basic info). I did not ask for a layout of the menu, but only what kind of fare they served. The woman who answered my call could've easily said we serve classic American fare and I could've told her what I wanted to order right then and there. Instead, I was called honey and sweetie and a number of other condescending terms and berated for possibly having had the nerve to call and ask what kind of fare the restaurant served as their website was down. This place could have the best food on the face of the planet and I would avoid it in favor of McDonald's. I expect to be treated with respect if not kindness when I call a business to ask a polite and totally answerable question. I will be calling to speak with the manager tomorrow. Note: The woman who answered my call took probably thirty seconds to speak with me about how horrible it was that I called. She might've been better served to use that time to simply say we have American Fare.
(1)
John G.
The food was good and proper and the scene was a riot at 2am. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars because that's what it deserves.
(3)
S. J.
Our hotel was right next door so our family chose this restaurant for its proximity (our kids were hungry and we needed to get down to museum campus). It was a Monday morning and it was pretty crowded which seemed like a good sign. I wanted to get one of the skillets (others had it and it looked popular). The menu is like your typical American Greek cafe. The food is good but nothing spectacular. They actually have fresh squeezed juice on the menu (basic Apple, carrot, celery) but it's fresh squeezed. Serving sizes are big. My husband got a grilled chicken sand which and it came with a bowl of fresh soup and side of fries. One of my reasons for 3 stars was place was a little dirty and our server miscalculated our check and over charged by almost $4. When I pointed this out I did not like how the issue was handled. Be careful and double check you check and add it up with calculator on your phone so you don't get improperly charged!
(3)
Haley F.
I have eaten brunch here a few times and have never been disappointed with my meal. While this may not be the best place for breakfast in Chicago, it is definitely not a bad one. I enjoy getting the skillets because the portions are large and I'm actually full after eating them, unlike some breakfast places that leave me wanting more. I think eating outside on a nice day makes the experience a lot better because you are right in the heart of the bustling city atmosphere, only steps away from North Michigan Ave. I enjoy stopping here before a long day of shopping to get brunch with friends but I don't think I would make a trip all the way here just for the food.
(3)
Mike G.
A locals only joint that runs a 24 hour service chow hall. The staff is friendly, the food is abundant if not to forget tasty. Give it a shot if you feel like waffles at the 3 in the oh my goodness it's early morning! or the damn we closed the bars down and forgot to eat bar crawl.
(3)
Tita P.
Now if you know me YOU know that I truly love Breakfast. So, I was surprised when my friend who was in town visiting mentioned Tempo and I had not heard of it. Well I made my way down to Tempo and let me tell you if you want to sit on the patio be prepared to W A I T. So, we decided to eat inside. I love any place that serves regular ole breakfast and they serve it all day. So, I have no issues with the food. I do think that our server needed to WRITE down our order. I mean she forgot quite a few things that we said and I know that it is hip, as you young folks say, to memorize an order but if your memory is a little unstable WRITE it down!! With that said I will definitely go back but if I have that same server I will expect their to be some lapses in memory.
(3)
Johanna E.
Best Brunch ive had in a while. Artimes Omelette and Buckwheat Waffle to share for 2! Outstanding! Staff is friendly and efficient.
(5)
Diane C.
My friend and I visited Chicago for the first time (from Ottawa and Toronto, respectively) a couple of weekends ago. And what better way to start off our mini-adventure in the Windy City than with a good hearty breakfast? When we arrived around 10 a.m., the place was already busy and bustling. But we had no problems getting seated, and service was pretty good. We both ordered Scramblers - the sizes of which, I'm not sure either of us were prepared for - and hash browns. But the food was fantastic! Despite being so full that we actually skipped lunch, I have absolutely no complaints. Excellent restaurant.
(4)
Dawn D.
An old school classic. Back in my 20s when I was dipping it low, kicking it at the club--Tempo's was the spot, you know to soak up the alcohol. So, it's only nostalgic when I find myself here again after a 20-something's birthday celebration, it was great. Now, I'm in my dirty-thirties I can't just eat whatever I want. But I will say the chicken noodle soup hit the spot.
(3)
Montez G.
I go here cause the soup is $2.50 for a decent sized take-out bowl with crackers and bread. However, warning, warning, warning....you get what you pay for. The soup: plenty of chicken in the chicken noodle soup; but the broth is tasteless and without seasoning. I want recommend it to anyone else; but I do love bargains so I come with co-workers and we get it and sip on it in the office. Tempo seems to have a good breakfast thingy going on from a lot of the comments I read. Maybe they need to stop selling soup and leave it to the Soup Box. Do Recommend: the Soup Box, I have not Yelped it yet, but stay tuned, my YelpView coming soon. 2*s for now; until I have breakfast there or food on a late night out. Montez G. Yelp! that me.
(2)
Andrew G.
Omelettes served in a DEEP PAN. THROW THE FLAG IN. Tempo is a GREAT breakfast place to stop by in Chicago that will fill even the HUNGRIEST of people in the AM. I consider myself a big breakfast easter, and an omelette-lover. At Tempo, i got my usual omelette (egg whites, cheese, onions, peppers) expecting the usual... WRONG. They bring out an omelette in a DEEP PAN. I couldn't believe my peepers. STILL....I thought this wasn't a problem, and it'd go down the hatch no worries. Worries surfaced. A few bites in, realizing I didn't even SCRATCH the surface of this beast, I KNEW I'd been defeated. It was delicious, it was hearty, it was huge. And all for a pretty damn good price! The OJ was among the best I've ever had -- fresh, pulpy, and seemed like it was just outta the damn fruit pre-coming out to our table. TEMPO'S THE SPOT FOR BREAKING YOUR FAST.
(4)
Drew S.
Best Breakfast in Chicago. Open 24 hours, friendly staff, quick service and delicious food. Order the Poor Man's Skillet for breakfast or the turkey club for lunch. Classic diner feel with great service. No Nonsense.
(4)
Jacob H.
Everyone I know says Tempo sucks unless it's 3am on Saturday and you're drunk. I tend to disagree. It's not assuming, it's not high-end, and it's not fantastic service. Tempo's got above-average food, reasonable prices, and massive portions! Tempo's got character, and the reuben sandwich is amazing. It lasts at least two meals for me. If you happen to stop in late at night/early morning on the weekends, it's packed, so be prepared to wait. Just getting take-out can be faster.
(5)
Kashif A.
They use to be cash only but recently the policy has changed so yay to that :-) This use to be my go to place in my 20s when I was out late with friends. Sometimes you would see someone "semi famous". On a Friday or Saturday night (midnight - 2am) this place is packed and the service is generally poor. They want you in an out but on the bright side the food is consistent and they have a fresh juice bar. I went recently in there after an absence of at least 4-5 years and I must say its hasn't changed much from the tables, chairs decor and even the service.
(3)
Benjamin S.
It was okay. They had a nice seating area outside, but I didn't think anything was particularly special. I ordered the huevos rancheros; they were okay but definitely nothing great, and I wouldn't order them again.
(2)
Meghan B.
This was my go to spot in college, after a long night at the bars (or library)... Price point is right and the service is friendly and quick. Serving sizes are large, quality is MEH... typical cafe food. I'm not sure if I would ever go sober or during the day since I feel like there are much better options out there, but Tempo has always been there for me... So I will continue to be a patron. Even if it's only at night. Oh and they take cash only, if you haven't already gathered that from the other reviews.
(3)
Kate L.
My boyfriend and I come here all the time, and we love Tempo Cafe! This is definitely the best 24 hour place around because the food is always delicious and levels above any other food you can find at 2 am. Based on the yelp reviews, the very first time we visited I got the cheddar cheese omelet that comes in a frying pan with hashbrowns underneath, and I haven't ever dared to branch out because it's sooo good! My boyfriend gets the "La Conga," which is basically a grilled cheese with bacon and tomato, but he gets it without tomato because we've had a couple of incidents where the tomatoes weren't exactly ripe. The la conga comes with fries and while they aren't super flavorful, I always end up eating them all. A couple of times the omelets have been extremely greasy to the point that I felt sick eating it, but that's only been at the late hours of the night on Sundays when they aren't as busy so i assume the chef just isn't as well versed? Just to be safe, we avoid going on Sundays now. We went for the first time during daylight hours just last week, and it's a much different crowd and pace, but the food is just as good! I appreciate consistency. During the day the sandwiches were served with soup, and my omelet came with a choice of bread or english muffin, which we found a little weird since we don't get that at night yet we're paying the same money. But either way, when it comes down to it, I absolutely love the skillet omelets at this place, and there is no where else i'd rather go when i'm hungry at 2 am. It's around $18 for the two of us, which isn't so bad for all the good food that you get, and as they are cash only, make sure you bring cash.
(4)
Carol K.
Dinner? At Tempo? It never really occurred to me since this is one of my breakfast "go to" places when I am in the neighborhood. But on a recent Summer's night- I stopped in to grab a quick dinner with a friend. This place was packed even early on a Friday night (it always is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings and late night) But there was room outside and since it had begun to cool down- we decided that it was the better than waiting. The menu has a range of breakfast favorites, sandwiches and some Greek favorites like shish kabob. I decided that breakfast was just what I wanted so I ordered an omelet and my friend went with a burger. Loved that my omelet came in a skillet atop crusty potatoes. And if that is not enough starch- you also get two big pieces of Greek toast with jam and butter to spread. The food came up quickly and was eaten just as quickly. Our server was split between inside and out so there were longish gaps in service but that is to be expected given her table assignments. If you drive- there is a parking garage just east of the location on Chestnut - although it is a bit pricey (About $23 for a couple of hours). Better to find street parking as hard as that is sometimes. Tempo Cafe. A little bit of "go to" simplicity in a neighborhood known for anything but.
(4)
Sandy G.
Came here 8/3/13. Had the Skillet with Bacon, turkey sausage and mushrooms. Asked for it to be cooked in Pam- it wasn't greasy at all! Came with hashbrowns which are large sliced pieces of potatoes that were cooked to perfection! Just like I like them. Not overly done at all. They were very accommodating and changed the tv channel to the cubs/dodgers game after we asked. Skillet was big but I was able to finish it all with my 5'4" 120 pound self! The Greek bread it came with was two thick slices of toast and the crust was coated with sesame seeds. It came with homemade orange marmalade. I would definitely return when I visit Chicago again! Oh, they also played good music!
(5)
Yanyao N.
Sometimes I have to force myself to write unfavorable reviews. Typing out glowing 5-star ones are so easy, but 2-star ones are a little painful. Still, a meal at Tempo Cafe resulted in me being nauseous for an entire day. Hm... not so good. I had skimmed some reviews, suggested lunch there after a mad 3-hour morning study session, even bringing along cash. I was excited! An P. liked it and I generally trust his food choices. So when I order a hot roast beef sandwich with soup, I am hopeful! Even looking forward to my meal... What came out was not so good. The chicken rice soup tasted fine, but was this gloppy white thick cream stuff that sort of resembled Elmer's glue. I thought chicken rice was supposed to be broth-based? My fault for not asking I suppose, though if they had done this with chicken noodle, people might have thrown a fit. My sandwich was a mound of flavorless roast beef on top of some bread that basically disintegrated. The mashed potatoes were pathetic. Not remotely creamy - did they mix this stuff with water? Can we get some butter and cream in here please? Extra heavy peppering didn't help anything. I think maybe people who don't have their own teeth would like this food. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing and should have gone with breakfast instead. However, if you aren't going to do something well, then don't put it on the menu. Simple. Plus 1-star for friendly service.
(2)
Kathleen O.
This is a great little diner and a fun place for lunch. I had to go with the club sandwich and it was very good and the fries were perfectly crispy! They have a cute outside area for when the weather is nice. The breakfast foods looked amazing and would like to come back for that sometime.
(3)
Debbi N.
This is a special breakfast place and you can figure it out when it's 6 degrees outside and people are waiting to get in for a place that does not even take credit cards. The employees are lovely, friendly and attentive. The specialty is the pancakes, waffles and skillet meals. My son had the eggs benedict and seemed satisfied. I had an egg white omlette which is probably not the best choice, but it was still good. They serve it in a big skillet over potatoes. I really didn't care for the potatoes, and the omlette was just ok. The coffee was very good, and the fresh bread was very good. It's an absolute scene there on a weekend morning and with the people willing to stand in line and wait so long, I figured next time I would order one of the fattening specialties. They looked good. I am going back.
(3)
Vincent C.
Excellent choice for a great breakfast. Service is very good. I really liked the bowl with a prune and orange slice. Plus the greek toast was very good.
(5)
Daniel W.
The only place in Chicago for breakfast. Reminds me of New York style diners that are open 24hrs a day and have a full menu. For those that love omlettes, waffles or pancakes this is the place. No place better to cure your weekend hangover. Bring your cash because no credit cards are accepted. Prepare to wait and see everybody you know as the line just confirms this is the best breakfast place in town.
(5)
Gfiddy F.
Totally there when you need it early in the AM.
(5)
Wilt C.
An insomniacs dream. Stick to the basics (eggs/omelets/club sandwich) and you can't lose. Hit the place at about 4 am to get your day going.
(4)
Matt C.
Don't even bother with this place. It's sub-par diner food at best. The service acts like they don't want you there at all. Also, they don't give you free refills on sodas. What in the crap is THAT about? So stupid.
(2)
Parisa S.
everyone knows the food here sucks. i mean, straight-up rock bottom. however, it is THE gold coast 4am drunk food standby, and therefor, always a scene. and sometimes it can be fun, if with the right group of people after imbibing the right amount of alcohol. 1 star for the poor man's skillet, 1 star because I always cut the line and nobody seems to notice/care.
(2)
Annie G.
I drank a boot of beer at Prost! and then stumbled into Tempo Cafe at 3am. And for that reason it deserves 5 stars. No questions about it.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
The food here ROCKS! There will be a line, but it does go pretty quickly. I would recommend the belgian waffle with strawberries and bananas, YUM. Bonus: It's open 24 hours!
(5)
Happiness L.
The food is really good...I had the yummy buck wheat waffle with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream....coffee is good and strong. I wish I knew the name of my waitress as she was very attentive and would request her table again...she has short brown hair. Minus one star as better busing service is needed to clear dishes more quickly and the bathroom sink does not have hot water and the trash can was over flowing. I did like the decor and the hostess was nice and friendly. Keep in mind this is a cash only place.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
Lived a few blocks from Tempo for 12 years and any true Gold Coaster knows this is where you go...morning, noon or night. They have excellent omelets, french toast, sandwiches, etc... and the host & wait staff are always friendly & accommodating. I would kill to have a Tempo on the southside. To all the haters--stay in the suburbs or whatever state you came from.
(5)
Emily H.
I heard this place had good breakfast, but I went there for lunch and it was terrible. There was a fly in my watery chicken noodle soup, and my reuben was tasteless. I sat outside on the patio, and it was extremely dirty. I live down the street from this place, but I will never go back again.
(1)
lesley s.
I went back to Tempo after a day/night of many beers, and I realized I don't really like this place after all. The service was still fast but even after drinking all day my 1am meal did not hit the spot. I would have been better off at McDonald's down the street.
(2)
Ambrosia C.
I had brunch here and it was very tasty! Pancakes with fruit and lots of coffee. Good times!
(4)
Tiff B.
Tempo is the spot for post club dining. The food is pretty damn good and not too overpriced. Not the best food I've ever had by any stretch, but hell at 4 a.m. who cares? Plus, I always meet interesting equally intoxicated people there.
(4)
David V.
What I like about this place is that you can get an egg white omelet made with PAM instead of butter. I observed many plates passing by me on their way to other customers and, I have to say, each and every dish looked mouth-watering. The meals ARE a bit pricey, but I only go here once a year (to start my St. Patty's Day bar hopping), and the meal provides the necessary base needed for a day of drinking and carousing!
(4)
Jinna H.
The food is decent, but the service isn't. Who the heck doesn't take credit cards? How strange. They were fixing a ceiling tile on one end so everyone had to cram on one side. We (my date and I) sat uncomfortably close to a pair of dudefriends having large omlettes. The pancakes were decent, though the strawberries on top of them were great. But those cut up strawberries shouldn't be considered to make strawberry pancakes at all! It's just a nice garnish. Anyway, I probably would have had more fun at IHOP. Go if you're drunk, because it seemed a perfect place for that.
(2)
Paul C.
This was a place I would wind up at after a night of law school induced drinking. Because of that, I can't even imagine what this place is like during the day, or sober. However, as a late night stop before you pass out, Tempo is pretty darn good. The food is affordable, eggs, french toast--you name it. Stop off at Tempo and you should be able to reduce your hangover woes by 20-36%.
(4)
Garrett D.
Come here quiet a bit for breakfast or lunch. Good food and service always, have good corn beef hash and omlets. Greek toast is also a plus!
(4)
Heidi K.
Best corned beef hash ever! Thick Greek toast, frothy fresh squeezed OJ (you can hear them squeezing it after you order!) and friendly servers. Big portions for the $$ and I always leave happily full (and sad to be done!). Definitely get there early...but the wait is worth it if not!
(5)
Mark B.
I LOVE TEMPO! everything i've tried on tempo's menu is GREAT! understandable higher prices due to them being open 24 hrs and serving their entire menu all day. great food. service is ok but i love the setting in this fabulously located diner. 4 stars only because they don't accept CC's.
(4)
Loan L.
If you plan on coming here for Sunday brunch, be prepared to wait in a very long line. Every time i went there i always got the mushroom and swiss omelet and have never been disappointed. The portions are gargantuan and you never leave hungry. I have yet to find a place like this that serves the fluffiest omelet, the freshest homefries and very large Greek toast. Bring cash because that is the only thing they accept.
(4)
Jelly C.
Cute place but mediocre food. Mommy and me tried this place out before going on our little shopping excursion. It was nicely packed for a Wednesday morning. I ordered a cup of fresh OJ and Mom had a cup of coffee. Since I've seen the chicken liver and eggs dish at a lot of breakfast places, I thought I'd finally give it a try. Mom ordered the Morning glory waffle (fresh strawberries, bananas, and blueberries on a waffle). I was very disappointed with my dish. I was under the impression that the liver was going to be scrambled in with the eggs but it was a pile of liver and a pile of scrambled eggs. The liver was ok, too heavy for a breakfast/brunch dish in my opinion, but the eggs and hashbrowns were yucky. They tasted like they were simmered in butter! Anyways, it was probably my fault that I didn't like the dish. I probably should've asked my waitress more questions, but she did say "We have very good liver here." The waffle was good and the fruit was very fresh but my mom and I both agree that it doesn't compare to the waffles at Original Pancake House in Hyde Park... I think I would come back again and give their omelets a try. My waitress says that they're quite popular there. I think they throw it in the oven to bake a bit (like OPH)....
(3)
Chris S.
If ever there was "see and be seen" breakfast place, I guess this is it. Wait in line for a table with all the other beautiful people and see if you can spot Billy Corgan or a Cusak or 2. Far too long of a wait and prices too high to justify that wait. This is a diner and it is no better than your favorite diner, it's just in a more upscale setting probably. If you're in the area and anticipate being hungry in an hour or so, this might fit the bill. Otherwise, it ain't worth it.
(2)
Helena D.
when you're punch drunk wasted or have been out a long time and are semi-sober but you have the mad alcoholic munchies and are in the Gold Coast, this is where you go. It's also where you go if apparently you are an older man with a girl 3x younger and you want a little 15-minute exercise in the bathroom...which is like the size of 2 handicap bathrooms put together. We witnessed this at 3 am one Saturday morning. Amusing to watch the late night owls, the wasted, and the prom kids while demolishing a mess of eggs and hash browns. Beware of the dirty silverware and food-encrusted bread plates, which might lurk...and the sticky menus. The older broads who serve your table are no-nonsense and are sticklers for cash, so make sure you have mad money pinned to the inside lining of your pants ... else be prepared to pay the ATM ransom fee with their private machine located by the bathroom....it may just be worth it to see how long the old man and chick are hobnobbing in the rest area. Come morning, you may throw up or have an awful stomach ache like my friend who always without fail feels sick after eating at Tempo. Me, I can handle the grease, the salt, and the characters at this joint - it's just another night out in the Viagra Triangle.
(3)
Mark R.
Bleah. Not impressed. The outside looked nice, but as soon as we got inside ... it's just a diner, folks. Server had a strong accent that was difficult to understand. Crowded, but we're not sure why. The food was marginal at best - I have had better food at Denny's. We ordered chicken breast sandwiches (one with avo, bacon and cheese). The fries were overcooked (and looking at other orders of fries going past our table, it seemed this was not a problem with just our order). The chicken breasts were overcooked and dry ... and the sandwiches were served "dry" ... we had to ask for condiments (e.g. mayo). Basically, this was the worst meal we ate in Chicago on our 3 day trip. Can't understand why this place keeps on getting high ratings.
(1)
Sarah F.
Tempo is quite possibly one of the most classic (and tasty!) diners in the city. They have EVERYTHING on the menu, but in my opinion, the breakfasts here top all. I have had several of the omlettes (the greek is awesome) and just the other day tried the pancakes. Those are fan-freaking-tastic! I had the banana-nut buckwheat pancakes and ....wow!!! Delicious and banana-y gooey. The BEST! Whether you are actually there eating breakfast during breakfast hours, or are in from wandering the streets after bar-hours, food never fails to taste good here. Service is friendly and efficient, and it's open 24 hours. Watch out for the lines though on Sat/Sun mornings...killer.
(4)
Rob G.
Great fresh food and friendly staff. Great breakfast spot. I'll be coming back again soon.
(4)
Julie P.
Tempo is my favorite place to go after a long night of drinking...they are open 24 hours!! There is usually a line, but it's worth the wait...I love their Michigan omelet (apples and cheese), on top of crispy hash browns. They also do egg white omelets cooked in Pam instead of butter, so you can justify a late night meal here! The staff and service is so-so, but when I'm drunk and hungry and with a group of people, Tempo is where you'll find me.
(4)
Erin B.
I actually came here after our Yelp Exhale Spa event. I was STARVIN for something to eat. Jeana N. and I came in here for a quick dinner. I had the turkey burger that was quite yummy, and she had the grilled cheese, completed with a slice of tomato on it. YUM! The french fries were pretty good too. Three stars because service was rather slow, and there was no one in there. I heard that breakfast is supposed to be awesome here...
(3)
justin d.
ohhh Tempo Cafe you are overpriced for the quality, but again i eat you at least once a week. Close to home and the only place open 24 hours in the Gold Coast friends and I often venture here for some late night grub. Omelettes are pretty substantial and the orange marmalade is to die for. The waitresses can be snooty at times but hey you can expect that in the Gold Coast i see it as a trend at many of the restaurants. They only take cash ughhh!
(4)
Olivia P.
I have only been here for breakfast twice, and it was decent both times. The omelettes are HUGE and are served in a skillet. I wasn't able to finish my meal both times. I liked their omelette's slightly better than Yolk's. I'd say that it's the type of food you'd expect from the local diner. Our waitress was friendly and I have no complaints about the service. Not a place I'm going to write a rave review about...but it's decent. If I could give a half star, I'd make this a 3 1/2.
(3)
Mel M.
This is one of my favorite places to get cheap fast breakfast. The omelettes are delicious and HUGE.
(4)
a w.
I think this place is at its best during breakfast. They have amazing food and even more amazing fresh juices. But the waits are terrible...last time we waited for 40 minutes (but of course we wanted to sit outside!). But I think the wait is definitely worth the food and the great seating and service!
(4)
Martha Z.
I have not been to tempo in years unfortunately, but that won't stop me from writing this review. I love the fact that this place is open 24 hours a day. It's the perfect alternative to the greasy spoon places that are usually the only option in the middle of the night. I'm always torn between the omelets and Belgian waffles. There is definitely something for everybody here.
(4)
Alexandria G.
Save your self the waste of time and patience. This place has bad service, long lines, and a pricey breakfast tab. My cousin's friend took me here on my Birthday. I swear we could not get a table or a decent waitress. Finally we got a table by the door and people kept staring at us and our food while they waited in line. this place packs the tables on the floor. It is impossible to have a conversation it is so noisy. Please do not waste your $$$ here.
(1)
Meredith F.
Went here for a meeting with my bosses, Andrea and Elizabeth :), and had a great brunch. I've decided I could pretty much live on breakfast food, and I wouldn't mind if Tempo made it all. I had pancakes with fruit, caught glances of omelettes in frying pans and the french toast, and all looked good. My coffee was tasty enough, and the waitress was personable and helpful. We went during the day on a weekday, so the wait was no problem.
(4)
Jared L.
Great place to get some breakfast, great omelets. For it's location, reasonably priced. However, you may have to wait if you go there for Sunday brunch. In the winter, that's not cool.
(5)
Eddie O.
Hands down the best place for breakfast in this city. I'd suggest going on off times because of the wait, but if you do have to wait it's probably worth it. I've also found that the food comes out pretty quickly once you are sitting down. The waffles are my favorite- and they taste especially good at 4 am.
(4)
Edward H.
What a nice place to grab some late night/early morning grub! Parking usually isn't a problem late and the client turnover is good. Seating availability around 2 or 3AM didn't seem to be too bad and there was minimal wait for food as well. The potatoes in my skillet was a bit on the bland side but the cheese and the 3 eggs over easy done just right helped keep it on the up and up. I heard good things about their omelettes and will probably come back for a re-evaluation.
(3)
Kristen D.
This place is open 24 hours and has a very nice seating area outside. It however, can become very crowded, and the food isn't worth the wait (unless that is, that nothing else is open at that time of day). It's relatively reasonably priced, but on the high end of that. All that being said, I have some friends that are obsessed with coming here. It makes a nice place to study when it's not too busy and you need your continuous coffee drip.
(3)
Robyn W.
I love breakfast food. For any meal. And who doesn't love it at 5 AM after a night of drinking, where it becomes that gray area between dinner and breakfast (I don't normally eat breakfast before I go to sleep, although I will sometimes eat cereal for dinner). So, I reluctantly go to this place at 5 am on a Sunday, really wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. But I am SO glad I went. It was, hands down, THE best omelette I've ever had. Perhaps I'm used to inferior omelettes - Long Island diner food. But this incredibly fluffy and tasty omeletted, served in the pan, served over (joy of all joys) home-fried potatoes (a WONDERFUL surprise), and filled with just the right amount of Swiss cheese (I've learned there IS a thing as too much cheese), large, well-constructed and so delish that I even took half of it home, reheated it when I got up 5 hours later and had it for breakfast-breakfast. And it was almost as delicious as the first go-round. The only thing that tainted my visit was the dumbass who was acting as though his 98-lb girlfriend was really "holding him back" from cleaning some guy's clock, pushed her out of his way as he glared all the way as he strutted out the door, and she stepped squarely on the top of my foot right above my second and middle toes with her 5-inch heels. This was two weeks ago and I still have the bruise. How is that Tempo's fault? It's not. But I could not give 5 stars to a place when my dining experience was clearly tainted by the throbbing pain in my head, superseded only by the pain in my foot, and the service may have sucked and I wouldn't have noticed. Or the bill could have been expensive except I didn't pay. Or, they could have moved a little faster so I didn't have to stand in line for so long by the door where said idiot made his grand exit. I just don't know. So, 4 stars it is.
(4)
Andrea L.
I finally had the chance to have brunch at Tempo today, and I was glad I did. Even on a busy Sunday morning at 11:45, we only waited 15 minutes for a table. The service was quick and the food was very good. I enjoyed my banana pancakes-they were huge, fluffy, and full of bananas. My parents both had some sort of skillet dish with eggs, potatoes, veggies, and cheese that they enjoyed. We will definitely go back!
(4)
Jess S.
I was too busy passing out at the table to enjoy my skillet, but I think it was good. Damn those GnT's!
(3)
Abigail D.
overpriced and gross. thats all i gotta say.
(1)
John M.
Here is a hint- Go to Tempo at around 5pm on a weeknight. There is no wait. The crowd is chill and laid-back. I have enjoyed many a succulent evening-time breakfast while reading my fantasy literature at Tempo, and in my opinion this is when the service is best. I always tip the waitress just over 20% because she is always ON it. Highlights for me include the Continental (I love liver) and the Asparagus and Cheddar omelette. I don't think you can go wrong with any omelette or skillet here, and they ALWAYS keep the coffee coming. Overall Excellent.
(4)
S to the izzo F.
What no After hours... I'm hungry, lets get some food.. where? Tempo! The food is OK, but it's open when I need it..... 4am to 6 am. Actually that is the only time I have ever eaten there. It's better than Micky D's breakfast, Plus some times a burger with avocado tastes real good at 5:30 in the morning. I always bump into some friends at this time too. We swap stories from the evening and laugh at the really drunk people. My boys, sometimes, score with the girls who seem to have had a bad night and are happy to see guys in a more casual and lighted location.. The night is never over till you hit that pillow!!! I'd give it 5 stars for being open 24 hours and dealing with that early morning, actually, late late night crowd!
(4)
Julie H.
Such a mob scene, the wait is ridic! But its a killer breakfast, especially when you're hungover.
(4)
Avin B.
I was in Chicago for a bachelor party so we went here late night Fri/Sat night, just because it was open late. Despite a long line, they sat us quickly. The 8 of us who at there each night unanimously agreed: the food sucked. Even late at night. It gets 2 stars just for being open late and feeding us. We tried a wide variety of things from breakfast items (skillet, french toast) to others (sandwiches, etc) and top to bottom, the food was very unsatisfying. However, people must like it as it was packed and we had a Chicago Bulls star sitting next to us.
(2)
Kristen F.
How can you not love Tempo? I've been there many, many times. This past time I had the chocolate chip pancakes which is full of chocolate. Had I not already had a drink, milk would have been good. Expect a wait on the weekends but the hostess has been doing this for years and had perfected her job, trust her, she knows what she's doing, you'll get seated eventually. The turnover is pretty quick so it's not long once you sit down to order, get your food and get out. The inside is pretty packed so it gets fairly crowded. I knocked over and broke a water glass once (oops!) it's that crowded with tables and chairs!
(4)
Kira L.
I really like Tempo but sometimes I just can't deal with the crowds. The food is great though so I usually try to rally up the girls to head there during an off time- like 2:30 or so on the weekends. That has worked well with the wait- you only have to wait about 10 minutes then. Get the omlettes- I love the egg white with mozarrella- yum!
(4)
Sean D.
Great selection of breakfast platters served in skillets, always open, great place to come for a bite to eat after clubbing. Love it, we need one like that in the West Loop. Crowded yes, especially late nights but what do you expect, not many places are open late at night and decently priced.
(4)
Geoff M.
If you've resigned yourself to an interminable wait for brunch on a weekend do yourself a favor and go to a real brunch place. While fairly tasty (especially after a long night out) the food is nothing to write home about and not particularly creative either. Sure, there's something to be said for doing the basics and doing them well, but Lou Mitchell's can claim that with free donut holes to boot. An added deterrent is the price, which is unusually high for a predominantly breakfast place. Their lunch/dinner fare is passable. There are some high points. A late-night eatery is tough to find in the Gold Coast and Tempo fills in admirably. They serve a delicious marmalade with their toast that everyone should try. Lastly, although the after-hours crowds can be as large as the ones on Sunday mornings, at least you have a chance of a B-list celebrity sighting. I'll keep coming when everywhere else is closed but will pass during daylight.
(3)
elizabeth n.
Tempo Cafe is a great place to go for brunch or lunch if you aren't worried about waiting. They do have a long wait at times, but once you are in, they move you along quickly. The food is great though so it makes up for whatever time you have to wait to get in. I usually do breakfast foods and they have the most amazing french toast which is my favorite, and lots of great omlette choices as well. If you go at off times it shouldn't be too bad of a wait but it's worth it!
(4)
H K.
Breakfest: The Best place for BREAKFAST hands down, if your looking for a family style place. Can't beat the Price. Staff is super nice!
(4)
Jake A.
It's good, but I've spent too much of my life in line at Tempo waiting for a decent breakfast. The wait is usually more than an hour, but the service is pretty fast once you are finally seated. I tend to stick with their breakfast items- omelette's, pancakes, and french toast. I've never had anything off their regular lunch menu, but I've been told the salads are good as well. I suggest Tempo expands or opens another location to fit us all in!
(4)
Ali C.
good cafe style food. my chicken sandwich was great! it was filled with tons of avocado and the chicken was grilled to perfection.. the thick cut fries were hot and delicious! i also got a chicken rice soup with my meal and it was actually good. i was tempted to try one of their omelets because they serve them in a frying pan! they only take cash here which is the only bummer especially being a tourist and never carrying any cash on me. i like the fact that they are open 24 hours! a great pit stop for drunken club goers..
(4)
Emily T.
Tempo is amazing. It is our go-to breakfast spot whenever friends are in town. There is a wait, but that always lets you know that you are at a good place. Dont forget to bring cash with you- they do not accept credit cards ect. The best thing on the menu is the poor mans skillet! The waiters are nice and the vibe is good- you have to check out tempo!
(5)
A.S. V.
I waited for about 30 minutes on a busy Saturday, which isn't too bad. What looks like a humble little Greek coffee shop actually offers some of the best breakfasts downtown. It had more than 25 omelets to choose from, and they didn't have that heavy greasy taste associated with old school diners like this. The french toast and pancakes (yes we pig out for brunch) offered less creative options, but were very good.
(4)
Rasmei P.
oh man! i shuffled in here around 2 or 3am on friday and we were seated right away. all i can recall right now is a humungous Belgian waffle in my face, perfectly cooked golden crisp brown topped with strawberries. it was so good! oh, and served with a tasty pan of fluffy scrambled eggs. yum! you bet i was happy!
(4)
L B.
Very disappointing. First, we decided to sit inside since there was construction going on across the street from the outside seating. With about a third of the restaurant empty, the hostess sat us next to a table with very loud, unsupervised children. We asked to go back outside and decided to endure the noise. To make a long story short, my pancakes came out well before the side order of bacon and my husband's skillet was bland but a generous portion. To be fair, the restaurant did offer to have us back to make up for this meal after our hotel called them to discuss our visit. Our trip will be too short to do this but it was a nice offer. Check on the construction if you decide to try it.
(2)
William L.
Pretty solid breakfast place if you're downtown for shopping, shows, or snooty-pooking. We went on a Saturday morning and it was packed by 8:45 but there was only about a 10 minute wait. The service was pretty fast and the portions were hearty. Poor man's skillet was my choice and I'd definitely get it again, although maybe with Greek toast next time. The strawberry waffle looked great too, but how do you screw up a waffle? I agree with Andrew T., try the orange marmalade. Cash only and you can't sit until your entire party is there, so plan accordingly.
(3)
Andrew T.
What more can I say about breakfast? I think this place deserves some consideration for its location and pretty friendly service - coffee while you wait - but when you get right down to it, it's just breakfast. This was the morning stop before half of the AMC Oscars marathon, and it worked just fine. My Poor Man's Skillet was pretty good - lots of ham, lots of good cheese, lots of peppers. About as good as that sort of thing gets. And their orange marmalade, which is apparently made in house, is very subtle and mild. Really good, and I'm not a huge marmalade fan. I'd like to try some lunch stuff - they had some good looking Greek dishes on the specials board. Service was very fast and friendly, as I mentioned. Our check for four seemed to be a little big high, but it is in a pretty popular location, so I can forgive that. I can see this place being mobbed late at night, since it's a 24 hour joint...
(3)
Ben B.
Tempo Cafe isn't really much more than a Denny's. Bright lighting, an around-the-clock breakfast menu and drunk customers. I had the chicken breast sandwich, which was supposed to have been marinated in something. I'm guessing they just marinated the chicken in lukewarm water because it tasted like nothing. Disappointing. And it wouldn't have killed them to have toasted the bun. But my fries were good. Big, thick steak fries. Service was also attentive. And I had an orange cream smoothie that was delightful. This shouldn't be your first resort for food, but as a stop-gap emergency place, it might do the trick. Warning: They only take cash.
(3)
Thomas P.
Whenever I am in Chicago THIS is the place to go for breakfast or any other meal. They are open 24 hours and the food and service is great. I have been a customer for over 15 years and I'll always go back. If you like steak and eggs-try their version it's fantastic.
(5)
Barbara S.
Fabulous omelets. Service was slow but sitting with friends made it tolerable. Must have cash. If going on Sunday morning try 10:00, much later is more difficult.
(4)
Paul F.
Come here hungry
(4)
Denise B.
I hear Tempo Cafe is popular with the locals who live in the area, and after dining here I can understand why! If you want your yummy, classic, tasty homestyle brunch and lunch treats, Tempo is a perfect place to eat! Although the menu does feature a lot of old favorites, they also have a lot of twists on old favorites. Service was quick and done with a smile, and I was VERY happy with my food. it was great! best of all, there was no wait for a table at all! I guess that's the advantage of going over lunch on a weekday. Cash $$$s only, so bring some crisp bills!
(4)
Cory C.
Wonderful place to have brunch. Wait can be a bit long but it moves quickly. It is a pretty loud place. Prices are very reasonable compared to portion size.
(3)
Adrienne K.
YUMMM!! Perfect place for breakfast!! Delicious eggs, bacon, waffles, smoothies, coffee...the works!! Fantastic!! NOTE: CASH ONLY !! ATM inside, but extremely large service charge
(5)
Keith C.
I have never been Tempo sober. If I am still somehow alive on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning after partying until 5, then my friends and I usually hit this place up. Tempo is open 24 hours and is serves one of the best breakfast in the area. Their omelets are enormous and I love their Greek omelet. Whenever I show up there (usually around 5:30 am or 6 am) the place is packed and you will have to wait for a table. I guess all the drunk people go here too. You have to pay with cash and the service can be really slow sometimes but that's because they are completely packed. You'll also see a couple rowdy tables because everyone is usually hammered at this time. My group being one of those rowdy tables so just get used to it because the food here is awesome. Maybe one day I'll try this place sober and update my review.
(4)
Danyelle K.
The waitress recommended the Poor Man's Skillet and it was fantastic. The hash brown potatoes were very crispy and yet not burned. The Greek toast was browned to perfection. And the best part - the coffee! Tempo is an upscale diner that I'll visit again when I'm in town.
(4)
Matthew M.
Very very very good food. Their eggs are great and excellent chocolate chip pancakes. Service could be 10-15 min wait. If your food takes more time than excepted, they might give you a complementary free drink.
(4)
Sam I.
Service is ok, sometimes they can be rude if you go at 4 am. We went that early after a night race, totally sober. However, the waitress was not the nicest and it was hard for her to understand my order of 1 egg over easy,1 piece of wheat toast and potatoes. Everyone was happy with their food though.
(3)
Nick M.
I'm a breakfast for dinner kind of guy. I don't know what kind of guy that makes me. Oh, wait an AWESOME guy (giving you the "Fonzie point"). Pants and I worked up an appetite after watching others leap and jump through the air (Contemp. dance festival). Yep, that's how we roll. Lucky for us it wasn't busy and there was plenty of tables on the patio for a nice sunny day. There really isn't much to say about the place, decor is plain and the service is ok, nothing really special but... the food is solid. It's not fancy and it's more then likely to put some meat on your bones. The servings are HUGE! I didn't have to eat for the rest of the weekend. They have all of your standard breakfast items so it's not hard to find something you like. I went with the Poor Man's Skillet -A skillet full of hash browns, bacon, green pepper, onion, first topped with melted American, Mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs. Good lord I was struggling to finish and didn't. Pants decided to be crazy and go with the Jamaican- 3 Egg Omelettes with banana, walnut, honey. That shit was good, I almost stole it and yes we both said that it was so good it was "Jamaican me crazy". Like I said solid and a big meal. Also, bring cash, no credit allowed.
(4)
Mike P.
Had a meeting downtown that lasted a little longer than I had anticipated and wanted brunch (versus lunch) somewhere close to where I was (Rush and Peterson area) that wasn't too pricey. Came upon this place thanks to Foursquare and decided to check it out. I saw the place and wanted to see if they had a menu outside...woman comes up and asked if she could help me. Said I was looking for a table for one. Even though the place was crowded there were still a few tables here and there so got seated right away. Ordered what they call a scrambler which in actuality was a skillet with scrambled eggs....was tasty and not too many potatoes. Also got my choice of ingredients in the scrambler so I opted for Canadian Bacon, mushrooms, and American Cheese. Oh yea got an English Muffin with it (no extra charge...yay!) All in all a good place....will definitely go here again as the food is good and plentiful.
(5)
Fred C.
Would I be bale to go two and a half stars I would. Tempo's big value for me is that it is open 24x7 and I live two blocks away. It is ubiquitous - when Kate and I want some place to go, grab a late-night breakfast, and get some work done it fits the bill. The food is average and overpriced compared to my other River North breakfast spots (Eggsperence, Orange, Yolk) - every item is $10 and worth maybe $6. Also, unless you are drinking water or coffee be prepared to pay for refills. The coffee is not great, in many ways this is the first sin of breakfast spots. The staff is generally friendly and moderately attentive. And the service is nearly always quick. The only other annoyance is they take only cash. INCONVENIENT. All in all if it is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and you are in the Gold Coast in want of breakfast after 10 pm this is the spot for you. If you are looking for a go-to spot for a fab breakfast/brunch... keep looking you will find better.
(2)
Sally R.
I've eaten here a couple of times. I'd say the food is ok, but nothing to write home about. The service is just ok.
(2)
Terra V.
Wowza, this place doesn't mess around with their skillets. My husband looked Tempo Cafe up on Yelp while we were visiting Chicago. I can't remember what skillet I got, all I know is that I couldn't eat it all, and they gave me the option to have it cooked with Pam to save a little bit of calories (seriously, I'm ordering a giant skillet of eggs and has browns, why did I think this would help me?) Anyway, my skillet was delicious and my husband was a big fan of his as well. He also got some orange juice that I wish I would have ordered because it was fresh squeezed. Great place.
(4)
Mahsa T.
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to stop in at Tempo for breakfast. Not only are they affordable, but they have fabulous food and great service. The restaurant itself is small and they do get busy so expect a wait, but tables turn over pretty quickly. We arrived around 11 am, were greeted warmly by the hostess, quoted 15 minutes for a table and seated within that time frame if not quicker. Our waitress was friendly, thoughtful, and on top of things, I wish I remembered her name. She checked in on us often and got every little thing we asked for and even offered to get us things we didn't ask for. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet with ham, green peppers, hash browns, layers of cheese, and 3 eggs any style--it was fantastic! Portions are huge too so you can easily order one skillet and share. We also shared a short stack of pancakes (3 very large pancakes) that were mouth-wateringly delicious. I highly recommend the fresh-squeezed orange juice and I would get the large size because the small size is too small (looks like a shot glass). I love that they top off your coffee even though it says no refills on the menu. Our food came out literally a few minutes after we ordered. I'm extremely impressed and surprised by how efficiently this restaurant is run. They're open 24 hours, 7 days a week. I haven't had a breakfast this satisfying in a long time, I came out absolutely stuffed and very happy to have found my new breakfast spot!
(4)
Stacy F.
Tempo Cafe had a really nice patio area for those nice spring/summer/fall days. Service was alright, not very attentive. Food was tasty. One thing to remember: CASH ONLY.
(3)
Tania G.
Ok, i have been here before couple of times and went on one night after a black tight event .We sat done the table in a busy night ,just to realize my whole dress was covered in oil and whatever else was around the table .The table looked clean on the top except not around the edges .(half ass job done ). So i was upset and try to tell them and they called on the GM,.So when she came in she try to blame it all an me ,she called me i was annoying customer ,she took my food away from my table and told me she will call the police on me . No need for that, i couldn't believe,i was treated like this . This is a big red flag for place like this .Now ,not that i was upset over my expensive dress i was upset over how bad they treated me .I try to talk to the owner but he kept ignoring my calls ,,i have nothing else to do but to call the business bureau on them . This is not how you treat a customer ! Lack of professionalism can ruin fool reputation .Zero stars and only good place for drunk people that they can not see they surroundings .
(1)
Arly J.
Great diner for breakfast. We had delicious skillet omellettes and eggs benedict. All meals came with an orange and prunes for the table. we were a group of six and the waitress was very accomadating when one of us was on a diet and exchange the omelette that had potatoes. Food was all fresh and plentiful. Quick , fast service.
(4)
M G.
This place is great for a quick bite if there isn't a long wait. (usually occurs around breakfast on the weekends). Good service and You get a lot of food for a good price. I recommend sharing breakfast plates because its a lot for one person. They are also great with kids. Provide balloons for them. Only downside is that they take CASH only. Food is still good tho.
(5)
DJ C.
Wow! This place has a great vibe and the ambiance is amazing. The location is great. I must reccomend the morning glory waffles which were fantastic! The smoothie was tremendous. However, my associate had the wuevos rancheros and was far from satisfied. Despite that minor setback, we also enjoyed the huge omlets which were finger lickin good. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
Rits M.
Tempo is great. They have delish food, and I got the scrambled egg and illy coffee for my cousin, which she deemed good. I personally really liked my eggs, the portions were generous. The only problem was they dont accept credit cards, which I think is a bummer
(3)
Thalie L.
It's a place fine place to drink a coffee and have a nice talk with someone. The prices were fine. I'll come back for a breakfast.
(3)
Sebastian Y.
24 hr Diner! Love the omelettes here because they come in a skillet with potatoes at the bottom! I got the Gold Coast Omelette and was very happy and satisfied. It tasted home cooked and didn't leave me feeling gross. Only knock on Tempo is that it's cash only.
(3)
KB C.
Only go to Tempo for late night eating- otherwise it's not that good. Food is really bland. (meaning that the the salt and pepper that'll be placed on your table...will not help!)
(2)
Lindsey D.
This is a breakfast for a man about to go work a ten hour shift on the farm. It comes in a skillet for Pete's sake! And not a small skillet either. This spot is classic diner food but with tasty options. I've been here now a couple times over the years and Tempe never seems to let me down. On my most recent visit, we got lucky with cold and rainy weather in the middle of the week which meant that Tempe wasn't very crowded and we actually got a seat without waiting. We first tried the banana pancakes as our appetizer followed by a skillet omelet. Yes, I said a skillet. I got the egg white omelet with ham, cheese, spinach and mushrooms. It was large and definitely in charge. The omelet rests on a bed of hash browns within the skillet. I ate and I ate and I ate and I ate...and guess what this skillet looked like when I was too stuffed to think? It looked like a little bird had poked a hole in it with its beak and took some little bites. It didn't even look like I had eaten anything! PS - every bite was delicious. The only downfall is that more often than not, there is a line out the door to eat at Tempo. But hey, that's the price you pay for a delicious breakfast to start your day!
(4)
Ana Cristina P.
Every time I visit Chicago, I visit Tempo. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and at Tempo it's even more so! Everything on their menu is HUGE. Really. Bring a friend and share. The omelets fill up an entire skillet... I think they're made with a dozen eggs. At least it feels that way. They're always made with the crispest, freshest ingredients... And I had no idea I'd enjoy fruit in my omelet until I came here. They make it work. Their banana waffles are amazing. But maybe that's just because I'm a huge fan of bananas- I eat one everyday of my life... It's nice to have it sprinkled in belgian waffle mix at least one day a year! Their pancakes are pretty great too. There really isn't anything on their menu that isn't good, as far as I'm concerned. If you love breakfast food and you're in the Windy City, make time for a meal here. You won't regret it.
(4)
Blair R.
Met a friend at Tempo for brunch this Sunday. Even though it is nearby, I don't go often. However, it is a good option if you are in the mood for a diner-style brunch. Chicago is majorly lacking in good diners, if you ask me. I am not a big omelette girl (I'm weird and don't like veggies in my eggs in the A.M.) but that seems to be the "go to" option. I went with the three eggs any style/scrambled and was a bit disappointed that they were more omelette-like than scrambled but I'd probably go back nonetheless. Important to note that this is cash only. Also the small orange juice is basically the size of a shot glass so make sure to go with the large.
(4)
William S.
Rosa is the best waitress hands down
(5)
Michael G.
Good food! Big Portions too. Ordered the veggie poor man skillet and you could definitely split it. Coming back for a late night meal-open 24 hours
(4)
Bill J.
Best breakfast in the city if you like skillets. I can't say enough good things about the service either.
(5)
Arian M.
I usually enjoy breakfast at Tempo...they are fast and food is tasty. Unfortunately, today was not a good day. Not sure if it was because we had a new server or it was busy, but not that busy. I asked for grapefruti juice and was told they don't serve grapefruti juice...hmmmmn really cause I usually order it and it's on the menu, front and center. Our server provided no explanation, but the bus boy stepped in and said, "Of course we serve, grapfefruti juice, but we don't have any in stock at the moment." I ordered an egg-white omelet with spinach,turkey sausage and tomatoe...it was quite tasty, but I noticed the eggs weren't very white. A girl's gotta watch her figure, if you know what I mean. I asked the serve if it was egg whites and she said, " It doesn't look like it, but htat's what I wrote down. Do you want me to take it back and make you a new one, no charge?" I said, " No, thank you...I'll eat this because I have to get back to work." I only ate half (again a girl's gotta watch her figure). Or server asked if I wanted to doggy bag the rest. I said no thank you. I only assumed that because she made an error that we would have received a small discount, let's say 20% off the bill. Unfortunaley not. It won't stop me from coming back, but I will say that I will definitely be visting other eateries more frequently.
(3)
Tam H.
This is late night dining at its finest...Its not only the food that brings people together after the late night of partying and shindigs but is the atmosphere... First off, I love the omelets...I have pretty much eaten most of the omelets on the menu. Why? Because they truly understand how to make an omelet tasty and good late at night. Its nothing like eating somewhere at that time and the food is horrible. You already have had a hard night out with your friends with all the debauchery that may have taken place. The last thing you need is bad food. Right? Nope not here. The pancakes are on point and fluffy. They don't skimp on the serving so if you are not really hungry you can share it with your date. Now look at you getting cozy in that booth with your boo! LOVE IT!. Tempo serves it up fresh and quick. The waitstaff is pleasant even at 2 am in the morning...You can't beat that.
(3)
Gina V.
Waitress hated her life and it was very evident in her manner... Club sandwich was kinda gross...can't put my finger on it, but I have had much better. Fries were pretty good. I have no reason to return
(2)
Carolyn L.
I didn't even know this place existed until my friends brought me here to binge on late-night food. I think I'd only be able to enjoy this place if I was drunk. I ordered the strawberry french toast and it was enjoyable as a drunken treat. Honestly, I can't really complain about anything but that's because I don't remember most of my night post-Hangge Uppe. So let's just say the food was good, I didn't get sick from it, but I'm not entirely tempted to go back.
(3)
Alexandra G.
I stopped in here for breakfast while visiting Chicago and enjoyed the entire experience. Great food, great service!
(4)
Ashley C.
Food? Mediocre. I ordered the Eggs Benedict. It was ok - nothing special. But what about the wonderful breakfast potatoes that complete a brunch? They were lukewarm at best. Meh. :-( This is NOT the way to start off a brunch. [The blueberry pancakes were actually really tasty and I would order those next time.] Service? It took 5 minutes to get ketchup and then she rushed us for the bill. It gets worse - NO FREE REFILLS. Really? Does that mean it's really cheap? NOPE. The redeeming quality is that there was nice shaded outdoor seating and there wasn't much of a wait when we went (for 4 outside). Plus - it's location was convenient. A good meeting place and you're by Michigan Ave. Would I go back? If it was a place to meet, nice outside, and if I wasn't dehyrdated.
(2)
Stephanie S.
We came here since it was the only restaurant that was open after 11pm (we landed pretty late). The food was so disgusting. I started off with a creamy soup which was decent but the steak stir fry was bland and tasted awful. My girlfriend had filet of perch which was so bad she only had the fried shrimp by the fish and she had the worst mashed potatoes (fake, runny instant mashed potatoes). This was a waste of time and money. The waitress didn't seem to be in the best mood either.
(1)
Temple W.
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. DO NOT BRING KIDS HERE. i took my 11 year old daughter to breakfast early saturday morning. the service was good and the food was as well, but the manager sat a table of really drunken guys next to us who were clearly coming off a long night of drinking. they were swearing, speaking disrespectfully to the waitress, and frightening my daughter... so much so that she couldn't eat her breakfast and asked to leave. i told the manager and his response was, "what can we do?". here's an idea, if they are so drunk that they are slurring their words, can barely stand up coming in the door and picking fights with your staff, THROW THEM OUT. you may be making a few bucks on them but you just lost my business forever.
(1)
Andrew L.
great place to eat!!
(5)
Jackie C.
This place was just around the corner from my hotel, and my husband and I were craving breakfast food, so we gave it a try. BAD DECISON. Things started out okay- our waitress seemed civil. Hubby ordered the famous omelette in a pan and I ordered some type of scrambled eggs and toast. The ONLY thing that was decent was the toast. My husband's omelette was dry, flavorless, and mostly filled with one of the worst hashbrowns I've ever had- soggy and absolutely lacking in any type of flavor whatsoever. The decaf there was also one of the worst I've had- incredibly acidic and gross. As for the service? BAD. Like Emily B. mentioned in her review, the servers here seem to hate their jobs and make sure the customers know it. I tried to flag down my waitress to get the check at least three times (she was standing by the cashier, talking to another worker), and despite locking eyes with me two times, ignored me and actually walked behind some huge kitchen equipment so she could continue to ignore me. Probably thought I wanted her to get something besides the check and didn't want to do her job. After waiting in vain for her to address our needs, my husband had to actually walk to the counter to get our check. My soft-hearted hubs left a 15% tip- I would have left them none. NEVER GOING BACK again.
(2)
Isaac C.
Good: The food Bad: Everything else. The service was terrible. After we were seated it took over ten minutes until we were greeted by our server. Then when she was taking our order she asked us to hurry up and we could only order if we were going to be fast because she had to help a table of seven. Then half way into our meal she asked if i needed a refill of my water. I said yes but after 30 minutes she had never come back with a refill. I never got more water. This place had not given me a very good experience so far so i decided to talk to a manager about it. He was very receptive to the criticism and thanked me. Then when i was paying my bill i complained again because the service continued to get worse. The person hearing my complaint this time, who i am assuming was the line/executive chef, someone important., told me that i don't have to come back and he was extremely rude.
(1)
Stephen H.
Labor day weekend, every place in town packed. Except Tempo. My hero. Tempo had no wait, was clean, inexpensive, fresh, casual. Food was really good. Generous portions. I will definitely be back. 3.5 stars...
(3)
Bob D.
Food was good and overall experience was positive. Nothing ground shaking about the menu but if you're looking for a no frills decent breakfast, you can't go wrong here. One big plus is that their portions are pretty hearty so bring your appetite. As mentioned, cash only.
(3)
Boon K.
I have been coming here since college and I love that they are open all the time (24H), great place to get breakfast after a clubbing and still good in the morning. Plus if your not a breakfast person they service other things too like sandwishes, entrees, etc. The banana nut buckwheat pancake or the waffles, all my favorite but I like the healthy option of white egg french toast. The veggie poor man skillet is good too and so is the egg benedict.
(4)
Kevin H.
Maybe it was the city, maybe it was the cold air and winter cheer, or maybe it was the alcohol, at any rate this place was a great place to be in the middle of the night. I really enjoyed my omelet something I am finding a hard to say these days as I try more and more breakfast places. Most Cafes I've been to are fairly closed off. What I mean by that is you sit at your table and can be loud and obnoxious as long as you stay at your table. This place as a little different (or maybe I was that guy ;) I've never met so many interesting people in one place. Between our neighbors at the table next to us, and the random group that decided to come join our table because the place was out of seats, This is by far the friendliest place I've been to. Given the crowd at 3 am, I'm guess this is the place to be for late night meals. I wonder if its the only place ??
(4)
Julia J.
Love this place. I am an omelet freak! They pay attention to your order, and it is always delish! The staff is really sweet. Adrianna you ROCK!
(4)
Colleen C.
Round the clock grub downtown? A rarity. I dined for breakfast on a weekday, so I did not witness the unbearable wait times...though I'm sure if I had, I'd be deducting another star. It's a decent stop for a downtown omelette, but it's nothing to wait around for... Aforementioned omelette was BIG. Denver style, served in a pan. Interesting touch, though really...I'd prefer a plate. Just a thing I have. I know I'm not super sophisticated, but I generally don't eat out of the skillets at my house. Ok, that one time...but that doesn't count, because I didn't have any dishes clean ;) Food was acceptable, and prices are on par for downtown. It's a greasy spoon with Gold Coast clientele and price points. The outdoor patio is prime for people watching and the service is a bit spotty, although adequate... Coffee is hot and strong, just the way I like it. Many refills later I was extra jolted and ready to power through the day... I wouldn't wait for it, but if the timing is right and you're downtown in search of breakfast, it sure beats the food court at 700 N Michigan! What's with the weird orange/prune plate? Is that a prune? I have no idea. Maybe just a bloated cherry. I could not tell, and did not want to find out...
(4)
Dj Nightwolf ..
Best place to go to immediately after a night of late-night partying! I highly recommend the omelettes, pancakes, and waffles. They are delicious and oh so filling! It gets pretty packed and busy with all the other party animals who come in looking to fill their bellies with carb-heavy breakfast food. You may have to wait a bit to be seated, but it's worth it. The service is great and extremely patient. You'd have to be, especially when dealing with a restaurant full of drunken maniacs! I give Tempo Cafe 4 stars: 3 stars overall plus an additional star for their friendly and extremely patient service. Oh yeah, one more thing. When you come to Tempo Cafe make sure you have cash on you because they don't take plastic. Holla!!!â„¢
(4)
Esther T.
This is a 24 hour cafe and after a late night on a Friday/Saturday it HITS THEE SPOT (I'm sure most places do after a drunken night) but this is my favorite 24 hour cafe in Chicago. Their omelets were amazing.
(5)
Emily B.
Everything works about this place....minus the food. Seriously, I love the small cafe setting, the waitresses who seemingly hate their jobs, and the outdoor seating. Do not love the food. Do not love the no-refills (Really? Really?). But if you're in the area and it's that weird after breakfast but before lunch time, pop a squat here. Otherwise, just give yourself 20 minutes and head over to Bistro 110.
(2)
Andrea R.
A few years ago I would have recommended Tempo as one of the best spots to get breakfast in town. These days I'm just not feeling it when it comes to Tempo. The fluffy omelettes just aren't quite as tasty as they used to be and while my fruit platter looked good yesterday it had sort of a funny taste. And the wait on the weekends remains ridiculous! All this and CASH ONLY...gasp! However, I wasn't quite sober during most of my late night visits to Tempo a few years ago...and many times still wasn't sober when going for breakfast the very next morning. Perhaps the problem isn't Tempo, but that I'm now attempting to eat there while sober.
(3)
Gabi M.
I have fond memories of Tempo... it used to be a go-to breakfast spot during every visit to Chicago! I specifically remember the fluffy egg white omelettes, perfectly golden hash browns, and some amazing looking desserts. So, when I realized that I was staying right next door to Tempo on a recent visit, I just had to make a stop. Not knowing if the wait would be ridiculous (I seem to recall that also), I ended up calling in a breakfast order to go one morning. I opted for a spinach and mushroom egg white omelette fluffy and well done, and requested sliced tomato and wheat toast. It wasn't crazy busy when I went to pick up my food... but it was also a weekday. The people were not overly friendly; they seemed more frenzied than anything. I was happy that they provided me with salt, pepper, ketchup, and a couple flavors of jelly with my order. I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room and dig in... Yum - the omelette looked fluffy and was just as delicious as I remembered. I probably should've gotten the hash browns instead of the toast though - since it was nothing special; even with butter and jelly, it tasted like cardboard. Note to self: forget the toast, go for the hash browns next time! I'm sure I'll be back - just not necessarily a 'go-to' spot for every visit anymore!
(3)
Chris K.
Tempo is hands down the best breakfast restaurant I have tried in Chicago. Now, I know, I know most of those from Chicago will pick Lou Mitchell's as the best. Sorry, but sometimes I think reputation trumps the reality of what is truly a better meal. Tempo has a much better atmosphere, service and my god do they have wonderful skillets and breakfast plates! Just look at the pictures of the omelet I had. There are potatoes under that omelet, but the omelet is so huge, they had to put them on the bottom! The prices are great and it has a bit of a European feel - maybe a little French or Canadian French. Nice place and nice service. I have eaten here a number of times and love it. I have never been disappointed and would recommend this as my number 1 pick for breakfast in Chicago.
(5)
Bill B.
Referred here for breakfast by the concierge at the Peninsula hotel. Tempo is a short walk and convenient. The menu is great. Lots of options for breakfast including smoothies. I got the eggs with Canadian bacon. My wife got an omelet. Both came in skillets which was fine, but they were overloaded with potatoes. The coffee is OK, not excellent. The atmosphere is good, there is not too much noise, appears clean and I'd happily go back.
(3)
Peter H.
Make sure to have the Omellete! Enough for 2!
(4)
Wen S.
I ordered the corned beef hash and eggs with side of fruit. The food tasted good. The serving size was big enough to fill you but the side of fruit came out short. It looked like two or three pieces of sliced strawberries, which was priced for like $3. The service was okay, nothing special. Cash only, no credit/debit cards. It's 2010! There's an ATM on site with $2.75 transaction fee. Thumbs down to that. There's a self-park garage right next to Tempo Cafe.
(3)
Brad S.
OMG. Avoid this place at all costs. This is the worst food I have ever had. It is not worth the wait, or even if it was free.
(1)
Dennis S.
Location, location, location. But nothing else. I LOVE huevos rancheros. I got started on them in a little Mexican diner in Pasadena CA long ago. They're always good, and, assuming there are any Mexicans working in the kitchen, they always have a bit of personality to them. The cooked salsa and garnishes vary from place to place, some good, some great. Except at Tempo. Their salsa I can only describe as watered-down used motor oil. It was terrible, inedible. That was the final straw for me. Other breakfast dishes I've ordered at Tempo have been boring, unexciting, not worth finishing. But waiting with the crowds outside Tempo for this food is now off my list. North is the Original Pancake House, southeast is West Egg, get in a cab or car and go to Ina's or Lou Mitchell's. There is NO reason to eat at Tempo, other than it's convenient location for many condo dwellers and unsuspecting hotel guests. Go east three blocks to Chestnut Street Cafe in the Seneca Hotel - at least you get a square meal (but no yuppies).
(2)
Russell H.
Poor man's vegetable platter was very good. Pancakes and waffles seem to be well made. However if I ordered strawberry or rasberry waffles, I would expect a little more than waffles with a few fresh berries on top. I would want some of that worked into the batter... I am just sayin'.... I went there on a Friday morning and felt like it was Saturday or Sunday morning. Lot's of food - maybe that's the reason for the lines? The service was okay but had a mixture of busboys running around way to fast and wait staff who seemed to be overwhelmed. Make sure you order something simple because it may seem that the more complex platters or dishes would be sub par. My example, the poor man's veg platter was potatoes on the bottom, vegetables chopped up, cheese and three over easy eggs. They got that right and it was a good meal - more than enough calories to get me through a long road trip.
(3)
Jessica C.
Tempo was recommended to us by the guy at the front desk at our hotel, and for that, I say thank you front desk guy! We got a late start, and got to Tempo at around 2pm...luckily they serve breakfast 24 hours a day, because breakfast was what we all needed. The place was warm and cozy, also what we needed after walking several blocks in what felt like Siberia (I'm not from Chicago). I was elated to see that they serve skillets - something I haven't seen since my favorite breakfast place closed down (R.I.P.), and I got a much needed coffee. There's a note on the menu that tells you they use butter for cooking, but that you can substitute Pam, so that I did. Service: quick Coffee: good Veggie skillet: YUM! Everything was FULL of flavor and melted cheese, and was delicious. The Pam substitution didn't take away any flavor, in case anyone was wondering. The skillet was incredibly filling - I couldn't finish it, and was able to skip dinner later, and comfortably go right into Saturday night drinking. I wasn't hungry until late night pizza time came, sometime around midnight. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
J M.
I had a great breakfast at Tempo Cafe while in town. The omelets are huge and are served in a skillet, with potatoes underneath. The service was fast and efficient.
(4)
Shradha A.
They now have a veggie burger on the menu, which ain't so bad for its-midnight-and-im-starving food!
(3)
Jamie D.
Diner food at 3 a.m.! From what I remember, the food was average. The place was BUSY though.
(3)
Jeff A.
I want to give this spot more stars I really do!!! it was 7 or so years ago, I was in Chicago for work, and first discovered this spot, was dazzled by the fresh fruit selections, fresh raspberries and blueberries in abundance, who has that? amazing omelets... My first moment at Tempo was @ about 4am on a random chicago night about 7 years ago, and truthfully the fact that a place like this existed in Chicago made me want to move here (with many other contributing factors for sure!)... I love the Jamaican omelet, hmmmm banana walnut honey in eggy goodness! Fast forward to last night... Had some out of town buddies in and we were have a fun night out about and around, drinks, dinner, movie, dessert (tempo for dessert and coffee after movie, twas late!), more drinks.... 6 of us... Cheese cake.... BAD! I mean it bad! Chocolate cake... Not Good! I mean it not good! Fresh raspberries... On point! Cream pies.... None to be had... So sad! Banana split... No chocolate Ice cream?? What? Service was good! Hey kidz just a suggestion... Take Credit cards, really it is 2010... Just Cash is so not cool! I will give Tempo another chance, cuz I love this place, but if this continues, I will fall out of love!
(3)
Liz B.
I've gone here twice in Chicago, both times after 1am, and both times to get omelets. I can't imagine wanting to come here during a normal time, but their "sober up" food is pretty damn good. Service is incredibly quick, and even if there are a million people waiting on line you will still probably wait less than 15 minutes.
(3)
A. L.
Absolutely wonderful waffles. Some of the best I've ever had (and I make a mean waffle!). But first, get the juice. Any of their fresh squeeze juices (I had the amazing Casablanca, which is orange, strawberry and cantoloupe)! We tried the bacon and the sausage patties, both very good. But the WAFFLES!! Mine had strawberries, bananas and blueberries, no need for syrup or butter. I'm trying to convince myself to eat breakfast somewhere else today just for the variety, but it's a losing battle. I'm going back. There is always a line, but it seems to go fast. Coffee and iced tea both fine and service excellent, but I'm telling you.....it's the waffles!! (And I'm not sure what that other person was saying about it being dirty, but having worked in restaurants I can tell you it's very clean.)
(5)
K B.
Nothing special about this diner, unless it's 3 am.
(3)
Shannon W.
Arguably the best breakfast I had while in Chicago was at Tempo Cafe. I highly recommend ordering the omelets- they are absolutely huge but delicious! Even though I not a huge fan of waffles, I highly recommend trying Tempo's- they are little pillows of crispy heaven! I also like Tempo's service because they make you truly feel at home, and it is always nice to sit on their patio, especially on warm days. Plus, they serve late and have a delicious bakery- what more can you ask for from a neighborhood cafe?
(5)
Krisha d.
I'm not a fan. But, maybe it's because I'm not a breakfast person. I felt like my omelet was bland. I had also gotten a salad last night. Spinach with Tuna on the side. I have had better. I am a big salad fan, so pardon my harsh criticism. I don't know what the buzz is about?
(1)
Sean S.
So I came home so hungry & my hotel stopped room service at 10. I ordered egg white gold coast omelette and they were by far the softest eggs I can recall eating. Cash only is not cool but the staff were warm despite the post bar after hours feel of the crowd.
(3)
Ken E.
More food than anyone should eat for lunch! Ok service.
(3)
Rodney R.
I cant give this spot a five star rating four will have to do. The service was good for a busy friday morning. The food was excellent and more than enough. It took forever to get a refill on coffee. I love my coffee in the morning! What I liked the most was being able to sit streetside and dine as people walked to and fro. I love to watch people. I loved the mixed clientele. From an obviously hungover student to a man that looked like a sterotypical old school disco lounge lizard. Next to them sat a woman that for some reason felt inspired to come to breakfast dressed rather extravagantly and seemed to be bothered by every little thing You know the type...nothing is good enough but I suppose we shall make do.... As I said the food was delicious but the overall attitude seemd somewhat rude. Not out right but when we arrived we almost felt as tho we were bothering them by asking to dine there! Once we got past that and were seated by a wonderful waitress (With the eception that she was stingy with a second cup of coffee). We were sat by an older gentlemen who carried in his bag a rather small dog. My companion says it was a teacup something or another...A family came in as well and sat behind us and their children were well behaved and wonderfully curious. My lady friend and I enjoy family so this was quite nice to be a "Part" of things LOL.
(4)
Tj M.
good breakfast-cash only: Me & my honey stayed at the talbott hotel and we found this place based on the reviews we saw on here. My girl got the pancakes and they looked really good with the fruit topping on it. I chose the skillet with cheese,egg & hash browns and it was pretty good.My hash browns were burnt but was still edible. It was also neat to see some of the people come into this place, which made for good table conversation.It was a lil pricey but for being in the gold coast your gonna pay anyways. One thing that really was a turn off was they only took cash-no debit or credit cards. They could probably do better if they got with the times and offered to take other forms of payment.
(4)
L G.
Visiting Chicago, Tempo Cafe is around the corner from my hotel, had the best breakfast, the egg scrambler and it was beyond delicious, muy sabroso, wish they had one of these restaurants in Los Angeles.
(5)
Monica W.
This is a good place to go on a late night if you've got a big appetite and you're craving breakfast. Definitely stick with the breakfast though. I went with a large group and everyone that ordered dinner options were dissatisfied. You can't go wrong with the skillets.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Tempo is right around the corner from where I grew up, and it's a neighborhood standard for my family. The wait here is consistently shorter than that at the Pancake House on Bellevue, and the menu covers more than just breakfast. All in all, the service is pretty good and the food is pretty good. The decor is outdated but fits in with a typical diner/cafe. There's nothing I find particularly overwhelmingly positive about this restaurant, but it's consistent and easy, and that earns pretty big points in my book. Also - they make their omelets in individual pans in an oven, so they get nice and big and puffy. Originally, I was going to give Tempo 4 stars, but we unfortunately found a half-eaten pickle and part of an Equal sweetener packet in my mom's omelet the other day, and the waitress wasn't savvy enough to ask the manager to take it off the bill, so....
(3)
Greg D.
DOES NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! CASH ONLY! When staying at the Sofitel, this being on the same block, like a 1 minute walk from the valet entrance to Soiftel, this does look appealing, if you are really being lazy. Our first visit was pretty much pure hell. The wait is unbelievable, and all I can do to try to understand it, is equate it to cattle mentality. People see others lined up and think this is a good thing, so they too line up. For the 45 minutes we waited, hungry, we decided to sit on the steps of a building next door, instead of in the crowd, and just watch the seaters announce a table and then go and check every time to see if it was us. Okay, here's why we put up with this. Tempo has outside tables right smack on a very active street corner in downtown Chicago. So the people and traffic watching is magnificent... But there is one factor to consider, you know that big orange thing in the sky, that you are not supposed to stare at? It been around a long time, what do they call that, SOL? Yeah, the SUN! While Tempo does have a group of sun umbrellas and even a roll out canopy, they didn't have the common sense, care or desire to use them this day and both my wife and I were sunburned. You know, it doesn't matter how good the view is when it's so bright that you can't see a thing without squinting. How was the food? Good. We were happy with it. Brunch/Breakfast plates were HUGE and there was no way to finish them. And then came time to pay, at which time I presented my credit card. The waitress, quite obviously frustrated with having to explain this over and over and over again, told us "The owner doesn't want us to take credit cards because it costs him too much". And I am like WTF? When we travel we don't use old fashioned paper money much so never carry much with us. Thanks to this place and their possible mafia tax evading owner, our cash supply took an unexpected hit. Do yourself a HUGE favor and keep on walking by this place. There is so, so much more to be found in this area food wise. Pizano's Pizza & Pasta RIGHT across the street (green canopy) has been considered by many as one of the finest Chicago pizzas in the history of America. (The green canopy). And then you also have McCormick & Schmick's Seafood right across the street as well, low priced and excellent with indoor seating. And both of these suggestions take credit cards.
(2)
Jamie R.
Super breakfast place. Order absolutely anything traditional and it will be satisfying. Expect a wait because word is out about this gem, with the locals leading the pack to a communal table here. Nice touch: prune + orange slice, gratis for each diner.
(4)
Bernice W.
I eat here for lunch all the time and finally decided to review about it. I really like this place, especially the chicken wild rice soup. I could go on and on about it... I've had their omelets which are served as an enormous portion, and their tuna salad melt, both were really yummy. I've also had their sandwich with tomato, bacon and cheese. that was delicious too. The only downside is they only take cash. But there's an atm in ING cafe that doesn't charge for withdrawing money. All in all tempo cafe is really good
(5)
Tony C.
We went to Tempo just as the lunch rush was ending. The place was packed, it was rainy outside... a perfect day for a skillet. There was a line of huddled customers in the busy hallway, yet we were told that it would be ten minutes. I wasn't sure if I should believe it. But, sure enough, ten minutes later we were seated and ready to order. The portion sizes here are generous. I had the poor man's skillet and I have to say that I ate like a rich man. Another nice feature of this place is that breakfast is served anytime. If you're craving an omelette, you can always get one at Tempo. As a fan of omelettes, this is a major plus for me. Finally, the service was courteous and prompt. The woman in charge even remembered my name when it came time to pay. Sure, she may have written it down when we showed up, but that is going the extra mile - something that doesn't go unnoticed in my book.
(5)
Brit M.
Like most of the yelpers for Tempo, I can admit to only being here once sober. I based my review off that. Though I can honestly say, god bless the waitresses who deal with the after 4 am crowd. You truly see the worst of the worst. Also, I would like to send a special shout out to the waitress with the short short hair. You are awesome and thank you for dealing with our drunken fake accents (that range from terrible Nigerian, to even more horrible Australian, and finishing with just plain ole American drunk slurs) and over the top orders. We always take care of you for that exact reason! So, my 8 year old cousin Lily spent the night and wanted breakfast the next morning. I took her to the only place I know, Tempo. Wow, can I just say the real morning crowd is refreshing. No slobbering drunk men and yelling. It was nice! We were seated, and they literally catered to Lily like the princess she is. The service is always fast, and they always make sure your coffee is filled. Lily had the chocolate milk and eggs. I had a spinach and mushroom omelet. The food is good sober, and that's a plus. They have outside seating in the summer morning, which is something I didn't expect - god knows why! The only downside is of course the vagrants, which tend to be more aggressive in that area for some reason. Anyways, a Tempo is a great place and the food is moderately priced.
(3)
Joey M.
Tempo is pretty standard diner style dining. As many have lamented, they only take cash, but luckily they won't take too much of it. The food is fresh enough, though the toast is flaky (as in inconsistent, not... actually flaky). I come here mostly for the three egg omelettes. To say the portions are generous would be an understatement. Three eggs mixed with meat, veggies and a healthy portion of crisp potatoes round out this meal in a pan. Be sure to bring someone to share the load or prepare to waddle out the door in gluttonous shame/glory.
(3)
T. T.
I have been here twice so far. Once with my brother and once with my boyfriend on our trip to Chicago. Both times were a great experience! Their portions here are HUGE so don't get over greedy or you may pay for it later (like i did). The first time i came here i got the poorman's skillet with meat and it was great. The food comes out piping hot and a lot of toppings! And, on the side you get two pieces of toast. And let me tell you, the toast isn't the bread you buy at the store flat toast, but this is thicker toast that comes with jam and it is yummy! My brother had gotten the banana pancakes with crushed nuts on top and it was honestly...the best pancake i have ever tried! I am a sucker for banana and pancakes but haven't been able to find the best pancakes that are soft and moist to go with them and this place has it!!! The time i returned, i urged my boyfriend to try it as well and he went for the banana waffles instead. Again..lemme say...AMAZING! The waffle stays light but a little bit of crunch even though you pour syrup on top of it. He loved it, and on top of that, he said that this was one of his best breakfasts he has ever had. Honestly...that says a lot, cuz my boyfriend says he "doesn't care" about the quality of some foods, but whenever he rates places, he is extremely harsh..more than me! This place has fast and attentive service. Normally when i go visit areas, I never go to one place twice in order to try different areas. But, this was the one restaurant on my second trip that I couldn't pass up. I could eat this stuff all day.
(5)
Amanda Z.
Oh Tempo, how I wish that your chicken a la louie didn't satisfy me quite so much. And I wish I didn't love the soup that came with my meal, along-side the big, potatoey steak fries. Know why? NO FREE REFILLS. In my world, that's just bogue. If I pay $1.95 for a lovely Diet Coke and I slurp to the bottom, please...just fill it back up. Cuz if you charge me another $1.95, I might scream. I'm bratty like that. (Oh, and also, when I refuse to order one of your non-refillable drinks, please do not punish me by not refilling my water glass. That's just mean. Like Kate Gosselin drinking water in front of her thirsty kids and not sharing mean.) Nice patio, good assortment of breakfast foods, and my sammie was awesome, loaded with avocado and bacon. But I'm still mad about the no free refills rule.
(3)
Carrie S.
I love Tempo for many reasons. The first reason is the chocolate chip pancakes. Those pancakes are like sugar crack for me. I've attempted to replicate them and I just can't. The second reason for my Tempo love is the people. It's a great people watching place especially during the late night hours. Tempo is the best late night/brunch place ever. I've been here a few times and the food is always good. I love a place that serves breakfast 24/7 and is hopping at 3:30a.m. when the bars close. Their chocolate chip pancakes were yummy, delicious, and starchy enough to break through the numerous beers that I drank hanging out with the boys. My bf likes them for the fresh squeezed juice and egg creations galore. The food is served quick and the servers do an excellent job with drunken people all around. I have good memories here after drinking at Clark Street Ale House.
(4)
Lora S.
I'm a fan of the banana nut pancakes, and my boyfriend loves the poor man's skillet. Although I know most diners do this, bottomless coffee is another plus. Keep in mind that it's cash only, so don't forget to hide a twenty at the back of your wallet, so you don't have to pay the ATM fee. This place gets extremely busy late Friday night and Saturday night when people start to leave the bars and clubs. Just watch the cabs pour in. They also get busy Saturday and Sunday mornings once it starts getting nice out. It's worth the short wait. The servers are friendly and efficient, and they turn tables relatively quickly but not annoyingly quickly. I''m a fan.
(4)
L H.
This is my favorite place to get my super late night/weekend diner fix. The food here is nothing extraordinary, but the menu has got lots of variety and has never disappointed me. In my opinion, the best dish is the poor man's skillet. Be warned that the lines can get extremely long in the summer. Cash only.
(5)
Erika G.
This place used to be a mediocre Mexican restaurant longgg ago, and now it's a very good enough, always crowded breakfast - lunch - dinner joint. The food is appealing because it is reliably good. Not great, or exceptional, but consistently good, at least. For breakfast items, which are pretty standard, this is okay in my book. Fresh, hot coffee, delish orange juice and egg dishes hot and fresh - what more do you wand for brunch?
(3)
Mary I.
Tempo is definitely a must try place. I came here Saturday am after Yoga with a few friends and it was crowded outside with about a 30 min wait. It's a real no frills kinda place, so you can go in any attire. It's open 24 hours and CASH ONLY! I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and my friend ordered the poor mans skillet w/ eggs over medium. I would have to say that the food portions are ginormous and it was really yummy! The only downside was the service. The coffee was refilled a few times but water was not refilled once the entire hour we were there. We definitely felt rushed by our waitress, but I can understand since the wait is so long. Price was $10 pp including tip. The hostess will not seat you unless your entire party is present. All in all a great dining experience. Just fill up our water! =)
(4)
Janeen W.
Tempo Cafe is aiight. I remember when it was across the street and it current location was a horrible mexican spot. It's on the Gold Coast so it stays busy busy busy. The last time I went the waitress was kinda rude. The food is very fresh but a little bland in my opinion. The can do better with those hash browns!
(2)
Bert F.
What a great recommendation for a birthday brunch. Tempo is nestled a few blocks away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave, among lots of high rises, and luxury car dealerships (etc). On a Sunday morning late in the Fall the wait was a moderate 25 minutes. There's not much room to wait inside, but it's not bad at all given decent weather. We had a pretty diverse sampling of the food: a mushroom and swiss omelette, morning glory french toast, and the poor man's skillet. Our order came with unlimited coffee refills and a good helping of sesame seed toast with delicious marmalade. On top of all that, the staff was nothing but friendly and attentive. They comprised a very diverse set of personalities too. I would - no will - go back many times!
(5)
An P.
This morning I was very hungry from not eating dinner the night before due to a massive lunch. I had a wicked hankerin' for a good skillet, but did not want to haul all my gear down to Cozy Cafe for one of their wicked specialties. Located two blocks off the Chicago Red Line stop, Tempo Cafe is in the middle of the circle of restaurants and bars that mysteriously do not take debit or credit card, but do have an ATM inside. There is a great patio area and I wish it had been nicer, because I would have hurried and fought for a seat. I came in around 10:30am and was seated immediately. Inside, I found a very diverse crowd including businessmen in suits, moms taking the kids out and cops. People were of all races and that made me feel comfortable. A coffee man came by after I was seated at a giant booth all by myself and was quickly followed by water man. The waitress dropped by quickly and I went to work: Poor man's skillet and a side of sausage ba-ba-ba-boom! As I twitted my thumbs and played around text messaging, all of a sudden they dropped a Poor man's skillet, toast, 3 perfectly poached eggs and a generous helping of butter, jam, and the like. They also dropped an orange slice and a date in front of me. Condiments on the table included Grey Poupon, Ketchup, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco and salt and pepper. I dug into my toast first and laced up both slices with tons of butter - yum! I ate that and moved to sip a few gulps of water and then began working on the poached eggs. Once they were gone, I stirred the skillet that had three, count them three slices of cheese! Ketchup in hand, I pitter pattered pats of catsup and made my crispy skillet complete. No, this was not some soggy mess of a skillet, it was a meat-filled potato wonder. The ham was large pieces, some hacked into tiny cubes, and some cooked like it was bacon. This diversity in texture really did it for me, and I ate the whole damn thing and did not fall into a food coma! On the downside, I ordered a disappointing side of sausage for $3.95 which looked like it could have come out of any old Johnsonville mini frozen sausage patty box. If you are thinking of getting giant links of sausage, this is not it! All in all for an $8.50 skillet and some wicked ill food, call me a happy camper!
(4)
Jenn E.
On our last morning in Chicago, we finally picked the right spot for breakfast. It was a Tuesday morning, around 10, so we were seated immediately in a booth (yay!). The menu was vast and I thought that the prices were very reasonable. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet, which had potatoes, ham, onions and peppers, covered with cheese & 3 eggs. It was delicious! They slice their potatoes into think slices like you would see in an Au gratin, which I had never had before for breakfast. The eggs were cooked perfectly, light and fluffy! My sister got the Florentine Benedict with a side of bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly and she said that it was some of the best hollandaise sauce she has ever had. The fig and orange slice that they give you when you sit down was a nice touch. We were sad to have only discovered it on our last day. One warning though...they only take cash!
(4)
Andre E.
I failed to mention during my first review of this great place...that this was the location where i proposed to my beautiful wife. So needless to say this is one of my favorite places to eat in all the world. Eat, Drink, and be Merry my friends!!!!
(5)
Maryann M.
The food is tasty. Servings are huge. I personally don't like how everything comes in one pan and the potatoes are under my omelet, but whatever, I can deal. The biggest complaint I have about the food is that the toast does not come buttered, so that by the time the toast makes it to your table, without butter, its no longer super hot so the butter doesn't spread very easily. That being said, the food should get 4 stars. And breakfast is my favorite meal. However, it is ALWAYS crowded. I get it, it is located in the middle of tourist central. And the tables do turn over fast... Which brings me to the other thing I absolutely hate. The tables are TINY.... and for breakfast, you definitely need more space.
(3)
Skyler J.
californication feeling with tons of beautiful people. The food is good and the staff hands our full helping in every way possible to insure you walk out with a smile.
(5)
Ke M.
24hr diner that serves breakfast all the time. Good sized menu and great service. The entrees come with a side and soup and bread. It's cash only but there's an atm in front. A great place for a quick bite any time of day!
(4)
Meghan M.
Quite possibly the best part of my Saturday night was the 4 AM banana-nut pancakes I had here. There was a line out the door here, and I can see why - the food was actually DAMN good. From the skillets to the french toast to my friend's perfectly poached egg (and alternately great and entertaining company from surrounding tables) I am a huge fan of Tempo. Quick service, great food and lovely, alcohol-soaking carbo choices...what more can you want?
(3)
Emily D.
A Yelper recommended the chocolate chip pancakes, and I'm no anarchist so I ordered those fluffers. Deelish. Seriously, melt in my mouth so good, so fine, so glad you're mine. Good. I put butter and syrup on them in reasonable quantities and just shut up and ate. My girlfriend got a skillet, which seemed quite the thing to get. I wasn't feeling savory though I did want to reach over and snap some ham bits out from under her nose. *Overcome with regret* I'll go back, for the CC Cakes. Exclusively and intimately. Possibly alone. In the back corner booth. Leave me be. p.s. Service was great, though the waitress was continually disappointed by my not wanting more coffee. I kindly explained I had four cups at home. Oh the secret lives we lead.
(4)
George K.
This is a upscale Greek diner, They serve a lot of everything , breakfast is their specialty, omelets and potatoes in a cast iron skillet, pancakes and waffles piled high. The tables are close together and the table tops are crowded before the waitress brings anything. The food is what you would expect, good, filling and quick. It is our favorite spot to fill up before heading out onto Michigan Ave shopping on a Sat or Sunday morning. Bring CASH, its the only way to pay.
(4)
Joe P.
I'm a big breakfast guy so I was glad to find this place. The French toast was awesome! Great styling, outdoor seating and no more expensive than the typical pancake house.
(4)
Rose S.
never fails, AMAZING food and service! This place is a gold mine, at any hour of the day. There is nothing that isn't good on the menu, amazing omelets, pancakes, fries, whatever it is, you'll love it.
(5)
Jay N.
Solid. One of my favorite places for bfst in Chicago. Cash only so come ready. Portions are large, staff is friendly, and the coffee is good. If it's nice sit outside. Great people watching. This is essentially an upscale diner.
(4)
Paul J.
Nothing says Chicago, like hanging out late night in the middle of the big skyscrapers for good food after partying. In a bustling district of downtown Chicago, Tempo is in a perfect spot. This place was very nice. The space is not very large but what it does have is ambiance and great service. Walked in the door and a seat just opened up when we walked in-winning! The wait staff quickly cleans off table and preps for the next crew or couple to arrive---A huge lesson other late night spots should use. The food was very delicious! The service was excellent considering this place was packed. I will definitely be back here again! It's that good!
(5)
O B.
typical diner style breakfast, wonderful fruit plate, great omlets, nice coffee. price is about what you would expect to pay for a downtown cafe. huge portions. still would prefer salt and pepper over this but nice to stop in every once and a while when your having a girls day downtown
(4)
Amy J.
Four stars for being a 24 hour diner that is normal! Went here after a late night and we were all completely happy with everything: Service was good, food was good... My only complaint and the reason for a loss of a star: they only take cash. I really have a hard time understanding why ANYWHERE only takes cash anymore, let alone a sit down restaurant. Either way if you're in the area (and have cash) I recommend it. Everything was very very good.
(4)
Eric M.
My wife and I grabbed breakfast at Tempo after a great November weekend in Chicago. We had just a couple hours before we had to take off for O'Hare, and yelped Tempo, which was close to the hotel. The place is obviously very popular, and there was a throng of hopefuls outside waiting. Fortunately, the sidewalk was warm with sun, and it was a pleasant wait. After a shorter-than-expected wait, the hostess seated us in a comfortable booth. The waitress was perfectly welcoming, and balanced service and our privacy just the right way. I couldn't decide what type of pancakes to get (there are numerous choices), and she said "I'll surprise you." Again, perfect. Food was very good, atmosphere was superb, and overall the experience was great. One of my favorite breakfast places!!!
(5)
bianca r.
The food is nooot that good but its opened 24 h and the service is great. I recommend the sanduiches with turkey and the waffles.The orange juice is also 100% natural!!! Sat-Sun mornings are really busy after 9 and you have to wait at least 20 minutes to have a seat. I dont mind waitng though... :)
(4)
Jesse B.
by 2k9 you'd expect every place in the US to accept credit card, but Tempo still doesn't. That's OK though, because its worth using their old school ghetto ATM for the excellent Omelette Pan! The rest of the stuff is pretty mediocre but Tempo is the ultimate late night food spot in Chicago, and you can be as drunk as you want and still feel comfortable here (they're used to it) I like Tempo although I don't go often. Don't forget, make sure to get the Omlette pan otherwise you will probably be disappointed with the mid-level food. Service: C+ Food: B- Overall: B- (late night in Chi doesn't offer much. . . . )
(3)
Kista W.
Best brunch in the city. Best omlettes. Out of this world waffles. Delicious pancakes. There is always a wait, which is annoying and they only take cash, which is annoying as well. The breakfast gets 5 stars and I would give it 10 stars if I could. I think the dinners are blah. I had some type of sandwich here once, and I was very disappointed and assumed it would rock my world like the breakfast does. You HAVE to try Tempo. Makes a perfect brunch spot before shopping Mich. ave. One of my favorite Tempo memories is a 4:30 PM omlette dinner on a Sunday during the holidays. Snow started lightly falling and my boyfriend and I headed to Bloomingdale's for some Christmas shopping. My parents also HAVE to go to Tempo during every Chicago visit. It's their favorite breakfast place in the country, and they LOVE breakfast!
(5)
Renee L.
Tempo for sure is best visited at 3am on the way back home from wherever one has been boozing it up all night. The food it good. The portion size is nice for especially for breakfast drunk food. I usually get something of the greek egg omelette variety. Never disappoints, always hits the spot! One time, we were sitting near a window and a vagrant guy was staring at us through the window for quite a while and madly and animatedly scribbling on a piece of paper. I can't remember if it was him that came in the place or if he accosted us outside but he presented us with what was a really nice sketch of us at our table...extremely strange. I think one of my friends bought it actually.
(3)
G Z.
THIS PLACE IS AWFUL!!! Just another lame greek joint, claiming to specialize in everything, but in reality only specializes in poor quality food and dining. AVOID!!
(1)
Steve B.
The Tempo Cafe is a cool 24-hour diner in downtown Chicago. The menu is large and varied. We usually go there for breakfast, which can be huge and quite delicious. Last week my wife and I went to Tempo for a late night dinner. She ordered Liver which came out on a huge plate: she said it was very good. I ordered the old-fashioned open-face roast beef sandwich covered in gravy. It wasnt anything special, and I kinda regretted the choice. Having said that, the Tempo Cafe is a regular favorite of ours, and we wl certainly return.
(4)
Amanda S.
whenever friends come to visit and they want good brunch, that means "tempo" in my book. i've been coming here for years, and the staff is practically my second family. when my mother goes without me, they ask how i am. when i go without my mother, they ask how she is. that's how it's always been. my mother always gripes about the fact that dc doesn't *do* omelets, and it's true..no one does omelets the way chicago does. fluffy goodness the size of your head WITH hashbrowns AND toast is standard. at tempo, you can have it your way, literally. prefer egg whites? done. don't want those taters? they're gone. want it cooked in pam? not a problem. and it's fast. the greek toast you should have with your omelet are literally slices of heaven. the juice is made in-house and is fresh as can be. on my most recent visit with a friend, she asked for the banana nut buckwheat pancakes. i was skeptical, but it was another win. so impressive. it certainly gets packed during the weekend, but with good reason. you won't be disappointed. also, please note that it is CASH ONLY, but they have an in-house atm.
(4)
K R.
I only went there once, so mine is a limited opinion. BLECH! I ordered a hot turkey sandwich. No flavor. The gravy was the color of - ya know that 1960's "flesh" color from the Crayola box? Couldn't eat it. Nope Don't get me started on the gravy texture Walk north to the Original Pancake House (Bellvue) Oh the bacon! Walk north to Whiskey (Rush) - Fabulous breakfast! Both have a sidewalk cafe in the summer
(1)
Kathy G.
I ate here with a friend this past Sunday morning. They had a long line but it want rather quickly. Once we went inside noticed the tables were quite close to each other, which I didn't care for, but we were luckily they sat us at a booth. We both had a poor man's skillet and it was fantastic. We were looking for hearty breakfast to get through the day and we got it. We weren't hungry again till later that night. It was very busy but I our waitress was very attentive. I didn't even notice that they didn't accept credit cards. I oddly had cash on me otherwise that would have been an issue.
When I am in town, I only eat breakfast here. Greek toast is so good I love all the scrambles Bacon is just ok but i dont mind because I usually ordering an omelet and lots of coffee to fight the hangover of the night before :)
(4)
Dusty W.
Tempo is really a place everyone should experience at least once. When you enter, you are greeted with a wall of Polaroids, featuring a multitude of mid-'90s celebrities eating at Tempo. Also there is the last ATM machine in Chicago that runs on dial-up. Tempo is cash only, so be prepared to use this historical piece of equipment. The food is incredibly good, and if you order anything with eggs, you will get plenty of them. The Michigan Omelet (eggs, apples, cheese) is surprisingly great, but the Hobo Skillet is what makes this place one of my absolute favorites at four in the morning. There are no free refills though.
(4)
Jennifer B.
You know those restaurants where it's just an all-round frustrating experience? Those restaurants where the servers are aloof and unaccomodating, the kitchen is slow, the food is boring, the place is dirty, and you are just waiting for the experience to be over? That's Tempo Cafe. I've been quite a few times but this previous experience will surely be my last. Incredibly rude service (and we live in Chicago...we have a high tolerance for rudeness), a complete lack of caring, rude managers, and a dirty environment. I would say every experience at Tempo is unique, but the night we were there it looked like every table was having the same issues we were. If you are looking for a breakfast spot in the Gold Coast, try 3rd Coast on Burton, Feast on Delaware, hell even Cheesecake Factory. You'll be happier you stayed away from Tempo.
(2)
John R.
Great value for breakfast. Enjoyed the Poor Man's Skillet...more than I expected. I would go back.
(4)
Ryan B.
The rating description says it perfectly: "Meh. I've experienced better." When we walked out, we were both left disappointed. "Well, that wasn't too exciting." It was a solid meal though. Gf had the Denver omelet and I had the Morning Glory with French toast. Gf's looked okay, mine was a standard order of french toast with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries simply sitting on top. It really bugged me about the "NO FREE REFILLS" listed above the beverages. It wasn't really enforced with our $1.95 cup of coffee, but still, worrying about how much coffee I have vs. how much meal left put added stress on an already shaky experience. Cash only + nice service + nice dining room + okay food + coffee stress = I won't be back.
(2)
Jeff N.
Depending on the time of year, Tempo could eke out 4 starts from me, or only 3. The food at this 24-hour diner is consistently good. If it's a beautiful day, sitting on the sidewalk seating enhances the Tempo experience. Sitting inside evokes another response; a tired, worn out restaurant too lazy to keep the furnishings clean, fresh and up to date. Yesterday I treated myself to 'The Continental', a plate full of chicken livers/onions/green peppers, accompanied by a fluffy 3-egg omelet, hash browns and greek toast. For $9.75 it is a a meal that fill you up and keep you there! Always good is the orange marmalade. I had the freshly made chocolate milk, too.
(3)
Char Y.
We came for breakfast & had french toast. Pretty standard dinner fare.
(3)
Unity O.
I do not like skinny fries, I love big fat fries, you know the kind that make you feel like you are eating a potato. For that reason alone, I give Tempo 5 stars--they have delicious fries! They also have fantastic hours--they are open like all the time. So, if you been out for an evening of revelry & need some food--stop by, they will be open. Their food is pretty decent--it is above diner quality and the give you alot of it. The portions are huge which is nice since it can be a little pricey. The ambiance inside is casual--I do like the neutral tones of the decor. They have outside seating which a huge plus. I do not recommend going for brunch on the weekend--simply because you will be waiting a long frigging time to get seated--it is very popular.
(5)
Lyn B.
This place is your typical diner. The food is okay- the eggs tend to be dried out, but it's always open so is very reliable and convenient from that standpoint! The wait staff is friendly- another plus.
(3)
Anthony S.
After a night of boozing over at Soundbar or Vision I tend to head here since it's so close and one of the few places open. Make sure you get to this place just before all the clubs let out otherwise you're going to be stuck in a really long line. Also stick to the sweet stuff here i.e. waffles, pancakes, etc. Beware of the omelets, ask for no jalapeños unless you like your taste buds burnt out (this is coming from someone who loves spicy food). Go with the simple stuff here and you'll only be regretting what you drank last night and not what you ate. P.S. Be sure to have cash left over when you visit this place, they do not take credit cards or you can pay an extra $2.00 and use their in-house ATM.
(3)
Ron C.
I had a friend bring me breakfast cause I had to finish some work. I just wanted something light cause we had a heave dinner the night before. The assorted fruits and cottage cheese sounded good. I like fruit and I like cottage cheese. Win Win!. When I saw the food I was surprised to see that it was only sliced strawberries, a slice of cantaloupe and melon. The strawberries were sweet, but the melons weren't. At least the cottage cheese was good. I need to try an omelette next time!
(3)
Kerry M.
Tempo is your typical diner. The servers are friendly, the food is decent, and it's one of those random menu's with everything from meatloaf to turkey sandwiches to pancakes. Everything I've had has been pretty good. I probably wouldn't seek it out for a meal, it's average in quality, but above average in quantity. It's always packed in the mornings, but afternoons and evenings seem to be pretty tame. They have a nice outdoor area as well. Oh, and it's a cash only establishment. They have an ATM inside the door, but, it's nice to know ahead of time so as not to incur the ridic atm fees.
(3)
Mansoor K.
very very medicore at best. Very Basic, I perfer Yolk, west egg, bongo room to this place. They have no refills on soda for being a run of the mill place. Go somewhere else Dennys is much better.
(1)
Carol S.
Stopped while shopping--big mistake. The worst blt I have ever had. All lettuce one slice of bacon. Will never go back.
(1)
Diana C.
A little past midnight, I came here with two friends and proceeded to pig out. I wanted fries, but then saw they had BLTs on the menu... The waitress told me I should order the BLT Club because it comes with fries and soup. I really didn't need that much food, but it would have cost the same as ordering a regular BLT and fries. The sandwich was stuffed full of crisp, cool iceberg lettuce, a little bit of salty bacon, and barely any tomato, but it was the most refreshing BLT I've had in a while. The fries were fat, crispy steak fries. The vegetable barley soup was pretty bad--dense and salty. My friends enjoyed their huge, fluffy omelets served on top of skillet potatoes. Although I won't be seeking out Tempo for a late night meal anytime soon, I think it's worth stopping by when you're starving and craving salt and grease, and a comfortable late-night setting.
(3)
Sam K.
Food was decent, though the service needs improvement. They were friendly, but very spacey. When our server sat us down there was money on the table - a tip from the last diners. I pointed it out to her, and she responded "oh, that belongs to the other waitress. I'll just leave it there, if you don't mind." That cash remained at our table the entire time we were there. It's sort of uncomfortable to have someone else's cash lying there while you're eating. My friend and I each got coffee - she had an omelette, and I had the morning special, which was simply French toast with fruit on top. A plus for not giving me preserves - fresh BLUEBERRIES (score), fresh ripe strawberries, and fresh banana. And no, they didn't put more banana than anything else just because it's cheaper. The french toast was perfect. My friend got this huge cheesy omelette that she thought was great. We definitely wanted more food - I was still hungry (my dish had only four half slices of bread) and my friend wanted something fresh after all that protein and cheese but the server seemed pretty anxious to get us out of there, even though it wasn't crowded. She left our check on the table five minutes after we got our food. I told her "Actually, we'd like to order more food." She responded "Really?" and smiled. We nodded, but she left without taking the check back. We figured she was off getting our menus. After ten minutes, she came back and asked us if were were ready to pay. Um, all righty then. The bill came to almost $30, and we paid with a $50 bill. She came back with our change: a $20 bill and a $1 bill. Since we didn't really want to tip her $20, we had to ask her again for change, and she seemed slightly annoyed (!?). She came back with two $10 bills. Um. Well, thirty three percent it is, then. We didn't really feel like pushing it further, since we were in a hurry at this point (since we were planning to stop somewher else for food after leaving Tempo) and the server looked confused, not bitchy. Good food though.
(3)
Zach R.
Large quantities of food at competitive prices. Omelettes (served in a skillet over potatoes) are outstanding. Waffles are delicious. It can get crowded in a hurry, so plan accordingly. They accept cash and only cash, but there is an ATM in the entryway. Not much elbow room with the tables packed so close together. Hotel concierges in the area seem to refer most of their guests to Tempo if they're looking for a diner.
(5)
Dean K.
I've eaten here many times at all different times of day and night and I've only ever had breakfast - can't get away from it. I usually get the skillet breakfast and it never disappoints. But they charge for refills of Coke. I'm not sure I've ever even heard of that.
(4)
Sara F.
I started coming to Tempo for brunch waaaay back in 2005...back when I was new to the city, and would go with a group of 8 who'd all get varying forms of the same egg white omelette. As I grew up, I began to recognize that (gasp!) there were other places in the city that served eggs for a reasonable price, and even some who didn't serve food that came in a puddle at the bottom of the dish. That said... Tempo makes a mean, fluffy, made to order omelette. That's about the only reason to come here...and for the life of me, I can't understand why oh why people line up on the street for 45 minutes on the weekends for it. But, the diner atmosphere is casual, the food is served in HUGE portions, and it's pretty solid overall. Well, minus the inevitable stomach ache you're going to have about 2 hours later...
(3)
Dan G.
The omletts were awesome. My wife got the blueberry French toast and loved it as well. It was like stepping back 20 years to cash-only restaurants. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Gen J.
Nice food, nice service ! I want to back in ny next trip to chicago!!!
(5)
Ashique M.
The only thing I ever get here is the waffle...at 9 am 9 pm or 4 am...it always tastes great!!!
(5)
Mona R.
We were in Chicago for a wedding recently and were recommended to Tempo by a local foodie friend of mine. It did not disappoint! Our group of 8 got in the back of a long line waiting to eat here on a Sunday morning. We gave our name to the hostess and were seated within about 15 minutes. We ate outside on the patio so I didn't see the interior, but the patio has seating for about 40 people. Once we ordered, our food came quickly and coffee was refilled frequently. Portions are HUGE! I had the Poor Mans Veggie Skillet which was cooked/served in an 8" skillet! I couldn't even finish half of it. The toast served was a nice home baked bread with sesame seeds on the crust and nice, thick slices. The waffles with bananas and pecans was awesome, as was the corned beef hash with eggs. Juices are fresh-squeezed. Overall a great breakfast spot....would definitely recommend!
(4)
Rachel W.
Oh wow. One could easily be overwhelmed with the deliciousness going on with the breakfest items on this menu. I knew the portions were going to be large enough to share, but we still wanted to try multiple things, so everyone got their own meail. Artichoke omelet = awesome. I love artichokes so it couldn't really have gone wrong. We also split one of the waffles covered in fruit as a "desert." It was the perfect finish to brunch. We ate at 11, and I was barely hungry for dinner at 6:30. And yes, they have great iced tea. But no unlimited refills? really? They've clearly never seen me and my iced tea. Knocked down to 4 stars.
(4)
Y C.
What's up with "cash only"? I was not impressed with their sandwiches or Greek salad. We went for lunch once and dinner once while we were in Chicago. But they did have good breakfast food and their yogurt was excellent. So, mixed on this one.
(3)
Len W.
Totally didn't expect this place in this neighborhood. Great outdoor space, but the menu of a neighborhood 24-hour diner (patty melts, spaghetti, fried fish, etc.). Food wasn't bad, coffee pretty good, service was nice. I had the beef barley soup, but it seemed to be more of a tomato soup base. Had a chicken sandwich with bacon and avocado, which was pretty mediocre. I think they're open 24 hours. They don't take credit cards or checks.
(3)
Gabriel L.
Great 24 hour option. Quality of breakfast food exceeds lunch/dinner. The breakfast skillets are great, albeit heavy. The omelets are good, but the emphasis is on quantity versus quality of ingredients (probably could spit one between two people and still walk away full). If you are looking for a late night option or a decent, traditional breakfast place look no further.
(3)
John I.
It was fun eating breakfast here with the bustling atmosphere and all. Loved the skillet omelette. I've noticed other reviews griping about this or that. Word to the wise: Just come here for breakfast. At least that is what I heard they do best before visiting. Too bad some of the other people didn't have that intel. Oh well, better luck next time.
(4)
Nico M.
Since I work third shift I rarely eat breakfast in the morning. I usually just come home, shower and crash. My cousin invited me to breakfast today before we went shopping. So Though I was tired I figured why not go and get some breakfast for a change. My cousin suggested Tempo Cafe. I thought for a second? Oh yea Tempo, I didn't even know it was a cafe. I would just see the sign whenever I would ride by but never paid any attention. I met him at 10am and he had made it there before me. I walked in and the woman, ok I may get dissed on for this, but the woman at the counter, honestly looked like Charo. I was looking for my cousin and then she popped in my face. and ..my first thought was..Charo? ...Ok, progressing. We ordered, He got Pancakes with a peeled large phallic banana...ook yes bananas are phallic, but we both just thought it was random.lol a peeled banana just sitting atop the pancakes..plus a side of sausage. I got an eggwhite "Gold COast Omelette which is onions,mushrooms tomatos & spinach I added mozzerella, wheat toast & cranberry juice. Everything, was great! I loved that they had the eggwhite option. The Omelette was huge! and it had potatoes under it. I loved it. Very huge portion and very filling. ...Came to 35 bucks with tip. I enjoyed it, though we sat at a booth and i felt that the seat was too far away from the table i waz like sittin on the edge of the seat. But i dont care i really liked the friendly service, the speed of service, and the delicious food. I definately recommend!
(4)
laela l.
We came here initially because they still had power the morning of Snowpocalypse (when the city shut down basically). Our car got stuck on the street that morning in West Town, so we walked 10 minutes so our friend (who is lucky enough to have covered parking) get us. Basically the whole street between the Gold Coast and West Town was dead....no power, no people, something out of a 1984-Brave New World ordeal. Most businesses were closed and we were dying of hunger since we had no power. This place was open and completely jam-packed. We were in civilization! Despite the long wait, the food was excellent and worth it. The eggs in the skillet were super-fluffy and the french toast wasn't terribly sweet (I hate sugary things for breakfast). Completely stuffed. Thank goodness the power came back on.
(4)
Dain H.
Service is decent. I eat here on occasion when I happen to be visiting particular friends in the area that like this place so I've been here multiple times and will likely return multiple times. To me its just a run-of-the-mill greasy spoon that used to be a bit better a few years ago. They stopped making real fruit smoothies and went with some pre-mix crap. There omelettes were great but how many omelettes do you want to eat in life when there is so much more out there? I'm over the omelettes. A variety of their menu items are decent. There servers are also just okay. Not enthused or particularly helpful but not overtly rude. All in all a pretty blah place but good enough to return to.
(3)
Gwynne R.
The two times I have been here, I have been highly intoxicated. And, as most things are when I'm in that condition, it was great! After clubbing downtown at Funk and/or Level all night, this is a good establishment to obtain greasy food in order to soak up the liquor in your stomach. Two of my friends and I came here in the wee hours of the morning, probably 5 or 6AM, in an incomprehensible state. Fortunately, the staff seems to be experienced in dealing with drunken debauchery, so were were seated quickly and without incident. The food was good as hell! I had some eggs, hash browns and sausage--yummy. I also had a bite of my friend's eggs benedict and it was THE BOMB!!!!!! I wanted to max her meal and mine. Sadly, she wouldn't let me. I was too drunk to notice how fast or slow the service was. However, considering how packed it was in there, we seemed to get our food pretty fast. Good drunk eatery. Maybe sometime I'll try it during the day!
(4)
Scott L.
Great omelets. The potatoes are also a hit. We loved the service, atmosphere and the prices. It's open 24 hours. One note: CASH ONLY.
(4)
Shannon B.
Tempo, home of the worlds best chocolate chip pancakes. Every once in a while I get a real jones for stuff and it rocks. Not too much chocolate, not too little. PMS Heaven. I have always had pretty good experiences with the food, never a bad meal. The place is usually packed for breakfast, so late morning is a good time to go. Of course, they are 24 hours- which is great. You have the drunk party kids some nights, but since there aren't many alternatives...you deal with it. Here is the breakdown: * Wait staff: Busy and informal, but never rude * Drink Menu: I don't think they have booze, good coffee * Menu: American and Breakfast 24/7 * Parking: Good luck. I'm sure it is do-able, but not worth it. The 36 runs past it and its not far from the Red Line (Chicago).
(3)
Crystal L.
I use to frequent Tempo Cafe for my breakfast needs. There are quite a few selections for light breakfast choices. I usually came here when I felt the need to start watching my weight because many of the items on their breakfast menu come with cottage cheese, tuna, and/or fresh fruits. I once ordered the French Dip. Not such a good idea at a cafe. This is a good place for healthy choices. Also, just a tip Tempo Cafe does not accept credit cards so bring cash.
(3)
Double L.
We actually came here a few years ago while visiting Chicago and were looking for something to eat late night close to our hotel on Michigan Ave., this review is based on that experience. To me this spot is the perfect late night dinning experience. No frills quick eats to stave off the hang over. Probably could serve as a convenient breakfast spot too if you are in the area but I don't think I would go out of my way to check it out. I forget what we ordered but it was decent late night food. It was pretty crowded but the line for a table moved quickly. The service was adequate for a turn and burn establishment and pretty good for a late night spot. It is a bit of scene at 3.30 am but what place isn't. Tempo if you have the tiempo. RrL
(3)
Dave H.
When I first starting working in the Gold Coast area, one of the first places my co-workers took me to was Tempo. I thought of being able to get breakfast food any time of the day sounded like a good idea so I was in. This place is a stubborn diner that works perfectly against the potentially pretentious people of the gold coast. It's cash only and there may be a wait during lunchtime, but some nights the line is out the door for people looking to close out there evening with a breakfast skillet. The food can be greasy so don't expect anything healthy, but if you are looking to get some tasty diner or breakfast food give them a try.
(4)
Regan A.
There once was a girl who was wasted Vodka and cran was all she tasted She stumbled upon Tempo Cafe And had nothing to say except, "glaaaah huh wurr am bleeegggh" Weekend nights usually consist of inebriated, halter-topped, eyeliner heavy, and dance-floor sweaty globs of drunken messes slumped over in the booths. I know because I've been one of them. Thus continues my love-hate relationship with this cafe. When I'm sober, I want to knock those obnoxious drunks sitting beside me up the head. When I'm drunk, Tempo Cafe is a haven to my post-midnight munchies. Their waffle fries and deluxe burgers have saved my trembling tummy more than once. So here is 1 star for being open 24 hours. 1 star for the servers who deal with hammered hoodlums like me. And another star for having somewhat decent diner food.
(3)
Ashley M.
Yum-mazing breakfast!! I ate here for an early dinner after getting out of work. I was starving and wasn't sure what I was hungry for. So a family type restaurant seemed like a good idea since they usually have a good variety. They had a huge selection of breakfast foods. Probably more breakfast items than anything else. I love greek omelets and can't think about anything else when I see one on a menu. So naturally, that's what I ordered. It came with hash browns and this amazing greek toast. I couldn't believe how big the omelet was when it came to the table, served in a skillet. After the waitress walked away I noticed she didn't bring my hash browns. I dug into the omelet and noticed that a mountain of hash browns were buried under the eggs. Probably a common confusion. Everything was delicious, all the ingredients in my omelet were disbursed perfectly and there were tons of big chunks of feta. I can't wait to go back again at actual breakfast/brunch time.
(4)
Jenny z.
Bless this oddly located Gold Coast diner -having gone to grad school in this neighborhood, this place was a godsend. Just try getting a decent meal when you're living on student loans in this hood that isn't McDonald's, go on, I dare you. It seems like most places that don't require reservations in this neighborhood have been closed down, most likely, due to my detested alma mater owning every square inch of real estate in this neighborhood - thanks a bunch, Loyola. Nicer than most diners, but a diner nonetheless. Cheap and yummy breakfast with well prepared eggs and great hash browns, really friendly servers, good sandwiches and salads, generous (huge) specials, tasty soups. When I was feeling really rich, I'd get the open faced turkey sandwich, they make it right at this joint. An extra point for letting me sit, chain smoke, and study for hours without giving me the bum rush. Thanks, Tempo, I needed that.
(4)
Jeff P.
Can't ever say anything bad about breakfast. Any late breakfast/brunch at Tempo is very good. Service was reasonable and food tasty. My only gripe is getting charged for refills on a coke.When I asked why this policy, the waitress said the owner said it was 'Coke's' policy. Dammit! Burn my toast! Send out the eggs scrambled instead of over easy! But don't blow smoke up my.....nose. If the owner needs to charge for refills to keep profits up, tell me. Don't blame it on some guy in Atlanta who has never heard of Tempo Cafe. I will go back... just not anytime soon.
(3)
Jojo F.
Yay, Tempo. I started replicating the famed Jamaican omelet at home(egg whites, walnuts, honey and 'nanners). This place rocks. Be sure to request the homemade orange marmalade...it's blissful. Good for after long races.
(4)
Tina S.
On my most recent visit to Chitown, this awesome brunch spot was recommended to us. I am not a breakfast person, but damn I enjoyed every calorie. I ordered the banana pancakes - 3 huge discs of yummy banana pancakes topped with walnuts and cinnamon a la grecque. YUMMMMMMMM. I also ordered a side of bacon which was disappointingly burnt to a crisp and a little overpriced. Freshly squeezed oj:)) My friend's homefries were DELICIOUS. She loved her Greek omelette ( I did not try it since I hate eggs). The place was spacious and full of locals - cops, EMTs, postmen, tourists, you name it. It was packed and consistently had a wait. Our waitress was awesome as well. Pay at the register - cash only. Can't wait to visit again.
(5)
Vivian L.
I hear this place is a 24 hour joint but we went in the morning for breakfast. I loved it! It had that mom and pop feel to it, the prices weren't that bad, and I had a really good crispy waffle topped with fresh fruit here. That was yummy! The coffee was also good. We also got a skillet with eggs, hash browns, and bacon. The skillet was ok. But it was worth coming here for the waffle and all that fresh fruit. They only take cash though so bring some. It's Zagat rated, too!
(4)
Janette L.
One star for food that did not make me sick the next day and another for being a place where I seem to run into old friends (unfortunately I am always looking a mess). For cheaper better diner food I recommend Hollywood Grill in WP. I really don't go out in the Gold Coast too much and really don't think I would venture out here for a sober post 5 am breakfast. Nothing I have had here draws me back.
(2)
Aimee C.
Tempo, not the quickest of service, not the best of it.. but what I love is the fact that's it's just around the corner, and as everyone waits for tables, I typically grab the paper, squeeze past them and sit alone at the little bar by the kitchen.. It's just a wonderful place to grab a quick bite when you're a rush and want to get on the move to shop... The skillets are just so cool... their homemade marmalade... the bread.. all of it.. coffee could be better, but what can y ou expect from a diner/cafe... Enjoy with friends and family on a quick day.. i would love to know what the scene looked like on a mid day, as I'm typically at work.. but breakfast all day is always down in my book.
(3)
Andrea C.
4.5 stars only because they have the very best waffles ever!!!! Just moved here from CA, and when we visited Chicago in May we ate here twice only because it was pratically across the street from our hotel. The first time was in the middle of the night at like 1am when it was dead. They serve typical dinner food nothing special. We decided to go there again a couple mornings later for breakfast. The wait is a little ridiculous I must say, but after trying their beautiful waffles it is damn worth it. I hate breakfast, it is my least favorite meal and I don't even like waffles. But TEMPO's is the best. The batter is lightly sweetened, fluffy, and gently dusted with powder sugar. You can eat it without syrup. You will definately find me here again and I am taking all my guests here for breakfast despite the wait.
(4)
Sara P.
I went to Tempo today for brunch with a friend post- workout. Luckily, we got there late enough (around 130p) that our wait was only 10 minutes, if even that. The food here is okay. I did love that I could get an egg white omelet with Pam spray instead of butter. The potatoes on the bottom of the skillet were quite a bit burned though :( Wait staff was pretty lousy- I asked for a straw 3 seperate times, and the waitress kept forgetting- she even put a bunch in her apron and still forgot to give it to me. I live around the corner, but for the money, would rather go to 3rd Coast on a weekend morning.
(2)
Lauren D.
I would only recommend going to Tempo Cafe if all the other brunch places nearby (including Einsteins) are out of food. I find their breakfast food to be average even though their omelets are quite large and they also have smoothies on the menu that aren't so much smoothies.
(2)
Pamela B.
Tempo is the best place to go after a night out at the bars. Its also a great place to take a laptop and hang out, study, or in one example for me, stay up ALL night writing a script with a group for a 48 Hour Film Festival competition last fall. The servers are friendly, and the food and coffee is good. It's cozy, comfortable, inviting, ALWAYS open! Try the skillet omelets...they're amazing! But be warned, they are HUGE. It's perfect for sharing with someone else.
(5)
Alison C.
Amazing, amazing omelets! Tempo has a lovely outdoor cafe allowing for people watching along one of Chicago's busiest shopping areas. The indoor restaurant is large and spacious. The waitresses are all very sweet. The menu is large and essentially a diner menu. They are especially known for their omelets which come in a round skillet over delicious grilled potato slices. The omelets are massive and fluffy. However, you can salvage your heart and waistline by ordering it made with Pam instead of butter...They even point this out on the menu, which is perfect for the jet-setters that plan on hitting the trendy boutiques after brunch. I ordered the Michigan omelet made from egg whites, which contained an unusual combination of apple and cheddar cheese. It was delicious, but could have had more seasoning. The potatoes underneath were especially crispy and good. There was also a side of what they referred to as "Greek toast", which was a thick slice of white bread with sesame seeds. This came with butter and jam. Other menu offerings included sandwiches, salads, etc.
(4)
Janet B.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the area I live in! The food never let's me down and they have so many options! The service is quick and efficient, which is great when all you want is soaker food after a long night out!
(4)
Andrew M.
Tempo Cafe is like the sight of a trainwreck - it's brutally ugly, but you are drawn to it. Except in the case of Tempo, the trainwreck smashed into the middle of the Viagra Triangle; the cabin tore open like a blossoming flower; and the crash ruptured a pipeline of alcohol, geysering up and showering down on the passengers, who remained misty, hot and hammered in their seats, where they were promptly served mediocre diner food. But it goes further. Like a fractal, this pattern was mirrored on smaller scales: many of the people in attendance are individually train wrecks. Take the women seating at the table near you, fresh from a club. Each of their bosoms and bootys is a stop-action scene of a collision of great impact and superabundant pressure. Together, they represent a mid-scale trainwreck. Like a column of whiplash-inducing, onlooking SUVs, customers line up to witness the event and linger a bit longer than you would like, since you are trying to get a look, despite the concerted efforts of the authorities to rush everyone through. Ogling everyone, you may wonder which of them are famous. It's a worthy pastime. One night, Vanilla Ice tripped over my boots as he chose his booth and I was ignorantly and insouciantly reclining. Then a girl sat next to him and mack attacked him in front of her boyfriend. I was like, Whatever, girl! You can't handle this booth so don't even come near here. I'm fresh from the club and this vicinity is COLD.
(3)
Joon M.
I'm giving Tempo 3 stars because I have some great memories of going there after a night out at clubs with friends. Beyond that, the servings are too large for me & it's neither my idea of a laid back dive diner nor is it even close to glamorous ;). A guy once begged me to go out for a fabulous brunch with him dropping names of posh places...then took me to Tempo. Um, ok.
(3)
Mickey A.
I'm always full every time I leave here. This used to be a favorite late night/ early EARLY morning breakfast eating spot for me and my friends after a night out. Because we're getting older and can't stay up as late as we could, it's harder to make it here as often as we used to. A couple of my friends & I decided to come here yesterday for brunch. It's still crowded on the weekends for brunch, and the wait time can vary 10-20 minutes or sometimes longer. Food is still good, and my favorite used to be the french toast. Actually it still is, but I have since ventured to other items like the omelettes. I tried the waffles and they pretty much shut up my growling stomach which was craving for some golden waffles. My advice: come here on an empty stomach, and leave a full happy (hopefully) customer.
(3)
Ben H.
I thought this place had potential. Just not the potential to suck this much. My food was bland and for the price, its not even worth it. I got the Eggs benedict, and it was tasteless compared to other morning eateries. The good thing is that it comes with a slice of aged fruit, that has a brown crust on the end The OJ was freshed squeezed, but came out warm. I just love warm OJ in the morning....
(2)
T Mir S.
Love this place... it gets a bit packed, but is def worth the wait... and cant go wrong with anything on the menu...
(4)
Katie F.
Came for breakfast, they turned the tables quick. It has a huge menu, and the service was really fast. Delicious french toast and the banana on the side was great for the hangover. I wouldn't give them five stars because they don't take credit cards and the ATM in the entry was broken.... please people, if you are going to run a cash-only business, a working ATM is a must!
(4)
Niki C.
Got an impromptu invitation to go to Tempo late night. I remembered reading how much Yelpers enjoyed it, so I thought, "What the hell?" We were seated immediately, even with the craziness of the after-hours hustle & bustle. I ordered the Eggs Benedict sans the Canadian bacon & it was delicious. Delicious. The potatoes that came with were also outstanding. Then again, I hadn't eaten more than 3 croquetas for dinner (oy), so I was starving. I would definitely go back, probably at a more reasonable hour, though, or if I was in the 'hood after the bars close again. Good stuff.
(4)
Tristin M.
I got lucky enough to find a metered parking space yesterday morning when I went here to meet with yelper, Andrea! I had gotten there about 15 minutes early so I just got coffee and man were they on top of it because they refilled my cup three times in the 15 minuted that I was "just gonna sip on a cup" while waiting! So there was an automatic plus for that. Then we ordered and before we could even get a conversation started, there was the food! wow. So I got the spinach and feta omelette served in a skillet on top of country fried potato slices that filled me up so much I was only able to eat half and had to get a box to go! Oh yeah and the fact that it's a 24 hour spot is cool too!
(4)
John L.
OK, let me start by saying that like many other spots in this incredible city, the portions are out of control. I'm not one to ever complain about too much food, but the amount of waste that must go down at a restaurant like this is plain stupid. I mean, who brings leftover breakfast home? I think I ordered wrong here. I do like chicken liver pate, so The Continental (eggs, chicken livers, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions) sounded unique. For all those ingredients, there was hardly any flavor at all. The over sized platter that was quickly brought out was retarded. Under all the above was a beyond generous heaping mound of potatoes. Then another dish showed up with 2 huge very thick slices of toast with a 1/4 stick of butter (I shit you not) and homemade marmalade. All for $10. I made myself a sandwich with about a 1/4 of the eggs, a generous spread of continental mix, and a few slices of potato. I ate it and was stuffed, and I was hungry when I arrived. What remained looked like I had hardly scratched the surface. The service was nice and it was a typical diner type feel inside (there was a nice outdoor seating area), but maybe I just was a tad too adventurous and should've gotten something else. That being said, how can all those ingredients not add up to more flavor. I hate having to pour excessive salt and pepper on food. If it is cooked right, you shouldn't have to. Anyway, this was so far my only bad dining experience in Chitown.
(2)
Anita C.
Only go after you drink and then (almost) everything will be amazing, particularly the poor man's skillet (best cure for a hangover). the portions are large enough that you can even take the leftovers home.
(4)
Gaurang S.
Wow. How can the skillet that tastes so good in the middle of the night taste so terrible in the middle of the morning? There's enough memories and conversations that took place in here to always make it a sentimental favorite, but this place is best visited just as light is dawning on the city, and never otherwise.
(3)
Diana S.
This place brings back some fuzzy, interesting but fond memories. My now, husband and I would stumble here after a really late night out. One time we were so drunk that it felt like we were walking forever and in circles but we just couldn't find it. We knew it was really close by. Then we finally gave up and hailed a cab. A block later the cab driver stopped, we were really confused....then he said "here you are." It's perfect for those nights when you close out a bar and all you can think about it filling your tummy with breakfast food. Also, it's not one of those nasty diners where you would never go to if you saw it without beer googles. This place is actually nice and clean, granted it's in Gold Coast.
(4)
Kris B.
went on a Friday morning. had the poor man's skillet and strawberry pancakes. good breakfast but coffee could be a bit stronger. service was fast and curteous
(4)
Audrey T.
Stupid, dumb, and hyphy. You only go to this place because 1) you're drunk 2) its the only place open 3) everywhere else is packed or closed and you're starving and its in a central location 4) you like spending $5 for just a grilled cheese on white bread or 5) you want to go somewhere non-pretentious to show off your designer sweatpants and Ugg boots.
(1)
Zack M.
They have decent food, but I do not think it is anything to warrant the ridiculously long wait to get in even yet, be served. The slow service is reminiscent of its sibling, Santorini. The eggs benedict was above average. It seems to be the kind of place where 20-somethings like to meet up with their sorority sisters and drag the boyfriend along for a boring three hour brunch... I will reserve some judgement as I have never been there for dinner. ***I suggest staying home and either sleeping in on a weekend or watching the Bears game and a making a home cooked omelette.
(3)
Emily C.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and actually review this place for the food and not the fact that it's open at convenient times as I leave one of the many single snake pits on Division and need something to stuff down my throat. And why would you ever trust a review about food from people whose pallets are so skewed from the many jaeger-bombs consumed that night? This place is a perfect breakfast place and actually does serve good food, good coffee and the service and wait staff are great. YOu go here for classic breakfast fare and this is what you get. The gold coast omelet is really good. Not a fan that it's on a bed of potatoes but the omelet alone is good. Our waitress was so sweet as are the other people who work there. Went on a Sunday and there was a crazy line out the door but we were seated in the half hour they promised. Price is decent and you leave delightfully stuffed.
(4)
Lisa M.
I ordered the poor man's skillet for breakfast because it has ham, onions and green pepper. The first piece of green pepper I ate had an acidic taste, like it was pickled. Sure enough, after I dug around some more, I also found little red stuff, which I suspect was pimento. I expected fresh green pepper, but instead I got what I think was canned diced green chiles. Seriously????? This skillet might have been OK otherwise except for the peppers and the mushy choppy potatoes hidden by the other ingredients. Also, even though I knew I wouldn't get this in a greek joint, I asked for my eggs scrambled soft, as in "creamy". Instead, I got the same dry, rubbery stuff as in all the other greek places. I think that's because the cooks in these kitchens are usually from south of the border, so asking for anything that requires an explanation in English just isn't going to happen. I guess I should just avoid these places and go to establishments where they do it right, even if it costs more. After all...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. So....my first visit to Tempo and my last.
(1)
Monique B.
I like that it's open late but the service is a little unfriendly and it would be great if they could upgrade their technology to accept credit and debit, the ATM machine gets in the way of the long lines.
(3)
Michelle R.
I love their omelettes... egg whites, veggies and cook with pan. I am there at least once a week for breakfast. Michelle Rosseld
(4)
Leezia D.
Went in a few months ago on a Saturday at around 1 p.m. for a late brunch. Around a 30 or so minute wait, but it was definitely worth it. The prices average between $10-$15, which is pretty good considering the HUGE portion sizes....I love it and I am coming back for more !
(5)
Theresa C.
The service was really slow. We asked for our check and then didn't get it for another 10+ minutes and saw our waitress walk by us 3 or 4 times during that wait. Was not too impressed with my zucchini tomato omelet but the waffles my company had looked very good.
(2)
Kara M.
went here after the winterfest to grab some food and yeah things have changed a little bit or maybe it was just cuz i was actually sober. Sooo they don't have any bacon omelets listed on the menu but they do have a Denver omelet which is the standard ham, cheese, onion, peppers...so every place in the world has always let me switch out the ham for bacon at no extra cost and Tempo USED to be included in that group but now they charge 4 bux...yes $4.00...for the switch...how it makes sense I have no idea. And they're prices have gone up. Even though our waitress was nice that was the only plus when they mixed up my friend's order with mine not to mention my omelet was cooked too hard...so that's two stars down from where it used to be on my list but somehow i don't think it will be a next time unless a miracle happens or perhaps bacon swapping for free makes a reappearance...
(2)
Frederica B.
Waffles were solid. Don't get the "Casablanca Juice". Tasted strangely frothy. They accept CASH ONLY and found that quite annoying. Especially for a place downtown.
(3)
G H.
Actually 3.5 stars if I could. I first discovered this place on a trip to Chicago a few years ago. My friends and I were looking for a good brunch place to cap off a great trip to Chicago and actually stopped a Chicago Police Officer to ask for recommendations. Even though we were down on Washington by Macy's, the officer still said Tempo's was the place to go. Fast forward a few years and do I still like the food? Sure. Do I think it's the most amazing breakfast place ever and a can't miss while in Chicago? Not really. Pros: 1) Large portion sizes. I always forget how much food comes with an order. I've only ever ordered omelets and I forget that the omelet is large enough to feed two never mind the potatoes and bread that are also provided. 2) Fresh squeezed juices. Nothing makes a morning like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or carrot among other offerings). 3) Fast food delivery. There's nothing worst than coming to a restaurant starving and having to wait forever for the food to arrive. Here it comes out almost as fast as you can order. Cons: 1) Extremely long queue with little room for waiting. Getting a table here is like going to the doctor's office; you arrive on time but still have to wait another 30 minutes to get in. In the summer, waiting outside on the sidewalk isn't bad, but when winter hits it sucks to be the last person in line. 2) Food is average at best. There's nothing here that I've had that I felt was horrendous, but nothing I've had has been so amazing that I'd come back just for it. This place serves your basic breakfast foods. It's a step up from Perkins but it's not as if you're gonna be able to order anything as creative as a lobster omelet. 3) Cash only. Granted the meals are reasonably priced, but if you're heading to Tempo's with friends, it makes splitting up the tab pretty complicated when everyone's prepared to slap down a $20 cuz that's all that the ATM gave them. Plus it wouldn't surprise me if the place makes some money off of having an on-site ATM that ill-prepared people have to use. Overall Tempo is worth a try if it's your first time and if you enjoy good basic breakfast food. Just be prepared to wait for a table and bring enough cash. I personally only go there every once in a while on my trips to Chicago. I do like their fresh squeezed orange juice, but I can also get fresh orange juice at Watertower without the wait time.
(3)
N L.
Great food, large portions, cute place, I recommend. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, nice and juicy. Negatives, the menu is a little confusing, it doesn't state what each plate comes with which makes ordering a bit of a pain and NO CREDIT CARDS.
(4)
Jennifer G.
It's not fine dining, for godsakes, it's a diner. If you want lightning-fast food go get an egg mcmuffin. But if you want the best omelette ever, go to Tempo. I don't live in Chicago anymore but this place is always on my list when I visit. It's the veggie scramble that gets me every time: A skillet of hash browns covered in a zucchini, broccoli, and spinach omelet. It's big enough to take half (or more) of it away for the next day's hangover breakfast. And I probably shouldn't say this to keep the expectations in check, but when I was there for a late lunch during a week last month, I had my veggie omelet about six minutes after I ordered it. Mmmmm. One more thing: I'm pretty sure Tempo is cash only.
(4)
Mark W.
Nice staff. Average diner food. Under seasoned huevos rancheros.
(3)
Rose C.
Sorry Tempo - You get a D-. I have worked in this Gold Coast area for 30+ years, and on occasion eat at this restaurant. Over time I have progressively seen this restaurant turn into a greasy, dive. For the life of me I cannot see how all these people have given this dive such high ratings. Surely, this has got to be coming from their friends or their own managers/owners. I have watched the portions decrease and the prices rise to the point where you can get a cheaper lunch at McCormick and Schmicks just down the street, where you don't have to contend with crowded eating conditions, dirty, weathered tables, 3rd world waitresses, a leaking ceiling, and much worse...the food. I recently ordered their 'renowned' skillet omelet. Perhaps the problem is that I wanted the eggs easy over. It turned out to be the greasiest concoction I'd ever eaten...what a bummer! SOMEONE NEEDS TO CALL THE CITY INSPECTORS AND ICE!
(1)
Ian S.
I drank from noon until 8pm the day of the Bears v Seahawks game (good times) then went to bed around 8pm, waking up at 5am on Monday of MLK. Being fully rested and hungry, we decided to hit up Tempo Cafe. Surprisingly, there weren't too many people there! My friend usually ends up bribing the old guy at the door $20 to get his group in and skip the line. Unfortunately this man has supposedly died, so good luck trying this with the new bouncer. Food was quite filling and reasonably priced. The waitress also took care of us. I can only imagine how much the service degrades after the rowdy crowds start moving in!
(4)
cindy g.
I was there for the first time a week ago. I shared the skillet with eggs and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back and have the waffles- they looked awesome and a have a smoothie- a late night find- go there
(4)
Drucilla D.
I never wrote a review for Tempo?! Crazy. Especially considering it is so close to where I live... Tempo is a staple for our neighborhood. Sadly we lack a lot of options when it comes to a) 24 hour places, b) breakfast places, c) Breakfast anytime... and Tempo encompasses all three of these characteristics, so it's pretty cool as far as I'm concerned. Service is decent, soups are good (and served with an AWESOME bread basket - I like to stash the extra breadsticks in my purse like Sophia from THE GOLDEN GIRLS), and the menu has quite the variety. They have a Jr. Clubhouse sandwich that is one of my favorite menu items in the entire city - I highly recommend it. And my people love the Hollywood Bowl Salad - enough for two or three meals! If that's what you're into. All of that being said, the lines are usually INSANE and it is sadly not worth the wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I would recommend walking the extra couple blocks to The Pancake House where the line is just as long but moves twice as fast... I would definitely eat at Tempo more often if it wasn't cash only (who carries cash anymore anyways?), AND I have a serious problem with places that do not offer soda refills. What the heck?! If you live in the 'hood, I suggest placing an order to go! You can do this by phone or in person (just push your way past the line and head straight to the cashier) and it only takes 7-15 minutes tops. And don't be concerned that this place isn't fancy enough for out of town guests. It is actually my mother's FAVORITE place to eat when she visits - AND I have heard of the occasional Keanu sighting. Enjoy! But drink your Diet Coke slowly...
(4)
Thomas L.
THIS PLACE WAS SO BAD I JOINED YELP JUST TO WHITE THIS REVIEW. Note to self when you see a bank atm in a restaurant better dine elsewhere. I am never going back again. Cash only sign is not on the entrance door. Be a MAN AND PUT THE SIGN ON THE DOOR. Cash only sign is on the register on YOUR way out. Food was less then good. Refills of iced tea was a charge. Seems like the owner can't afford the rent, AND SEND HIS MONEY BACK TO GREECE TO HELP THERE ECONOMY, that is why there is all these petty charges. This guy has a cash station in the restaurant what a racquet. They make money on the transactions at the cash staion. What a crook, dirt bag and a slob. Know wonder the staff has an attitude the owner is a jerk. This guy thinks that the world should pay him. Does he even read the newspaper look what is happening to the Mother Land GREECE. Greece is getting bailled out again. It's know wonder this guy charges the way he does. He sends all OUR money over to Greece to bail them out of the mess they made. Greece should clean house and round up all the dogs rooming the streets.
(1)
Eileen D.
Just a disgusting experience. The portions were absurd - 4 people could have split an omelette - and the food tasted... not good. Even the fries, which are hard to mess up, were too thick and pretty gross. The waitress was rude. The busboy cleared the table next to us by throwing dishes into a bin - our ears were ringing. There are no free refills. It's cash only. I will definitely NOT be back.
(1)
Bill M.
This is a comfortable all-night diner in the midst of the Gold Coast. I suppose even tourists and upper middle class residents need a place to have standard fare like sandwiches, omelets and waffles without having to go to a greasy dive. The place has a neat appearance, and its outdoor cafe gets crowded.
(3)
Marsha N.
Hands down best and fluffiest omelettes (especially egg whites) and did I mention the biggest??? They have my favorite homemade salsa, and my favorite server Sylvia. I have been going for years, and not even the shady late night crowd, or the higher than normal prices can keep me away. I crave it because it's the best there is
(4)
Bridget L.
This place has sentimental memories for me because I used to lunch with my girls here quite often while we were in law school some years back. The weekends are absolutely nuts, but the weekdays aren't too crazybusy. The omelets are huge, and I am a big fan of their spinach and feta. It's delicious. They also have great salads too. I'm partial to their stuffed avocado with tuna. Huge and fresh. I dock Tempo a few stars because the service can be spotty and they only take cash, which is a total pain in the arse. For the amount of money they charge for their food, they can afford the credit card machine fee, in my humble opinion. But the food is good, and in a diner, that's really what I care most about.
(3)
Susan F.
What can I say other than the fact that every time we head to the Art Institute it's off to Tempo for the best skillets. Service is always good. And what nailed it for us was when my five year old was peering into the cake display (as all little kids do) on our way out, and they gave her a piece to take home.
(4)
Rita W.
I have always wanted to go to Tempo Cafe for brunch and everytime it has been so packed that I don't even want to attempt waiting amongst the hordes of people who are outside waiting. This time, I went on a Friday afternoon, it was still busy but not as bad as it usually gets on a Saturday or Sunday. I was not disappointed, I got the gold coast omelette (mushrooms, onions, and spinach) with feta cheese and it came out really fluffy in a medium sized skillet atop a mound of potatoes. And they also give you you a plate of texas sesame toast as well. It was very filling and not very greasy. I am very glad I got to finally try out Tempo. While the food is great, I am not sure the omelettes are special enough to justify a long wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I am really hungry.
(4)
Katrina H.
Definitely a Staple for YEARS when it's late night and you're hungry!! Now that i'm older, I will go for breakfast during "Rush Hour" and it's Almost ALWAYS Packed!! If you have time to wait.. then GREAT!! the food is Fantastic!! you get a Lot of food for your money however the last time that I was there.. I was told that it was Cash only. not sure if they have Credit now but thought that it was strange especially for a place to be so busy. A Great place to go to when it's nice out.. waiting for an indoor seat is like waiting forever!
(4)
Ms T.
One word: Meh. The food isn't anything to write home about. Paying twice as much for sub-par diner food. If this sounds like your idea of fun, be my guest. But after we get our drunk on and you are suggesting that we stave off the hangover with a big greasy here after debauchery, the eggos in my freezer and a quicky fry -up at home is heaps more appealing. Pass.
(1)
Jasmine F.
Holy crap. I'd wager Tempo makes the best omelette I've ever had, although it's more like a scramble/soufle-type-thing. How do they do that? I want the recipe, damnit. My egg white omelette, made with ingredients of my choosing, was absurdly huge, fluffy and delicious with a nice, browned crust completely surrounding it. I think there were potatoes under it somewhere, but one cannot be too sure of such things. I definitely could have split the dish with someone and been perfectly satisfied--I only got through about half, plus the two pieces of fresh, yummy toast with tangy, homemade marmalade. God, I effing love breakfast when it's done right. Tempo did it right.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Whats the big deal? Tempo is fine, but its not great, It does have a nice outside atmosphere in the summer. Went once and i don't think I will ever put forth the effort to run back. Plus you gotta stand in line forever, so I thought it was gonna be excellent. I was underwhelmed.
(3)
Craig N.
Its in my hood so I go there sometimes. Wish they had dishes from thier greek town sister "like mousaka" . Anyway..the food is OK, a bit boring but I can't say bad.. I would give this place a Zagats 16. I like to go down the street to Johnny's for a down a dirty breakfast.
(3)
George K.
Everyone told me this is "THE BREAKFAST PLACE" to try out. I tried and tried and tried least 20 different times to go here. Long lines, waiting, very longgggg wait. So every time I walked by hoping there wasn't a long line then get disappointed and ended up going elsewhere to eat. I finally got lucky few weeks ago on Labor Day, not many people around downtown that day. It was WORTH THE WAIT! I had ham & cheese omelets with side of french toast. Oh man it was so good. I can't believe they bring your plate of food using a frying pan? How many of these do they have in the kitchen? I noticed that this was how they served omelets from looking at other tables. You guys must have 100 of these frying pans huh? lot of washing dishes.. hehe They give you so much food, I couldn't finish everything, and I think I digged the french toast much better. I'm going to keep on trying to go here again.
(4)
Jessica K.
This place has great breakfast! A staple on weekends after a night out. The portions are filling, and they use fresh ingredients. The place gets crowded on weekend mornings and early afternoons so be prepared to wait. They have outdoor seating, though I never have sat outside. Although this place is open 24 hours and has a more extensive menu asside from breakfast, I've only been here before 2pm and had skillets from the breakfast menu. The place gets crowded, but once you sit down it seems like they turn the tables at a pretty decent rate and you aren't waiting too long for your food.
(5)
Marc L.
Great food and great service. We went for breakfast and everything was fresh and not greasy.
(4)
Timothy M.
I've eaten some great random meals here. Usually after drinking all night downtown I'll come to around Chicago and State and realize where I am: right near Tempo! This place won me over with the phenomenal Eggs Benedict. I've been going back even though it's out of my way ever since just to get some great food and great coffee. Crowd sucks though (Viagra Triangle) so don't go when people are there in droves.
(4)
Dr. Robert W.
Great staff, very good food--the best of a 24/7 cafe. My wife and I love it. Heidi and all the staff are fantastic.
(5)
Nastassia J.
This is your standard diner fare, at super inflated prices... While attending law school, I would eat here on occasion. Sometimes you just want some breakfast, and in this neighborhood, there are hardly any of these diner type resturants left...Starfucks (typo, it stays) ate the neighborhood. I don't have any particular gripe about the place, afterall it is open 24 hours, and I did sit next to Bow Wow one time (I'm told he is famous.) On the weekends, be prepared to wait in long lines to get a table, esp in the summer when the patio is prime destination for both tourists and locals.
(2)
Rachelle G.
First and foremost, the service here late into the night is awful. I get that you've probably dealt w/ drunks throughout the night, but I was not, and did notice that you only came to get our order and drop off our bill. And we couldn't even tell you that you'd forgotten to give my friend her soda. I really wanted to tip the busboy instead of our server bc he did so much more for us and all with a smile. Food was mediocre to subpar, prices were decent for the area and being open 24 hours is great but really, improve your service. And yes they only take cash. We also happened to be seated in a booth underneath a vent that was blowing out super cold air. It was probably 40 degrees out yet I had to walk out every now so I wouldn't freeze. I really don't want to come back and hope I don't have to.
(2)
Trent P.
Management/Greek owner has an "in" with local taxis; thus if you ask a Cabby for a late night restaurant you will be "TAKEN" (at)/to Tempo Cafe! Food is mediocre at best, but the surprise is when you get the bill, you WILL be charged more than menu prices; if you question the charges they claim error and adjust to original "menu" price. BAD/CON all the way around!!!!
(1)
Caroline A.
What a great place to nurse a hangover... seriously. They have something for everyone, which is great considering how fussy I am with food. My favorite part of the restaurant - they cook the dishes exactly how you like. Even going so far as replacing butter with cooking spray. The portions are very generous, and the food came out very quickly. The wait is very very long (I think we waited for over an hour), but definitely worth it.
(3)
Lale S.
the only downfall of this place is that it does not accept credit cards! but hey i guess if anyone is looking for a late night stick up, go to tempo! j/k besides the fact that i have ended up here many a nights/early mornings after long nights of boozing this place is always the best! i love the raspberry waffle add some chocolate chips and whipped cream! yummy! i like that this place is downtown, yet sometimes can get way overcrowded especiall after the 2am bar close rush and 5am bar close rush on weekends... but overall ive never had a bad meal here.... but then again i usually am pretty crunk
(4)
Diana B.
Their breakfast/brunch is great! And you can get it anytime of day! I recommend the poor mans skillet, pancakes, and/or waffles. :) Their lunch options are so-so, but that's not an issue for me since I strictly get breakfast food here. Also, a biiiiiit pricy, but due to the area, it makes sense. Definitely a go-to place for me!
(4)
Natasha A.
Why does Boston not have anything like this? Unfair. Ample concoctions of eggs, veggies and meats are served in a skillet over a bed of potatoes. Throw in freshly squeezed OJ and some coffee and you are in heaven. The menu also had some sandwhiches and the like. Breakfast can not get any better than the Tempo Cafe.
(5)
Mihir P.
The service was polite and quick. The scrambled eggs were a bit dry, bacon overcooked and the potatoes underdone. But at 2 am, Tempo will do just fine.
(2)
Robert M.
Spotty on delivery of food, our sides took a lot longer then our entered. Otherwise good Food and generous portions
(3)
Juliette M.
This place is great for breakfast or brunch. The setting is nice, they have a nice patio area. The coffee is not that great but I have tasted worse. I tried one of the burger once, nothing extraordinary. But the waffles and french toast are a must!
(4)
Balu's G.
I've eaten better breakfast in Chicago. I just think that it's always crowded, because it's the only full service breakfast place in the area with reasonable price (compared to pricey hotel breakfast). I had bacon. cheese, and onions omelette, and it was ok.
(3)
Terry G.
Found this place through a suggestion at the hotel and what a great find. I juts love these crowded city breakfast/lunch cafes. A long wait on a Saturday morning, but it was worth the wait. Lots of coffee and an excellent three egg Denver omelet in a skillet. The omelet was prepared perfectly too... perfectly.
(4)
Lesley S.
I would only recommend this spot for late night eating just because of the lack of options. Otherwise, not a good choice. For starters, they only take cash which is almost unheard of these days. I'm not really sure what the reason for this is but it is annoying. Also, the prices are WAY too high. I got a turkey salad sandwich that came with nothing and it was over $7. Just some turkey salad on regular toasted bread. It was a rip off. I got a side salad as well and my meal altogether was almost $15. I was still hungry when I left and wished I would have gone to Subway.
(1)
Nick S.
Tempo is a Chicago icon. If only the walls in that place could talk. The new place is real nice, but I miss the old diner. This is a great place to eat at 3am.
(4)
Heather S.
this place is incredible! i strolled in there around 2am and was very entertained... yes, everyone in there was wasted but what do you expect with a diner open that late! i never have tried the brunch crowd, but i am assuming it is a bit different being in the gold coast.. their "homeless mans skillet" is great! Enjoy!
(4)
gosia d.
Clean and fast service but that is all good I can say about this place. The hostess's voice reminds me of Fran Drescher. The food was bland, not enough or way too much of seasonings, and definitely overpriced. I am sure you can find a better food in the neighborhood in the same price range. Especially if you are a tourist don't go there. I really don't want you to taste Chicago that way. One more detail, the place takes only cash.
(2)
Diana F.
eh, nothing special whatsoever. went there for lunch, got a tuna volcano that was very average. clam chowder was blah. the clams tasted like rubber. service was fine. overall decent, but won't go back unless it's super late and everything is closed.
(2)
Aubrey K.
Bring your cash since no credit is accepted and do prepared to wait. I promise you the wait is worth it. I think the breakfast is the true staple of this Gold Coast diner. My favorite are the skillets (omelettes served over hash browns) and the egg-white french toast. Also offers some good people watching. I like it equally at 4:00 AM as I do for Sunday brunch!
(5)
Rachel Y.
I am a huge fan of Tempo. I don't know how it started, but almost every breakfast meeting I have, the client requests Tempo. It's one of those fabulous neighborhood spots that didn't get affected by the River North yuppification quotient. They have the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had, however lately I've been sticking with their cream cheese, bacon and tomato omelet, which I'm craving now just thinking about it. It seems that everyone in the restaurant has been there forever, the coffee is served in plenty, and it's cheap (which is nice because it's cash only--don't worry there are two ATM's close by). In the summer they have nice outdoor seating as well. Check it out for your next business get-together or just on your own if you're in the neighborhood and want a good meal for less than what River North usually dishes out.
(4)
lana v.
My husbands family loves this place, so I have been forced to come here many times. I have only tried the breakfast items, but have never been impressed, the pancakes are ok, and the service is fast, but they do not take credit cards, and do not have free refills. If you come here for brunch on the weekend, there is always a crazy long line, and I honestly dont understand why.
(3)
Brian S.
Holler! Tempo serves the best waffles I've ever had - both strawberry and banana nut flavors are great. They're crisp and delicious and don't even need syrup to be enjoyed (but I use it anyway). Helpful hint: get the toppings on the side to keep the waffle crispy throughout the meal.
(5)
Maggie S.
I really don't like this place and I can't figure out why. I have been there for breakfast a few times, but mainly I go in the middle of the night for food and coffee when it is finals cram time- which is why I go- its 24 hrs, they'll re-fill your coffee over and over again & don't mind how long you sit there. (Was once there 5 hours and not asked to leave.) That middle of the night study session aside...I have a few complaints. When it is busy, they totally rush you through your meal. The food is way overrated. I have tried several different things and have never once liked it. Its not bad in the "makes you ill sort of way;" rather it just leaves you feeling like you need more food bc you wasted a meal on something totally boring. This is my major problem with tempo though- YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR RE-FILLS ON SODA. SERIOUSLY?? We are in Chicago, not Europe, just re-fill my soda out of your fountain thing-y, And you have to pay with cash. And there ATM is one that a surcharge for basically every bank in existence, so no one gets lucky and misses the ATM fees.
(2)
Carly M.
There is nothign better than the baked french toast. It's my favorite thing on the menu and I always ask for bananas on top. Excellent pancakes too and great omlettes. Basically- they can do an awesome brunch! Don't be worried about the lines though- they do move quickly and it's worth the wait!
(5)
Gail T.
5 stars cuz this place is affordable, open 24/7, and you'll always be seated. beware card rangers.. its cash only!
(5)
Izzy N.
Oh. this place. The "nicer" Denny's that doesn't have hash browns (booo! hiss! a plague on thy dowry! ..........ok, ok don't piss in my food.. I am giving you 3 stars afterall.) and only takes cash. (this should maybe be called the base of the triangle that only takes cash. I'm looking at you mister j.) That's what I call this place. A little bit of a mouthful isn't it. But it's TRUE. Their menu isn't all that -in fact looking at it makes me *gulp* a few times and tell myself, Ok- Fine! and the food is okay but the real draw is that it's there whenever I wanna eat like at 4 am or maybe 1:53 am. Open 24 hours. Late night eats without having to trek too far, especially when it's freezing outside -- oh me likey! I usually order the breakfast foods.. not really wanting to venture out to their other selections cuz I can get stir fry at Big Bowl and seafood at Hugo's or any steak house nearby. Their blueberry french toast is pretty solid and satisfying.. nothing special. Hits the spot when I'm famished, too lazy to look for other options, and conveniently close to me. It's all about meeeeeeee you see. I don't care if it's close to you guys or not. me. Me. ME!!!! jk. I do charity work sometimes.
(2)
Will K.
I will say that the food here was very good, probably 4 star worthy. That being said, it's not really worth the hassle and the wait. A little expensive too if I remember correctly. Original Pancake house was near by and was about half the price, with no wait and better service, but Tempo's pancakes were better. I know it's not a totally fair comparison, just sayin
(3)
Jasmine h.
This was a great place to go for a comfortable atmosphere as well as good food. delicious!
(4)
KW L.
I came on a Saturday for lunch and we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. No issue with that since any good brunch place will have a wait on a weekend. The hostess was friendly, and the waiter was ok except for the fact that she hardly came around to refill our drinks. I had the strawberry french toast and thought it was average at best. The french toast wasn't very moist and tasted like cardboard. The others in my group seemed to enjoy the omelette's a little better, but commented they were average as well. The food is mediocre so I can only account for the crowd by the location of the place.
(2)
Jeff Y.
my roommate is obsessed with this place, but i think it's because he usually goes when he's wasted at 3 in the morning. i would give hot pockets 5 stars if i only ate them when i was drunk...anyways on to the review. tempo serves breakfast and diner grub 24 hours a day. it's basically an upscale ihop with slightly above average food. i'd recommend the skillets or the omelettes since they are ginourmous and decent. don't go for weekend brunch unless you want to wait in line for an hour. also, it's cash only so be sure to get cash back at potash bros next door before you head over. i'd recommend this place for drunk food or if you're randomly craving breakfast food for dinner.
(3)
Aileen O.
As one of the few 24-hour joints in downtown, this place is always busy! I've never quite understood the appeal of this place - the food is average at best. It reminds me of an upscale Denny's. Be warned - this place only accepts cash (although an ATM is available).
(3)
Paul R.
Here's the thing about Tempo... you wanna talk about a place thriving soley due to location, this is your prime example. There are so many better breakfast places in the downtown area, this one falls in w/ the rest in my opinion, and this all coming from a Greek guy- so to not like a Greek-owned establishment is blasphemous, but it's true. Tempo, not that good. I don't want to go so far as to say that it literally bothers me that this place gets crowded beyond belief on a regular basis, because I have had good times here and have nothing but nice things to say about the staff, but I just don't get it. Gold Coast should some more breakfast options, that's what it comes down to. Yeah, you can get breakfast at Luxbar (recommended) or PJ's (not terrible) or even Gibson's (I hear good things about their b-fast menu), but if you're looking for a brunch spot, and you know what I mean- I mean a brunch spot, not a place that serves breakfast food, what else is there? Somebody enlighten me. And don't say the Peninsula because that doesn't count. Maybe I'm looking too much into this.
(2)
Evelyn B.
My brother treated me to breakfast at Tempo for my twelfth birthday. It was very nice. Being a boxed-cereal kind of girl, I had no clue about one of the best breakfasts in the city. Thanks bro!
(5)
K. J.
It's a diner. With diner food. Wouldn't go back again unless I'm in the area anyway and craving a traditional diner-style breakfast. We were given a wait time of about 20 to 30 minutes so we walked around and came back. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes later, we were seated. Admittedly, we went on a Sunday morning so were expecting a bit of a wait.
(3)
Emma L.
One of my favorite places for breakfast or a late night meal. It's always packed because it's so good. Definitely the place to go if you want a good omelet!
(4)
kiki h.
THE place to go for breakfast in Chicago. The only problem is that everyone else thinks so as well so the lines are insane! I always get the gold coast omelette...it is absolutely huge and it's so good!
(4)
Ashley W.
I really like the OJ here, but besides that it's just OK. It's really just your typical busy brunch spot with omelette's, pancakes, french toast, and all that stuff. There are plenty of great brunch places in Chicago that don't feel the need to wait over an hour at Tempo to be seated.
(3)
Rob C.
the reason you all are rating it 4 stars is that you are eating there at 3-4 AM inebriated. fine, it's ok, but not that great. average omelettes, just go for early AM dining then.
(3)
Mission S.
A restaurant that its just as satisfying post-clubbing at 4:00 am as it is for a leisurely weekend brunch. A place that does breakfast food, post-hangover food, final exams food. The rumors about the lines are true: be prepared to wait. However, if you are willing to sit inside, the friendly hostess can usually find you a spot (unless you have a really large party). If you are lucky to land a sunny table outside, sit back and enjoy the strong coffee and chocolate chip pancakes.
(3)
Michelle W.
A perfect place to cure those 4am post bar/club cravings. The portions are monstrous and you can easily spilt one of their delicious omlettes. They can even make them with just egg whites...bless them. The waits go along with the time you visit. I was there for an early dinner pre-going out and there was nothing, but if you go after the bar closes, trust me everyone else will be there too.
(4)
Nicola C.
Great place to get awesome omelettes. It can get very crowded though as it is located in the gold coast. The food is always so fresh and you definitely get a lot. Nice in summer to go and sit outside, definetely a must do for breakfast.
(3)
Kamilah R.
My friends and I had always considered Tempo to be a great place to eat after a great party, bad break up, or even an evening alone. But in the early morning hours of September 9, 2006, Tempo Cafe decided to show us how much they valued our patronage by having us removed from the establishment by several of Chicago's finest. Tempo's disorganized, shoddy method of seating people created a back-up in the waiting area, and a drunken party of six bustled their way to the front of the line, creating a disturbance, disrespecting every other patron in their path, including my party. Although management witnessed such behavior, they refused to do anything about it, and instead seated us at opposing ends of the restaurant, assuming that all parties would behave. They were wrong, particularly when the drunken party of six picked YET ANOTHER fight with the party seated next to them. When the police were called, management forced everyone who had had ANY contact with the disruptive party to leave. That included us. After many attempts to reason with both management and the police, we were left in the rain, insulted and embarrassed, and worst of all, HUNGRY, all because management refused to intervene when the problem was initially presented. AND the best part is, when the police arrived, they even asked the black people NOT associated with our party to leave. . . Sorry Tempo, all black people don't know each other. . . I had always assumed that my education, my status, my poised and calm demeanor would allow others to see that I and the people I associate with are reasonable people, and would in turn, treat me with respect and reason. However, Tempo proved me wrong. Because of this experience, I would not recommend this restuarant to anyone. Thanks for the good time, Tempo. p.s. and the service left a little much to be desired as well. . .
(1)
K M.
Good food but I think this place is overrated unless you live near it. Before I went I kept hearing how great it was. Maybe its better for late nights, but for breakfast or brunch, especially on the weekends, forget it, you'll be waiting so long its just not worth it! I've been here once for lunch and didn't wait very long but there was nothing particularly special about the food or service. The breakfast was really good once we were seated. So I guess it depends on how patient you are, I have none, especially in the morning- I'd rather just make my own pancakes! :)
(3)
Marc S.
Good and reliable breakfast and brunch food; but nothing fancy. If there were no wait for a table, I'd probably go back, but as it is, we waited 45 minutes for what was really a pretty average brunch. If you're willing to put up with a 45 minutes wait, there are much better brunch places to go to (M.Henry, Southport Grocery, Ina's, Bongo Room, Hot Chocolate,...)
(3)
Shannon W.
I got here about 2 a.m. and right after that the place got super packed. I had an omlette which I wasn't to impressed with so if I do go back again I'll try something else on the breakfast menu.
(3)
Blah B.
Yup this is the place to be seen at 5am in the morning, but the food is horrible!!! Sowwie but it just is, not to mention the service?!! I've never met people who hate their job as much as they do here!!! Tho what i can say is I have some awesome memories with friends there with that being said I'll probably be back at some point in the summer!!!
(1)
W W.
I went here once last summer and I thought it was just ok. I had pancakes with strawberries and they were pretty good, but I guess I'm not a huge breakfast person. Also we sat outside which was cool, but it's a somewhat congested area so I felt like I was breathing in a lot of fumes during my breakfast. I haven't gone back yet, but I'm sure at some point I probably will.
(3)
Julia B.
Great place for breakfast~! The skillets are amazing and you can add just about anything (extra ingredients) to them! It gets very packed late night but also packed during the weekend breakfast hours. The fresh orange juice is awesome.
(3)
Andrew H.
Sorry but I've been here twice and it's over priced and how in the world can you mess up an omelette. Don't cook an omelette over hash browns. Hash browns are meant to be crispy not soggy. Then when you go to check out 50 plus dollars for an omelette I haven't been able to eat both times. Ridiculous. The bacon is good though but if you can mess that up you may want to close down.
(1)
Garth G.
Their portions are huge and the price is good. The skillets are great, I didn't have the omelette but the table next to us did and it was massive. All in all this is a great go to spot for breakfast and brunch. It's also open 24 hours which can come in handy.
(5)
John R.
Pure satisfaction it's has the best open face roast beef and gravy love the waiters and there open 24hrs
(5)
Bill E.
We have enjoyed breakfast at this restaurant on many occasions over the last 15 years. Atmosphere: this is a small venue with tables very close to each other. It gets noisy and you get bumped by the servers walking between the tables. Do not get the wrong opinion, you feel like you are having breakfast with a hundred of you friends and if you have to wait for a table the food is worth it. Menu: all of the traditional breakfast offerings. Pancakes, eggs, omelets, various proteins, waffles, French toast, etc, etc, etc. All well done and delicious. Service: quick, friendly, and attentive. This is everything you want to have in a breakfast place. Please be warned - locals and visitors know about Tempo so you will have to wait during busy times but don't give up - it's worth it.
(4)
Sann F.
Recommended by bellman at hotel and it did not disappoint. Skillet omlets and service very good. 15-minute wait on busy Sat. morning but well worth it!
(5)
Nancie M.
This place is open 24hrs and was referred to me as a hole in the wall diner. With that in mind I expected just a little better food quality since diner usually has plentiful and can't finish but some portions were large and some not very inconsistent. My eggs Benedict was fair price $11 so not bad but would I crave this place again probably not . Long line to get in because of New Year's Day but seating in 15 min and waitress was a doll. Unfortunately too many other good restaurants around the block!
(3)
Anne E.
This appeared to be a typical family owned 24 hour diner. I arrived later in the evening, after 8 pm and it felt like I may have been the only person who was there of my own free will. The menu clearly states that refills for coffee will be charged for and substitutions will not be tolerated. The waitress took my order for eggs benedict without asking how I wanted my eggs poached and it went downhill from there. My eggs were overcooked. The hollandaise was clearly from a package and the ham was rolled. The hash browned hardly deserved the name. Rather, they were so soggy as to almost resemble mashed potatoes that had been lightly fried. Horrid. In an otherwise empty restaurant, you'd think it would be easy to catch my waitresses eye to get my bill, but repeated attempts met with failure and eventually I went to the cash register where the other waitress noticed me and galvanized my waitress into action. It seems my check was still hanging at the pass, as she had to return there to retrieve it in order to ring me up. Perhaps they save the decent staff for Sunday Brunch?
(2)
Jenna K.
Such a love hate relationship with you, Tempo Cafe. I live right down the street from here, and the food has always been fantastic. It's the service here that really drives me crazy. As a college student, sometimes I'm up till 1am studying and doing homework. Decided to come here for a meal and do my homework but was told that's "not something they do on the weekends" and that I "couldn't have my laptop in here" .....Um, okay. Even told them I was going to order food and they still turned me away with empty tables. Rude rude rude rude rude. Would have loved to enjoy some Corned Beef hash here. Second time I get a to go order coming out to $13.45. Look on my bank statement and see I was charged $27.32....This place has to get it together.
(3)
Ashley I.
Tempo cafe is open very early, when many other restaurants are not. I had the chicken, bacon, avocado sandwich. It was very tasty! I also enjoyed the fries and coleslaw.
(4)
Caress T.
A pretty basic cafe with mediocre service (the server wasn't very friendly at all) and mediocre food. I had a feta cheese, turkey sausage and green pepper skillet. It was okay, but it sucks that the only way to upgrade your toast to pancakes is to buy pancakes separately. Also, the meal came with an orange slice and a prune (?). I assume it's for pre- and -post meal palate cleansing, but I just found it odd. I can't really see myself coming back here.
(2)
Eric T.
Been here a few years ago and was truly looking forward to visiting again. Unfortunately the quality ha slipped a bit since our last visit. Juices were all warm and food was just starting to cool. Although always busy in the past I never felt the were trying to flip tables as fast as they could. That's kind of the vibe they have now. Still okay but has slipped a bit.
(3)
K C.
Veggie Eggs, perfect, carrot juice only comment is that the cup wasn't big enough! And I wanted to buy their orange jam or marmalade but they didn't have any to sell. It was sooooooo good!
(5)
Avery M.
I used to live directly above this place and the omlets were always my perfect little pick me up. It's 24 hours and a super cute little diner! Stop by!
(5)
Karla W.
We arrived to a crowd pouring out into the street on a Friday morning and expected a huge wait, so we were happily surprised to hear it would only be 15 minutes. True to their word, we were seated at a patio table a bit under 20 minutes later. The large menu is slightly overwhelming, just like the portions--which is my main complaint with Tempo! I understand they're trying to provide value, but my 3-Egg Mexican Omelette (with egg whites subbed in for whole eggs) filled half of a skillet. Hashbrowns, which I left untouched, filled the other half, plus, this came with toast! One egg-based order would easily feed two adults. Come hungry or try to plan ahead for a time when you can take your boxed-up meal home. The breakfast was tasty; it was nice to see that quantity didn't supersede quality. Next time, I'd love to try one of the sweet options, like (half of) the Morning Glory Pancakes!
(4)
Alex R.
This is hands-down one of the best casual diners in Chicago. I can't speak for their dinner or lunch, but their breakfast is absolutely amazing! My favorite items are their omelettes and their pancakes. In fact, writing this review is making me hungry! I used to live a couple of blocks from Tempo and would study here during law school at the wee hours of the morning (they're open 24/7). One thing to keep in mind though is that they do not have wifi or computer outlets. Didn't bother me, that just meant I spent more time studying and less time on Facebook! I now live out in the suburbs but my wife and I keep coming back to Tempo for their delicious breakfast. The owner/manager recognizes us every time we stop by. Is the decor fancy? No, but the food is definitely worth it. PAYMENT METHOD UPDATE: The review below me is inaccurate. Tempo now accepts VISA/MasterCard! They have been for several months now.
(5)
Laura E.
My rating is probably closer to 3.5 stars. No half star ratings? Feeling generous? I'll give it 4. I came here twice on my recent trip to Chicago and had different experiences each time I was there. My first visit was on a Saturday, which was much more crowded than my Monday visit. On Saturday, they refused to seat us until our entire party was here but on Monday, we were seated right away despite not having everyone in our party present. Beware that the omelets are HUGE--I couldn't finish mine so I'd recommend sharing it with a friend or two. The crab omelet was okay, just very heavy and difficult to finish. What made my rating go up was the amazing chocolate chip waffles I had on my second visit. I got strawberries on them and it was breakfast heaven! Definitely was able to finish the waffles :)
(4)
JC E.
I love this place. I always make a an effort to eat breakfast here evertytime I am in Chicago. The Poor Man's skillet is amazing and is very filling. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Kelly C.
As a standard diner that gets you in and out quickly with food that emphasizes quantity over quality, this place rates well. If you're looking for the authentic foodie experience, this might not be your destination. If you're hungry as all get out and have a hankering for eggs and hash brown potatoes this will give you the fix. The skillets look great, but I found the flavor to be quite bland for my egg, canadian bacon, spinach and mushroom version. The desserts are not made in house - on display as you walk in they come from the Chicago sweet connection bakery. People start to wait for tables by ~9am so get there early if you have a large group.
(2)
Amber A.
Quaint and peaceful little place. Simple interior. Food is yummy! Ordered the scrambler with zucchini bacon and mozzarella. Fresh squeezed orange juice and an English muffin. Server wasn't mean or rude, she just wasn't exceptionally nice. She didn't really look at us in our face and as soon as she would get an answer from us she would simply walk away as soon as the words left our mouth. This is why I took away one star for the service. Cute place to come eat and the fact that it is open 24 hours is pretty cool. 2 scramblers, 2 juices came out to 33$ not including tax or tip. Kind of pricy.
(3)
Jessica P.
Will this place ever be on the same level as all those super trendy brunch places in this city? No way. But is it a cafe worth going to? I'd say so. First of all, the portions are ginormous. One of their skillets could feed three people. The waffles are huge. And the servers were always ready with the coffee- my cup was never less than half full. Secondly, the food was good. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned breakfast food. But it was well prepared. I had a scrambler with broccoli, sausage and cheese and I loved it. Others at my table has one of the aforementioned giant skillets and the French toast, and they both were extremely happy with their dishes as well. The servers weren't super pleasant, but they weren't rude by any means. And they were really attentive. The other benefit of this place? We had a five minute wait on a Saturday morning at 11 am. It would have taken us longer to wait in line at a fast food place than it took for us to get seated. Oh, also, the reviews saying this is a cash only place are old, so don't let that "tip" hinder you. If you're in the area and have worked up an appetite, check Tempo out.
(4)
Jessica P.
If you like breakfast food.. why not come here?. .it reminds me of a Denny's but located in the city...open 24/7.. Food: Scrambler with cheddar cheese, green pepper and canadian bacon comes with toast of your choice..it tasted ok..I'm sure you can make this at home on your own though...portion was big so I had me some leftovers... -Tastes: ok, not anything to amazing that would make me want to go back, but if I was in the area craving breakfast food & lazy to cook.. I guess I would come here.. Portions: are big enough for leftovers..but it also depends on what you order Atmosphere: diverse.. all ages and family friendly..doesn't look clean, but doesn't look really dirty either.. reminds me of a Denny's... Service: waitress was nice..don't have any complaints really..
(3)
Lindsay L.
It's so cute and the food was great. It was a 3 story mansion and we sat on the 3rd floor. Although we were fine, the couple behind us was in crunches and the hostess flew up the stairs and they were right behind us. I didn't realize until we were at the top, but the hostess didn't even notice! They have an elevator, after all. Besides that, the food was was and so was the service, just took a little long for breakfast. If you have time on your hands, stop and have some breakfast! Hopefully it will be a little cold outside and they can open the window. Very cute place!
(4)
Tee K.
Good eats, great portions, unpleasant hostess. Maybe because it was 3am. Will be there again, good experience overall.
(4)
Spencer H.
The quality of people you find here late at night are less than the quality you would find in your toilet after taking a huge dump. I have been eating late night at good old Tempo Cafe for a few years now. It seems that every time I visit here the food has declined more & more & the prices do not reflect the poor taste of the food. Sometimes when you eat a meal late night even when you know you shouldn't have, you say to yourself that was pretty good & really worth eating so late, but not here. For me moments after eating the meal I say to myself maybe I should have just went & got a burrito. It would have been cheaper & a lot better. This restaurant is also cash only. Some of the good things about this place is late at night you can occasionally run into some people you know that have also just left the clubs. Also there are usually some drunk people who begin yelling & make for some amusement. The service here has never been bad even with a busy restaurant. From now on I will probably eat some where else late night but I might give this restaurant another chance.
(2)
Leslie B.
Loved brunch at Tempo! Their fluffy omelets filled with ingredients are some of the best around, you definitely get your money's worth. Tempo is very busy around weekend brunch time so I don't recommend coming with a huge party, I think a table of four has the best chance of getting seated within a reasonable amount of time. Do you have a group of 20-something girls who are going to have 3 modifications each to their menu item? If so, Tempo is great for you. Accommodating and friendly, our waitress didn't bat an eye at the egg-white, minus this, plus this orders as she went around the table. If you order fruit instead of potatoes with your breakfast, you receive a very plentiful serving and they bring baskets of toast for the table. The coffee is good, nothing to brag about, but we received plenty of refills throughout our meal. The star of their breakfast is really the omelets and skillets. The eggs are cooked to perfection and full of toppings. Another very nice touch to Tempo is that our waitress brought us separate checks which is so helpful! Overall, a great brunch (or late night!) option in the area, I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Giselle G.
Late night munchies after eating? Come here! I used to go to Eggtastic or Eggcelent (forgot name) but this place is much more cleaner and better food. Don't expect great service, 5 star food and a classy vibe because it's full of after club people who are drunk and need food. Great place to come after a night of partying and dancing!
(4)
Corelle P.
I use to go here when I was working downtown. Their skillet's are always good! I took one of my friends there. I ordered the Poor man's veggie skillet, she saw what I was ordering and ordered it too! She enjoyed it! And yes the Greek Toast is off the chain...and the orange marmalade!
(4)
Anthony C.
I visited Chicago and stayed at the Talbott hotel last year and ate breakfast here. I liked it so much, I came back for breakfast the next day. My memories of the place are not detailed anymore, but I do recall being very impressed with the portions and the quality of all of the food. I remember that the bacon in particular was thick and juicy. The eggs Benedict was also very good, but again it wasn't for any big reason other than the quality of the ingredients. Nothing was greasy either, which I really appreciated. I regard the ingredients here as a solid cut or two above the average diner. Not spectacular, but very solid, tasty, and non-greasy.
(5)
Kyle L.
Awesome food, especially the scramblers, however the service is a bit slow. Probably just because they are always so busy due to the great food!
(4)
Sarah R.
Very quick service. Food was wonderful!! The french toast was wonderful. Pancakes served with fresh raspberries. Veggie omelet was enough for two people.
(5)
Michelle R.
No Mimosas! The breakfast was good but nothing special. Very large portions. Staff was nice.
(3)
Sam N.
I refer to this place as THE BREAKFAST E R. yes as in emergency room. Yes they take breakfast so seriously that just like in the ER you will be serviced all day just as long as you are ordering breakfast. I figure I will add this. About 2 years ago all I knew about food is that I liked it. I am not a foodie per se but I am getting there. I am a foodie in training (FIT) Dont get all nuts when you read this review and are like " shit where is the blow by blow description of the tuna melt" ?. I am not on that level yet. I will leave that up to the true foodies :) The cooks are like skillful hear surgeon's who you should entrust with your life because they know what they are doing. The wait staff are like the nurses carefully plying your but into the seat and treating you with just enough love that you will want more coffee and some more pie with your already huge order. I think they should make caffeine available from a option that would feed it to you intravenously over here. At 5 AM it would make a lot of sense. Back to the ER comparison. And you are the patient. While in the ER they would give you a gown presumably if they were going to operate or give you a shot ; here they arm you with your own frying pan to serve your eggs in should you order an omelette. The best time to go here is on weekends after 11PM. It's like being a night club without the cover charge. The French toast is out of this world. Don't get involved in anyone shouting at each other. Rest assured they love each other ( or at least will try after they come here ) but they are communicating with each other the only way they know how to after many martinis or beers. If you drank that much you would also be argumentative. There are many ways this place amuses me. I keep going back and bringing people to see the amusement. Enjoy the food and the scenery.
(4)
Rose H.
This place was a great find. The eggs Benedict was amazing and my husband loved the steak and eggs. Big portions and good service. My only complaint is that it's cash only! Seriously? It's 2014 people! Other than that great place!
(4)
Lindsay Y.
Tempo cafe is just right down the street from my new apartment which is so convenient. They have great outdoor seating, good prices, and very generous portions. My friend and I had breakfast there and we took out leftovers home and were still eating them 3 days later. Pretty good deal if you ask me :)
(3)
Bethany W.
Wow. Fresh food, large portions, and a beautiful patio experience make for a memorable experience at Tempo! We arrived to find a 15 minute wait on a Friday morning, but, once seated, the servers were efficient and attentive. Our food arrived quickly; I enjoyed the Veggie Poor Man's Skillet, a skillet full of hash browns, broccoli, tomato, mushroom, green pepper, and onion first topped with melted american, mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs; so delicious! This came with toast, which was accompanied by a fresh orange marmalade; Tempo is worth a visit just for this! Definitely a place to check out, but consider splitting a dish with your company due to the large portion sizes!
(4)
Cilisa Ann J.
Excellent food and great atmosphere. This place was recommended by a worker at a local hotel across from where I am staying. Seems try serve breakfast all day which just happens to be my favorite to eat!
(5)
Jay W.
I'm trying to remember what year I first ate here, way back when when it was across Chestnut on the SE corner of State St. I think it was 87 or 88, maybe before that. We used to come here a lot. This is not the Tempo of old. I respectfully disagree with the other reviewers who feel it's the best food around. Not in my estimation. I don't think their portions are huge either. Maybe breakfast is OK, everything esle is on the small side. That's OK, I suppose Americans eat too much anyway. We're not all big fat Superfans. Long and short of it is, Tempo is better than aerage breakfast and mediocre everything else. Sandwiches are unimpressive.
(3)
Alicja K.
I live just down the street and love going to Tempo for brunch. The Morning Glory waffle is my favorite item on the menu. My friends drive on from the suburbs for it. Eggs and other breakfast food is also yummy. They finally take credit card which is great! One negative is that it gets very busy. I've never had to wait very long but I have seen lines down the block to get in on a nice weekend.
(4)
Kelsey C.
Delicious waffles and great service. I was pleasantly surprised by the price too. Two meals with one coffee was under $20. We went around 10:30 & had no trouble getting a seat. I'm guessing it's much busier earlier in the morning.
(5)
M P.
Had monte cristo and a cappucinno. VERY nice cappucinno! The monte cristo was good, but nothing you couldnt get anywhere else. I would come back here, the food is good. But just not above and beyond.
(3)
Dragana M.
Great service. Great food. Clean. Delicious. What more can you ask for?! Love the touches of fresh oranges when you're seated & roasted chestnuts! You don't see that anywhere :) large portions too!
(4)
Sharyn M.
I MUST give TEMPO a solid 4 stars....I found no complaints since deciding to wander into a breakfast destination close to home. I will admit that I am fearful of making the wrong choice and will admit I do at times dread trying new places..I have been burned before by reviews that were WAY off course.....but lemme just say..from me to you...I LOVED IT We arrived approx 8 AM...my son and I had an up and out early ...venture into the city, dig a bit deeper .. discover hidden gems...kinda thing goin on...SO... Upon entry we discovered the place is a quaint diner image comfortableness ....really easy feeling. We were seated immediately at the south west corner booth...great for people watching which never ceases to entertain me. Our server Adrianna was a dream the entire visit...super friendly attentive relaxed and non invasive. I ordered the Spinach /Feta 3 Egg omelette with a smoked Ham slice. Let me PLEASE tell you this Omelette was amazing..no brown dryness but instead moist generously filled greatness. Fresh not over cooked Spinach, wonderful salty melty cubes of good Feta...and the Ham was a meaty portion so I felt the additional cost was worth it... NOW..my son..ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict. This dish was sheer joy visually as well as palette pleasing. From the Hollandaise, obvious homemade..the crisp muffin base, the Real Canadian Bacon ...and thee PERFECT Poached Eggs Wow!!..nice to see this dish done right...that golden yolk cascaded when pierced and that H sauce had the perfect citrus note. Damn they are good here. My meal was accompanied by thick delicately toasted fluffy bread, whipped butter (fresh)..and this amazing orange marmalade.Very tasty. All in all a must recommendation from me to those of you searching for a great simple breakfast...good coffee..and also a selection of baked goods we did not indulge in...but maybe next time... THX again to Adrianna...u were a great server and I do so hope to find Biscuits and Gravy on the menu soon as we discussed!!
(4)
Jacqueline N.
I'd just like to start out, I'm a BIG BREAKFAST FOODIE! I love me some breakfast food for bfast, lunch and dinner. We came here at the break of dawn and my group and I definitely needed some sustenance. I tried the skillet and eggs benedict. Taste-wise in between good and mediocre for me. Eggs benedict: the standard egg muffin, ham, poached egg and hollandaise. Nothing really stood out to me about it. Hashbrowns/Potatoes: I prefer more finely sliced hashbrowns, but these were too chunky and undercooked for my liking. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because it was a 24 hour diner that had a huge selection of food, instead of specialties. It still works for breakfast but I'd prefer Wildberry anyday!
(2)
Jeremy S.
THIS is absolutely the best food I have had since arriving in downtown Chicago! Super friendly and warm welcoming. Everything here actually is home made and you can taste it. Great prices and gray flavors. This definitely is under-rated on Yelp. Eat here if you want to feel like a welcome guest and enjoy great food.
(5)
Lamar J.
I'll never eat here again!! They have great food, but terrible service. I came in here for a late night carryout, but ended up getting ripped off. The place wasn't that busy. I handed the guy with the grey hair, pony tail and beard money, he never gave me my change back. When the waitress brought me my carryout, she slammed it on the table and walked away! I will never walk back in here again!!!
(1)
Emily J.
You seriously cannot beat Tempo for either weekend brunch or late night bites. It's open 24/7 which really works for me and seemingly most of its patrons as I have seen this place full at 2:30am. I have a tradition of eating here super super early in the morning if I have an early flight out the next day and am pulling an all nighter. Tempo's food is better than most food you'll find at the airport at that hour so it's perfect. Besides crazy pre-airport binges, I go to Tempo almost every weekend for brunch and get the veggie poor man's skillet, but sometimes I add turkey sausage to mix things up. Always get the Greek toast, it's the most delicious bread in the entire world. The perfect mix of sour and sweet with sesame seeds encrusting the outside, this is the toast of dreams. The short stack blueberry pancakes are another must as well as the club sandwich. I love my lady Rosa, she always has a smile, a kiss, and a word of advice for me no matter what time of day I come in. If you want friendly service, filling and tasty food, and a great patio, go to Tempo!
(5)
Katherine G.
I occasionally meet friends midweek for breakfast before work and this is our usual go to spot. The service is attentive and gets us in served and it fast but doesn't make us feel rushed. I have only ever had the banana pancakes, but they are so good (and nutty) I just can't pass them up Also, I generally plan to have cash, butthink they take cards now
(4)
Jewells N.
We went for Saturaday Breakfast, about 7 am - was nnot crowed but by 8:15 it was packed!. Good basic breakfast place in downtown Chicago that didn't set us back $50.00. It was good food, I have the omelet and wife had oatmeal - both were what we expected and average. Food is very expensive in Downtown Chicago and this was not over the top like other places. The service was good and not too loud. NO credit cards !
(3)
Lauren G.
Tempo has been my standard, go-to brunch spot on lazy weekend afternoons. The food is good, nothing special, but definitely good, and the portions are huge. I wouldn't recommend dining in during prime brunch hours if you live close enough to pick-up--sometimes, the wait can be lengthy, and the service can be a little slow due to how packed this place is, but when you call to order carry out, they have your food ready in 10 minutes flat! Oh, and they make their own orange marmalade that comes with the toast - it's the only orange marmalade I've ever liked, and I LOVE it!
(3)
Wesley W.
Came here after a long travel day for a late dinner. I was starving so I avoided the Greek Chicken which states on the menu that it takes 30 minutes. I got the kebab instead and it still took 30 minutes. Go figure. When the bill came the restaurant charged us for a coffee which nobody ordered. It was a hand written bill so they took it off by crossing it out and subtracting it from the total. However, they didn't adjust the tax to reflect the new subtotal so I just had to tip less. It's basic math, people!
(2)
Jenn L.
After a lonnnggg day of travelling including delays and a diverted flight (thanks, Chicago weather), we arrived into the city. Because we weren't expecting to be delayed, we hadn't eaten and were starving by the time we checked into our hotel, well past 10pm. We asked the front desk employee if there were any places open nearby and she recommended Tempo Cafe as a 24 hour diner. They had a good variety of menu items, including an extensive breakfast menu, salads, sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the 3 eggs and hashbrowns skillet with spinach, cheese and ham, while my other half ordered the chicken kebab. Previous reviewers weren't lying when they said the portions were large. Even though I was starving I was only able to finish about half of my meal and pack the rest. The food itself was all right, not the best, not the worst we've had. The staff here are quite friendly and they were always refilling our water; however service was rather slow. It wasn't particularly busy but our meals took about 30 minutes to arrive.
(2)
Donald M.
Good prices, good food, fresh squeezed juices! All in a downtown location. Say hi to Blanca when you come in to Tempo ! Nice family dinner atmosphere. Highly recommend it!
(5)
C P.
My first trip to Chicago and we were told to eat here for breakfast by locals. Staff lacked personality. Our water was not refilled during our meal. I ordered the 3 scrambled eggs combo with spinach, brocoli and bacon. It came in a stainless steel type pan and portion size enough for 2. There is a layer of slightly crispy potatoes under the eggs which was a delightful surprise. However, I had to add salt and ketchup to my dish. I never add ketchup to my eggs. The dish was bland. The place was packed with patrons so they are doing something right, I guess. The price was reasonable, under $30 for 2 including tip. The wait time to be seated and get your food were fast.
(2)
Wes M.
We were in town on a busy summer Saturday night. No reservation and this place was around the corner from our hotel. It's a basic coffee shop but the portions are big. My wife enjoyed her sirloin patty and my fish and chips were better than I expected. The service is nothing special
(3)
Charlie V.
Great spot for brunch. Were seated after a wait of about 10 minutes at 12:30 on a Saturday. I ordered the skirt steak and eggs. Steak was perfectly cooked to medium rare. Eggs were smooth and fluffy Everybody at my table commented on how massive the portions were as well as how good the food was. I may have to get one of the scrambles next time. Only complaint is that the service was a little slow/inattentive.
(4)
Elle M.
Tempo is our Sunday spot. This may have to do with the fact that we live kiddy corner to the place but it's also delicious!! Most Sundays we call ahead, order the Poor Mans Skillet and it's ready within 5-10 minutes! They are always super nice on the phone and when you go to pick up the food. I have of course are inside as well. Staff are friendly and patient even though it's always a mad house (crowded as heck) in there. Amazingggggg food. Fills you up perfectly and doesn't make you feel bad after!!
(5)
Chris G.
So as to stay on top of options during peak cravings, I've recently created a pancake rolodex for my iPhone. Why? It just doesn't seem as easy to find the kind of moist, tasty pancakes that I prefer. Far too many places use bitter tasting batter that's often overcooked in a hurry. And these usually end up tasting like dry, rubbery discs of hot yuck, drowned in sticky stuff... that mayhaps would have dripped from a nearby, unsexy tree. That's why it's great to have another centrally-located and friendly 24-hour spot like Tempo to chomp on non-pretentious grub. I already know that I can get my pancake on at my neighborhood Stages Restaurant, or certainly at The Works grill near the Clark Street blue line... Eggsperience or maybe even at Yolk (if you order specialty and avoid their standard pancake monstrosity). It'd been quite a number of years since I'd visited Tempo but decided to drop in on a post Christmas Day Monday morning after parting ways with a visiting friend. Their menu offers a few omelettes and most things seem to be offered in skillet form along with toast. Since they don't allow you to substitute pancakes (even for an extra charge), I decided to order a short stack, a few scrambled eggs and turkey sausage links a la carte. As you'll notice in my pics, the $6 pancakes were as wide as the plate... and trust me that they were moist, tasty and had crispy edges. The prices here are quite reasonable considering that Tempo is smack dab in the middle of the posh Gold Coast area north of downtown. My bill, including a bottomless cup of coffee was around $15. I was pleased! (Note that they are cash-only as of this writing.) Tempo usually has a line streaming out of the front door on weekends and during holidays, so maybe I was lucky this day and had missed the first crush of people. There was still a crowd inside, but a few tables were empty. I love my city!
(4)
Paul G.
Good food and good service. Have been many times and everything always seems very consistent. Nothing blows me away, but everything is good and pricing seems reasonable for the neighborhood. Tasty food and the typical large variety you expect from a diner. Men's bathroom layout is a bit awkward...the one urinal faces the door and is right next to the door when you walk in. Seems like they could do something to improve that, like putting a divider between the door and the urinal. I get that we all use bathrooms, I just prefer not to witness the action.
(3)
Kristy F.
Atmosphere was clean but a tad loud considering there was only one full table in the joint... I can only imagine what a busy place would sound like. The service wasn't spectacularly friendly or welcoming but they got the job done. My friend ordered the steak and eggs breakfast. Was expensive (about $18) but she made it last three meals so it was worth it. I took a taste and thought I could cook better so I wasn't too impressed. Still it hits the spot and I'd recommend going here if you need a late night something something.
(3)
A C.
Just an OK place, IMHO. More like a greasy-spoon restaurant. Similar to White Palace in the South Loop. :) But if you've been out and need some food, especially breakfast food, there are only a handful of 24 hour breakfast places in the city that are open so your options are limited. Not to say the food is terrible, but if you're hungry, you're hungry! The portion sizes are HUGE - I always go for the skillet. Keep in mind that this place is CASH ONLY - no credit cards accepted.
(3)
Ben G.
While in town for vacation I ate breakfast at Tempo since it was about 10 feet from my hotel. I ordered a spinach omelette and when it arrived I couldn't believe the portion size. It was huge. Food was good and service good. I ended up eating breakfast here every morning for the next 5 days. Priced very reasonable, large portions and good taste. I was given several other options in the city for breakfast but decided there was no reason to experiment. Very satisfied.
(4)
Arnie G.
Huge portions for breakfast, lots of selections, and excellent service. Great choice for breakfast. Erica the waitress was outstanding and you can also take your coffee to go afterwards. Bravo!
(4)
George J.
This is one if those places where you if you REALLY want breakfast after a night out in downtown. The food is not good and the atmosphere is even worse. There's almost always a fight or two or ten when dining here late night. Stay away from this place you really aren't missing anything special.
(2)
XL V.
This is my favorite breakfast food joint in the area. It is a great place to eat after a night of clubbing or just a late night. Great comfort food. I eat here each time I stay downtown. The food portions are huge and they make some things from scratch such as the celery drink. Their veggie burger was slightly disappointing but I'd eat it when I'm hungry enough. Their Eggs Benedict with canadian bacon is my absolute favorite dish here. The flavor is just right and I always finish it because it's that good! Their omelettes are good but most of the time, the eggs seems overcooked and sort of dry. Service is fast, prompt, and efficient. They don't interact much with you probably because the place is almost always busy when I'm there. However, they're attentive enough where I've never felt the urge to walk out. I love their orange marmalade and would eat the whole jar if they'd let me.
(4)
Lauren F.
The best omelet you will eat at 3am! My go-to is a sausage and cheese omelet with extra crispy potatoes-gotta ask for extra crispy or they're just not nearly as good. I was coming here for late night (or early morning I suppose) before I even lived in the city and it always lives up to expectations. Also a big 2 thumbs up for their sesame toast, love it!
(4)
Chet A.
The experience didn't start out so well, that's why it's s 3 star experience. It wad trending for less but I'm going to give them a break. That's because their water was shut off. That being said here goes. The place was busy and unorganized. People running all over the place. People being sat in front of people that had been waiting. (Same table size.). Then we get seated and find out they have no running water. Great port a potties outside to use? Really at a restaurant? Then the best. Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils! Awesome!!! We get coffee. They tell us we can only have a warm up because they are low on water! Not great planning on their part. Now to the saving grace for them. The food was excellent. We ordered the skillets and omelet. Both were phenomenal. I would recommend this place to anyone for breakfast. As long as they have water.
(3)
Elizabeth L.
2AM Gold Coast diner, late-night standby for all your shenanigans at this hour. Oversized omelettes and skillets to stave off your impending hangover. Ample seating, good for groups.
(3)
Terrence W.
Went here with friends after the club late one night. The food was great and delicious. Will be going back again
(5)
Scott M.
Very nice spot. Ate outside for breakfast. Had scrambled eggs with feta cheese, chorizio, onion. Great service. Definitely worth the money for a hearty breakfast.
(4)
eglys h.
Trying to get to another place, we ended up here. The service I do have to say was 5 stars. but the food was ok. Be warned services are huge!!!!! Way too much food.. They do not even have a 2 egg platter - smallest one is 3 eggs which is way too much for me. I requested 2 eggs one instead but was advised that they were going to charge me for 3 - no substitution. Had them fried - with ham - it was over all - toast was amazing.. Hubby had a huge platter of scrambled - 3 eggs - all mixed up with ham, bacon, way to much for one... toast were big as well. best part was the freshly made orange marmalade - that was awesome!! gotta get extra of that for sure. We were advised that in the good old days, Jordan used to come in with his buddies after a late nite out (they are open 24 hrs). Must of been a site! Sure he enjoyed the big servings!!! If ever in the area, do not believe we would come back again. Its one of those hubby and I say, been there, done that.....
(3)
Randy C.
I would give the restaurant 4 stars, however, our server Cindy, puts my rating over the top. Tempo was recommended to us as a good locals place for breakfast for our family of six. And we were not disappointed. The pancakes must have some secret ingredient, because we've never tasted better. And don't pass up the marmalade either. Be prepared for ample portions, luckily Cindy suggested the kids share. Very clean, bright and airy atmosphere. This will be our breakfast go to spot for the rest of the week we're here.
(5)
Sean B.
This place was within walking distance from our hotel. We checked in pretty late and we were starving so we were glad to know there was a spot nearby that was open 24 hours. I had the Chicken a la Louis and it was delicious. The service was great. They have freshly squeezed juices too.
(4)
Isabel A.
After a long night of clubbing we decided to stop at this small cafe. It has a wonderful appearance but the service was terrible. I ordered an egg scrambler and it had no taste. The servers were rude and the entire time I was there I didn't even get a second glass if water. I asked and multiple waiters and they all said I'm not your waiter, turned around and walked away. It was the worst service I had experienced so far in Chicago.
(1)
A L.
The Tempo Cafe is hit or miss all the way around. Sometimes their food is delicious and sometimes not so good. Sometimes the service is awesome and sometimes just awful. It's very close to my house and when I'm hungry for a simple breakfast I will go and gamble it.
(3)
Janet B.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the area I live in! The food never let's me down and they have so many options! The service is quick and efficient, which is great when all you want is soaker food after a long night out!
(4)
Andrew M.
Tempo Cafe is like the sight of a trainwreck - it's brutally ugly, but you are drawn to it. Except in the case of Tempo, the trainwreck smashed into the middle of the Viagra Triangle; the cabin tore open like a blossoming flower; and the crash ruptured a pipeline of alcohol, geysering up and showering down on the passengers, who remained misty, hot and hammered in their seats, where they were promptly served mediocre diner food. But it goes further. Like a fractal, this pattern was mirrored on smaller scales: many of the people in attendance are individually train wrecks. Take the women seating at the table near you, fresh from a club. Each of their bosoms and bootys is a stop-action scene of a collision of great impact and superabundant pressure. Together, they represent a mid-scale trainwreck. Like a column of whiplash-inducing, onlooking SUVs, customers line up to witness the event and linger a bit longer than you would like, since you are trying to get a look, despite the concerted efforts of the authorities to rush everyone through. Ogling everyone, you may wonder which of them are famous. It's a worthy pastime. One night, Vanilla Ice tripped over my boots as he chose his booth and I was ignorantly and insouciantly reclining. Then a girl sat next to him and mack attacked him in front of her boyfriend. I was like, Whatever, girl! You can't handle this booth so don't even come near here. I'm fresh from the club and this vicinity is COLD.
(3)
Joon M.
I'm giving Tempo 3 stars because I have some great memories of going there after a night out at clubs with friends. Beyond that, the servings are too large for me & it's neither my idea of a laid back dive diner nor is it even close to glamorous ;). A guy once begged me to go out for a fabulous brunch with him dropping names of posh places...then took me to Tempo. Um, ok.
(3)
Mickey A.
I'm always full every time I leave here. This used to be a favorite late night/ early EARLY morning breakfast eating spot for me and my friends after a night out. Because we're getting older and can't stay up as late as we could, it's harder to make it here as often as we used to. A couple of my friends & I decided to come here yesterday for brunch. It's still crowded on the weekends for brunch, and the wait time can vary 10-20 minutes or sometimes longer. Food is still good, and my favorite used to be the french toast. Actually it still is, but I have since ventured to other items like the omelettes. I tried the waffles and they pretty much shut up my growling stomach which was craving for some golden waffles. My advice: come here on an empty stomach, and leave a full happy (hopefully) customer.
(3)
Ben H.
I thought this place had potential. Just not the potential to suck this much. My food was bland and for the price, its not even worth it. I got the Eggs benedict, and it was tasteless compared to other morning eateries. The good thing is that it comes with a slice of aged fruit, that has a brown crust on the end The OJ was freshed squeezed, but came out warm. I just love warm OJ in the morning....
(2)
T Mir S.
Love this place... it gets a bit packed, but is def worth the wait... and cant go wrong with anything on the menu...
(4)
Katie F.
Came for breakfast, they turned the tables quick. It has a huge menu, and the service was really fast. Delicious french toast and the banana on the side was great for the hangover. I wouldn't give them five stars because they don't take credit cards and the ATM in the entry was broken.... please people, if you are going to run a cash-only business, a working ATM is a must!
(4)
Niki C.
Got an impromptu invitation to go to Tempo late night. I remembered reading how much Yelpers enjoyed it, so I thought, "What the hell?" We were seated immediately, even with the craziness of the after-hours hustle & bustle. I ordered the Eggs Benedict sans the Canadian bacon & it was delicious. Delicious. The potatoes that came with were also outstanding. Then again, I hadn't eaten more than 3 croquetas for dinner (oy), so I was starving. I would definitely go back, probably at a more reasonable hour, though, or if I was in the 'hood after the bars close again. Good stuff.
(4)
Tristin M.
I got lucky enough to find a metered parking space yesterday morning when I went here to meet with yelper, Andrea! I had gotten there about 15 minutes early so I just got coffee and man were they on top of it because they refilled my cup three times in the 15 minuted that I was "just gonna sip on a cup" while waiting! So there was an automatic plus for that. Then we ordered and before we could even get a conversation started, there was the food! wow. So I got the spinach and feta omelette served in a skillet on top of country fried potato slices that filled me up so much I was only able to eat half and had to get a box to go! Oh yeah and the fact that it's a 24 hour spot is cool too!
(4)
John L.
OK, let me start by saying that like many other spots in this incredible city, the portions are out of control. I'm not one to ever complain about too much food, but the amount of waste that must go down at a restaurant like this is plain stupid. I mean, who brings leftover breakfast home? I think I ordered wrong here. I do like chicken liver pate, so The Continental (eggs, chicken livers, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions) sounded unique. For all those ingredients, there was hardly any flavor at all. The over sized platter that was quickly brought out was retarded. Under all the above was a beyond generous heaping mound of potatoes. Then another dish showed up with 2 huge very thick slices of toast with a 1/4 stick of butter (I shit you not) and homemade marmalade. All for $10. I made myself a sandwich with about a 1/4 of the eggs, a generous spread of continental mix, and a few slices of potato. I ate it and was stuffed, and I was hungry when I arrived. What remained looked like I had hardly scratched the surface. The service was nice and it was a typical diner type feel inside (there was a nice outdoor seating area), but maybe I just was a tad too adventurous and should've gotten something else. That being said, how can all those ingredients not add up to more flavor. I hate having to pour excessive salt and pepper on food. If it is cooked right, you shouldn't have to. Anyway, this was so far my only bad dining experience in Chitown.
(2)
Anita C.
Only go after you drink and then (almost) everything will be amazing, particularly the poor man's skillet (best cure for a hangover). the portions are large enough that you can even take the leftovers home.
(4)
Gaurang S.
Wow. How can the skillet that tastes so good in the middle of the night taste so terrible in the middle of the morning? There's enough memories and conversations that took place in here to always make it a sentimental favorite, but this place is best visited just as light is dawning on the city, and never otherwise.
(3)
Diana S.
This place brings back some fuzzy, interesting but fond memories. My now, husband and I would stumble here after a really late night out. One time we were so drunk that it felt like we were walking forever and in circles but we just couldn't find it. We knew it was really close by. Then we finally gave up and hailed a cab. A block later the cab driver stopped, we were really confused....then he said "here you are." It's perfect for those nights when you close out a bar and all you can think about it filling your tummy with breakfast food. Also, it's not one of those nasty diners where you would never go to if you saw it without beer googles. This place is actually nice and clean, granted it's in Gold Coast.
(4)
Kris B.
went on a Friday morning. had the poor man's skillet and strawberry pancakes. good breakfast but coffee could be a bit stronger. service was fast and curteous
(4)
Audrey T.
Stupid, dumb, and hyphy. You only go to this place because 1) you're drunk 2) its the only place open 3) everywhere else is packed or closed and you're starving and its in a central location 4) you like spending $5 for just a grilled cheese on white bread or 5) you want to go somewhere non-pretentious to show off your designer sweatpants and Ugg boots.
(1)
Zack M.
They have decent food, but I do not think it is anything to warrant the ridiculously long wait to get in even yet, be served. The slow service is reminiscent of its sibling, Santorini. The eggs benedict was above average. It seems to be the kind of place where 20-somethings like to meet up with their sorority sisters and drag the boyfriend along for a boring three hour brunch... I will reserve some judgement as I have never been there for dinner. ***I suggest staying home and either sleeping in on a weekend or watching the Bears game and a making a home cooked omelette.
(3)
Emily C.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and actually review this place for the food and not the fact that it's open at convenient times as I leave one of the many single snake pits on Division and need something to stuff down my throat. And why would you ever trust a review about food from people whose pallets are so skewed from the many jaeger-bombs consumed that night? This place is a perfect breakfast place and actually does serve good food, good coffee and the service and wait staff are great. YOu go here for classic breakfast fare and this is what you get. The gold coast omelet is really good. Not a fan that it's on a bed of potatoes but the omelet alone is good. Our waitress was so sweet as are the other people who work there. Went on a Sunday and there was a crazy line out the door but we were seated in the half hour they promised. Price is decent and you leave delightfully stuffed.
(4)
Lisa M.
I ordered the poor man's skillet for breakfast because it has ham, onions and green pepper. The first piece of green pepper I ate had an acidic taste, like it was pickled. Sure enough, after I dug around some more, I also found little red stuff, which I suspect was pimento. I expected fresh green pepper, but instead I got what I think was canned diced green chiles. Seriously????? This skillet might have been OK otherwise except for the peppers and the mushy choppy potatoes hidden by the other ingredients. Also, even though I knew I wouldn't get this in a greek joint, I asked for my eggs scrambled soft, as in "creamy". Instead, I got the same dry, rubbery stuff as in all the other greek places. I think that's because the cooks in these kitchens are usually from south of the border, so asking for anything that requires an explanation in English just isn't going to happen. I guess I should just avoid these places and go to establishments where they do it right, even if it costs more. After all...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. So....my first visit to Tempo and my last.
(1)
Monique B.
I like that it's open late but the service is a little unfriendly and it would be great if they could upgrade their technology to accept credit and debit, the ATM machine gets in the way of the long lines.
(3)
Michelle R.
I love their omelettes... egg whites, veggies and cook with pan. I am there at least once a week for breakfast. Michelle Rosseld
(4)
G H.
Actually 3.5 stars if I could. I first discovered this place on a trip to Chicago a few years ago. My friends and I were looking for a good brunch place to cap off a great trip to Chicago and actually stopped a Chicago Police Officer to ask for recommendations. Even though we were down on Washington by Macy's, the officer still said Tempo's was the place to go. Fast forward a few years and do I still like the food? Sure. Do I think it's the most amazing breakfast place ever and a can't miss while in Chicago? Not really. Pros: 1) Large portion sizes. I always forget how much food comes with an order. I've only ever ordered omelets and I forget that the omelet is large enough to feed two never mind the potatoes and bread that are also provided. 2) Fresh squeezed juices. Nothing makes a morning like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or carrot among other offerings). 3) Fast food delivery. There's nothing worst than coming to a restaurant starving and having to wait forever for the food to arrive. Here it comes out almost as fast as you can order. Cons: 1) Extremely long queue with little room for waiting. Getting a table here is like going to the doctor's office; you arrive on time but still have to wait another 30 minutes to get in. In the summer, waiting outside on the sidewalk isn't bad, but when winter hits it sucks to be the last person in line. 2) Food is average at best. There's nothing here that I've had that I felt was horrendous, but nothing I've had has been so amazing that I'd come back just for it. This place serves your basic breakfast foods. It's a step up from Perkins but it's not as if you're gonna be able to order anything as creative as a lobster omelet. 3) Cash only. Granted the meals are reasonably priced, but if you're heading to Tempo's with friends, it makes splitting up the tab pretty complicated when everyone's prepared to slap down a $20 cuz that's all that the ATM gave them. Plus it wouldn't surprise me if the place makes some money off of having an on-site ATM that ill-prepared people have to use. Overall Tempo is worth a try if it's your first time and if you enjoy good basic breakfast food. Just be prepared to wait for a table and bring enough cash. I personally only go there every once in a while on my trips to Chicago. I do like their fresh squeezed orange juice, but I can also get fresh orange juice at Watertower without the wait time.
(3)
N L.
Great food, large portions, cute place, I recommend. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, nice and juicy. Negatives, the menu is a little confusing, it doesn't state what each plate comes with which makes ordering a bit of a pain and NO CREDIT CARDS.
(4)
Jennifer G.
It's not fine dining, for godsakes, it's a diner. If you want lightning-fast food go get an egg mcmuffin. But if you want the best omelette ever, go to Tempo. I don't live in Chicago anymore but this place is always on my list when I visit. It's the veggie scramble that gets me every time: A skillet of hash browns covered in a zucchini, broccoli, and spinach omelet. It's big enough to take half (or more) of it away for the next day's hangover breakfast. And I probably shouldn't say this to keep the expectations in check, but when I was there for a late lunch during a week last month, I had my veggie omelet about six minutes after I ordered it. Mmmmm. One more thing: I'm pretty sure Tempo is cash only.
(4)
Mark W.
Nice staff. Average diner food. Under seasoned huevos rancheros.
(3)
Leezia D.
Went in a few months ago on a Saturday at around 1 p.m. for a late brunch. Around a 30 or so minute wait, but it was definitely worth it. The prices average between $10-$15, which is pretty good considering the HUGE portion sizes....I love it and I am coming back for more !
(5)
Theresa C.
The service was really slow. We asked for our check and then didn't get it for another 10+ minutes and saw our waitress walk by us 3 or 4 times during that wait. Was not too impressed with my zucchini tomato omelet but the waffles my company had looked very good.
(2)
Kara M.
went here after the winterfest to grab some food and yeah things have changed a little bit or maybe it was just cuz i was actually sober. Sooo they don't have any bacon omelets listed on the menu but they do have a Denver omelet which is the standard ham, cheese, onion, peppers...so every place in the world has always let me switch out the ham for bacon at no extra cost and Tempo USED to be included in that group but now they charge 4 bux...yes $4.00...for the switch...how it makes sense I have no idea. And they're prices have gone up. Even though our waitress was nice that was the only plus when they mixed up my friend's order with mine not to mention my omelet was cooked too hard...so that's two stars down from where it used to be on my list but somehow i don't think it will be a next time unless a miracle happens or perhaps bacon swapping for free makes a reappearance...
(2)
Frederica B.
Waffles were solid. Don't get the "Casablanca Juice". Tasted strangely frothy. They accept CASH ONLY and found that quite annoying. Especially for a place downtown.
(3)
Rose C.
Sorry Tempo - You get a D-. I have worked in this Gold Coast area for 30+ years, and on occasion eat at this restaurant. Over time I have progressively seen this restaurant turn into a greasy, dive. For the life of me I cannot see how all these people have given this dive such high ratings. Surely, this has got to be coming from their friends or their own managers/owners. I have watched the portions decrease and the prices rise to the point where you can get a cheaper lunch at McCormick and Schmicks just down the street, where you don't have to contend with crowded eating conditions, dirty, weathered tables, 3rd world waitresses, a leaking ceiling, and much worse...the food. I recently ordered their 'renowned' skillet omelet. Perhaps the problem is that I wanted the eggs easy over. It turned out to be the greasiest concoction I'd ever eaten...what a bummer! SOMEONE NEEDS TO CALL THE CITY INSPECTORS AND ICE!
(1)
Ian S.
I drank from noon until 8pm the day of the Bears v Seahawks game (good times) then went to bed around 8pm, waking up at 5am on Monday of MLK. Being fully rested and hungry, we decided to hit up Tempo Cafe. Surprisingly, there weren't too many people there! My friend usually ends up bribing the old guy at the door $20 to get his group in and skip the line. Unfortunately this man has supposedly died, so good luck trying this with the new bouncer. Food was quite filling and reasonably priced. The waitress also took care of us. I can only imagine how much the service degrades after the rowdy crowds start moving in!
(4)
cindy g.
I was there for the first time a week ago. I shared the skillet with eggs and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back and have the waffles- they looked awesome and a have a smoothie- a late night find- go there
(4)
Drucilla D.
I never wrote a review for Tempo?! Crazy. Especially considering it is so close to where I live... Tempo is a staple for our neighborhood. Sadly we lack a lot of options when it comes to a) 24 hour places, b) breakfast places, c) Breakfast anytime... and Tempo encompasses all three of these characteristics, so it's pretty cool as far as I'm concerned. Service is decent, soups are good (and served with an AWESOME bread basket - I like to stash the extra breadsticks in my purse like Sophia from THE GOLDEN GIRLS), and the menu has quite the variety. They have a Jr. Clubhouse sandwich that is one of my favorite menu items in the entire city - I highly recommend it. And my people love the Hollywood Bowl Salad - enough for two or three meals! If that's what you're into. All of that being said, the lines are usually INSANE and it is sadly not worth the wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I would recommend walking the extra couple blocks to The Pancake House where the line is just as long but moves twice as fast... I would definitely eat at Tempo more often if it wasn't cash only (who carries cash anymore anyways?), AND I have a serious problem with places that do not offer soda refills. What the heck?! If you live in the 'hood, I suggest placing an order to go! You can do this by phone or in person (just push your way past the line and head straight to the cashier) and it only takes 7-15 minutes tops. And don't be concerned that this place isn't fancy enough for out of town guests. It is actually my mother's FAVORITE place to eat when she visits - AND I have heard of the occasional Keanu sighting. Enjoy! But drink your Diet Coke slowly...
(4)
Thomas L.
THIS PLACE WAS SO BAD I JOINED YELP JUST TO WHITE THIS REVIEW. Note to self when you see a bank atm in a restaurant better dine elsewhere. I am never going back again. Cash only sign is not on the entrance door. Be a MAN AND PUT THE SIGN ON THE DOOR. Cash only sign is on the register on YOUR way out. Food was less then good. Refills of iced tea was a charge. Seems like the owner can't afford the rent, AND SEND HIS MONEY BACK TO GREECE TO HELP THERE ECONOMY, that is why there is all these petty charges. This guy has a cash station in the restaurant what a racquet. They make money on the transactions at the cash staion. What a crook, dirt bag and a slob. Know wonder the staff has an attitude the owner is a jerk. This guy thinks that the world should pay him. Does he even read the newspaper look what is happening to the Mother Land GREECE. Greece is getting bailled out again. It's know wonder this guy charges the way he does. He sends all OUR money over to Greece to bail them out of the mess they made. Greece should clean house and round up all the dogs rooming the streets.
(1)
Eileen D.
Just a disgusting experience. The portions were absurd - 4 people could have split an omelette - and the food tasted... not good. Even the fries, which are hard to mess up, were too thick and pretty gross. The waitress was rude. The busboy cleared the table next to us by throwing dishes into a bin - our ears were ringing. There are no free refills. It's cash only. I will definitely NOT be back.
(1)
Bill M.
This is a comfortable all-night diner in the midst of the Gold Coast. I suppose even tourists and upper middle class residents need a place to have standard fare like sandwiches, omelets and waffles without having to go to a greasy dive. The place has a neat appearance, and its outdoor cafe gets crowded.
(3)
Marsha N.
Hands down best and fluffiest omelettes (especially egg whites) and did I mention the biggest??? They have my favorite homemade salsa, and my favorite server Sylvia. I have been going for years, and not even the shady late night crowd, or the higher than normal prices can keep me away. I crave it because it's the best there is
(4)
Bridget L.
This place has sentimental memories for me because I used to lunch with my girls here quite often while we were in law school some years back. The weekends are absolutely nuts, but the weekdays aren't too crazybusy. The omelets are huge, and I am a big fan of their spinach and feta. It's delicious. They also have great salads too. I'm partial to their stuffed avocado with tuna. Huge and fresh. I dock Tempo a few stars because the service can be spotty and they only take cash, which is a total pain in the arse. For the amount of money they charge for their food, they can afford the credit card machine fee, in my humble opinion. But the food is good, and in a diner, that's really what I care most about.
(3)
Susan F.
What can I say other than the fact that every time we head to the Art Institute it's off to Tempo for the best skillets. Service is always good. And what nailed it for us was when my five year old was peering into the cake display (as all little kids do) on our way out, and they gave her a piece to take home.
(4)
Rita W.
I have always wanted to go to Tempo Cafe for brunch and everytime it has been so packed that I don't even want to attempt waiting amongst the hordes of people who are outside waiting. This time, I went on a Friday afternoon, it was still busy but not as bad as it usually gets on a Saturday or Sunday. I was not disappointed, I got the gold coast omelette (mushrooms, onions, and spinach) with feta cheese and it came out really fluffy in a medium sized skillet atop a mound of potatoes. And they also give you you a plate of texas sesame toast as well. It was very filling and not very greasy. I am very glad I got to finally try out Tempo. While the food is great, I am not sure the omelettes are special enough to justify a long wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I am really hungry.
(4)
Katrina H.
Definitely a Staple for YEARS when it's late night and you're hungry!! Now that i'm older, I will go for breakfast during "Rush Hour" and it's Almost ALWAYS Packed!! If you have time to wait.. then GREAT!! the food is Fantastic!! you get a Lot of food for your money however the last time that I was there.. I was told that it was Cash only. not sure if they have Credit now but thought that it was strange especially for a place to be so busy. A Great place to go to when it's nice out.. waiting for an indoor seat is like waiting forever!
(4)
Ms T.
One word: Meh. The food isn't anything to write home about. Paying twice as much for sub-par diner food. If this sounds like your idea of fun, be my guest. But after we get our drunk on and you are suggesting that we stave off the hangover with a big greasy here after debauchery, the eggos in my freezer and a quicky fry -up at home is heaps more appealing. Pass.
(1)
Jasmine F.
Holy crap. I'd wager Tempo makes the best omelette I've ever had, although it's more like a scramble/soufle-type-thing. How do they do that? I want the recipe, damnit. My egg white omelette, made with ingredients of my choosing, was absurdly huge, fluffy and delicious with a nice, browned crust completely surrounding it. I think there were potatoes under it somewhere, but one cannot be too sure of such things. I definitely could have split the dish with someone and been perfectly satisfied--I only got through about half, plus the two pieces of fresh, yummy toast with tangy, homemade marmalade. God, I effing love breakfast when it's done right. Tempo did it right.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Whats the big deal? Tempo is fine, but its not great, It does have a nice outside atmosphere in the summer. Went once and i don't think I will ever put forth the effort to run back. Plus you gotta stand in line forever, so I thought it was gonna be excellent. I was underwhelmed.
(3)
Craig N.
Its in my hood so I go there sometimes. Wish they had dishes from thier greek town sister "like mousaka" . Anyway..the food is OK, a bit boring but I can't say bad.. I would give this place a Zagats 16. I like to go down the street to Johnny's for a down a dirty breakfast.
(3)
George K.
Everyone told me this is "THE BREAKFAST PLACE" to try out. I tried and tried and tried least 20 different times to go here. Long lines, waiting, very longgggg wait. So every time I walked by hoping there wasn't a long line then get disappointed and ended up going elsewhere to eat. I finally got lucky few weeks ago on Labor Day, not many people around downtown that day. It was WORTH THE WAIT! I had ham & cheese omelets with side of french toast. Oh man it was so good. I can't believe they bring your plate of food using a frying pan? How many of these do they have in the kitchen? I noticed that this was how they served omelets from looking at other tables. You guys must have 100 of these frying pans huh? lot of washing dishes.. hehe They give you so much food, I couldn't finish everything, and I think I digged the french toast much better. I'm going to keep on trying to go here again.
(4)
Jessica K.
This place has great breakfast! A staple on weekends after a night out. The portions are filling, and they use fresh ingredients. The place gets crowded on weekend mornings and early afternoons so be prepared to wait. They have outdoor seating, though I never have sat outside. Although this place is open 24 hours and has a more extensive menu asside from breakfast, I've only been here before 2pm and had skillets from the breakfast menu. The place gets crowded, but once you sit down it seems like they turn the tables at a pretty decent rate and you aren't waiting too long for your food.
(5)
Marc L.
Great food and great service. We went for breakfast and everything was fresh and not greasy.
(4)
Timothy M.
I've eaten some great random meals here. Usually after drinking all night downtown I'll come to around Chicago and State and realize where I am: right near Tempo! This place won me over with the phenomenal Eggs Benedict. I've been going back even though it's out of my way ever since just to get some great food and great coffee. Crowd sucks though (Viagra Triangle) so don't go when people are there in droves.
(4)
Dr. Robert W.
Great staff, very good food--the best of a 24/7 cafe. My wife and I love it. Heidi and all the staff are fantastic.
(5)
Nastassia J.
This is your standard diner fare, at super inflated prices... While attending law school, I would eat here on occasion. Sometimes you just want some breakfast, and in this neighborhood, there are hardly any of these diner type resturants left...Starfucks (typo, it stays) ate the neighborhood. I don't have any particular gripe about the place, afterall it is open 24 hours, and I did sit next to Bow Wow one time (I'm told he is famous.) On the weekends, be prepared to wait in long lines to get a table, esp in the summer when the patio is prime destination for both tourists and locals.
(2)
Rachelle G.
First and foremost, the service here late into the night is awful. I get that you've probably dealt w/ drunks throughout the night, but I was not, and did notice that you only came to get our order and drop off our bill. And we couldn't even tell you that you'd forgotten to give my friend her soda. I really wanted to tip the busboy instead of our server bc he did so much more for us and all with a smile. Food was mediocre to subpar, prices were decent for the area and being open 24 hours is great but really, improve your service. And yes they only take cash. We also happened to be seated in a booth underneath a vent that was blowing out super cold air. It was probably 40 degrees out yet I had to walk out every now so I wouldn't freeze. I really don't want to come back and hope I don't have to.
(2)
Trent P.
Management/Greek owner has an "in" with local taxis; thus if you ask a Cabby for a late night restaurant you will be "TAKEN" (at)/to Tempo Cafe! Food is mediocre at best, but the surprise is when you get the bill, you WILL be charged more than menu prices; if you question the charges they claim error and adjust to original "menu" price. BAD/CON all the way around!!!!
(1)
Caroline A.
What a great place to nurse a hangover... seriously. They have something for everyone, which is great considering how fussy I am with food. My favorite part of the restaurant - they cook the dishes exactly how you like. Even going so far as replacing butter with cooking spray. The portions are very generous, and the food came out very quickly. The wait is very very long (I think we waited for over an hour), but definitely worth it.
(3)
Lale S.
the only downfall of this place is that it does not accept credit cards! but hey i guess if anyone is looking for a late night stick up, go to tempo! j/k besides the fact that i have ended up here many a nights/early mornings after long nights of boozing this place is always the best! i love the raspberry waffle add some chocolate chips and whipped cream! yummy! i like that this place is downtown, yet sometimes can get way overcrowded especiall after the 2am bar close rush and 5am bar close rush on weekends... but overall ive never had a bad meal here.... but then again i usually am pretty crunk
(4)
Diana B.
Their breakfast/brunch is great! And you can get it anytime of day! I recommend the poor mans skillet, pancakes, and/or waffles. :) Their lunch options are so-so, but that's not an issue for me since I strictly get breakfast food here. Also, a biiiiiit pricy, but due to the area, it makes sense. Definitely a go-to place for me!
(4)
Natasha A.
Why does Boston not have anything like this? Unfair. Ample concoctions of eggs, veggies and meats are served in a skillet over a bed of potatoes. Throw in freshly squeezed OJ and some coffee and you are in heaven. The menu also had some sandwhiches and the like. Breakfast can not get any better than the Tempo Cafe.
(5)
Mihir P.
The service was polite and quick. The scrambled eggs were a bit dry, bacon overcooked and the potatoes underdone. But at 2 am, Tempo will do just fine.
(2)
Robert M.
Spotty on delivery of food, our sides took a lot longer then our entered. Otherwise good Food and generous portions
(3)
Juliette M.
This place is great for breakfast or brunch. The setting is nice, they have a nice patio area. The coffee is not that great but I have tasted worse. I tried one of the burger once, nothing extraordinary. But the waffles and french toast are a must!
(4)
Balu's G.
I've eaten better breakfast in Chicago. I just think that it's always crowded, because it's the only full service breakfast place in the area with reasonable price (compared to pricey hotel breakfast). I had bacon. cheese, and onions omelette, and it was ok.
(3)
Terry G.
Found this place through a suggestion at the hotel and what a great find. I juts love these crowded city breakfast/lunch cafes. A long wait on a Saturday morning, but it was worth the wait. Lots of coffee and an excellent three egg Denver omelet in a skillet. The omelet was prepared perfectly too... perfectly.
(4)
Lesley S.
I would only recommend this spot for late night eating just because of the lack of options. Otherwise, not a good choice. For starters, they only take cash which is almost unheard of these days. I'm not really sure what the reason for this is but it is annoying. Also, the prices are WAY too high. I got a turkey salad sandwich that came with nothing and it was over $7. Just some turkey salad on regular toasted bread. It was a rip off. I got a side salad as well and my meal altogether was almost $15. I was still hungry when I left and wished I would have gone to Subway.
(1)
Nick S.
Tempo is a Chicago icon. If only the walls in that place could talk. The new place is real nice, but I miss the old diner. This is a great place to eat at 3am.
(4)
Heather S.
this place is incredible! i strolled in there around 2am and was very entertained... yes, everyone in there was wasted but what do you expect with a diner open that late! i never have tried the brunch crowd, but i am assuming it is a bit different being in the gold coast.. their "homeless mans skillet" is great! Enjoy!
(4)
gosia d.
Clean and fast service but that is all good I can say about this place. The hostess's voice reminds me of Fran Drescher. The food was bland, not enough or way too much of seasonings, and definitely overpriced. I am sure you can find a better food in the neighborhood in the same price range. Especially if you are a tourist don't go there. I really don't want you to taste Chicago that way. One more detail, the place takes only cash.
(2)
Rachel Y.
I am a huge fan of Tempo. I don't know how it started, but almost every breakfast meeting I have, the client requests Tempo. It's one of those fabulous neighborhood spots that didn't get affected by the River North yuppification quotient. They have the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had, however lately I've been sticking with their cream cheese, bacon and tomato omelet, which I'm craving now just thinking about it. It seems that everyone in the restaurant has been there forever, the coffee is served in plenty, and it's cheap (which is nice because it's cash only--don't worry there are two ATM's close by). In the summer they have nice outdoor seating as well. Check it out for your next business get-together or just on your own if you're in the neighborhood and want a good meal for less than what River North usually dishes out.
(4)
lana v.
My husbands family loves this place, so I have been forced to come here many times. I have only tried the breakfast items, but have never been impressed, the pancakes are ok, and the service is fast, but they do not take credit cards, and do not have free refills. If you come here for brunch on the weekend, there is always a crazy long line, and I honestly dont understand why.
(3)
Brian S.
Holler! Tempo serves the best waffles I've ever had - both strawberry and banana nut flavors are great. They're crisp and delicious and don't even need syrup to be enjoyed (but I use it anyway). Helpful hint: get the toppings on the side to keep the waffle crispy throughout the meal.
(5)
Maggie S.
I really don't like this place and I can't figure out why. I have been there for breakfast a few times, but mainly I go in the middle of the night for food and coffee when it is finals cram time- which is why I go- its 24 hrs, they'll re-fill your coffee over and over again & don't mind how long you sit there. (Was once there 5 hours and not asked to leave.) That middle of the night study session aside...I have a few complaints. When it is busy, they totally rush you through your meal. The food is way overrated. I have tried several different things and have never once liked it. Its not bad in the "makes you ill sort of way;" rather it just leaves you feeling like you need more food bc you wasted a meal on something totally boring. This is my major problem with tempo though- YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR RE-FILLS ON SODA. SERIOUSLY?? We are in Chicago, not Europe, just re-fill my soda out of your fountain thing-y, And you have to pay with cash. And there ATM is one that a surcharge for basically every bank in existence, so no one gets lucky and misses the ATM fees.
(2)
Izzy N.
Oh. this place. The "nicer" Denny's that doesn't have hash browns (booo! hiss! a plague on thy dowry! ..........ok, ok don't piss in my food.. I am giving you 3 stars afterall.) and only takes cash. (this should maybe be called the base of the triangle that only takes cash. I'm looking at you mister j.) That's what I call this place. A little bit of a mouthful isn't it. But it's TRUE. Their menu isn't all that -in fact looking at it makes me *gulp* a few times and tell myself, Ok- Fine! and the food is okay but the real draw is that it's there whenever I wanna eat like at 4 am or maybe 1:53 am. Open 24 hours. Late night eats without having to trek too far, especially when it's freezing outside -- oh me likey! I usually order the breakfast foods.. not really wanting to venture out to their other selections cuz I can get stir fry at Big Bowl and seafood at Hugo's or any steak house nearby. Their blueberry french toast is pretty solid and satisfying.. nothing special. Hits the spot when I'm famished, too lazy to look for other options, and conveniently close to me. It's all about meeeeeeee you see. I don't care if it's close to you guys or not. me. Me. ME!!!! jk. I do charity work sometimes.
(2)
Will K.
I will say that the food here was very good, probably 4 star worthy. That being said, it's not really worth the hassle and the wait. A little expensive too if I remember correctly. Original Pancake house was near by and was about half the price, with no wait and better service, but Tempo's pancakes were better. I know it's not a totally fair comparison, just sayin
(3)
Jasmine h.
This was a great place to go for a comfortable atmosphere as well as good food. delicious!
(4)
KW L.
I came on a Saturday for lunch and we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. No issue with that since any good brunch place will have a wait on a weekend. The hostess was friendly, and the waiter was ok except for the fact that she hardly came around to refill our drinks. I had the strawberry french toast and thought it was average at best. The french toast wasn't very moist and tasted like cardboard. The others in my group seemed to enjoy the omelette's a little better, but commented they were average as well. The food is mediocre so I can only account for the crowd by the location of the place.
(2)
Jeff Y.
my roommate is obsessed with this place, but i think it's because he usually goes when he's wasted at 3 in the morning. i would give hot pockets 5 stars if i only ate them when i was drunk...anyways on to the review. tempo serves breakfast and diner grub 24 hours a day. it's basically an upscale ihop with slightly above average food. i'd recommend the skillets or the omelettes since they are ginourmous and decent. don't go for weekend brunch unless you want to wait in line for an hour. also, it's cash only so be sure to get cash back at potash bros next door before you head over. i'd recommend this place for drunk food or if you're randomly craving breakfast food for dinner.
(3)
Aileen O.
As one of the few 24-hour joints in downtown, this place is always busy! I've never quite understood the appeal of this place - the food is average at best. It reminds me of an upscale Denny's. Be warned - this place only accepts cash (although an ATM is available).
(3)
Diana F.
eh, nothing special whatsoever. went there for lunch, got a tuna volcano that was very average. clam chowder was blah. the clams tasted like rubber. service was fine. overall decent, but won't go back unless it's super late and everything is closed.
(2)
Aubrey K.
Bring your cash since no credit is accepted and do prepared to wait. I promise you the wait is worth it. I think the breakfast is the true staple of this Gold Coast diner. My favorite are the skillets (omelettes served over hash browns) and the egg-white french toast. Also offers some good people watching. I like it equally at 4:00 AM as I do for Sunday brunch!
(5)
Paul R.
Here's the thing about Tempo... you wanna talk about a place thriving soley due to location, this is your prime example. There are so many better breakfast places in the downtown area, this one falls in w/ the rest in my opinion, and this all coming from a Greek guy- so to not like a Greek-owned establishment is blasphemous, but it's true. Tempo, not that good. I don't want to go so far as to say that it literally bothers me that this place gets crowded beyond belief on a regular basis, because I have had good times here and have nothing but nice things to say about the staff, but I just don't get it. Gold Coast should some more breakfast options, that's what it comes down to. Yeah, you can get breakfast at Luxbar (recommended) or PJ's (not terrible) or even Gibson's (I hear good things about their b-fast menu), but if you're looking for a brunch spot, and you know what I mean- I mean a brunch spot, not a place that serves breakfast food, what else is there? Somebody enlighten me. And don't say the Peninsula because that doesn't count. Maybe I'm looking too much into this.
(2)
Evelyn B.
My brother treated me to breakfast at Tempo for my twelfth birthday. It was very nice. Being a boxed-cereal kind of girl, I had no clue about one of the best breakfasts in the city. Thanks bro!
(5)
K. J.
It's a diner. With diner food. Wouldn't go back again unless I'm in the area anyway and craving a traditional diner-style breakfast. We were given a wait time of about 20 to 30 minutes so we walked around and came back. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes later, we were seated. Admittedly, we went on a Sunday morning so were expecting a bit of a wait.
(3)
Emma L.
One of my favorite places for breakfast or a late night meal. It's always packed because it's so good. Definitely the place to go if you want a good omelet!
(4)
kiki h.
THE place to go for breakfast in Chicago. The only problem is that everyone else thinks so as well so the lines are insane! I always get the gold coast omelette...it is absolutely huge and it's so good!
(4)
Ashley W.
I really like the OJ here, but besides that it's just OK. It's really just your typical busy brunch spot with omelette's, pancakes, french toast, and all that stuff. There are plenty of great brunch places in Chicago that don't feel the need to wait over an hour at Tempo to be seated.
(3)
Rob C.
the reason you all are rating it 4 stars is that you are eating there at 3-4 AM inebriated. fine, it's ok, but not that great. average omelettes, just go for early AM dining then.
(3)
Mission S.
A restaurant that its just as satisfying post-clubbing at 4:00 am as it is for a leisurely weekend brunch. A place that does breakfast food, post-hangover food, final exams food. The rumors about the lines are true: be prepared to wait. However, if you are willing to sit inside, the friendly hostess can usually find you a spot (unless you have a really large party). If you are lucky to land a sunny table outside, sit back and enjoy the strong coffee and chocolate chip pancakes.
(3)
Carly M.
There is nothign better than the baked french toast. It's my favorite thing on the menu and I always ask for bananas on top. Excellent pancakes too and great omlettes. Basically- they can do an awesome brunch! Don't be worried about the lines though- they do move quickly and it's worth the wait!
(5)
Gail T.
5 stars cuz this place is affordable, open 24/7, and you'll always be seated. beware card rangers.. its cash only!
(5)
Michelle W.
A perfect place to cure those 4am post bar/club cravings. The portions are monstrous and you can easily spilt one of their delicious omlettes. They can even make them with just egg whites...bless them. The waits go along with the time you visit. I was there for an early dinner pre-going out and there was nothing, but if you go after the bar closes, trust me everyone else will be there too.
(4)
Nicola C.
Great place to get awesome omelettes. It can get very crowded though as it is located in the gold coast. The food is always so fresh and you definitely get a lot. Nice in summer to go and sit outside, definetely a must do for breakfast.
(3)
Kamilah R.
My friends and I had always considered Tempo to be a great place to eat after a great party, bad break up, or even an evening alone. But in the early morning hours of September 9, 2006, Tempo Cafe decided to show us how much they valued our patronage by having us removed from the establishment by several of Chicago's finest. Tempo's disorganized, shoddy method of seating people created a back-up in the waiting area, and a drunken party of six bustled their way to the front of the line, creating a disturbance, disrespecting every other patron in their path, including my party. Although management witnessed such behavior, they refused to do anything about it, and instead seated us at opposing ends of the restaurant, assuming that all parties would behave. They were wrong, particularly when the drunken party of six picked YET ANOTHER fight with the party seated next to them. When the police were called, management forced everyone who had had ANY contact with the disruptive party to leave. That included us. After many attempts to reason with both management and the police, we were left in the rain, insulted and embarrassed, and worst of all, HUNGRY, all because management refused to intervene when the problem was initially presented. AND the best part is, when the police arrived, they even asked the black people NOT associated with our party to leave. . . Sorry Tempo, all black people don't know each other. . . I had always assumed that my education, my status, my poised and calm demeanor would allow others to see that I and the people I associate with are reasonable people, and would in turn, treat me with respect and reason. However, Tempo proved me wrong. Because of this experience, I would not recommend this restuarant to anyone. Thanks for the good time, Tempo. p.s. and the service left a little much to be desired as well. . .
(1)
K M.
Good food but I think this place is overrated unless you live near it. Before I went I kept hearing how great it was. Maybe its better for late nights, but for breakfast or brunch, especially on the weekends, forget it, you'll be waiting so long its just not worth it! I've been here once for lunch and didn't wait very long but there was nothing particularly special about the food or service. The breakfast was really good once we were seated. So I guess it depends on how patient you are, I have none, especially in the morning- I'd rather just make my own pancakes! :)
(3)
Marc S.
Good and reliable breakfast and brunch food; but nothing fancy. If there were no wait for a table, I'd probably go back, but as it is, we waited 45 minutes for what was really a pretty average brunch. If you're willing to put up with a 45 minutes wait, there are much better brunch places to go to (M.Henry, Southport Grocery, Ina's, Bongo Room, Hot Chocolate,...)
(3)
Shannon W.
I got here about 2 a.m. and right after that the place got super packed. I had an omlette which I wasn't to impressed with so if I do go back again I'll try something else on the breakfast menu.
(3)
Blah B.
Yup this is the place to be seen at 5am in the morning, but the food is horrible!!! Sowwie but it just is, not to mention the service?!! I've never met people who hate their job as much as they do here!!! Tho what i can say is I have some awesome memories with friends there with that being said I'll probably be back at some point in the summer!!!
(1)
W W.
I went here once last summer and I thought it was just ok. I had pancakes with strawberries and they were pretty good, but I guess I'm not a huge breakfast person. Also we sat outside which was cool, but it's a somewhat congested area so I felt like I was breathing in a lot of fumes during my breakfast. I haven't gone back yet, but I'm sure at some point I probably will.
(3)
Julia B.
Great place for breakfast~! The skillets are amazing and you can add just about anything (extra ingredients) to them! It gets very packed late night but also packed during the weekend breakfast hours. The fresh orange juice is awesome.
(3)
Bill B.
Referred here for breakfast by the concierge at the Peninsula hotel. Tempo is a short walk and convenient. The menu is great. Lots of options for breakfast including smoothies. I got the eggs with Canadian bacon. My wife got an omelet. Both came in skillets which was fine, but they were overloaded with potatoes. The coffee is OK, not excellent. The atmosphere is good, there is not too much noise, appears clean and I'd happily go back.
(3)
Peter H.
Make sure to have the Omellete! Enough for 2!
(4)
Dennis S.
Location, location, location. But nothing else. I LOVE huevos rancheros. I got started on them in a little Mexican diner in Pasadena CA long ago. They're always good, and, assuming there are any Mexicans working in the kitchen, they always have a bit of personality to them. The cooked salsa and garnishes vary from place to place, some good, some great. Except at Tempo. Their salsa I can only describe as watered-down used motor oil. It was terrible, inedible. That was the final straw for me. Other breakfast dishes I've ordered at Tempo have been boring, unexciting, not worth finishing. But waiting with the crowds outside Tempo for this food is now off my list. North is the Original Pancake House, southeast is West Egg, get in a cab or car and go to Ina's or Lou Mitchell's. There is NO reason to eat at Tempo, other than it's convenient location for many condo dwellers and unsuspecting hotel guests. Go east three blocks to Chestnut Street Cafe in the Seneca Hotel - at least you get a square meal (but no yuppies).
(2)
Russell H.
Poor man's vegetable platter was very good. Pancakes and waffles seem to be well made. However if I ordered strawberry or rasberry waffles, I would expect a little more than waffles with a few fresh berries on top. I would want some of that worked into the batter... I am just sayin'.... I went there on a Friday morning and felt like it was Saturday or Sunday morning. Lot's of food - maybe that's the reason for the lines? The service was okay but had a mixture of busboys running around way to fast and wait staff who seemed to be overwhelmed. Make sure you order something simple because it may seem that the more complex platters or dishes would be sub par. My example, the poor man's veg platter was potatoes on the bottom, vegetables chopped up, cheese and three over easy eggs. They got that right and it was a good meal - more than enough calories to get me through a long road trip.
(3)
Jessica C.
Tempo was recommended to us by the guy at the front desk at our hotel, and for that, I say thank you front desk guy! We got a late start, and got to Tempo at around 2pm...luckily they serve breakfast 24 hours a day, because breakfast was what we all needed. The place was warm and cozy, also what we needed after walking several blocks in what felt like Siberia (I'm not from Chicago). I was elated to see that they serve skillets - something I haven't seen since my favorite breakfast place closed down (R.I.P.), and I got a much needed coffee. There's a note on the menu that tells you they use butter for cooking, but that you can substitute Pam, so that I did. Service: quick Coffee: good Veggie skillet: YUM! Everything was FULL of flavor and melted cheese, and was delicious. The Pam substitution didn't take away any flavor, in case anyone was wondering. The skillet was incredibly filling - I couldn't finish it, and was able to skip dinner later, and comfortably go right into Saturday night drinking. I wasn't hungry until late night pizza time came, sometime around midnight. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
J M.
I had a great breakfast at Tempo Cafe while in town. The omelets are huge and are served in a skillet, with potatoes underneath. The service was fast and efficient.
(4)
Wen S.
I ordered the corned beef hash and eggs with side of fruit. The food tasted good. The serving size was big enough to fill you but the side of fruit came out short. It looked like two or three pieces of sliced strawberries, which was priced for like $3. The service was okay, nothing special. Cash only, no credit/debit cards. It's 2010! There's an ATM on site with $2.75 transaction fee. Thumbs down to that. There's a self-park garage right next to Tempo Cafe.
(3)
Brad S.
OMG. Avoid this place at all costs. This is the worst food I have ever had. It is not worth the wait, or even if it was free.
(1)
Sebastian Y.
24 hr Diner! Love the omelettes here because they come in a skillet with potatoes at the bottom! I got the Gold Coast Omelette and was very happy and satisfied. It tasted home cooked and didn't leave me feeling gross. Only knock on Tempo is that it's cash only.
(3)
KB C.
Only go to Tempo for late night eating- otherwise it's not that good. Food is really bland. (meaning that the the salt and pepper that'll be placed on your table...will not help!)
(2)
Shradha A.
They now have a veggie burger on the menu, which ain't so bad for its-midnight-and-im-starving food!
(3)
Jamie D.
Diner food at 3 a.m.! From what I remember, the food was average. The place was BUSY though.
(3)
Jeff A.
I want to give this spot more stars I really do!!! it was 7 or so years ago, I was in Chicago for work, and first discovered this spot, was dazzled by the fresh fruit selections, fresh raspberries and blueberries in abundance, who has that? amazing omelets... My first moment at Tempo was @ about 4am on a random chicago night about 7 years ago, and truthfully the fact that a place like this existed in Chicago made me want to move here (with many other contributing factors for sure!)... I love the Jamaican omelet, hmmmm banana walnut honey in eggy goodness! Fast forward to last night... Had some out of town buddies in and we were have a fun night out about and around, drinks, dinner, movie, dessert (tempo for dessert and coffee after movie, twas late!), more drinks.... 6 of us... Cheese cake.... BAD! I mean it bad! Chocolate cake... Not Good! I mean it not good! Fresh raspberries... On point! Cream pies.... None to be had... So sad! Banana split... No chocolate Ice cream?? What? Service was good! Hey kidz just a suggestion... Take Credit cards, really it is 2010... Just Cash is so not cool! I will give Tempo another chance, cuz I love this place, but if this continues, I will fall out of love!
(3)
Liz B.
I've gone here twice in Chicago, both times after 1am, and both times to get omelets. I can't imagine wanting to come here during a normal time, but their "sober up" food is pretty damn good. Service is incredibly quick, and even if there are a million people waiting on line you will still probably wait less than 15 minutes.
(3)
A. L.
Absolutely wonderful waffles. Some of the best I've ever had (and I make a mean waffle!). But first, get the juice. Any of their fresh squeeze juices (I had the amazing Casablanca, which is orange, strawberry and cantoloupe)! We tried the bacon and the sausage patties, both very good. But the WAFFLES!! Mine had strawberries, bananas and blueberries, no need for syrup or butter. I'm trying to convince myself to eat breakfast somewhere else today just for the variety, but it's a losing battle. I'm going back. There is always a line, but it seems to go fast. Coffee and iced tea both fine and service excellent, but I'm telling you.....it's the waffles!! (And I'm not sure what that other person was saying about it being dirty, but having worked in restaurants I can tell you it's very clean.)
(5)
K B.
Nothing special about this diner, unless it's 3 am.
(3)
Shannon W.
Arguably the best breakfast I had while in Chicago was at Tempo Cafe. I highly recommend ordering the omelets- they are absolutely huge but delicious! Even though I not a huge fan of waffles, I highly recommend trying Tempo's- they are little pillows of crispy heaven! I also like Tempo's service because they make you truly feel at home, and it is always nice to sit on their patio, especially on warm days. Plus, they serve late and have a delicious bakery- what more can you ask for from a neighborhood cafe?
(5)
Krisha d.
I'm not a fan. But, maybe it's because I'm not a breakfast person. I felt like my omelet was bland. I had also gotten a salad last night. Spinach with Tuna on the side. I have had better. I am a big salad fan, so pardon my harsh criticism. I don't know what the buzz is about?
(1)
Sean S.
So I came home so hungry & my hotel stopped room service at 10. I ordered egg white gold coast omelette and they were by far the softest eggs I can recall eating. Cash only is not cool but the staff were warm despite the post bar after hours feel of the crowd.
(3)
Ken E.
More food than anyone should eat for lunch! Ok service.
(3)
Rodney R.
I cant give this spot a five star rating four will have to do. The service was good for a busy friday morning. The food was excellent and more than enough. It took forever to get a refill on coffee. I love my coffee in the morning! What I liked the most was being able to sit streetside and dine as people walked to and fro. I love to watch people. I loved the mixed clientele. From an obviously hungover student to a man that looked like a sterotypical old school disco lounge lizard. Next to them sat a woman that for some reason felt inspired to come to breakfast dressed rather extravagantly and seemed to be bothered by every little thing You know the type...nothing is good enough but I suppose we shall make do.... As I said the food was delicious but the overall attitude seemd somewhat rude. Not out right but when we arrived we almost felt as tho we were bothering them by asking to dine there! Once we got past that and were seated by a wonderful waitress (With the eception that she was stingy with a second cup of coffee). We were sat by an older gentlemen who carried in his bag a rather small dog. My companion says it was a teacup something or another...A family came in as well and sat behind us and their children were well behaved and wonderfully curious. My lady friend and I enjoy family so this was quite nice to be a "Part" of things LOL.
(4)
Tj M.
good breakfast-cash only: Me & my honey stayed at the talbott hotel and we found this place based on the reviews we saw on here. My girl got the pancakes and they looked really good with the fruit topping on it. I chose the skillet with cheese,egg & hash browns and it was pretty good.My hash browns were burnt but was still edible. It was also neat to see some of the people come into this place, which made for good table conversation.It was a lil pricey but for being in the gold coast your gonna pay anyways. One thing that really was a turn off was they only took cash-no debit or credit cards. They could probably do better if they got with the times and offered to take other forms of payment.
(4)
Stephanie W.
Tempo is right around the corner from where I grew up, and it's a neighborhood standard for my family. The wait here is consistently shorter than that at the Pancake House on Bellevue, and the menu covers more than just breakfast. All in all, the service is pretty good and the food is pretty good. The decor is outdated but fits in with a typical diner/cafe. There's nothing I find particularly overwhelmingly positive about this restaurant, but it's consistent and easy, and that earns pretty big points in my book. Also - they make their omelets in individual pans in an oven, so they get nice and big and puffy. Originally, I was going to give Tempo 4 stars, but we unfortunately found a half-eaten pickle and part of an Equal sweetener packet in my mom's omelet the other day, and the waitress wasn't savvy enough to ask the manager to take it off the bill, so....
(3)
Greg D.
DOES NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! CASH ONLY! When staying at the Sofitel, this being on the same block, like a 1 minute walk from the valet entrance to Soiftel, this does look appealing, if you are really being lazy. Our first visit was pretty much pure hell. The wait is unbelievable, and all I can do to try to understand it, is equate it to cattle mentality. People see others lined up and think this is a good thing, so they too line up. For the 45 minutes we waited, hungry, we decided to sit on the steps of a building next door, instead of in the crowd, and just watch the seaters announce a table and then go and check every time to see if it was us. Okay, here's why we put up with this. Tempo has outside tables right smack on a very active street corner in downtown Chicago. So the people and traffic watching is magnificent... But there is one factor to consider, you know that big orange thing in the sky, that you are not supposed to stare at? It been around a long time, what do they call that, SOL? Yeah, the SUN! While Tempo does have a group of sun umbrellas and even a roll out canopy, they didn't have the common sense, care or desire to use them this day and both my wife and I were sunburned. You know, it doesn't matter how good the view is when it's so bright that you can't see a thing without squinting. How was the food? Good. We were happy with it. Brunch/Breakfast plates were HUGE and there was no way to finish them. And then came time to pay, at which time I presented my credit card. The waitress, quite obviously frustrated with having to explain this over and over and over again, told us "The owner doesn't want us to take credit cards because it costs him too much". And I am like WTF? When we travel we don't use old fashioned paper money much so never carry much with us. Thanks to this place and their possible mafia tax evading owner, our cash supply took an unexpected hit. Do yourself a HUGE favor and keep on walking by this place. There is so, so much more to be found in this area food wise. Pizano's Pizza & Pasta RIGHT across the street (green canopy) has been considered by many as one of the finest Chicago pizzas in the history of America. (The green canopy). And then you also have McCormick & Schmick's Seafood right across the street as well, low priced and excellent with indoor seating. And both of these suggestions take credit cards.
(2)
Jamie R.
Super breakfast place. Order absolutely anything traditional and it will be satisfying. Expect a wait because word is out about this gem, with the locals leading the pack to a communal table here. Nice touch: prune + orange slice, gratis for each diner.
(4)
L G.
Visiting Chicago, Tempo Cafe is around the corner from my hotel, had the best breakfast, the egg scrambler and it was beyond delicious, muy sabroso, wish they had one of these restaurants in Los Angeles.
(5)
Monica W.
This is a good place to go on a late night if you've got a big appetite and you're craving breakfast. Definitely stick with the breakfast though. I went with a large group and everyone that ordered dinner options were dissatisfied. You can't go wrong with the skillets.
(4)
Bernice W.
I eat here for lunch all the time and finally decided to review about it. I really like this place, especially the chicken wild rice soup. I could go on and on about it... I've had their omelets which are served as an enormous portion, and their tuna salad melt, both were really yummy. I've also had their sandwich with tomato, bacon and cheese. that was delicious too. The only downside is they only take cash. But there's an atm in ING cafe that doesn't charge for withdrawing money. All in all tempo cafe is really good
(5)
Tony C.
We went to Tempo just as the lunch rush was ending. The place was packed, it was rainy outside... a perfect day for a skillet. There was a line of huddled customers in the busy hallway, yet we were told that it would be ten minutes. I wasn't sure if I should believe it. But, sure enough, ten minutes later we were seated and ready to order. The portion sizes here are generous. I had the poor man's skillet and I have to say that I ate like a rich man. Another nice feature of this place is that breakfast is served anytime. If you're craving an omelette, you can always get one at Tempo. As a fan of omelettes, this is a major plus for me. Finally, the service was courteous and prompt. The woman in charge even remembered my name when it came time to pay. Sure, she may have written it down when we showed up, but that is going the extra mile - something that doesn't go unnoticed in my book.
(5)
Brit M.
Like most of the yelpers for Tempo, I can admit to only being here once sober. I based my review off that. Though I can honestly say, god bless the waitresses who deal with the after 4 am crowd. You truly see the worst of the worst. Also, I would like to send a special shout out to the waitress with the short short hair. You are awesome and thank you for dealing with our drunken fake accents (that range from terrible Nigerian, to even more horrible Australian, and finishing with just plain ole American drunk slurs) and over the top orders. We always take care of you for that exact reason! So, my 8 year old cousin Lily spent the night and wanted breakfast the next morning. I took her to the only place I know, Tempo. Wow, can I just say the real morning crowd is refreshing. No slobbering drunk men and yelling. It was nice! We were seated, and they literally catered to Lily like the princess she is. The service is always fast, and they always make sure your coffee is filled. Lily had the chocolate milk and eggs. I had a spinach and mushroom omelet. The food is good sober, and that's a plus. They have outside seating in the summer morning, which is something I didn't expect - god knows why! The only downside is of course the vagrants, which tend to be more aggressive in that area for some reason. Anyways, a Tempo is a great place and the food is moderately priced.
(3)
Joey M.
Tempo is pretty standard diner style dining. As many have lamented, they only take cash, but luckily they won't take too much of it. The food is fresh enough, though the toast is flaky (as in inconsistent, not... actually flaky). I come here mostly for the three egg omelettes. To say the portions are generous would be an understatement. Three eggs mixed with meat, veggies and a healthy portion of crisp potatoes round out this meal in a pan. Be sure to bring someone to share the load or prepare to waddle out the door in gluttonous shame/glory.
(3)
T. T.
I have been here twice so far. Once with my brother and once with my boyfriend on our trip to Chicago. Both times were a great experience! Their portions here are HUGE so don't get over greedy or you may pay for it later (like i did). The first time i came here i got the poorman's skillet with meat and it was great. The food comes out piping hot and a lot of toppings! And, on the side you get two pieces of toast. And let me tell you, the toast isn't the bread you buy at the store flat toast, but this is thicker toast that comes with jam and it is yummy! My brother had gotten the banana pancakes with crushed nuts on top and it was honestly...the best pancake i have ever tried! I am a sucker for banana and pancakes but haven't been able to find the best pancakes that are soft and moist to go with them and this place has it!!! The time i returned, i urged my boyfriend to try it as well and he went for the banana waffles instead. Again..lemme say...AMAZING! The waffle stays light but a little bit of crunch even though you pour syrup on top of it. He loved it, and on top of that, he said that this was one of his best breakfasts he has ever had. Honestly...that says a lot, cuz my boyfriend says he "doesn't care" about the quality of some foods, but whenever he rates places, he is extremely harsh..more than me! This place has fast and attentive service. Normally when i go visit areas, I never go to one place twice in order to try different areas. But, this was the one restaurant on my second trip that I couldn't pass up. I could eat this stuff all day.
(5)
Amanda Z.
Oh Tempo, how I wish that your chicken a la louie didn't satisfy me quite so much. And I wish I didn't love the soup that came with my meal, along-side the big, potatoey steak fries. Know why? NO FREE REFILLS. In my world, that's just bogue. If I pay $1.95 for a lovely Diet Coke and I slurp to the bottom, please...just fill it back up. Cuz if you charge me another $1.95, I might scream. I'm bratty like that. (Oh, and also, when I refuse to order one of your non-refillable drinks, please do not punish me by not refilling my water glass. That's just mean. Like Kate Gosselin drinking water in front of her thirsty kids and not sharing mean.) Nice patio, good assortment of breakfast foods, and my sammie was awesome, loaded with avocado and bacon. But I'm still mad about the no free refills rule.
(3)
Carrie S.
I love Tempo for many reasons. The first reason is the chocolate chip pancakes. Those pancakes are like sugar crack for me. I've attempted to replicate them and I just can't. The second reason for my Tempo love is the people. It's a great people watching place especially during the late night hours. Tempo is the best late night/brunch place ever. I've been here a few times and the food is always good. I love a place that serves breakfast 24/7 and is hopping at 3:30a.m. when the bars close. Their chocolate chip pancakes were yummy, delicious, and starchy enough to break through the numerous beers that I drank hanging out with the boys. My bf likes them for the fresh squeezed juice and egg creations galore. The food is served quick and the servers do an excellent job with drunken people all around. I have good memories here after drinking at Clark Street Ale House.
(4)
Lora S.
I'm a fan of the banana nut pancakes, and my boyfriend loves the poor man's skillet. Although I know most diners do this, bottomless coffee is another plus. Keep in mind that it's cash only, so don't forget to hide a twenty at the back of your wallet, so you don't have to pay the ATM fee. This place gets extremely busy late Friday night and Saturday night when people start to leave the bars and clubs. Just watch the cabs pour in. They also get busy Saturday and Sunday mornings once it starts getting nice out. It's worth the short wait. The servers are friendly and efficient, and they turn tables relatively quickly but not annoyingly quickly. I''m a fan.
(4)
L H.
This is my favorite place to get my super late night/weekend diner fix. The food here is nothing extraordinary, but the menu has got lots of variety and has never disappointed me. In my opinion, the best dish is the poor man's skillet. Be warned that the lines can get extremely long in the summer. Cash only.
(5)
Erika G.
This place used to be a mediocre Mexican restaurant longgg ago, and now it's a very good enough, always crowded breakfast - lunch - dinner joint. The food is appealing because it is reliably good. Not great, or exceptional, but consistently good, at least. For breakfast items, which are pretty standard, this is okay in my book. Fresh, hot coffee, delish orange juice and egg dishes hot and fresh - what more do you wand for brunch?
(3)
An P.
This morning I was very hungry from not eating dinner the night before due to a massive lunch. I had a wicked hankerin' for a good skillet, but did not want to haul all my gear down to Cozy Cafe for one of their wicked specialties. Located two blocks off the Chicago Red Line stop, Tempo Cafe is in the middle of the circle of restaurants and bars that mysteriously do not take debit or credit card, but do have an ATM inside. There is a great patio area and I wish it had been nicer, because I would have hurried and fought for a seat. I came in around 10:30am and was seated immediately. Inside, I found a very diverse crowd including businessmen in suits, moms taking the kids out and cops. People were of all races and that made me feel comfortable. A coffee man came by after I was seated at a giant booth all by myself and was quickly followed by water man. The waitress dropped by quickly and I went to work: Poor man's skillet and a side of sausage ba-ba-ba-boom! As I twitted my thumbs and played around text messaging, all of a sudden they dropped a Poor man's skillet, toast, 3 perfectly poached eggs and a generous helping of butter, jam, and the like. They also dropped an orange slice and a date in front of me. Condiments on the table included Grey Poupon, Ketchup, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco and salt and pepper. I dug into my toast first and laced up both slices with tons of butter - yum! I ate that and moved to sip a few gulps of water and then began working on the poached eggs. Once they were gone, I stirred the skillet that had three, count them three slices of cheese! Ketchup in hand, I pitter pattered pats of catsup and made my crispy skillet complete. No, this was not some soggy mess of a skillet, it was a meat-filled potato wonder. The ham was large pieces, some hacked into tiny cubes, and some cooked like it was bacon. This diversity in texture really did it for me, and I ate the whole damn thing and did not fall into a food coma! On the downside, I ordered a disappointing side of sausage for $3.95 which looked like it could have come out of any old Johnsonville mini frozen sausage patty box. If you are thinking of getting giant links of sausage, this is not it! All in all for an $8.50 skillet and some wicked ill food, call me a happy camper!
(4)
Jenn E.
On our last morning in Chicago, we finally picked the right spot for breakfast. It was a Tuesday morning, around 10, so we were seated immediately in a booth (yay!). The menu was vast and I thought that the prices were very reasonable. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet, which had potatoes, ham, onions and peppers, covered with cheese & 3 eggs. It was delicious! They slice their potatoes into think slices like you would see in an Au gratin, which I had never had before for breakfast. The eggs were cooked perfectly, light and fluffy! My sister got the Florentine Benedict with a side of bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly and she said that it was some of the best hollandaise sauce she has ever had. The fig and orange slice that they give you when you sit down was a nice touch. We were sad to have only discovered it on our last day. One warning though...they only take cash!
(4)
Andre E.
I failed to mention during my first review of this great place...that this was the location where i proposed to my beautiful wife. So needless to say this is one of my favorite places to eat in all the world. Eat, Drink, and be Merry my friends!!!!
(5)
Mary I.
Tempo is definitely a must try place. I came here Saturday am after Yoga with a few friends and it was crowded outside with about a 30 min wait. It's a real no frills kinda place, so you can go in any attire. It's open 24 hours and CASH ONLY! I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and my friend ordered the poor mans skillet w/ eggs over medium. I would have to say that the food portions are ginormous and it was really yummy! The only downside was the service. The coffee was refilled a few times but water was not refilled once the entire hour we were there. We definitely felt rushed by our waitress, but I can understand since the wait is so long. Price was $10 pp including tip. The hostess will not seat you unless your entire party is present. All in all a great dining experience. Just fill up our water! =)
(4)
Janeen W.
Tempo Cafe is aiight. I remember when it was across the street and it current location was a horrible mexican spot. It's on the Gold Coast so it stays busy busy busy. The last time I went the waitress was kinda rude. The food is very fresh but a little bland in my opinion. The can do better with those hash browns!
(2)
Bert F.
What a great recommendation for a birthday brunch. Tempo is nestled a few blocks away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave, among lots of high rises, and luxury car dealerships (etc). On a Sunday morning late in the Fall the wait was a moderate 25 minutes. There's not much room to wait inside, but it's not bad at all given decent weather. We had a pretty diverse sampling of the food: a mushroom and swiss omelette, morning glory french toast, and the poor man's skillet. Our order came with unlimited coffee refills and a good helping of sesame seed toast with delicious marmalade. On top of all that, the staff was nothing but friendly and attentive. They comprised a very diverse set of personalities too. I would - no will - go back many times!
(5)
Maryann M.
The food is tasty. Servings are huge. I personally don't like how everything comes in one pan and the potatoes are under my omelet, but whatever, I can deal. The biggest complaint I have about the food is that the toast does not come buttered, so that by the time the toast makes it to your table, without butter, its no longer super hot so the butter doesn't spread very easily. That being said, the food should get 4 stars. And breakfast is my favorite meal. However, it is ALWAYS crowded. I get it, it is located in the middle of tourist central. And the tables do turn over fast... Which brings me to the other thing I absolutely hate. The tables are TINY.... and for breakfast, you definitely need more space.
(3)
Skyler J.
californication feeling with tons of beautiful people. The food is good and the staff hands our full helping in every way possible to insure you walk out with a smile.
(5)
Ke M.
24hr diner that serves breakfast all the time. Good sized menu and great service. The entrees come with a side and soup and bread. It's cash only but there's an atm in front. A great place for a quick bite any time of day!
(4)
Meghan M.
Quite possibly the best part of my Saturday night was the 4 AM banana-nut pancakes I had here. There was a line out the door here, and I can see why - the food was actually DAMN good. From the skillets to the french toast to my friend's perfectly poached egg (and alternately great and entertaining company from surrounding tables) I am a huge fan of Tempo. Quick service, great food and lovely, alcohol-soaking carbo choices...what more can you want?
(3)
Emily D.
A Yelper recommended the chocolate chip pancakes, and I'm no anarchist so I ordered those fluffers. Deelish. Seriously, melt in my mouth so good, so fine, so glad you're mine. Good. I put butter and syrup on them in reasonable quantities and just shut up and ate. My girlfriend got a skillet, which seemed quite the thing to get. I wasn't feeling savory though I did want to reach over and snap some ham bits out from under her nose. *Overcome with regret* I'll go back, for the CC Cakes. Exclusively and intimately. Possibly alone. In the back corner booth. Leave me be. p.s. Service was great, though the waitress was continually disappointed by my not wanting more coffee. I kindly explained I had four cups at home. Oh the secret lives we lead.
(4)
George K.
This is a upscale Greek diner, They serve a lot of everything , breakfast is their specialty, omelets and potatoes in a cast iron skillet, pancakes and waffles piled high. The tables are close together and the table tops are crowded before the waitress brings anything. The food is what you would expect, good, filling and quick. It is our favorite spot to fill up before heading out onto Michigan Ave shopping on a Sat or Sunday morning. Bring CASH, its the only way to pay.
(4)
Joe P.
I'm a big breakfast guy so I was glad to find this place. The French toast was awesome! Great styling, outdoor seating and no more expensive than the typical pancake house.
(4)
Rose S.
never fails, AMAZING food and service! This place is a gold mine, at any hour of the day. There is nothing that isn't good on the menu, amazing omelets, pancakes, fries, whatever it is, you'll love it.
(5)
Jay N.
Solid. One of my favorite places for bfst in Chicago. Cash only so come ready. Portions are large, staff is friendly, and the coffee is good. If it's nice sit outside. Great people watching. This is essentially an upscale diner.
(4)
Paul J.
Nothing says Chicago, like hanging out late night in the middle of the big skyscrapers for good food after partying. In a bustling district of downtown Chicago, Tempo is in a perfect spot. This place was very nice. The space is not very large but what it does have is ambiance and great service. Walked in the door and a seat just opened up when we walked in-winning! The wait staff quickly cleans off table and preps for the next crew or couple to arrive---A huge lesson other late night spots should use. The food was very delicious! The service was excellent considering this place was packed. I will definitely be back here again! It's that good!
(5)
O B.
typical diner style breakfast, wonderful fruit plate, great omlets, nice coffee. price is about what you would expect to pay for a downtown cafe. huge portions. still would prefer salt and pepper over this but nice to stop in every once and a while when your having a girls day downtown
(4)
Amy J.
Four stars for being a 24 hour diner that is normal! Went here after a late night and we were all completely happy with everything: Service was good, food was good... My only complaint and the reason for a loss of a star: they only take cash. I really have a hard time understanding why ANYWHERE only takes cash anymore, let alone a sit down restaurant. Either way if you're in the area (and have cash) I recommend it. Everything was very very good.
(4)
Eric M.
My wife and I grabbed breakfast at Tempo after a great November weekend in Chicago. We had just a couple hours before we had to take off for O'Hare, and yelped Tempo, which was close to the hotel. The place is obviously very popular, and there was a throng of hopefuls outside waiting. Fortunately, the sidewalk was warm with sun, and it was a pleasant wait. After a shorter-than-expected wait, the hostess seated us in a comfortable booth. The waitress was perfectly welcoming, and balanced service and our privacy just the right way. I couldn't decide what type of pancakes to get (there are numerous choices), and she said "I'll surprise you." Again, perfect. Food was very good, atmosphere was superb, and overall the experience was great. One of my favorite breakfast places!!!
(5)
bianca r.
The food is nooot that good but its opened 24 h and the service is great. I recommend the sanduiches with turkey and the waffles.The orange juice is also 100% natural!!! Sat-Sun mornings are really busy after 9 and you have to wait at least 20 minutes to have a seat. I dont mind waitng though... :)
(4)
Jesse B.
by 2k9 you'd expect every place in the US to accept credit card, but Tempo still doesn't. That's OK though, because its worth using their old school ghetto ATM for the excellent Omelette Pan! The rest of the stuff is pretty mediocre but Tempo is the ultimate late night food spot in Chicago, and you can be as drunk as you want and still feel comfortable here (they're used to it) I like Tempo although I don't go often. Don't forget, make sure to get the Omlette pan otherwise you will probably be disappointed with the mid-level food. Service: C+ Food: B- Overall: B- (late night in Chi doesn't offer much. . . . )
(3)
Kista W.
Best brunch in the city. Best omlettes. Out of this world waffles. Delicious pancakes. There is always a wait, which is annoying and they only take cash, which is annoying as well. The breakfast gets 5 stars and I would give it 10 stars if I could. I think the dinners are blah. I had some type of sandwich here once, and I was very disappointed and assumed it would rock my world like the breakfast does. You HAVE to try Tempo. Makes a perfect brunch spot before shopping Mich. ave. One of my favorite Tempo memories is a 4:30 PM omlette dinner on a Sunday during the holidays. Snow started lightly falling and my boyfriend and I headed to Bloomingdale's for some Christmas shopping. My parents also HAVE to go to Tempo during every Chicago visit. It's their favorite breakfast place in the country, and they LOVE breakfast!
(5)
Renee L.
Tempo for sure is best visited at 3am on the way back home from wherever one has been boozing it up all night. The food it good. The portion size is nice for especially for breakfast drunk food. I usually get something of the greek egg omelette variety. Never disappoints, always hits the spot! One time, we were sitting near a window and a vagrant guy was staring at us through the window for quite a while and madly and animatedly scribbling on a piece of paper. I can't remember if it was him that came in the place or if he accosted us outside but he presented us with what was a really nice sketch of us at our table...extremely strange. I think one of my friends bought it actually.
(3)
G Z.
THIS PLACE IS AWFUL!!! Just another lame greek joint, claiming to specialize in everything, but in reality only specializes in poor quality food and dining. AVOID!!
(1)
Steve B.
The Tempo Cafe is a cool 24-hour diner in downtown Chicago. The menu is large and varied. We usually go there for breakfast, which can be huge and quite delicious. Last week my wife and I went to Tempo for a late night dinner. She ordered Liver which came out on a huge plate: she said it was very good. I ordered the old-fashioned open-face roast beef sandwich covered in gravy. It wasnt anything special, and I kinda regretted the choice. Having said that, the Tempo Cafe is a regular favorite of ours, and we wl certainly return.
(4)
Amanda S.
whenever friends come to visit and they want good brunch, that means "tempo" in my book. i've been coming here for years, and the staff is practically my second family. when my mother goes without me, they ask how i am. when i go without my mother, they ask how she is. that's how it's always been. my mother always gripes about the fact that dc doesn't *do* omelets, and it's true..no one does omelets the way chicago does. fluffy goodness the size of your head WITH hashbrowns AND toast is standard. at tempo, you can have it your way, literally. prefer egg whites? done. don't want those taters? they're gone. want it cooked in pam? not a problem. and it's fast. the greek toast you should have with your omelet are literally slices of heaven. the juice is made in-house and is fresh as can be. on my most recent visit with a friend, she asked for the banana nut buckwheat pancakes. i was skeptical, but it was another win. so impressive. it certainly gets packed during the weekend, but with good reason. you won't be disappointed. also, please note that it is CASH ONLY, but they have an in-house atm.
(4)
K R.
I only went there once, so mine is a limited opinion. BLECH! I ordered a hot turkey sandwich. No flavor. The gravy was the color of - ya know that 1960's "flesh" color from the Crayola box? Couldn't eat it. Nope Don't get me started on the gravy texture Walk north to the Original Pancake House (Bellvue) Oh the bacon! Walk north to Whiskey (Rush) - Fabulous breakfast! Both have a sidewalk cafe in the summer
(1)
Kathy G.
I ate here with a friend this past Sunday morning. They had a long line but it want rather quickly. Once we went inside noticed the tables were quite close to each other, which I didn't care for, but we were luckily they sat us at a booth. We both had a poor man's skillet and it was fantastic. We were looking for hearty breakfast to get through the day and we got it. We weren't hungry again till later that night. It was very busy but I our waitress was very attentive. I didn't even notice that they didn't accept credit cards. I oddly had cash on me otherwise that would have been an issue.
When I am in town, I only eat breakfast here. Greek toast is so good I love all the scrambles Bacon is just ok but i dont mind because I usually ordering an omelet and lots of coffee to fight the hangover of the night before :)
(4)
Dusty W.
Tempo is really a place everyone should experience at least once. When you enter, you are greeted with a wall of Polaroids, featuring a multitude of mid-'90s celebrities eating at Tempo. Also there is the last ATM machine in Chicago that runs on dial-up. Tempo is cash only, so be prepared to use this historical piece of equipment. The food is incredibly good, and if you order anything with eggs, you will get plenty of them. The Michigan Omelet (eggs, apples, cheese) is surprisingly great, but the Hobo Skillet is what makes this place one of my absolute favorites at four in the morning. There are no free refills though.
(4)
Jennifer B.
You know those restaurants where it's just an all-round frustrating experience? Those restaurants where the servers are aloof and unaccomodating, the kitchen is slow, the food is boring, the place is dirty, and you are just waiting for the experience to be over? That's Tempo Cafe. I've been quite a few times but this previous experience will surely be my last. Incredibly rude service (and we live in Chicago...we have a high tolerance for rudeness), a complete lack of caring, rude managers, and a dirty environment. I would say every experience at Tempo is unique, but the night we were there it looked like every table was having the same issues we were. If you are looking for a breakfast spot in the Gold Coast, try 3rd Coast on Burton, Feast on Delaware, hell even Cheesecake Factory. You'll be happier you stayed away from Tempo.
(2)
John R.
Great value for breakfast. Enjoyed the Poor Man's Skillet...more than I expected. I would go back.
(4)
Ryan B.
The rating description says it perfectly: "Meh. I've experienced better." When we walked out, we were both left disappointed. "Well, that wasn't too exciting." It was a solid meal though. Gf had the Denver omelet and I had the Morning Glory with French toast. Gf's looked okay, mine was a standard order of french toast with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries simply sitting on top. It really bugged me about the "NO FREE REFILLS" listed above the beverages. It wasn't really enforced with our $1.95 cup of coffee, but still, worrying about how much coffee I have vs. how much meal left put added stress on an already shaky experience. Cash only + nice service + nice dining room + okay food + coffee stress = I won't be back.
(2)
Jeff N.
Depending on the time of year, Tempo could eke out 4 starts from me, or only 3. The food at this 24-hour diner is consistently good. If it's a beautiful day, sitting on the sidewalk seating enhances the Tempo experience. Sitting inside evokes another response; a tired, worn out restaurant too lazy to keep the furnishings clean, fresh and up to date. Yesterday I treated myself to 'The Continental', a plate full of chicken livers/onions/green peppers, accompanied by a fluffy 3-egg omelet, hash browns and greek toast. For $9.75 it is a a meal that fill you up and keep you there! Always good is the orange marmalade. I had the freshly made chocolate milk, too.
(3)
Char Y.
We came for breakfast & had french toast. Pretty standard dinner fare.
(3)
Unity O.
I do not like skinny fries, I love big fat fries, you know the kind that make you feel like you are eating a potato. For that reason alone, I give Tempo 5 stars--they have delicious fries! They also have fantastic hours--they are open like all the time. So, if you been out for an evening of revelry & need some food--stop by, they will be open. Their food is pretty decent--it is above diner quality and the give you alot of it. The portions are huge which is nice since it can be a little pricey. The ambiance inside is casual--I do like the neutral tones of the decor. They have outside seating which a huge plus. I do not recommend going for brunch on the weekend--simply because you will be waiting a long frigging time to get seated--it is very popular.
(5)
Lyn B.
This place is your typical diner. The food is okay- the eggs tend to be dried out, but it's always open so is very reliable and convenient from that standpoint! The wait staff is friendly- another plus.
(3)
Anthony S.
After a night of boozing over at Soundbar or Vision I tend to head here since it's so close and one of the few places open. Make sure you get to this place just before all the clubs let out otherwise you're going to be stuck in a really long line. Also stick to the sweet stuff here i.e. waffles, pancakes, etc. Beware of the omelets, ask for no jalapeños unless you like your taste buds burnt out (this is coming from someone who loves spicy food). Go with the simple stuff here and you'll only be regretting what you drank last night and not what you ate. P.S. Be sure to have cash left over when you visit this place, they do not take credit cards or you can pay an extra $2.00 and use their in-house ATM.
(3)
Ron C.
I had a friend bring me breakfast cause I had to finish some work. I just wanted something light cause we had a heave dinner the night before. The assorted fruits and cottage cheese sounded good. I like fruit and I like cottage cheese. Win Win!. When I saw the food I was surprised to see that it was only sliced strawberries, a slice of cantaloupe and melon. The strawberries were sweet, but the melons weren't. At least the cottage cheese was good. I need to try an omelette next time!
(3)
Kerry M.
Tempo is your typical diner. The servers are friendly, the food is decent, and it's one of those random menu's with everything from meatloaf to turkey sandwiches to pancakes. Everything I've had has been pretty good. I probably wouldn't seek it out for a meal, it's average in quality, but above average in quantity. It's always packed in the mornings, but afternoons and evenings seem to be pretty tame. They have a nice outdoor area as well. Oh, and it's a cash only establishment. They have an ATM inside the door, but, it's nice to know ahead of time so as not to incur the ridic atm fees.
(3)
Mansoor K.
very very medicore at best. Very Basic, I perfer Yolk, west egg, bongo room to this place. They have no refills on soda for being a run of the mill place. Go somewhere else Dennys is much better.
(1)
Carol S.
Stopped while shopping--big mistake. The worst blt I have ever had. All lettuce one slice of bacon. Will never go back.
(1)
Diana C.
A little past midnight, I came here with two friends and proceeded to pig out. I wanted fries, but then saw they had BLTs on the menu... The waitress told me I should order the BLT Club because it comes with fries and soup. I really didn't need that much food, but it would have cost the same as ordering a regular BLT and fries. The sandwich was stuffed full of crisp, cool iceberg lettuce, a little bit of salty bacon, and barely any tomato, but it was the most refreshing BLT I've had in a while. The fries were fat, crispy steak fries. The vegetable barley soup was pretty bad--dense and salty. My friends enjoyed their huge, fluffy omelets served on top of skillet potatoes. Although I won't be seeking out Tempo for a late night meal anytime soon, I think it's worth stopping by when you're starving and craving salt and grease, and a comfortable late-night setting.
(3)
Sam K.
Food was decent, though the service needs improvement. They were friendly, but very spacey. When our server sat us down there was money on the table - a tip from the last diners. I pointed it out to her, and she responded "oh, that belongs to the other waitress. I'll just leave it there, if you don't mind." That cash remained at our table the entire time we were there. It's sort of uncomfortable to have someone else's cash lying there while you're eating. My friend and I each got coffee - she had an omelette, and I had the morning special, which was simply French toast with fruit on top. A plus for not giving me preserves - fresh BLUEBERRIES (score), fresh ripe strawberries, and fresh banana. And no, they didn't put more banana than anything else just because it's cheaper. The french toast was perfect. My friend got this huge cheesy omelette that she thought was great. We definitely wanted more food - I was still hungry (my dish had only four half slices of bread) and my friend wanted something fresh after all that protein and cheese but the server seemed pretty anxious to get us out of there, even though it wasn't crowded. She left our check on the table five minutes after we got our food. I told her "Actually, we'd like to order more food." She responded "Really?" and smiled. We nodded, but she left without taking the check back. We figured she was off getting our menus. After ten minutes, she came back and asked us if were were ready to pay. Um, all righty then. The bill came to almost $30, and we paid with a $50 bill. She came back with our change: a $20 bill and a $1 bill. Since we didn't really want to tip her $20, we had to ask her again for change, and she seemed slightly annoyed (!?). She came back with two $10 bills. Um. Well, thirty three percent it is, then. We didn't really feel like pushing it further, since we were in a hurry at this point (since we were planning to stop somewher else for food after leaving Tempo) and the server looked confused, not bitchy. Good food though.
(3)
Zach R.
Large quantities of food at competitive prices. Omelettes (served in a skillet over potatoes) are outstanding. Waffles are delicious. It can get crowded in a hurry, so plan accordingly. They accept cash and only cash, but there is an ATM in the entryway. Not much elbow room with the tables packed so close together. Hotel concierges in the area seem to refer most of their guests to Tempo if they're looking for a diner.
(5)
Dean K.
I've eaten here many times at all different times of day and night and I've only ever had breakfast - can't get away from it. I usually get the skillet breakfast and it never disappoints. But they charge for refills of Coke. I'm not sure I've ever even heard of that.
(4)
Sara F.
I started coming to Tempo for brunch waaaay back in 2005...back when I was new to the city, and would go with a group of 8 who'd all get varying forms of the same egg white omelette. As I grew up, I began to recognize that (gasp!) there were other places in the city that served eggs for a reasonable price, and even some who didn't serve food that came in a puddle at the bottom of the dish. That said... Tempo makes a mean, fluffy, made to order omelette. That's about the only reason to come here...and for the life of me, I can't understand why oh why people line up on the street for 45 minutes on the weekends for it. But, the diner atmosphere is casual, the food is served in HUGE portions, and it's pretty solid overall. Well, minus the inevitable stomach ache you're going to have about 2 hours later...
(3)
Dan G.
The omletts were awesome. My wife got the blueberry French toast and loved it as well. It was like stepping back 20 years to cash-only restaurants. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Gen J.
Nice food, nice service ! I want to back in ny next trip to chicago!!!
(5)
Ashique M.
The only thing I ever get here is the waffle...at 9 am 9 pm or 4 am...it always tastes great!!!
(5)
Mona R.
We were in Chicago for a wedding recently and were recommended to Tempo by a local foodie friend of mine. It did not disappoint! Our group of 8 got in the back of a long line waiting to eat here on a Sunday morning. We gave our name to the hostess and were seated within about 15 minutes. We ate outside on the patio so I didn't see the interior, but the patio has seating for about 40 people. Once we ordered, our food came quickly and coffee was refilled frequently. Portions are HUGE! I had the Poor Mans Veggie Skillet which was cooked/served in an 8" skillet! I couldn't even finish half of it. The toast served was a nice home baked bread with sesame seeds on the crust and nice, thick slices. The waffles with bananas and pecans was awesome, as was the corned beef hash with eggs. Juices are fresh-squeezed. Overall a great breakfast spot....would definitely recommend!
(4)
Rachel W.
Oh wow. One could easily be overwhelmed with the deliciousness going on with the breakfest items on this menu. I knew the portions were going to be large enough to share, but we still wanted to try multiple things, so everyone got their own meail. Artichoke omelet = awesome. I love artichokes so it couldn't really have gone wrong. We also split one of the waffles covered in fruit as a "desert." It was the perfect finish to brunch. We ate at 11, and I was barely hungry for dinner at 6:30. And yes, they have great iced tea. But no unlimited refills? really? They've clearly never seen me and my iced tea. Knocked down to 4 stars.
(4)
Y C.
What's up with "cash only"? I was not impressed with their sandwiches or Greek salad. We went for lunch once and dinner once while we were in Chicago. But they did have good breakfast food and their yogurt was excellent. So, mixed on this one.
(3)
Len W.
Totally didn't expect this place in this neighborhood. Great outdoor space, but the menu of a neighborhood 24-hour diner (patty melts, spaghetti, fried fish, etc.). Food wasn't bad, coffee pretty good, service was nice. I had the beef barley soup, but it seemed to be more of a tomato soup base. Had a chicken sandwich with bacon and avocado, which was pretty mediocre. I think they're open 24 hours. They don't take credit cards or checks.
(3)
Gabriel L.
Great 24 hour option. Quality of breakfast food exceeds lunch/dinner. The breakfast skillets are great, albeit heavy. The omelets are good, but the emphasis is on quantity versus quality of ingredients (probably could spit one between two people and still walk away full). If you are looking for a late night option or a decent, traditional breakfast place look no further.
(3)
John I.
It was fun eating breakfast here with the bustling atmosphere and all. Loved the skillet omelette. I've noticed other reviews griping about this or that. Word to the wise: Just come here for breakfast. At least that is what I heard they do best before visiting. Too bad some of the other people didn't have that intel. Oh well, better luck next time.
(4)
Nico M.
Since I work third shift I rarely eat breakfast in the morning. I usually just come home, shower and crash. My cousin invited me to breakfast today before we went shopping. So Though I was tired I figured why not go and get some breakfast for a change. My cousin suggested Tempo Cafe. I thought for a second? Oh yea Tempo, I didn't even know it was a cafe. I would just see the sign whenever I would ride by but never paid any attention. I met him at 10am and he had made it there before me. I walked in and the woman, ok I may get dissed on for this, but the woman at the counter, honestly looked like Charo. I was looking for my cousin and then she popped in my face. and ..my first thought was..Charo? ...Ok, progressing. We ordered, He got Pancakes with a peeled large phallic banana...ook yes bananas are phallic, but we both just thought it was random.lol a peeled banana just sitting atop the pancakes..plus a side of sausage. I got an eggwhite "Gold COast Omelette which is onions,mushrooms tomatos & spinach I added mozzerella, wheat toast & cranberry juice. Everything, was great! I loved that they had the eggwhite option. The Omelette was huge! and it had potatoes under it. I loved it. Very huge portion and very filling. ...Came to 35 bucks with tip. I enjoyed it, though we sat at a booth and i felt that the seat was too far away from the table i waz like sittin on the edge of the seat. But i dont care i really liked the friendly service, the speed of service, and the delicious food. I definately recommend!
(4)
laela l.
We came here initially because they still had power the morning of Snowpocalypse (when the city shut down basically). Our car got stuck on the street that morning in West Town, so we walked 10 minutes so our friend (who is lucky enough to have covered parking) get us. Basically the whole street between the Gold Coast and West Town was dead....no power, no people, something out of a 1984-Brave New World ordeal. Most businesses were closed and we were dying of hunger since we had no power. This place was open and completely jam-packed. We were in civilization! Despite the long wait, the food was excellent and worth it. The eggs in the skillet were super-fluffy and the french toast wasn't terribly sweet (I hate sugary things for breakfast). Completely stuffed. Thank goodness the power came back on.
(4)
Dain H.
Service is decent. I eat here on occasion when I happen to be visiting particular friends in the area that like this place so I've been here multiple times and will likely return multiple times. To me its just a run-of-the-mill greasy spoon that used to be a bit better a few years ago. They stopped making real fruit smoothies and went with some pre-mix crap. There omelettes were great but how many omelettes do you want to eat in life when there is so much more out there? I'm over the omelettes. A variety of their menu items are decent. There servers are also just okay. Not enthused or particularly helpful but not overtly rude. All in all a pretty blah place but good enough to return to.
(3)
Gwynne R.
The two times I have been here, I have been highly intoxicated. And, as most things are when I'm in that condition, it was great! After clubbing downtown at Funk and/or Level all night, this is a good establishment to obtain greasy food in order to soak up the liquor in your stomach. Two of my friends and I came here in the wee hours of the morning, probably 5 or 6AM, in an incomprehensible state. Fortunately, the staff seems to be experienced in dealing with drunken debauchery, so were were seated quickly and without incident. The food was good as hell! I had some eggs, hash browns and sausage--yummy. I also had a bite of my friend's eggs benedict and it was THE BOMB!!!!!! I wanted to max her meal and mine. Sadly, she wouldn't let me. I was too drunk to notice how fast or slow the service was. However, considering how packed it was in there, we seemed to get our food pretty fast. Good drunk eatery. Maybe sometime I'll try it during the day!
(4)
Scott L.
Great omelets. The potatoes are also a hit. We loved the service, atmosphere and the prices. It's open 24 hours. One note: CASH ONLY.
(4)
Shannon B.
Tempo, home of the worlds best chocolate chip pancakes. Every once in a while I get a real jones for stuff and it rocks. Not too much chocolate, not too little. PMS Heaven. I have always had pretty good experiences with the food, never a bad meal. The place is usually packed for breakfast, so late morning is a good time to go. Of course, they are 24 hours- which is great. You have the drunk party kids some nights, but since there aren't many alternatives...you deal with it. Here is the breakdown: * Wait staff: Busy and informal, but never rude * Drink Menu: I don't think they have booze, good coffee * Menu: American and Breakfast 24/7 * Parking: Good luck. I'm sure it is do-able, but not worth it. The 36 runs past it and its not far from the Red Line (Chicago).
(3)
Crystal L.
I use to frequent Tempo Cafe for my breakfast needs. There are quite a few selections for light breakfast choices. I usually came here when I felt the need to start watching my weight because many of the items on their breakfast menu come with cottage cheese, tuna, and/or fresh fruits. I once ordered the French Dip. Not such a good idea at a cafe. This is a good place for healthy choices. Also, just a tip Tempo Cafe does not accept credit cards so bring cash.
(3)
Double L.
We actually came here a few years ago while visiting Chicago and were looking for something to eat late night close to our hotel on Michigan Ave., this review is based on that experience. To me this spot is the perfect late night dinning experience. No frills quick eats to stave off the hang over. Probably could serve as a convenient breakfast spot too if you are in the area but I don't think I would go out of my way to check it out. I forget what we ordered but it was decent late night food. It was pretty crowded but the line for a table moved quickly. The service was adequate for a turn and burn establishment and pretty good for a late night spot. It is a bit of scene at 3.30 am but what place isn't. Tempo if you have the tiempo. RrL
(3)
Dave H.
When I first starting working in the Gold Coast area, one of the first places my co-workers took me to was Tempo. I thought of being able to get breakfast food any time of the day sounded like a good idea so I was in. This place is a stubborn diner that works perfectly against the potentially pretentious people of the gold coast. It's cash only and there may be a wait during lunchtime, but some nights the line is out the door for people looking to close out there evening with a breakfast skillet. The food can be greasy so don't expect anything healthy, but if you are looking to get some tasty diner or breakfast food give them a try.
(4)
Regan A.
There once was a girl who was wasted Vodka and cran was all she tasted She stumbled upon Tempo Cafe And had nothing to say except, "glaaaah huh wurr am bleeegggh" Weekend nights usually consist of inebriated, halter-topped, eyeliner heavy, and dance-floor sweaty globs of drunken messes slumped over in the booths. I know because I've been one of them. Thus continues my love-hate relationship with this cafe. When I'm sober, I want to knock those obnoxious drunks sitting beside me up the head. When I'm drunk, Tempo Cafe is a haven to my post-midnight munchies. Their waffle fries and deluxe burgers have saved my trembling tummy more than once. So here is 1 star for being open 24 hours. 1 star for the servers who deal with hammered hoodlums like me. And another star for having somewhat decent diner food.
(3)
Ashley M.
Yum-mazing breakfast!! I ate here for an early dinner after getting out of work. I was starving and wasn't sure what I was hungry for. So a family type restaurant seemed like a good idea since they usually have a good variety. They had a huge selection of breakfast foods. Probably more breakfast items than anything else. I love greek omelets and can't think about anything else when I see one on a menu. So naturally, that's what I ordered. It came with hash browns and this amazing greek toast. I couldn't believe how big the omelet was when it came to the table, served in a skillet. After the waitress walked away I noticed she didn't bring my hash browns. I dug into the omelet and noticed that a mountain of hash browns were buried under the eggs. Probably a common confusion. Everything was delicious, all the ingredients in my omelet were disbursed perfectly and there were tons of big chunks of feta. I can't wait to go back again at actual breakfast/brunch time.
(4)
Jenny z.
Bless this oddly located Gold Coast diner -having gone to grad school in this neighborhood, this place was a godsend. Just try getting a decent meal when you're living on student loans in this hood that isn't McDonald's, go on, I dare you. It seems like most places that don't require reservations in this neighborhood have been closed down, most likely, due to my detested alma mater owning every square inch of real estate in this neighborhood - thanks a bunch, Loyola. Nicer than most diners, but a diner nonetheless. Cheap and yummy breakfast with well prepared eggs and great hash browns, really friendly servers, good sandwiches and salads, generous (huge) specials, tasty soups. When I was feeling really rich, I'd get the open faced turkey sandwich, they make it right at this joint. An extra point for letting me sit, chain smoke, and study for hours without giving me the bum rush. Thanks, Tempo, I needed that.
(4)
Jeff P.
Can't ever say anything bad about breakfast. Any late breakfast/brunch at Tempo is very good. Service was reasonable and food tasty. My only gripe is getting charged for refills on a coke.When I asked why this policy, the waitress said the owner said it was 'Coke's' policy. Dammit! Burn my toast! Send out the eggs scrambled instead of over easy! But don't blow smoke up my.....nose. If the owner needs to charge for refills to keep profits up, tell me. Don't blame it on some guy in Atlanta who has never heard of Tempo Cafe. I will go back... just not anytime soon.
(3)
Jojo F.
Yay, Tempo. I started replicating the famed Jamaican omelet at home(egg whites, walnuts, honey and 'nanners). This place rocks. Be sure to request the homemade orange marmalade...it's blissful. Good for after long races.
(4)
Tina S.
On my most recent visit to Chitown, this awesome brunch spot was recommended to us. I am not a breakfast person, but damn I enjoyed every calorie. I ordered the banana pancakes - 3 huge discs of yummy banana pancakes topped with walnuts and cinnamon a la grecque. YUMMMMMMMM. I also ordered a side of bacon which was disappointingly burnt to a crisp and a little overpriced. Freshly squeezed oj:)) My friend's homefries were DELICIOUS. She loved her Greek omelette ( I did not try it since I hate eggs). The place was spacious and full of locals - cops, EMTs, postmen, tourists, you name it. It was packed and consistently had a wait. Our waitress was awesome as well. Pay at the register - cash only. Can't wait to visit again.
(5)
Vivian L.
I hear this place is a 24 hour joint but we went in the morning for breakfast. I loved it! It had that mom and pop feel to it, the prices weren't that bad, and I had a really good crispy waffle topped with fresh fruit here. That was yummy! The coffee was also good. We also got a skillet with eggs, hash browns, and bacon. The skillet was ok. But it was worth coming here for the waffle and all that fresh fruit. They only take cash though so bring some. It's Zagat rated, too!
(4)
Janette L.
One star for food that did not make me sick the next day and another for being a place where I seem to run into old friends (unfortunately I am always looking a mess). For cheaper better diner food I recommend Hollywood Grill in WP. I really don't go out in the Gold Coast too much and really don't think I would venture out here for a sober post 5 am breakfast. Nothing I have had here draws me back.
(2)
Aimee C.
Tempo, not the quickest of service, not the best of it.. but what I love is the fact that's it's just around the corner, and as everyone waits for tables, I typically grab the paper, squeeze past them and sit alone at the little bar by the kitchen.. It's just a wonderful place to grab a quick bite when you're a rush and want to get on the move to shop... The skillets are just so cool... their homemade marmalade... the bread.. all of it.. coffee could be better, but what can y ou expect from a diner/cafe... Enjoy with friends and family on a quick day.. i would love to know what the scene looked like on a mid day, as I'm typically at work.. but breakfast all day is always down in my book.
(3)
Andrea C.
4.5 stars only because they have the very best waffles ever!!!! Just moved here from CA, and when we visited Chicago in May we ate here twice only because it was pratically across the street from our hotel. The first time was in the middle of the night at like 1am when it was dead. They serve typical dinner food nothing special. We decided to go there again a couple mornings later for breakfast. The wait is a little ridiculous I must say, but after trying their beautiful waffles it is damn worth it. I hate breakfast, it is my least favorite meal and I don't even like waffles. But TEMPO's is the best. The batter is lightly sweetened, fluffy, and gently dusted with powder sugar. You can eat it without syrup. You will definately find me here again and I am taking all my guests here for breakfast despite the wait.
(4)
Sara P.
I went to Tempo today for brunch with a friend post- workout. Luckily, we got there late enough (around 130p) that our wait was only 10 minutes, if even that. The food here is okay. I did love that I could get an egg white omelet with Pam spray instead of butter. The potatoes on the bottom of the skillet were quite a bit burned though :( Wait staff was pretty lousy- I asked for a straw 3 seperate times, and the waitress kept forgetting- she even put a bunch in her apron and still forgot to give it to me. I live around the corner, but for the money, would rather go to 3rd Coast on a weekend morning.
(2)
Lauren D.
I would only recommend going to Tempo Cafe if all the other brunch places nearby (including Einsteins) are out of food. I find their breakfast food to be average even though their omelets are quite large and they also have smoothies on the menu that aren't so much smoothies.
(2)
Pamela B.
Tempo is the best place to go after a night out at the bars. Its also a great place to take a laptop and hang out, study, or in one example for me, stay up ALL night writing a script with a group for a 48 Hour Film Festival competition last fall. The servers are friendly, and the food and coffee is good. It's cozy, comfortable, inviting, ALWAYS open! Try the skillet omelets...they're amazing! But be warned, they are HUGE. It's perfect for sharing with someone else.
(5)
Alison C.
Amazing, amazing omelets! Tempo has a lovely outdoor cafe allowing for people watching along one of Chicago's busiest shopping areas. The indoor restaurant is large and spacious. The waitresses are all very sweet. The menu is large and essentially a diner menu. They are especially known for their omelets which come in a round skillet over delicious grilled potato slices. The omelets are massive and fluffy. However, you can salvage your heart and waistline by ordering it made with Pam instead of butter...They even point this out on the menu, which is perfect for the jet-setters that plan on hitting the trendy boutiques after brunch. I ordered the Michigan omelet made from egg whites, which contained an unusual combination of apple and cheddar cheese. It was delicious, but could have had more seasoning. The potatoes underneath were especially crispy and good. There was also a side of what they referred to as "Greek toast", which was a thick slice of white bread with sesame seeds. This came with butter and jam. Other menu offerings included sandwiches, salads, etc.
(4)
Regina S.
There is nothing like a patty melt for breakfast. I don't know why in my corner of the world we don't have more places where you can get lunch for breakfast. Sometimes, after a night of festivities you want to start the day with a greasy carb overload that doesn't involve eggs and bacon. This place is good in a pinch. It's open 24/7 so it may be a great choice at 4:00 AM when your palate may not be too demanding. I had one of the breakfast skillets on the first go around and it was just OK. The potential was great - potatoes, cheese, veggies, and scrambled eggs all in a cast iron pan. The potato layer was under seasoned and the proportion was too great as compared to the other ingredients. Cheese was spotty, as were the vegetables. Depending on the line cook, you might score a better preparation. Second time around, I wasn't taking any chances with breakfast. The melt was good - juicy patty, melted, gooey cheese, caramelized onions, and nicely buttered and griddled rye bread. The super hot and crisp steak fries made the perfect partner. It filled the tank and brought a smile of contentment. Fine dining? No. But choose right and you will leave happy.
(3)
Kara P.
For chicago breakfast options avoid this place. Food is poor quality. Butter is a form if processed margarine Pancakes and toast has zero flavor. All food here is cheap and low quality. So bad I now have to get another meal as this one left me still hungry. Service is terrible. Waited 20 minutes for a coffee refill. The staff is clearly illegal aliens . Bad place bad food bad quailty bad service bad bad bad
(2)
Evan S.
Love this place. Super fast, friendly staff, and lots of food!!! Pretty inexpensive. Emma was very lovely.
(5)
Kevin D.
Love it here. Great diner food and atmosphere. Open 24 hours - cash only - breakfast served any time. I've tried a couple sandwiches and salads and they were not amazing but pretty darn good for an inexpensive diner. Great people watching at night... gets busy when the clubs and bars let out.
(4)
Food M.
great food, ok coffee but the bathrooms were horrible...... If its like that with the space you can see, what is it like behind the kitchen?
(2)
Whitney W.
Can't deny that the food is good here! 24 hours, and you may or may not see a celebrity there if you're lucky lol. Good price on the food, hardly ever any waiting time, and I think they take cards now for payment?
(4)
Peter D.
Tempo cafe serves a much needed late night option when the bars close and you need to eat before you crash. its open all night and is similar in menu to Denny's. the food is not great but its ok so no complaints. That it was right next to the hotel was even better. i pretty much stayed with the club sandwich. No complaints and service was ok. Peter
(3)
Mohammed A.
Found a dead fly on the burger
(1)
Dominique M.
I called to order food from Tempo Cafe while on a business trip-just now actually, and was treated to the absolute rudest, most condescending, most abrasive individual I have probably ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I asked a basic question about the menu after explaining that the website was down and that their carryout menu was therefore unavailable to me. I was snapped at and told that it was my responsibility to get ahold of a menu-which I had obviously already attempted to do. I asked what kind of fare they had available (ie American, Chinese, Burgers, Steaks...basic info). I did not ask for a layout of the menu, but only what kind of fare they served. The woman who answered my call could've easily said we serve classic American fare and I could've told her what I wanted to order right then and there. Instead, I was called honey and sweetie and a number of other condescending terms and berated for possibly having had the nerve to call and ask what kind of fare the restaurant served as their website was down. This place could have the best food on the face of the planet and I would avoid it in favor of McDonald's. I expect to be treated with respect if not kindness when I call a business to ask a polite and totally answerable question. I will be calling to speak with the manager tomorrow. Note: The woman who answered my call took probably thirty seconds to speak with me about how horrible it was that I called. She might've been better served to use that time to simply say we have American Fare.
(1)
John G.
The food was good and proper and the scene was a riot at 2am. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars because that's what it deserves.
(3)
S. J.
Our hotel was right next door so our family chose this restaurant for its proximity (our kids were hungry and we needed to get down to museum campus). It was a Monday morning and it was pretty crowded which seemed like a good sign. I wanted to get one of the skillets (others had it and it looked popular). The menu is like your typical American Greek cafe. The food is good but nothing spectacular. They actually have fresh squeezed juice on the menu (basic Apple, carrot, celery) but it's fresh squeezed. Serving sizes are big. My husband got a grilled chicken sand which and it came with a bowl of fresh soup and side of fries. One of my reasons for 3 stars was place was a little dirty and our server miscalculated our check and over charged by almost $4. When I pointed this out I did not like how the issue was handled. Be careful and double check you check and add it up with calculator on your phone so you don't get improperly charged!
(3)
Haley F.
I have eaten brunch here a few times and have never been disappointed with my meal. While this may not be the best place for breakfast in Chicago, it is definitely not a bad one. I enjoy getting the skillets because the portions are large and I'm actually full after eating them, unlike some breakfast places that leave me wanting more. I think eating outside on a nice day makes the experience a lot better because you are right in the heart of the bustling city atmosphere, only steps away from North Michigan Ave. I enjoy stopping here before a long day of shopping to get brunch with friends but I don't think I would make a trip all the way here just for the food.
(3)
Mike G.
A locals only joint that runs a 24 hour service chow hall. The staff is friendly, the food is abundant if not to forget tasty. Give it a shot if you feel like waffles at the 3 in the oh my goodness it's early morning! or the damn we closed the bars down and forgot to eat bar crawl.
(3)
Tita P.
Now if you know me YOU know that I truly love Breakfast. So, I was surprised when my friend who was in town visiting mentioned Tempo and I had not heard of it. Well I made my way down to Tempo and let me tell you if you want to sit on the patio be prepared to W A I T. So, we decided to eat inside. I love any place that serves regular ole breakfast and they serve it all day. So, I have no issues with the food. I do think that our server needed to WRITE down our order. I mean she forgot quite a few things that we said and I know that it is hip, as you young folks say, to memorize an order but if your memory is a little unstable WRITE it down!! With that said I will definitely go back but if I have that same server I will expect their to be some lapses in memory.
(3)
Johanna E.
Best Brunch ive had in a while. Artimes Omelette and Buckwheat Waffle to share for 2! Outstanding! Staff is friendly and efficient.
(5)
Diane C.
My friend and I visited Chicago for the first time (from Ottawa and Toronto, respectively) a couple of weekends ago. And what better way to start off our mini-adventure in the Windy City than with a good hearty breakfast? When we arrived around 10 a.m., the place was already busy and bustling. But we had no problems getting seated, and service was pretty good. We both ordered Scramblers - the sizes of which, I'm not sure either of us were prepared for - and hash browns. But the food was fantastic! Despite being so full that we actually skipped lunch, I have absolutely no complaints. Excellent restaurant.
(4)
Dawn D.
An old school classic. Back in my 20s when I was dipping it low, kicking it at the club--Tempo's was the spot, you know to soak up the alcohol. So, it's only nostalgic when I find myself here again after a 20-something's birthday celebration, it was great. Now, I'm in my dirty-thirties I can't just eat whatever I want. But I will say the chicken noodle soup hit the spot.
(3)
Montez G.
I go here cause the soup is $2.50 for a decent sized take-out bowl with crackers and bread. However, warning, warning, warning....you get what you pay for. The soup: plenty of chicken in the chicken noodle soup; but the broth is tasteless and without seasoning. I want recommend it to anyone else; but I do love bargains so I come with co-workers and we get it and sip on it in the office. Tempo seems to have a good breakfast thingy going on from a lot of the comments I read. Maybe they need to stop selling soup and leave it to the Soup Box. Do Recommend: the Soup Box, I have not Yelped it yet, but stay tuned, my YelpView coming soon. 2*s for now; until I have breakfast there or food on a late night out. Montez G. Yelp! that me.
(2)
Andrew G.
Omelettes served in a DEEP PAN. THROW THE FLAG IN. Tempo is a GREAT breakfast place to stop by in Chicago that will fill even the HUNGRIEST of people in the AM. I consider myself a big breakfast easter, and an omelette-lover. At Tempo, i got my usual omelette (egg whites, cheese, onions, peppers) expecting the usual... WRONG. They bring out an omelette in a DEEP PAN. I couldn't believe my peepers. STILL....I thought this wasn't a problem, and it'd go down the hatch no worries. Worries surfaced. A few bites in, realizing I didn't even SCRATCH the surface of this beast, I KNEW I'd been defeated. It was delicious, it was hearty, it was huge. And all for a pretty damn good price! The OJ was among the best I've ever had -- fresh, pulpy, and seemed like it was just outta the damn fruit pre-coming out to our table. TEMPO'S THE SPOT FOR BREAKING YOUR FAST.
(4)
Drew S.
Best Breakfast in Chicago. Open 24 hours, friendly staff, quick service and delicious food. Order the Poor Man's Skillet for breakfast or the turkey club for lunch. Classic diner feel with great service. No Nonsense.
(4)
Jacob H.
Everyone I know says Tempo sucks unless it's 3am on Saturday and you're drunk. I tend to disagree. It's not assuming, it's not high-end, and it's not fantastic service. Tempo's got above-average food, reasonable prices, and massive portions! Tempo's got character, and the reuben sandwich is amazing. It lasts at least two meals for me. If you happen to stop in late at night/early morning on the weekends, it's packed, so be prepared to wait. Just getting take-out can be faster.
(5)
Kashif A.
They use to be cash only but recently the policy has changed so yay to that :-) This use to be my go to place in my 20s when I was out late with friends. Sometimes you would see someone "semi famous". On a Friday or Saturday night (midnight - 2am) this place is packed and the service is generally poor. They want you in an out but on the bright side the food is consistent and they have a fresh juice bar. I went recently in there after an absence of at least 4-5 years and I must say its hasn't changed much from the tables, chairs decor and even the service.
(3)
Benjamin S.
It was okay. They had a nice seating area outside, but I didn't think anything was particularly special. I ordered the huevos rancheros; they were okay but definitely nothing great, and I wouldn't order them again.
(2)
Meghan B.
This was my go to spot in college, after a long night at the bars (or library)... Price point is right and the service is friendly and quick. Serving sizes are large, quality is MEH... typical cafe food. I'm not sure if I would ever go sober or during the day since I feel like there are much better options out there, but Tempo has always been there for me... So I will continue to be a patron. Even if it's only at night. Oh and they take cash only, if you haven't already gathered that from the other reviews.
(3)
Kate L.
My boyfriend and I come here all the time, and we love Tempo Cafe! This is definitely the best 24 hour place around because the food is always delicious and levels above any other food you can find at 2 am. Based on the yelp reviews, the very first time we visited I got the cheddar cheese omelet that comes in a frying pan with hashbrowns underneath, and I haven't ever dared to branch out because it's sooo good! My boyfriend gets the "La Conga," which is basically a grilled cheese with bacon and tomato, but he gets it without tomato because we've had a couple of incidents where the tomatoes weren't exactly ripe. The la conga comes with fries and while they aren't super flavorful, I always end up eating them all. A couple of times the omelets have been extremely greasy to the point that I felt sick eating it, but that's only been at the late hours of the night on Sundays when they aren't as busy so i assume the chef just isn't as well versed? Just to be safe, we avoid going on Sundays now. We went for the first time during daylight hours just last week, and it's a much different crowd and pace, but the food is just as good! I appreciate consistency. During the day the sandwiches were served with soup, and my omelet came with a choice of bread or english muffin, which we found a little weird since we don't get that at night yet we're paying the same money. But either way, when it comes down to it, I absolutely love the skillet omelets at this place, and there is no where else i'd rather go when i'm hungry at 2 am. It's around $18 for the two of us, which isn't so bad for all the good food that you get, and as they are cash only, make sure you bring cash.
(4)
Carol K.
Dinner? At Tempo? It never really occurred to me since this is one of my breakfast "go to" places when I am in the neighborhood. But on a recent Summer's night- I stopped in to grab a quick dinner with a friend. This place was packed even early on a Friday night (it always is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings and late night) But there was room outside and since it had begun to cool down- we decided that it was the better than waiting. The menu has a range of breakfast favorites, sandwiches and some Greek favorites like shish kabob. I decided that breakfast was just what I wanted so I ordered an omelet and my friend went with a burger. Loved that my omelet came in a skillet atop crusty potatoes. And if that is not enough starch- you also get two big pieces of Greek toast with jam and butter to spread. The food came up quickly and was eaten just as quickly. Our server was split between inside and out so there were longish gaps in service but that is to be expected given her table assignments. If you drive- there is a parking garage just east of the location on Chestnut - although it is a bit pricey (About $23 for a couple of hours). Better to find street parking as hard as that is sometimes. Tempo Cafe. A little bit of "go to" simplicity in a neighborhood known for anything but.
(4)
Sandy G.
Came here 8/3/13. Had the Skillet with Bacon, turkey sausage and mushrooms. Asked for it to be cooked in Pam- it wasn't greasy at all! Came with hashbrowns which are large sliced pieces of potatoes that were cooked to perfection! Just like I like them. Not overly done at all. They were very accommodating and changed the tv channel to the cubs/dodgers game after we asked. Skillet was big but I was able to finish it all with my 5'4" 120 pound self! The Greek bread it came with was two thick slices of toast and the crust was coated with sesame seeds. It came with homemade orange marmalade. I would definitely return when I visit Chicago again! Oh, they also played good music!
(5)
Yanyao N.
Sometimes I have to force myself to write unfavorable reviews. Typing out glowing 5-star ones are so easy, but 2-star ones are a little painful. Still, a meal at Tempo Cafe resulted in me being nauseous for an entire day. Hm... not so good. I had skimmed some reviews, suggested lunch there after a mad 3-hour morning study session, even bringing along cash. I was excited! An P. liked it and I generally trust his food choices. So when I order a hot roast beef sandwich with soup, I am hopeful! Even looking forward to my meal... What came out was not so good. The chicken rice soup tasted fine, but was this gloppy white thick cream stuff that sort of resembled Elmer's glue. I thought chicken rice was supposed to be broth-based? My fault for not asking I suppose, though if they had done this with chicken noodle, people might have thrown a fit. My sandwich was a mound of flavorless roast beef on top of some bread that basically disintegrated. The mashed potatoes were pathetic. Not remotely creamy - did they mix this stuff with water? Can we get some butter and cream in here please? Extra heavy peppering didn't help anything. I think maybe people who don't have their own teeth would like this food. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing and should have gone with breakfast instead. However, if you aren't going to do something well, then don't put it on the menu. Simple. Plus 1-star for friendly service.
(2)
Kathleen O.
This is a great little diner and a fun place for lunch. I had to go with the club sandwich and it was very good and the fries were perfectly crispy! They have a cute outside area for when the weather is nice. The breakfast foods looked amazing and would like to come back for that sometime.
(3)
Debbi N.
This is a special breakfast place and you can figure it out when it's 6 degrees outside and people are waiting to get in for a place that does not even take credit cards. The employees are lovely, friendly and attentive. The specialty is the pancakes, waffles and skillet meals. My son had the eggs benedict and seemed satisfied. I had an egg white omlette which is probably not the best choice, but it was still good. They serve it in a big skillet over potatoes. I really didn't care for the potatoes, and the omlette was just ok. The coffee was very good, and the fresh bread was very good. It's an absolute scene there on a weekend morning and with the people willing to stand in line and wait so long, I figured next time I would order one of the fattening specialties. They looked good. I am going back.
(3)
Vincent C.
Excellent choice for a great breakfast. Service is very good. I really liked the bowl with a prune and orange slice. Plus the greek toast was very good.
(5)
Daniel W.
The only place in Chicago for breakfast. Reminds me of New York style diners that are open 24hrs a day and have a full menu. For those that love omlettes, waffles or pancakes this is the place. No place better to cure your weekend hangover. Bring your cash because no credit cards are accepted. Prepare to wait and see everybody you know as the line just confirms this is the best breakfast place in town.
(5)
Gfiddy F.
Totally there when you need it early in the AM.
(5)
Wilt C.
An insomniacs dream. Stick to the basics (eggs/omelets/club sandwich) and you can't lose. Hit the place at about 4 am to get your day going.
(4)
Matt C.
Don't even bother with this place. It's sub-par diner food at best. The service acts like they don't want you there at all. Also, they don't give you free refills on sodas. What in the crap is THAT about? So stupid.
(2)
Parisa S.
everyone knows the food here sucks. i mean, straight-up rock bottom. however, it is THE gold coast 4am drunk food standby, and therefor, always a scene. and sometimes it can be fun, if with the right group of people after imbibing the right amount of alcohol. 1 star for the poor man's skillet, 1 star because I always cut the line and nobody seems to notice/care.
(2)
Annie G.
I drank a boot of beer at Prost! and then stumbled into Tempo Cafe at 3am. And for that reason it deserves 5 stars. No questions about it.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
The food here ROCKS! There will be a line, but it does go pretty quickly. I would recommend the belgian waffle with strawberries and bananas, YUM. Bonus: It's open 24 hours!
(5)
Happiness L.
The food is really good...I had the yummy buck wheat waffle with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream....coffee is good and strong. I wish I knew the name of my waitress as she was very attentive and would request her table again...she has short brown hair. Minus one star as better busing service is needed to clear dishes more quickly and the bathroom sink does not have hot water and the trash can was over flowing. I did like the decor and the hostess was nice and friendly. Keep in mind this is a cash only place.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
Lived a few blocks from Tempo for 12 years and any true Gold Coaster knows this is where you go...morning, noon or night. They have excellent omelets, french toast, sandwiches, etc... and the host & wait staff are always friendly & accommodating. I would kill to have a Tempo on the southside. To all the haters--stay in the suburbs or whatever state you came from.
(5)
Emily H.
I heard this place had good breakfast, but I went there for lunch and it was terrible. There was a fly in my watery chicken noodle soup, and my reuben was tasteless. I sat outside on the patio, and it was extremely dirty. I live down the street from this place, but I will never go back again.
(1)
lesley s.
I went back to Tempo after a day/night of many beers, and I realized I don't really like this place after all. The service was still fast but even after drinking all day my 1am meal did not hit the spot. I would have been better off at McDonald's down the street.
(2)
Ambrosia C.
I had brunch here and it was very tasty! Pancakes with fruit and lots of coffee. Good times!
(4)
Tiff B.
Tempo is the spot for post club dining. The food is pretty damn good and not too overpriced. Not the best food I've ever had by any stretch, but hell at 4 a.m. who cares? Plus, I always meet interesting equally intoxicated people there.
(4)
David V.
What I like about this place is that you can get an egg white omelet made with PAM instead of butter. I observed many plates passing by me on their way to other customers and, I have to say, each and every dish looked mouth-watering. The meals ARE a bit pricey, but I only go here once a year (to start my St. Patty's Day bar hopping), and the meal provides the necessary base needed for a day of drinking and carousing!
(4)
Jinna H.
The food is decent, but the service isn't. Who the heck doesn't take credit cards? How strange. They were fixing a ceiling tile on one end so everyone had to cram on one side. We (my date and I) sat uncomfortably close to a pair of dudefriends having large omlettes. The pancakes were decent, though the strawberries on top of them were great. But those cut up strawberries shouldn't be considered to make strawberry pancakes at all! It's just a nice garnish. Anyway, I probably would have had more fun at IHOP. Go if you're drunk, because it seemed a perfect place for that.
(2)
Paul C.
This was a place I would wind up at after a night of law school induced drinking. Because of that, I can't even imagine what this place is like during the day, or sober. However, as a late night stop before you pass out, Tempo is pretty darn good. The food is affordable, eggs, french toast--you name it. Stop off at Tempo and you should be able to reduce your hangover woes by 20-36%.
(4)
Garrett D.
Come here quiet a bit for breakfast or lunch. Good food and service always, have good corn beef hash and omlets. Greek toast is also a plus!
(4)
Heidi K.
Best corned beef hash ever! Thick Greek toast, frothy fresh squeezed OJ (you can hear them squeezing it after you order!) and friendly servers. Big portions for the $$ and I always leave happily full (and sad to be done!). Definitely get there early...but the wait is worth it if not!
(5)
Mark B.
I LOVE TEMPO! everything i've tried on tempo's menu is GREAT! understandable higher prices due to them being open 24 hrs and serving their entire menu all day. great food. service is ok but i love the setting in this fabulously located diner. 4 stars only because they don't accept CC's.
(4)
Loan L.
If you plan on coming here for Sunday brunch, be prepared to wait in a very long line. Every time i went there i always got the mushroom and swiss omelet and have never been disappointed. The portions are gargantuan and you never leave hungry. I have yet to find a place like this that serves the fluffiest omelet, the freshest homefries and very large Greek toast. Bring cash because that is the only thing they accept.
(4)
Jelly C.
Cute place but mediocre food. Mommy and me tried this place out before going on our little shopping excursion. It was nicely packed for a Wednesday morning. I ordered a cup of fresh OJ and Mom had a cup of coffee. Since I've seen the chicken liver and eggs dish at a lot of breakfast places, I thought I'd finally give it a try. Mom ordered the Morning glory waffle (fresh strawberries, bananas, and blueberries on a waffle). I was very disappointed with my dish. I was under the impression that the liver was going to be scrambled in with the eggs but it was a pile of liver and a pile of scrambled eggs. The liver was ok, too heavy for a breakfast/brunch dish in my opinion, but the eggs and hashbrowns were yucky. They tasted like they were simmered in butter! Anyways, it was probably my fault that I didn't like the dish. I probably should've asked my waitress more questions, but she did say "We have very good liver here." The waffle was good and the fruit was very fresh but my mom and I both agree that it doesn't compare to the waffles at Original Pancake House in Hyde Park... I think I would come back again and give their omelets a try. My waitress says that they're quite popular there. I think they throw it in the oven to bake a bit (like OPH)....
(3)
Chris S.
If ever there was "see and be seen" breakfast place, I guess this is it. Wait in line for a table with all the other beautiful people and see if you can spot Billy Corgan or a Cusak or 2. Far too long of a wait and prices too high to justify that wait. This is a diner and it is no better than your favorite diner, it's just in a more upscale setting probably. If you're in the area and anticipate being hungry in an hour or so, this might fit the bill. Otherwise, it ain't worth it.
(2)
Helena D.
when you're punch drunk wasted or have been out a long time and are semi-sober but you have the mad alcoholic munchies and are in the Gold Coast, this is where you go. It's also where you go if apparently you are an older man with a girl 3x younger and you want a little 15-minute exercise in the bathroom...which is like the size of 2 handicap bathrooms put together. We witnessed this at 3 am one Saturday morning. Amusing to watch the late night owls, the wasted, and the prom kids while demolishing a mess of eggs and hash browns. Beware of the dirty silverware and food-encrusted bread plates, which might lurk...and the sticky menus. The older broads who serve your table are no-nonsense and are sticklers for cash, so make sure you have mad money pinned to the inside lining of your pants ... else be prepared to pay the ATM ransom fee with their private machine located by the bathroom....it may just be worth it to see how long the old man and chick are hobnobbing in the rest area. Come morning, you may throw up or have an awful stomach ache like my friend who always without fail feels sick after eating at Tempo. Me, I can handle the grease, the salt, and the characters at this joint - it's just another night out in the Viagra Triangle.
(3)
Mark R.
Bleah. Not impressed. The outside looked nice, but as soon as we got inside ... it's just a diner, folks. Server had a strong accent that was difficult to understand. Crowded, but we're not sure why. The food was marginal at best - I have had better food at Denny's. We ordered chicken breast sandwiches (one with avo, bacon and cheese). The fries were overcooked (and looking at other orders of fries going past our table, it seemed this was not a problem with just our order). The chicken breasts were overcooked and dry ... and the sandwiches were served "dry" ... we had to ask for condiments (e.g. mayo). Basically, this was the worst meal we ate in Chicago on our 3 day trip. Can't understand why this place keeps on getting high ratings.
(1)
Sarah F.
Tempo is quite possibly one of the most classic (and tasty!) diners in the city. They have EVERYTHING on the menu, but in my opinion, the breakfasts here top all. I have had several of the omlettes (the greek is awesome) and just the other day tried the pancakes. Those are fan-freaking-tastic! I had the banana-nut buckwheat pancakes and ....wow!!! Delicious and banana-y gooey. The BEST! Whether you are actually there eating breakfast during breakfast hours, or are in from wandering the streets after bar-hours, food never fails to taste good here. Service is friendly and efficient, and it's open 24 hours. Watch out for the lines though on Sat/Sun mornings...killer.
(4)
Rob G.
Great fresh food and friendly staff. Great breakfast spot. I'll be coming back again soon.
(4)
Julie P.
Tempo is my favorite place to go after a long night of drinking...they are open 24 hours!! There is usually a line, but it's worth the wait...I love their Michigan omelet (apples and cheese), on top of crispy hash browns. They also do egg white omelets cooked in Pam instead of butter, so you can justify a late night meal here! The staff and service is so-so, but when I'm drunk and hungry and with a group of people, Tempo is where you'll find me.
(4)
Erin B.
I actually came here after our Yelp Exhale Spa event. I was STARVIN for something to eat. Jeana N. and I came in here for a quick dinner. I had the turkey burger that was quite yummy, and she had the grilled cheese, completed with a slice of tomato on it. YUM! The french fries were pretty good too. Three stars because service was rather slow, and there was no one in there. I heard that breakfast is supposed to be awesome here...
(3)
justin d.
ohhh Tempo Cafe you are overpriced for the quality, but again i eat you at least once a week. Close to home and the only place open 24 hours in the Gold Coast friends and I often venture here for some late night grub. Omelettes are pretty substantial and the orange marmalade is to die for. The waitresses can be snooty at times but hey you can expect that in the Gold Coast i see it as a trend at many of the restaurants. They only take cash ughhh!
(4)
Olivia P.
I have only been here for breakfast twice, and it was decent both times. The omelettes are HUGE and are served in a skillet. I wasn't able to finish my meal both times. I liked their omelette's slightly better than Yolk's. I'd say that it's the type of food you'd expect from the local diner. Our waitress was friendly and I have no complaints about the service. Not a place I'm going to write a rave review about...but it's decent. If I could give a half star, I'd make this a 3 1/2.
(3)
Mel M.
This is one of my favorite places to get cheap fast breakfast. The omelettes are delicious and HUGE.
(4)
a w.
I think this place is at its best during breakfast. They have amazing food and even more amazing fresh juices. But the waits are terrible...last time we waited for 40 minutes (but of course we wanted to sit outside!). But I think the wait is definitely worth the food and the great seating and service!
(4)
Martha Z.
I have not been to tempo in years unfortunately, but that won't stop me from writing this review. I love the fact that this place is open 24 hours a day. It's the perfect alternative to the greasy spoon places that are usually the only option in the middle of the night. I'm always torn between the omelets and Belgian waffles. There is definitely something for everybody here.
(4)
Alexandria G.
Save your self the waste of time and patience. This place has bad service, long lines, and a pricey breakfast tab. My cousin's friend took me here on my Birthday. I swear we could not get a table or a decent waitress. Finally we got a table by the door and people kept staring at us and our food while they waited in line. this place packs the tables on the floor. It is impossible to have a conversation it is so noisy. Please do not waste your $$$ here.
(1)
Meredith F.
Went here for a meeting with my bosses, Andrea and Elizabeth :), and had a great brunch. I've decided I could pretty much live on breakfast food, and I wouldn't mind if Tempo made it all. I had pancakes with fruit, caught glances of omelettes in frying pans and the french toast, and all looked good. My coffee was tasty enough, and the waitress was personable and helpful. We went during the day on a weekday, so the wait was no problem.
(4)
Jared L.
Great place to get some breakfast, great omelets. For it's location, reasonably priced. However, you may have to wait if you go there for Sunday brunch. In the winter, that's not cool.
(5)
Eddie O.
Hands down the best place for breakfast in this city. I'd suggest going on off times because of the wait, but if you do have to wait it's probably worth it. I've also found that the food comes out pretty quickly once you are sitting down. The waffles are my favorite- and they taste especially good at 4 am.
(4)
Edward H.
What a nice place to grab some late night/early morning grub! Parking usually isn't a problem late and the client turnover is good. Seating availability around 2 or 3AM didn't seem to be too bad and there was minimal wait for food as well. The potatoes in my skillet was a bit on the bland side but the cheese and the 3 eggs over easy done just right helped keep it on the up and up. I heard good things about their omelettes and will probably come back for a re-evaluation.
(3)
Kristen D.
This place is open 24 hours and has a very nice seating area outside. It however, can become very crowded, and the food isn't worth the wait (unless that is, that nothing else is open at that time of day). It's relatively reasonably priced, but on the high end of that. All that being said, I have some friends that are obsessed with coming here. It makes a nice place to study when it's not too busy and you need your continuous coffee drip.
(3)
Robyn W.
I love breakfast food. For any meal. And who doesn't love it at 5 AM after a night of drinking, where it becomes that gray area between dinner and breakfast (I don't normally eat breakfast before I go to sleep, although I will sometimes eat cereal for dinner). So, I reluctantly go to this place at 5 am on a Sunday, really wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. But I am SO glad I went. It was, hands down, THE best omelette I've ever had. Perhaps I'm used to inferior omelettes - Long Island diner food. But this incredibly fluffy and tasty omeletted, served in the pan, served over (joy of all joys) home-fried potatoes (a WONDERFUL surprise), and filled with just the right amount of Swiss cheese (I've learned there IS a thing as too much cheese), large, well-constructed and so delish that I even took half of it home, reheated it when I got up 5 hours later and had it for breakfast-breakfast. And it was almost as delicious as the first go-round. The only thing that tainted my visit was the dumbass who was acting as though his 98-lb girlfriend was really "holding him back" from cleaning some guy's clock, pushed her out of his way as he glared all the way as he strutted out the door, and she stepped squarely on the top of my foot right above my second and middle toes with her 5-inch heels. This was two weeks ago and I still have the bruise. How is that Tempo's fault? It's not. But I could not give 5 stars to a place when my dining experience was clearly tainted by the throbbing pain in my head, superseded only by the pain in my foot, and the service may have sucked and I wouldn't have noticed. Or the bill could have been expensive except I didn't pay. Or, they could have moved a little faster so I didn't have to stand in line for so long by the door where said idiot made his grand exit. I just don't know. So, 4 stars it is.
(4)
Andrea L.
I finally had the chance to have brunch at Tempo today, and I was glad I did. Even on a busy Sunday morning at 11:45, we only waited 15 minutes for a table. The service was quick and the food was very good. I enjoyed my banana pancakes-they were huge, fluffy, and full of bananas. My parents both had some sort of skillet dish with eggs, potatoes, veggies, and cheese that they enjoyed. We will definitely go back!
(4)
Jess S.
I was too busy passing out at the table to enjoy my skillet, but I think it was good. Damn those GnT's!
(3)
Abigail D.
overpriced and gross. thats all i gotta say.
(1)
John M.
Here is a hint- Go to Tempo at around 5pm on a weeknight. There is no wait. The crowd is chill and laid-back. I have enjoyed many a succulent evening-time breakfast while reading my fantasy literature at Tempo, and in my opinion this is when the service is best. I always tip the waitress just over 20% because she is always ON it. Highlights for me include the Continental (I love liver) and the Asparagus and Cheddar omelette. I don't think you can go wrong with any omelette or skillet here, and they ALWAYS keep the coffee coming. Overall Excellent.
(4)
S to the izzo F.
What no After hours... I'm hungry, lets get some food.. where? Tempo! The food is OK, but it's open when I need it..... 4am to 6 am. Actually that is the only time I have ever eaten there. It's better than Micky D's breakfast, Plus some times a burger with avocado tastes real good at 5:30 in the morning. I always bump into some friends at this time too. We swap stories from the evening and laugh at the really drunk people. My boys, sometimes, score with the girls who seem to have had a bad night and are happy to see guys in a more casual and lighted location.. The night is never over till you hit that pillow!!! I'd give it 5 stars for being open 24 hours and dealing with that early morning, actually, late late night crowd!
(4)
Julie H.
Such a mob scene, the wait is ridic! But its a killer breakfast, especially when you're hungover.
(4)
Avin B.
I was in Chicago for a bachelor party so we went here late night Fri/Sat night, just because it was open late. Despite a long line, they sat us quickly. The 8 of us who at there each night unanimously agreed: the food sucked. Even late at night. It gets 2 stars just for being open late and feeding us. We tried a wide variety of things from breakfast items (skillet, french toast) to others (sandwiches, etc) and top to bottom, the food was very unsatisfying. However, people must like it as it was packed and we had a Chicago Bulls star sitting next to us.
(2)
Kristen F.
How can you not love Tempo? I've been there many, many times. This past time I had the chocolate chip pancakes which is full of chocolate. Had I not already had a drink, milk would have been good. Expect a wait on the weekends but the hostess has been doing this for years and had perfected her job, trust her, she knows what she's doing, you'll get seated eventually. The turnover is pretty quick so it's not long once you sit down to order, get your food and get out. The inside is pretty packed so it gets fairly crowded. I knocked over and broke a water glass once (oops!) it's that crowded with tables and chairs!
(4)
Kira L.
I really like Tempo but sometimes I just can't deal with the crowds. The food is great though so I usually try to rally up the girls to head there during an off time- like 2:30 or so on the weekends. That has worked well with the wait- you only have to wait about 10 minutes then. Get the omlettes- I love the egg white with mozarrella- yum!
(4)
Sean D.
Great selection of breakfast platters served in skillets, always open, great place to come for a bite to eat after clubbing. Love it, we need one like that in the West Loop. Crowded yes, especially late nights but what do you expect, not many places are open late at night and decently priced.
(4)
Geoff M.
If you've resigned yourself to an interminable wait for brunch on a weekend do yourself a favor and go to a real brunch place. While fairly tasty (especially after a long night out) the food is nothing to write home about and not particularly creative either. Sure, there's something to be said for doing the basics and doing them well, but Lou Mitchell's can claim that with free donut holes to boot. An added deterrent is the price, which is unusually high for a predominantly breakfast place. Their lunch/dinner fare is passable. There are some high points. A late-night eatery is tough to find in the Gold Coast and Tempo fills in admirably. They serve a delicious marmalade with their toast that everyone should try. Lastly, although the after-hours crowds can be as large as the ones on Sunday mornings, at least you have a chance of a B-list celebrity sighting. I'll keep coming when everywhere else is closed but will pass during daylight.
(3)
elizabeth n.
Tempo Cafe is a great place to go for brunch or lunch if you aren't worried about waiting. They do have a long wait at times, but once you are in, they move you along quickly. The food is great though so it makes up for whatever time you have to wait to get in. I usually do breakfast foods and they have the most amazing french toast which is my favorite, and lots of great omlette choices as well. If you go at off times it shouldn't be too bad of a wait but it's worth it!
(4)
H K.
Breakfest: The Best place for BREAKFAST hands down, if your looking for a family style place. Can't beat the Price. Staff is super nice!
(4)
Jake A.
It's good, but I've spent too much of my life in line at Tempo waiting for a decent breakfast. The wait is usually more than an hour, but the service is pretty fast once you are finally seated. I tend to stick with their breakfast items- omelette's, pancakes, and french toast. I've never had anything off their regular lunch menu, but I've been told the salads are good as well. I suggest Tempo expands or opens another location to fit us all in!
(4)
Ali C.
good cafe style food. my chicken sandwich was great! it was filled with tons of avocado and the chicken was grilled to perfection.. the thick cut fries were hot and delicious! i also got a chicken rice soup with my meal and it was actually good. i was tempted to try one of their omelets because they serve them in a frying pan! they only take cash here which is the only bummer especially being a tourist and never carrying any cash on me. i like the fact that they are open 24 hours! a great pit stop for drunken club goers..
(4)
Emily T.
Tempo is amazing. It is our go-to breakfast spot whenever friends are in town. There is a wait, but that always lets you know that you are at a good place. Dont forget to bring cash with you- they do not accept credit cards ect. The best thing on the menu is the poor mans skillet! The waiters are nice and the vibe is good- you have to check out tempo!
(5)
A.S. V.
I waited for about 30 minutes on a busy Saturday, which isn't too bad. What looks like a humble little Greek coffee shop actually offers some of the best breakfasts downtown. It had more than 25 omelets to choose from, and they didn't have that heavy greasy taste associated with old school diners like this. The french toast and pancakes (yes we pig out for brunch) offered less creative options, but were very good.
(4)
Rasmei P.
oh man! i shuffled in here around 2 or 3am on friday and we were seated right away. all i can recall right now is a humungous Belgian waffle in my face, perfectly cooked golden crisp brown topped with strawberries. it was so good! oh, and served with a tasty pan of fluffy scrambled eggs. yum! you bet i was happy!
(4)
L B.
Very disappointing. First, we decided to sit inside since there was construction going on across the street from the outside seating. With about a third of the restaurant empty, the hostess sat us next to a table with very loud, unsupervised children. We asked to go back outside and decided to endure the noise. To make a long story short, my pancakes came out well before the side order of bacon and my husband's skillet was bland but a generous portion. To be fair, the restaurant did offer to have us back to make up for this meal after our hotel called them to discuss our visit. Our trip will be too short to do this but it was a nice offer. Check on the construction if you decide to try it.
(2)
William L.
Pretty solid breakfast place if you're downtown for shopping, shows, or snooty-pooking. We went on a Saturday morning and it was packed by 8:45 but there was only about a 10 minute wait. The service was pretty fast and the portions were hearty. Poor man's skillet was my choice and I'd definitely get it again, although maybe with Greek toast next time. The strawberry waffle looked great too, but how do you screw up a waffle? I agree with Andrew T., try the orange marmalade. Cash only and you can't sit until your entire party is there, so plan accordingly.
(3)
Andrew T.
What more can I say about breakfast? I think this place deserves some consideration for its location and pretty friendly service - coffee while you wait - but when you get right down to it, it's just breakfast. This was the morning stop before half of the AMC Oscars marathon, and it worked just fine. My Poor Man's Skillet was pretty good - lots of ham, lots of good cheese, lots of peppers. About as good as that sort of thing gets. And their orange marmalade, which is apparently made in house, is very subtle and mild. Really good, and I'm not a huge marmalade fan. I'd like to try some lunch stuff - they had some good looking Greek dishes on the specials board. Service was very fast and friendly, as I mentioned. Our check for four seemed to be a little big high, but it is in a pretty popular location, so I can forgive that. I can see this place being mobbed late at night, since it's a 24 hour joint...
(3)
Ben B.
Tempo Cafe isn't really much more than a Denny's. Bright lighting, an around-the-clock breakfast menu and drunk customers. I had the chicken breast sandwich, which was supposed to have been marinated in something. I'm guessing they just marinated the chicken in lukewarm water because it tasted like nothing. Disappointing. And it wouldn't have killed them to have toasted the bun. But my fries were good. Big, thick steak fries. Service was also attentive. And I had an orange cream smoothie that was delightful. This shouldn't be your first resort for food, but as a stop-gap emergency place, it might do the trick. Warning: They only take cash.
(3)
Thomas P.
Whenever I am in Chicago THIS is the place to go for breakfast or any other meal. They are open 24 hours and the food and service is great. I have been a customer for over 15 years and I'll always go back. If you like steak and eggs-try their version it's fantastic.
(5)
Barbara S.
Fabulous omelets. Service was slow but sitting with friends made it tolerable. Must have cash. If going on Sunday morning try 10:00, much later is more difficult.
(4)
Paul F.
Come here hungry
(4)
Denise B.
I hear Tempo Cafe is popular with the locals who live in the area, and after dining here I can understand why! If you want your yummy, classic, tasty homestyle brunch and lunch treats, Tempo is a perfect place to eat! Although the menu does feature a lot of old favorites, they also have a lot of twists on old favorites. Service was quick and done with a smile, and I was VERY happy with my food. it was great! best of all, there was no wait for a table at all! I guess that's the advantage of going over lunch on a weekday. Cash $$$s only, so bring some crisp bills!
(4)
Cory C.
Wonderful place to have brunch. Wait can be a bit long but it moves quickly. It is a pretty loud place. Prices are very reasonable compared to portion size.
(3)
Adrienne K.
YUMMM!! Perfect place for breakfast!! Delicious eggs, bacon, waffles, smoothies, coffee...the works!! Fantastic!! NOTE: CASH ONLY !! ATM inside, but extremely large service charge
(5)
Keith C.
I have never been Tempo sober. If I am still somehow alive on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning after partying until 5, then my friends and I usually hit this place up. Tempo is open 24 hours and is serves one of the best breakfast in the area. Their omelets are enormous and I love their Greek omelet. Whenever I show up there (usually around 5:30 am or 6 am) the place is packed and you will have to wait for a table. I guess all the drunk people go here too. You have to pay with cash and the service can be really slow sometimes but that's because they are completely packed. You'll also see a couple rowdy tables because everyone is usually hammered at this time. My group being one of those rowdy tables so just get used to it because the food here is awesome. Maybe one day I'll try this place sober and update my review.
(4)
Danyelle K.
The waitress recommended the Poor Man's Skillet and it was fantastic. The hash brown potatoes were very crispy and yet not burned. The Greek toast was browned to perfection. And the best part - the coffee! Tempo is an upscale diner that I'll visit again when I'm in town.
(4)
Matthew M.
Very very very good food. Their eggs are great and excellent chocolate chip pancakes. Service could be 10-15 min wait. If your food takes more time than excepted, they might give you a complementary free drink.
(4)
Sam I.
Service is ok, sometimes they can be rude if you go at 4 am. We went that early after a night race, totally sober. However, the waitress was not the nicest and it was hard for her to understand my order of 1 egg over easy,1 piece of wheat toast and potatoes. Everyone was happy with their food though.
(3)
Nick M.
I'm a breakfast for dinner kind of guy. I don't know what kind of guy that makes me. Oh, wait an AWESOME guy (giving you the "Fonzie point"). Pants and I worked up an appetite after watching others leap and jump through the air (Contemp. dance festival). Yep, that's how we roll. Lucky for us it wasn't busy and there was plenty of tables on the patio for a nice sunny day. There really isn't much to say about the place, decor is plain and the service is ok, nothing really special but... the food is solid. It's not fancy and it's more then likely to put some meat on your bones. The servings are HUGE! I didn't have to eat for the rest of the weekend. They have all of your standard breakfast items so it's not hard to find something you like. I went with the Poor Man's Skillet -A skillet full of hash browns, bacon, green pepper, onion, first topped with melted American, Mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs. Good lord I was struggling to finish and didn't. Pants decided to be crazy and go with the Jamaican- 3 Egg Omelettes with banana, walnut, honey. That shit was good, I almost stole it and yes we both said that it was so good it was "Jamaican me crazy". Like I said solid and a big meal. Also, bring cash, no credit allowed.
(4)
Mike P.
Had a meeting downtown that lasted a little longer than I had anticipated and wanted brunch (versus lunch) somewhere close to where I was (Rush and Peterson area) that wasn't too pricey. Came upon this place thanks to Foursquare and decided to check it out. I saw the place and wanted to see if they had a menu outside...woman comes up and asked if she could help me. Said I was looking for a table for one. Even though the place was crowded there were still a few tables here and there so got seated right away. Ordered what they call a scrambler which in actuality was a skillet with scrambled eggs....was tasty and not too many potatoes. Also got my choice of ingredients in the scrambler so I opted for Canadian Bacon, mushrooms, and American Cheese. Oh yea got an English Muffin with it (no extra charge...yay!) All in all a good place....will definitely go here again as the food is good and plentiful.
(5)
Fred C.
Would I be bale to go two and a half stars I would. Tempo's big value for me is that it is open 24x7 and I live two blocks away. It is ubiquitous - when Kate and I want some place to go, grab a late-night breakfast, and get some work done it fits the bill. The food is average and overpriced compared to my other River North breakfast spots (Eggsperence, Orange, Yolk) - every item is $10 and worth maybe $6. Also, unless you are drinking water or coffee be prepared to pay for refills. The coffee is not great, in many ways this is the first sin of breakfast spots. The staff is generally friendly and moderately attentive. And the service is nearly always quick. The only other annoyance is they take only cash. INCONVENIENT. All in all if it is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and you are in the Gold Coast in want of breakfast after 10 pm this is the spot for you. If you are looking for a go-to spot for a fab breakfast/brunch... keep looking you will find better.
(2)
Sally R.
I've eaten here a couple of times. I'd say the food is ok, but nothing to write home about. The service is just ok.
(2)
Terra V.
Wowza, this place doesn't mess around with their skillets. My husband looked Tempo Cafe up on Yelp while we were visiting Chicago. I can't remember what skillet I got, all I know is that I couldn't eat it all, and they gave me the option to have it cooked with Pam to save a little bit of calories (seriously, I'm ordering a giant skillet of eggs and has browns, why did I think this would help me?) Anyway, my skillet was delicious and my husband was a big fan of his as well. He also got some orange juice that I wish I would have ordered because it was fresh squeezed. Great place.
(4)
Mahsa T.
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to stop in at Tempo for breakfast. Not only are they affordable, but they have fabulous food and great service. The restaurant itself is small and they do get busy so expect a wait, but tables turn over pretty quickly. We arrived around 11 am, were greeted warmly by the hostess, quoted 15 minutes for a table and seated within that time frame if not quicker. Our waitress was friendly, thoughtful, and on top of things, I wish I remembered her name. She checked in on us often and got every little thing we asked for and even offered to get us things we didn't ask for. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet with ham, green peppers, hash browns, layers of cheese, and 3 eggs any style--it was fantastic! Portions are huge too so you can easily order one skillet and share. We also shared a short stack of pancakes (3 very large pancakes) that were mouth-wateringly delicious. I highly recommend the fresh-squeezed orange juice and I would get the large size because the small size is too small (looks like a shot glass). I love that they top off your coffee even though it says no refills on the menu. Our food came out literally a few minutes after we ordered. I'm extremely impressed and surprised by how efficiently this restaurant is run. They're open 24 hours, 7 days a week. I haven't had a breakfast this satisfying in a long time, I came out absolutely stuffed and very happy to have found my new breakfast spot!
(4)
Stacy F.
Tempo Cafe had a really nice patio area for those nice spring/summer/fall days. Service was alright, not very attentive. Food was tasty. One thing to remember: CASH ONLY.
(3)
Tania G.
Ok, i have been here before couple of times and went on one night after a black tight event .We sat done the table in a busy night ,just to realize my whole dress was covered in oil and whatever else was around the table .The table looked clean on the top except not around the edges .(half ass job done ). So i was upset and try to tell them and they called on the GM,.So when she came in she try to blame it all an me ,she called me i was annoying customer ,she took my food away from my table and told me she will call the police on me . No need for that, i couldn't believe,i was treated like this . This is a big red flag for place like this .Now ,not that i was upset over my expensive dress i was upset over how bad they treated me .I try to talk to the owner but he kept ignoring my calls ,,i have nothing else to do but to call the business bureau on them . This is not how you treat a customer ! Lack of professionalism can ruin fool reputation .Zero stars and only good place for drunk people that they can not see they surroundings .
(1)
Arly J.
Great diner for breakfast. We had delicious skillet omellettes and eggs benedict. All meals came with an orange and prunes for the table. we were a group of six and the waitress was very accomadating when one of us was on a diet and exchange the omelette that had potatoes. Food was all fresh and plentiful. Quick , fast service.
(4)
M G.
This place is great for a quick bite if there isn't a long wait. (usually occurs around breakfast on the weekends). Good service and You get a lot of food for a good price. I recommend sharing breakfast plates because its a lot for one person. They are also great with kids. Provide balloons for them. Only downside is that they take CASH only. Food is still good tho.
(5)
DJ C.
Wow! This place has a great vibe and the ambiance is amazing. The location is great. I must reccomend the morning glory waffles which were fantastic! The smoothie was tremendous. However, my associate had the wuevos rancheros and was far from satisfied. Despite that minor setback, we also enjoyed the huge omlets which were finger lickin good. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
Rits M.
Tempo is great. They have delish food, and I got the scrambled egg and illy coffee for my cousin, which she deemed good. I personally really liked my eggs, the portions were generous. The only problem was they dont accept credit cards, which I think is a bummer
(3)
Lindsey D.
This is a breakfast for a man about to go work a ten hour shift on the farm. It comes in a skillet for Pete's sake! And not a small skillet either. This spot is classic diner food but with tasty options. I've been here now a couple times over the years and Tempe never seems to let me down. On my most recent visit, we got lucky with cold and rainy weather in the middle of the week which meant that Tempe wasn't very crowded and we actually got a seat without waiting. We first tried the banana pancakes as our appetizer followed by a skillet omelet. Yes, I said a skillet. I got the egg white omelet with ham, cheese, spinach and mushrooms. It was large and definitely in charge. The omelet rests on a bed of hash browns within the skillet. I ate and I ate and I ate and I ate...and guess what this skillet looked like when I was too stuffed to think? It looked like a little bird had poked a hole in it with its beak and took some little bites. It didn't even look like I had eaten anything! PS - every bite was delicious. The only downfall is that more often than not, there is a line out the door to eat at Tempo. But hey, that's the price you pay for a delicious breakfast to start your day!
(4)
Ana Cristina P.
Every time I visit Chicago, I visit Tempo. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and at Tempo it's even more so! Everything on their menu is HUGE. Really. Bring a friend and share. The omelets fill up an entire skillet... I think they're made with a dozen eggs. At least it feels that way. They're always made with the crispest, freshest ingredients... And I had no idea I'd enjoy fruit in my omelet until I came here. They make it work. Their banana waffles are amazing. But maybe that's just because I'm a huge fan of bananas- I eat one everyday of my life... It's nice to have it sprinkled in belgian waffle mix at least one day a year! Their pancakes are pretty great too. There really isn't anything on their menu that isn't good, as far as I'm concerned. If you love breakfast food and you're in the Windy City, make time for a meal here. You won't regret it.
(4)
Blair R.
Met a friend at Tempo for brunch this Sunday. Even though it is nearby, I don't go often. However, it is a good option if you are in the mood for a diner-style brunch. Chicago is majorly lacking in good diners, if you ask me. I am not a big omelette girl (I'm weird and don't like veggies in my eggs in the A.M.) but that seems to be the "go to" option. I went with the three eggs any style/scrambled and was a bit disappointed that they were more omelette-like than scrambled but I'd probably go back nonetheless. Important to note that this is cash only. Also the small orange juice is basically the size of a shot glass so make sure to go with the large.
(4)
William S.
Rosa is the best waitress hands down
(5)
Michael G.
Good food! Big Portions too. Ordered the veggie poor man skillet and you could definitely split it. Coming back for a late night meal-open 24 hours
(4)
Bill J.
Best breakfast in the city if you like skillets. I can't say enough good things about the service either.
(5)
Arian M.
I usually enjoy breakfast at Tempo...they are fast and food is tasty. Unfortunately, today was not a good day. Not sure if it was because we had a new server or it was busy, but not that busy. I asked for grapefruti juice and was told they don't serve grapefruti juice...hmmmmn really cause I usually order it and it's on the menu, front and center. Our server provided no explanation, but the bus boy stepped in and said, "Of course we serve, grapfefruti juice, but we don't have any in stock at the moment." I ordered an egg-white omelet with spinach,turkey sausage and tomatoe...it was quite tasty, but I noticed the eggs weren't very white. A girl's gotta watch her figure, if you know what I mean. I asked the serve if it was egg whites and she said, " It doesn't look like it, but htat's what I wrote down. Do you want me to take it back and make you a new one, no charge?" I said, " No, thank you...I'll eat this because I have to get back to work." I only ate half (again a girl's gotta watch her figure). Or server asked if I wanted to doggy bag the rest. I said no thank you. I only assumed that because she made an error that we would have received a small discount, let's say 20% off the bill. Unfortunaley not. It won't stop me from coming back, but I will say that I will definitely be visting other eateries more frequently.
(3)
Tam H.
This is late night dining at its finest...Its not only the food that brings people together after the late night of partying and shindigs but is the atmosphere... First off, I love the omelets...I have pretty much eaten most of the omelets on the menu. Why? Because they truly understand how to make an omelet tasty and good late at night. Its nothing like eating somewhere at that time and the food is horrible. You already have had a hard night out with your friends with all the debauchery that may have taken place. The last thing you need is bad food. Right? Nope not here. The pancakes are on point and fluffy. They don't skimp on the serving so if you are not really hungry you can share it with your date. Now look at you getting cozy in that booth with your boo! LOVE IT!. Tempo serves it up fresh and quick. The waitstaff is pleasant even at 2 am in the morning...You can't beat that.
(3)
Gina V.
Waitress hated her life and it was very evident in her manner... Club sandwich was kinda gross...can't put my finger on it, but I have had much better. Fries were pretty good. I have no reason to return
(2)
Carolyn L.
I didn't even know this place existed until my friends brought me here to binge on late-night food. I think I'd only be able to enjoy this place if I was drunk. I ordered the strawberry french toast and it was enjoyable as a drunken treat. Honestly, I can't really complain about anything but that's because I don't remember most of my night post-Hangge Uppe. So let's just say the food was good, I didn't get sick from it, but I'm not entirely tempted to go back.
(3)
Alexandra G.
I stopped in here for breakfast while visiting Chicago and enjoyed the entire experience. Great food, great service!
(4)
Ashley C.
Food? Mediocre. I ordered the Eggs Benedict. It was ok - nothing special. But what about the wonderful breakfast potatoes that complete a brunch? They were lukewarm at best. Meh. :-( This is NOT the way to start off a brunch. [The blueberry pancakes were actually really tasty and I would order those next time.] Service? It took 5 minutes to get ketchup and then she rushed us for the bill. It gets worse - NO FREE REFILLS. Really? Does that mean it's really cheap? NOPE. The redeeming quality is that there was nice shaded outdoor seating and there wasn't much of a wait when we went (for 4 outside). Plus - it's location was convenient. A good meeting place and you're by Michigan Ave. Would I go back? If it was a place to meet, nice outside, and if I wasn't dehyrdated.
(2)
Stephanie S.
We came here since it was the only restaurant that was open after 11pm (we landed pretty late). The food was so disgusting. I started off with a creamy soup which was decent but the steak stir fry was bland and tasted awful. My girlfriend had filet of perch which was so bad she only had the fried shrimp by the fish and she had the worst mashed potatoes (fake, runny instant mashed potatoes). This was a waste of time and money. The waitress didn't seem to be in the best mood either.
(1)
Temple W.
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. DO NOT BRING KIDS HERE. i took my 11 year old daughter to breakfast early saturday morning. the service was good and the food was as well, but the manager sat a table of really drunken guys next to us who were clearly coming off a long night of drinking. they were swearing, speaking disrespectfully to the waitress, and frightening my daughter... so much so that she couldn't eat her breakfast and asked to leave. i told the manager and his response was, "what can we do?". here's an idea, if they are so drunk that they are slurring their words, can barely stand up coming in the door and picking fights with your staff, THROW THEM OUT. you may be making a few bucks on them but you just lost my business forever.
(1)
Andrew L.
great place to eat!!
(5)
Jackie C.
This place was just around the corner from my hotel, and my husband and I were craving breakfast food, so we gave it a try. BAD DECISON. Things started out okay- our waitress seemed civil. Hubby ordered the famous omelette in a pan and I ordered some type of scrambled eggs and toast. The ONLY thing that was decent was the toast. My husband's omelette was dry, flavorless, and mostly filled with one of the worst hashbrowns I've ever had- soggy and absolutely lacking in any type of flavor whatsoever. The decaf there was also one of the worst I've had- incredibly acidic and gross. As for the service? BAD. Like Emily B. mentioned in her review, the servers here seem to hate their jobs and make sure the customers know it. I tried to flag down my waitress to get the check at least three times (she was standing by the cashier, talking to another worker), and despite locking eyes with me two times, ignored me and actually walked behind some huge kitchen equipment so she could continue to ignore me. Probably thought I wanted her to get something besides the check and didn't want to do her job. After waiting in vain for her to address our needs, my husband had to actually walk to the counter to get our check. My soft-hearted hubs left a 15% tip- I would have left them none. NEVER GOING BACK again.
(2)
Isaac C.
Good: The food Bad: Everything else. The service was terrible. After we were seated it took over ten minutes until we were greeted by our server. Then when she was taking our order she asked us to hurry up and we could only order if we were going to be fast because she had to help a table of seven. Then half way into our meal she asked if i needed a refill of my water. I said yes but after 30 minutes she had never come back with a refill. I never got more water. This place had not given me a very good experience so far so i decided to talk to a manager about it. He was very receptive to the criticism and thanked me. Then when i was paying my bill i complained again because the service continued to get worse. The person hearing my complaint this time, who i am assuming was the line/executive chef, someone important., told me that i don't have to come back and he was extremely rude.
(1)
Stephen H.
Labor day weekend, every place in town packed. Except Tempo. My hero. Tempo had no wait, was clean, inexpensive, fresh, casual. Food was really good. Generous portions. I will definitely be back. 3.5 stars...
(3)
Bob D.
Food was good and overall experience was positive. Nothing ground shaking about the menu but if you're looking for a no frills decent breakfast, you can't go wrong here. One big plus is that their portions are pretty hearty so bring your appetite. As mentioned, cash only.
(3)
Boon K.
I have been coming here since college and I love that they are open all the time (24H), great place to get breakfast after a clubbing and still good in the morning. Plus if your not a breakfast person they service other things too like sandwishes, entrees, etc. The banana nut buckwheat pancake or the waffles, all my favorite but I like the healthy option of white egg french toast. The veggie poor man skillet is good too and so is the egg benedict.
(4)
Kevin H.
Maybe it was the city, maybe it was the cold air and winter cheer, or maybe it was the alcohol, at any rate this place was a great place to be in the middle of the night. I really enjoyed my omelet something I am finding a hard to say these days as I try more and more breakfast places. Most Cafes I've been to are fairly closed off. What I mean by that is you sit at your table and can be loud and obnoxious as long as you stay at your table. This place as a little different (or maybe I was that guy ;) I've never met so many interesting people in one place. Between our neighbors at the table next to us, and the random group that decided to come join our table because the place was out of seats, This is by far the friendliest place I've been to. Given the crowd at 3 am, I'm guess this is the place to be for late night meals. I wonder if its the only place ??
(4)
Julia J.
Love this place. I am an omelet freak! They pay attention to your order, and it is always delish! The staff is really sweet. Adrianna you ROCK!
(4)
Colleen C.
Round the clock grub downtown? A rarity. I dined for breakfast on a weekday, so I did not witness the unbearable wait times...though I'm sure if I had, I'd be deducting another star. It's a decent stop for a downtown omelette, but it's nothing to wait around for... Aforementioned omelette was BIG. Denver style, served in a pan. Interesting touch, though really...I'd prefer a plate. Just a thing I have. I know I'm not super sophisticated, but I generally don't eat out of the skillets at my house. Ok, that one time...but that doesn't count, because I didn't have any dishes clean ;) Food was acceptable, and prices are on par for downtown. It's a greasy spoon with Gold Coast clientele and price points. The outdoor patio is prime for people watching and the service is a bit spotty, although adequate... Coffee is hot and strong, just the way I like it. Many refills later I was extra jolted and ready to power through the day... I wouldn't wait for it, but if the timing is right and you're downtown in search of breakfast, it sure beats the food court at 700 N Michigan! What's with the weird orange/prune plate? Is that a prune? I have no idea. Maybe just a bloated cherry. I could not tell, and did not want to find out...
(4)
Dj Nightwolf ..
Best place to go to immediately after a night of late-night partying! I highly recommend the omelettes, pancakes, and waffles. They are delicious and oh so filling! It gets pretty packed and busy with all the other party animals who come in looking to fill their bellies with carb-heavy breakfast food. You may have to wait a bit to be seated, but it's worth it. The service is great and extremely patient. You'd have to be, especially when dealing with a restaurant full of drunken maniacs! I give Tempo Cafe 4 stars: 3 stars overall plus an additional star for their friendly and extremely patient service. Oh yeah, one more thing. When you come to Tempo Cafe make sure you have cash on you because they don't take plastic. Holla!!!â„¢
(4)
Esther T.
This is a 24 hour cafe and after a late night on a Friday/Saturday it HITS THEE SPOT (I'm sure most places do after a drunken night) but this is my favorite 24 hour cafe in Chicago. Their omelets were amazing.
(5)
Emily B.
Everything works about this place....minus the food. Seriously, I love the small cafe setting, the waitresses who seemingly hate their jobs, and the outdoor seating. Do not love the food. Do not love the no-refills (Really? Really?). But if you're in the area and it's that weird after breakfast but before lunch time, pop a squat here. Otherwise, just give yourself 20 minutes and head over to Bistro 110.
(2)
Andrea R.
A few years ago I would have recommended Tempo as one of the best spots to get breakfast in town. These days I'm just not feeling it when it comes to Tempo. The fluffy omelettes just aren't quite as tasty as they used to be and while my fruit platter looked good yesterday it had sort of a funny taste. And the wait on the weekends remains ridiculous! All this and CASH ONLY...gasp! However, I wasn't quite sober during most of my late night visits to Tempo a few years ago...and many times still wasn't sober when going for breakfast the very next morning. Perhaps the problem isn't Tempo, but that I'm now attempting to eat there while sober.
(3)
Thalie L.
It's a place fine place to drink a coffee and have a nice talk with someone. The prices were fine. I'll come back for a breakfast.
(3)
Gabi M.
I have fond memories of Tempo... it used to be a go-to breakfast spot during every visit to Chicago! I specifically remember the fluffy egg white omelettes, perfectly golden hash browns, and some amazing looking desserts. So, when I realized that I was staying right next door to Tempo on a recent visit, I just had to make a stop. Not knowing if the wait would be ridiculous (I seem to recall that also), I ended up calling in a breakfast order to go one morning. I opted for a spinach and mushroom egg white omelette fluffy and well done, and requested sliced tomato and wheat toast. It wasn't crazy busy when I went to pick up my food... but it was also a weekday. The people were not overly friendly; they seemed more frenzied than anything. I was happy that they provided me with salt, pepper, ketchup, and a couple flavors of jelly with my order. I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room and dig in... Yum - the omelette looked fluffy and was just as delicious as I remembered. I probably should've gotten the hash browns instead of the toast though - since it was nothing special; even with butter and jelly, it tasted like cardboard. Note to self: forget the toast, go for the hash browns next time! I'm sure I'll be back - just not necessarily a 'go-to' spot for every visit anymore!
(3)
Chris K.
Tempo is hands down the best breakfast restaurant I have tried in Chicago. Now, I know, I know most of those from Chicago will pick Lou Mitchell's as the best. Sorry, but sometimes I think reputation trumps the reality of what is truly a better meal. Tempo has a much better atmosphere, service and my god do they have wonderful skillets and breakfast plates! Just look at the pictures of the omelet I had. There are potatoes under that omelet, but the omelet is so huge, they had to put them on the bottom! The prices are great and it has a bit of a European feel - maybe a little French or Canadian French. Nice place and nice service. I have eaten here a number of times and love it. I have never been disappointed and would recommend this as my number 1 pick for breakfast in Chicago.
(5)
David Z.
I came here for a Sunday brunch and despite the buzzing atmosphere, we were all quickly seated. This is one of those classic diners. I hadn't been here before and I'm not in Chicago enough to know what to order, so in need of a filling breakfast, I went with the vegetarian skillet with scrambled eggs. We all ordered huge breakfasts and it came with a basket of toast. I'm not usually a toast fan, but there toast was actually pretty great (though how hard is it really to screw up toast?) Overall, it's a solid breakfast, but perhaps not great enough to return to immediately without checking out other downtown offerings!
(4)
Shaheen R.
One of my all time favorites, and I absolutely despise repeating restaurants, but this one is one of my very few exceptions. Things to know: this cafe is one of the very few 24/7 places with good food in all of Chicago. While the food quality will always be consistent, the type of atmosphere you encounter will depend on when you come! For example, let's say you're craving breakfast-- an spinach and feta omelet to be precise, at 11:30 PM on a Wednesday, or even 8 PM on a Friday night you will be greated by friendly staff, quick moving bussers and maybe only 3-4 other patrons in the entire restaurant. This type of time is my favorite time to come. The quickest service in the quietest atmosphere. Peak Times: HOWEVER, should you decide to come for breakfast during normal breakfast hours or even weekend brunch , be prepared to wait for a bit. The turnover is still relatively fast, and the wait is definitely worth it. Also, if you decide to come here when the bars close after 1-2 AM on friday-sunday, you're going to get a completely different crowd. Realize the bars have just closed and these are where you might find some of the patrons. Food will still be amazing, and the turnover still quick, but expect it to be packed full, and for it to be considerably louder. FOOD: Now while I cannot vouch for lunch/dinner options, I CAN vouch for their breakfast options. And dear lord are their breakfast options phenomenal. I haven't had a single dish that has failed to impress me. While all of their breakfast items are incredible, YOU GO HERE FOR THE OMLETS. I don't know what magic they put in these but if you try one you'll hear angels sing!!! The Spinach and Feta omelet is my all time favorite. 3 eggs with loads of baby spinach, and generous portions of fresh feta cheese atop a bed of thick cut, PERFECTLY golden brown sliced potatoes. When I say perfect, I mean PERFECT. like its got a crust of golden brown perfection. If you're the type of person whose reading this and going "big deal. omelets are omelets. They all taste the same no matter where I go, or if I make it at home" then you sir (or madam) have been deprived. I too was once deprived. I have NO idea how they prepare their omelets here, but they are the fluffiest, most flavorful omelets here!! You don't understand; I can't have omelets from anywhere else because Tempo has spoiled me and turned me into an omelet snob. All of their omelets are great-- If you're adventurous I highly suggest the Jamaican Omelet (honey, raisins, walnuts and I think I've added chicken sausage?), or even the Michigan omelet (swiss cheese and fresh apples!) A) I've also had their pancakes, eggs florentine, french toast, their skillets, and a ton of other dishes over the years that I know I'm forgetting by name. I cannot emphasize enough-- NONE HAVE EVER NOT IMPRESSED ME. B) No matter what dish you get, or what diet you're on (unless you're gluten free or allergic) GET. THE. GREEK. TOAST. I don't care if you don't like white bread, or if you think thicker cut bread is weird. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It will change your life. I don't know what magic is in this bread, but the combination of the taste, with the cut, and the generous serving of toasted sesame seeds embedded into the crust will make you hear angels sing. Servers: Even if you haven't been here in months, or for a particular stretch of time for me, a year and a half, they will always remember you and greet you with a smile. Notes: 1) Turnover is meant to be fast. Despite there being power outlets you won't be allowed to utilize them 2) Once upon a time they were cash only. That has since changed, and they take credit cards. TL;DR: Greek toast. Greek toast. Greek Toast. Omelets. Omelets. Omelets. Quick turnover, open 24/7. SUPER busy on weekends for brunch, and can become crazy when the bars close. No matter what time you go the wait is relatively short because turnover is quick and food is HANDS DOWN WORTH IT. They take cards (once upon a time cash only), but this is not the place to plug in your laptop to work.
(5)
Sarah R.
I came to grab a late brunch around 3:30 one day. I walked in and was asked if I wanted to sit inside or out. I originally said inside, and the lady at the front said to sit anywhere that I wanted. It was very dead inside. I sat down in a booth, and then realized how cold it was in there. So I got up and said I would rather sit outside. I sat close to the sidewalk, out of the way on the patio. Maybe that was a bad idea because I was hidden or something. Let me go on... My waitress brought me coffee that I ordered and immediately asked if I was ready to order. I've had this experience a lot lately at restaurants. It makes me feel very rushed, so I end up ordering the first thing that I see, which happened to be an omelet with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese. I opted for egg whites instead, which was $1.75 extra (wow. Most places have it for $1 extra, if that....). I chose wheat toast, dry, and fruit instead of hashbrowns. My food came out rather fast. The omelet was very tasty. The toast came with an orange marmalade that was made in house. I was NOT a fan. It tasted like an orange rind, to me.... So I scraped it off and used the blueberry spread. Let's talk about the fruit........you get ONE TINY SLIVER of honeydew or cantaloupe. ONE. I asked and my server even said that it was one or the other...really?? Ok.... I had to ask another server for coffee a few times, which I know is annoying. I'm a server, and it's annoying when customers ask me to do something when I'm not their server. HOWEVER, my server was very MIA, so I had to ask someone else. When my bill came out, it was a handwritten ticket...I'm not sure HOW they charged me $17.15, but I was charged that much for an omelet and coffee...I didn't argue because I had places to be, but nowhere on the ticket did it say how much each "up charge" was. Or even what I was up charged for. If I was charged extra for the ONE sliver of honeydew, I will laugh. Literally laugh. Yeah, the omelet was delicious, but there are far better breakfast places....
(2)
Bernie C.
I was walking around the Mag Mile on a Saturday morning and didn't want to have the standard breakfast provided by the Hampton Inn and I found this little charming old school diner. Apparently, they are open 24/7, which is great. I ordered the Intercontinental plate, which had chicken liver and onions, a massive portion of fluffy scrambled eggs, some hash potatoes and Greek toast (white sesame bread) with homemade marmalade. The eggs were good, but were bland so I had to add salt and ketchup. The liver was decent and an ample the portion. The best/most unique part though was the Greek toast with their homemade marmalade. It was delicious. Overall, this seems like a great place for your hangover or big breakfast.
(3)
Brandon V.
I gave Tempo another go today, after several years away. I've updated to three stars because they do now accept credit cards, and I believe that the soft drink refills are now free. However, the food and service was still mediocre at best, and still overpriced. I don't think I'll find myself here again.
(3)
Lisa S.
We always have brunch here while in Chicago. We always share an omelet because they are huge! Consistently great food and service! If you're coming on a weekend, be prepared to wait in line, but it's well worth it!
(4)
David H.
Very good food, large portions quick service. Some people enjoyed their food more than others (see pic).
(5)
Richard B.
Well, it's a diner with decent food. Very good omelets. So so prices. We did have a problem with a baked potato. Spoiled, black on inside and it was served opened....should have caught that! The replacement was undercooked so switched to some awesome steak fries. Fruit serving is a tiny slice of melon. It's a Greek place and you can't get pancakes instead of toast....what's with that? Service is not very good.
(3)
Candice S.
Terrible food today. We waited nearly 45 minutes for our food to come out. When it arrived the eggs were so overcooked they were browned and dry. My boyfriend's scrambler was supposed to have 4 cheeses which it didn't have any, and his eggs were flat and browned too.. Clearly our food was forgotten about on the grill and when we sent it back the waitress question, "it's burned?" Anyways we will not return. We will save our breakfast meals when in town for wild berry cafe or yolk!
(1)
Tracy T.
My guilty pleasure hangover location after a late night and too many adult beverages. This time was after a friends wedding ,we packed the car and figured we would fill up before heading home. found a parking spot pretty quick and got our name on the list...... 10 -15 minutes promised. took closer to 30 minutes.......... the staff was not turning over and cleaning tables as quick as i remember from my last visit a couple of years ago. The food was as i remembered, a slice of orange and a prune to start with a bottomless coffee. I dined on the 3 eggs western omelet in the skillet with a side of slightly burned hash browns and rye toast. My man went the full carb route... french toast and hash browns... not burnt..... He shared :) Hangover fading....! A plus is they now take credit cards. I will give them another try next time in the city, Tempo Cafe and i have history.... but give me a realistic seating time and let me decide if i want to wait or move on .............
(3)
Mike Q.
My visit to this restaurant was ok. I usually don't like to be negative. But the service was really slow. There was a lot of empty dirty tables in lobby and we had to wait for them to get cleaned to be seated. And then once seated, another 15 minutes until our order was taken. Now as far as food, my corned beef hash with eggs was ok. Not what I was expecting for the price or reputation this place has. My first visit was not too tempting for a second!
(2)
Tim K.
Omelettes in stainless steel skillets (with a handle!) are a cool idea, and you should come here and eat one. Truly a diner/cafe with great windows, great atmosphere, and lots of smiles. You will not find here those icky diner things (e.g. greasy floors and food, gross tables and and dinnerware, sweaty and always-urgent service). Instead, you'll find that diner comfort food that makes everyone happy, breakfast, lunch and dinner and every time in between. Eat here because the experience and value for your money is well-balanced and satisfying.
(3)
Emily O.
We stayed at the Talbott Hotel which was just a block from this little cafe. When we arrived the cafe was almost empty and we were starting to second guess our decision to eat here. I ordered the Banana, strawberry, blueberry waffles. Fruit was fresh and sweet and my waffle was pressed into the shape of a flower. The waffle was fluffy and had a nice crust to it. Syrup and butter was not needed due to the delicious fruit. Their coffee is what you would expect from a diner. It was good, nothing to rave about. By the time we left the placed was packed and there was a line out on the sidewalk. Really glad we stopped here and hit it on such perfect timing so we didn't wait long for seating or food.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Great choice for a solid meal that won't dissapoint. My favorite thing to get is the turkey salad--- superb! Moderately priced, great service and plenty of options make this a good choice for a delicious breakfast or lunch!
(4)
Christopher H.
Went here on the recommendation of the hotel clerk when we were looking for a nice place to grab breakfast. We roamed on over on a rather gorgeous Sunday morning and expected the place to be very busy. Much to our delight, we were seated outdoors instantly; if we'd have been about 20 minutes later, we'd have been stuck waiting. It's all about great timing, right? The hostess had all the personality in the world, and our server was very friendly. The menu is mostly classic diner food, but really - what's wrong with that? The French toast was very tasty. And the poor man's skillet I had, with all sorts of hashy-goodness (if I can create a word) underneath a bed of 4 cheese and 3 over easy eggs? That's just heaven in a skillet if you ask me! And all told breakfast was around $28.00. Can't beat that! We'll be back!
(4)
Kim L.
In my humble opinion Tempo Cafe is a much needed diner in this neighborhood. I mean, who doesn't love a diner with familiar dishes and big portions? I was happy that the hotel where I'm staying directed me here when I asked where I could have a kid-friendly big breakfast. This is a good ol' diner prefect for big plates of eggs, hash browns & toast. They have a few fresh squeezed juice options which is a nice touch. A definite revisit if I stay in this part of the city again.
(4)
Rick V.
This is a great diner and one of the only ones in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The staff is very friendly, pays good attention to the customer, though is sometimes a little on the slow side (it was a Sunday). I order a simple dish and was able to customize it to my needs and wants, which to me makes a good diner a great diner. The food was served out in time and very flavorful. A very cosy and much needed eatery in the neighborhood. I would definitely recommend it.
(4)
E D.
First time in Chicago for an overnight layover. Came here close to 3am starving. I'm super glad this place is open 24/7 but I can't believe this place was still packed at that hour. I ordered the Blueberry French Toast and a coffee. I was a little disappointed that the blueberries just topped the toast instead of mixed into the batter. Nevertheless, it was good and so pretty! Knocked down a star because the service here is a little lacking. They don't come to check on you once and I had to keep asking for a refill. It's annoying. And when you say thank you, they don't acknowledge it.
(4)
Annette J.
I went by the place on the bus practically every day for 5 years when I lived in Chicago and never stopped in to eat. But my fella's step sister lives across the street so when we were meeting his family for breakfast when we were all out in Chicago for a weekend we decided to pop in. Stopped by around early Sunday morning (10ish) and while it was crowded we still got a table pretty quickly. They have a lovely patio but it was a bit chilly so we went inside. The table was small and a bit cramped for 5 people but we made it work. Breakfast was simple but good. I had a ham and cheddar egg white omelet with a side of potatoes. Holy cow, what a huge portion! I could barely finish half. Egg white omelets can sometimes be a bit dry but this one was cooked very well. My fella got a belgian waffle and it was a modest size (no oversized waffle machines here) but just the right amount of food. Also it was very pretty to look at. Decorative and tasty to boot! Service was quick. It was inexpensive and unfussy. I'd do it again!
(4)
Lia V.
I wasn't impressed with this particular hangover breakfast. I got a skillet, but it was like the slackers skillet. The "hash browns" were just thick cut potatoes that weren't crispy. The ratio of cheese to everything else was insane. The toast was just thin wheat toast you'd buy for a dollar at the store. The eggs were cooked perfectly though and the hand squeezed juice was rockin', but that's about it. Service wasn't overly friendly. The food did come out fast though. I'll go elsewhere for breakfast in the future.
(2)
Rafael A.
Is hard to beat this breakfast place in downtown Chicago, you have to be patience but the way they cook it and serve it is completely WORTH it... Open 24 Hrs with the same menu!!!
(5)
Todd S.
My wife an I are staying at the Talbott Hotel and were looking for a nearby cafe for breakfast. I found this and was happy that it was only a block down. I had three eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. Their eggs are cooked in butter (the real stuff) and served in a skillet. I loved every bite. My wife had the Scrambler with mushrooms. That too is served in a skillet. I tried the Greek toast with marmalade based on other Yelp reviews and glad I did. They have desserts as well so I think we're going to grab one to go tonight after dinner and take it back to the room to enjoy Great place, great food and a very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit when downtown.
(4)
Oscar R.
The food was actually good. No complains there. However the service was terrible. I saw my server twice. To get the food order and drop the food. No water refill. No checking up if everything was okay. I order a sandwich which cost $9.95. I added avocado which she said it was $2. Then she said plus tax my total was $14.15. I'll pay for what I eat but not for your hidden fees. The receipt had nothing written down just the amount that was charged. She stood over me as I signed the copy which made it even more uncomfortable. Over all terrible service. Terrible customer service
(1)
Madeline H.
Wonderful soup deal! A large cup of soup and piece of bread for $2.50!! Cream of chicken and rice soup is my favorite!
(3)
Alisha M.
Worst breakfast place in the city. Currently sitting here for 30 min no server, no coffee. Bullshit.
(1)
Nneka I.
I was drunk and the food still wasn't good. The service was okay, hence the two stars.
(2)
shamrock B.
Food is average nothing special. Price is a bit on the high side for breakfast but it's the location your paying for. Just an average breakfast place nothing special.
(3)
Raj D.
24 HOURS!!! Restaurant only takes cash so be aware! It's a nice spot for an after bar hopping meal. Overall I didn't think the food was anything to die for and primarily felt like traditional brunch menu options... nothing over the top. Quality of the food was great... flavor of the food was just traditional. The place is fairly crowded so you may have to wait a bit. Plenty of street parking in the area which is a plus. I ordered the poor mans skillet with extra crispy potatoes. The meal was very nicely cooked and eggs were perfectly runny over easy like I love them. I'm willing to give this place another shot in the future but for brunch options there are many better options in the Chicago area.
(3)
Michael L.
This is a Greek diner with standard diner fare. Reasonable prices, generous portions, friendly waitstaff. Outdoor seating. Indoors is quite old-fashioned looking, a bit like a retirement home feel but maybe you like that.
(4)
Andrew H.
Sorry but I've been here twice and it's over priced and how in the world can you mess up an omelette. Don't cook an omelette over hash browns. Hash browns are meant to be crispy not soggy. Then when you go to check out 50 plus dollars for an omelette I haven't been able to eat both times. Ridiculous. The bacon is good though but if you can mess that up you may want to close down.
(1)
Garth G.
Their portions are huge and the price is good. The skillets are great, I didn't have the omelette but the table next to us did and it was massive. All in all this is a great go to spot for breakfast and brunch. It's also open 24 hours which can come in handy.
(5)
John R.
Pure satisfaction it's has the best open face roast beef and gravy love the waiters and there open 24hrs
(5)
Bill E.
We have enjoyed breakfast at this restaurant on many occasions over the last 15 years. Atmosphere: this is a small venue with tables very close to each other. It gets noisy and you get bumped by the servers walking between the tables. Do not get the wrong opinion, you feel like you are having breakfast with a hundred of you friends and if you have to wait for a table the food is worth it. Menu: all of the traditional breakfast offerings. Pancakes, eggs, omelets, various proteins, waffles, French toast, etc, etc, etc. All well done and delicious. Service: quick, friendly, and attentive. This is everything you want to have in a breakfast place. Please be warned - locals and visitors know about Tempo so you will have to wait during busy times but don't give up - it's worth it.
(4)
Anne E.
This appeared to be a typical family owned 24 hour diner. I arrived later in the evening, after 8 pm and it felt like I may have been the only person who was there of my own free will. The menu clearly states that refills for coffee will be charged for and substitutions will not be tolerated. The waitress took my order for eggs benedict without asking how I wanted my eggs poached and it went downhill from there. My eggs were overcooked. The hollandaise was clearly from a package and the ham was rolled. The hash browned hardly deserved the name. Rather, they were so soggy as to almost resemble mashed potatoes that had been lightly fried. Horrid. In an otherwise empty restaurant, you'd think it would be easy to catch my waitresses eye to get my bill, but repeated attempts met with failure and eventually I went to the cash register where the other waitress noticed me and galvanized my waitress into action. It seems my check was still hanging at the pass, as she had to return there to retrieve it in order to ring me up. Perhaps they save the decent staff for Sunday Brunch?
(2)
Jenna K.
Such a love hate relationship with you, Tempo Cafe. I live right down the street from here, and the food has always been fantastic. It's the service here that really drives me crazy. As a college student, sometimes I'm up till 1am studying and doing homework. Decided to come here for a meal and do my homework but was told that's "not something they do on the weekends" and that I "couldn't have my laptop in here" .....Um, okay. Even told them I was going to order food and they still turned me away with empty tables. Rude rude rude rude rude. Would have loved to enjoy some Corned Beef hash here. Second time I get a to go order coming out to $13.45. Look on my bank statement and see I was charged $27.32....This place has to get it together.
(3)
Ashley I.
Tempo cafe is open very early, when many other restaurants are not. I had the chicken, bacon, avocado sandwich. It was very tasty! I also enjoyed the fries and coleslaw.
(4)
Caress T.
A pretty basic cafe with mediocre service (the server wasn't very friendly at all) and mediocre food. I had a feta cheese, turkey sausage and green pepper skillet. It was okay, but it sucks that the only way to upgrade your toast to pancakes is to buy pancakes separately. Also, the meal came with an orange slice and a prune (?). I assume it's for pre- and -post meal palate cleansing, but I just found it odd. I can't really see myself coming back here.
(2)
Eric T.
Been here a few years ago and was truly looking forward to visiting again. Unfortunately the quality ha slipped a bit since our last visit. Juices were all warm and food was just starting to cool. Although always busy in the past I never felt the were trying to flip tables as fast as they could. That's kind of the vibe they have now. Still okay but has slipped a bit.
(3)
K C.
Veggie Eggs, perfect, carrot juice only comment is that the cup wasn't big enough! And I wanted to buy their orange jam or marmalade but they didn't have any to sell. It was sooooooo good!
(5)
Avery M.
I used to live directly above this place and the omlets were always my perfect little pick me up. It's 24 hours and a super cute little diner! Stop by!
(5)
Karla W.
We arrived to a crowd pouring out into the street on a Friday morning and expected a huge wait, so we were happily surprised to hear it would only be 15 minutes. True to their word, we were seated at a patio table a bit under 20 minutes later. The large menu is slightly overwhelming, just like the portions--which is my main complaint with Tempo! I understand they're trying to provide value, but my 3-Egg Mexican Omelette (with egg whites subbed in for whole eggs) filled half of a skillet. Hashbrowns, which I left untouched, filled the other half, plus, this came with toast! One egg-based order would easily feed two adults. Come hungry or try to plan ahead for a time when you can take your boxed-up meal home. The breakfast was tasty; it was nice to see that quantity didn't supersede quality. Next time, I'd love to try one of the sweet options, like (half of) the Morning Glory Pancakes!
(4)
Alex R.
This is hands-down one of the best casual diners in Chicago. I can't speak for their dinner or lunch, but their breakfast is absolutely amazing! My favorite items are their omelettes and their pancakes. In fact, writing this review is making me hungry! I used to live a couple of blocks from Tempo and would study here during law school at the wee hours of the morning (they're open 24/7). One thing to keep in mind though is that they do not have wifi or computer outlets. Didn't bother me, that just meant I spent more time studying and less time on Facebook! I now live out in the suburbs but my wife and I keep coming back to Tempo for their delicious breakfast. The owner/manager recognizes us every time we stop by. Is the decor fancy? No, but the food is definitely worth it. PAYMENT METHOD UPDATE: The review below me is inaccurate. Tempo now accepts VISA/MasterCard! They have been for several months now.
(5)
Laura E.
My rating is probably closer to 3.5 stars. No half star ratings? Feeling generous? I'll give it 4. I came here twice on my recent trip to Chicago and had different experiences each time I was there. My first visit was on a Saturday, which was much more crowded than my Monday visit. On Saturday, they refused to seat us until our entire party was here but on Monday, we were seated right away despite not having everyone in our party present. Beware that the omelets are HUGE--I couldn't finish mine so I'd recommend sharing it with a friend or two. The crab omelet was okay, just very heavy and difficult to finish. What made my rating go up was the amazing chocolate chip waffles I had on my second visit. I got strawberries on them and it was breakfast heaven! Definitely was able to finish the waffles :)
(4)
JC E.
I love this place. I always make a an effort to eat breakfast here evertytime I am in Chicago. The Poor Man's skillet is amazing and is very filling. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Kelly C.
As a standard diner that gets you in and out quickly with food that emphasizes quantity over quality, this place rates well. If you're looking for the authentic foodie experience, this might not be your destination. If you're hungry as all get out and have a hankering for eggs and hash brown potatoes this will give you the fix. The skillets look great, but I found the flavor to be quite bland for my egg, canadian bacon, spinach and mushroom version. The desserts are not made in house - on display as you walk in they come from the Chicago sweet connection bakery. People start to wait for tables by ~9am so get there early if you have a large group.
(2)
Sann F.
Recommended by bellman at hotel and it did not disappoint. Skillet omlets and service very good. 15-minute wait on busy Sat. morning but well worth it!
(5)
Nancie M.
This place is open 24hrs and was referred to me as a hole in the wall diner. With that in mind I expected just a little better food quality since diner usually has plentiful and can't finish but some portions were large and some not very inconsistent. My eggs Benedict was fair price $11 so not bad but would I crave this place again probably not . Long line to get in because of New Year's Day but seating in 15 min and waitress was a doll. Unfortunately too many other good restaurants around the block!
(3)
Amber A.
Quaint and peaceful little place. Simple interior. Food is yummy! Ordered the scrambler with zucchini bacon and mozzarella. Fresh squeezed orange juice and an English muffin. Server wasn't mean or rude, she just wasn't exceptionally nice. She didn't really look at us in our face and as soon as she would get an answer from us she would simply walk away as soon as the words left our mouth. This is why I took away one star for the service. Cute place to come eat and the fact that it is open 24 hours is pretty cool. 2 scramblers, 2 juices came out to 33$ not including tax or tip. Kind of pricy.
(3)
Jessica P.
Will this place ever be on the same level as all those super trendy brunch places in this city? No way. But is it a cafe worth going to? I'd say so. First of all, the portions are ginormous. One of their skillets could feed three people. The waffles are huge. And the servers were always ready with the coffee- my cup was never less than half full. Secondly, the food was good. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned breakfast food. But it was well prepared. I had a scrambler with broccoli, sausage and cheese and I loved it. Others at my table has one of the aforementioned giant skillets and the French toast, and they both were extremely happy with their dishes as well. The servers weren't super pleasant, but they weren't rude by any means. And they were really attentive. The other benefit of this place? We had a five minute wait on a Saturday morning at 11 am. It would have taken us longer to wait in line at a fast food place than it took for us to get seated. Oh, also, the reviews saying this is a cash only place are old, so don't let that "tip" hinder you. If you're in the area and have worked up an appetite, check Tempo out.
(4)
Jessica P.
If you like breakfast food.. why not come here?. .it reminds me of a Denny's but located in the city...open 24/7.. Food: Scrambler with cheddar cheese, green pepper and canadian bacon comes with toast of your choice..it tasted ok..I'm sure you can make this at home on your own though...portion was big so I had me some leftovers... -Tastes: ok, not anything to amazing that would make me want to go back, but if I was in the area craving breakfast food & lazy to cook.. I guess I would come here.. Portions: are big enough for leftovers..but it also depends on what you order Atmosphere: diverse.. all ages and family friendly..doesn't look clean, but doesn't look really dirty either.. reminds me of a Denny's... Service: waitress was nice..don't have any complaints really..
(3)
Lindsay L.
It's so cute and the food was great. It was a 3 story mansion and we sat on the 3rd floor. Although we were fine, the couple behind us was in crunches and the hostess flew up the stairs and they were right behind us. I didn't realize until we were at the top, but the hostess didn't even notice! They have an elevator, after all. Besides that, the food was was and so was the service, just took a little long for breakfast. If you have time on your hands, stop and have some breakfast! Hopefully it will be a little cold outside and they can open the window. Very cute place!
(4)
Tee K.
Good eats, great portions, unpleasant hostess. Maybe because it was 3am. Will be there again, good experience overall.
(4)
Spencer H.
The quality of people you find here late at night are less than the quality you would find in your toilet after taking a huge dump. I have been eating late night at good old Tempo Cafe for a few years now. It seems that every time I visit here the food has declined more & more & the prices do not reflect the poor taste of the food. Sometimes when you eat a meal late night even when you know you shouldn't have, you say to yourself that was pretty good & really worth eating so late, but not here. For me moments after eating the meal I say to myself maybe I should have just went & got a burrito. It would have been cheaper & a lot better. This restaurant is also cash only. Some of the good things about this place is late at night you can occasionally run into some people you know that have also just left the clubs. Also there are usually some drunk people who begin yelling & make for some amusement. The service here has never been bad even with a busy restaurant. From now on I will probably eat some where else late night but I might give this restaurant another chance.
(2)
Leslie B.
Loved brunch at Tempo! Their fluffy omelets filled with ingredients are some of the best around, you definitely get your money's worth. Tempo is very busy around weekend brunch time so I don't recommend coming with a huge party, I think a table of four has the best chance of getting seated within a reasonable amount of time. Do you have a group of 20-something girls who are going to have 3 modifications each to their menu item? If so, Tempo is great for you. Accommodating and friendly, our waitress didn't bat an eye at the egg-white, minus this, plus this orders as she went around the table. If you order fruit instead of potatoes with your breakfast, you receive a very plentiful serving and they bring baskets of toast for the table. The coffee is good, nothing to brag about, but we received plenty of refills throughout our meal. The star of their breakfast is really the omelets and skillets. The eggs are cooked to perfection and full of toppings. Another very nice touch to Tempo is that our waitress brought us separate checks which is so helpful! Overall, a great brunch (or late night!) option in the area, I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Giselle G.
Late night munchies after eating? Come here! I used to go to Eggtastic or Eggcelent (forgot name) but this place is much more cleaner and better food. Don't expect great service, 5 star food and a classy vibe because it's full of after club people who are drunk and need food. Great place to come after a night of partying and dancing!
(4)
Corelle P.
I use to go here when I was working downtown. Their skillet's are always good! I took one of my friends there. I ordered the Poor man's veggie skillet, she saw what I was ordering and ordered it too! She enjoyed it! And yes the Greek Toast is off the chain...and the orange marmalade!
(4)
Anthony C.
I visited Chicago and stayed at the Talbott hotel last year and ate breakfast here. I liked it so much, I came back for breakfast the next day. My memories of the place are not detailed anymore, but I do recall being very impressed with the portions and the quality of all of the food. I remember that the bacon in particular was thick and juicy. The eggs Benedict was also very good, but again it wasn't for any big reason other than the quality of the ingredients. Nothing was greasy either, which I really appreciated. I regard the ingredients here as a solid cut or two above the average diner. Not spectacular, but very solid, tasty, and non-greasy.
(5)
Kyle L.
Awesome food, especially the scramblers, however the service is a bit slow. Probably just because they are always so busy due to the great food!
(4)
Sarah R.
Very quick service. Food was wonderful!! The french toast was wonderful. Pancakes served with fresh raspberries. Veggie omelet was enough for two people.
(5)
Michelle R.
No Mimosas! The breakfast was good but nothing special. Very large portions. Staff was nice.
(3)
Sam N.
I refer to this place as THE BREAKFAST E R. yes as in emergency room. Yes they take breakfast so seriously that just like in the ER you will be serviced all day just as long as you are ordering breakfast. I figure I will add this. About 2 years ago all I knew about food is that I liked it. I am not a foodie per se but I am getting there. I am a foodie in training (FIT) Dont get all nuts when you read this review and are like " shit where is the blow by blow description of the tuna melt" ?. I am not on that level yet. I will leave that up to the true foodies :) The cooks are like skillful hear surgeon's who you should entrust with your life because they know what they are doing. The wait staff are like the nurses carefully plying your but into the seat and treating you with just enough love that you will want more coffee and some more pie with your already huge order. I think they should make caffeine available from a option that would feed it to you intravenously over here. At 5 AM it would make a lot of sense. Back to the ER comparison. And you are the patient. While in the ER they would give you a gown presumably if they were going to operate or give you a shot ; here they arm you with your own frying pan to serve your eggs in should you order an omelette. The best time to go here is on weekends after 11PM. It's like being a night club without the cover charge. The French toast is out of this world. Don't get involved in anyone shouting at each other. Rest assured they love each other ( or at least will try after they come here ) but they are communicating with each other the only way they know how to after many martinis or beers. If you drank that much you would also be argumentative. There are many ways this place amuses me. I keep going back and bringing people to see the amusement. Enjoy the food and the scenery.
(4)
Rose H.
This place was a great find. The eggs Benedict was amazing and my husband loved the steak and eggs. Big portions and good service. My only complaint is that it's cash only! Seriously? It's 2014 people! Other than that great place!
(4)
Lindsay Y.
Tempo cafe is just right down the street from my new apartment which is so convenient. They have great outdoor seating, good prices, and very generous portions. My friend and I had breakfast there and we took out leftovers home and were still eating them 3 days later. Pretty good deal if you ask me :)
(3)
Bethany W.
Wow. Fresh food, large portions, and a beautiful patio experience make for a memorable experience at Tempo! We arrived to find a 15 minute wait on a Friday morning, but, once seated, the servers were efficient and attentive. Our food arrived quickly; I enjoyed the Veggie Poor Man's Skillet, a skillet full of hash browns, broccoli, tomato, mushroom, green pepper, and onion first topped with melted american, mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs; so delicious! This came with toast, which was accompanied by a fresh orange marmalade; Tempo is worth a visit just for this! Definitely a place to check out, but consider splitting a dish with your company due to the large portion sizes!
(4)
Cilisa Ann J.
Excellent food and great atmosphere. This place was recommended by a worker at a local hotel across from where I am staying. Seems try serve breakfast all day which just happens to be my favorite to eat!
(5)
Jay W.
I'm trying to remember what year I first ate here, way back when when it was across Chestnut on the SE corner of State St. I think it was 87 or 88, maybe before that. We used to come here a lot. This is not the Tempo of old. I respectfully disagree with the other reviewers who feel it's the best food around. Not in my estimation. I don't think their portions are huge either. Maybe breakfast is OK, everything esle is on the small side. That's OK, I suppose Americans eat too much anyway. We're not all big fat Superfans. Long and short of it is, Tempo is better than aerage breakfast and mediocre everything else. Sandwiches are unimpressive.
(3)
Alicja K.
I live just down the street and love going to Tempo for brunch. The Morning Glory waffle is my favorite item on the menu. My friends drive on from the suburbs for it. Eggs and other breakfast food is also yummy. They finally take credit card which is great! One negative is that it gets very busy. I've never had to wait very long but I have seen lines down the block to get in on a nice weekend.
(4)
Kelsey C.
Delicious waffles and great service. I was pleasantly surprised by the price too. Two meals with one coffee was under $20. We went around 10:30 & had no trouble getting a seat. I'm guessing it's much busier earlier in the morning.
(5)
M P.
Had monte cristo and a cappucinno. VERY nice cappucinno! The monte cristo was good, but nothing you couldnt get anywhere else. I would come back here, the food is good. But just not above and beyond.
(3)
Dragana M.
Great service. Great food. Clean. Delicious. What more can you ask for?! Love the touches of fresh oranges when you're seated & roasted chestnuts! You don't see that anywhere :) large portions too!
(4)
Sharyn M.
I MUST give TEMPO a solid 4 stars....I found no complaints since deciding to wander into a breakfast destination close to home. I will admit that I am fearful of making the wrong choice and will admit I do at times dread trying new places..I have been burned before by reviews that were WAY off course.....but lemme just say..from me to you...I LOVED IT We arrived approx 8 AM...my son and I had an up and out early ...venture into the city, dig a bit deeper .. discover hidden gems...kinda thing goin on...SO... Upon entry we discovered the place is a quaint diner image comfortableness ....really easy feeling. We were seated immediately at the south west corner booth...great for people watching which never ceases to entertain me. Our server Adrianna was a dream the entire visit...super friendly attentive relaxed and non invasive. I ordered the Spinach /Feta 3 Egg omelette with a smoked Ham slice. Let me PLEASE tell you this Omelette was amazing..no brown dryness but instead moist generously filled greatness. Fresh not over cooked Spinach, wonderful salty melty cubes of good Feta...and the Ham was a meaty portion so I felt the additional cost was worth it... NOW..my son..ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict. This dish was sheer joy visually as well as palette pleasing. From the Hollandaise, obvious homemade..the crisp muffin base, the Real Canadian Bacon ...and thee PERFECT Poached Eggs Wow!!..nice to see this dish done right...that golden yolk cascaded when pierced and that H sauce had the perfect citrus note. Damn they are good here. My meal was accompanied by thick delicately toasted fluffy bread, whipped butter (fresh)..and this amazing orange marmalade.Very tasty. All in all a must recommendation from me to those of you searching for a great simple breakfast...good coffee..and also a selection of baked goods we did not indulge in...but maybe next time... THX again to Adrianna...u were a great server and I do so hope to find Biscuits and Gravy on the menu soon as we discussed!!
(4)
Jacqueline N.
I'd just like to start out, I'm a BIG BREAKFAST FOODIE! I love me some breakfast food for bfast, lunch and dinner. We came here at the break of dawn and my group and I definitely needed some sustenance. I tried the skillet and eggs benedict. Taste-wise in between good and mediocre for me. Eggs benedict: the standard egg muffin, ham, poached egg and hollandaise. Nothing really stood out to me about it. Hashbrowns/Potatoes: I prefer more finely sliced hashbrowns, but these were too chunky and undercooked for my liking. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because it was a 24 hour diner that had a huge selection of food, instead of specialties. It still works for breakfast but I'd prefer Wildberry anyday!
(2)
Jeremy S.
THIS is absolutely the best food I have had since arriving in downtown Chicago! Super friendly and warm welcoming. Everything here actually is home made and you can taste it. Great prices and gray flavors. This definitely is under-rated on Yelp. Eat here if you want to feel like a welcome guest and enjoy great food.
(5)
Lamar J.
I'll never eat here again!! They have great food, but terrible service. I came in here for a late night carryout, but ended up getting ripped off. The place wasn't that busy. I handed the guy with the grey hair, pony tail and beard money, he never gave me my change back. When the waitress brought me my carryout, she slammed it on the table and walked away! I will never walk back in here again!!!
(1)
Emily J.
You seriously cannot beat Tempo for either weekend brunch or late night bites. It's open 24/7 which really works for me and seemingly most of its patrons as I have seen this place full at 2:30am. I have a tradition of eating here super super early in the morning if I have an early flight out the next day and am pulling an all nighter. Tempo's food is better than most food you'll find at the airport at that hour so it's perfect. Besides crazy pre-airport binges, I go to Tempo almost every weekend for brunch and get the veggie poor man's skillet, but sometimes I add turkey sausage to mix things up. Always get the Greek toast, it's the most delicious bread in the entire world. The perfect mix of sour and sweet with sesame seeds encrusting the outside, this is the toast of dreams. The short stack blueberry pancakes are another must as well as the club sandwich. I love my lady Rosa, she always has a smile, a kiss, and a word of advice for me no matter what time of day I come in. If you want friendly service, filling and tasty food, and a great patio, go to Tempo!
(5)
Katherine G.
I occasionally meet friends midweek for breakfast before work and this is our usual go to spot. The service is attentive and gets us in served and it fast but doesn't make us feel rushed. I have only ever had the banana pancakes, but they are so good (and nutty) I just can't pass them up Also, I generally plan to have cash, butthink they take cards now
(4)
Jewells N.
We went for Saturaday Breakfast, about 7 am - was nnot crowed but by 8:15 it was packed!. Good basic breakfast place in downtown Chicago that didn't set us back $50.00. It was good food, I have the omelet and wife had oatmeal - both were what we expected and average. Food is very expensive in Downtown Chicago and this was not over the top like other places. The service was good and not too loud. NO credit cards !
(3)
Lauren G.
Tempo has been my standard, go-to brunch spot on lazy weekend afternoons. The food is good, nothing special, but definitely good, and the portions are huge. I wouldn't recommend dining in during prime brunch hours if you live close enough to pick-up--sometimes, the wait can be lengthy, and the service can be a little slow due to how packed this place is, but when you call to order carry out, they have your food ready in 10 minutes flat! Oh, and they make their own orange marmalade that comes with the toast - it's the only orange marmalade I've ever liked, and I LOVE it!
(3)
Wesley W.
Came here after a long travel day for a late dinner. I was starving so I avoided the Greek Chicken which states on the menu that it takes 30 minutes. I got the kebab instead and it still took 30 minutes. Go figure. When the bill came the restaurant charged us for a coffee which nobody ordered. It was a hand written bill so they took it off by crossing it out and subtracting it from the total. However, they didn't adjust the tax to reflect the new subtotal so I just had to tip less. It's basic math, people!
(2)
Jenn L.
After a lonnnggg day of travelling including delays and a diverted flight (thanks, Chicago weather), we arrived into the city. Because we weren't expecting to be delayed, we hadn't eaten and were starving by the time we checked into our hotel, well past 10pm. We asked the front desk employee if there were any places open nearby and she recommended Tempo Cafe as a 24 hour diner. They had a good variety of menu items, including an extensive breakfast menu, salads, sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the 3 eggs and hashbrowns skillet with spinach, cheese and ham, while my other half ordered the chicken kebab. Previous reviewers weren't lying when they said the portions were large. Even though I was starving I was only able to finish about half of my meal and pack the rest. The food itself was all right, not the best, not the worst we've had. The staff here are quite friendly and they were always refilling our water; however service was rather slow. It wasn't particularly busy but our meals took about 30 minutes to arrive.
(2)
Donald M.
Good prices, good food, fresh squeezed juices! All in a downtown location. Say hi to Blanca when you come in to Tempo ! Nice family dinner atmosphere. Highly recommend it!
(5)
C P.
My first trip to Chicago and we were told to eat here for breakfast by locals. Staff lacked personality. Our water was not refilled during our meal. I ordered the 3 scrambled eggs combo with spinach, brocoli and bacon. It came in a stainless steel type pan and portion size enough for 2. There is a layer of slightly crispy potatoes under the eggs which was a delightful surprise. However, I had to add salt and ketchup to my dish. I never add ketchup to my eggs. The dish was bland. The place was packed with patrons so they are doing something right, I guess. The price was reasonable, under $30 for 2 including tip. The wait time to be seated and get your food were fast.
(2)
Chris G.
So as to stay on top of options during peak cravings, I've recently created a pancake rolodex for my iPhone. Why? It just doesn't seem as easy to find the kind of moist, tasty pancakes that I prefer. Far too many places use bitter tasting batter that's often overcooked in a hurry. And these usually end up tasting like dry, rubbery discs of hot yuck, drowned in sticky stuff... that mayhaps would have dripped from a nearby, unsexy tree. That's why it's great to have another centrally-located and friendly 24-hour spot like Tempo to chomp on non-pretentious grub. I already know that I can get my pancake on at my neighborhood Stages Restaurant, or certainly at The Works grill near the Clark Street blue line... Eggsperience or maybe even at Yolk (if you order specialty and avoid their standard pancake monstrosity). It'd been quite a number of years since I'd visited Tempo but decided to drop in on a post Christmas Day Monday morning after parting ways with a visiting friend. Their menu offers a few omelettes and most things seem to be offered in skillet form along with toast. Since they don't allow you to substitute pancakes (even for an extra charge), I decided to order a short stack, a few scrambled eggs and turkey sausage links a la carte. As you'll notice in my pics, the $6 pancakes were as wide as the plate... and trust me that they were moist, tasty and had crispy edges. The prices here are quite reasonable considering that Tempo is smack dab in the middle of the posh Gold Coast area north of downtown. My bill, including a bottomless cup of coffee was around $15. I was pleased! (Note that they are cash-only as of this writing.) Tempo usually has a line streaming out of the front door on weekends and during holidays, so maybe I was lucky this day and had missed the first crush of people. There was still a crowd inside, but a few tables were empty. I love my city!
(4)
Paul G.
Good food and good service. Have been many times and everything always seems very consistent. Nothing blows me away, but everything is good and pricing seems reasonable for the neighborhood. Tasty food and the typical large variety you expect from a diner. Men's bathroom layout is a bit awkward...the one urinal faces the door and is right next to the door when you walk in. Seems like they could do something to improve that, like putting a divider between the door and the urinal. I get that we all use bathrooms, I just prefer not to witness the action.
(3)
Kristy F.
Atmosphere was clean but a tad loud considering there was only one full table in the joint... I can only imagine what a busy place would sound like. The service wasn't spectacularly friendly or welcoming but they got the job done. My friend ordered the steak and eggs breakfast. Was expensive (about $18) but she made it last three meals so it was worth it. I took a taste and thought I could cook better so I wasn't too impressed. Still it hits the spot and I'd recommend going here if you need a late night something something.
(3)
A C.
Just an OK place, IMHO. More like a greasy-spoon restaurant. Similar to White Palace in the South Loop. :) But if you've been out and need some food, especially breakfast food, there are only a handful of 24 hour breakfast places in the city that are open so your options are limited. Not to say the food is terrible, but if you're hungry, you're hungry! The portion sizes are HUGE - I always go for the skillet. Keep in mind that this place is CASH ONLY - no credit cards accepted.
(3)
Wes M.
We were in town on a busy summer Saturday night. No reservation and this place was around the corner from our hotel. It's a basic coffee shop but the portions are big. My wife enjoyed her sirloin patty and my fish and chips were better than I expected. The service is nothing special
(3)
Charlie V.
Great spot for brunch. Were seated after a wait of about 10 minutes at 12:30 on a Saturday. I ordered the skirt steak and eggs. Steak was perfectly cooked to medium rare. Eggs were smooth and fluffy Everybody at my table commented on how massive the portions were as well as how good the food was. I may have to get one of the scrambles next time. Only complaint is that the service was a little slow/inattentive.
(4)
Elle M.
Tempo is our Sunday spot. This may have to do with the fact that we live kiddy corner to the place but it's also delicious!! Most Sundays we call ahead, order the Poor Mans Skillet and it's ready within 5-10 minutes! They are always super nice on the phone and when you go to pick up the food. I have of course are inside as well. Staff are friendly and patient even though it's always a mad house (crowded as heck) in there. Amazingggggg food. Fills you up perfectly and doesn't make you feel bad after!!
(5)
Ben G.
While in town for vacation I ate breakfast at Tempo since it was about 10 feet from my hotel. I ordered a spinach omelette and when it arrived I couldn't believe the portion size. It was huge. Food was good and service good. I ended up eating breakfast here every morning for the next 5 days. Priced very reasonable, large portions and good taste. I was given several other options in the city for breakfast but decided there was no reason to experiment. Very satisfied.
(4)
Arnie G.
Huge portions for breakfast, lots of selections, and excellent service. Great choice for breakfast. Erica the waitress was outstanding and you can also take your coffee to go afterwards. Bravo!
(4)
George J.
This is one if those places where you if you REALLY want breakfast after a night out in downtown. The food is not good and the atmosphere is even worse. There's almost always a fight or two or ten when dining here late night. Stay away from this place you really aren't missing anything special.
(2)
XL V.
This is my favorite breakfast food joint in the area. It is a great place to eat after a night of clubbing or just a late night. Great comfort food. I eat here each time I stay downtown. The food portions are huge and they make some things from scratch such as the celery drink. Their veggie burger was slightly disappointing but I'd eat it when I'm hungry enough. Their Eggs Benedict with canadian bacon is my absolute favorite dish here. The flavor is just right and I always finish it because it's that good! Their omelettes are good but most of the time, the eggs seems overcooked and sort of dry. Service is fast, prompt, and efficient. They don't interact much with you probably because the place is almost always busy when I'm there. However, they're attentive enough where I've never felt the urge to walk out. I love their orange marmalade and would eat the whole jar if they'd let me.
(4)
Lauren F.
The best omelet you will eat at 3am! My go-to is a sausage and cheese omelet with extra crispy potatoes-gotta ask for extra crispy or they're just not nearly as good. I was coming here for late night (or early morning I suppose) before I even lived in the city and it always lives up to expectations. Also a big 2 thumbs up for their sesame toast, love it!
(4)
Chet A.
The experience didn't start out so well, that's why it's s 3 star experience. It wad trending for less but I'm going to give them a break. That's because their water was shut off. That being said here goes. The place was busy and unorganized. People running all over the place. People being sat in front of people that had been waiting. (Same table size.). Then we get seated and find out they have no running water. Great port a potties outside to use? Really at a restaurant? Then the best. Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils! Awesome!!! We get coffee. They tell us we can only have a warm up because they are low on water! Not great planning on their part. Now to the saving grace for them. The food was excellent. We ordered the skillets and omelet. Both were phenomenal. I would recommend this place to anyone for breakfast. As long as they have water.
(3)
Elizabeth L.
2AM Gold Coast diner, late-night standby for all your shenanigans at this hour. Oversized omelettes and skillets to stave off your impending hangover. Ample seating, good for groups.
(3)
Terrence W.
Went here with friends after the club late one night. The food was great and delicious. Will be going back again
(5)
Scott M.
Very nice spot. Ate outside for breakfast. Had scrambled eggs with feta cheese, chorizio, onion. Great service. Definitely worth the money for a hearty breakfast.
(4)
eglys h.
Trying to get to another place, we ended up here. The service I do have to say was 5 stars. but the food was ok. Be warned services are huge!!!!! Way too much food.. They do not even have a 2 egg platter - smallest one is 3 eggs which is way too much for me. I requested 2 eggs one instead but was advised that they were going to charge me for 3 - no substitution. Had them fried - with ham - it was over all - toast was amazing.. Hubby had a huge platter of scrambled - 3 eggs - all mixed up with ham, bacon, way to much for one... toast were big as well. best part was the freshly made orange marmalade - that was awesome!! gotta get extra of that for sure. We were advised that in the good old days, Jordan used to come in with his buddies after a late nite out (they are open 24 hrs). Must of been a site! Sure he enjoyed the big servings!!! If ever in the area, do not believe we would come back again. Its one of those hubby and I say, been there, done that.....
(3)
Randy C.
I would give the restaurant 4 stars, however, our server Cindy, puts my rating over the top. Tempo was recommended to us as a good locals place for breakfast for our family of six. And we were not disappointed. The pancakes must have some secret ingredient, because we've never tasted better. And don't pass up the marmalade either. Be prepared for ample portions, luckily Cindy suggested the kids share. Very clean, bright and airy atmosphere. This will be our breakfast go to spot for the rest of the week we're here.
(5)
Angie H.
I hit Tempo Cafe for a quick Saturday Mid-afternoon brunch ( around 2pm ) when I visited Chicago two weeks ago. We were seated right away, albeit in the corner of the outdoor seating area. I think due to this, the service was a bit lackluster, since the servers didn't come outside all THAT often, or were pulled away by a table closer to the center of the seating area before they were able to reach us. As for food, the portions are GIGANTIC. I have a pretty healthy appetite, and I barely finished half of my skillet. I got the poor man's scramble, which is a feast of veggies covered in cheese (seriously, if you dont REALLY like cheese, ask for less cheese. there is a CRAPTON of cheese on this dish) and a THICK layer of egg. I had to salt and pepper and tabasco it a bit to get it to my liking, but that's true of most cheap brunch places I've been. Also, I have a slightly heavier palate, so that also may be why I had to add more flavoring. One of our party ordered an omelet, which was equally gigantic. I had a bite, and it was decent, although I preferred my poor man's scramble. Another got the strawberry french toast, which was passable, but a bit too dry to my liking, so my tip is to smother it with syrup. The third got some chicken dish that she really did NOT like, because it wasn't all that flavorful, and the meat was dry. The orange juice, though, is SPLENDID. All in all, the service was okay, the food was okay, and it was a reasonable price for the portion sizes ( i paid $12 after tax & a pretty generous tip ). Being from LA, where the only brunch places with food of equal volume in this price range are Denny's or Ihop, Tempo Cafe is a decent choice by me :)
(3)
Ellie W.
Like all stories, my story began with drinks with friends...and ended at sunrise with plates of food we ordered simply because someone sitting next to us was eating it and it looked good. Ok, maybe not all stories. But most of the fun ones worth mentioning. My friend and I, neither familiar with Chicago, had a post-bar craving for milkshakes and pancakes, and of course, went on a Yelp search for the closest diner still open. Sadly, we tried three and all of them were closed. So in lieu of Yelp, we trusted our local cabbie and he took us here, what he claimed was a "hot spot" for breakfast food. 3am at Tempo Cafe is basically like witnessing the walk of shame before the act of shame actually happens. It's packed with girls wearing blood clot-inducing bandage dresses, hobbling in and out on 5" heels, and the guys who will eventually have to piggy back 125 lbs of woman back home. But in between all of this is...*drumroll please*...some killer pancakes/eggs/omelets. Your standard diner food, made that much more delicious by the midnight crawl here.
(4)
Aja G.
While I dislike the cash only aspect of this place, their food is good! I have been here for every meal and sometimes in between and have always been satisfied. They have hearty soups, delicious breakfast and occasionally good service. The service is hit or miss, but overall the wait staff does make a genuine effort to take care of their customers' need. There is sometimes a wait on the weekends, but if you avoid brunching hour you shouldn't have an issue. There is an ATM on site for non-cash carries like myself, but it sometimes out of order. It is 24 hours, so anytime is a good time ( expect of course brunch time)
(4)
Sean B.
This place was within walking distance from our hotel. We checked in pretty late and we were starving so we were glad to know there was a spot nearby that was open 24 hours. I had the Chicken a la Louis and it was delicious. The service was great. They have freshly squeezed juices too.
(4)
Isabel A.
After a long night of clubbing we decided to stop at this small cafe. It has a wonderful appearance but the service was terrible. I ordered an egg scrambler and it had no taste. The servers were rude and the entire time I was there I didn't even get a second glass if water. I asked and multiple waiters and they all said I'm not your waiter, turned around and walked away. It was the worst service I had experienced so far in Chicago.
(1)
A L.
The Tempo Cafe is hit or miss all the way around. Sometimes their food is delicious and sometimes not so good. Sometimes the service is awesome and sometimes just awful. It's very close to my house and when I'm hungry for a simple breakfast I will go and gamble it.
(3)
Mike B.
The best breakfast place I have ever eaten at. If your in the area must try will not be disappointed. The service is excellent and also the food.
(5)
Pauline J.
My boyfriend and I were staying at the Drake and were looking for some close by place to walk to at 3AM. This was one of the only places near by, so we went for it. The place looked nice and the staff was friendly. We got to watch a horde of drunk drag queens, so that was pretty fun. The food wasn't anything special. This place was overall pretty average. Downside, my boyfriend, who's lived in Madison, WI almost his whole life, doesn't really understand how big cities work. For some reason he made eye contact with a homeless person and when the guy asked for his to-go box my boyfriend actually talked to him to politely say no. Then the guy started threatening to follow us and mug us. That was fun. My boyfriend, who wasn't really interested in the leftovers anyway, shoved his food at the guy and copied my disinterested, vaguely annoyed demeanor and we briskly walked back the block over to the Drake. Not sure if the guy followed us, because we didn't look, but we didn't get mugged. Between the average food and poor experience leaving, I won't be back unless I'm stuck in a similar situation of having no where else to eat.
(3)
Kaitlin M.
I love this hot little breakfast place. Every time I have been there has been fairly good service, great food, good portion size and at a typical diner price. I cant rave enough about their skillets and omelets. As a vegetarian I appreciate the good produce. Their coffee is also good.
(5)
Aimee P.
Great in and out, with good food!
(4)
Lorraine L.
Tempo was my go to brunch food. If you like brunch/breakfast all hours of the day, this place is great for you. The portions are generous. It's usually busy every time I go to eat there, but I think it is worth the wait. It has a very diner-like atmosphere, which is something I appreciate. I am originally from New Jersey and diners are everywhere. It's very comforting. They have booths and table settings. They only accept cash. If you do forget to bring cash, they have an ATM machine by the entrance for your convenience.
(5)
Pete B.
pretty awesome diner/breakfast place in Gold Coast, and best of all, it is pretty cheap for the area! A skillet entree can be easily split between two people. I was skeptical when I read that because I eat a lot, but the portion was just enormous. A quality meal for two for $10 + tax + tip = big bargain for the area.
(4)
Rhondi S.
Got the tip from our seemingly knowledgable bus driver. Great joint, looks like a lot of regulars that come here. Huge portions of breakfast goodies.
(3)
Brittany V.
I used to live a few blocks over and would visit here for breakfast once in a while. Pros: *Good food! Nice quality. *Big portions. I always took some of my meal home. Cons: *They used to take cash only. Do they still do that? I couldn't believe that in 2008 I was scrambling to find an ATM to pay this place. *It's crowded on the weekends. I believe we always waited around 1 hour for a table. *Sometimes the service had that "you're one in eleventy billion" feeling. You know, like they just wish you would order in as few words as possible so that they could move on. I know it's busy, but still, c'mon now. If you're in the neighborhood, this would be my place for breakfast.
(4)
Paige W.
This is the first restaurant that I visited when I first moved to Chicago. And for this, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year I probably would have only given Tempo 3 stars, due to their cash only policy. Luckily however, they recently started accepting credit cards. I also really appreciate that this cafe is 24 hours. I usually stick with the breakfast menu; their skillets are generous and delicious. Their sandwiches and soup are also good. No, there is nothing spectacular about this place, but I appreciate that they have consistent, quality food.
(4)
Kris L.
I thought this place was just for late night...but I was wrong. It's a no frills brunch, cash only, stern service, but the omelets are amazing, lights fluffy and come on top of hash browns in a skillet! Love it. Also the portions are ridiculous. Ate my omelet for 2 days afterwards.
(4)
Amanda C.
I'm not at all impressed with this place. They are extremely OVER PRICED. You can get better food for cheaper elsewhere. I get that it's downtown, but with the higher prices the quality should be much better don't you think? I went in with my son to have a little breakfast. His water based (not milk) hot chocolate was $2.75. Really? They also have no kids menu, so I got 2 eggs which they ran me at $3.50. Explain to me how 3 eggs with meat is $4.50 & 2 eggs alone are 3.50? I mean I'm not cheap but being that my mediocre "blueberry" french toast was $8.95. I expected a good portion of french toast but it was 2, not so thick slices cut into four pieces with a small amount of fresh blueberries on top. Meh. I don't know why I expected more from here, but I did. They have free wifi thus the two stars. The waitress was nice also so I can't knock them for that. It is a restaurant though so HELLO the food is what should shine.
(2)
Will C.
Coming from the Aloha State, one truly appreciates 24 hr any things. So that in itself garners 3 stars for me. Straight from Ohare, with no hotel room ready, we took a recommendation and tucked into this corner diner. Friendly fast service and staff that was on their A game. Service people who enjoy servicing? What a novelty. Large food portions and easy on the wallet. They also have a big ole wall of celebrities that choose to chow down here too.
(4)
David K.
Very good breakfast place overall however you probably will have to wait on weekends between 8:30 and 12:30 or so. Omelette skillets are very good and large portions with hash browns (or more like American fries). Home made orange marmalade is great. Eggs Benedict is very good as well. Rest of menu is typical huge Greek diner stuff and is hit and miss.
(4)
Matthew M.
While I was disappointed, I was also not surprised. Being in the Gold Coast, I expected Tempo Cafe to have a bit more creativity with the menu. The menu consists of the American diner basics prepared poorly with a 'twist' on nothing. Some of you diner food purists might love it here with the bland dishes and dingy interior, but I can't find a reason to go back.
(2)
Amy G.
I love that I can count on Yelp reviews to help me find such great places to eat when I'm traveling. Such is the case with Tempo Cafe. It was within walking distance of my hotel, great prices, huge portions ( especially the skillets) and fast service. Don't forget your cash!
(5)
Bruce K.
Wandering the streets in search of a decent and not terribly expensive meal, I walked past and decided to give it a shot. I only realized after I ordered that they don't accept credit cards, which is just weird. Fortunately, I had enough cash in my wallet. My egg omelette (the "Omni" which includes ham, green peppers and onions) was light and fluffy and moist. There is no way that's just three eggs. It has to be at least four! And underneath were sliced potatoes. On the side, two pieces of excellent toast and what tasted like fresh homemade marmalade. Pretty inexpensive for such a large meal, I was very pleased. Good service too and it was nice to sit outside with the traffic going past. Woohoo! As good as it gets!
(5)
R T.
The cafe was crowded, but my food was on point!
(4)
Amy H.
Breakfast on a Wednesday morning at 10am during the holidays - great experience! AWESOME service: They poured me coffee and gave me a bit of fruit to snack on while I waited for my former-boss-and-now-mentor. They were great about refilling my coffee constantly even though we stayed for almost 2 hours catching up. VEGGIE POOR MAN'S SKILLET: Delicious! HUGE portion, and I had to take half of it home, but I got it with scrambled eggs and wheat toast, and it was so full of flavor! Definitely woke up my taste buds for the day haha.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No Good for Working : Yes
Richard B.
Well, it's a diner with decent food. Very good omelets. So so prices. We did have a problem with a baked potato. Spoiled, black on inside and it was served opened....should have caught that! The replacement was undercooked so switched to some awesome steak fries. Fruit serving is a tiny slice of melon. It's a Greek place and you can't get pancakes instead of toast....what's with that? Service is not very good.
(3)David Z.
I came here for a Sunday brunch and despite the buzzing atmosphere, we were all quickly seated. This is one of those classic diners. I hadn't been here before and I'm not in Chicago enough to know what to order, so in need of a filling breakfast, I went with the vegetarian skillet with scrambled eggs. We all ordered huge breakfasts and it came with a basket of toast. I'm not usually a toast fan, but there toast was actually pretty great (though how hard is it really to screw up toast?) Overall, it's a solid breakfast, but perhaps not great enough to return to immediately without checking out other downtown offerings!
(4)Shaheen R.
One of my all time favorites, and I absolutely despise repeating restaurants, but this one is one of my very few exceptions. Things to know: this cafe is one of the very few 24/7 places with good food in all of Chicago. While the food quality will always be consistent, the type of atmosphere you encounter will depend on when you come! For example, let's say you're craving breakfast-- an spinach and feta omelet to be precise, at 11:30 PM on a Wednesday, or even 8 PM on a Friday night you will be greated by friendly staff, quick moving bussers and maybe only 3-4 other patrons in the entire restaurant. This type of time is my favorite time to come. The quickest service in the quietest atmosphere. Peak Times: HOWEVER, should you decide to come for breakfast during normal breakfast hours or even weekend brunch , be prepared to wait for a bit. The turnover is still relatively fast, and the wait is definitely worth it. Also, if you decide to come here when the bars close after 1-2 AM on friday-sunday, you're going to get a completely different crowd. Realize the bars have just closed and these are where you might find some of the patrons. Food will still be amazing, and the turnover still quick, but expect it to be packed full, and for it to be considerably louder. FOOD: Now while I cannot vouch for lunch/dinner options, I CAN vouch for their breakfast options. And dear lord are their breakfast options phenomenal. I haven't had a single dish that has failed to impress me. While all of their breakfast items are incredible, YOU GO HERE FOR THE OMLETS. I don't know what magic they put in these but if you try one you'll hear angels sing!!! The Spinach and Feta omelet is my all time favorite. 3 eggs with loads of baby spinach, and generous portions of fresh feta cheese atop a bed of thick cut, PERFECTLY golden brown sliced potatoes. When I say perfect, I mean PERFECT. like its got a crust of golden brown perfection. If you're the type of person whose reading this and going "big deal. omelets are omelets. They all taste the same no matter where I go, or if I make it at home" then you sir (or madam) have been deprived. I too was once deprived. I have NO idea how they prepare their omelets here, but they are the fluffiest, most flavorful omelets here!! You don't understand; I can't have omelets from anywhere else because Tempo has spoiled me and turned me into an omelet snob. All of their omelets are great-- If you're adventurous I highly suggest the Jamaican Omelet (honey, raisins, walnuts and I think I've added chicken sausage?), or even the Michigan omelet (swiss cheese and fresh apples!) A) I've also had their pancakes, eggs florentine, french toast, their skillets, and a ton of other dishes over the years that I know I'm forgetting by name. I cannot emphasize enough-- NONE HAVE EVER NOT IMPRESSED ME. B) No matter what dish you get, or what diet you're on (unless you're gluten free or allergic) GET. THE. GREEK. TOAST. I don't care if you don't like white bread, or if you think thicker cut bread is weird. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It will change your life. I don't know what magic is in this bread, but the combination of the taste, with the cut, and the generous serving of toasted sesame seeds embedded into the crust will make you hear angels sing. Servers: Even if you haven't been here in months, or for a particular stretch of time for me, a year and a half, they will always remember you and greet you with a smile. Notes: 1) Turnover is meant to be fast. Despite there being power outlets you won't be allowed to utilize them 2) Once upon a time they were cash only. That has since changed, and they take credit cards. TL;DR: Greek toast. Greek toast. Greek Toast. Omelets. Omelets. Omelets. Quick turnover, open 24/7. SUPER busy on weekends for brunch, and can become crazy when the bars close. No matter what time you go the wait is relatively short because turnover is quick and food is HANDS DOWN WORTH IT. They take cards (once upon a time cash only), but this is not the place to plug in your laptop to work.
(5)Nneka I.
I was drunk and the food still wasn't good. The service was okay, hence the two stars.
(2)Sarah R.
I came to grab a late brunch around 3:30 one day. I walked in and was asked if I wanted to sit inside or out. I originally said inside, and the lady at the front said to sit anywhere that I wanted. It was very dead inside. I sat down in a booth, and then realized how cold it was in there. So I got up and said I would rather sit outside. I sat close to the sidewalk, out of the way on the patio. Maybe that was a bad idea because I was hidden or something. Let me go on... My waitress brought me coffee that I ordered and immediately asked if I was ready to order. I've had this experience a lot lately at restaurants. It makes me feel very rushed, so I end up ordering the first thing that I see, which happened to be an omelet with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese. I opted for egg whites instead, which was $1.75 extra (wow. Most places have it for $1 extra, if that....). I chose wheat toast, dry, and fruit instead of hashbrowns. My food came out rather fast. The omelet was very tasty. The toast came with an orange marmalade that was made in house. I was NOT a fan. It tasted like an orange rind, to me.... So I scraped it off and used the blueberry spread. Let's talk about the fruit........you get ONE TINY SLIVER of honeydew or cantaloupe. ONE. I asked and my server even said that it was one or the other...really?? Ok.... I had to ask another server for coffee a few times, which I know is annoying. I'm a server, and it's annoying when customers ask me to do something when I'm not their server. HOWEVER, my server was very MIA, so I had to ask someone else. When my bill came out, it was a handwritten ticket...I'm not sure HOW they charged me $17.15, but I was charged that much for an omelet and coffee...I didn't argue because I had places to be, but nowhere on the ticket did it say how much each "up charge" was. Or even what I was up charged for. If I was charged extra for the ONE sliver of honeydew, I will laugh. Literally laugh. Yeah, the omelet was delicious, but there are far better breakfast places....
(2)Bernie C.
I was walking around the Mag Mile on a Saturday morning and didn't want to have the standard breakfast provided by the Hampton Inn and I found this little charming old school diner. Apparently, they are open 24/7, which is great. I ordered the Intercontinental plate, which had chicken liver and onions, a massive portion of fluffy scrambled eggs, some hash potatoes and Greek toast (white sesame bread) with homemade marmalade. The eggs were good, but were bland so I had to add salt and ketchup. The liver was decent and an ample the portion. The best/most unique part though was the Greek toast with their homemade marmalade. It was delicious. Overall, this seems like a great place for your hangover or big breakfast.
(3)Brandon V.
I gave Tempo another go today, after several years away. I've updated to three stars because they do now accept credit cards, and I believe that the soft drink refills are now free. However, the food and service was still mediocre at best, and still overpriced. I don't think I'll find myself here again.
(3)Lisa S.
We always have brunch here while in Chicago. We always share an omelet because they are huge! Consistently great food and service! If you're coming on a weekend, be prepared to wait in line, but it's well worth it!
(4)David H.
Very good food, large portions quick service. Some people enjoyed their food more than others (see pic).
(5)Candice S.
Terrible food today. We waited nearly 45 minutes for our food to come out. When it arrived the eggs were so overcooked they were browned and dry. My boyfriend's scrambler was supposed to have 4 cheeses which it didn't have any, and his eggs were flat and browned too.. Clearly our food was forgotten about on the grill and when we sent it back the waitress question, "it's burned?" Anyways we will not return. We will save our breakfast meals when in town for wild berry cafe or yolk!
(1)Tracy T.
My guilty pleasure hangover location after a late night and too many adult beverages. This time was after a friends wedding ,we packed the car and figured we would fill up before heading home. found a parking spot pretty quick and got our name on the list...... 10 -15 minutes promised. took closer to 30 minutes.......... the staff was not turning over and cleaning tables as quick as i remember from my last visit a couple of years ago. The food was as i remembered, a slice of orange and a prune to start with a bottomless coffee. I dined on the 3 eggs western omelet in the skillet with a side of slightly burned hash browns and rye toast. My man went the full carb route... french toast and hash browns... not burnt..... He shared :) Hangover fading....! A plus is they now take credit cards. I will give them another try next time in the city, Tempo Cafe and i have history.... but give me a realistic seating time and let me decide if i want to wait or move on .............
(3)Mike Q.
My visit to this restaurant was ok. I usually don't like to be negative. But the service was really slow. There was a lot of empty dirty tables in lobby and we had to wait for them to get cleaned to be seated. And then once seated, another 15 minutes until our order was taken. Now as far as food, my corned beef hash with eggs was ok. Not what I was expecting for the price or reputation this place has. My first visit was not too tempting for a second!
(2)Tim K.
Omelettes in stainless steel skillets (with a handle!) are a cool idea, and you should come here and eat one. Truly a diner/cafe with great windows, great atmosphere, and lots of smiles. You will not find here those icky diner things (e.g. greasy floors and food, gross tables and and dinnerware, sweaty and always-urgent service). Instead, you'll find that diner comfort food that makes everyone happy, breakfast, lunch and dinner and every time in between. Eat here because the experience and value for your money is well-balanced and satisfying.
(3)Emily O.
We stayed at the Talbott Hotel which was just a block from this little cafe. When we arrived the cafe was almost empty and we were starting to second guess our decision to eat here. I ordered the Banana, strawberry, blueberry waffles. Fruit was fresh and sweet and my waffle was pressed into the shape of a flower. The waffle was fluffy and had a nice crust to it. Syrup and butter was not needed due to the delicious fruit. Their coffee is what you would expect from a diner. It was good, nothing to rave about. By the time we left the placed was packed and there was a line out on the sidewalk. Really glad we stopped here and hit it on such perfect timing so we didn't wait long for seating or food.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Great choice for a solid meal that won't dissapoint. My favorite thing to get is the turkey salad--- superb! Moderately priced, great service and plenty of options make this a good choice for a delicious breakfast or lunch!
(4)Christopher H.
Went here on the recommendation of the hotel clerk when we were looking for a nice place to grab breakfast. We roamed on over on a rather gorgeous Sunday morning and expected the place to be very busy. Much to our delight, we were seated outdoors instantly; if we'd have been about 20 minutes later, we'd have been stuck waiting. It's all about great timing, right? The hostess had all the personality in the world, and our server was very friendly. The menu is mostly classic diner food, but really - what's wrong with that? The French toast was very tasty. And the poor man's skillet I had, with all sorts of hashy-goodness (if I can create a word) underneath a bed of 4 cheese and 3 over easy eggs? That's just heaven in a skillet if you ask me! And all told breakfast was around $28.00. Can't beat that! We'll be back!
(4)Kim L.
In my humble opinion Tempo Cafe is a much needed diner in this neighborhood. I mean, who doesn't love a diner with familiar dishes and big portions? I was happy that the hotel where I'm staying directed me here when I asked where I could have a kid-friendly big breakfast. This is a good ol' diner prefect for big plates of eggs, hash browns & toast. They have a few fresh squeezed juice options which is a nice touch. A definite revisit if I stay in this part of the city again.
(4)Rick V.
This is a great diner and one of the only ones in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The staff is very friendly, pays good attention to the customer, though is sometimes a little on the slow side (it was a Sunday). I order a simple dish and was able to customize it to my needs and wants, which to me makes a good diner a great diner. The food was served out in time and very flavorful. A very cosy and much needed eatery in the neighborhood. I would definitely recommend it.
(4)E D.
First time in Chicago for an overnight layover. Came here close to 3am starving. I'm super glad this place is open 24/7 but I can't believe this place was still packed at that hour. I ordered the Blueberry French Toast and a coffee. I was a little disappointed that the blueberries just topped the toast instead of mixed into the batter. Nevertheless, it was good and so pretty! Knocked down a star because the service here is a little lacking. They don't come to check on you once and I had to keep asking for a refill. It's annoying. And when you say thank you, they don't acknowledge it.
(4)shamrock B.
Food is average nothing special. Price is a bit on the high side for breakfast but it's the location your paying for. Just an average breakfast place nothing special.
(3)Annette J.
I went by the place on the bus practically every day for 5 years when I lived in Chicago and never stopped in to eat. But my fella's step sister lives across the street so when we were meeting his family for breakfast when we were all out in Chicago for a weekend we decided to pop in. Stopped by around early Sunday morning (10ish) and while it was crowded we still got a table pretty quickly. They have a lovely patio but it was a bit chilly so we went inside. The table was small and a bit cramped for 5 people but we made it work. Breakfast was simple but good. I had a ham and cheddar egg white omelet with a side of potatoes. Holy cow, what a huge portion! I could barely finish half. Egg white omelets can sometimes be a bit dry but this one was cooked very well. My fella got a belgian waffle and it was a modest size (no oversized waffle machines here) but just the right amount of food. Also it was very pretty to look at. Decorative and tasty to boot! Service was quick. It was inexpensive and unfussy. I'd do it again!
(4)Lia V.
I wasn't impressed with this particular hangover breakfast. I got a skillet, but it was like the slackers skillet. The "hash browns" were just thick cut potatoes that weren't crispy. The ratio of cheese to everything else was insane. The toast was just thin wheat toast you'd buy for a dollar at the store. The eggs were cooked perfectly though and the hand squeezed juice was rockin', but that's about it. Service wasn't overly friendly. The food did come out fast though. I'll go elsewhere for breakfast in the future.
(2)Rafael A.
Is hard to beat this breakfast place in downtown Chicago, you have to be patience but the way they cook it and serve it is completely WORTH it... Open 24 Hrs with the same menu!!!
(5)Todd S.
My wife an I are staying at the Talbott Hotel and were looking for a nearby cafe for breakfast. I found this and was happy that it was only a block down. I had three eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. Their eggs are cooked in butter (the real stuff) and served in a skillet. I loved every bite. My wife had the Scrambler with mushrooms. That too is served in a skillet. I tried the Greek toast with marmalade based on other Yelp reviews and glad I did. They have desserts as well so I think we're going to grab one to go tonight after dinner and take it back to the room to enjoy Great place, great food and a very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit when downtown.
(4)Oscar R.
The food was actually good. No complains there. However the service was terrible. I saw my server twice. To get the food order and drop the food. No water refill. No checking up if everything was okay. I order a sandwich which cost $9.95. I added avocado which she said it was $2. Then she said plus tax my total was $14.15. I'll pay for what I eat but not for your hidden fees. The receipt had nothing written down just the amount that was charged. She stood over me as I signed the copy which made it even more uncomfortable. Over all terrible service. Terrible customer service
(1)Madeline H.
Wonderful soup deal! A large cup of soup and piece of bread for $2.50!! Cream of chicken and rice soup is my favorite!
(3)Alisha M.
Worst breakfast place in the city. Currently sitting here for 30 min no server, no coffee. Bullshit.
(1)Raj D.
24 HOURS!!! Restaurant only takes cash so be aware! It's a nice spot for an after bar hopping meal. Overall I didn't think the food was anything to die for and primarily felt like traditional brunch menu options... nothing over the top. Quality of the food was great... flavor of the food was just traditional. The place is fairly crowded so you may have to wait a bit. Plenty of street parking in the area which is a plus. I ordered the poor mans skillet with extra crispy potatoes. The meal was very nicely cooked and eggs were perfectly runny over easy like I love them. I'm willing to give this place another shot in the future but for brunch options there are many better options in the Chicago area.
(3)Michael L.
This is a Greek diner with standard diner fare. Reasonable prices, generous portions, friendly waitstaff. Outdoor seating. Indoors is quite old-fashioned looking, a bit like a retirement home feel but maybe you like that.
(4)Angie H.
I hit Tempo Cafe for a quick Saturday Mid-afternoon brunch ( around 2pm ) when I visited Chicago two weeks ago. We were seated right away, albeit in the corner of the outdoor seating area. I think due to this, the service was a bit lackluster, since the servers didn't come outside all THAT often, or were pulled away by a table closer to the center of the seating area before they were able to reach us. As for food, the portions are GIGANTIC. I have a pretty healthy appetite, and I barely finished half of my skillet. I got the poor man's scramble, which is a feast of veggies covered in cheese (seriously, if you dont REALLY like cheese, ask for less cheese. there is a CRAPTON of cheese on this dish) and a THICK layer of egg. I had to salt and pepper and tabasco it a bit to get it to my liking, but that's true of most cheap brunch places I've been. Also, I have a slightly heavier palate, so that also may be why I had to add more flavoring. One of our party ordered an omelet, which was equally gigantic. I had a bite, and it was decent, although I preferred my poor man's scramble. Another got the strawberry french toast, which was passable, but a bit too dry to my liking, so my tip is to smother it with syrup. The third got some chicken dish that she really did NOT like, because it wasn't all that flavorful, and the meat was dry. The orange juice, though, is SPLENDID. All in all, the service was okay, the food was okay, and it was a reasonable price for the portion sizes ( i paid $12 after tax & a pretty generous tip ). Being from LA, where the only brunch places with food of equal volume in this price range are Denny's or Ihop, Tempo Cafe is a decent choice by me :)
(3)Ellie W.
Like all stories, my story began with drinks with friends...and ended at sunrise with plates of food we ordered simply because someone sitting next to us was eating it and it looked good. Ok, maybe not all stories. But most of the fun ones worth mentioning. My friend and I, neither familiar with Chicago, had a post-bar craving for milkshakes and pancakes, and of course, went on a Yelp search for the closest diner still open. Sadly, we tried three and all of them were closed. So in lieu of Yelp, we trusted our local cabbie and he took us here, what he claimed was a "hot spot" for breakfast food. 3am at Tempo Cafe is basically like witnessing the walk of shame before the act of shame actually happens. It's packed with girls wearing blood clot-inducing bandage dresses, hobbling in and out on 5" heels, and the guys who will eventually have to piggy back 125 lbs of woman back home. But in between all of this is...*drumroll please*...some killer pancakes/eggs/omelets. Your standard diner food, made that much more delicious by the midnight crawl here.
(4)Aja G.
While I dislike the cash only aspect of this place, their food is good! I have been here for every meal and sometimes in between and have always been satisfied. They have hearty soups, delicious breakfast and occasionally good service. The service is hit or miss, but overall the wait staff does make a genuine effort to take care of their customers' need. There is sometimes a wait on the weekends, but if you avoid brunching hour you shouldn't have an issue. There is an ATM on site for non-cash carries like myself, but it sometimes out of order. It is 24 hours, so anytime is a good time ( expect of course brunch time)
(4)Mike B.
The best breakfast place I have ever eaten at. If your in the area must try will not be disappointed. The service is excellent and also the food.
(5)Pauline J.
My boyfriend and I were staying at the Drake and were looking for some close by place to walk to at 3AM. This was one of the only places near by, so we went for it. The place looked nice and the staff was friendly. We got to watch a horde of drunk drag queens, so that was pretty fun. The food wasn't anything special. This place was overall pretty average. Downside, my boyfriend, who's lived in Madison, WI almost his whole life, doesn't really understand how big cities work. For some reason he made eye contact with a homeless person and when the guy asked for his to-go box my boyfriend actually talked to him to politely say no. Then the guy started threatening to follow us and mug us. That was fun. My boyfriend, who wasn't really interested in the leftovers anyway, shoved his food at the guy and copied my disinterested, vaguely annoyed demeanor and we briskly walked back the block over to the Drake. Not sure if the guy followed us, because we didn't look, but we didn't get mugged. Between the average food and poor experience leaving, I won't be back unless I'm stuck in a similar situation of having no where else to eat.
(3)Kaitlin M.
I love this hot little breakfast place. Every time I have been there has been fairly good service, great food, good portion size and at a typical diner price. I cant rave enough about their skillets and omelets. As a vegetarian I appreciate the good produce. Their coffee is also good.
(5)Aimee P.
Great in and out, with good food!
(4)Lorraine L.
Tempo was my go to brunch food. If you like brunch/breakfast all hours of the day, this place is great for you. The portions are generous. It's usually busy every time I go to eat there, but I think it is worth the wait. It has a very diner-like atmosphere, which is something I appreciate. I am originally from New Jersey and diners are everywhere. It's very comforting. They have booths and table settings. They only accept cash. If you do forget to bring cash, they have an ATM machine by the entrance for your convenience.
(5)Pete B.
pretty awesome diner/breakfast place in Gold Coast, and best of all, it is pretty cheap for the area! A skillet entree can be easily split between two people. I was skeptical when I read that because I eat a lot, but the portion was just enormous. A quality meal for two for $10 + tax + tip = big bargain for the area.
(4)Rhondi S.
Got the tip from our seemingly knowledgable bus driver. Great joint, looks like a lot of regulars that come here. Huge portions of breakfast goodies.
(3)Brittany V.
I used to live a few blocks over and would visit here for breakfast once in a while. Pros: *Good food! Nice quality. *Big portions. I always took some of my meal home. Cons: *They used to take cash only. Do they still do that? I couldn't believe that in 2008 I was scrambling to find an ATM to pay this place. *It's crowded on the weekends. I believe we always waited around 1 hour for a table. *Sometimes the service had that "you're one in eleventy billion" feeling. You know, like they just wish you would order in as few words as possible so that they could move on. I know it's busy, but still, c'mon now. If you're in the neighborhood, this would be my place for breakfast.
(4)Paige W.
This is the first restaurant that I visited when I first moved to Chicago. And for this, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year I probably would have only given Tempo 3 stars, due to their cash only policy. Luckily however, they recently started accepting credit cards. I also really appreciate that this cafe is 24 hours. I usually stick with the breakfast menu; their skillets are generous and delicious. Their sandwiches and soup are also good. No, there is nothing spectacular about this place, but I appreciate that they have consistent, quality food.
(4)Kris L.
I thought this place was just for late night...but I was wrong. It's a no frills brunch, cash only, stern service, but the omelets are amazing, lights fluffy and come on top of hash browns in a skillet! Love it. Also the portions are ridiculous. Ate my omelet for 2 days afterwards.
(4)Amanda C.
I'm not at all impressed with this place. They are extremely OVER PRICED. You can get better food for cheaper elsewhere. I get that it's downtown, but with the higher prices the quality should be much better don't you think? I went in with my son to have a little breakfast. His water based (not milk) hot chocolate was $2.75. Really? They also have no kids menu, so I got 2 eggs which they ran me at $3.50. Explain to me how 3 eggs with meat is $4.50 & 2 eggs alone are 3.50? I mean I'm not cheap but being that my mediocre "blueberry" french toast was $8.95. I expected a good portion of french toast but it was 2, not so thick slices cut into four pieces with a small amount of fresh blueberries on top. Meh. I don't know why I expected more from here, but I did. They have free wifi thus the two stars. The waitress was nice also so I can't knock them for that. It is a restaurant though so HELLO the food is what should shine.
(2)Will C.
Coming from the Aloha State, one truly appreciates 24 hr any things. So that in itself garners 3 stars for me. Straight from Ohare, with no hotel room ready, we took a recommendation and tucked into this corner diner. Friendly fast service and staff that was on their A game. Service people who enjoy servicing? What a novelty. Large food portions and easy on the wallet. They also have a big ole wall of celebrities that choose to chow down here too.
(4)David K.
Very good breakfast place overall however you probably will have to wait on weekends between 8:30 and 12:30 or so. Omelette skillets are very good and large portions with hash browns (or more like American fries). Home made orange marmalade is great. Eggs Benedict is very good as well. Rest of menu is typical huge Greek diner stuff and is hit and miss.
(4)Matthew M.
While I was disappointed, I was also not surprised. Being in the Gold Coast, I expected Tempo Cafe to have a bit more creativity with the menu. The menu consists of the American diner basics prepared poorly with a 'twist' on nothing. Some of you diner food purists might love it here with the bland dishes and dingy interior, but I can't find a reason to go back.
(2)Amy G.
I love that I can count on Yelp reviews to help me find such great places to eat when I'm traveling. Such is the case with Tempo Cafe. It was within walking distance of my hotel, great prices, huge portions ( especially the skillets) and fast service. Don't forget your cash!
(5)Bruce K.
Wandering the streets in search of a decent and not terribly expensive meal, I walked past and decided to give it a shot. I only realized after I ordered that they don't accept credit cards, which is just weird. Fortunately, I had enough cash in my wallet. My egg omelette (the "Omni" which includes ham, green peppers and onions) was light and fluffy and moist. There is no way that's just three eggs. It has to be at least four! And underneath were sliced potatoes. On the side, two pieces of excellent toast and what tasted like fresh homemade marmalade. Pretty inexpensive for such a large meal, I was very pleased. Good service too and it was nice to sit outside with the traffic going past. Woohoo! As good as it gets!
(5)R T.
The cafe was crowded, but my food was on point!
(4)Amy H.
Breakfast on a Wednesday morning at 10am during the holidays - great experience! AWESOME service: They poured me coffee and gave me a bit of fruit to snack on while I waited for my former-boss-and-now-mentor. They were great about refilling my coffee constantly even though we stayed for almost 2 hours catching up. VEGGIE POOR MAN'S SKILLET: Delicious! HUGE portion, and I had to take half of it home, but I got it with scrambled eggs and wheat toast, and it was so full of flavor! Definitely woke up my taste buds for the day haha.
(4)Regina S.
There is nothing like a patty melt for breakfast. I don't know why in my corner of the world we don't have more places where you can get lunch for breakfast. Sometimes, after a night of festivities you want to start the day with a greasy carb overload that doesn't involve eggs and bacon. This place is good in a pinch. It's open 24/7 so it may be a great choice at 4:00 AM when your palate may not be too demanding. I had one of the breakfast skillets on the first go around and it was just OK. The potential was great - potatoes, cheese, veggies, and scrambled eggs all in a cast iron pan. The potato layer was under seasoned and the proportion was too great as compared to the other ingredients. Cheese was spotty, as were the vegetables. Depending on the line cook, you might score a better preparation. Second time around, I wasn't taking any chances with breakfast. The melt was good - juicy patty, melted, gooey cheese, caramelized onions, and nicely buttered and griddled rye bread. The super hot and crisp steak fries made the perfect partner. It filled the tank and brought a smile of contentment. Fine dining? No. But choose right and you will leave happy.
(3)Kara P.
For chicago breakfast options avoid this place. Food is poor quality. Butter is a form if processed margarine Pancakes and toast has zero flavor. All food here is cheap and low quality. So bad I now have to get another meal as this one left me still hungry. Service is terrible. Waited 20 minutes for a coffee refill. The staff is clearly illegal aliens . Bad place bad food bad quailty bad service bad bad bad
(2)Evan S.
Love this place. Super fast, friendly staff, and lots of food!!! Pretty inexpensive. Emma was very lovely.
(5)Kevin D.
Love it here. Great diner food and atmosphere. Open 24 hours - cash only - breakfast served any time. I've tried a couple sandwiches and salads and they were not amazing but pretty darn good for an inexpensive diner. Great people watching at night... gets busy when the clubs and bars let out.
(4)Food M.
great food, ok coffee but the bathrooms were horrible...... If its like that with the space you can see, what is it like behind the kitchen?
(2)Whitney W.
Can't deny that the food is good here! 24 hours, and you may or may not see a celebrity there if you're lucky lol. Good price on the food, hardly ever any waiting time, and I think they take cards now for payment?
(4)Peter D.
Tempo cafe serves a much needed late night option when the bars close and you need to eat before you crash. its open all night and is similar in menu to Denny's. the food is not great but its ok so no complaints. That it was right next to the hotel was even better. i pretty much stayed with the club sandwich. No complaints and service was ok. Peter
(3)Mohammed A.
Found a dead fly on the burger
(1)Dominique M.
I called to order food from Tempo Cafe while on a business trip-just now actually, and was treated to the absolute rudest, most condescending, most abrasive individual I have probably ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I asked a basic question about the menu after explaining that the website was down and that their carryout menu was therefore unavailable to me. I was snapped at and told that it was my responsibility to get ahold of a menu-which I had obviously already attempted to do. I asked what kind of fare they had available (ie American, Chinese, Burgers, Steaks...basic info). I did not ask for a layout of the menu, but only what kind of fare they served. The woman who answered my call could've easily said we serve classic American fare and I could've told her what I wanted to order right then and there. Instead, I was called honey and sweetie and a number of other condescending terms and berated for possibly having had the nerve to call and ask what kind of fare the restaurant served as their website was down. This place could have the best food on the face of the planet and I would avoid it in favor of McDonald's. I expect to be treated with respect if not kindness when I call a business to ask a polite and totally answerable question. I will be calling to speak with the manager tomorrow. Note: The woman who answered my call took probably thirty seconds to speak with me about how horrible it was that I called. She might've been better served to use that time to simply say we have American Fare.
(1)John G.
The food was good and proper and the scene was a riot at 2am. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars because that's what it deserves.
(3)S. J.
Our hotel was right next door so our family chose this restaurant for its proximity (our kids were hungry and we needed to get down to museum campus). It was a Monday morning and it was pretty crowded which seemed like a good sign. I wanted to get one of the skillets (others had it and it looked popular). The menu is like your typical American Greek cafe. The food is good but nothing spectacular. They actually have fresh squeezed juice on the menu (basic Apple, carrot, celery) but it's fresh squeezed. Serving sizes are big. My husband got a grilled chicken sand which and it came with a bowl of fresh soup and side of fries. One of my reasons for 3 stars was place was a little dirty and our server miscalculated our check and over charged by almost $4. When I pointed this out I did not like how the issue was handled. Be careful and double check you check and add it up with calculator on your phone so you don't get improperly charged!
(3)Haley F.
I have eaten brunch here a few times and have never been disappointed with my meal. While this may not be the best place for breakfast in Chicago, it is definitely not a bad one. I enjoy getting the skillets because the portions are large and I'm actually full after eating them, unlike some breakfast places that leave me wanting more. I think eating outside on a nice day makes the experience a lot better because you are right in the heart of the bustling city atmosphere, only steps away from North Michigan Ave. I enjoy stopping here before a long day of shopping to get brunch with friends but I don't think I would make a trip all the way here just for the food.
(3)Mike G.
A locals only joint that runs a 24 hour service chow hall. The staff is friendly, the food is abundant if not to forget tasty. Give it a shot if you feel like waffles at the 3 in the oh my goodness it's early morning! or the damn we closed the bars down and forgot to eat bar crawl.
(3)Tita P.
Now if you know me YOU know that I truly love Breakfast. So, I was surprised when my friend who was in town visiting mentioned Tempo and I had not heard of it. Well I made my way down to Tempo and let me tell you if you want to sit on the patio be prepared to W A I T. So, we decided to eat inside. I love any place that serves regular ole breakfast and they serve it all day. So, I have no issues with the food. I do think that our server needed to WRITE down our order. I mean she forgot quite a few things that we said and I know that it is hip, as you young folks say, to memorize an order but if your memory is a little unstable WRITE it down!! With that said I will definitely go back but if I have that same server I will expect their to be some lapses in memory.
(3)Johanna E.
Best Brunch ive had in a while. Artimes Omelette and Buckwheat Waffle to share for 2! Outstanding! Staff is friendly and efficient.
(5)Diane C.
My friend and I visited Chicago for the first time (from Ottawa and Toronto, respectively) a couple of weekends ago. And what better way to start off our mini-adventure in the Windy City than with a good hearty breakfast? When we arrived around 10 a.m., the place was already busy and bustling. But we had no problems getting seated, and service was pretty good. We both ordered Scramblers - the sizes of which, I'm not sure either of us were prepared for - and hash browns. But the food was fantastic! Despite being so full that we actually skipped lunch, I have absolutely no complaints. Excellent restaurant.
(4)Dawn D.
An old school classic. Back in my 20s when I was dipping it low, kicking it at the club--Tempo's was the spot, you know to soak up the alcohol. So, it's only nostalgic when I find myself here again after a 20-something's birthday celebration, it was great. Now, I'm in my dirty-thirties I can't just eat whatever I want. But I will say the chicken noodle soup hit the spot.
(3)Montez G.
I go here cause the soup is $2.50 for a decent sized take-out bowl with crackers and bread. However, warning, warning, warning....you get what you pay for. The soup: plenty of chicken in the chicken noodle soup; but the broth is tasteless and without seasoning. I want recommend it to anyone else; but I do love bargains so I come with co-workers and we get it and sip on it in the office. Tempo seems to have a good breakfast thingy going on from a lot of the comments I read. Maybe they need to stop selling soup and leave it to the Soup Box. Do Recommend: the Soup Box, I have not Yelped it yet, but stay tuned, my YelpView coming soon. 2*s for now; until I have breakfast there or food on a late night out. Montez G. Yelp! that me.
(2)Andrew G.
Omelettes served in a DEEP PAN. THROW THE FLAG IN. Tempo is a GREAT breakfast place to stop by in Chicago that will fill even the HUNGRIEST of people in the AM. I consider myself a big breakfast easter, and an omelette-lover. At Tempo, i got my usual omelette (egg whites, cheese, onions, peppers) expecting the usual... WRONG. They bring out an omelette in a DEEP PAN. I couldn't believe my peepers. STILL....I thought this wasn't a problem, and it'd go down the hatch no worries. Worries surfaced. A few bites in, realizing I didn't even SCRATCH the surface of this beast, I KNEW I'd been defeated. It was delicious, it was hearty, it was huge. And all for a pretty damn good price! The OJ was among the best I've ever had -- fresh, pulpy, and seemed like it was just outta the damn fruit pre-coming out to our table. TEMPO'S THE SPOT FOR BREAKING YOUR FAST.
(4)Drew S.
Best Breakfast in Chicago. Open 24 hours, friendly staff, quick service and delicious food. Order the Poor Man's Skillet for breakfast or the turkey club for lunch. Classic diner feel with great service. No Nonsense.
(4)Jacob H.
Everyone I know says Tempo sucks unless it's 3am on Saturday and you're drunk. I tend to disagree. It's not assuming, it's not high-end, and it's not fantastic service. Tempo's got above-average food, reasonable prices, and massive portions! Tempo's got character, and the reuben sandwich is amazing. It lasts at least two meals for me. If you happen to stop in late at night/early morning on the weekends, it's packed, so be prepared to wait. Just getting take-out can be faster.
(5)Kashif A.
They use to be cash only but recently the policy has changed so yay to that :-) This use to be my go to place in my 20s when I was out late with friends. Sometimes you would see someone "semi famous". On a Friday or Saturday night (midnight - 2am) this place is packed and the service is generally poor. They want you in an out but on the bright side the food is consistent and they have a fresh juice bar. I went recently in there after an absence of at least 4-5 years and I must say its hasn't changed much from the tables, chairs decor and even the service.
(3)Benjamin S.
It was okay. They had a nice seating area outside, but I didn't think anything was particularly special. I ordered the huevos rancheros; they were okay but definitely nothing great, and I wouldn't order them again.
(2)Meghan B.
This was my go to spot in college, after a long night at the bars (or library)... Price point is right and the service is friendly and quick. Serving sizes are large, quality is MEH... typical cafe food. I'm not sure if I would ever go sober or during the day since I feel like there are much better options out there, but Tempo has always been there for me... So I will continue to be a patron. Even if it's only at night. Oh and they take cash only, if you haven't already gathered that from the other reviews.
(3)Kate L.
My boyfriend and I come here all the time, and we love Tempo Cafe! This is definitely the best 24 hour place around because the food is always delicious and levels above any other food you can find at 2 am. Based on the yelp reviews, the very first time we visited I got the cheddar cheese omelet that comes in a frying pan with hashbrowns underneath, and I haven't ever dared to branch out because it's sooo good! My boyfriend gets the "La Conga," which is basically a grilled cheese with bacon and tomato, but he gets it without tomato because we've had a couple of incidents where the tomatoes weren't exactly ripe. The la conga comes with fries and while they aren't super flavorful, I always end up eating them all. A couple of times the omelets have been extremely greasy to the point that I felt sick eating it, but that's only been at the late hours of the night on Sundays when they aren't as busy so i assume the chef just isn't as well versed? Just to be safe, we avoid going on Sundays now. We went for the first time during daylight hours just last week, and it's a much different crowd and pace, but the food is just as good! I appreciate consistency. During the day the sandwiches were served with soup, and my omelet came with a choice of bread or english muffin, which we found a little weird since we don't get that at night yet we're paying the same money. But either way, when it comes down to it, I absolutely love the skillet omelets at this place, and there is no where else i'd rather go when i'm hungry at 2 am. It's around $18 for the two of us, which isn't so bad for all the good food that you get, and as they are cash only, make sure you bring cash.
(4)Carol K.
Dinner? At Tempo? It never really occurred to me since this is one of my breakfast "go to" places when I am in the neighborhood. But on a recent Summer's night- I stopped in to grab a quick dinner with a friend. This place was packed even early on a Friday night (it always is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings and late night) But there was room outside and since it had begun to cool down- we decided that it was the better than waiting. The menu has a range of breakfast favorites, sandwiches and some Greek favorites like shish kabob. I decided that breakfast was just what I wanted so I ordered an omelet and my friend went with a burger. Loved that my omelet came in a skillet atop crusty potatoes. And if that is not enough starch- you also get two big pieces of Greek toast with jam and butter to spread. The food came up quickly and was eaten just as quickly. Our server was split between inside and out so there were longish gaps in service but that is to be expected given her table assignments. If you drive- there is a parking garage just east of the location on Chestnut - although it is a bit pricey (About $23 for a couple of hours). Better to find street parking as hard as that is sometimes. Tempo Cafe. A little bit of "go to" simplicity in a neighborhood known for anything but.
(4)Sandy G.
Came here 8/3/13. Had the Skillet with Bacon, turkey sausage and mushrooms. Asked for it to be cooked in Pam- it wasn't greasy at all! Came with hashbrowns which are large sliced pieces of potatoes that were cooked to perfection! Just like I like them. Not overly done at all. They were very accommodating and changed the tv channel to the cubs/dodgers game after we asked. Skillet was big but I was able to finish it all with my 5'4" 120 pound self! The Greek bread it came with was two thick slices of toast and the crust was coated with sesame seeds. It came with homemade orange marmalade. I would definitely return when I visit Chicago again! Oh, they also played good music!
(5)Yanyao N.
Sometimes I have to force myself to write unfavorable reviews. Typing out glowing 5-star ones are so easy, but 2-star ones are a little painful. Still, a meal at Tempo Cafe resulted in me being nauseous for an entire day. Hm... not so good. I had skimmed some reviews, suggested lunch there after a mad 3-hour morning study session, even bringing along cash. I was excited! An P. liked it and I generally trust his food choices. So when I order a hot roast beef sandwich with soup, I am hopeful! Even looking forward to my meal... What came out was not so good. The chicken rice soup tasted fine, but was this gloppy white thick cream stuff that sort of resembled Elmer's glue. I thought chicken rice was supposed to be broth-based? My fault for not asking I suppose, though if they had done this with chicken noodle, people might have thrown a fit. My sandwich was a mound of flavorless roast beef on top of some bread that basically disintegrated. The mashed potatoes were pathetic. Not remotely creamy - did they mix this stuff with water? Can we get some butter and cream in here please? Extra heavy peppering didn't help anything. I think maybe people who don't have their own teeth would like this food. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing and should have gone with breakfast instead. However, if you aren't going to do something well, then don't put it on the menu. Simple. Plus 1-star for friendly service.
(2)Kathleen O.
This is a great little diner and a fun place for lunch. I had to go with the club sandwich and it was very good and the fries were perfectly crispy! They have a cute outside area for when the weather is nice. The breakfast foods looked amazing and would like to come back for that sometime.
(3)Debbi N.
This is a special breakfast place and you can figure it out when it's 6 degrees outside and people are waiting to get in for a place that does not even take credit cards. The employees are lovely, friendly and attentive. The specialty is the pancakes, waffles and skillet meals. My son had the eggs benedict and seemed satisfied. I had an egg white omlette which is probably not the best choice, but it was still good. They serve it in a big skillet over potatoes. I really didn't care for the potatoes, and the omlette was just ok. The coffee was very good, and the fresh bread was very good. It's an absolute scene there on a weekend morning and with the people willing to stand in line and wait so long, I figured next time I would order one of the fattening specialties. They looked good. I am going back.
(3)Vincent C.
Excellent choice for a great breakfast. Service is very good. I really liked the bowl with a prune and orange slice. Plus the greek toast was very good.
(5)Daniel W.
The only place in Chicago for breakfast. Reminds me of New York style diners that are open 24hrs a day and have a full menu. For those that love omlettes, waffles or pancakes this is the place. No place better to cure your weekend hangover. Bring your cash because no credit cards are accepted. Prepare to wait and see everybody you know as the line just confirms this is the best breakfast place in town.
(5)Gfiddy F.
Totally there when you need it early in the AM.
(5)Wilt C.
An insomniacs dream. Stick to the basics (eggs/omelets/club sandwich) and you can't lose. Hit the place at about 4 am to get your day going.
(4)Matt C.
Don't even bother with this place. It's sub-par diner food at best. The service acts like they don't want you there at all. Also, they don't give you free refills on sodas. What in the crap is THAT about? So stupid.
(2)Parisa S.
everyone knows the food here sucks. i mean, straight-up rock bottom. however, it is THE gold coast 4am drunk food standby, and therefor, always a scene. and sometimes it can be fun, if with the right group of people after imbibing the right amount of alcohol. 1 star for the poor man's skillet, 1 star because I always cut the line and nobody seems to notice/care.
(2)Annie G.
I drank a boot of beer at Prost! and then stumbled into Tempo Cafe at 3am. And for that reason it deserves 5 stars. No questions about it.
(5)Elizabeth H.
The food here ROCKS! There will be a line, but it does go pretty quickly. I would recommend the belgian waffle with strawberries and bananas, YUM. Bonus: It's open 24 hours!
(5)Happiness L.
The food is really good...I had the yummy buck wheat waffle with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream....coffee is good and strong. I wish I knew the name of my waitress as she was very attentive and would request her table again...she has short brown hair. Minus one star as better busing service is needed to clear dishes more quickly and the bathroom sink does not have hot water and the trash can was over flowing. I did like the decor and the hostess was nice and friendly. Keep in mind this is a cash only place.
(4)Elizabeth C.
Lived a few blocks from Tempo for 12 years and any true Gold Coaster knows this is where you go...morning, noon or night. They have excellent omelets, french toast, sandwiches, etc... and the host & wait staff are always friendly & accommodating. I would kill to have a Tempo on the southside. To all the haters--stay in the suburbs or whatever state you came from.
(5)Emily H.
I heard this place had good breakfast, but I went there for lunch and it was terrible. There was a fly in my watery chicken noodle soup, and my reuben was tasteless. I sat outside on the patio, and it was extremely dirty. I live down the street from this place, but I will never go back again.
(1)lesley s.
I went back to Tempo after a day/night of many beers, and I realized I don't really like this place after all. The service was still fast but even after drinking all day my 1am meal did not hit the spot. I would have been better off at McDonald's down the street.
(2)Ambrosia C.
I had brunch here and it was very tasty! Pancakes with fruit and lots of coffee. Good times!
(4)Tiff B.
Tempo is the spot for post club dining. The food is pretty damn good and not too overpriced. Not the best food I've ever had by any stretch, but hell at 4 a.m. who cares? Plus, I always meet interesting equally intoxicated people there.
(4)David V.
What I like about this place is that you can get an egg white omelet made with PAM instead of butter. I observed many plates passing by me on their way to other customers and, I have to say, each and every dish looked mouth-watering. The meals ARE a bit pricey, but I only go here once a year (to start my St. Patty's Day bar hopping), and the meal provides the necessary base needed for a day of drinking and carousing!
(4)Jinna H.
The food is decent, but the service isn't. Who the heck doesn't take credit cards? How strange. They were fixing a ceiling tile on one end so everyone had to cram on one side. We (my date and I) sat uncomfortably close to a pair of dudefriends having large omlettes. The pancakes were decent, though the strawberries on top of them were great. But those cut up strawberries shouldn't be considered to make strawberry pancakes at all! It's just a nice garnish. Anyway, I probably would have had more fun at IHOP. Go if you're drunk, because it seemed a perfect place for that.
(2)Paul C.
This was a place I would wind up at after a night of law school induced drinking. Because of that, I can't even imagine what this place is like during the day, or sober. However, as a late night stop before you pass out, Tempo is pretty darn good. The food is affordable, eggs, french toast--you name it. Stop off at Tempo and you should be able to reduce your hangover woes by 20-36%.
(4)Garrett D.
Come here quiet a bit for breakfast or lunch. Good food and service always, have good corn beef hash and omlets. Greek toast is also a plus!
(4)Heidi K.
Best corned beef hash ever! Thick Greek toast, frothy fresh squeezed OJ (you can hear them squeezing it after you order!) and friendly servers. Big portions for the $$ and I always leave happily full (and sad to be done!). Definitely get there early...but the wait is worth it if not!
(5)Mark B.
I LOVE TEMPO! everything i've tried on tempo's menu is GREAT! understandable higher prices due to them being open 24 hrs and serving their entire menu all day. great food. service is ok but i love the setting in this fabulously located diner. 4 stars only because they don't accept CC's.
(4)Loan L.
If you plan on coming here for Sunday brunch, be prepared to wait in a very long line. Every time i went there i always got the mushroom and swiss omelet and have never been disappointed. The portions are gargantuan and you never leave hungry. I have yet to find a place like this that serves the fluffiest omelet, the freshest homefries and very large Greek toast. Bring cash because that is the only thing they accept.
(4)Jelly C.
Cute place but mediocre food. Mommy and me tried this place out before going on our little shopping excursion. It was nicely packed for a Wednesday morning. I ordered a cup of fresh OJ and Mom had a cup of coffee. Since I've seen the chicken liver and eggs dish at a lot of breakfast places, I thought I'd finally give it a try. Mom ordered the Morning glory waffle (fresh strawberries, bananas, and blueberries on a waffle). I was very disappointed with my dish. I was under the impression that the liver was going to be scrambled in with the eggs but it was a pile of liver and a pile of scrambled eggs. The liver was ok, too heavy for a breakfast/brunch dish in my opinion, but the eggs and hashbrowns were yucky. They tasted like they were simmered in butter! Anyways, it was probably my fault that I didn't like the dish. I probably should've asked my waitress more questions, but she did say "We have very good liver here." The waffle was good and the fruit was very fresh but my mom and I both agree that it doesn't compare to the waffles at Original Pancake House in Hyde Park... I think I would come back again and give their omelets a try. My waitress says that they're quite popular there. I think they throw it in the oven to bake a bit (like OPH)....
(3)Chris S.
If ever there was "see and be seen" breakfast place, I guess this is it. Wait in line for a table with all the other beautiful people and see if you can spot Billy Corgan or a Cusak or 2. Far too long of a wait and prices too high to justify that wait. This is a diner and it is no better than your favorite diner, it's just in a more upscale setting probably. If you're in the area and anticipate being hungry in an hour or so, this might fit the bill. Otherwise, it ain't worth it.
(2)Helena D.
when you're punch drunk wasted or have been out a long time and are semi-sober but you have the mad alcoholic munchies and are in the Gold Coast, this is where you go. It's also where you go if apparently you are an older man with a girl 3x younger and you want a little 15-minute exercise in the bathroom...which is like the size of 2 handicap bathrooms put together. We witnessed this at 3 am one Saturday morning. Amusing to watch the late night owls, the wasted, and the prom kids while demolishing a mess of eggs and hash browns. Beware of the dirty silverware and food-encrusted bread plates, which might lurk...and the sticky menus. The older broads who serve your table are no-nonsense and are sticklers for cash, so make sure you have mad money pinned to the inside lining of your pants ... else be prepared to pay the ATM ransom fee with their private machine located by the bathroom....it may just be worth it to see how long the old man and chick are hobnobbing in the rest area. Come morning, you may throw up or have an awful stomach ache like my friend who always without fail feels sick after eating at Tempo. Me, I can handle the grease, the salt, and the characters at this joint - it's just another night out in the Viagra Triangle.
(3)Mark R.
Bleah. Not impressed. The outside looked nice, but as soon as we got inside ... it's just a diner, folks. Server had a strong accent that was difficult to understand. Crowded, but we're not sure why. The food was marginal at best - I have had better food at Denny's. We ordered chicken breast sandwiches (one with avo, bacon and cheese). The fries were overcooked (and looking at other orders of fries going past our table, it seemed this was not a problem with just our order). The chicken breasts were overcooked and dry ... and the sandwiches were served "dry" ... we had to ask for condiments (e.g. mayo). Basically, this was the worst meal we ate in Chicago on our 3 day trip. Can't understand why this place keeps on getting high ratings.
(1)Sarah F.
Tempo is quite possibly one of the most classic (and tasty!) diners in the city. They have EVERYTHING on the menu, but in my opinion, the breakfasts here top all. I have had several of the omlettes (the greek is awesome) and just the other day tried the pancakes. Those are fan-freaking-tastic! I had the banana-nut buckwheat pancakes and ....wow!!! Delicious and banana-y gooey. The BEST! Whether you are actually there eating breakfast during breakfast hours, or are in from wandering the streets after bar-hours, food never fails to taste good here. Service is friendly and efficient, and it's open 24 hours. Watch out for the lines though on Sat/Sun mornings...killer.
(4)Rob G.
Great fresh food and friendly staff. Great breakfast spot. I'll be coming back again soon.
(4)Julie P.
Tempo is my favorite place to go after a long night of drinking...they are open 24 hours!! There is usually a line, but it's worth the wait...I love their Michigan omelet (apples and cheese), on top of crispy hash browns. They also do egg white omelets cooked in Pam instead of butter, so you can justify a late night meal here! The staff and service is so-so, but when I'm drunk and hungry and with a group of people, Tempo is where you'll find me.
(4)Erin B.
I actually came here after our Yelp Exhale Spa event. I was STARVIN for something to eat. Jeana N. and I came in here for a quick dinner. I had the turkey burger that was quite yummy, and she had the grilled cheese, completed with a slice of tomato on it. YUM! The french fries were pretty good too. Three stars because service was rather slow, and there was no one in there. I heard that breakfast is supposed to be awesome here...
(3)justin d.
ohhh Tempo Cafe you are overpriced for the quality, but again i eat you at least once a week. Close to home and the only place open 24 hours in the Gold Coast friends and I often venture here for some late night grub. Omelettes are pretty substantial and the orange marmalade is to die for. The waitresses can be snooty at times but hey you can expect that in the Gold Coast i see it as a trend at many of the restaurants. They only take cash ughhh!
(4)Olivia P.
I have only been here for breakfast twice, and it was decent both times. The omelettes are HUGE and are served in a skillet. I wasn't able to finish my meal both times. I liked their omelette's slightly better than Yolk's. I'd say that it's the type of food you'd expect from the local diner. Our waitress was friendly and I have no complaints about the service. Not a place I'm going to write a rave review about...but it's decent. If I could give a half star, I'd make this a 3 1/2.
(3)Mel M.
This is one of my favorite places to get cheap fast breakfast. The omelettes are delicious and HUGE.
(4)a w.
I think this place is at its best during breakfast. They have amazing food and even more amazing fresh juices. But the waits are terrible...last time we waited for 40 minutes (but of course we wanted to sit outside!). But I think the wait is definitely worth the food and the great seating and service!
(4)Martha Z.
I have not been to tempo in years unfortunately, but that won't stop me from writing this review. I love the fact that this place is open 24 hours a day. It's the perfect alternative to the greasy spoon places that are usually the only option in the middle of the night. I'm always torn between the omelets and Belgian waffles. There is definitely something for everybody here.
(4)Alexandria G.
Save your self the waste of time and patience. This place has bad service, long lines, and a pricey breakfast tab. My cousin's friend took me here on my Birthday. I swear we could not get a table or a decent waitress. Finally we got a table by the door and people kept staring at us and our food while they waited in line. this place packs the tables on the floor. It is impossible to have a conversation it is so noisy. Please do not waste your $$$ here.
(1)Meredith F.
Went here for a meeting with my bosses, Andrea and Elizabeth :), and had a great brunch. I've decided I could pretty much live on breakfast food, and I wouldn't mind if Tempo made it all. I had pancakes with fruit, caught glances of omelettes in frying pans and the french toast, and all looked good. My coffee was tasty enough, and the waitress was personable and helpful. We went during the day on a weekday, so the wait was no problem.
(4)Jared L.
Great place to get some breakfast, great omelets. For it's location, reasonably priced. However, you may have to wait if you go there for Sunday brunch. In the winter, that's not cool.
(5)Eddie O.
Hands down the best place for breakfast in this city. I'd suggest going on off times because of the wait, but if you do have to wait it's probably worth it. I've also found that the food comes out pretty quickly once you are sitting down. The waffles are my favorite- and they taste especially good at 4 am.
(4)Edward H.
What a nice place to grab some late night/early morning grub! Parking usually isn't a problem late and the client turnover is good. Seating availability around 2 or 3AM didn't seem to be too bad and there was minimal wait for food as well. The potatoes in my skillet was a bit on the bland side but the cheese and the 3 eggs over easy done just right helped keep it on the up and up. I heard good things about their omelettes and will probably come back for a re-evaluation.
(3)Kristen D.
This place is open 24 hours and has a very nice seating area outside. It however, can become very crowded, and the food isn't worth the wait (unless that is, that nothing else is open at that time of day). It's relatively reasonably priced, but on the high end of that. All that being said, I have some friends that are obsessed with coming here. It makes a nice place to study when it's not too busy and you need your continuous coffee drip.
(3)Robyn W.
I love breakfast food. For any meal. And who doesn't love it at 5 AM after a night of drinking, where it becomes that gray area between dinner and breakfast (I don't normally eat breakfast before I go to sleep, although I will sometimes eat cereal for dinner). So, I reluctantly go to this place at 5 am on a Sunday, really wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. But I am SO glad I went. It was, hands down, THE best omelette I've ever had. Perhaps I'm used to inferior omelettes - Long Island diner food. But this incredibly fluffy and tasty omeletted, served in the pan, served over (joy of all joys) home-fried potatoes (a WONDERFUL surprise), and filled with just the right amount of Swiss cheese (I've learned there IS a thing as too much cheese), large, well-constructed and so delish that I even took half of it home, reheated it when I got up 5 hours later and had it for breakfast-breakfast. And it was almost as delicious as the first go-round. The only thing that tainted my visit was the dumbass who was acting as though his 98-lb girlfriend was really "holding him back" from cleaning some guy's clock, pushed her out of his way as he glared all the way as he strutted out the door, and she stepped squarely on the top of my foot right above my second and middle toes with her 5-inch heels. This was two weeks ago and I still have the bruise. How is that Tempo's fault? It's not. But I could not give 5 stars to a place when my dining experience was clearly tainted by the throbbing pain in my head, superseded only by the pain in my foot, and the service may have sucked and I wouldn't have noticed. Or the bill could have been expensive except I didn't pay. Or, they could have moved a little faster so I didn't have to stand in line for so long by the door where said idiot made his grand exit. I just don't know. So, 4 stars it is.
(4)Andrea L.
I finally had the chance to have brunch at Tempo today, and I was glad I did. Even on a busy Sunday morning at 11:45, we only waited 15 minutes for a table. The service was quick and the food was very good. I enjoyed my banana pancakes-they were huge, fluffy, and full of bananas. My parents both had some sort of skillet dish with eggs, potatoes, veggies, and cheese that they enjoyed. We will definitely go back!
(4)Jess S.
I was too busy passing out at the table to enjoy my skillet, but I think it was good. Damn those GnT's!
(3)Abigail D.
overpriced and gross. thats all i gotta say.
(1)John M.
Here is a hint- Go to Tempo at around 5pm on a weeknight. There is no wait. The crowd is chill and laid-back. I have enjoyed many a succulent evening-time breakfast while reading my fantasy literature at Tempo, and in my opinion this is when the service is best. I always tip the waitress just over 20% because she is always ON it. Highlights for me include the Continental (I love liver) and the Asparagus and Cheddar omelette. I don't think you can go wrong with any omelette or skillet here, and they ALWAYS keep the coffee coming. Overall Excellent.
(4)S to the izzo F.
What no After hours... I'm hungry, lets get some food.. where? Tempo! The food is OK, but it's open when I need it..... 4am to 6 am. Actually that is the only time I have ever eaten there. It's better than Micky D's breakfast, Plus some times a burger with avocado tastes real good at 5:30 in the morning. I always bump into some friends at this time too. We swap stories from the evening and laugh at the really drunk people. My boys, sometimes, score with the girls who seem to have had a bad night and are happy to see guys in a more casual and lighted location.. The night is never over till you hit that pillow!!! I'd give it 5 stars for being open 24 hours and dealing with that early morning, actually, late late night crowd!
(4)Julie H.
Such a mob scene, the wait is ridic! But its a killer breakfast, especially when you're hungover.
(4)Avin B.
I was in Chicago for a bachelor party so we went here late night Fri/Sat night, just because it was open late. Despite a long line, they sat us quickly. The 8 of us who at there each night unanimously agreed: the food sucked. Even late at night. It gets 2 stars just for being open late and feeding us. We tried a wide variety of things from breakfast items (skillet, french toast) to others (sandwiches, etc) and top to bottom, the food was very unsatisfying. However, people must like it as it was packed and we had a Chicago Bulls star sitting next to us.
(2)Kristen F.
How can you not love Tempo? I've been there many, many times. This past time I had the chocolate chip pancakes which is full of chocolate. Had I not already had a drink, milk would have been good. Expect a wait on the weekends but the hostess has been doing this for years and had perfected her job, trust her, she knows what she's doing, you'll get seated eventually. The turnover is pretty quick so it's not long once you sit down to order, get your food and get out. The inside is pretty packed so it gets fairly crowded. I knocked over and broke a water glass once (oops!) it's that crowded with tables and chairs!
(4)Kira L.
I really like Tempo but sometimes I just can't deal with the crowds. The food is great though so I usually try to rally up the girls to head there during an off time- like 2:30 or so on the weekends. That has worked well with the wait- you only have to wait about 10 minutes then. Get the omlettes- I love the egg white with mozarrella- yum!
(4)Sean D.
Great selection of breakfast platters served in skillets, always open, great place to come for a bite to eat after clubbing. Love it, we need one like that in the West Loop. Crowded yes, especially late nights but what do you expect, not many places are open late at night and decently priced.
(4)Geoff M.
If you've resigned yourself to an interminable wait for brunch on a weekend do yourself a favor and go to a real brunch place. While fairly tasty (especially after a long night out) the food is nothing to write home about and not particularly creative either. Sure, there's something to be said for doing the basics and doing them well, but Lou Mitchell's can claim that with free donut holes to boot. An added deterrent is the price, which is unusually high for a predominantly breakfast place. Their lunch/dinner fare is passable. There are some high points. A late-night eatery is tough to find in the Gold Coast and Tempo fills in admirably. They serve a delicious marmalade with their toast that everyone should try. Lastly, although the after-hours crowds can be as large as the ones on Sunday mornings, at least you have a chance of a B-list celebrity sighting. I'll keep coming when everywhere else is closed but will pass during daylight.
(3)elizabeth n.
Tempo Cafe is a great place to go for brunch or lunch if you aren't worried about waiting. They do have a long wait at times, but once you are in, they move you along quickly. The food is great though so it makes up for whatever time you have to wait to get in. I usually do breakfast foods and they have the most amazing french toast which is my favorite, and lots of great omlette choices as well. If you go at off times it shouldn't be too bad of a wait but it's worth it!
(4)H K.
Breakfest: The Best place for BREAKFAST hands down, if your looking for a family style place. Can't beat the Price. Staff is super nice!
(4)Jake A.
It's good, but I've spent too much of my life in line at Tempo waiting for a decent breakfast. The wait is usually more than an hour, but the service is pretty fast once you are finally seated. I tend to stick with their breakfast items- omelette's, pancakes, and french toast. I've never had anything off their regular lunch menu, but I've been told the salads are good as well. I suggest Tempo expands or opens another location to fit us all in!
(4)Ali C.
good cafe style food. my chicken sandwich was great! it was filled with tons of avocado and the chicken was grilled to perfection.. the thick cut fries were hot and delicious! i also got a chicken rice soup with my meal and it was actually good. i was tempted to try one of their omelets because they serve them in a frying pan! they only take cash here which is the only bummer especially being a tourist and never carrying any cash on me. i like the fact that they are open 24 hours! a great pit stop for drunken club goers..
(4)Emily T.
Tempo is amazing. It is our go-to breakfast spot whenever friends are in town. There is a wait, but that always lets you know that you are at a good place. Dont forget to bring cash with you- they do not accept credit cards ect. The best thing on the menu is the poor mans skillet! The waiters are nice and the vibe is good- you have to check out tempo!
(5)A.S. V.
I waited for about 30 minutes on a busy Saturday, which isn't too bad. What looks like a humble little Greek coffee shop actually offers some of the best breakfasts downtown. It had more than 25 omelets to choose from, and they didn't have that heavy greasy taste associated with old school diners like this. The french toast and pancakes (yes we pig out for brunch) offered less creative options, but were very good.
(4)Rasmei P.
oh man! i shuffled in here around 2 or 3am on friday and we were seated right away. all i can recall right now is a humungous Belgian waffle in my face, perfectly cooked golden crisp brown topped with strawberries. it was so good! oh, and served with a tasty pan of fluffy scrambled eggs. yum! you bet i was happy!
(4)L B.
Very disappointing. First, we decided to sit inside since there was construction going on across the street from the outside seating. With about a third of the restaurant empty, the hostess sat us next to a table with very loud, unsupervised children. We asked to go back outside and decided to endure the noise. To make a long story short, my pancakes came out well before the side order of bacon and my husband's skillet was bland but a generous portion. To be fair, the restaurant did offer to have us back to make up for this meal after our hotel called them to discuss our visit. Our trip will be too short to do this but it was a nice offer. Check on the construction if you decide to try it.
(2)William L.
Pretty solid breakfast place if you're downtown for shopping, shows, or snooty-pooking. We went on a Saturday morning and it was packed by 8:45 but there was only about a 10 minute wait. The service was pretty fast and the portions were hearty. Poor man's skillet was my choice and I'd definitely get it again, although maybe with Greek toast next time. The strawberry waffle looked great too, but how do you screw up a waffle? I agree with Andrew T., try the orange marmalade. Cash only and you can't sit until your entire party is there, so plan accordingly.
(3)Andrew T.
What more can I say about breakfast? I think this place deserves some consideration for its location and pretty friendly service - coffee while you wait - but when you get right down to it, it's just breakfast. This was the morning stop before half of the AMC Oscars marathon, and it worked just fine. My Poor Man's Skillet was pretty good - lots of ham, lots of good cheese, lots of peppers. About as good as that sort of thing gets. And their orange marmalade, which is apparently made in house, is very subtle and mild. Really good, and I'm not a huge marmalade fan. I'd like to try some lunch stuff - they had some good looking Greek dishes on the specials board. Service was very fast and friendly, as I mentioned. Our check for four seemed to be a little big high, but it is in a pretty popular location, so I can forgive that. I can see this place being mobbed late at night, since it's a 24 hour joint...
(3)Ben B.
Tempo Cafe isn't really much more than a Denny's. Bright lighting, an around-the-clock breakfast menu and drunk customers. I had the chicken breast sandwich, which was supposed to have been marinated in something. I'm guessing they just marinated the chicken in lukewarm water because it tasted like nothing. Disappointing. And it wouldn't have killed them to have toasted the bun. But my fries were good. Big, thick steak fries. Service was also attentive. And I had an orange cream smoothie that was delightful. This shouldn't be your first resort for food, but as a stop-gap emergency place, it might do the trick. Warning: They only take cash.
(3)Thomas P.
Whenever I am in Chicago THIS is the place to go for breakfast or any other meal. They are open 24 hours and the food and service is great. I have been a customer for over 15 years and I'll always go back. If you like steak and eggs-try their version it's fantastic.
(5)Barbara S.
Fabulous omelets. Service was slow but sitting with friends made it tolerable. Must have cash. If going on Sunday morning try 10:00, much later is more difficult.
(4)Paul F.
Come here hungry
(4)Denise B.
I hear Tempo Cafe is popular with the locals who live in the area, and after dining here I can understand why! If you want your yummy, classic, tasty homestyle brunch and lunch treats, Tempo is a perfect place to eat! Although the menu does feature a lot of old favorites, they also have a lot of twists on old favorites. Service was quick and done with a smile, and I was VERY happy with my food. it was great! best of all, there was no wait for a table at all! I guess that's the advantage of going over lunch on a weekday. Cash $$$s only, so bring some crisp bills!
(4)Cory C.
Wonderful place to have brunch. Wait can be a bit long but it moves quickly. It is a pretty loud place. Prices are very reasonable compared to portion size.
(3)Adrienne K.
YUMMM!! Perfect place for breakfast!! Delicious eggs, bacon, waffles, smoothies, coffee...the works!! Fantastic!! NOTE: CASH ONLY !! ATM inside, but extremely large service charge
(5)Keith C.
I have never been Tempo sober. If I am still somehow alive on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning after partying until 5, then my friends and I usually hit this place up. Tempo is open 24 hours and is serves one of the best breakfast in the area. Their omelets are enormous and I love their Greek omelet. Whenever I show up there (usually around 5:30 am or 6 am) the place is packed and you will have to wait for a table. I guess all the drunk people go here too. You have to pay with cash and the service can be really slow sometimes but that's because they are completely packed. You'll also see a couple rowdy tables because everyone is usually hammered at this time. My group being one of those rowdy tables so just get used to it because the food here is awesome. Maybe one day I'll try this place sober and update my review.
(4)Danyelle K.
The waitress recommended the Poor Man's Skillet and it was fantastic. The hash brown potatoes were very crispy and yet not burned. The Greek toast was browned to perfection. And the best part - the coffee! Tempo is an upscale diner that I'll visit again when I'm in town.
(4)Matthew M.
Very very very good food. Their eggs are great and excellent chocolate chip pancakes. Service could be 10-15 min wait. If your food takes more time than excepted, they might give you a complementary free drink.
(4)Sam I.
Service is ok, sometimes they can be rude if you go at 4 am. We went that early after a night race, totally sober. However, the waitress was not the nicest and it was hard for her to understand my order of 1 egg over easy,1 piece of wheat toast and potatoes. Everyone was happy with their food though.
(3)Nick M.
I'm a breakfast for dinner kind of guy. I don't know what kind of guy that makes me. Oh, wait an AWESOME guy (giving you the "Fonzie point"). Pants and I worked up an appetite after watching others leap and jump through the air (Contemp. dance festival). Yep, that's how we roll. Lucky for us it wasn't busy and there was plenty of tables on the patio for a nice sunny day. There really isn't much to say about the place, decor is plain and the service is ok, nothing really special but... the food is solid. It's not fancy and it's more then likely to put some meat on your bones. The servings are HUGE! I didn't have to eat for the rest of the weekend. They have all of your standard breakfast items so it's not hard to find something you like. I went with the Poor Man's Skillet -A skillet full of hash browns, bacon, green pepper, onion, first topped with melted American, Mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs. Good lord I was struggling to finish and didn't. Pants decided to be crazy and go with the Jamaican- 3 Egg Omelettes with banana, walnut, honey. That shit was good, I almost stole it and yes we both said that it was so good it was "Jamaican me crazy". Like I said solid and a big meal. Also, bring cash, no credit allowed.
(4)Mike P.
Had a meeting downtown that lasted a little longer than I had anticipated and wanted brunch (versus lunch) somewhere close to where I was (Rush and Peterson area) that wasn't too pricey. Came upon this place thanks to Foursquare and decided to check it out. I saw the place and wanted to see if they had a menu outside...woman comes up and asked if she could help me. Said I was looking for a table for one. Even though the place was crowded there were still a few tables here and there so got seated right away. Ordered what they call a scrambler which in actuality was a skillet with scrambled eggs....was tasty and not too many potatoes. Also got my choice of ingredients in the scrambler so I opted for Canadian Bacon, mushrooms, and American Cheese. Oh yea got an English Muffin with it (no extra charge...yay!) All in all a good place....will definitely go here again as the food is good and plentiful.
(5)Fred C.
Would I be bale to go two and a half stars I would. Tempo's big value for me is that it is open 24x7 and I live two blocks away. It is ubiquitous - when Kate and I want some place to go, grab a late-night breakfast, and get some work done it fits the bill. The food is average and overpriced compared to my other River North breakfast spots (Eggsperence, Orange, Yolk) - every item is $10 and worth maybe $6. Also, unless you are drinking water or coffee be prepared to pay for refills. The coffee is not great, in many ways this is the first sin of breakfast spots. The staff is generally friendly and moderately attentive. And the service is nearly always quick. The only other annoyance is they take only cash. INCONVENIENT. All in all if it is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and you are in the Gold Coast in want of breakfast after 10 pm this is the spot for you. If you are looking for a go-to spot for a fab breakfast/brunch... keep looking you will find better.
(2)Sally R.
I've eaten here a couple of times. I'd say the food is ok, but nothing to write home about. The service is just ok.
(2)Terra V.
Wowza, this place doesn't mess around with their skillets. My husband looked Tempo Cafe up on Yelp while we were visiting Chicago. I can't remember what skillet I got, all I know is that I couldn't eat it all, and they gave me the option to have it cooked with Pam to save a little bit of calories (seriously, I'm ordering a giant skillet of eggs and has browns, why did I think this would help me?) Anyway, my skillet was delicious and my husband was a big fan of his as well. He also got some orange juice that I wish I would have ordered because it was fresh squeezed. Great place.
(4)Mahsa T.
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to stop in at Tempo for breakfast. Not only are they affordable, but they have fabulous food and great service. The restaurant itself is small and they do get busy so expect a wait, but tables turn over pretty quickly. We arrived around 11 am, were greeted warmly by the hostess, quoted 15 minutes for a table and seated within that time frame if not quicker. Our waitress was friendly, thoughtful, and on top of things, I wish I remembered her name. She checked in on us often and got every little thing we asked for and even offered to get us things we didn't ask for. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet with ham, green peppers, hash browns, layers of cheese, and 3 eggs any style--it was fantastic! Portions are huge too so you can easily order one skillet and share. We also shared a short stack of pancakes (3 very large pancakes) that were mouth-wateringly delicious. I highly recommend the fresh-squeezed orange juice and I would get the large size because the small size is too small (looks like a shot glass). I love that they top off your coffee even though it says no refills on the menu. Our food came out literally a few minutes after we ordered. I'm extremely impressed and surprised by how efficiently this restaurant is run. They're open 24 hours, 7 days a week. I haven't had a breakfast this satisfying in a long time, I came out absolutely stuffed and very happy to have found my new breakfast spot!
(4)Stacy F.
Tempo Cafe had a really nice patio area for those nice spring/summer/fall days. Service was alright, not very attentive. Food was tasty. One thing to remember: CASH ONLY.
(3)Tania G.
Ok, i have been here before couple of times and went on one night after a black tight event .We sat done the table in a busy night ,just to realize my whole dress was covered in oil and whatever else was around the table .The table looked clean on the top except not around the edges .(half ass job done ). So i was upset and try to tell them and they called on the GM,.So when she came in she try to blame it all an me ,she called me i was annoying customer ,she took my food away from my table and told me she will call the police on me . No need for that, i couldn't believe,i was treated like this . This is a big red flag for place like this .Now ,not that i was upset over my expensive dress i was upset over how bad they treated me .I try to talk to the owner but he kept ignoring my calls ,,i have nothing else to do but to call the business bureau on them . This is not how you treat a customer ! Lack of professionalism can ruin fool reputation .Zero stars and only good place for drunk people that they can not see they surroundings .
(1)Arly J.
Great diner for breakfast. We had delicious skillet omellettes and eggs benedict. All meals came with an orange and prunes for the table. we were a group of six and the waitress was very accomadating when one of us was on a diet and exchange the omelette that had potatoes. Food was all fresh and plentiful. Quick , fast service.
(4)M G.
This place is great for a quick bite if there isn't a long wait. (usually occurs around breakfast on the weekends). Good service and You get a lot of food for a good price. I recommend sharing breakfast plates because its a lot for one person. They are also great with kids. Provide balloons for them. Only downside is that they take CASH only. Food is still good tho.
(5)DJ C.
Wow! This place has a great vibe and the ambiance is amazing. The location is great. I must reccomend the morning glory waffles which were fantastic! The smoothie was tremendous. However, my associate had the wuevos rancheros and was far from satisfied. Despite that minor setback, we also enjoyed the huge omlets which were finger lickin good. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)Rits M.
Tempo is great. They have delish food, and I got the scrambled egg and illy coffee for my cousin, which she deemed good. I personally really liked my eggs, the portions were generous. The only problem was they dont accept credit cards, which I think is a bummer
(3)Thalie L.
It's a place fine place to drink a coffee and have a nice talk with someone. The prices were fine. I'll come back for a breakfast.
(3)Sebastian Y.
24 hr Diner! Love the omelettes here because they come in a skillet with potatoes at the bottom! I got the Gold Coast Omelette and was very happy and satisfied. It tasted home cooked and didn't leave me feeling gross. Only knock on Tempo is that it's cash only.
(3)KB C.
Only go to Tempo for late night eating- otherwise it's not that good. Food is really bland. (meaning that the the salt and pepper that'll be placed on your table...will not help!)
(2)Lindsey D.
This is a breakfast for a man about to go work a ten hour shift on the farm. It comes in a skillet for Pete's sake! And not a small skillet either. This spot is classic diner food but with tasty options. I've been here now a couple times over the years and Tempe never seems to let me down. On my most recent visit, we got lucky with cold and rainy weather in the middle of the week which meant that Tempe wasn't very crowded and we actually got a seat without waiting. We first tried the banana pancakes as our appetizer followed by a skillet omelet. Yes, I said a skillet. I got the egg white omelet with ham, cheese, spinach and mushrooms. It was large and definitely in charge. The omelet rests on a bed of hash browns within the skillet. I ate and I ate and I ate and I ate...and guess what this skillet looked like when I was too stuffed to think? It looked like a little bird had poked a hole in it with its beak and took some little bites. It didn't even look like I had eaten anything! PS - every bite was delicious. The only downfall is that more often than not, there is a line out the door to eat at Tempo. But hey, that's the price you pay for a delicious breakfast to start your day!
(4)Ana Cristina P.
Every time I visit Chicago, I visit Tempo. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and at Tempo it's even more so! Everything on their menu is HUGE. Really. Bring a friend and share. The omelets fill up an entire skillet... I think they're made with a dozen eggs. At least it feels that way. They're always made with the crispest, freshest ingredients... And I had no idea I'd enjoy fruit in my omelet until I came here. They make it work. Their banana waffles are amazing. But maybe that's just because I'm a huge fan of bananas- I eat one everyday of my life... It's nice to have it sprinkled in belgian waffle mix at least one day a year! Their pancakes are pretty great too. There really isn't anything on their menu that isn't good, as far as I'm concerned. If you love breakfast food and you're in the Windy City, make time for a meal here. You won't regret it.
(4)Blair R.
Met a friend at Tempo for brunch this Sunday. Even though it is nearby, I don't go often. However, it is a good option if you are in the mood for a diner-style brunch. Chicago is majorly lacking in good diners, if you ask me. I am not a big omelette girl (I'm weird and don't like veggies in my eggs in the A.M.) but that seems to be the "go to" option. I went with the three eggs any style/scrambled and was a bit disappointed that they were more omelette-like than scrambled but I'd probably go back nonetheless. Important to note that this is cash only. Also the small orange juice is basically the size of a shot glass so make sure to go with the large.
(4)William S.
Rosa is the best waitress hands down
(5)Michael G.
Good food! Big Portions too. Ordered the veggie poor man skillet and you could definitely split it. Coming back for a late night meal-open 24 hours
(4)Bill J.
Best breakfast in the city if you like skillets. I can't say enough good things about the service either.
(5)Arian M.
I usually enjoy breakfast at Tempo...they are fast and food is tasty. Unfortunately, today was not a good day. Not sure if it was because we had a new server or it was busy, but not that busy. I asked for grapefruti juice and was told they don't serve grapefruti juice...hmmmmn really cause I usually order it and it's on the menu, front and center. Our server provided no explanation, but the bus boy stepped in and said, "Of course we serve, grapfefruti juice, but we don't have any in stock at the moment." I ordered an egg-white omelet with spinach,turkey sausage and tomatoe...it was quite tasty, but I noticed the eggs weren't very white. A girl's gotta watch her figure, if you know what I mean. I asked the serve if it was egg whites and she said, " It doesn't look like it, but htat's what I wrote down. Do you want me to take it back and make you a new one, no charge?" I said, " No, thank you...I'll eat this because I have to get back to work." I only ate half (again a girl's gotta watch her figure). Or server asked if I wanted to doggy bag the rest. I said no thank you. I only assumed that because she made an error that we would have received a small discount, let's say 20% off the bill. Unfortunaley not. It won't stop me from coming back, but I will say that I will definitely be visting other eateries more frequently.
(3)Tam H.
This is late night dining at its finest...Its not only the food that brings people together after the late night of partying and shindigs but is the atmosphere... First off, I love the omelets...I have pretty much eaten most of the omelets on the menu. Why? Because they truly understand how to make an omelet tasty and good late at night. Its nothing like eating somewhere at that time and the food is horrible. You already have had a hard night out with your friends with all the debauchery that may have taken place. The last thing you need is bad food. Right? Nope not here. The pancakes are on point and fluffy. They don't skimp on the serving so if you are not really hungry you can share it with your date. Now look at you getting cozy in that booth with your boo! LOVE IT!. Tempo serves it up fresh and quick. The waitstaff is pleasant even at 2 am in the morning...You can't beat that.
(3)Gina V.
Waitress hated her life and it was very evident in her manner... Club sandwich was kinda gross...can't put my finger on it, but I have had much better. Fries were pretty good. I have no reason to return
(2)Carolyn L.
I didn't even know this place existed until my friends brought me here to binge on late-night food. I think I'd only be able to enjoy this place if I was drunk. I ordered the strawberry french toast and it was enjoyable as a drunken treat. Honestly, I can't really complain about anything but that's because I don't remember most of my night post-Hangge Uppe. So let's just say the food was good, I didn't get sick from it, but I'm not entirely tempted to go back.
(3)Alexandra G.
I stopped in here for breakfast while visiting Chicago and enjoyed the entire experience. Great food, great service!
(4)Ashley C.
Food? Mediocre. I ordered the Eggs Benedict. It was ok - nothing special. But what about the wonderful breakfast potatoes that complete a brunch? They were lukewarm at best. Meh. :-( This is NOT the way to start off a brunch. [The blueberry pancakes were actually really tasty and I would order those next time.] Service? It took 5 minutes to get ketchup and then she rushed us for the bill. It gets worse - NO FREE REFILLS. Really? Does that mean it's really cheap? NOPE. The redeeming quality is that there was nice shaded outdoor seating and there wasn't much of a wait when we went (for 4 outside). Plus - it's location was convenient. A good meeting place and you're by Michigan Ave. Would I go back? If it was a place to meet, nice outside, and if I wasn't dehyrdated.
(2)Stephanie S.
We came here since it was the only restaurant that was open after 11pm (we landed pretty late). The food was so disgusting. I started off with a creamy soup which was decent but the steak stir fry was bland and tasted awful. My girlfriend had filet of perch which was so bad she only had the fried shrimp by the fish and she had the worst mashed potatoes (fake, runny instant mashed potatoes). This was a waste of time and money. The waitress didn't seem to be in the best mood either.
(1)Temple W.
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. DO NOT BRING KIDS HERE. i took my 11 year old daughter to breakfast early saturday morning. the service was good and the food was as well, but the manager sat a table of really drunken guys next to us who were clearly coming off a long night of drinking. they were swearing, speaking disrespectfully to the waitress, and frightening my daughter... so much so that she couldn't eat her breakfast and asked to leave. i told the manager and his response was, "what can we do?". here's an idea, if they are so drunk that they are slurring their words, can barely stand up coming in the door and picking fights with your staff, THROW THEM OUT. you may be making a few bucks on them but you just lost my business forever.
(1)Andrew L.
great place to eat!!
(5)Jackie C.
This place was just around the corner from my hotel, and my husband and I were craving breakfast food, so we gave it a try. BAD DECISON. Things started out okay- our waitress seemed civil. Hubby ordered the famous omelette in a pan and I ordered some type of scrambled eggs and toast. The ONLY thing that was decent was the toast. My husband's omelette was dry, flavorless, and mostly filled with one of the worst hashbrowns I've ever had- soggy and absolutely lacking in any type of flavor whatsoever. The decaf there was also one of the worst I've had- incredibly acidic and gross. As for the service? BAD. Like Emily B. mentioned in her review, the servers here seem to hate their jobs and make sure the customers know it. I tried to flag down my waitress to get the check at least three times (she was standing by the cashier, talking to another worker), and despite locking eyes with me two times, ignored me and actually walked behind some huge kitchen equipment so she could continue to ignore me. Probably thought I wanted her to get something besides the check and didn't want to do her job. After waiting in vain for her to address our needs, my husband had to actually walk to the counter to get our check. My soft-hearted hubs left a 15% tip- I would have left them none. NEVER GOING BACK again.
(2)Isaac C.
Good: The food Bad: Everything else. The service was terrible. After we were seated it took over ten minutes until we were greeted by our server. Then when she was taking our order she asked us to hurry up and we could only order if we were going to be fast because she had to help a table of seven. Then half way into our meal she asked if i needed a refill of my water. I said yes but after 30 minutes she had never come back with a refill. I never got more water. This place had not given me a very good experience so far so i decided to talk to a manager about it. He was very receptive to the criticism and thanked me. Then when i was paying my bill i complained again because the service continued to get worse. The person hearing my complaint this time, who i am assuming was the line/executive chef, someone important., told me that i don't have to come back and he was extremely rude.
(1)Stephen H.
Labor day weekend, every place in town packed. Except Tempo. My hero. Tempo had no wait, was clean, inexpensive, fresh, casual. Food was really good. Generous portions. I will definitely be back. 3.5 stars...
(3)Bob D.
Food was good and overall experience was positive. Nothing ground shaking about the menu but if you're looking for a no frills decent breakfast, you can't go wrong here. One big plus is that their portions are pretty hearty so bring your appetite. As mentioned, cash only.
(3)Boon K.
I have been coming here since college and I love that they are open all the time (24H), great place to get breakfast after a clubbing and still good in the morning. Plus if your not a breakfast person they service other things too like sandwishes, entrees, etc. The banana nut buckwheat pancake or the waffles, all my favorite but I like the healthy option of white egg french toast. The veggie poor man skillet is good too and so is the egg benedict.
(4)Kevin H.
Maybe it was the city, maybe it was the cold air and winter cheer, or maybe it was the alcohol, at any rate this place was a great place to be in the middle of the night. I really enjoyed my omelet something I am finding a hard to say these days as I try more and more breakfast places. Most Cafes I've been to are fairly closed off. What I mean by that is you sit at your table and can be loud and obnoxious as long as you stay at your table. This place as a little different (or maybe I was that guy ;) I've never met so many interesting people in one place. Between our neighbors at the table next to us, and the random group that decided to come join our table because the place was out of seats, This is by far the friendliest place I've been to. Given the crowd at 3 am, I'm guess this is the place to be for late night meals. I wonder if its the only place ??
(4)Julia J.
Love this place. I am an omelet freak! They pay attention to your order, and it is always delish! The staff is really sweet. Adrianna you ROCK!
(4)Colleen C.
Round the clock grub downtown? A rarity. I dined for breakfast on a weekday, so I did not witness the unbearable wait times...though I'm sure if I had, I'd be deducting another star. It's a decent stop for a downtown omelette, but it's nothing to wait around for... Aforementioned omelette was BIG. Denver style, served in a pan. Interesting touch, though really...I'd prefer a plate. Just a thing I have. I know I'm not super sophisticated, but I generally don't eat out of the skillets at my house. Ok, that one time...but that doesn't count, because I didn't have any dishes clean ;) Food was acceptable, and prices are on par for downtown. It's a greasy spoon with Gold Coast clientele and price points. The outdoor patio is prime for people watching and the service is a bit spotty, although adequate... Coffee is hot and strong, just the way I like it. Many refills later I was extra jolted and ready to power through the day... I wouldn't wait for it, but if the timing is right and you're downtown in search of breakfast, it sure beats the food court at 700 N Michigan! What's with the weird orange/prune plate? Is that a prune? I have no idea. Maybe just a bloated cherry. I could not tell, and did not want to find out...
(4)Dj Nightwolf ..
Best place to go to immediately after a night of late-night partying! I highly recommend the omelettes, pancakes, and waffles. They are delicious and oh so filling! It gets pretty packed and busy with all the other party animals who come in looking to fill their bellies with carb-heavy breakfast food. You may have to wait a bit to be seated, but it's worth it. The service is great and extremely patient. You'd have to be, especially when dealing with a restaurant full of drunken maniacs! I give Tempo Cafe 4 stars: 3 stars overall plus an additional star for their friendly and extremely patient service. Oh yeah, one more thing. When you come to Tempo Cafe make sure you have cash on you because they don't take plastic. Holla!!!â„¢
(4)Esther T.
This is a 24 hour cafe and after a late night on a Friday/Saturday it HITS THEE SPOT (I'm sure most places do after a drunken night) but this is my favorite 24 hour cafe in Chicago. Their omelets were amazing.
(5)Emily B.
Everything works about this place....minus the food. Seriously, I love the small cafe setting, the waitresses who seemingly hate their jobs, and the outdoor seating. Do not love the food. Do not love the no-refills (Really? Really?). But if you're in the area and it's that weird after breakfast but before lunch time, pop a squat here. Otherwise, just give yourself 20 minutes and head over to Bistro 110.
(2)Andrea R.
A few years ago I would have recommended Tempo as one of the best spots to get breakfast in town. These days I'm just not feeling it when it comes to Tempo. The fluffy omelettes just aren't quite as tasty as they used to be and while my fruit platter looked good yesterday it had sort of a funny taste. And the wait on the weekends remains ridiculous! All this and CASH ONLY...gasp! However, I wasn't quite sober during most of my late night visits to Tempo a few years ago...and many times still wasn't sober when going for breakfast the very next morning. Perhaps the problem isn't Tempo, but that I'm now attempting to eat there while sober.
(3)Gabi M.
I have fond memories of Tempo... it used to be a go-to breakfast spot during every visit to Chicago! I specifically remember the fluffy egg white omelettes, perfectly golden hash browns, and some amazing looking desserts. So, when I realized that I was staying right next door to Tempo on a recent visit, I just had to make a stop. Not knowing if the wait would be ridiculous (I seem to recall that also), I ended up calling in a breakfast order to go one morning. I opted for a spinach and mushroom egg white omelette fluffy and well done, and requested sliced tomato and wheat toast. It wasn't crazy busy when I went to pick up my food... but it was also a weekday. The people were not overly friendly; they seemed more frenzied than anything. I was happy that they provided me with salt, pepper, ketchup, and a couple flavors of jelly with my order. I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room and dig in... Yum - the omelette looked fluffy and was just as delicious as I remembered. I probably should've gotten the hash browns instead of the toast though - since it was nothing special; even with butter and jelly, it tasted like cardboard. Note to self: forget the toast, go for the hash browns next time! I'm sure I'll be back - just not necessarily a 'go-to' spot for every visit anymore!
(3)Chris K.
Tempo is hands down the best breakfast restaurant I have tried in Chicago. Now, I know, I know most of those from Chicago will pick Lou Mitchell's as the best. Sorry, but sometimes I think reputation trumps the reality of what is truly a better meal. Tempo has a much better atmosphere, service and my god do they have wonderful skillets and breakfast plates! Just look at the pictures of the omelet I had. There are potatoes under that omelet, but the omelet is so huge, they had to put them on the bottom! The prices are great and it has a bit of a European feel - maybe a little French or Canadian French. Nice place and nice service. I have eaten here a number of times and love it. I have never been disappointed and would recommend this as my number 1 pick for breakfast in Chicago.
(5)Bill B.
Referred here for breakfast by the concierge at the Peninsula hotel. Tempo is a short walk and convenient. The menu is great. Lots of options for breakfast including smoothies. I got the eggs with Canadian bacon. My wife got an omelet. Both came in skillets which was fine, but they were overloaded with potatoes. The coffee is OK, not excellent. The atmosphere is good, there is not too much noise, appears clean and I'd happily go back.
(3)Peter H.
Make sure to have the Omellete! Enough for 2!
(4)Wen S.
I ordered the corned beef hash and eggs with side of fruit. The food tasted good. The serving size was big enough to fill you but the side of fruit came out short. It looked like two or three pieces of sliced strawberries, which was priced for like $3. The service was okay, nothing special. Cash only, no credit/debit cards. It's 2010! There's an ATM on site with $2.75 transaction fee. Thumbs down to that. There's a self-park garage right next to Tempo Cafe.
(3)Brad S.
OMG. Avoid this place at all costs. This is the worst food I have ever had. It is not worth the wait, or even if it was free.
(1)Dennis S.
Location, location, location. But nothing else. I LOVE huevos rancheros. I got started on them in a little Mexican diner in Pasadena CA long ago. They're always good, and, assuming there are any Mexicans working in the kitchen, they always have a bit of personality to them. The cooked salsa and garnishes vary from place to place, some good, some great. Except at Tempo. Their salsa I can only describe as watered-down used motor oil. It was terrible, inedible. That was the final straw for me. Other breakfast dishes I've ordered at Tempo have been boring, unexciting, not worth finishing. But waiting with the crowds outside Tempo for this food is now off my list. North is the Original Pancake House, southeast is West Egg, get in a cab or car and go to Ina's or Lou Mitchell's. There is NO reason to eat at Tempo, other than it's convenient location for many condo dwellers and unsuspecting hotel guests. Go east three blocks to Chestnut Street Cafe in the Seneca Hotel - at least you get a square meal (but no yuppies).
(2)Russell H.
Poor man's vegetable platter was very good. Pancakes and waffles seem to be well made. However if I ordered strawberry or rasberry waffles, I would expect a little more than waffles with a few fresh berries on top. I would want some of that worked into the batter... I am just sayin'.... I went there on a Friday morning and felt like it was Saturday or Sunday morning. Lot's of food - maybe that's the reason for the lines? The service was okay but had a mixture of busboys running around way to fast and wait staff who seemed to be overwhelmed. Make sure you order something simple because it may seem that the more complex platters or dishes would be sub par. My example, the poor man's veg platter was potatoes on the bottom, vegetables chopped up, cheese and three over easy eggs. They got that right and it was a good meal - more than enough calories to get me through a long road trip.
(3)Jessica C.
Tempo was recommended to us by the guy at the front desk at our hotel, and for that, I say thank you front desk guy! We got a late start, and got to Tempo at around 2pm...luckily they serve breakfast 24 hours a day, because breakfast was what we all needed. The place was warm and cozy, also what we needed after walking several blocks in what felt like Siberia (I'm not from Chicago). I was elated to see that they serve skillets - something I haven't seen since my favorite breakfast place closed down (R.I.P.), and I got a much needed coffee. There's a note on the menu that tells you they use butter for cooking, but that you can substitute Pam, so that I did. Service: quick Coffee: good Veggie skillet: YUM! Everything was FULL of flavor and melted cheese, and was delicious. The Pam substitution didn't take away any flavor, in case anyone was wondering. The skillet was incredibly filling - I couldn't finish it, and was able to skip dinner later, and comfortably go right into Saturday night drinking. I wasn't hungry until late night pizza time came, sometime around midnight. I highly recommend this place!
(4)J M.
I had a great breakfast at Tempo Cafe while in town. The omelets are huge and are served in a skillet, with potatoes underneath. The service was fast and efficient.
(4)Shradha A.
They now have a veggie burger on the menu, which ain't so bad for its-midnight-and-im-starving food!
(3)Jamie D.
Diner food at 3 a.m.! From what I remember, the food was average. The place was BUSY though.
(3)Jeff A.
I want to give this spot more stars I really do!!! it was 7 or so years ago, I was in Chicago for work, and first discovered this spot, was dazzled by the fresh fruit selections, fresh raspberries and blueberries in abundance, who has that? amazing omelets... My first moment at Tempo was @ about 4am on a random chicago night about 7 years ago, and truthfully the fact that a place like this existed in Chicago made me want to move here (with many other contributing factors for sure!)... I love the Jamaican omelet, hmmmm banana walnut honey in eggy goodness! Fast forward to last night... Had some out of town buddies in and we were have a fun night out about and around, drinks, dinner, movie, dessert (tempo for dessert and coffee after movie, twas late!), more drinks.... 6 of us... Cheese cake.... BAD! I mean it bad! Chocolate cake... Not Good! I mean it not good! Fresh raspberries... On point! Cream pies.... None to be had... So sad! Banana split... No chocolate Ice cream?? What? Service was good! Hey kidz just a suggestion... Take Credit cards, really it is 2010... Just Cash is so not cool! I will give Tempo another chance, cuz I love this place, but if this continues, I will fall out of love!
(3)Liz B.
I've gone here twice in Chicago, both times after 1am, and both times to get omelets. I can't imagine wanting to come here during a normal time, but their "sober up" food is pretty damn good. Service is incredibly quick, and even if there are a million people waiting on line you will still probably wait less than 15 minutes.
(3)A. L.
Absolutely wonderful waffles. Some of the best I've ever had (and I make a mean waffle!). But first, get the juice. Any of their fresh squeeze juices (I had the amazing Casablanca, which is orange, strawberry and cantoloupe)! We tried the bacon and the sausage patties, both very good. But the WAFFLES!! Mine had strawberries, bananas and blueberries, no need for syrup or butter. I'm trying to convince myself to eat breakfast somewhere else today just for the variety, but it's a losing battle. I'm going back. There is always a line, but it seems to go fast. Coffee and iced tea both fine and service excellent, but I'm telling you.....it's the waffles!! (And I'm not sure what that other person was saying about it being dirty, but having worked in restaurants I can tell you it's very clean.)
(5)K B.
Nothing special about this diner, unless it's 3 am.
(3)Shannon W.
Arguably the best breakfast I had while in Chicago was at Tempo Cafe. I highly recommend ordering the omelets- they are absolutely huge but delicious! Even though I not a huge fan of waffles, I highly recommend trying Tempo's- they are little pillows of crispy heaven! I also like Tempo's service because they make you truly feel at home, and it is always nice to sit on their patio, especially on warm days. Plus, they serve late and have a delicious bakery- what more can you ask for from a neighborhood cafe?
(5)Krisha d.
I'm not a fan. But, maybe it's because I'm not a breakfast person. I felt like my omelet was bland. I had also gotten a salad last night. Spinach with Tuna on the side. I have had better. I am a big salad fan, so pardon my harsh criticism. I don't know what the buzz is about?
(1)Sean S.
So I came home so hungry & my hotel stopped room service at 10. I ordered egg white gold coast omelette and they were by far the softest eggs I can recall eating. Cash only is not cool but the staff were warm despite the post bar after hours feel of the crowd.
(3)Ken E.
More food than anyone should eat for lunch! Ok service.
(3)Rodney R.
I cant give this spot a five star rating four will have to do. The service was good for a busy friday morning. The food was excellent and more than enough. It took forever to get a refill on coffee. I love my coffee in the morning! What I liked the most was being able to sit streetside and dine as people walked to and fro. I love to watch people. I loved the mixed clientele. From an obviously hungover student to a man that looked like a sterotypical old school disco lounge lizard. Next to them sat a woman that for some reason felt inspired to come to breakfast dressed rather extravagantly and seemed to be bothered by every little thing You know the type...nothing is good enough but I suppose we shall make do.... As I said the food was delicious but the overall attitude seemd somewhat rude. Not out right but when we arrived we almost felt as tho we were bothering them by asking to dine there! Once we got past that and were seated by a wonderful waitress (With the eception that she was stingy with a second cup of coffee). We were sat by an older gentlemen who carried in his bag a rather small dog. My companion says it was a teacup something or another...A family came in as well and sat behind us and their children were well behaved and wonderfully curious. My lady friend and I enjoy family so this was quite nice to be a "Part" of things LOL.
(4)Tj M.
good breakfast-cash only: Me & my honey stayed at the talbott hotel and we found this place based on the reviews we saw on here. My girl got the pancakes and they looked really good with the fruit topping on it. I chose the skillet with cheese,egg & hash browns and it was pretty good.My hash browns were burnt but was still edible. It was also neat to see some of the people come into this place, which made for good table conversation.It was a lil pricey but for being in the gold coast your gonna pay anyways. One thing that really was a turn off was they only took cash-no debit or credit cards. They could probably do better if they got with the times and offered to take other forms of payment.
(4)L G.
Visiting Chicago, Tempo Cafe is around the corner from my hotel, had the best breakfast, the egg scrambler and it was beyond delicious, muy sabroso, wish they had one of these restaurants in Los Angeles.
(5)Monica W.
This is a good place to go on a late night if you've got a big appetite and you're craving breakfast. Definitely stick with the breakfast though. I went with a large group and everyone that ordered dinner options were dissatisfied. You can't go wrong with the skillets.
(4)Stephanie W.
Tempo is right around the corner from where I grew up, and it's a neighborhood standard for my family. The wait here is consistently shorter than that at the Pancake House on Bellevue, and the menu covers more than just breakfast. All in all, the service is pretty good and the food is pretty good. The decor is outdated but fits in with a typical diner/cafe. There's nothing I find particularly overwhelmingly positive about this restaurant, but it's consistent and easy, and that earns pretty big points in my book. Also - they make their omelets in individual pans in an oven, so they get nice and big and puffy. Originally, I was going to give Tempo 4 stars, but we unfortunately found a half-eaten pickle and part of an Equal sweetener packet in my mom's omelet the other day, and the waitress wasn't savvy enough to ask the manager to take it off the bill, so....
(3)Greg D.
DOES NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! CASH ONLY! When staying at the Sofitel, this being on the same block, like a 1 minute walk from the valet entrance to Soiftel, this does look appealing, if you are really being lazy. Our first visit was pretty much pure hell. The wait is unbelievable, and all I can do to try to understand it, is equate it to cattle mentality. People see others lined up and think this is a good thing, so they too line up. For the 45 minutes we waited, hungry, we decided to sit on the steps of a building next door, instead of in the crowd, and just watch the seaters announce a table and then go and check every time to see if it was us. Okay, here's why we put up with this. Tempo has outside tables right smack on a very active street corner in downtown Chicago. So the people and traffic watching is magnificent... But there is one factor to consider, you know that big orange thing in the sky, that you are not supposed to stare at? It been around a long time, what do they call that, SOL? Yeah, the SUN! While Tempo does have a group of sun umbrellas and even a roll out canopy, they didn't have the common sense, care or desire to use them this day and both my wife and I were sunburned. You know, it doesn't matter how good the view is when it's so bright that you can't see a thing without squinting. How was the food? Good. We were happy with it. Brunch/Breakfast plates were HUGE and there was no way to finish them. And then came time to pay, at which time I presented my credit card. The waitress, quite obviously frustrated with having to explain this over and over and over again, told us "The owner doesn't want us to take credit cards because it costs him too much". And I am like WTF? When we travel we don't use old fashioned paper money much so never carry much with us. Thanks to this place and their possible mafia tax evading owner, our cash supply took an unexpected hit. Do yourself a HUGE favor and keep on walking by this place. There is so, so much more to be found in this area food wise. Pizano's Pizza & Pasta RIGHT across the street (green canopy) has been considered by many as one of the finest Chicago pizzas in the history of America. (The green canopy). And then you also have McCormick & Schmick's Seafood right across the street as well, low priced and excellent with indoor seating. And both of these suggestions take credit cards.
(2)Jamie R.
Super breakfast place. Order absolutely anything traditional and it will be satisfying. Expect a wait because word is out about this gem, with the locals leading the pack to a communal table here. Nice touch: prune + orange slice, gratis for each diner.
(4)Bernice W.
I eat here for lunch all the time and finally decided to review about it. I really like this place, especially the chicken wild rice soup. I could go on and on about it... I've had their omelets which are served as an enormous portion, and their tuna salad melt, both were really yummy. I've also had their sandwich with tomato, bacon and cheese. that was delicious too. The only downside is they only take cash. But there's an atm in ING cafe that doesn't charge for withdrawing money. All in all tempo cafe is really good
(5)Tony C.
We went to Tempo just as the lunch rush was ending. The place was packed, it was rainy outside... a perfect day for a skillet. There was a line of huddled customers in the busy hallway, yet we were told that it would be ten minutes. I wasn't sure if I should believe it. But, sure enough, ten minutes later we were seated and ready to order. The portion sizes here are generous. I had the poor man's skillet and I have to say that I ate like a rich man. Another nice feature of this place is that breakfast is served anytime. If you're craving an omelette, you can always get one at Tempo. As a fan of omelettes, this is a major plus for me. Finally, the service was courteous and prompt. The woman in charge even remembered my name when it came time to pay. Sure, she may have written it down when we showed up, but that is going the extra mile - something that doesn't go unnoticed in my book.
(5)Brit M.
Like most of the yelpers for Tempo, I can admit to only being here once sober. I based my review off that. Though I can honestly say, god bless the waitresses who deal with the after 4 am crowd. You truly see the worst of the worst. Also, I would like to send a special shout out to the waitress with the short short hair. You are awesome and thank you for dealing with our drunken fake accents (that range from terrible Nigerian, to even more horrible Australian, and finishing with just plain ole American drunk slurs) and over the top orders. We always take care of you for that exact reason! So, my 8 year old cousin Lily spent the night and wanted breakfast the next morning. I took her to the only place I know, Tempo. Wow, can I just say the real morning crowd is refreshing. No slobbering drunk men and yelling. It was nice! We were seated, and they literally catered to Lily like the princess she is. The service is always fast, and they always make sure your coffee is filled. Lily had the chocolate milk and eggs. I had a spinach and mushroom omelet. The food is good sober, and that's a plus. They have outside seating in the summer morning, which is something I didn't expect - god knows why! The only downside is of course the vagrants, which tend to be more aggressive in that area for some reason. Anyways, a Tempo is a great place and the food is moderately priced.
(3)Joey M.
Tempo is pretty standard diner style dining. As many have lamented, they only take cash, but luckily they won't take too much of it. The food is fresh enough, though the toast is flaky (as in inconsistent, not... actually flaky). I come here mostly for the three egg omelettes. To say the portions are generous would be an understatement. Three eggs mixed with meat, veggies and a healthy portion of crisp potatoes round out this meal in a pan. Be sure to bring someone to share the load or prepare to waddle out the door in gluttonous shame/glory.
(3)T. T.
I have been here twice so far. Once with my brother and once with my boyfriend on our trip to Chicago. Both times were a great experience! Their portions here are HUGE so don't get over greedy or you may pay for it later (like i did). The first time i came here i got the poorman's skillet with meat and it was great. The food comes out piping hot and a lot of toppings! And, on the side you get two pieces of toast. And let me tell you, the toast isn't the bread you buy at the store flat toast, but this is thicker toast that comes with jam and it is yummy! My brother had gotten the banana pancakes with crushed nuts on top and it was honestly...the best pancake i have ever tried! I am a sucker for banana and pancakes but haven't been able to find the best pancakes that are soft and moist to go with them and this place has it!!! The time i returned, i urged my boyfriend to try it as well and he went for the banana waffles instead. Again..lemme say...AMAZING! The waffle stays light but a little bit of crunch even though you pour syrup on top of it. He loved it, and on top of that, he said that this was one of his best breakfasts he has ever had. Honestly...that says a lot, cuz my boyfriend says he "doesn't care" about the quality of some foods, but whenever he rates places, he is extremely harsh..more than me! This place has fast and attentive service. Normally when i go visit areas, I never go to one place twice in order to try different areas. But, this was the one restaurant on my second trip that I couldn't pass up. I could eat this stuff all day.
(5)Amanda Z.
Oh Tempo, how I wish that your chicken a la louie didn't satisfy me quite so much. And I wish I didn't love the soup that came with my meal, along-side the big, potatoey steak fries. Know why? NO FREE REFILLS. In my world, that's just bogue. If I pay $1.95 for a lovely Diet Coke and I slurp to the bottom, please...just fill it back up. Cuz if you charge me another $1.95, I might scream. I'm bratty like that. (Oh, and also, when I refuse to order one of your non-refillable drinks, please do not punish me by not refilling my water glass. That's just mean. Like Kate Gosselin drinking water in front of her thirsty kids and not sharing mean.) Nice patio, good assortment of breakfast foods, and my sammie was awesome, loaded with avocado and bacon. But I'm still mad about the no free refills rule.
(3)Carrie S.
I love Tempo for many reasons. The first reason is the chocolate chip pancakes. Those pancakes are like sugar crack for me. I've attempted to replicate them and I just can't. The second reason for my Tempo love is the people. It's a great people watching place especially during the late night hours. Tempo is the best late night/brunch place ever. I've been here a few times and the food is always good. I love a place that serves breakfast 24/7 and is hopping at 3:30a.m. when the bars close. Their chocolate chip pancakes were yummy, delicious, and starchy enough to break through the numerous beers that I drank hanging out with the boys. My bf likes them for the fresh squeezed juice and egg creations galore. The food is served quick and the servers do an excellent job with drunken people all around. I have good memories here after drinking at Clark Street Ale House.
(4)Lora S.
I'm a fan of the banana nut pancakes, and my boyfriend loves the poor man's skillet. Although I know most diners do this, bottomless coffee is another plus. Keep in mind that it's cash only, so don't forget to hide a twenty at the back of your wallet, so you don't have to pay the ATM fee. This place gets extremely busy late Friday night and Saturday night when people start to leave the bars and clubs. Just watch the cabs pour in. They also get busy Saturday and Sunday mornings once it starts getting nice out. It's worth the short wait. The servers are friendly and efficient, and they turn tables relatively quickly but not annoyingly quickly. I''m a fan.
(4)L H.
This is my favorite place to get my super late night/weekend diner fix. The food here is nothing extraordinary, but the menu has got lots of variety and has never disappointed me. In my opinion, the best dish is the poor man's skillet. Be warned that the lines can get extremely long in the summer. Cash only.
(5)Erika G.
This place used to be a mediocre Mexican restaurant longgg ago, and now it's a very good enough, always crowded breakfast - lunch - dinner joint. The food is appealing because it is reliably good. Not great, or exceptional, but consistently good, at least. For breakfast items, which are pretty standard, this is okay in my book. Fresh, hot coffee, delish orange juice and egg dishes hot and fresh - what more do you wand for brunch?
(3)Mary I.
Tempo is definitely a must try place. I came here Saturday am after Yoga with a few friends and it was crowded outside with about a 30 min wait. It's a real no frills kinda place, so you can go in any attire. It's open 24 hours and CASH ONLY! I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and my friend ordered the poor mans skillet w/ eggs over medium. I would have to say that the food portions are ginormous and it was really yummy! The only downside was the service. The coffee was refilled a few times but water was not refilled once the entire hour we were there. We definitely felt rushed by our waitress, but I can understand since the wait is so long. Price was $10 pp including tip. The hostess will not seat you unless your entire party is present. All in all a great dining experience. Just fill up our water! =)
(4)Janeen W.
Tempo Cafe is aiight. I remember when it was across the street and it current location was a horrible mexican spot. It's on the Gold Coast so it stays busy busy busy. The last time I went the waitress was kinda rude. The food is very fresh but a little bland in my opinion. The can do better with those hash browns!
(2)Bert F.
What a great recommendation for a birthday brunch. Tempo is nestled a few blocks away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave, among lots of high rises, and luxury car dealerships (etc). On a Sunday morning late in the Fall the wait was a moderate 25 minutes. There's not much room to wait inside, but it's not bad at all given decent weather. We had a pretty diverse sampling of the food: a mushroom and swiss omelette, morning glory french toast, and the poor man's skillet. Our order came with unlimited coffee refills and a good helping of sesame seed toast with delicious marmalade. On top of all that, the staff was nothing but friendly and attentive. They comprised a very diverse set of personalities too. I would - no will - go back many times!
(5)An P.
This morning I was very hungry from not eating dinner the night before due to a massive lunch. I had a wicked hankerin' for a good skillet, but did not want to haul all my gear down to Cozy Cafe for one of their wicked specialties. Located two blocks off the Chicago Red Line stop, Tempo Cafe is in the middle of the circle of restaurants and bars that mysteriously do not take debit or credit card, but do have an ATM inside. There is a great patio area and I wish it had been nicer, because I would have hurried and fought for a seat. I came in around 10:30am and was seated immediately. Inside, I found a very diverse crowd including businessmen in suits, moms taking the kids out and cops. People were of all races and that made me feel comfortable. A coffee man came by after I was seated at a giant booth all by myself and was quickly followed by water man. The waitress dropped by quickly and I went to work: Poor man's skillet and a side of sausage ba-ba-ba-boom! As I twitted my thumbs and played around text messaging, all of a sudden they dropped a Poor man's skillet, toast, 3 perfectly poached eggs and a generous helping of butter, jam, and the like. They also dropped an orange slice and a date in front of me. Condiments on the table included Grey Poupon, Ketchup, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco and salt and pepper. I dug into my toast first and laced up both slices with tons of butter - yum! I ate that and moved to sip a few gulps of water and then began working on the poached eggs. Once they were gone, I stirred the skillet that had three, count them three slices of cheese! Ketchup in hand, I pitter pattered pats of catsup and made my crispy skillet complete. No, this was not some soggy mess of a skillet, it was a meat-filled potato wonder. The ham was large pieces, some hacked into tiny cubes, and some cooked like it was bacon. This diversity in texture really did it for me, and I ate the whole damn thing and did not fall into a food coma! On the downside, I ordered a disappointing side of sausage for $3.95 which looked like it could have come out of any old Johnsonville mini frozen sausage patty box. If you are thinking of getting giant links of sausage, this is not it! All in all for an $8.50 skillet and some wicked ill food, call me a happy camper!
(4)Jenn E.
On our last morning in Chicago, we finally picked the right spot for breakfast. It was a Tuesday morning, around 10, so we were seated immediately in a booth (yay!). The menu was vast and I thought that the prices were very reasonable. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet, which had potatoes, ham, onions and peppers, covered with cheese & 3 eggs. It was delicious! They slice their potatoes into think slices like you would see in an Au gratin, which I had never had before for breakfast. The eggs were cooked perfectly, light and fluffy! My sister got the Florentine Benedict with a side of bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly and she said that it was some of the best hollandaise sauce she has ever had. The fig and orange slice that they give you when you sit down was a nice touch. We were sad to have only discovered it on our last day. One warning though...they only take cash!
(4)Andre E.
I failed to mention during my first review of this great place...that this was the location where i proposed to my beautiful wife. So needless to say this is one of my favorite places to eat in all the world. Eat, Drink, and be Merry my friends!!!!
(5)Maryann M.
The food is tasty. Servings are huge. I personally don't like how everything comes in one pan and the potatoes are under my omelet, but whatever, I can deal. The biggest complaint I have about the food is that the toast does not come buttered, so that by the time the toast makes it to your table, without butter, its no longer super hot so the butter doesn't spread very easily. That being said, the food should get 4 stars. And breakfast is my favorite meal. However, it is ALWAYS crowded. I get it, it is located in the middle of tourist central. And the tables do turn over fast... Which brings me to the other thing I absolutely hate. The tables are TINY.... and for breakfast, you definitely need more space.
(3)Skyler J.
californication feeling with tons of beautiful people. The food is good and the staff hands our full helping in every way possible to insure you walk out with a smile.
(5)Ke M.
24hr diner that serves breakfast all the time. Good sized menu and great service. The entrees come with a side and soup and bread. It's cash only but there's an atm in front. A great place for a quick bite any time of day!
(4)Meghan M.
Quite possibly the best part of my Saturday night was the 4 AM banana-nut pancakes I had here. There was a line out the door here, and I can see why - the food was actually DAMN good. From the skillets to the french toast to my friend's perfectly poached egg (and alternately great and entertaining company from surrounding tables) I am a huge fan of Tempo. Quick service, great food and lovely, alcohol-soaking carbo choices...what more can you want?
(3)Emily D.
A Yelper recommended the chocolate chip pancakes, and I'm no anarchist so I ordered those fluffers. Deelish. Seriously, melt in my mouth so good, so fine, so glad you're mine. Good. I put butter and syrup on them in reasonable quantities and just shut up and ate. My girlfriend got a skillet, which seemed quite the thing to get. I wasn't feeling savory though I did want to reach over and snap some ham bits out from under her nose. *Overcome with regret* I'll go back, for the CC Cakes. Exclusively and intimately. Possibly alone. In the back corner booth. Leave me be. p.s. Service was great, though the waitress was continually disappointed by my not wanting more coffee. I kindly explained I had four cups at home. Oh the secret lives we lead.
(4)George K.
This is a upscale Greek diner, They serve a lot of everything , breakfast is their specialty, omelets and potatoes in a cast iron skillet, pancakes and waffles piled high. The tables are close together and the table tops are crowded before the waitress brings anything. The food is what you would expect, good, filling and quick. It is our favorite spot to fill up before heading out onto Michigan Ave shopping on a Sat or Sunday morning. Bring CASH, its the only way to pay.
(4)Joe P.
I'm a big breakfast guy so I was glad to find this place. The French toast was awesome! Great styling, outdoor seating and no more expensive than the typical pancake house.
(4)Rose S.
never fails, AMAZING food and service! This place is a gold mine, at any hour of the day. There is nothing that isn't good on the menu, amazing omelets, pancakes, fries, whatever it is, you'll love it.
(5)Jay N.
Solid. One of my favorite places for bfst in Chicago. Cash only so come ready. Portions are large, staff is friendly, and the coffee is good. If it's nice sit outside. Great people watching. This is essentially an upscale diner.
(4)Paul J.
Nothing says Chicago, like hanging out late night in the middle of the big skyscrapers for good food after partying. In a bustling district of downtown Chicago, Tempo is in a perfect spot. This place was very nice. The space is not very large but what it does have is ambiance and great service. Walked in the door and a seat just opened up when we walked in-winning! The wait staff quickly cleans off table and preps for the next crew or couple to arrive---A huge lesson other late night spots should use. The food was very delicious! The service was excellent considering this place was packed. I will definitely be back here again! It's that good!
(5)O B.
typical diner style breakfast, wonderful fruit plate, great omlets, nice coffee. price is about what you would expect to pay for a downtown cafe. huge portions. still would prefer salt and pepper over this but nice to stop in every once and a while when your having a girls day downtown
(4)Amy J.
Four stars for being a 24 hour diner that is normal! Went here after a late night and we were all completely happy with everything: Service was good, food was good... My only complaint and the reason for a loss of a star: they only take cash. I really have a hard time understanding why ANYWHERE only takes cash anymore, let alone a sit down restaurant. Either way if you're in the area (and have cash) I recommend it. Everything was very very good.
(4)Eric M.
My wife and I grabbed breakfast at Tempo after a great November weekend in Chicago. We had just a couple hours before we had to take off for O'Hare, and yelped Tempo, which was close to the hotel. The place is obviously very popular, and there was a throng of hopefuls outside waiting. Fortunately, the sidewalk was warm with sun, and it was a pleasant wait. After a shorter-than-expected wait, the hostess seated us in a comfortable booth. The waitress was perfectly welcoming, and balanced service and our privacy just the right way. I couldn't decide what type of pancakes to get (there are numerous choices), and she said "I'll surprise you." Again, perfect. Food was very good, atmosphere was superb, and overall the experience was great. One of my favorite breakfast places!!!
(5)bianca r.
The food is nooot that good but its opened 24 h and the service is great. I recommend the sanduiches with turkey and the waffles.The orange juice is also 100% natural!!! Sat-Sun mornings are really busy after 9 and you have to wait at least 20 minutes to have a seat. I dont mind waitng though... :)
(4)Jesse B.
by 2k9 you'd expect every place in the US to accept credit card, but Tempo still doesn't. That's OK though, because its worth using their old school ghetto ATM for the excellent Omelette Pan! The rest of the stuff is pretty mediocre but Tempo is the ultimate late night food spot in Chicago, and you can be as drunk as you want and still feel comfortable here (they're used to it) I like Tempo although I don't go often. Don't forget, make sure to get the Omlette pan otherwise you will probably be disappointed with the mid-level food. Service: C+ Food: B- Overall: B- (late night in Chi doesn't offer much. . . . )
(3)Kista W.
Best brunch in the city. Best omlettes. Out of this world waffles. Delicious pancakes. There is always a wait, which is annoying and they only take cash, which is annoying as well. The breakfast gets 5 stars and I would give it 10 stars if I could. I think the dinners are blah. I had some type of sandwich here once, and I was very disappointed and assumed it would rock my world like the breakfast does. You HAVE to try Tempo. Makes a perfect brunch spot before shopping Mich. ave. One of my favorite Tempo memories is a 4:30 PM omlette dinner on a Sunday during the holidays. Snow started lightly falling and my boyfriend and I headed to Bloomingdale's for some Christmas shopping. My parents also HAVE to go to Tempo during every Chicago visit. It's their favorite breakfast place in the country, and they LOVE breakfast!
(5)Renee L.
Tempo for sure is best visited at 3am on the way back home from wherever one has been boozing it up all night. The food it good. The portion size is nice for especially for breakfast drunk food. I usually get something of the greek egg omelette variety. Never disappoints, always hits the spot! One time, we were sitting near a window and a vagrant guy was staring at us through the window for quite a while and madly and animatedly scribbling on a piece of paper. I can't remember if it was him that came in the place or if he accosted us outside but he presented us with what was a really nice sketch of us at our table...extremely strange. I think one of my friends bought it actually.
(3)G Z.
THIS PLACE IS AWFUL!!! Just another lame greek joint, claiming to specialize in everything, but in reality only specializes in poor quality food and dining. AVOID!!
(1)Steve B.
The Tempo Cafe is a cool 24-hour diner in downtown Chicago. The menu is large and varied. We usually go there for breakfast, which can be huge and quite delicious. Last week my wife and I went to Tempo for a late night dinner. She ordered Liver which came out on a huge plate: she said it was very good. I ordered the old-fashioned open-face roast beef sandwich covered in gravy. It wasnt anything special, and I kinda regretted the choice. Having said that, the Tempo Cafe is a regular favorite of ours, and we wl certainly return.
(4)Amanda S.
whenever friends come to visit and they want good brunch, that means "tempo" in my book. i've been coming here for years, and the staff is practically my second family. when my mother goes without me, they ask how i am. when i go without my mother, they ask how she is. that's how it's always been. my mother always gripes about the fact that dc doesn't *do* omelets, and it's true..no one does omelets the way chicago does. fluffy goodness the size of your head WITH hashbrowns AND toast is standard. at tempo, you can have it your way, literally. prefer egg whites? done. don't want those taters? they're gone. want it cooked in pam? not a problem. and it's fast. the greek toast you should have with your omelet are literally slices of heaven. the juice is made in-house and is fresh as can be. on my most recent visit with a friend, she asked for the banana nut buckwheat pancakes. i was skeptical, but it was another win. so impressive. it certainly gets packed during the weekend, but with good reason. you won't be disappointed. also, please note that it is CASH ONLY, but they have an in-house atm.
(4)K R.
I only went there once, so mine is a limited opinion. BLECH! I ordered a hot turkey sandwich. No flavor. The gravy was the color of - ya know that 1960's "flesh" color from the Crayola box? Couldn't eat it. Nope Don't get me started on the gravy texture Walk north to the Original Pancake House (Bellvue) Oh the bacon! Walk north to Whiskey (Rush) - Fabulous breakfast! Both have a sidewalk cafe in the summer
(1)Kathy G.
I ate here with a friend this past Sunday morning. They had a long line but it want rather quickly. Once we went inside noticed the tables were quite close to each other, which I didn't care for, but we were luckily they sat us at a booth. We both had a poor man's skillet and it was fantastic. We were looking for hearty breakfast to get through the day and we got it. We weren't hungry again till later that night. It was very busy but I our waitress was very attentive. I didn't even notice that they didn't accept credit cards. I oddly had cash on me otherwise that would have been an issue.
(4)Marlon A.
I've eaten a lot of eggwhite omelets and this place has the best eggwhite omelets anywhere. So amazingly fluffy it's almost like a soufflé. It's clean tasting. Not a hint of greasiness.There's nothing quite like it. I make it a point to come here every time I'm in Chicago. I wish they'd open up a branch in NYC!
(5)Asinia A.
When I am in town, I only eat breakfast here. Greek toast is so good I love all the scrambles Bacon is just ok but i dont mind because I usually ordering an omelet and lots of coffee to fight the hangover of the night before :)
(4)Dusty W.
Tempo is really a place everyone should experience at least once. When you enter, you are greeted with a wall of Polaroids, featuring a multitude of mid-'90s celebrities eating at Tempo. Also there is the last ATM machine in Chicago that runs on dial-up. Tempo is cash only, so be prepared to use this historical piece of equipment. The food is incredibly good, and if you order anything with eggs, you will get plenty of them. The Michigan Omelet (eggs, apples, cheese) is surprisingly great, but the Hobo Skillet is what makes this place one of my absolute favorites at four in the morning. There are no free refills though.
(4)Jennifer B.
You know those restaurants where it's just an all-round frustrating experience? Those restaurants where the servers are aloof and unaccomodating, the kitchen is slow, the food is boring, the place is dirty, and you are just waiting for the experience to be over? That's Tempo Cafe. I've been quite a few times but this previous experience will surely be my last. Incredibly rude service (and we live in Chicago...we have a high tolerance for rudeness), a complete lack of caring, rude managers, and a dirty environment. I would say every experience at Tempo is unique, but the night we were there it looked like every table was having the same issues we were. If you are looking for a breakfast spot in the Gold Coast, try 3rd Coast on Burton, Feast on Delaware, hell even Cheesecake Factory. You'll be happier you stayed away from Tempo.
(2)John R.
Great value for breakfast. Enjoyed the Poor Man's Skillet...more than I expected. I would go back.
(4)Ryan B.
The rating description says it perfectly: "Meh. I've experienced better." When we walked out, we were both left disappointed. "Well, that wasn't too exciting." It was a solid meal though. Gf had the Denver omelet and I had the Morning Glory with French toast. Gf's looked okay, mine was a standard order of french toast with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries simply sitting on top. It really bugged me about the "NO FREE REFILLS" listed above the beverages. It wasn't really enforced with our $1.95 cup of coffee, but still, worrying about how much coffee I have vs. how much meal left put added stress on an already shaky experience. Cash only + nice service + nice dining room + okay food + coffee stress = I won't be back.
(2)Jeff N.
Depending on the time of year, Tempo could eke out 4 starts from me, or only 3. The food at this 24-hour diner is consistently good. If it's a beautiful day, sitting on the sidewalk seating enhances the Tempo experience. Sitting inside evokes another response; a tired, worn out restaurant too lazy to keep the furnishings clean, fresh and up to date. Yesterday I treated myself to 'The Continental', a plate full of chicken livers/onions/green peppers, accompanied by a fluffy 3-egg omelet, hash browns and greek toast. For $9.75 it is a a meal that fill you up and keep you there! Always good is the orange marmalade. I had the freshly made chocolate milk, too.
(3)Char Y.
We came for breakfast & had french toast. Pretty standard dinner fare.
(3)Unity O.
I do not like skinny fries, I love big fat fries, you know the kind that make you feel like you are eating a potato. For that reason alone, I give Tempo 5 stars--they have delicious fries! They also have fantastic hours--they are open like all the time. So, if you been out for an evening of revelry & need some food--stop by, they will be open. Their food is pretty decent--it is above diner quality and the give you alot of it. The portions are huge which is nice since it can be a little pricey. The ambiance inside is casual--I do like the neutral tones of the decor. They have outside seating which a huge plus. I do not recommend going for brunch on the weekend--simply because you will be waiting a long frigging time to get seated--it is very popular.
(5)Lyn B.
This place is your typical diner. The food is okay- the eggs tend to be dried out, but it's always open so is very reliable and convenient from that standpoint! The wait staff is friendly- another plus.
(3)Anthony S.
After a night of boozing over at Soundbar or Vision I tend to head here since it's so close and one of the few places open. Make sure you get to this place just before all the clubs let out otherwise you're going to be stuck in a really long line. Also stick to the sweet stuff here i.e. waffles, pancakes, etc. Beware of the omelets, ask for no jalapeños unless you like your taste buds burnt out (this is coming from someone who loves spicy food). Go with the simple stuff here and you'll only be regretting what you drank last night and not what you ate. P.S. Be sure to have cash left over when you visit this place, they do not take credit cards or you can pay an extra $2.00 and use their in-house ATM.
(3)Ron C.
I had a friend bring me breakfast cause I had to finish some work. I just wanted something light cause we had a heave dinner the night before. The assorted fruits and cottage cheese sounded good. I like fruit and I like cottage cheese. Win Win!. When I saw the food I was surprised to see that it was only sliced strawberries, a slice of cantaloupe and melon. The strawberries were sweet, but the melons weren't. At least the cottage cheese was good. I need to try an omelette next time!
(3)Kerry M.
Tempo is your typical diner. The servers are friendly, the food is decent, and it's one of those random menu's with everything from meatloaf to turkey sandwiches to pancakes. Everything I've had has been pretty good. I probably wouldn't seek it out for a meal, it's average in quality, but above average in quantity. It's always packed in the mornings, but afternoons and evenings seem to be pretty tame. They have a nice outdoor area as well. Oh, and it's a cash only establishment. They have an ATM inside the door, but, it's nice to know ahead of time so as not to incur the ridic atm fees.
(3)Mansoor K.
very very medicore at best. Very Basic, I perfer Yolk, west egg, bongo room to this place. They have no refills on soda for being a run of the mill place. Go somewhere else Dennys is much better.
(1)Carol S.
Stopped while shopping--big mistake. The worst blt I have ever had. All lettuce one slice of bacon. Will never go back.
(1)Diana C.
A little past midnight, I came here with two friends and proceeded to pig out. I wanted fries, but then saw they had BLTs on the menu... The waitress told me I should order the BLT Club because it comes with fries and soup. I really didn't need that much food, but it would have cost the same as ordering a regular BLT and fries. The sandwich was stuffed full of crisp, cool iceberg lettuce, a little bit of salty bacon, and barely any tomato, but it was the most refreshing BLT I've had in a while. The fries were fat, crispy steak fries. The vegetable barley soup was pretty bad--dense and salty. My friends enjoyed their huge, fluffy omelets served on top of skillet potatoes. Although I won't be seeking out Tempo for a late night meal anytime soon, I think it's worth stopping by when you're starving and craving salt and grease, and a comfortable late-night setting.
(3)Sam K.
Food was decent, though the service needs improvement. They were friendly, but very spacey. When our server sat us down there was money on the table - a tip from the last diners. I pointed it out to her, and she responded "oh, that belongs to the other waitress. I'll just leave it there, if you don't mind." That cash remained at our table the entire time we were there. It's sort of uncomfortable to have someone else's cash lying there while you're eating. My friend and I each got coffee - she had an omelette, and I had the morning special, which was simply French toast with fruit on top. A plus for not giving me preserves - fresh BLUEBERRIES (score), fresh ripe strawberries, and fresh banana. And no, they didn't put more banana than anything else just because it's cheaper. The french toast was perfect. My friend got this huge cheesy omelette that she thought was great. We definitely wanted more food - I was still hungry (my dish had only four half slices of bread) and my friend wanted something fresh after all that protein and cheese but the server seemed pretty anxious to get us out of there, even though it wasn't crowded. She left our check on the table five minutes after we got our food. I told her "Actually, we'd like to order more food." She responded "Really?" and smiled. We nodded, but she left without taking the check back. We figured she was off getting our menus. After ten minutes, she came back and asked us if were were ready to pay. Um, all righty then. The bill came to almost $30, and we paid with a $50 bill. She came back with our change: a $20 bill and a $1 bill. Since we didn't really want to tip her $20, we had to ask her again for change, and she seemed slightly annoyed (!?). She came back with two $10 bills. Um. Well, thirty three percent it is, then. We didn't really feel like pushing it further, since we were in a hurry at this point (since we were planning to stop somewher else for food after leaving Tempo) and the server looked confused, not bitchy. Good food though.
(3)Zach R.
Large quantities of food at competitive prices. Omelettes (served in a skillet over potatoes) are outstanding. Waffles are delicious. It can get crowded in a hurry, so plan accordingly. They accept cash and only cash, but there is an ATM in the entryway. Not much elbow room with the tables packed so close together. Hotel concierges in the area seem to refer most of their guests to Tempo if they're looking for a diner.
(5)Dean K.
I've eaten here many times at all different times of day and night and I've only ever had breakfast - can't get away from it. I usually get the skillet breakfast and it never disappoints. But they charge for refills of Coke. I'm not sure I've ever even heard of that.
(4)Sara F.
I started coming to Tempo for brunch waaaay back in 2005...back when I was new to the city, and would go with a group of 8 who'd all get varying forms of the same egg white omelette. As I grew up, I began to recognize that (gasp!) there were other places in the city that served eggs for a reasonable price, and even some who didn't serve food that came in a puddle at the bottom of the dish. That said... Tempo makes a mean, fluffy, made to order omelette. That's about the only reason to come here...and for the life of me, I can't understand why oh why people line up on the street for 45 minutes on the weekends for it. But, the diner atmosphere is casual, the food is served in HUGE portions, and it's pretty solid overall. Well, minus the inevitable stomach ache you're going to have about 2 hours later...
(3)Dan G.
The omletts were awesome. My wife got the blueberry French toast and loved it as well. It was like stepping back 20 years to cash-only restaurants. I highly recommend it!
(5)Gen J.
Nice food, nice service ! I want to back in ny next trip to chicago!!!
(5)Ashique M.
The only thing I ever get here is the waffle...at 9 am 9 pm or 4 am...it always tastes great!!!
(5)Mona R.
We were in Chicago for a wedding recently and were recommended to Tempo by a local foodie friend of mine. It did not disappoint! Our group of 8 got in the back of a long line waiting to eat here on a Sunday morning. We gave our name to the hostess and were seated within about 15 minutes. We ate outside on the patio so I didn't see the interior, but the patio has seating for about 40 people. Once we ordered, our food came quickly and coffee was refilled frequently. Portions are HUGE! I had the Poor Mans Veggie Skillet which was cooked/served in an 8" skillet! I couldn't even finish half of it. The toast served was a nice home baked bread with sesame seeds on the crust and nice, thick slices. The waffles with bananas and pecans was awesome, as was the corned beef hash with eggs. Juices are fresh-squeezed. Overall a great breakfast spot....would definitely recommend!
(4)Rachel W.
Oh wow. One could easily be overwhelmed with the deliciousness going on with the breakfest items on this menu. I knew the portions were going to be large enough to share, but we still wanted to try multiple things, so everyone got their own meail. Artichoke omelet = awesome. I love artichokes so it couldn't really have gone wrong. We also split one of the waffles covered in fruit as a "desert." It was the perfect finish to brunch. We ate at 11, and I was barely hungry for dinner at 6:30. And yes, they have great iced tea. But no unlimited refills? really? They've clearly never seen me and my iced tea. Knocked down to 4 stars.
(4)Y C.
What's up with "cash only"? I was not impressed with their sandwiches or Greek salad. We went for lunch once and dinner once while we were in Chicago. But they did have good breakfast food and their yogurt was excellent. So, mixed on this one.
(3)Len W.
Totally didn't expect this place in this neighborhood. Great outdoor space, but the menu of a neighborhood 24-hour diner (patty melts, spaghetti, fried fish, etc.). Food wasn't bad, coffee pretty good, service was nice. I had the beef barley soup, but it seemed to be more of a tomato soup base. Had a chicken sandwich with bacon and avocado, which was pretty mediocre. I think they're open 24 hours. They don't take credit cards or checks.
(3)Gabriel L.
Great 24 hour option. Quality of breakfast food exceeds lunch/dinner. The breakfast skillets are great, albeit heavy. The omelets are good, but the emphasis is on quantity versus quality of ingredients (probably could spit one between two people and still walk away full). If you are looking for a late night option or a decent, traditional breakfast place look no further.
(3)John I.
It was fun eating breakfast here with the bustling atmosphere and all. Loved the skillet omelette. I've noticed other reviews griping about this or that. Word to the wise: Just come here for breakfast. At least that is what I heard they do best before visiting. Too bad some of the other people didn't have that intel. Oh well, better luck next time.
(4)Nico M.
Since I work third shift I rarely eat breakfast in the morning. I usually just come home, shower and crash. My cousin invited me to breakfast today before we went shopping. So Though I was tired I figured why not go and get some breakfast for a change. My cousin suggested Tempo Cafe. I thought for a second? Oh yea Tempo, I didn't even know it was a cafe. I would just see the sign whenever I would ride by but never paid any attention. I met him at 10am and he had made it there before me. I walked in and the woman, ok I may get dissed on for this, but the woman at the counter, honestly looked like Charo. I was looking for my cousin and then she popped in my face. and ..my first thought was..Charo? ...Ok, progressing. We ordered, He got Pancakes with a peeled large phallic banana...ook yes bananas are phallic, but we both just thought it was random.lol a peeled banana just sitting atop the pancakes..plus a side of sausage. I got an eggwhite "Gold COast Omelette which is onions,mushrooms tomatos & spinach I added mozzerella, wheat toast & cranberry juice. Everything, was great! I loved that they had the eggwhite option. The Omelette was huge! and it had potatoes under it. I loved it. Very huge portion and very filling. ...Came to 35 bucks with tip. I enjoyed it, though we sat at a booth and i felt that the seat was too far away from the table i waz like sittin on the edge of the seat. But i dont care i really liked the friendly service, the speed of service, and the delicious food. I definately recommend!
(4)laela l.
We came here initially because they still had power the morning of Snowpocalypse (when the city shut down basically). Our car got stuck on the street that morning in West Town, so we walked 10 minutes so our friend (who is lucky enough to have covered parking) get us. Basically the whole street between the Gold Coast and West Town was dead....no power, no people, something out of a 1984-Brave New World ordeal. Most businesses were closed and we were dying of hunger since we had no power. This place was open and completely jam-packed. We were in civilization! Despite the long wait, the food was excellent and worth it. The eggs in the skillet were super-fluffy and the french toast wasn't terribly sweet (I hate sugary things for breakfast). Completely stuffed. Thank goodness the power came back on.
(4)Dain H.
Service is decent. I eat here on occasion when I happen to be visiting particular friends in the area that like this place so I've been here multiple times and will likely return multiple times. To me its just a run-of-the-mill greasy spoon that used to be a bit better a few years ago. They stopped making real fruit smoothies and went with some pre-mix crap. There omelettes were great but how many omelettes do you want to eat in life when there is so much more out there? I'm over the omelettes. A variety of their menu items are decent. There servers are also just okay. Not enthused or particularly helpful but not overtly rude. All in all a pretty blah place but good enough to return to.
(3)Gwynne R.
The two times I have been here, I have been highly intoxicated. And, as most things are when I'm in that condition, it was great! After clubbing downtown at Funk and/or Level all night, this is a good establishment to obtain greasy food in order to soak up the liquor in your stomach. Two of my friends and I came here in the wee hours of the morning, probably 5 or 6AM, in an incomprehensible state. Fortunately, the staff seems to be experienced in dealing with drunken debauchery, so were were seated quickly and without incident. The food was good as hell! I had some eggs, hash browns and sausage--yummy. I also had a bite of my friend's eggs benedict and it was THE BOMB!!!!!! I wanted to max her meal and mine. Sadly, she wouldn't let me. I was too drunk to notice how fast or slow the service was. However, considering how packed it was in there, we seemed to get our food pretty fast. Good drunk eatery. Maybe sometime I'll try it during the day!
(4)Scott L.
Great omelets. The potatoes are also a hit. We loved the service, atmosphere and the prices. It's open 24 hours. One note: CASH ONLY.
(4)Shannon B.
Tempo, home of the worlds best chocolate chip pancakes. Every once in a while I get a real jones for stuff and it rocks. Not too much chocolate, not too little. PMS Heaven. I have always had pretty good experiences with the food, never a bad meal. The place is usually packed for breakfast, so late morning is a good time to go. Of course, they are 24 hours- which is great. You have the drunk party kids some nights, but since there aren't many alternatives...you deal with it. Here is the breakdown: * Wait staff: Busy and informal, but never rude * Drink Menu: I don't think they have booze, good coffee * Menu: American and Breakfast 24/7 * Parking: Good luck. I'm sure it is do-able, but not worth it. The 36 runs past it and its not far from the Red Line (Chicago).
(3)Crystal L.
I use to frequent Tempo Cafe for my breakfast needs. There are quite a few selections for light breakfast choices. I usually came here when I felt the need to start watching my weight because many of the items on their breakfast menu come with cottage cheese, tuna, and/or fresh fruits. I once ordered the French Dip. Not such a good idea at a cafe. This is a good place for healthy choices. Also, just a tip Tempo Cafe does not accept credit cards so bring cash.
(3)Double L.
We actually came here a few years ago while visiting Chicago and were looking for something to eat late night close to our hotel on Michigan Ave., this review is based on that experience. To me this spot is the perfect late night dinning experience. No frills quick eats to stave off the hang over. Probably could serve as a convenient breakfast spot too if you are in the area but I don't think I would go out of my way to check it out. I forget what we ordered but it was decent late night food. It was pretty crowded but the line for a table moved quickly. The service was adequate for a turn and burn establishment and pretty good for a late night spot. It is a bit of scene at 3.30 am but what place isn't. Tempo if you have the tiempo. RrL
(3)Dave H.
When I first starting working in the Gold Coast area, one of the first places my co-workers took me to was Tempo. I thought of being able to get breakfast food any time of the day sounded like a good idea so I was in. This place is a stubborn diner that works perfectly against the potentially pretentious people of the gold coast. It's cash only and there may be a wait during lunchtime, but some nights the line is out the door for people looking to close out there evening with a breakfast skillet. The food can be greasy so don't expect anything healthy, but if you are looking to get some tasty diner or breakfast food give them a try.
(4)Regan A.
There once was a girl who was wasted Vodka and cran was all she tasted She stumbled upon Tempo Cafe And had nothing to say except, "glaaaah huh wurr am bleeegggh" Weekend nights usually consist of inebriated, halter-topped, eyeliner heavy, and dance-floor sweaty globs of drunken messes slumped over in the booths. I know because I've been one of them. Thus continues my love-hate relationship with this cafe. When I'm sober, I want to knock those obnoxious drunks sitting beside me up the head. When I'm drunk, Tempo Cafe is a haven to my post-midnight munchies. Their waffle fries and deluxe burgers have saved my trembling tummy more than once. So here is 1 star for being open 24 hours. 1 star for the servers who deal with hammered hoodlums like me. And another star for having somewhat decent diner food.
(3)Ashley M.
Yum-mazing breakfast!! I ate here for an early dinner after getting out of work. I was starving and wasn't sure what I was hungry for. So a family type restaurant seemed like a good idea since they usually have a good variety. They had a huge selection of breakfast foods. Probably more breakfast items than anything else. I love greek omelets and can't think about anything else when I see one on a menu. So naturally, that's what I ordered. It came with hash browns and this amazing greek toast. I couldn't believe how big the omelet was when it came to the table, served in a skillet. After the waitress walked away I noticed she didn't bring my hash browns. I dug into the omelet and noticed that a mountain of hash browns were buried under the eggs. Probably a common confusion. Everything was delicious, all the ingredients in my omelet were disbursed perfectly and there were tons of big chunks of feta. I can't wait to go back again at actual breakfast/brunch time.
(4)Jenny z.
Bless this oddly located Gold Coast diner -having gone to grad school in this neighborhood, this place was a godsend. Just try getting a decent meal when you're living on student loans in this hood that isn't McDonald's, go on, I dare you. It seems like most places that don't require reservations in this neighborhood have been closed down, most likely, due to my detested alma mater owning every square inch of real estate in this neighborhood - thanks a bunch, Loyola. Nicer than most diners, but a diner nonetheless. Cheap and yummy breakfast with well prepared eggs and great hash browns, really friendly servers, good sandwiches and salads, generous (huge) specials, tasty soups. When I was feeling really rich, I'd get the open faced turkey sandwich, they make it right at this joint. An extra point for letting me sit, chain smoke, and study for hours without giving me the bum rush. Thanks, Tempo, I needed that.
(4)Jeff P.
Can't ever say anything bad about breakfast. Any late breakfast/brunch at Tempo is very good. Service was reasonable and food tasty. My only gripe is getting charged for refills on a coke.When I asked why this policy, the waitress said the owner said it was 'Coke's' policy. Dammit! Burn my toast! Send out the eggs scrambled instead of over easy! But don't blow smoke up my.....nose. If the owner needs to charge for refills to keep profits up, tell me. Don't blame it on some guy in Atlanta who has never heard of Tempo Cafe. I will go back... just not anytime soon.
(3)Jojo F.
Yay, Tempo. I started replicating the famed Jamaican omelet at home(egg whites, walnuts, honey and 'nanners). This place rocks. Be sure to request the homemade orange marmalade...it's blissful. Good for after long races.
(4)Tina S.
On my most recent visit to Chitown, this awesome brunch spot was recommended to us. I am not a breakfast person, but damn I enjoyed every calorie. I ordered the banana pancakes - 3 huge discs of yummy banana pancakes topped with walnuts and cinnamon a la grecque. YUMMMMMMMM. I also ordered a side of bacon which was disappointingly burnt to a crisp and a little overpriced. Freshly squeezed oj:)) My friend's homefries were DELICIOUS. She loved her Greek omelette ( I did not try it since I hate eggs). The place was spacious and full of locals - cops, EMTs, postmen, tourists, you name it. It was packed and consistently had a wait. Our waitress was awesome as well. Pay at the register - cash only. Can't wait to visit again.
(5)Vivian L.
I hear this place is a 24 hour joint but we went in the morning for breakfast. I loved it! It had that mom and pop feel to it, the prices weren't that bad, and I had a really good crispy waffle topped with fresh fruit here. That was yummy! The coffee was also good. We also got a skillet with eggs, hash browns, and bacon. The skillet was ok. But it was worth coming here for the waffle and all that fresh fruit. They only take cash though so bring some. It's Zagat rated, too!
(4)Janette L.
One star for food that did not make me sick the next day and another for being a place where I seem to run into old friends (unfortunately I am always looking a mess). For cheaper better diner food I recommend Hollywood Grill in WP. I really don't go out in the Gold Coast too much and really don't think I would venture out here for a sober post 5 am breakfast. Nothing I have had here draws me back.
(2)Aimee C.
Tempo, not the quickest of service, not the best of it.. but what I love is the fact that's it's just around the corner, and as everyone waits for tables, I typically grab the paper, squeeze past them and sit alone at the little bar by the kitchen.. It's just a wonderful place to grab a quick bite when you're a rush and want to get on the move to shop... The skillets are just so cool... their homemade marmalade... the bread.. all of it.. coffee could be better, but what can y ou expect from a diner/cafe... Enjoy with friends and family on a quick day.. i would love to know what the scene looked like on a mid day, as I'm typically at work.. but breakfast all day is always down in my book.
(3)Andrea C.
4.5 stars only because they have the very best waffles ever!!!! Just moved here from CA, and when we visited Chicago in May we ate here twice only because it was pratically across the street from our hotel. The first time was in the middle of the night at like 1am when it was dead. They serve typical dinner food nothing special. We decided to go there again a couple mornings later for breakfast. The wait is a little ridiculous I must say, but after trying their beautiful waffles it is damn worth it. I hate breakfast, it is my least favorite meal and I don't even like waffles. But TEMPO's is the best. The batter is lightly sweetened, fluffy, and gently dusted with powder sugar. You can eat it without syrup. You will definately find me here again and I am taking all my guests here for breakfast despite the wait.
(4)Sara P.
I went to Tempo today for brunch with a friend post- workout. Luckily, we got there late enough (around 130p) that our wait was only 10 minutes, if even that. The food here is okay. I did love that I could get an egg white omelet with Pam spray instead of butter. The potatoes on the bottom of the skillet were quite a bit burned though :( Wait staff was pretty lousy- I asked for a straw 3 seperate times, and the waitress kept forgetting- she even put a bunch in her apron and still forgot to give it to me. I live around the corner, but for the money, would rather go to 3rd Coast on a weekend morning.
(2)Lauren D.
I would only recommend going to Tempo Cafe if all the other brunch places nearby (including Einsteins) are out of food. I find their breakfast food to be average even though their omelets are quite large and they also have smoothies on the menu that aren't so much smoothies.
(2)Pamela B.
Tempo is the best place to go after a night out at the bars. Its also a great place to take a laptop and hang out, study, or in one example for me, stay up ALL night writing a script with a group for a 48 Hour Film Festival competition last fall. The servers are friendly, and the food and coffee is good. It's cozy, comfortable, inviting, ALWAYS open! Try the skillet omelets...they're amazing! But be warned, they are HUGE. It's perfect for sharing with someone else.
(5)Alison C.
Amazing, amazing omelets! Tempo has a lovely outdoor cafe allowing for people watching along one of Chicago's busiest shopping areas. The indoor restaurant is large and spacious. The waitresses are all very sweet. The menu is large and essentially a diner menu. They are especially known for their omelets which come in a round skillet over delicious grilled potato slices. The omelets are massive and fluffy. However, you can salvage your heart and waistline by ordering it made with Pam instead of butter...They even point this out on the menu, which is perfect for the jet-setters that plan on hitting the trendy boutiques after brunch. I ordered the Michigan omelet made from egg whites, which contained an unusual combination of apple and cheddar cheese. It was delicious, but could have had more seasoning. The potatoes underneath were especially crispy and good. There was also a side of what they referred to as "Greek toast", which was a thick slice of white bread with sesame seeds. This came with butter and jam. Other menu offerings included sandwiches, salads, etc.
(4)Janet B.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the area I live in! The food never let's me down and they have so many options! The service is quick and efficient, which is great when all you want is soaker food after a long night out!
(4)Andrew M.
Tempo Cafe is like the sight of a trainwreck - it's brutally ugly, but you are drawn to it. Except in the case of Tempo, the trainwreck smashed into the middle of the Viagra Triangle; the cabin tore open like a blossoming flower; and the crash ruptured a pipeline of alcohol, geysering up and showering down on the passengers, who remained misty, hot and hammered in their seats, where they were promptly served mediocre diner food. But it goes further. Like a fractal, this pattern was mirrored on smaller scales: many of the people in attendance are individually train wrecks. Take the women seating at the table near you, fresh from a club. Each of their bosoms and bootys is a stop-action scene of a collision of great impact and superabundant pressure. Together, they represent a mid-scale trainwreck. Like a column of whiplash-inducing, onlooking SUVs, customers line up to witness the event and linger a bit longer than you would like, since you are trying to get a look, despite the concerted efforts of the authorities to rush everyone through. Ogling everyone, you may wonder which of them are famous. It's a worthy pastime. One night, Vanilla Ice tripped over my boots as he chose his booth and I was ignorantly and insouciantly reclining. Then a girl sat next to him and mack attacked him in front of her boyfriend. I was like, Whatever, girl! You can't handle this booth so don't even come near here. I'm fresh from the club and this vicinity is COLD.
(3)Joon M.
I'm giving Tempo 3 stars because I have some great memories of going there after a night out at clubs with friends. Beyond that, the servings are too large for me & it's neither my idea of a laid back dive diner nor is it even close to glamorous ;). A guy once begged me to go out for a fabulous brunch with him dropping names of posh places...then took me to Tempo. Um, ok.
(3)Mickey A.
I'm always full every time I leave here. This used to be a favorite late night/ early EARLY morning breakfast eating spot for me and my friends after a night out. Because we're getting older and can't stay up as late as we could, it's harder to make it here as often as we used to. A couple of my friends & I decided to come here yesterday for brunch. It's still crowded on the weekends for brunch, and the wait time can vary 10-20 minutes or sometimes longer. Food is still good, and my favorite used to be the french toast. Actually it still is, but I have since ventured to other items like the omelettes. I tried the waffles and they pretty much shut up my growling stomach which was craving for some golden waffles. My advice: come here on an empty stomach, and leave a full happy (hopefully) customer.
(3)Ben H.
I thought this place had potential. Just not the potential to suck this much. My food was bland and for the price, its not even worth it. I got the Eggs benedict, and it was tasteless compared to other morning eateries. The good thing is that it comes with a slice of aged fruit, that has a brown crust on the end The OJ was freshed squeezed, but came out warm. I just love warm OJ in the morning....
(2)T Mir S.
Love this place... it gets a bit packed, but is def worth the wait... and cant go wrong with anything on the menu...
(4)Katie F.
Came for breakfast, they turned the tables quick. It has a huge menu, and the service was really fast. Delicious french toast and the banana on the side was great for the hangover. I wouldn't give them five stars because they don't take credit cards and the ATM in the entry was broken.... please people, if you are going to run a cash-only business, a working ATM is a must!
(4)Niki C.
Got an impromptu invitation to go to Tempo late night. I remembered reading how much Yelpers enjoyed it, so I thought, "What the hell?" We were seated immediately, even with the craziness of the after-hours hustle & bustle. I ordered the Eggs Benedict sans the Canadian bacon & it was delicious. Delicious. The potatoes that came with were also outstanding. Then again, I hadn't eaten more than 3 croquetas for dinner (oy), so I was starving. I would definitely go back, probably at a more reasonable hour, though, or if I was in the 'hood after the bars close again. Good stuff.
(4)Tristin M.
I got lucky enough to find a metered parking space yesterday morning when I went here to meet with yelper, Andrea! I had gotten there about 15 minutes early so I just got coffee and man were they on top of it because they refilled my cup three times in the 15 minuted that I was "just gonna sip on a cup" while waiting! So there was an automatic plus for that. Then we ordered and before we could even get a conversation started, there was the food! wow. So I got the spinach and feta omelette served in a skillet on top of country fried potato slices that filled me up so much I was only able to eat half and had to get a box to go! Oh yeah and the fact that it's a 24 hour spot is cool too!
(4)John L.
OK, let me start by saying that like many other spots in this incredible city, the portions are out of control. I'm not one to ever complain about too much food, but the amount of waste that must go down at a restaurant like this is plain stupid. I mean, who brings leftover breakfast home? I think I ordered wrong here. I do like chicken liver pate, so The Continental (eggs, chicken livers, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions) sounded unique. For all those ingredients, there was hardly any flavor at all. The over sized platter that was quickly brought out was retarded. Under all the above was a beyond generous heaping mound of potatoes. Then another dish showed up with 2 huge very thick slices of toast with a 1/4 stick of butter (I shit you not) and homemade marmalade. All for $10. I made myself a sandwich with about a 1/4 of the eggs, a generous spread of continental mix, and a few slices of potato. I ate it and was stuffed, and I was hungry when I arrived. What remained looked like I had hardly scratched the surface. The service was nice and it was a typical diner type feel inside (there was a nice outdoor seating area), but maybe I just was a tad too adventurous and should've gotten something else. That being said, how can all those ingredients not add up to more flavor. I hate having to pour excessive salt and pepper on food. If it is cooked right, you shouldn't have to. Anyway, this was so far my only bad dining experience in Chitown.
(2)Anita C.
Only go after you drink and then (almost) everything will be amazing, particularly the poor man's skillet (best cure for a hangover). the portions are large enough that you can even take the leftovers home.
(4)Gaurang S.
Wow. How can the skillet that tastes so good in the middle of the night taste so terrible in the middle of the morning? There's enough memories and conversations that took place in here to always make it a sentimental favorite, but this place is best visited just as light is dawning on the city, and never otherwise.
(3)Diana S.
This place brings back some fuzzy, interesting but fond memories. My now, husband and I would stumble here after a really late night out. One time we were so drunk that it felt like we were walking forever and in circles but we just couldn't find it. We knew it was really close by. Then we finally gave up and hailed a cab. A block later the cab driver stopped, we were really confused....then he said "here you are." It's perfect for those nights when you close out a bar and all you can think about it filling your tummy with breakfast food. Also, it's not one of those nasty diners where you would never go to if you saw it without beer googles. This place is actually nice and clean, granted it's in Gold Coast.
(4)Kris B.
went on a Friday morning. had the poor man's skillet and strawberry pancakes. good breakfast but coffee could be a bit stronger. service was fast and curteous
(4)Audrey T.
Stupid, dumb, and hyphy. You only go to this place because 1) you're drunk 2) its the only place open 3) everywhere else is packed or closed and you're starving and its in a central location 4) you like spending $5 for just a grilled cheese on white bread or 5) you want to go somewhere non-pretentious to show off your designer sweatpants and Ugg boots.
(1)Zack M.
They have decent food, but I do not think it is anything to warrant the ridiculously long wait to get in even yet, be served. The slow service is reminiscent of its sibling, Santorini. The eggs benedict was above average. It seems to be the kind of place where 20-somethings like to meet up with their sorority sisters and drag the boyfriend along for a boring three hour brunch... I will reserve some judgement as I have never been there for dinner. ***I suggest staying home and either sleeping in on a weekend or watching the Bears game and a making a home cooked omelette.
(3)Emily C.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and actually review this place for the food and not the fact that it's open at convenient times as I leave one of the many single snake pits on Division and need something to stuff down my throat. And why would you ever trust a review about food from people whose pallets are so skewed from the many jaeger-bombs consumed that night? This place is a perfect breakfast place and actually does serve good food, good coffee and the service and wait staff are great. YOu go here for classic breakfast fare and this is what you get. The gold coast omelet is really good. Not a fan that it's on a bed of potatoes but the omelet alone is good. Our waitress was so sweet as are the other people who work there. Went on a Sunday and there was a crazy line out the door but we were seated in the half hour they promised. Price is decent and you leave delightfully stuffed.
(4)Lisa M.
I ordered the poor man's skillet for breakfast because it has ham, onions and green pepper. The first piece of green pepper I ate had an acidic taste, like it was pickled. Sure enough, after I dug around some more, I also found little red stuff, which I suspect was pimento. I expected fresh green pepper, but instead I got what I think was canned diced green chiles. Seriously????? This skillet might have been OK otherwise except for the peppers and the mushy choppy potatoes hidden by the other ingredients. Also, even though I knew I wouldn't get this in a greek joint, I asked for my eggs scrambled soft, as in "creamy". Instead, I got the same dry, rubbery stuff as in all the other greek places. I think that's because the cooks in these kitchens are usually from south of the border, so asking for anything that requires an explanation in English just isn't going to happen. I guess I should just avoid these places and go to establishments where they do it right, even if it costs more. After all...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. So....my first visit to Tempo and my last.
(1)Monique B.
I like that it's open late but the service is a little unfriendly and it would be great if they could upgrade their technology to accept credit and debit, the ATM machine gets in the way of the long lines.
(3)Michelle R.
I love their omelettes... egg whites, veggies and cook with pan. I am there at least once a week for breakfast. Michelle Rosseld
(4)Leezia D.
Went in a few months ago on a Saturday at around 1 p.m. for a late brunch. Around a 30 or so minute wait, but it was definitely worth it. The prices average between $10-$15, which is pretty good considering the HUGE portion sizes....I love it and I am coming back for more !
(5)Theresa C.
The service was really slow. We asked for our check and then didn't get it for another 10+ minutes and saw our waitress walk by us 3 or 4 times during that wait. Was not too impressed with my zucchini tomato omelet but the waffles my company had looked very good.
(2)Kara M.
went here after the winterfest to grab some food and yeah things have changed a little bit or maybe it was just cuz i was actually sober. Sooo they don't have any bacon omelets listed on the menu but they do have a Denver omelet which is the standard ham, cheese, onion, peppers...so every place in the world has always let me switch out the ham for bacon at no extra cost and Tempo USED to be included in that group but now they charge 4 bux...yes $4.00...for the switch...how it makes sense I have no idea. And they're prices have gone up. Even though our waitress was nice that was the only plus when they mixed up my friend's order with mine not to mention my omelet was cooked too hard...so that's two stars down from where it used to be on my list but somehow i don't think it will be a next time unless a miracle happens or perhaps bacon swapping for free makes a reappearance...
(2)Frederica B.
Waffles were solid. Don't get the "Casablanca Juice". Tasted strangely frothy. They accept CASH ONLY and found that quite annoying. Especially for a place downtown.
(3)G H.
Actually 3.5 stars if I could. I first discovered this place on a trip to Chicago a few years ago. My friends and I were looking for a good brunch place to cap off a great trip to Chicago and actually stopped a Chicago Police Officer to ask for recommendations. Even though we were down on Washington by Macy's, the officer still said Tempo's was the place to go. Fast forward a few years and do I still like the food? Sure. Do I think it's the most amazing breakfast place ever and a can't miss while in Chicago? Not really. Pros: 1) Large portion sizes. I always forget how much food comes with an order. I've only ever ordered omelets and I forget that the omelet is large enough to feed two never mind the potatoes and bread that are also provided. 2) Fresh squeezed juices. Nothing makes a morning like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or carrot among other offerings). 3) Fast food delivery. There's nothing worst than coming to a restaurant starving and having to wait forever for the food to arrive. Here it comes out almost as fast as you can order. Cons: 1) Extremely long queue with little room for waiting. Getting a table here is like going to the doctor's office; you arrive on time but still have to wait another 30 minutes to get in. In the summer, waiting outside on the sidewalk isn't bad, but when winter hits it sucks to be the last person in line. 2) Food is average at best. There's nothing here that I've had that I felt was horrendous, but nothing I've had has been so amazing that I'd come back just for it. This place serves your basic breakfast foods. It's a step up from Perkins but it's not as if you're gonna be able to order anything as creative as a lobster omelet. 3) Cash only. Granted the meals are reasonably priced, but if you're heading to Tempo's with friends, it makes splitting up the tab pretty complicated when everyone's prepared to slap down a $20 cuz that's all that the ATM gave them. Plus it wouldn't surprise me if the place makes some money off of having an on-site ATM that ill-prepared people have to use. Overall Tempo is worth a try if it's your first time and if you enjoy good basic breakfast food. Just be prepared to wait for a table and bring enough cash. I personally only go there every once in a while on my trips to Chicago. I do like their fresh squeezed orange juice, but I can also get fresh orange juice at Watertower without the wait time.
(3)N L.
Great food, large portions, cute place, I recommend. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, nice and juicy. Negatives, the menu is a little confusing, it doesn't state what each plate comes with which makes ordering a bit of a pain and NO CREDIT CARDS.
(4)Jennifer G.
It's not fine dining, for godsakes, it's a diner. If you want lightning-fast food go get an egg mcmuffin. But if you want the best omelette ever, go to Tempo. I don't live in Chicago anymore but this place is always on my list when I visit. It's the veggie scramble that gets me every time: A skillet of hash browns covered in a zucchini, broccoli, and spinach omelet. It's big enough to take half (or more) of it away for the next day's hangover breakfast. And I probably shouldn't say this to keep the expectations in check, but when I was there for a late lunch during a week last month, I had my veggie omelet about six minutes after I ordered it. Mmmmm. One more thing: I'm pretty sure Tempo is cash only.
(4)Mark W.
Nice staff. Average diner food. Under seasoned huevos rancheros.
(3)Rose C.
Sorry Tempo - You get a D-. I have worked in this Gold Coast area for 30+ years, and on occasion eat at this restaurant. Over time I have progressively seen this restaurant turn into a greasy, dive. For the life of me I cannot see how all these people have given this dive such high ratings. Surely, this has got to be coming from their friends or their own managers/owners. I have watched the portions decrease and the prices rise to the point where you can get a cheaper lunch at McCormick and Schmicks just down the street, where you don't have to contend with crowded eating conditions, dirty, weathered tables, 3rd world waitresses, a leaking ceiling, and much worse...the food. I recently ordered their 'renowned' skillet omelet. Perhaps the problem is that I wanted the eggs easy over. It turned out to be the greasiest concoction I'd ever eaten...what a bummer! SOMEONE NEEDS TO CALL THE CITY INSPECTORS AND ICE!
(1)Ian S.
I drank from noon until 8pm the day of the Bears v Seahawks game (good times) then went to bed around 8pm, waking up at 5am on Monday of MLK. Being fully rested and hungry, we decided to hit up Tempo Cafe. Surprisingly, there weren't too many people there! My friend usually ends up bribing the old guy at the door $20 to get his group in and skip the line. Unfortunately this man has supposedly died, so good luck trying this with the new bouncer. Food was quite filling and reasonably priced. The waitress also took care of us. I can only imagine how much the service degrades after the rowdy crowds start moving in!
(4)cindy g.
I was there for the first time a week ago. I shared the skillet with eggs and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back and have the waffles- they looked awesome and a have a smoothie- a late night find- go there
(4)Drucilla D.
I never wrote a review for Tempo?! Crazy. Especially considering it is so close to where I live... Tempo is a staple for our neighborhood. Sadly we lack a lot of options when it comes to a) 24 hour places, b) breakfast places, c) Breakfast anytime... and Tempo encompasses all three of these characteristics, so it's pretty cool as far as I'm concerned. Service is decent, soups are good (and served with an AWESOME bread basket - I like to stash the extra breadsticks in my purse like Sophia from THE GOLDEN GIRLS), and the menu has quite the variety. They have a Jr. Clubhouse sandwich that is one of my favorite menu items in the entire city - I highly recommend it. And my people love the Hollywood Bowl Salad - enough for two or three meals! If that's what you're into. All of that being said, the lines are usually INSANE and it is sadly not worth the wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I would recommend walking the extra couple blocks to The Pancake House where the line is just as long but moves twice as fast... I would definitely eat at Tempo more often if it wasn't cash only (who carries cash anymore anyways?), AND I have a serious problem with places that do not offer soda refills. What the heck?! If you live in the 'hood, I suggest placing an order to go! You can do this by phone or in person (just push your way past the line and head straight to the cashier) and it only takes 7-15 minutes tops. And don't be concerned that this place isn't fancy enough for out of town guests. It is actually my mother's FAVORITE place to eat when she visits - AND I have heard of the occasional Keanu sighting. Enjoy! But drink your Diet Coke slowly...
(4)Thomas L.
THIS PLACE WAS SO BAD I JOINED YELP JUST TO WHITE THIS REVIEW. Note to self when you see a bank atm in a restaurant better dine elsewhere. I am never going back again. Cash only sign is not on the entrance door. Be a MAN AND PUT THE SIGN ON THE DOOR. Cash only sign is on the register on YOUR way out. Food was less then good. Refills of iced tea was a charge. Seems like the owner can't afford the rent, AND SEND HIS MONEY BACK TO GREECE TO HELP THERE ECONOMY, that is why there is all these petty charges. This guy has a cash station in the restaurant what a racquet. They make money on the transactions at the cash staion. What a crook, dirt bag and a slob. Know wonder the staff has an attitude the owner is a jerk. This guy thinks that the world should pay him. Does he even read the newspaper look what is happening to the Mother Land GREECE. Greece is getting bailled out again. It's know wonder this guy charges the way he does. He sends all OUR money over to Greece to bail them out of the mess they made. Greece should clean house and round up all the dogs rooming the streets.
(1)Eileen D.
Just a disgusting experience. The portions were absurd - 4 people could have split an omelette - and the food tasted... not good. Even the fries, which are hard to mess up, were too thick and pretty gross. The waitress was rude. The busboy cleared the table next to us by throwing dishes into a bin - our ears were ringing. There are no free refills. It's cash only. I will definitely NOT be back.
(1)Bill M.
This is a comfortable all-night diner in the midst of the Gold Coast. I suppose even tourists and upper middle class residents need a place to have standard fare like sandwiches, omelets and waffles without having to go to a greasy dive. The place has a neat appearance, and its outdoor cafe gets crowded.
(3)Marsha N.
Hands down best and fluffiest omelettes (especially egg whites) and did I mention the biggest??? They have my favorite homemade salsa, and my favorite server Sylvia. I have been going for years, and not even the shady late night crowd, or the higher than normal prices can keep me away. I crave it because it's the best there is
(4)Bridget L.
This place has sentimental memories for me because I used to lunch with my girls here quite often while we were in law school some years back. The weekends are absolutely nuts, but the weekdays aren't too crazybusy. The omelets are huge, and I am a big fan of their spinach and feta. It's delicious. They also have great salads too. I'm partial to their stuffed avocado with tuna. Huge and fresh. I dock Tempo a few stars because the service can be spotty and they only take cash, which is a total pain in the arse. For the amount of money they charge for their food, they can afford the credit card machine fee, in my humble opinion. But the food is good, and in a diner, that's really what I care most about.
(3)Susan F.
What can I say other than the fact that every time we head to the Art Institute it's off to Tempo for the best skillets. Service is always good. And what nailed it for us was when my five year old was peering into the cake display (as all little kids do) on our way out, and they gave her a piece to take home.
(4)Rita W.
I have always wanted to go to Tempo Cafe for brunch and everytime it has been so packed that I don't even want to attempt waiting amongst the hordes of people who are outside waiting. This time, I went on a Friday afternoon, it was still busy but not as bad as it usually gets on a Saturday or Sunday. I was not disappointed, I got the gold coast omelette (mushrooms, onions, and spinach) with feta cheese and it came out really fluffy in a medium sized skillet atop a mound of potatoes. And they also give you you a plate of texas sesame toast as well. It was very filling and not very greasy. I am very glad I got to finally try out Tempo. While the food is great, I am not sure the omelettes are special enough to justify a long wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I am really hungry.
(4)Katrina H.
Definitely a Staple for YEARS when it's late night and you're hungry!! Now that i'm older, I will go for breakfast during "Rush Hour" and it's Almost ALWAYS Packed!! If you have time to wait.. then GREAT!! the food is Fantastic!! you get a Lot of food for your money however the last time that I was there.. I was told that it was Cash only. not sure if they have Credit now but thought that it was strange especially for a place to be so busy. A Great place to go to when it's nice out.. waiting for an indoor seat is like waiting forever!
(4)Ms T.
One word: Meh. The food isn't anything to write home about. Paying twice as much for sub-par diner food. If this sounds like your idea of fun, be my guest. But after we get our drunk on and you are suggesting that we stave off the hangover with a big greasy here after debauchery, the eggos in my freezer and a quicky fry -up at home is heaps more appealing. Pass.
(1)Jasmine F.
Holy crap. I'd wager Tempo makes the best omelette I've ever had, although it's more like a scramble/soufle-type-thing. How do they do that? I want the recipe, damnit. My egg white omelette, made with ingredients of my choosing, was absurdly huge, fluffy and delicious with a nice, browned crust completely surrounding it. I think there were potatoes under it somewhere, but one cannot be too sure of such things. I definitely could have split the dish with someone and been perfectly satisfied--I only got through about half, plus the two pieces of fresh, yummy toast with tangy, homemade marmalade. God, I effing love breakfast when it's done right. Tempo did it right.
(4)Jennifer C.
Whats the big deal? Tempo is fine, but its not great, It does have a nice outside atmosphere in the summer. Went once and i don't think I will ever put forth the effort to run back. Plus you gotta stand in line forever, so I thought it was gonna be excellent. I was underwhelmed.
(3)Craig N.
Its in my hood so I go there sometimes. Wish they had dishes from thier greek town sister "like mousaka" . Anyway..the food is OK, a bit boring but I can't say bad.. I would give this place a Zagats 16. I like to go down the street to Johnny's for a down a dirty breakfast.
(3)George K.
Everyone told me this is "THE BREAKFAST PLACE" to try out. I tried and tried and tried least 20 different times to go here. Long lines, waiting, very longgggg wait. So every time I walked by hoping there wasn't a long line then get disappointed and ended up going elsewhere to eat. I finally got lucky few weeks ago on Labor Day, not many people around downtown that day. It was WORTH THE WAIT! I had ham & cheese omelets with side of french toast. Oh man it was so good. I can't believe they bring your plate of food using a frying pan? How many of these do they have in the kitchen? I noticed that this was how they served omelets from looking at other tables. You guys must have 100 of these frying pans huh? lot of washing dishes.. hehe They give you so much food, I couldn't finish everything, and I think I digged the french toast much better. I'm going to keep on trying to go here again.
(4)Jessica K.
This place has great breakfast! A staple on weekends after a night out. The portions are filling, and they use fresh ingredients. The place gets crowded on weekend mornings and early afternoons so be prepared to wait. They have outdoor seating, though I never have sat outside. Although this place is open 24 hours and has a more extensive menu asside from breakfast, I've only been here before 2pm and had skillets from the breakfast menu. The place gets crowded, but once you sit down it seems like they turn the tables at a pretty decent rate and you aren't waiting too long for your food.
(5)Marc L.
Great food and great service. We went for breakfast and everything was fresh and not greasy.
(4)Timothy M.
I've eaten some great random meals here. Usually after drinking all night downtown I'll come to around Chicago and State and realize where I am: right near Tempo! This place won me over with the phenomenal Eggs Benedict. I've been going back even though it's out of my way ever since just to get some great food and great coffee. Crowd sucks though (Viagra Triangle) so don't go when people are there in droves.
(4)Dr. Robert W.
Great staff, very good food--the best of a 24/7 cafe. My wife and I love it. Heidi and all the staff are fantastic.
(5)Nastassia J.
This is your standard diner fare, at super inflated prices... While attending law school, I would eat here on occasion. Sometimes you just want some breakfast, and in this neighborhood, there are hardly any of these diner type resturants left...Starfucks (typo, it stays) ate the neighborhood. I don't have any particular gripe about the place, afterall it is open 24 hours, and I did sit next to Bow Wow one time (I'm told he is famous.) On the weekends, be prepared to wait in long lines to get a table, esp in the summer when the patio is prime destination for both tourists and locals.
(2)Rachelle G.
First and foremost, the service here late into the night is awful. I get that you've probably dealt w/ drunks throughout the night, but I was not, and did notice that you only came to get our order and drop off our bill. And we couldn't even tell you that you'd forgotten to give my friend her soda. I really wanted to tip the busboy instead of our server bc he did so much more for us and all with a smile. Food was mediocre to subpar, prices were decent for the area and being open 24 hours is great but really, improve your service. And yes they only take cash. We also happened to be seated in a booth underneath a vent that was blowing out super cold air. It was probably 40 degrees out yet I had to walk out every now so I wouldn't freeze. I really don't want to come back and hope I don't have to.
(2)Trent P.
Management/Greek owner has an "in" with local taxis; thus if you ask a Cabby for a late night restaurant you will be "TAKEN" (at)/to Tempo Cafe! Food is mediocre at best, but the surprise is when you get the bill, you WILL be charged more than menu prices; if you question the charges they claim error and adjust to original "menu" price. BAD/CON all the way around!!!!
(1)Caroline A.
What a great place to nurse a hangover... seriously. They have something for everyone, which is great considering how fussy I am with food. My favorite part of the restaurant - they cook the dishes exactly how you like. Even going so far as replacing butter with cooking spray. The portions are very generous, and the food came out very quickly. The wait is very very long (I think we waited for over an hour), but definitely worth it.
(3)Lale S.
the only downfall of this place is that it does not accept credit cards! but hey i guess if anyone is looking for a late night stick up, go to tempo! j/k besides the fact that i have ended up here many a nights/early mornings after long nights of boozing this place is always the best! i love the raspberry waffle add some chocolate chips and whipped cream! yummy! i like that this place is downtown, yet sometimes can get way overcrowded especiall after the 2am bar close rush and 5am bar close rush on weekends... but overall ive never had a bad meal here.... but then again i usually am pretty crunk
(4)Diana B.
Their breakfast/brunch is great! And you can get it anytime of day! I recommend the poor mans skillet, pancakes, and/or waffles. :) Their lunch options are so-so, but that's not an issue for me since I strictly get breakfast food here. Also, a biiiiiit pricy, but due to the area, it makes sense. Definitely a go-to place for me!
(4)Natasha A.
Why does Boston not have anything like this? Unfair. Ample concoctions of eggs, veggies and meats are served in a skillet over a bed of potatoes. Throw in freshly squeezed OJ and some coffee and you are in heaven. The menu also had some sandwhiches and the like. Breakfast can not get any better than the Tempo Cafe.
(5)Mihir P.
The service was polite and quick. The scrambled eggs were a bit dry, bacon overcooked and the potatoes underdone. But at 2 am, Tempo will do just fine.
(2)Robert M.
Spotty on delivery of food, our sides took a lot longer then our entered. Otherwise good Food and generous portions
(3)Juliette M.
This place is great for breakfast or brunch. The setting is nice, they have a nice patio area. The coffee is not that great but I have tasted worse. I tried one of the burger once, nothing extraordinary. But the waffles and french toast are a must!
(4)Balu's G.
I've eaten better breakfast in Chicago. I just think that it's always crowded, because it's the only full service breakfast place in the area with reasonable price (compared to pricey hotel breakfast). I had bacon. cheese, and onions omelette, and it was ok.
(3)Terry G.
Found this place through a suggestion at the hotel and what a great find. I juts love these crowded city breakfast/lunch cafes. A long wait on a Saturday morning, but it was worth the wait. Lots of coffee and an excellent three egg Denver omelet in a skillet. The omelet was prepared perfectly too... perfectly.
(4)Lesley S.
I would only recommend this spot for late night eating just because of the lack of options. Otherwise, not a good choice. For starters, they only take cash which is almost unheard of these days. I'm not really sure what the reason for this is but it is annoying. Also, the prices are WAY too high. I got a turkey salad sandwich that came with nothing and it was over $7. Just some turkey salad on regular toasted bread. It was a rip off. I got a side salad as well and my meal altogether was almost $15. I was still hungry when I left and wished I would have gone to Subway.
(1)Nick S.
Tempo is a Chicago icon. If only the walls in that place could talk. The new place is real nice, but I miss the old diner. This is a great place to eat at 3am.
(4)Heather S.
this place is incredible! i strolled in there around 2am and was very entertained... yes, everyone in there was wasted but what do you expect with a diner open that late! i never have tried the brunch crowd, but i am assuming it is a bit different being in the gold coast.. their "homeless mans skillet" is great! Enjoy!
(4)gosia d.
Clean and fast service but that is all good I can say about this place. The hostess's voice reminds me of Fran Drescher. The food was bland, not enough or way too much of seasonings, and definitely overpriced. I am sure you can find a better food in the neighborhood in the same price range. Especially if you are a tourist don't go there. I really don't want you to taste Chicago that way. One more detail, the place takes only cash.
(2)Diana F.
eh, nothing special whatsoever. went there for lunch, got a tuna volcano that was very average. clam chowder was blah. the clams tasted like rubber. service was fine. overall decent, but won't go back unless it's super late and everything is closed.
(2)Aubrey K.
Bring your cash since no credit is accepted and do prepared to wait. I promise you the wait is worth it. I think the breakfast is the true staple of this Gold Coast diner. My favorite are the skillets (omelettes served over hash browns) and the egg-white french toast. Also offers some good people watching. I like it equally at 4:00 AM as I do for Sunday brunch!
(5)Rachel Y.
I am a huge fan of Tempo. I don't know how it started, but almost every breakfast meeting I have, the client requests Tempo. It's one of those fabulous neighborhood spots that didn't get affected by the River North yuppification quotient. They have the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had, however lately I've been sticking with their cream cheese, bacon and tomato omelet, which I'm craving now just thinking about it. It seems that everyone in the restaurant has been there forever, the coffee is served in plenty, and it's cheap (which is nice because it's cash only--don't worry there are two ATM's close by). In the summer they have nice outdoor seating as well. Check it out for your next business get-together or just on your own if you're in the neighborhood and want a good meal for less than what River North usually dishes out.
(4)lana v.
My husbands family loves this place, so I have been forced to come here many times. I have only tried the breakfast items, but have never been impressed, the pancakes are ok, and the service is fast, but they do not take credit cards, and do not have free refills. If you come here for brunch on the weekend, there is always a crazy long line, and I honestly dont understand why.
(3)Brian S.
Holler! Tempo serves the best waffles I've ever had - both strawberry and banana nut flavors are great. They're crisp and delicious and don't even need syrup to be enjoyed (but I use it anyway). Helpful hint: get the toppings on the side to keep the waffle crispy throughout the meal.
(5)Maggie S.
I really don't like this place and I can't figure out why. I have been there for breakfast a few times, but mainly I go in the middle of the night for food and coffee when it is finals cram time- which is why I go- its 24 hrs, they'll re-fill your coffee over and over again & don't mind how long you sit there. (Was once there 5 hours and not asked to leave.) That middle of the night study session aside...I have a few complaints. When it is busy, they totally rush you through your meal. The food is way overrated. I have tried several different things and have never once liked it. Its not bad in the "makes you ill sort of way;" rather it just leaves you feeling like you need more food bc you wasted a meal on something totally boring. This is my major problem with tempo though- YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR RE-FILLS ON SODA. SERIOUSLY?? We are in Chicago, not Europe, just re-fill my soda out of your fountain thing-y, And you have to pay with cash. And there ATM is one that a surcharge for basically every bank in existence, so no one gets lucky and misses the ATM fees.
(2)Carly M.
There is nothign better than the baked french toast. It's my favorite thing on the menu and I always ask for bananas on top. Excellent pancakes too and great omlettes. Basically- they can do an awesome brunch! Don't be worried about the lines though- they do move quickly and it's worth the wait!
(5)Gail T.
5 stars cuz this place is affordable, open 24/7, and you'll always be seated. beware card rangers.. its cash only!
(5)Izzy N.
Oh. this place. The "nicer" Denny's that doesn't have hash browns (booo! hiss! a plague on thy dowry! ..........ok, ok don't piss in my food.. I am giving you 3 stars afterall.) and only takes cash. (this should maybe be called the base of the triangle that only takes cash. I'm looking at you mister j.) That's what I call this place. A little bit of a mouthful isn't it. But it's TRUE. Their menu isn't all that -in fact looking at it makes me *gulp* a few times and tell myself, Ok- Fine! and the food is okay but the real draw is that it's there whenever I wanna eat like at 4 am or maybe 1:53 am. Open 24 hours. Late night eats without having to trek too far, especially when it's freezing outside -- oh me likey! I usually order the breakfast foods.. not really wanting to venture out to their other selections cuz I can get stir fry at Big Bowl and seafood at Hugo's or any steak house nearby. Their blueberry french toast is pretty solid and satisfying.. nothing special. Hits the spot when I'm famished, too lazy to look for other options, and conveniently close to me. It's all about meeeeeeee you see. I don't care if it's close to you guys or not. me. Me. ME!!!! jk. I do charity work sometimes.
(2)Will K.
I will say that the food here was very good, probably 4 star worthy. That being said, it's not really worth the hassle and the wait. A little expensive too if I remember correctly. Original Pancake house was near by and was about half the price, with no wait and better service, but Tempo's pancakes were better. I know it's not a totally fair comparison, just sayin
(3)Jasmine h.
This was a great place to go for a comfortable atmosphere as well as good food. delicious!
(4)KW L.
I came on a Saturday for lunch and we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. No issue with that since any good brunch place will have a wait on a weekend. The hostess was friendly, and the waiter was ok except for the fact that she hardly came around to refill our drinks. I had the strawberry french toast and thought it was average at best. The french toast wasn't very moist and tasted like cardboard. The others in my group seemed to enjoy the omelette's a little better, but commented they were average as well. The food is mediocre so I can only account for the crowd by the location of the place.
(2)Jeff Y.
my roommate is obsessed with this place, but i think it's because he usually goes when he's wasted at 3 in the morning. i would give hot pockets 5 stars if i only ate them when i was drunk...anyways on to the review. tempo serves breakfast and diner grub 24 hours a day. it's basically an upscale ihop with slightly above average food. i'd recommend the skillets or the omelettes since they are ginourmous and decent. don't go for weekend brunch unless you want to wait in line for an hour. also, it's cash only so be sure to get cash back at potash bros next door before you head over. i'd recommend this place for drunk food or if you're randomly craving breakfast food for dinner.
(3)Aileen O.
As one of the few 24-hour joints in downtown, this place is always busy! I've never quite understood the appeal of this place - the food is average at best. It reminds me of an upscale Denny's. Be warned - this place only accepts cash (although an ATM is available).
(3)Paul R.
Here's the thing about Tempo... you wanna talk about a place thriving soley due to location, this is your prime example. There are so many better breakfast places in the downtown area, this one falls in w/ the rest in my opinion, and this all coming from a Greek guy- so to not like a Greek-owned establishment is blasphemous, but it's true. Tempo, not that good. I don't want to go so far as to say that it literally bothers me that this place gets crowded beyond belief on a regular basis, because I have had good times here and have nothing but nice things to say about the staff, but I just don't get it. Gold Coast should some more breakfast options, that's what it comes down to. Yeah, you can get breakfast at Luxbar (recommended) or PJ's (not terrible) or even Gibson's (I hear good things about their b-fast menu), but if you're looking for a brunch spot, and you know what I mean- I mean a brunch spot, not a place that serves breakfast food, what else is there? Somebody enlighten me. And don't say the Peninsula because that doesn't count. Maybe I'm looking too much into this.
(2)Evelyn B.
My brother treated me to breakfast at Tempo for my twelfth birthday. It was very nice. Being a boxed-cereal kind of girl, I had no clue about one of the best breakfasts in the city. Thanks bro!
(5)K. J.
It's a diner. With diner food. Wouldn't go back again unless I'm in the area anyway and craving a traditional diner-style breakfast. We were given a wait time of about 20 to 30 minutes so we walked around and came back. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes later, we were seated. Admittedly, we went on a Sunday morning so were expecting a bit of a wait.
(3)Emma L.
One of my favorite places for breakfast or a late night meal. It's always packed because it's so good. Definitely the place to go if you want a good omelet!
(4)kiki h.
THE place to go for breakfast in Chicago. The only problem is that everyone else thinks so as well so the lines are insane! I always get the gold coast omelette...it is absolutely huge and it's so good!
(4)Ashley W.
I really like the OJ here, but besides that it's just OK. It's really just your typical busy brunch spot with omelette's, pancakes, french toast, and all that stuff. There are plenty of great brunch places in Chicago that don't feel the need to wait over an hour at Tempo to be seated.
(3)Rob C.
the reason you all are rating it 4 stars is that you are eating there at 3-4 AM inebriated. fine, it's ok, but not that great. average omelettes, just go for early AM dining then.
(3)Mission S.
A restaurant that its just as satisfying post-clubbing at 4:00 am as it is for a leisurely weekend brunch. A place that does breakfast food, post-hangover food, final exams food. The rumors about the lines are true: be prepared to wait. However, if you are willing to sit inside, the friendly hostess can usually find you a spot (unless you have a really large party). If you are lucky to land a sunny table outside, sit back and enjoy the strong coffee and chocolate chip pancakes.
(3)Michelle W.
A perfect place to cure those 4am post bar/club cravings. The portions are monstrous and you can easily spilt one of their delicious omlettes. They can even make them with just egg whites...bless them. The waits go along with the time you visit. I was there for an early dinner pre-going out and there was nothing, but if you go after the bar closes, trust me everyone else will be there too.
(4)Nicola C.
Great place to get awesome omelettes. It can get very crowded though as it is located in the gold coast. The food is always so fresh and you definitely get a lot. Nice in summer to go and sit outside, definetely a must do for breakfast.
(3)Kamilah R.
My friends and I had always considered Tempo to be a great place to eat after a great party, bad break up, or even an evening alone. But in the early morning hours of September 9, 2006, Tempo Cafe decided to show us how much they valued our patronage by having us removed from the establishment by several of Chicago's finest. Tempo's disorganized, shoddy method of seating people created a back-up in the waiting area, and a drunken party of six bustled their way to the front of the line, creating a disturbance, disrespecting every other patron in their path, including my party. Although management witnessed such behavior, they refused to do anything about it, and instead seated us at opposing ends of the restaurant, assuming that all parties would behave. They were wrong, particularly when the drunken party of six picked YET ANOTHER fight with the party seated next to them. When the police were called, management forced everyone who had had ANY contact with the disruptive party to leave. That included us. After many attempts to reason with both management and the police, we were left in the rain, insulted and embarrassed, and worst of all, HUNGRY, all because management refused to intervene when the problem was initially presented. AND the best part is, when the police arrived, they even asked the black people NOT associated with our party to leave. . . Sorry Tempo, all black people don't know each other. . . I had always assumed that my education, my status, my poised and calm demeanor would allow others to see that I and the people I associate with are reasonable people, and would in turn, treat me with respect and reason. However, Tempo proved me wrong. Because of this experience, I would not recommend this restuarant to anyone. Thanks for the good time, Tempo. p.s. and the service left a little much to be desired as well. . .
(1)K M.
Good food but I think this place is overrated unless you live near it. Before I went I kept hearing how great it was. Maybe its better for late nights, but for breakfast or brunch, especially on the weekends, forget it, you'll be waiting so long its just not worth it! I've been here once for lunch and didn't wait very long but there was nothing particularly special about the food or service. The breakfast was really good once we were seated. So I guess it depends on how patient you are, I have none, especially in the morning- I'd rather just make my own pancakes! :)
(3)Marc S.
Good and reliable breakfast and brunch food; but nothing fancy. If there were no wait for a table, I'd probably go back, but as it is, we waited 45 minutes for what was really a pretty average brunch. If you're willing to put up with a 45 minutes wait, there are much better brunch places to go to (M.Henry, Southport Grocery, Ina's, Bongo Room, Hot Chocolate,...)
(3)Shannon W.
I got here about 2 a.m. and right after that the place got super packed. I had an omlette which I wasn't to impressed with so if I do go back again I'll try something else on the breakfast menu.
(3)Blah B.
Yup this is the place to be seen at 5am in the morning, but the food is horrible!!! Sowwie but it just is, not to mention the service?!! I've never met people who hate their job as much as they do here!!! Tho what i can say is I have some awesome memories with friends there with that being said I'll probably be back at some point in the summer!!!
(1)W W.
I went here once last summer and I thought it was just ok. I had pancakes with strawberries and they were pretty good, but I guess I'm not a huge breakfast person. Also we sat outside which was cool, but it's a somewhat congested area so I felt like I was breathing in a lot of fumes during my breakfast. I haven't gone back yet, but I'm sure at some point I probably will.
(3)Julia B.
Great place for breakfast~! The skillets are amazing and you can add just about anything (extra ingredients) to them! It gets very packed late night but also packed during the weekend breakfast hours. The fresh orange juice is awesome.
(3)Andrew H.
Sorry but I've been here twice and it's over priced and how in the world can you mess up an omelette. Don't cook an omelette over hash browns. Hash browns are meant to be crispy not soggy. Then when you go to check out 50 plus dollars for an omelette I haven't been able to eat both times. Ridiculous. The bacon is good though but if you can mess that up you may want to close down.
(1)Garth G.
Their portions are huge and the price is good. The skillets are great, I didn't have the omelette but the table next to us did and it was massive. All in all this is a great go to spot for breakfast and brunch. It's also open 24 hours which can come in handy.
(5)John R.
Pure satisfaction it's has the best open face roast beef and gravy love the waiters and there open 24hrs
(5)Bill E.
We have enjoyed breakfast at this restaurant on many occasions over the last 15 years. Atmosphere: this is a small venue with tables very close to each other. It gets noisy and you get bumped by the servers walking between the tables. Do not get the wrong opinion, you feel like you are having breakfast with a hundred of you friends and if you have to wait for a table the food is worth it. Menu: all of the traditional breakfast offerings. Pancakes, eggs, omelets, various proteins, waffles, French toast, etc, etc, etc. All well done and delicious. Service: quick, friendly, and attentive. This is everything you want to have in a breakfast place. Please be warned - locals and visitors know about Tempo so you will have to wait during busy times but don't give up - it's worth it.
(4)Sann F.
Recommended by bellman at hotel and it did not disappoint. Skillet omlets and service very good. 15-minute wait on busy Sat. morning but well worth it!
(5)Nancie M.
This place is open 24hrs and was referred to me as a hole in the wall diner. With that in mind I expected just a little better food quality since diner usually has plentiful and can't finish but some portions were large and some not very inconsistent. My eggs Benedict was fair price $11 so not bad but would I crave this place again probably not . Long line to get in because of New Year's Day but seating in 15 min and waitress was a doll. Unfortunately too many other good restaurants around the block!
(3)Anne E.
This appeared to be a typical family owned 24 hour diner. I arrived later in the evening, after 8 pm and it felt like I may have been the only person who was there of my own free will. The menu clearly states that refills for coffee will be charged for and substitutions will not be tolerated. The waitress took my order for eggs benedict without asking how I wanted my eggs poached and it went downhill from there. My eggs were overcooked. The hollandaise was clearly from a package and the ham was rolled. The hash browned hardly deserved the name. Rather, they were so soggy as to almost resemble mashed potatoes that had been lightly fried. Horrid. In an otherwise empty restaurant, you'd think it would be easy to catch my waitresses eye to get my bill, but repeated attempts met with failure and eventually I went to the cash register where the other waitress noticed me and galvanized my waitress into action. It seems my check was still hanging at the pass, as she had to return there to retrieve it in order to ring me up. Perhaps they save the decent staff for Sunday Brunch?
(2)Jenna K.
Such a love hate relationship with you, Tempo Cafe. I live right down the street from here, and the food has always been fantastic. It's the service here that really drives me crazy. As a college student, sometimes I'm up till 1am studying and doing homework. Decided to come here for a meal and do my homework but was told that's "not something they do on the weekends" and that I "couldn't have my laptop in here" .....Um, okay. Even told them I was going to order food and they still turned me away with empty tables. Rude rude rude rude rude. Would have loved to enjoy some Corned Beef hash here. Second time I get a to go order coming out to $13.45. Look on my bank statement and see I was charged $27.32....This place has to get it together.
(3)Ashley I.
Tempo cafe is open very early, when many other restaurants are not. I had the chicken, bacon, avocado sandwich. It was very tasty! I also enjoyed the fries and coleslaw.
(4)Caress T.
A pretty basic cafe with mediocre service (the server wasn't very friendly at all) and mediocre food. I had a feta cheese, turkey sausage and green pepper skillet. It was okay, but it sucks that the only way to upgrade your toast to pancakes is to buy pancakes separately. Also, the meal came with an orange slice and a prune (?). I assume it's for pre- and -post meal palate cleansing, but I just found it odd. I can't really see myself coming back here.
(2)Eric T.
Been here a few years ago and was truly looking forward to visiting again. Unfortunately the quality ha slipped a bit since our last visit. Juices were all warm and food was just starting to cool. Although always busy in the past I never felt the were trying to flip tables as fast as they could. That's kind of the vibe they have now. Still okay but has slipped a bit.
(3)K C.
Veggie Eggs, perfect, carrot juice only comment is that the cup wasn't big enough! And I wanted to buy their orange jam or marmalade but they didn't have any to sell. It was sooooooo good!
(5)Avery M.
I used to live directly above this place and the omlets were always my perfect little pick me up. It's 24 hours and a super cute little diner! Stop by!
(5)Karla W.
We arrived to a crowd pouring out into the street on a Friday morning and expected a huge wait, so we were happily surprised to hear it would only be 15 minutes. True to their word, we were seated at a patio table a bit under 20 minutes later. The large menu is slightly overwhelming, just like the portions--which is my main complaint with Tempo! I understand they're trying to provide value, but my 3-Egg Mexican Omelette (with egg whites subbed in for whole eggs) filled half of a skillet. Hashbrowns, which I left untouched, filled the other half, plus, this came with toast! One egg-based order would easily feed two adults. Come hungry or try to plan ahead for a time when you can take your boxed-up meal home. The breakfast was tasty; it was nice to see that quantity didn't supersede quality. Next time, I'd love to try one of the sweet options, like (half of) the Morning Glory Pancakes!
(4)Alex R.
This is hands-down one of the best casual diners in Chicago. I can't speak for their dinner or lunch, but their breakfast is absolutely amazing! My favorite items are their omelettes and their pancakes. In fact, writing this review is making me hungry! I used to live a couple of blocks from Tempo and would study here during law school at the wee hours of the morning (they're open 24/7). One thing to keep in mind though is that they do not have wifi or computer outlets. Didn't bother me, that just meant I spent more time studying and less time on Facebook! I now live out in the suburbs but my wife and I keep coming back to Tempo for their delicious breakfast. The owner/manager recognizes us every time we stop by. Is the decor fancy? No, but the food is definitely worth it. PAYMENT METHOD UPDATE: The review below me is inaccurate. Tempo now accepts VISA/MasterCard! They have been for several months now.
(5)Laura E.
My rating is probably closer to 3.5 stars. No half star ratings? Feeling generous? I'll give it 4. I came here twice on my recent trip to Chicago and had different experiences each time I was there. My first visit was on a Saturday, which was much more crowded than my Monday visit. On Saturday, they refused to seat us until our entire party was here but on Monday, we were seated right away despite not having everyone in our party present. Beware that the omelets are HUGE--I couldn't finish mine so I'd recommend sharing it with a friend or two. The crab omelet was okay, just very heavy and difficult to finish. What made my rating go up was the amazing chocolate chip waffles I had on my second visit. I got strawberries on them and it was breakfast heaven! Definitely was able to finish the waffles :)
(4)JC E.
I love this place. I always make a an effort to eat breakfast here evertytime I am in Chicago. The Poor Man's skillet is amazing and is very filling. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Kelly C.
As a standard diner that gets you in and out quickly with food that emphasizes quantity over quality, this place rates well. If you're looking for the authentic foodie experience, this might not be your destination. If you're hungry as all get out and have a hankering for eggs and hash brown potatoes this will give you the fix. The skillets look great, but I found the flavor to be quite bland for my egg, canadian bacon, spinach and mushroom version. The desserts are not made in house - on display as you walk in they come from the Chicago sweet connection bakery. People start to wait for tables by ~9am so get there early if you have a large group.
(2)Amber A.
Quaint and peaceful little place. Simple interior. Food is yummy! Ordered the scrambler with zucchini bacon and mozzarella. Fresh squeezed orange juice and an English muffin. Server wasn't mean or rude, she just wasn't exceptionally nice. She didn't really look at us in our face and as soon as she would get an answer from us she would simply walk away as soon as the words left our mouth. This is why I took away one star for the service. Cute place to come eat and the fact that it is open 24 hours is pretty cool. 2 scramblers, 2 juices came out to 33$ not including tax or tip. Kind of pricy.
(3)Jessica P.
Will this place ever be on the same level as all those super trendy brunch places in this city? No way. But is it a cafe worth going to? I'd say so. First of all, the portions are ginormous. One of their skillets could feed three people. The waffles are huge. And the servers were always ready with the coffee- my cup was never less than half full. Secondly, the food was good. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned breakfast food. But it was well prepared. I had a scrambler with broccoli, sausage and cheese and I loved it. Others at my table has one of the aforementioned giant skillets and the French toast, and they both were extremely happy with their dishes as well. The servers weren't super pleasant, but they weren't rude by any means. And they were really attentive. The other benefit of this place? We had a five minute wait on a Saturday morning at 11 am. It would have taken us longer to wait in line at a fast food place than it took for us to get seated. Oh, also, the reviews saying this is a cash only place are old, so don't let that "tip" hinder you. If you're in the area and have worked up an appetite, check Tempo out.
(4)Jessica P.
If you like breakfast food.. why not come here?. .it reminds me of a Denny's but located in the city...open 24/7.. Food: Scrambler with cheddar cheese, green pepper and canadian bacon comes with toast of your choice..it tasted ok..I'm sure you can make this at home on your own though...portion was big so I had me some leftovers... -Tastes: ok, not anything to amazing that would make me want to go back, but if I was in the area craving breakfast food & lazy to cook.. I guess I would come here.. Portions: are big enough for leftovers..but it also depends on what you order Atmosphere: diverse.. all ages and family friendly..doesn't look clean, but doesn't look really dirty either.. reminds me of a Denny's... Service: waitress was nice..don't have any complaints really..
(3)Lindsay L.
It's so cute and the food was great. It was a 3 story mansion and we sat on the 3rd floor. Although we were fine, the couple behind us was in crunches and the hostess flew up the stairs and they were right behind us. I didn't realize until we were at the top, but the hostess didn't even notice! They have an elevator, after all. Besides that, the food was was and so was the service, just took a little long for breakfast. If you have time on your hands, stop and have some breakfast! Hopefully it will be a little cold outside and they can open the window. Very cute place!
(4)Tee K.
Good eats, great portions, unpleasant hostess. Maybe because it was 3am. Will be there again, good experience overall.
(4)Spencer H.
The quality of people you find here late at night are less than the quality you would find in your toilet after taking a huge dump. I have been eating late night at good old Tempo Cafe for a few years now. It seems that every time I visit here the food has declined more & more & the prices do not reflect the poor taste of the food. Sometimes when you eat a meal late night even when you know you shouldn't have, you say to yourself that was pretty good & really worth eating so late, but not here. For me moments after eating the meal I say to myself maybe I should have just went & got a burrito. It would have been cheaper & a lot better. This restaurant is also cash only. Some of the good things about this place is late at night you can occasionally run into some people you know that have also just left the clubs. Also there are usually some drunk people who begin yelling & make for some amusement. The service here has never been bad even with a busy restaurant. From now on I will probably eat some where else late night but I might give this restaurant another chance.
(2)Leslie B.
Loved brunch at Tempo! Their fluffy omelets filled with ingredients are some of the best around, you definitely get your money's worth. Tempo is very busy around weekend brunch time so I don't recommend coming with a huge party, I think a table of four has the best chance of getting seated within a reasonable amount of time. Do you have a group of 20-something girls who are going to have 3 modifications each to their menu item? If so, Tempo is great for you. Accommodating and friendly, our waitress didn't bat an eye at the egg-white, minus this, plus this orders as she went around the table. If you order fruit instead of potatoes with your breakfast, you receive a very plentiful serving and they bring baskets of toast for the table. The coffee is good, nothing to brag about, but we received plenty of refills throughout our meal. The star of their breakfast is really the omelets and skillets. The eggs are cooked to perfection and full of toppings. Another very nice touch to Tempo is that our waitress brought us separate checks which is so helpful! Overall, a great brunch (or late night!) option in the area, I'll definitely be back.
(4)Giselle G.
Late night munchies after eating? Come here! I used to go to Eggtastic or Eggcelent (forgot name) but this place is much more cleaner and better food. Don't expect great service, 5 star food and a classy vibe because it's full of after club people who are drunk and need food. Great place to come after a night of partying and dancing!
(4)Corelle P.
I use to go here when I was working downtown. Their skillet's are always good! I took one of my friends there. I ordered the Poor man's veggie skillet, she saw what I was ordering and ordered it too! She enjoyed it! And yes the Greek Toast is off the chain...and the orange marmalade!
(4)Anthony C.
I visited Chicago and stayed at the Talbott hotel last year and ate breakfast here. I liked it so much, I came back for breakfast the next day. My memories of the place are not detailed anymore, but I do recall being very impressed with the portions and the quality of all of the food. I remember that the bacon in particular was thick and juicy. The eggs Benedict was also very good, but again it wasn't for any big reason other than the quality of the ingredients. Nothing was greasy either, which I really appreciated. I regard the ingredients here as a solid cut or two above the average diner. Not spectacular, but very solid, tasty, and non-greasy.
(5)Kyle L.
Awesome food, especially the scramblers, however the service is a bit slow. Probably just because they are always so busy due to the great food!
(4)Sarah R.
Very quick service. Food was wonderful!! The french toast was wonderful. Pancakes served with fresh raspberries. Veggie omelet was enough for two people.
(5)Michelle R.
No Mimosas! The breakfast was good but nothing special. Very large portions. Staff was nice.
(3)Sam N.
I refer to this place as THE BREAKFAST E R. yes as in emergency room. Yes they take breakfast so seriously that just like in the ER you will be serviced all day just as long as you are ordering breakfast. I figure I will add this. About 2 years ago all I knew about food is that I liked it. I am not a foodie per se but I am getting there. I am a foodie in training (FIT) Dont get all nuts when you read this review and are like " shit where is the blow by blow description of the tuna melt" ?. I am not on that level yet. I will leave that up to the true foodies :) The cooks are like skillful hear surgeon's who you should entrust with your life because they know what they are doing. The wait staff are like the nurses carefully plying your but into the seat and treating you with just enough love that you will want more coffee and some more pie with your already huge order. I think they should make caffeine available from a option that would feed it to you intravenously over here. At 5 AM it would make a lot of sense. Back to the ER comparison. And you are the patient. While in the ER they would give you a gown presumably if they were going to operate or give you a shot ; here they arm you with your own frying pan to serve your eggs in should you order an omelette. The best time to go here is on weekends after 11PM. It's like being a night club without the cover charge. The French toast is out of this world. Don't get involved in anyone shouting at each other. Rest assured they love each other ( or at least will try after they come here ) but they are communicating with each other the only way they know how to after many martinis or beers. If you drank that much you would also be argumentative. There are many ways this place amuses me. I keep going back and bringing people to see the amusement. Enjoy the food and the scenery.
(4)Rose H.
This place was a great find. The eggs Benedict was amazing and my husband loved the steak and eggs. Big portions and good service. My only complaint is that it's cash only! Seriously? It's 2014 people! Other than that great place!
(4)Lindsay Y.
Tempo cafe is just right down the street from my new apartment which is so convenient. They have great outdoor seating, good prices, and very generous portions. My friend and I had breakfast there and we took out leftovers home and were still eating them 3 days later. Pretty good deal if you ask me :)
(3)Bethany W.
Wow. Fresh food, large portions, and a beautiful patio experience make for a memorable experience at Tempo! We arrived to find a 15 minute wait on a Friday morning, but, once seated, the servers were efficient and attentive. Our food arrived quickly; I enjoyed the Veggie Poor Man's Skillet, a skillet full of hash browns, broccoli, tomato, mushroom, green pepper, and onion first topped with melted american, mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs; so delicious! This came with toast, which was accompanied by a fresh orange marmalade; Tempo is worth a visit just for this! Definitely a place to check out, but consider splitting a dish with your company due to the large portion sizes!
(4)Cilisa Ann J.
Excellent food and great atmosphere. This place was recommended by a worker at a local hotel across from where I am staying. Seems try serve breakfast all day which just happens to be my favorite to eat!
(5)Jay W.
I'm trying to remember what year I first ate here, way back when when it was across Chestnut on the SE corner of State St. I think it was 87 or 88, maybe before that. We used to come here a lot. This is not the Tempo of old. I respectfully disagree with the other reviewers who feel it's the best food around. Not in my estimation. I don't think their portions are huge either. Maybe breakfast is OK, everything esle is on the small side. That's OK, I suppose Americans eat too much anyway. We're not all big fat Superfans. Long and short of it is, Tempo is better than aerage breakfast and mediocre everything else. Sandwiches are unimpressive.
(3)Alicja K.
I live just down the street and love going to Tempo for brunch. The Morning Glory waffle is my favorite item on the menu. My friends drive on from the suburbs for it. Eggs and other breakfast food is also yummy. They finally take credit card which is great! One negative is that it gets very busy. I've never had to wait very long but I have seen lines down the block to get in on a nice weekend.
(4)Kelsey C.
Delicious waffles and great service. I was pleasantly surprised by the price too. Two meals with one coffee was under $20. We went around 10:30 & had no trouble getting a seat. I'm guessing it's much busier earlier in the morning.
(5)M P.
Had monte cristo and a cappucinno. VERY nice cappucinno! The monte cristo was good, but nothing you couldnt get anywhere else. I would come back here, the food is good. But just not above and beyond.
(3)Dragana M.
Great service. Great food. Clean. Delicious. What more can you ask for?! Love the touches of fresh oranges when you're seated & roasted chestnuts! You don't see that anywhere :) large portions too!
(4)Sharyn M.
I MUST give TEMPO a solid 4 stars....I found no complaints since deciding to wander into a breakfast destination close to home. I will admit that I am fearful of making the wrong choice and will admit I do at times dread trying new places..I have been burned before by reviews that were WAY off course.....but lemme just say..from me to you...I LOVED IT We arrived approx 8 AM...my son and I had an up and out early ...venture into the city, dig a bit deeper .. discover hidden gems...kinda thing goin on...SO... Upon entry we discovered the place is a quaint diner image comfortableness ....really easy feeling. We were seated immediately at the south west corner booth...great for people watching which never ceases to entertain me. Our server Adrianna was a dream the entire visit...super friendly attentive relaxed and non invasive. I ordered the Spinach /Feta 3 Egg omelette with a smoked Ham slice. Let me PLEASE tell you this Omelette was amazing..no brown dryness but instead moist generously filled greatness. Fresh not over cooked Spinach, wonderful salty melty cubes of good Feta...and the Ham was a meaty portion so I felt the additional cost was worth it... NOW..my son..ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict. This dish was sheer joy visually as well as palette pleasing. From the Hollandaise, obvious homemade..the crisp muffin base, the Real Canadian Bacon ...and thee PERFECT Poached Eggs Wow!!..nice to see this dish done right...that golden yolk cascaded when pierced and that H sauce had the perfect citrus note. Damn they are good here. My meal was accompanied by thick delicately toasted fluffy bread, whipped butter (fresh)..and this amazing orange marmalade.Very tasty. All in all a must recommendation from me to those of you searching for a great simple breakfast...good coffee..and also a selection of baked goods we did not indulge in...but maybe next time... THX again to Adrianna...u were a great server and I do so hope to find Biscuits and Gravy on the menu soon as we discussed!!
(4)Jacqueline N.
I'd just like to start out, I'm a BIG BREAKFAST FOODIE! I love me some breakfast food for bfast, lunch and dinner. We came here at the break of dawn and my group and I definitely needed some sustenance. I tried the skillet and eggs benedict. Taste-wise in between good and mediocre for me. Eggs benedict: the standard egg muffin, ham, poached egg and hollandaise. Nothing really stood out to me about it. Hashbrowns/Potatoes: I prefer more finely sliced hashbrowns, but these were too chunky and undercooked for my liking. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because it was a 24 hour diner that had a huge selection of food, instead of specialties. It still works for breakfast but I'd prefer Wildberry anyday!
(2)Jeremy S.
THIS is absolutely the best food I have had since arriving in downtown Chicago! Super friendly and warm welcoming. Everything here actually is home made and you can taste it. Great prices and gray flavors. This definitely is under-rated on Yelp. Eat here if you want to feel like a welcome guest and enjoy great food.
(5)Lamar J.
I'll never eat here again!! They have great food, but terrible service. I came in here for a late night carryout, but ended up getting ripped off. The place wasn't that busy. I handed the guy with the grey hair, pony tail and beard money, he never gave me my change back. When the waitress brought me my carryout, she slammed it on the table and walked away! I will never walk back in here again!!!
(1)Emily J.
You seriously cannot beat Tempo for either weekend brunch or late night bites. It's open 24/7 which really works for me and seemingly most of its patrons as I have seen this place full at 2:30am. I have a tradition of eating here super super early in the morning if I have an early flight out the next day and am pulling an all nighter. Tempo's food is better than most food you'll find at the airport at that hour so it's perfect. Besides crazy pre-airport binges, I go to Tempo almost every weekend for brunch and get the veggie poor man's skillet, but sometimes I add turkey sausage to mix things up. Always get the Greek toast, it's the most delicious bread in the entire world. The perfect mix of sour and sweet with sesame seeds encrusting the outside, this is the toast of dreams. The short stack blueberry pancakes are another must as well as the club sandwich. I love my lady Rosa, she always has a smile, a kiss, and a word of advice for me no matter what time of day I come in. If you want friendly service, filling and tasty food, and a great patio, go to Tempo!
(5)Katherine G.
I occasionally meet friends midweek for breakfast before work and this is our usual go to spot. The service is attentive and gets us in served and it fast but doesn't make us feel rushed. I have only ever had the banana pancakes, but they are so good (and nutty) I just can't pass them up Also, I generally plan to have cash, butthink they take cards now
(4)Jewells N.
We went for Saturaday Breakfast, about 7 am - was nnot crowed but by 8:15 it was packed!. Good basic breakfast place in downtown Chicago that didn't set us back $50.00. It was good food, I have the omelet and wife had oatmeal - both were what we expected and average. Food is very expensive in Downtown Chicago and this was not over the top like other places. The service was good and not too loud. NO credit cards !
(3)Lauren G.
Tempo has been my standard, go-to brunch spot on lazy weekend afternoons. The food is good, nothing special, but definitely good, and the portions are huge. I wouldn't recommend dining in during prime brunch hours if you live close enough to pick-up--sometimes, the wait can be lengthy, and the service can be a little slow due to how packed this place is, but when you call to order carry out, they have your food ready in 10 minutes flat! Oh, and they make their own orange marmalade that comes with the toast - it's the only orange marmalade I've ever liked, and I LOVE it!
(3)Wesley W.
Came here after a long travel day for a late dinner. I was starving so I avoided the Greek Chicken which states on the menu that it takes 30 minutes. I got the kebab instead and it still took 30 minutes. Go figure. When the bill came the restaurant charged us for a coffee which nobody ordered. It was a hand written bill so they took it off by crossing it out and subtracting it from the total. However, they didn't adjust the tax to reflect the new subtotal so I just had to tip less. It's basic math, people!
(2)Jenn L.
After a lonnnggg day of travelling including delays and a diverted flight (thanks, Chicago weather), we arrived into the city. Because we weren't expecting to be delayed, we hadn't eaten and were starving by the time we checked into our hotel, well past 10pm. We asked the front desk employee if there were any places open nearby and she recommended Tempo Cafe as a 24 hour diner. They had a good variety of menu items, including an extensive breakfast menu, salads, sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the 3 eggs and hashbrowns skillet with spinach, cheese and ham, while my other half ordered the chicken kebab. Previous reviewers weren't lying when they said the portions were large. Even though I was starving I was only able to finish about half of my meal and pack the rest. The food itself was all right, not the best, not the worst we've had. The staff here are quite friendly and they were always refilling our water; however service was rather slow. It wasn't particularly busy but our meals took about 30 minutes to arrive.
(2)Donald M.
Good prices, good food, fresh squeezed juices! All in a downtown location. Say hi to Blanca when you come in to Tempo ! Nice family dinner atmosphere. Highly recommend it!
(5)C P.
My first trip to Chicago and we were told to eat here for breakfast by locals. Staff lacked personality. Our water was not refilled during our meal. I ordered the 3 scrambled eggs combo with spinach, brocoli and bacon. It came in a stainless steel type pan and portion size enough for 2. There is a layer of slightly crispy potatoes under the eggs which was a delightful surprise. However, I had to add salt and ketchup to my dish. I never add ketchup to my eggs. The dish was bland. The place was packed with patrons so they are doing something right, I guess. The price was reasonable, under $30 for 2 including tip. The wait time to be seated and get your food were fast.
(2)Wes M.
We were in town on a busy summer Saturday night. No reservation and this place was around the corner from our hotel. It's a basic coffee shop but the portions are big. My wife enjoyed her sirloin patty and my fish and chips were better than I expected. The service is nothing special
(3)Charlie V.
Great spot for brunch. Were seated after a wait of about 10 minutes at 12:30 on a Saturday. I ordered the skirt steak and eggs. Steak was perfectly cooked to medium rare. Eggs were smooth and fluffy Everybody at my table commented on how massive the portions were as well as how good the food was. I may have to get one of the scrambles next time. Only complaint is that the service was a little slow/inattentive.
(4)Elle M.
Tempo is our Sunday spot. This may have to do with the fact that we live kiddy corner to the place but it's also delicious!! Most Sundays we call ahead, order the Poor Mans Skillet and it's ready within 5-10 minutes! They are always super nice on the phone and when you go to pick up the food. I have of course are inside as well. Staff are friendly and patient even though it's always a mad house (crowded as heck) in there. Amazingggggg food. Fills you up perfectly and doesn't make you feel bad after!!
(5)Chris G.
So as to stay on top of options during peak cravings, I've recently created a pancake rolodex for my iPhone. Why? It just doesn't seem as easy to find the kind of moist, tasty pancakes that I prefer. Far too many places use bitter tasting batter that's often overcooked in a hurry. And these usually end up tasting like dry, rubbery discs of hot yuck, drowned in sticky stuff... that mayhaps would have dripped from a nearby, unsexy tree. That's why it's great to have another centrally-located and friendly 24-hour spot like Tempo to chomp on non-pretentious grub. I already know that I can get my pancake on at my neighborhood Stages Restaurant, or certainly at The Works grill near the Clark Street blue line... Eggsperience or maybe even at Yolk (if you order specialty and avoid their standard pancake monstrosity). It'd been quite a number of years since I'd visited Tempo but decided to drop in on a post Christmas Day Monday morning after parting ways with a visiting friend. Their menu offers a few omelettes and most things seem to be offered in skillet form along with toast. Since they don't allow you to substitute pancakes (even for an extra charge), I decided to order a short stack, a few scrambled eggs and turkey sausage links a la carte. As you'll notice in my pics, the $6 pancakes were as wide as the plate... and trust me that they were moist, tasty and had crispy edges. The prices here are quite reasonable considering that Tempo is smack dab in the middle of the posh Gold Coast area north of downtown. My bill, including a bottomless cup of coffee was around $15. I was pleased! (Note that they are cash-only as of this writing.) Tempo usually has a line streaming out of the front door on weekends and during holidays, so maybe I was lucky this day and had missed the first crush of people. There was still a crowd inside, but a few tables were empty. I love my city!
(4)Paul G.
Good food and good service. Have been many times and everything always seems very consistent. Nothing blows me away, but everything is good and pricing seems reasonable for the neighborhood. Tasty food and the typical large variety you expect from a diner. Men's bathroom layout is a bit awkward...the one urinal faces the door and is right next to the door when you walk in. Seems like they could do something to improve that, like putting a divider between the door and the urinal. I get that we all use bathrooms, I just prefer not to witness the action.
(3)Kristy F.
Atmosphere was clean but a tad loud considering there was only one full table in the joint... I can only imagine what a busy place would sound like. The service wasn't spectacularly friendly or welcoming but they got the job done. My friend ordered the steak and eggs breakfast. Was expensive (about $18) but she made it last three meals so it was worth it. I took a taste and thought I could cook better so I wasn't too impressed. Still it hits the spot and I'd recommend going here if you need a late night something something.
(3)A C.
Just an OK place, IMHO. More like a greasy-spoon restaurant. Similar to White Palace in the South Loop. :) But if you've been out and need some food, especially breakfast food, there are only a handful of 24 hour breakfast places in the city that are open so your options are limited. Not to say the food is terrible, but if you're hungry, you're hungry! The portion sizes are HUGE - I always go for the skillet. Keep in mind that this place is CASH ONLY - no credit cards accepted.
(3)Ben G.
While in town for vacation I ate breakfast at Tempo since it was about 10 feet from my hotel. I ordered a spinach omelette and when it arrived I couldn't believe the portion size. It was huge. Food was good and service good. I ended up eating breakfast here every morning for the next 5 days. Priced very reasonable, large portions and good taste. I was given several other options in the city for breakfast but decided there was no reason to experiment. Very satisfied.
(4)Arnie G.
Huge portions for breakfast, lots of selections, and excellent service. Great choice for breakfast. Erica the waitress was outstanding and you can also take your coffee to go afterwards. Bravo!
(4)George J.
This is one if those places where you if you REALLY want breakfast after a night out in downtown. The food is not good and the atmosphere is even worse. There's almost always a fight or two or ten when dining here late night. Stay away from this place you really aren't missing anything special.
(2)XL V.
This is my favorite breakfast food joint in the area. It is a great place to eat after a night of clubbing or just a late night. Great comfort food. I eat here each time I stay downtown. The food portions are huge and they make some things from scratch such as the celery drink. Their veggie burger was slightly disappointing but I'd eat it when I'm hungry enough. Their Eggs Benedict with canadian bacon is my absolute favorite dish here. The flavor is just right and I always finish it because it's that good! Their omelettes are good but most of the time, the eggs seems overcooked and sort of dry. Service is fast, prompt, and efficient. They don't interact much with you probably because the place is almost always busy when I'm there. However, they're attentive enough where I've never felt the urge to walk out. I love their orange marmalade and would eat the whole jar if they'd let me.
(4)Lauren F.
The best omelet you will eat at 3am! My go-to is a sausage and cheese omelet with extra crispy potatoes-gotta ask for extra crispy or they're just not nearly as good. I was coming here for late night (or early morning I suppose) before I even lived in the city and it always lives up to expectations. Also a big 2 thumbs up for their sesame toast, love it!
(4)Chet A.
The experience didn't start out so well, that's why it's s 3 star experience. It wad trending for less but I'm going to give them a break. That's because their water was shut off. That being said here goes. The place was busy and unorganized. People running all over the place. People being sat in front of people that had been waiting. (Same table size.). Then we get seated and find out they have no running water. Great port a potties outside to use? Really at a restaurant? Then the best. Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils! Awesome!!! We get coffee. They tell us we can only have a warm up because they are low on water! Not great planning on their part. Now to the saving grace for them. The food was excellent. We ordered the skillets and omelet. Both were phenomenal. I would recommend this place to anyone for breakfast. As long as they have water.
(3)Elizabeth L.
2AM Gold Coast diner, late-night standby for all your shenanigans at this hour. Oversized omelettes and skillets to stave off your impending hangover. Ample seating, good for groups.
(3)Terrence W.
Went here with friends after the club late one night. The food was great and delicious. Will be going back again
(5)Scott M.
Very nice spot. Ate outside for breakfast. Had scrambled eggs with feta cheese, chorizio, onion. Great service. Definitely worth the money for a hearty breakfast.
(4)eglys h.
Trying to get to another place, we ended up here. The service I do have to say was 5 stars. but the food was ok. Be warned services are huge!!!!! Way too much food.. They do not even have a 2 egg platter - smallest one is 3 eggs which is way too much for me. I requested 2 eggs one instead but was advised that they were going to charge me for 3 - no substitution. Had them fried - with ham - it was over all - toast was amazing.. Hubby had a huge platter of scrambled - 3 eggs - all mixed up with ham, bacon, way to much for one... toast were big as well. best part was the freshly made orange marmalade - that was awesome!! gotta get extra of that for sure. We were advised that in the good old days, Jordan used to come in with his buddies after a late nite out (they are open 24 hrs). Must of been a site! Sure he enjoyed the big servings!!! If ever in the area, do not believe we would come back again. Its one of those hubby and I say, been there, done that.....
(3)Randy C.
I would give the restaurant 4 stars, however, our server Cindy, puts my rating over the top. Tempo was recommended to us as a good locals place for breakfast for our family of six. And we were not disappointed. The pancakes must have some secret ingredient, because we've never tasted better. And don't pass up the marmalade either. Be prepared for ample portions, luckily Cindy suggested the kids share. Very clean, bright and airy atmosphere. This will be our breakfast go to spot for the rest of the week we're here.
(5)Sean B.
This place was within walking distance from our hotel. We checked in pretty late and we were starving so we were glad to know there was a spot nearby that was open 24 hours. I had the Chicken a la Louis and it was delicious. The service was great. They have freshly squeezed juices too.
(4)Isabel A.
After a long night of clubbing we decided to stop at this small cafe. It has a wonderful appearance but the service was terrible. I ordered an egg scrambler and it had no taste. The servers were rude and the entire time I was there I didn't even get a second glass if water. I asked and multiple waiters and they all said I'm not your waiter, turned around and walked away. It was the worst service I had experienced so far in Chicago.
(1)A L.
The Tempo Cafe is hit or miss all the way around. Sometimes their food is delicious and sometimes not so good. Sometimes the service is awesome and sometimes just awful. It's very close to my house and when I'm hungry for a simple breakfast I will go and gamble it.
(3)Janet B.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the area I live in! The food never let's me down and they have so many options! The service is quick and efficient, which is great when all you want is soaker food after a long night out!
(4)Andrew M.
Tempo Cafe is like the sight of a trainwreck - it's brutally ugly, but you are drawn to it. Except in the case of Tempo, the trainwreck smashed into the middle of the Viagra Triangle; the cabin tore open like a blossoming flower; and the crash ruptured a pipeline of alcohol, geysering up and showering down on the passengers, who remained misty, hot and hammered in their seats, where they were promptly served mediocre diner food. But it goes further. Like a fractal, this pattern was mirrored on smaller scales: many of the people in attendance are individually train wrecks. Take the women seating at the table near you, fresh from a club. Each of their bosoms and bootys is a stop-action scene of a collision of great impact and superabundant pressure. Together, they represent a mid-scale trainwreck. Like a column of whiplash-inducing, onlooking SUVs, customers line up to witness the event and linger a bit longer than you would like, since you are trying to get a look, despite the concerted efforts of the authorities to rush everyone through. Ogling everyone, you may wonder which of them are famous. It's a worthy pastime. One night, Vanilla Ice tripped over my boots as he chose his booth and I was ignorantly and insouciantly reclining. Then a girl sat next to him and mack attacked him in front of her boyfriend. I was like, Whatever, girl! You can't handle this booth so don't even come near here. I'm fresh from the club and this vicinity is COLD.
(3)Joon M.
I'm giving Tempo 3 stars because I have some great memories of going there after a night out at clubs with friends. Beyond that, the servings are too large for me & it's neither my idea of a laid back dive diner nor is it even close to glamorous ;). A guy once begged me to go out for a fabulous brunch with him dropping names of posh places...then took me to Tempo. Um, ok.
(3)Mickey A.
I'm always full every time I leave here. This used to be a favorite late night/ early EARLY morning breakfast eating spot for me and my friends after a night out. Because we're getting older and can't stay up as late as we could, it's harder to make it here as often as we used to. A couple of my friends & I decided to come here yesterday for brunch. It's still crowded on the weekends for brunch, and the wait time can vary 10-20 minutes or sometimes longer. Food is still good, and my favorite used to be the french toast. Actually it still is, but I have since ventured to other items like the omelettes. I tried the waffles and they pretty much shut up my growling stomach which was craving for some golden waffles. My advice: come here on an empty stomach, and leave a full happy (hopefully) customer.
(3)Ben H.
I thought this place had potential. Just not the potential to suck this much. My food was bland and for the price, its not even worth it. I got the Eggs benedict, and it was tasteless compared to other morning eateries. The good thing is that it comes with a slice of aged fruit, that has a brown crust on the end The OJ was freshed squeezed, but came out warm. I just love warm OJ in the morning....
(2)T Mir S.
Love this place... it gets a bit packed, but is def worth the wait... and cant go wrong with anything on the menu...
(4)Katie F.
Came for breakfast, they turned the tables quick. It has a huge menu, and the service was really fast. Delicious french toast and the banana on the side was great for the hangover. I wouldn't give them five stars because they don't take credit cards and the ATM in the entry was broken.... please people, if you are going to run a cash-only business, a working ATM is a must!
(4)Niki C.
Got an impromptu invitation to go to Tempo late night. I remembered reading how much Yelpers enjoyed it, so I thought, "What the hell?" We were seated immediately, even with the craziness of the after-hours hustle & bustle. I ordered the Eggs Benedict sans the Canadian bacon & it was delicious. Delicious. The potatoes that came with were also outstanding. Then again, I hadn't eaten more than 3 croquetas for dinner (oy), so I was starving. I would definitely go back, probably at a more reasonable hour, though, or if I was in the 'hood after the bars close again. Good stuff.
(4)Tristin M.
I got lucky enough to find a metered parking space yesterday morning when I went here to meet with yelper, Andrea! I had gotten there about 15 minutes early so I just got coffee and man were they on top of it because they refilled my cup three times in the 15 minuted that I was "just gonna sip on a cup" while waiting! So there was an automatic plus for that. Then we ordered and before we could even get a conversation started, there was the food! wow. So I got the spinach and feta omelette served in a skillet on top of country fried potato slices that filled me up so much I was only able to eat half and had to get a box to go! Oh yeah and the fact that it's a 24 hour spot is cool too!
(4)John L.
OK, let me start by saying that like many other spots in this incredible city, the portions are out of control. I'm not one to ever complain about too much food, but the amount of waste that must go down at a restaurant like this is plain stupid. I mean, who brings leftover breakfast home? I think I ordered wrong here. I do like chicken liver pate, so The Continental (eggs, chicken livers, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions) sounded unique. For all those ingredients, there was hardly any flavor at all. The over sized platter that was quickly brought out was retarded. Under all the above was a beyond generous heaping mound of potatoes. Then another dish showed up with 2 huge very thick slices of toast with a 1/4 stick of butter (I shit you not) and homemade marmalade. All for $10. I made myself a sandwich with about a 1/4 of the eggs, a generous spread of continental mix, and a few slices of potato. I ate it and was stuffed, and I was hungry when I arrived. What remained looked like I had hardly scratched the surface. The service was nice and it was a typical diner type feel inside (there was a nice outdoor seating area), but maybe I just was a tad too adventurous and should've gotten something else. That being said, how can all those ingredients not add up to more flavor. I hate having to pour excessive salt and pepper on food. If it is cooked right, you shouldn't have to. Anyway, this was so far my only bad dining experience in Chitown.
(2)Anita C.
Only go after you drink and then (almost) everything will be amazing, particularly the poor man's skillet (best cure for a hangover). the portions are large enough that you can even take the leftovers home.
(4)Gaurang S.
Wow. How can the skillet that tastes so good in the middle of the night taste so terrible in the middle of the morning? There's enough memories and conversations that took place in here to always make it a sentimental favorite, but this place is best visited just as light is dawning on the city, and never otherwise.
(3)Diana S.
This place brings back some fuzzy, interesting but fond memories. My now, husband and I would stumble here after a really late night out. One time we were so drunk that it felt like we were walking forever and in circles but we just couldn't find it. We knew it was really close by. Then we finally gave up and hailed a cab. A block later the cab driver stopped, we were really confused....then he said "here you are." It's perfect for those nights when you close out a bar and all you can think about it filling your tummy with breakfast food. Also, it's not one of those nasty diners where you would never go to if you saw it without beer googles. This place is actually nice and clean, granted it's in Gold Coast.
(4)Kris B.
went on a Friday morning. had the poor man's skillet and strawberry pancakes. good breakfast but coffee could be a bit stronger. service was fast and curteous
(4)Audrey T.
Stupid, dumb, and hyphy. You only go to this place because 1) you're drunk 2) its the only place open 3) everywhere else is packed or closed and you're starving and its in a central location 4) you like spending $5 for just a grilled cheese on white bread or 5) you want to go somewhere non-pretentious to show off your designer sweatpants and Ugg boots.
(1)Zack M.
They have decent food, but I do not think it is anything to warrant the ridiculously long wait to get in even yet, be served. The slow service is reminiscent of its sibling, Santorini. The eggs benedict was above average. It seems to be the kind of place where 20-somethings like to meet up with their sorority sisters and drag the boyfriend along for a boring three hour brunch... I will reserve some judgement as I have never been there for dinner. ***I suggest staying home and either sleeping in on a weekend or watching the Bears game and a making a home cooked omelette.
(3)Emily C.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and actually review this place for the food and not the fact that it's open at convenient times as I leave one of the many single snake pits on Division and need something to stuff down my throat. And why would you ever trust a review about food from people whose pallets are so skewed from the many jaeger-bombs consumed that night? This place is a perfect breakfast place and actually does serve good food, good coffee and the service and wait staff are great. YOu go here for classic breakfast fare and this is what you get. The gold coast omelet is really good. Not a fan that it's on a bed of potatoes but the omelet alone is good. Our waitress was so sweet as are the other people who work there. Went on a Sunday and there was a crazy line out the door but we were seated in the half hour they promised. Price is decent and you leave delightfully stuffed.
(4)Lisa M.
I ordered the poor man's skillet for breakfast because it has ham, onions and green pepper. The first piece of green pepper I ate had an acidic taste, like it was pickled. Sure enough, after I dug around some more, I also found little red stuff, which I suspect was pimento. I expected fresh green pepper, but instead I got what I think was canned diced green chiles. Seriously????? This skillet might have been OK otherwise except for the peppers and the mushy choppy potatoes hidden by the other ingredients. Also, even though I knew I wouldn't get this in a greek joint, I asked for my eggs scrambled soft, as in "creamy". Instead, I got the same dry, rubbery stuff as in all the other greek places. I think that's because the cooks in these kitchens are usually from south of the border, so asking for anything that requires an explanation in English just isn't going to happen. I guess I should just avoid these places and go to establishments where they do it right, even if it costs more. After all...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. So....my first visit to Tempo and my last.
(1)Monique B.
I like that it's open late but the service is a little unfriendly and it would be great if they could upgrade their technology to accept credit and debit, the ATM machine gets in the way of the long lines.
(3)Michelle R.
I love their omelettes... egg whites, veggies and cook with pan. I am there at least once a week for breakfast. Michelle Rosseld
(4)G H.
Actually 3.5 stars if I could. I first discovered this place on a trip to Chicago a few years ago. My friends and I were looking for a good brunch place to cap off a great trip to Chicago and actually stopped a Chicago Police Officer to ask for recommendations. Even though we were down on Washington by Macy's, the officer still said Tempo's was the place to go. Fast forward a few years and do I still like the food? Sure. Do I think it's the most amazing breakfast place ever and a can't miss while in Chicago? Not really. Pros: 1) Large portion sizes. I always forget how much food comes with an order. I've only ever ordered omelets and I forget that the omelet is large enough to feed two never mind the potatoes and bread that are also provided. 2) Fresh squeezed juices. Nothing makes a morning like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or carrot among other offerings). 3) Fast food delivery. There's nothing worst than coming to a restaurant starving and having to wait forever for the food to arrive. Here it comes out almost as fast as you can order. Cons: 1) Extremely long queue with little room for waiting. Getting a table here is like going to the doctor's office; you arrive on time but still have to wait another 30 minutes to get in. In the summer, waiting outside on the sidewalk isn't bad, but when winter hits it sucks to be the last person in line. 2) Food is average at best. There's nothing here that I've had that I felt was horrendous, but nothing I've had has been so amazing that I'd come back just for it. This place serves your basic breakfast foods. It's a step up from Perkins but it's not as if you're gonna be able to order anything as creative as a lobster omelet. 3) Cash only. Granted the meals are reasonably priced, but if you're heading to Tempo's with friends, it makes splitting up the tab pretty complicated when everyone's prepared to slap down a $20 cuz that's all that the ATM gave them. Plus it wouldn't surprise me if the place makes some money off of having an on-site ATM that ill-prepared people have to use. Overall Tempo is worth a try if it's your first time and if you enjoy good basic breakfast food. Just be prepared to wait for a table and bring enough cash. I personally only go there every once in a while on my trips to Chicago. I do like their fresh squeezed orange juice, but I can also get fresh orange juice at Watertower without the wait time.
(3)N L.
Great food, large portions, cute place, I recommend. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, nice and juicy. Negatives, the menu is a little confusing, it doesn't state what each plate comes with which makes ordering a bit of a pain and NO CREDIT CARDS.
(4)Jennifer G.
It's not fine dining, for godsakes, it's a diner. If you want lightning-fast food go get an egg mcmuffin. But if you want the best omelette ever, go to Tempo. I don't live in Chicago anymore but this place is always on my list when I visit. It's the veggie scramble that gets me every time: A skillet of hash browns covered in a zucchini, broccoli, and spinach omelet. It's big enough to take half (or more) of it away for the next day's hangover breakfast. And I probably shouldn't say this to keep the expectations in check, but when I was there for a late lunch during a week last month, I had my veggie omelet about six minutes after I ordered it. Mmmmm. One more thing: I'm pretty sure Tempo is cash only.
(4)Mark W.
Nice staff. Average diner food. Under seasoned huevos rancheros.
(3)Leezia D.
Went in a few months ago on a Saturday at around 1 p.m. for a late brunch. Around a 30 or so minute wait, but it was definitely worth it. The prices average between $10-$15, which is pretty good considering the HUGE portion sizes....I love it and I am coming back for more !
(5)Theresa C.
The service was really slow. We asked for our check and then didn't get it for another 10+ minutes and saw our waitress walk by us 3 or 4 times during that wait. Was not too impressed with my zucchini tomato omelet but the waffles my company had looked very good.
(2)Kara M.
went here after the winterfest to grab some food and yeah things have changed a little bit or maybe it was just cuz i was actually sober. Sooo they don't have any bacon omelets listed on the menu but they do have a Denver omelet which is the standard ham, cheese, onion, peppers...so every place in the world has always let me switch out the ham for bacon at no extra cost and Tempo USED to be included in that group but now they charge 4 bux...yes $4.00...for the switch...how it makes sense I have no idea. And they're prices have gone up. Even though our waitress was nice that was the only plus when they mixed up my friend's order with mine not to mention my omelet was cooked too hard...so that's two stars down from where it used to be on my list but somehow i don't think it will be a next time unless a miracle happens or perhaps bacon swapping for free makes a reappearance...
(2)Frederica B.
Waffles were solid. Don't get the "Casablanca Juice". Tasted strangely frothy. They accept CASH ONLY and found that quite annoying. Especially for a place downtown.
(3)Rose C.
Sorry Tempo - You get a D-. I have worked in this Gold Coast area for 30+ years, and on occasion eat at this restaurant. Over time I have progressively seen this restaurant turn into a greasy, dive. For the life of me I cannot see how all these people have given this dive such high ratings. Surely, this has got to be coming from their friends or their own managers/owners. I have watched the portions decrease and the prices rise to the point where you can get a cheaper lunch at McCormick and Schmicks just down the street, where you don't have to contend with crowded eating conditions, dirty, weathered tables, 3rd world waitresses, a leaking ceiling, and much worse...the food. I recently ordered their 'renowned' skillet omelet. Perhaps the problem is that I wanted the eggs easy over. It turned out to be the greasiest concoction I'd ever eaten...what a bummer! SOMEONE NEEDS TO CALL THE CITY INSPECTORS AND ICE!
(1)Ian S.
I drank from noon until 8pm the day of the Bears v Seahawks game (good times) then went to bed around 8pm, waking up at 5am on Monday of MLK. Being fully rested and hungry, we decided to hit up Tempo Cafe. Surprisingly, there weren't too many people there! My friend usually ends up bribing the old guy at the door $20 to get his group in and skip the line. Unfortunately this man has supposedly died, so good luck trying this with the new bouncer. Food was quite filling and reasonably priced. The waitress also took care of us. I can only imagine how much the service degrades after the rowdy crowds start moving in!
(4)cindy g.
I was there for the first time a week ago. I shared the skillet with eggs and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back and have the waffles- they looked awesome and a have a smoothie- a late night find- go there
(4)Drucilla D.
I never wrote a review for Tempo?! Crazy. Especially considering it is so close to where I live... Tempo is a staple for our neighborhood. Sadly we lack a lot of options when it comes to a) 24 hour places, b) breakfast places, c) Breakfast anytime... and Tempo encompasses all three of these characteristics, so it's pretty cool as far as I'm concerned. Service is decent, soups are good (and served with an AWESOME bread basket - I like to stash the extra breadsticks in my purse like Sophia from THE GOLDEN GIRLS), and the menu has quite the variety. They have a Jr. Clubhouse sandwich that is one of my favorite menu items in the entire city - I highly recommend it. And my people love the Hollywood Bowl Salad - enough for two or three meals! If that's what you're into. All of that being said, the lines are usually INSANE and it is sadly not worth the wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I would recommend walking the extra couple blocks to The Pancake House where the line is just as long but moves twice as fast... I would definitely eat at Tempo more often if it wasn't cash only (who carries cash anymore anyways?), AND I have a serious problem with places that do not offer soda refills. What the heck?! If you live in the 'hood, I suggest placing an order to go! You can do this by phone or in person (just push your way past the line and head straight to the cashier) and it only takes 7-15 minutes tops. And don't be concerned that this place isn't fancy enough for out of town guests. It is actually my mother's FAVORITE place to eat when she visits - AND I have heard of the occasional Keanu sighting. Enjoy! But drink your Diet Coke slowly...
(4)Thomas L.
THIS PLACE WAS SO BAD I JOINED YELP JUST TO WHITE THIS REVIEW. Note to self when you see a bank atm in a restaurant better dine elsewhere. I am never going back again. Cash only sign is not on the entrance door. Be a MAN AND PUT THE SIGN ON THE DOOR. Cash only sign is on the register on YOUR way out. Food was less then good. Refills of iced tea was a charge. Seems like the owner can't afford the rent, AND SEND HIS MONEY BACK TO GREECE TO HELP THERE ECONOMY, that is why there is all these petty charges. This guy has a cash station in the restaurant what a racquet. They make money on the transactions at the cash staion. What a crook, dirt bag and a slob. Know wonder the staff has an attitude the owner is a jerk. This guy thinks that the world should pay him. Does he even read the newspaper look what is happening to the Mother Land GREECE. Greece is getting bailled out again. It's know wonder this guy charges the way he does. He sends all OUR money over to Greece to bail them out of the mess they made. Greece should clean house and round up all the dogs rooming the streets.
(1)Eileen D.
Just a disgusting experience. The portions were absurd - 4 people could have split an omelette - and the food tasted... not good. Even the fries, which are hard to mess up, were too thick and pretty gross. The waitress was rude. The busboy cleared the table next to us by throwing dishes into a bin - our ears were ringing. There are no free refills. It's cash only. I will definitely NOT be back.
(1)Bill M.
This is a comfortable all-night diner in the midst of the Gold Coast. I suppose even tourists and upper middle class residents need a place to have standard fare like sandwiches, omelets and waffles without having to go to a greasy dive. The place has a neat appearance, and its outdoor cafe gets crowded.
(3)Marsha N.
Hands down best and fluffiest omelettes (especially egg whites) and did I mention the biggest??? They have my favorite homemade salsa, and my favorite server Sylvia. I have been going for years, and not even the shady late night crowd, or the higher than normal prices can keep me away. I crave it because it's the best there is
(4)Bridget L.
This place has sentimental memories for me because I used to lunch with my girls here quite often while we were in law school some years back. The weekends are absolutely nuts, but the weekdays aren't too crazybusy. The omelets are huge, and I am a big fan of their spinach and feta. It's delicious. They also have great salads too. I'm partial to their stuffed avocado with tuna. Huge and fresh. I dock Tempo a few stars because the service can be spotty and they only take cash, which is a total pain in the arse. For the amount of money they charge for their food, they can afford the credit card machine fee, in my humble opinion. But the food is good, and in a diner, that's really what I care most about.
(3)Susan F.
What can I say other than the fact that every time we head to the Art Institute it's off to Tempo for the best skillets. Service is always good. And what nailed it for us was when my five year old was peering into the cake display (as all little kids do) on our way out, and they gave her a piece to take home.
(4)Rita W.
I have always wanted to go to Tempo Cafe for brunch and everytime it has been so packed that I don't even want to attempt waiting amongst the hordes of people who are outside waiting. This time, I went on a Friday afternoon, it was still busy but not as bad as it usually gets on a Saturday or Sunday. I was not disappointed, I got the gold coast omelette (mushrooms, onions, and spinach) with feta cheese and it came out really fluffy in a medium sized skillet atop a mound of potatoes. And they also give you you a plate of texas sesame toast as well. It was very filling and not very greasy. I am very glad I got to finally try out Tempo. While the food is great, I am not sure the omelettes are special enough to justify a long wait on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I am really hungry.
(4)Katrina H.
Definitely a Staple for YEARS when it's late night and you're hungry!! Now that i'm older, I will go for breakfast during "Rush Hour" and it's Almost ALWAYS Packed!! If you have time to wait.. then GREAT!! the food is Fantastic!! you get a Lot of food for your money however the last time that I was there.. I was told that it was Cash only. not sure if they have Credit now but thought that it was strange especially for a place to be so busy. A Great place to go to when it's nice out.. waiting for an indoor seat is like waiting forever!
(4)Ms T.
One word: Meh. The food isn't anything to write home about. Paying twice as much for sub-par diner food. If this sounds like your idea of fun, be my guest. But after we get our drunk on and you are suggesting that we stave off the hangover with a big greasy here after debauchery, the eggos in my freezer and a quicky fry -up at home is heaps more appealing. Pass.
(1)Jasmine F.
Holy crap. I'd wager Tempo makes the best omelette I've ever had, although it's more like a scramble/soufle-type-thing. How do they do that? I want the recipe, damnit. My egg white omelette, made with ingredients of my choosing, was absurdly huge, fluffy and delicious with a nice, browned crust completely surrounding it. I think there were potatoes under it somewhere, but one cannot be too sure of such things. I definitely could have split the dish with someone and been perfectly satisfied--I only got through about half, plus the two pieces of fresh, yummy toast with tangy, homemade marmalade. God, I effing love breakfast when it's done right. Tempo did it right.
(4)Jennifer C.
Whats the big deal? Tempo is fine, but its not great, It does have a nice outside atmosphere in the summer. Went once and i don't think I will ever put forth the effort to run back. Plus you gotta stand in line forever, so I thought it was gonna be excellent. I was underwhelmed.
(3)Craig N.
Its in my hood so I go there sometimes. Wish they had dishes from thier greek town sister "like mousaka" . Anyway..the food is OK, a bit boring but I can't say bad.. I would give this place a Zagats 16. I like to go down the street to Johnny's for a down a dirty breakfast.
(3)George K.
Everyone told me this is "THE BREAKFAST PLACE" to try out. I tried and tried and tried least 20 different times to go here. Long lines, waiting, very longgggg wait. So every time I walked by hoping there wasn't a long line then get disappointed and ended up going elsewhere to eat. I finally got lucky few weeks ago on Labor Day, not many people around downtown that day. It was WORTH THE WAIT! I had ham & cheese omelets with side of french toast. Oh man it was so good. I can't believe they bring your plate of food using a frying pan? How many of these do they have in the kitchen? I noticed that this was how they served omelets from looking at other tables. You guys must have 100 of these frying pans huh? lot of washing dishes.. hehe They give you so much food, I couldn't finish everything, and I think I digged the french toast much better. I'm going to keep on trying to go here again.
(4)Jessica K.
This place has great breakfast! A staple on weekends after a night out. The portions are filling, and they use fresh ingredients. The place gets crowded on weekend mornings and early afternoons so be prepared to wait. They have outdoor seating, though I never have sat outside. Although this place is open 24 hours and has a more extensive menu asside from breakfast, I've only been here before 2pm and had skillets from the breakfast menu. The place gets crowded, but once you sit down it seems like they turn the tables at a pretty decent rate and you aren't waiting too long for your food.
(5)Marc L.
Great food and great service. We went for breakfast and everything was fresh and not greasy.
(4)Timothy M.
I've eaten some great random meals here. Usually after drinking all night downtown I'll come to around Chicago and State and realize where I am: right near Tempo! This place won me over with the phenomenal Eggs Benedict. I've been going back even though it's out of my way ever since just to get some great food and great coffee. Crowd sucks though (Viagra Triangle) so don't go when people are there in droves.
(4)Dr. Robert W.
Great staff, very good food--the best of a 24/7 cafe. My wife and I love it. Heidi and all the staff are fantastic.
(5)Nastassia J.
This is your standard diner fare, at super inflated prices... While attending law school, I would eat here on occasion. Sometimes you just want some breakfast, and in this neighborhood, there are hardly any of these diner type resturants left...Starfucks (typo, it stays) ate the neighborhood. I don't have any particular gripe about the place, afterall it is open 24 hours, and I did sit next to Bow Wow one time (I'm told he is famous.) On the weekends, be prepared to wait in long lines to get a table, esp in the summer when the patio is prime destination for both tourists and locals.
(2)Rachelle G.
First and foremost, the service here late into the night is awful. I get that you've probably dealt w/ drunks throughout the night, but I was not, and did notice that you only came to get our order and drop off our bill. And we couldn't even tell you that you'd forgotten to give my friend her soda. I really wanted to tip the busboy instead of our server bc he did so much more for us and all with a smile. Food was mediocre to subpar, prices were decent for the area and being open 24 hours is great but really, improve your service. And yes they only take cash. We also happened to be seated in a booth underneath a vent that was blowing out super cold air. It was probably 40 degrees out yet I had to walk out every now so I wouldn't freeze. I really don't want to come back and hope I don't have to.
(2)Trent P.
Management/Greek owner has an "in" with local taxis; thus if you ask a Cabby for a late night restaurant you will be "TAKEN" (at)/to Tempo Cafe! Food is mediocre at best, but the surprise is when you get the bill, you WILL be charged more than menu prices; if you question the charges they claim error and adjust to original "menu" price. BAD/CON all the way around!!!!
(1)Caroline A.
What a great place to nurse a hangover... seriously. They have something for everyone, which is great considering how fussy I am with food. My favorite part of the restaurant - they cook the dishes exactly how you like. Even going so far as replacing butter with cooking spray. The portions are very generous, and the food came out very quickly. The wait is very very long (I think we waited for over an hour), but definitely worth it.
(3)Lale S.
the only downfall of this place is that it does not accept credit cards! but hey i guess if anyone is looking for a late night stick up, go to tempo! j/k besides the fact that i have ended up here many a nights/early mornings after long nights of boozing this place is always the best! i love the raspberry waffle add some chocolate chips and whipped cream! yummy! i like that this place is downtown, yet sometimes can get way overcrowded especiall after the 2am bar close rush and 5am bar close rush on weekends... but overall ive never had a bad meal here.... but then again i usually am pretty crunk
(4)Diana B.
Their breakfast/brunch is great! And you can get it anytime of day! I recommend the poor mans skillet, pancakes, and/or waffles. :) Their lunch options are so-so, but that's not an issue for me since I strictly get breakfast food here. Also, a biiiiiit pricy, but due to the area, it makes sense. Definitely a go-to place for me!
(4)Natasha A.
Why does Boston not have anything like this? Unfair. Ample concoctions of eggs, veggies and meats are served in a skillet over a bed of potatoes. Throw in freshly squeezed OJ and some coffee and you are in heaven. The menu also had some sandwhiches and the like. Breakfast can not get any better than the Tempo Cafe.
(5)Mihir P.
The service was polite and quick. The scrambled eggs were a bit dry, bacon overcooked and the potatoes underdone. But at 2 am, Tempo will do just fine.
(2)Robert M.
Spotty on delivery of food, our sides took a lot longer then our entered. Otherwise good Food and generous portions
(3)Juliette M.
This place is great for breakfast or brunch. The setting is nice, they have a nice patio area. The coffee is not that great but I have tasted worse. I tried one of the burger once, nothing extraordinary. But the waffles and french toast are a must!
(4)Balu's G.
I've eaten better breakfast in Chicago. I just think that it's always crowded, because it's the only full service breakfast place in the area with reasonable price (compared to pricey hotel breakfast). I had bacon. cheese, and onions omelette, and it was ok.
(3)Terry G.
Found this place through a suggestion at the hotel and what a great find. I juts love these crowded city breakfast/lunch cafes. A long wait on a Saturday morning, but it was worth the wait. Lots of coffee and an excellent three egg Denver omelet in a skillet. The omelet was prepared perfectly too... perfectly.
(4)Lesley S.
I would only recommend this spot for late night eating just because of the lack of options. Otherwise, not a good choice. For starters, they only take cash which is almost unheard of these days. I'm not really sure what the reason for this is but it is annoying. Also, the prices are WAY too high. I got a turkey salad sandwich that came with nothing and it was over $7. Just some turkey salad on regular toasted bread. It was a rip off. I got a side salad as well and my meal altogether was almost $15. I was still hungry when I left and wished I would have gone to Subway.
(1)Nick S.
Tempo is a Chicago icon. If only the walls in that place could talk. The new place is real nice, but I miss the old diner. This is a great place to eat at 3am.
(4)Heather S.
this place is incredible! i strolled in there around 2am and was very entertained... yes, everyone in there was wasted but what do you expect with a diner open that late! i never have tried the brunch crowd, but i am assuming it is a bit different being in the gold coast.. their "homeless mans skillet" is great! Enjoy!
(4)gosia d.
Clean and fast service but that is all good I can say about this place. The hostess's voice reminds me of Fran Drescher. The food was bland, not enough or way too much of seasonings, and definitely overpriced. I am sure you can find a better food in the neighborhood in the same price range. Especially if you are a tourist don't go there. I really don't want you to taste Chicago that way. One more detail, the place takes only cash.
(2)Rachel Y.
I am a huge fan of Tempo. I don't know how it started, but almost every breakfast meeting I have, the client requests Tempo. It's one of those fabulous neighborhood spots that didn't get affected by the River North yuppification quotient. They have the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had, however lately I've been sticking with their cream cheese, bacon and tomato omelet, which I'm craving now just thinking about it. It seems that everyone in the restaurant has been there forever, the coffee is served in plenty, and it's cheap (which is nice because it's cash only--don't worry there are two ATM's close by). In the summer they have nice outdoor seating as well. Check it out for your next business get-together or just on your own if you're in the neighborhood and want a good meal for less than what River North usually dishes out.
(4)lana v.
My husbands family loves this place, so I have been forced to come here many times. I have only tried the breakfast items, but have never been impressed, the pancakes are ok, and the service is fast, but they do not take credit cards, and do not have free refills. If you come here for brunch on the weekend, there is always a crazy long line, and I honestly dont understand why.
(3)Brian S.
Holler! Tempo serves the best waffles I've ever had - both strawberry and banana nut flavors are great. They're crisp and delicious and don't even need syrup to be enjoyed (but I use it anyway). Helpful hint: get the toppings on the side to keep the waffle crispy throughout the meal.
(5)Maggie S.
I really don't like this place and I can't figure out why. I have been there for breakfast a few times, but mainly I go in the middle of the night for food and coffee when it is finals cram time- which is why I go- its 24 hrs, they'll re-fill your coffee over and over again & don't mind how long you sit there. (Was once there 5 hours and not asked to leave.) That middle of the night study session aside...I have a few complaints. When it is busy, they totally rush you through your meal. The food is way overrated. I have tried several different things and have never once liked it. Its not bad in the "makes you ill sort of way;" rather it just leaves you feeling like you need more food bc you wasted a meal on something totally boring. This is my major problem with tempo though- YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR RE-FILLS ON SODA. SERIOUSLY?? We are in Chicago, not Europe, just re-fill my soda out of your fountain thing-y, And you have to pay with cash. And there ATM is one that a surcharge for basically every bank in existence, so no one gets lucky and misses the ATM fees.
(2)Izzy N.
Oh. this place. The "nicer" Denny's that doesn't have hash browns (booo! hiss! a plague on thy dowry! ..........ok, ok don't piss in my food.. I am giving you 3 stars afterall.) and only takes cash. (this should maybe be called the base of the triangle that only takes cash. I'm looking at you mister j.) That's what I call this place. A little bit of a mouthful isn't it. But it's TRUE. Their menu isn't all that -in fact looking at it makes me *gulp* a few times and tell myself, Ok- Fine! and the food is okay but the real draw is that it's there whenever I wanna eat like at 4 am or maybe 1:53 am. Open 24 hours. Late night eats without having to trek too far, especially when it's freezing outside -- oh me likey! I usually order the breakfast foods.. not really wanting to venture out to their other selections cuz I can get stir fry at Big Bowl and seafood at Hugo's or any steak house nearby. Their blueberry french toast is pretty solid and satisfying.. nothing special. Hits the spot when I'm famished, too lazy to look for other options, and conveniently close to me. It's all about meeeeeeee you see. I don't care if it's close to you guys or not. me. Me. ME!!!! jk. I do charity work sometimes.
(2)Will K.
I will say that the food here was very good, probably 4 star worthy. That being said, it's not really worth the hassle and the wait. A little expensive too if I remember correctly. Original Pancake house was near by and was about half the price, with no wait and better service, but Tempo's pancakes were better. I know it's not a totally fair comparison, just sayin
(3)Jasmine h.
This was a great place to go for a comfortable atmosphere as well as good food. delicious!
(4)KW L.
I came on a Saturday for lunch and we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. No issue with that since any good brunch place will have a wait on a weekend. The hostess was friendly, and the waiter was ok except for the fact that she hardly came around to refill our drinks. I had the strawberry french toast and thought it was average at best. The french toast wasn't very moist and tasted like cardboard. The others in my group seemed to enjoy the omelette's a little better, but commented they were average as well. The food is mediocre so I can only account for the crowd by the location of the place.
(2)Jeff Y.
my roommate is obsessed with this place, but i think it's because he usually goes when he's wasted at 3 in the morning. i would give hot pockets 5 stars if i only ate them when i was drunk...anyways on to the review. tempo serves breakfast and diner grub 24 hours a day. it's basically an upscale ihop with slightly above average food. i'd recommend the skillets or the omelettes since they are ginourmous and decent. don't go for weekend brunch unless you want to wait in line for an hour. also, it's cash only so be sure to get cash back at potash bros next door before you head over. i'd recommend this place for drunk food or if you're randomly craving breakfast food for dinner.
(3)Aileen O.
As one of the few 24-hour joints in downtown, this place is always busy! I've never quite understood the appeal of this place - the food is average at best. It reminds me of an upscale Denny's. Be warned - this place only accepts cash (although an ATM is available).
(3)Diana F.
eh, nothing special whatsoever. went there for lunch, got a tuna volcano that was very average. clam chowder was blah. the clams tasted like rubber. service was fine. overall decent, but won't go back unless it's super late and everything is closed.
(2)Aubrey K.
Bring your cash since no credit is accepted and do prepared to wait. I promise you the wait is worth it. I think the breakfast is the true staple of this Gold Coast diner. My favorite are the skillets (omelettes served over hash browns) and the egg-white french toast. Also offers some good people watching. I like it equally at 4:00 AM as I do for Sunday brunch!
(5)Paul R.
Here's the thing about Tempo... you wanna talk about a place thriving soley due to location, this is your prime example. There are so many better breakfast places in the downtown area, this one falls in w/ the rest in my opinion, and this all coming from a Greek guy- so to not like a Greek-owned establishment is blasphemous, but it's true. Tempo, not that good. I don't want to go so far as to say that it literally bothers me that this place gets crowded beyond belief on a regular basis, because I have had good times here and have nothing but nice things to say about the staff, but I just don't get it. Gold Coast should some more breakfast options, that's what it comes down to. Yeah, you can get breakfast at Luxbar (recommended) or PJ's (not terrible) or even Gibson's (I hear good things about their b-fast menu), but if you're looking for a brunch spot, and you know what I mean- I mean a brunch spot, not a place that serves breakfast food, what else is there? Somebody enlighten me. And don't say the Peninsula because that doesn't count. Maybe I'm looking too much into this.
(2)Evelyn B.
My brother treated me to breakfast at Tempo for my twelfth birthday. It was very nice. Being a boxed-cereal kind of girl, I had no clue about one of the best breakfasts in the city. Thanks bro!
(5)K. J.
It's a diner. With diner food. Wouldn't go back again unless I'm in the area anyway and craving a traditional diner-style breakfast. We were given a wait time of about 20 to 30 minutes so we walked around and came back. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes later, we were seated. Admittedly, we went on a Sunday morning so were expecting a bit of a wait.
(3)Emma L.
One of my favorite places for breakfast or a late night meal. It's always packed because it's so good. Definitely the place to go if you want a good omelet!
(4)kiki h.
THE place to go for breakfast in Chicago. The only problem is that everyone else thinks so as well so the lines are insane! I always get the gold coast omelette...it is absolutely huge and it's so good!
(4)Ashley W.
I really like the OJ here, but besides that it's just OK. It's really just your typical busy brunch spot with omelette's, pancakes, french toast, and all that stuff. There are plenty of great brunch places in Chicago that don't feel the need to wait over an hour at Tempo to be seated.
(3)Rob C.
the reason you all are rating it 4 stars is that you are eating there at 3-4 AM inebriated. fine, it's ok, but not that great. average omelettes, just go for early AM dining then.
(3)Mission S.
A restaurant that its just as satisfying post-clubbing at 4:00 am as it is for a leisurely weekend brunch. A place that does breakfast food, post-hangover food, final exams food. The rumors about the lines are true: be prepared to wait. However, if you are willing to sit inside, the friendly hostess can usually find you a spot (unless you have a really large party). If you are lucky to land a sunny table outside, sit back and enjoy the strong coffee and chocolate chip pancakes.
(3)Carly M.
There is nothign better than the baked french toast. It's my favorite thing on the menu and I always ask for bananas on top. Excellent pancakes too and great omlettes. Basically- they can do an awesome brunch! Don't be worried about the lines though- they do move quickly and it's worth the wait!
(5)Gail T.
5 stars cuz this place is affordable, open 24/7, and you'll always be seated. beware card rangers.. its cash only!
(5)Michelle W.
A perfect place to cure those 4am post bar/club cravings. The portions are monstrous and you can easily spilt one of their delicious omlettes. They can even make them with just egg whites...bless them. The waits go along with the time you visit. I was there for an early dinner pre-going out and there was nothing, but if you go after the bar closes, trust me everyone else will be there too.
(4)Nicola C.
Great place to get awesome omelettes. It can get very crowded though as it is located in the gold coast. The food is always so fresh and you definitely get a lot. Nice in summer to go and sit outside, definetely a must do for breakfast.
(3)Kamilah R.
My friends and I had always considered Tempo to be a great place to eat after a great party, bad break up, or even an evening alone. But in the early morning hours of September 9, 2006, Tempo Cafe decided to show us how much they valued our patronage by having us removed from the establishment by several of Chicago's finest. Tempo's disorganized, shoddy method of seating people created a back-up in the waiting area, and a drunken party of six bustled their way to the front of the line, creating a disturbance, disrespecting every other patron in their path, including my party. Although management witnessed such behavior, they refused to do anything about it, and instead seated us at opposing ends of the restaurant, assuming that all parties would behave. They were wrong, particularly when the drunken party of six picked YET ANOTHER fight with the party seated next to them. When the police were called, management forced everyone who had had ANY contact with the disruptive party to leave. That included us. After many attempts to reason with both management and the police, we were left in the rain, insulted and embarrassed, and worst of all, HUNGRY, all because management refused to intervene when the problem was initially presented. AND the best part is, when the police arrived, they even asked the black people NOT associated with our party to leave. . . Sorry Tempo, all black people don't know each other. . . I had always assumed that my education, my status, my poised and calm demeanor would allow others to see that I and the people I associate with are reasonable people, and would in turn, treat me with respect and reason. However, Tempo proved me wrong. Because of this experience, I would not recommend this restuarant to anyone. Thanks for the good time, Tempo. p.s. and the service left a little much to be desired as well. . .
(1)K M.
Good food but I think this place is overrated unless you live near it. Before I went I kept hearing how great it was. Maybe its better for late nights, but for breakfast or brunch, especially on the weekends, forget it, you'll be waiting so long its just not worth it! I've been here once for lunch and didn't wait very long but there was nothing particularly special about the food or service. The breakfast was really good once we were seated. So I guess it depends on how patient you are, I have none, especially in the morning- I'd rather just make my own pancakes! :)
(3)Marc S.
Good and reliable breakfast and brunch food; but nothing fancy. If there were no wait for a table, I'd probably go back, but as it is, we waited 45 minutes for what was really a pretty average brunch. If you're willing to put up with a 45 minutes wait, there are much better brunch places to go to (M.Henry, Southport Grocery, Ina's, Bongo Room, Hot Chocolate,...)
(3)Shannon W.
I got here about 2 a.m. and right after that the place got super packed. I had an omlette which I wasn't to impressed with so if I do go back again I'll try something else on the breakfast menu.
(3)Blah B.
Yup this is the place to be seen at 5am in the morning, but the food is horrible!!! Sowwie but it just is, not to mention the service?!! I've never met people who hate their job as much as they do here!!! Tho what i can say is I have some awesome memories with friends there with that being said I'll probably be back at some point in the summer!!!
(1)W W.
I went here once last summer and I thought it was just ok. I had pancakes with strawberries and they were pretty good, but I guess I'm not a huge breakfast person. Also we sat outside which was cool, but it's a somewhat congested area so I felt like I was breathing in a lot of fumes during my breakfast. I haven't gone back yet, but I'm sure at some point I probably will.
(3)Julia B.
Great place for breakfast~! The skillets are amazing and you can add just about anything (extra ingredients) to them! It gets very packed late night but also packed during the weekend breakfast hours. The fresh orange juice is awesome.
(3)Bill B.
Referred here for breakfast by the concierge at the Peninsula hotel. Tempo is a short walk and convenient. The menu is great. Lots of options for breakfast including smoothies. I got the eggs with Canadian bacon. My wife got an omelet. Both came in skillets which was fine, but they were overloaded with potatoes. The coffee is OK, not excellent. The atmosphere is good, there is not too much noise, appears clean and I'd happily go back.
(3)Peter H.
Make sure to have the Omellete! Enough for 2!
(4)Dennis S.
Location, location, location. But nothing else. I LOVE huevos rancheros. I got started on them in a little Mexican diner in Pasadena CA long ago. They're always good, and, assuming there are any Mexicans working in the kitchen, they always have a bit of personality to them. The cooked salsa and garnishes vary from place to place, some good, some great. Except at Tempo. Their salsa I can only describe as watered-down used motor oil. It was terrible, inedible. That was the final straw for me. Other breakfast dishes I've ordered at Tempo have been boring, unexciting, not worth finishing. But waiting with the crowds outside Tempo for this food is now off my list. North is the Original Pancake House, southeast is West Egg, get in a cab or car and go to Ina's or Lou Mitchell's. There is NO reason to eat at Tempo, other than it's convenient location for many condo dwellers and unsuspecting hotel guests. Go east three blocks to Chestnut Street Cafe in the Seneca Hotel - at least you get a square meal (but no yuppies).
(2)Russell H.
Poor man's vegetable platter was very good. Pancakes and waffles seem to be well made. However if I ordered strawberry or rasberry waffles, I would expect a little more than waffles with a few fresh berries on top. I would want some of that worked into the batter... I am just sayin'.... I went there on a Friday morning and felt like it was Saturday or Sunday morning. Lot's of food - maybe that's the reason for the lines? The service was okay but had a mixture of busboys running around way to fast and wait staff who seemed to be overwhelmed. Make sure you order something simple because it may seem that the more complex platters or dishes would be sub par. My example, the poor man's veg platter was potatoes on the bottom, vegetables chopped up, cheese and three over easy eggs. They got that right and it was a good meal - more than enough calories to get me through a long road trip.
(3)Jessica C.
Tempo was recommended to us by the guy at the front desk at our hotel, and for that, I say thank you front desk guy! We got a late start, and got to Tempo at around 2pm...luckily they serve breakfast 24 hours a day, because breakfast was what we all needed. The place was warm and cozy, also what we needed after walking several blocks in what felt like Siberia (I'm not from Chicago). I was elated to see that they serve skillets - something I haven't seen since my favorite breakfast place closed down (R.I.P.), and I got a much needed coffee. There's a note on the menu that tells you they use butter for cooking, but that you can substitute Pam, so that I did. Service: quick Coffee: good Veggie skillet: YUM! Everything was FULL of flavor and melted cheese, and was delicious. The Pam substitution didn't take away any flavor, in case anyone was wondering. The skillet was incredibly filling - I couldn't finish it, and was able to skip dinner later, and comfortably go right into Saturday night drinking. I wasn't hungry until late night pizza time came, sometime around midnight. I highly recommend this place!
(4)J M.
I had a great breakfast at Tempo Cafe while in town. The omelets are huge and are served in a skillet, with potatoes underneath. The service was fast and efficient.
(4)Wen S.
I ordered the corned beef hash and eggs with side of fruit. The food tasted good. The serving size was big enough to fill you but the side of fruit came out short. It looked like two or three pieces of sliced strawberries, which was priced for like $3. The service was okay, nothing special. Cash only, no credit/debit cards. It's 2010! There's an ATM on site with $2.75 transaction fee. Thumbs down to that. There's a self-park garage right next to Tempo Cafe.
(3)Brad S.
OMG. Avoid this place at all costs. This is the worst food I have ever had. It is not worth the wait, or even if it was free.
(1)Sebastian Y.
24 hr Diner! Love the omelettes here because they come in a skillet with potatoes at the bottom! I got the Gold Coast Omelette and was very happy and satisfied. It tasted home cooked and didn't leave me feeling gross. Only knock on Tempo is that it's cash only.
(3)KB C.
Only go to Tempo for late night eating- otherwise it's not that good. Food is really bland. (meaning that the the salt and pepper that'll be placed on your table...will not help!)
(2)Shradha A.
They now have a veggie burger on the menu, which ain't so bad for its-midnight-and-im-starving food!
(3)Jamie D.
Diner food at 3 a.m.! From what I remember, the food was average. The place was BUSY though.
(3)Jeff A.
I want to give this spot more stars I really do!!! it was 7 or so years ago, I was in Chicago for work, and first discovered this spot, was dazzled by the fresh fruit selections, fresh raspberries and blueberries in abundance, who has that? amazing omelets... My first moment at Tempo was @ about 4am on a random chicago night about 7 years ago, and truthfully the fact that a place like this existed in Chicago made me want to move here (with many other contributing factors for sure!)... I love the Jamaican omelet, hmmmm banana walnut honey in eggy goodness! Fast forward to last night... Had some out of town buddies in and we were have a fun night out about and around, drinks, dinner, movie, dessert (tempo for dessert and coffee after movie, twas late!), more drinks.... 6 of us... Cheese cake.... BAD! I mean it bad! Chocolate cake... Not Good! I mean it not good! Fresh raspberries... On point! Cream pies.... None to be had... So sad! Banana split... No chocolate Ice cream?? What? Service was good! Hey kidz just a suggestion... Take Credit cards, really it is 2010... Just Cash is so not cool! I will give Tempo another chance, cuz I love this place, but if this continues, I will fall out of love!
(3)Liz B.
I've gone here twice in Chicago, both times after 1am, and both times to get omelets. I can't imagine wanting to come here during a normal time, but their "sober up" food is pretty damn good. Service is incredibly quick, and even if there are a million people waiting on line you will still probably wait less than 15 minutes.
(3)A. L.
Absolutely wonderful waffles. Some of the best I've ever had (and I make a mean waffle!). But first, get the juice. Any of their fresh squeeze juices (I had the amazing Casablanca, which is orange, strawberry and cantoloupe)! We tried the bacon and the sausage patties, both very good. But the WAFFLES!! Mine had strawberries, bananas and blueberries, no need for syrup or butter. I'm trying to convince myself to eat breakfast somewhere else today just for the variety, but it's a losing battle. I'm going back. There is always a line, but it seems to go fast. Coffee and iced tea both fine and service excellent, but I'm telling you.....it's the waffles!! (And I'm not sure what that other person was saying about it being dirty, but having worked in restaurants I can tell you it's very clean.)
(5)K B.
Nothing special about this diner, unless it's 3 am.
(3)Shannon W.
Arguably the best breakfast I had while in Chicago was at Tempo Cafe. I highly recommend ordering the omelets- they are absolutely huge but delicious! Even though I not a huge fan of waffles, I highly recommend trying Tempo's- they are little pillows of crispy heaven! I also like Tempo's service because they make you truly feel at home, and it is always nice to sit on their patio, especially on warm days. Plus, they serve late and have a delicious bakery- what more can you ask for from a neighborhood cafe?
(5)Krisha d.
I'm not a fan. But, maybe it's because I'm not a breakfast person. I felt like my omelet was bland. I had also gotten a salad last night. Spinach with Tuna on the side. I have had better. I am a big salad fan, so pardon my harsh criticism. I don't know what the buzz is about?
(1)Sean S.
So I came home so hungry & my hotel stopped room service at 10. I ordered egg white gold coast omelette and they were by far the softest eggs I can recall eating. Cash only is not cool but the staff were warm despite the post bar after hours feel of the crowd.
(3)Ken E.
More food than anyone should eat for lunch! Ok service.
(3)Rodney R.
I cant give this spot a five star rating four will have to do. The service was good for a busy friday morning. The food was excellent and more than enough. It took forever to get a refill on coffee. I love my coffee in the morning! What I liked the most was being able to sit streetside and dine as people walked to and fro. I love to watch people. I loved the mixed clientele. From an obviously hungover student to a man that looked like a sterotypical old school disco lounge lizard. Next to them sat a woman that for some reason felt inspired to come to breakfast dressed rather extravagantly and seemed to be bothered by every little thing You know the type...nothing is good enough but I suppose we shall make do.... As I said the food was delicious but the overall attitude seemd somewhat rude. Not out right but when we arrived we almost felt as tho we were bothering them by asking to dine there! Once we got past that and were seated by a wonderful waitress (With the eception that she was stingy with a second cup of coffee). We were sat by an older gentlemen who carried in his bag a rather small dog. My companion says it was a teacup something or another...A family came in as well and sat behind us and their children were well behaved and wonderfully curious. My lady friend and I enjoy family so this was quite nice to be a "Part" of things LOL.
(4)Tj M.
good breakfast-cash only: Me & my honey stayed at the talbott hotel and we found this place based on the reviews we saw on here. My girl got the pancakes and they looked really good with the fruit topping on it. I chose the skillet with cheese,egg & hash browns and it was pretty good.My hash browns were burnt but was still edible. It was also neat to see some of the people come into this place, which made for good table conversation.It was a lil pricey but for being in the gold coast your gonna pay anyways. One thing that really was a turn off was they only took cash-no debit or credit cards. They could probably do better if they got with the times and offered to take other forms of payment.
(4)Stephanie W.
Tempo is right around the corner from where I grew up, and it's a neighborhood standard for my family. The wait here is consistently shorter than that at the Pancake House on Bellevue, and the menu covers more than just breakfast. All in all, the service is pretty good and the food is pretty good. The decor is outdated but fits in with a typical diner/cafe. There's nothing I find particularly overwhelmingly positive about this restaurant, but it's consistent and easy, and that earns pretty big points in my book. Also - they make their omelets in individual pans in an oven, so they get nice and big and puffy. Originally, I was going to give Tempo 4 stars, but we unfortunately found a half-eaten pickle and part of an Equal sweetener packet in my mom's omelet the other day, and the waitress wasn't savvy enough to ask the manager to take it off the bill, so....
(3)Greg D.
DOES NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! CASH ONLY! When staying at the Sofitel, this being on the same block, like a 1 minute walk from the valet entrance to Soiftel, this does look appealing, if you are really being lazy. Our first visit was pretty much pure hell. The wait is unbelievable, and all I can do to try to understand it, is equate it to cattle mentality. People see others lined up and think this is a good thing, so they too line up. For the 45 minutes we waited, hungry, we decided to sit on the steps of a building next door, instead of in the crowd, and just watch the seaters announce a table and then go and check every time to see if it was us. Okay, here's why we put up with this. Tempo has outside tables right smack on a very active street corner in downtown Chicago. So the people and traffic watching is magnificent... But there is one factor to consider, you know that big orange thing in the sky, that you are not supposed to stare at? It been around a long time, what do they call that, SOL? Yeah, the SUN! While Tempo does have a group of sun umbrellas and even a roll out canopy, they didn't have the common sense, care or desire to use them this day and both my wife and I were sunburned. You know, it doesn't matter how good the view is when it's so bright that you can't see a thing without squinting. How was the food? Good. We were happy with it. Brunch/Breakfast plates were HUGE and there was no way to finish them. And then came time to pay, at which time I presented my credit card. The waitress, quite obviously frustrated with having to explain this over and over and over again, told us "The owner doesn't want us to take credit cards because it costs him too much". And I am like WTF? When we travel we don't use old fashioned paper money much so never carry much with us. Thanks to this place and their possible mafia tax evading owner, our cash supply took an unexpected hit. Do yourself a HUGE favor and keep on walking by this place. There is so, so much more to be found in this area food wise. Pizano's Pizza & Pasta RIGHT across the street (green canopy) has been considered by many as one of the finest Chicago pizzas in the history of America. (The green canopy). And then you also have McCormick & Schmick's Seafood right across the street as well, low priced and excellent with indoor seating. And both of these suggestions take credit cards.
(2)Jamie R.
Super breakfast place. Order absolutely anything traditional and it will be satisfying. Expect a wait because word is out about this gem, with the locals leading the pack to a communal table here. Nice touch: prune + orange slice, gratis for each diner.
(4)L G.
Visiting Chicago, Tempo Cafe is around the corner from my hotel, had the best breakfast, the egg scrambler and it was beyond delicious, muy sabroso, wish they had one of these restaurants in Los Angeles.
(5)Monica W.
This is a good place to go on a late night if you've got a big appetite and you're craving breakfast. Definitely stick with the breakfast though. I went with a large group and everyone that ordered dinner options were dissatisfied. You can't go wrong with the skillets.
(4)Bernice W.
I eat here for lunch all the time and finally decided to review about it. I really like this place, especially the chicken wild rice soup. I could go on and on about it... I've had their omelets which are served as an enormous portion, and their tuna salad melt, both were really yummy. I've also had their sandwich with tomato, bacon and cheese. that was delicious too. The only downside is they only take cash. But there's an atm in ING cafe that doesn't charge for withdrawing money. All in all tempo cafe is really good
(5)Tony C.
We went to Tempo just as the lunch rush was ending. The place was packed, it was rainy outside... a perfect day for a skillet. There was a line of huddled customers in the busy hallway, yet we were told that it would be ten minutes. I wasn't sure if I should believe it. But, sure enough, ten minutes later we were seated and ready to order. The portion sizes here are generous. I had the poor man's skillet and I have to say that I ate like a rich man. Another nice feature of this place is that breakfast is served anytime. If you're craving an omelette, you can always get one at Tempo. As a fan of omelettes, this is a major plus for me. Finally, the service was courteous and prompt. The woman in charge even remembered my name when it came time to pay. Sure, she may have written it down when we showed up, but that is going the extra mile - something that doesn't go unnoticed in my book.
(5)Brit M.
Like most of the yelpers for Tempo, I can admit to only being here once sober. I based my review off that. Though I can honestly say, god bless the waitresses who deal with the after 4 am crowd. You truly see the worst of the worst. Also, I would like to send a special shout out to the waitress with the short short hair. You are awesome and thank you for dealing with our drunken fake accents (that range from terrible Nigerian, to even more horrible Australian, and finishing with just plain ole American drunk slurs) and over the top orders. We always take care of you for that exact reason! So, my 8 year old cousin Lily spent the night and wanted breakfast the next morning. I took her to the only place I know, Tempo. Wow, can I just say the real morning crowd is refreshing. No slobbering drunk men and yelling. It was nice! We were seated, and they literally catered to Lily like the princess she is. The service is always fast, and they always make sure your coffee is filled. Lily had the chocolate milk and eggs. I had a spinach and mushroom omelet. The food is good sober, and that's a plus. They have outside seating in the summer morning, which is something I didn't expect - god knows why! The only downside is of course the vagrants, which tend to be more aggressive in that area for some reason. Anyways, a Tempo is a great place and the food is moderately priced.
(3)Joey M.
Tempo is pretty standard diner style dining. As many have lamented, they only take cash, but luckily they won't take too much of it. The food is fresh enough, though the toast is flaky (as in inconsistent, not... actually flaky). I come here mostly for the three egg omelettes. To say the portions are generous would be an understatement. Three eggs mixed with meat, veggies and a healthy portion of crisp potatoes round out this meal in a pan. Be sure to bring someone to share the load or prepare to waddle out the door in gluttonous shame/glory.
(3)T. T.
I have been here twice so far. Once with my brother and once with my boyfriend on our trip to Chicago. Both times were a great experience! Their portions here are HUGE so don't get over greedy or you may pay for it later (like i did). The first time i came here i got the poorman's skillet with meat and it was great. The food comes out piping hot and a lot of toppings! And, on the side you get two pieces of toast. And let me tell you, the toast isn't the bread you buy at the store flat toast, but this is thicker toast that comes with jam and it is yummy! My brother had gotten the banana pancakes with crushed nuts on top and it was honestly...the best pancake i have ever tried! I am a sucker for banana and pancakes but haven't been able to find the best pancakes that are soft and moist to go with them and this place has it!!! The time i returned, i urged my boyfriend to try it as well and he went for the banana waffles instead. Again..lemme say...AMAZING! The waffle stays light but a little bit of crunch even though you pour syrup on top of it. He loved it, and on top of that, he said that this was one of his best breakfasts he has ever had. Honestly...that says a lot, cuz my boyfriend says he "doesn't care" about the quality of some foods, but whenever he rates places, he is extremely harsh..more than me! This place has fast and attentive service. Normally when i go visit areas, I never go to one place twice in order to try different areas. But, this was the one restaurant on my second trip that I couldn't pass up. I could eat this stuff all day.
(5)Amanda Z.
Oh Tempo, how I wish that your chicken a la louie didn't satisfy me quite so much. And I wish I didn't love the soup that came with my meal, along-side the big, potatoey steak fries. Know why? NO FREE REFILLS. In my world, that's just bogue. If I pay $1.95 for a lovely Diet Coke and I slurp to the bottom, please...just fill it back up. Cuz if you charge me another $1.95, I might scream. I'm bratty like that. (Oh, and also, when I refuse to order one of your non-refillable drinks, please do not punish me by not refilling my water glass. That's just mean. Like Kate Gosselin drinking water in front of her thirsty kids and not sharing mean.) Nice patio, good assortment of breakfast foods, and my sammie was awesome, loaded with avocado and bacon. But I'm still mad about the no free refills rule.
(3)Carrie S.
I love Tempo for many reasons. The first reason is the chocolate chip pancakes. Those pancakes are like sugar crack for me. I've attempted to replicate them and I just can't. The second reason for my Tempo love is the people. It's a great people watching place especially during the late night hours. Tempo is the best late night/brunch place ever. I've been here a few times and the food is always good. I love a place that serves breakfast 24/7 and is hopping at 3:30a.m. when the bars close. Their chocolate chip pancakes were yummy, delicious, and starchy enough to break through the numerous beers that I drank hanging out with the boys. My bf likes them for the fresh squeezed juice and egg creations galore. The food is served quick and the servers do an excellent job with drunken people all around. I have good memories here after drinking at Clark Street Ale House.
(4)Lora S.
I'm a fan of the banana nut pancakes, and my boyfriend loves the poor man's skillet. Although I know most diners do this, bottomless coffee is another plus. Keep in mind that it's cash only, so don't forget to hide a twenty at the back of your wallet, so you don't have to pay the ATM fee. This place gets extremely busy late Friday night and Saturday night when people start to leave the bars and clubs. Just watch the cabs pour in. They also get busy Saturday and Sunday mornings once it starts getting nice out. It's worth the short wait. The servers are friendly and efficient, and they turn tables relatively quickly but not annoyingly quickly. I''m a fan.
(4)L H.
This is my favorite place to get my super late night/weekend diner fix. The food here is nothing extraordinary, but the menu has got lots of variety and has never disappointed me. In my opinion, the best dish is the poor man's skillet. Be warned that the lines can get extremely long in the summer. Cash only.
(5)Erika G.
This place used to be a mediocre Mexican restaurant longgg ago, and now it's a very good enough, always crowded breakfast - lunch - dinner joint. The food is appealing because it is reliably good. Not great, or exceptional, but consistently good, at least. For breakfast items, which are pretty standard, this is okay in my book. Fresh, hot coffee, delish orange juice and egg dishes hot and fresh - what more do you wand for brunch?
(3)An P.
This morning I was very hungry from not eating dinner the night before due to a massive lunch. I had a wicked hankerin' for a good skillet, but did not want to haul all my gear down to Cozy Cafe for one of their wicked specialties. Located two blocks off the Chicago Red Line stop, Tempo Cafe is in the middle of the circle of restaurants and bars that mysteriously do not take debit or credit card, but do have an ATM inside. There is a great patio area and I wish it had been nicer, because I would have hurried and fought for a seat. I came in around 10:30am and was seated immediately. Inside, I found a very diverse crowd including businessmen in suits, moms taking the kids out and cops. People were of all races and that made me feel comfortable. A coffee man came by after I was seated at a giant booth all by myself and was quickly followed by water man. The waitress dropped by quickly and I went to work: Poor man's skillet and a side of sausage ba-ba-ba-boom! As I twitted my thumbs and played around text messaging, all of a sudden they dropped a Poor man's skillet, toast, 3 perfectly poached eggs and a generous helping of butter, jam, and the like. They also dropped an orange slice and a date in front of me. Condiments on the table included Grey Poupon, Ketchup, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco and salt and pepper. I dug into my toast first and laced up both slices with tons of butter - yum! I ate that and moved to sip a few gulps of water and then began working on the poached eggs. Once they were gone, I stirred the skillet that had three, count them three slices of cheese! Ketchup in hand, I pitter pattered pats of catsup and made my crispy skillet complete. No, this was not some soggy mess of a skillet, it was a meat-filled potato wonder. The ham was large pieces, some hacked into tiny cubes, and some cooked like it was bacon. This diversity in texture really did it for me, and I ate the whole damn thing and did not fall into a food coma! On the downside, I ordered a disappointing side of sausage for $3.95 which looked like it could have come out of any old Johnsonville mini frozen sausage patty box. If you are thinking of getting giant links of sausage, this is not it! All in all for an $8.50 skillet and some wicked ill food, call me a happy camper!
(4)Jenn E.
On our last morning in Chicago, we finally picked the right spot for breakfast. It was a Tuesday morning, around 10, so we were seated immediately in a booth (yay!). The menu was vast and I thought that the prices were very reasonable. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet, which had potatoes, ham, onions and peppers, covered with cheese & 3 eggs. It was delicious! They slice their potatoes into think slices like you would see in an Au gratin, which I had never had before for breakfast. The eggs were cooked perfectly, light and fluffy! My sister got the Florentine Benedict with a side of bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly and she said that it was some of the best hollandaise sauce she has ever had. The fig and orange slice that they give you when you sit down was a nice touch. We were sad to have only discovered it on our last day. One warning though...they only take cash!
(4)Andre E.
I failed to mention during my first review of this great place...that this was the location where i proposed to my beautiful wife. So needless to say this is one of my favorite places to eat in all the world. Eat, Drink, and be Merry my friends!!!!
(5)Mary I.
Tempo is definitely a must try place. I came here Saturday am after Yoga with a few friends and it was crowded outside with about a 30 min wait. It's a real no frills kinda place, so you can go in any attire. It's open 24 hours and CASH ONLY! I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and my friend ordered the poor mans skillet w/ eggs over medium. I would have to say that the food portions are ginormous and it was really yummy! The only downside was the service. The coffee was refilled a few times but water was not refilled once the entire hour we were there. We definitely felt rushed by our waitress, but I can understand since the wait is so long. Price was $10 pp including tip. The hostess will not seat you unless your entire party is present. All in all a great dining experience. Just fill up our water! =)
(4)Janeen W.
Tempo Cafe is aiight. I remember when it was across the street and it current location was a horrible mexican spot. It's on the Gold Coast so it stays busy busy busy. The last time I went the waitress was kinda rude. The food is very fresh but a little bland in my opinion. The can do better with those hash browns!
(2)Bert F.
What a great recommendation for a birthday brunch. Tempo is nestled a few blocks away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave, among lots of high rises, and luxury car dealerships (etc). On a Sunday morning late in the Fall the wait was a moderate 25 minutes. There's not much room to wait inside, but it's not bad at all given decent weather. We had a pretty diverse sampling of the food: a mushroom and swiss omelette, morning glory french toast, and the poor man's skillet. Our order came with unlimited coffee refills and a good helping of sesame seed toast with delicious marmalade. On top of all that, the staff was nothing but friendly and attentive. They comprised a very diverse set of personalities too. I would - no will - go back many times!
(5)Maryann M.
The food is tasty. Servings are huge. I personally don't like how everything comes in one pan and the potatoes are under my omelet, but whatever, I can deal. The biggest complaint I have about the food is that the toast does not come buttered, so that by the time the toast makes it to your table, without butter, its no longer super hot so the butter doesn't spread very easily. That being said, the food should get 4 stars. And breakfast is my favorite meal. However, it is ALWAYS crowded. I get it, it is located in the middle of tourist central. And the tables do turn over fast... Which brings me to the other thing I absolutely hate. The tables are TINY.... and for breakfast, you definitely need more space.
(3)Skyler J.
californication feeling with tons of beautiful people. The food is good and the staff hands our full helping in every way possible to insure you walk out with a smile.
(5)Ke M.
24hr diner that serves breakfast all the time. Good sized menu and great service. The entrees come with a side and soup and bread. It's cash only but there's an atm in front. A great place for a quick bite any time of day!
(4)Meghan M.
Quite possibly the best part of my Saturday night was the 4 AM banana-nut pancakes I had here. There was a line out the door here, and I can see why - the food was actually DAMN good. From the skillets to the french toast to my friend's perfectly poached egg (and alternately great and entertaining company from surrounding tables) I am a huge fan of Tempo. Quick service, great food and lovely, alcohol-soaking carbo choices...what more can you want?
(3)Emily D.
A Yelper recommended the chocolate chip pancakes, and I'm no anarchist so I ordered those fluffers. Deelish. Seriously, melt in my mouth so good, so fine, so glad you're mine. Good. I put butter and syrup on them in reasonable quantities and just shut up and ate. My girlfriend got a skillet, which seemed quite the thing to get. I wasn't feeling savory though I did want to reach over and snap some ham bits out from under her nose. *Overcome with regret* I'll go back, for the CC Cakes. Exclusively and intimately. Possibly alone. In the back corner booth. Leave me be. p.s. Service was great, though the waitress was continually disappointed by my not wanting more coffee. I kindly explained I had four cups at home. Oh the secret lives we lead.
(4)George K.
This is a upscale Greek diner, They serve a lot of everything , breakfast is their specialty, omelets and potatoes in a cast iron skillet, pancakes and waffles piled high. The tables are close together and the table tops are crowded before the waitress brings anything. The food is what you would expect, good, filling and quick. It is our favorite spot to fill up before heading out onto Michigan Ave shopping on a Sat or Sunday morning. Bring CASH, its the only way to pay.
(4)Joe P.
I'm a big breakfast guy so I was glad to find this place. The French toast was awesome! Great styling, outdoor seating and no more expensive than the typical pancake house.
(4)Rose S.
never fails, AMAZING food and service! This place is a gold mine, at any hour of the day. There is nothing that isn't good on the menu, amazing omelets, pancakes, fries, whatever it is, you'll love it.
(5)Jay N.
Solid. One of my favorite places for bfst in Chicago. Cash only so come ready. Portions are large, staff is friendly, and the coffee is good. If it's nice sit outside. Great people watching. This is essentially an upscale diner.
(4)Paul J.
Nothing says Chicago, like hanging out late night in the middle of the big skyscrapers for good food after partying. In a bustling district of downtown Chicago, Tempo is in a perfect spot. This place was very nice. The space is not very large but what it does have is ambiance and great service. Walked in the door and a seat just opened up when we walked in-winning! The wait staff quickly cleans off table and preps for the next crew or couple to arrive---A huge lesson other late night spots should use. The food was very delicious! The service was excellent considering this place was packed. I will definitely be back here again! It's that good!
(5)O B.
typical diner style breakfast, wonderful fruit plate, great omlets, nice coffee. price is about what you would expect to pay for a downtown cafe. huge portions. still would prefer salt and pepper over this but nice to stop in every once and a while when your having a girls day downtown
(4)Amy J.
Four stars for being a 24 hour diner that is normal! Went here after a late night and we were all completely happy with everything: Service was good, food was good... My only complaint and the reason for a loss of a star: they only take cash. I really have a hard time understanding why ANYWHERE only takes cash anymore, let alone a sit down restaurant. Either way if you're in the area (and have cash) I recommend it. Everything was very very good.
(4)Eric M.
My wife and I grabbed breakfast at Tempo after a great November weekend in Chicago. We had just a couple hours before we had to take off for O'Hare, and yelped Tempo, which was close to the hotel. The place is obviously very popular, and there was a throng of hopefuls outside waiting. Fortunately, the sidewalk was warm with sun, and it was a pleasant wait. After a shorter-than-expected wait, the hostess seated us in a comfortable booth. The waitress was perfectly welcoming, and balanced service and our privacy just the right way. I couldn't decide what type of pancakes to get (there are numerous choices), and she said "I'll surprise you." Again, perfect. Food was very good, atmosphere was superb, and overall the experience was great. One of my favorite breakfast places!!!
(5)bianca r.
The food is nooot that good but its opened 24 h and the service is great. I recommend the sanduiches with turkey and the waffles.The orange juice is also 100% natural!!! Sat-Sun mornings are really busy after 9 and you have to wait at least 20 minutes to have a seat. I dont mind waitng though... :)
(4)Jesse B.
by 2k9 you'd expect every place in the US to accept credit card, but Tempo still doesn't. That's OK though, because its worth using their old school ghetto ATM for the excellent Omelette Pan! The rest of the stuff is pretty mediocre but Tempo is the ultimate late night food spot in Chicago, and you can be as drunk as you want and still feel comfortable here (they're used to it) I like Tempo although I don't go often. Don't forget, make sure to get the Omlette pan otherwise you will probably be disappointed with the mid-level food. Service: C+ Food: B- Overall: B- (late night in Chi doesn't offer much. . . . )
(3)Kista W.
Best brunch in the city. Best omlettes. Out of this world waffles. Delicious pancakes. There is always a wait, which is annoying and they only take cash, which is annoying as well. The breakfast gets 5 stars and I would give it 10 stars if I could. I think the dinners are blah. I had some type of sandwich here once, and I was very disappointed and assumed it would rock my world like the breakfast does. You HAVE to try Tempo. Makes a perfect brunch spot before shopping Mich. ave. One of my favorite Tempo memories is a 4:30 PM omlette dinner on a Sunday during the holidays. Snow started lightly falling and my boyfriend and I headed to Bloomingdale's for some Christmas shopping. My parents also HAVE to go to Tempo during every Chicago visit. It's their favorite breakfast place in the country, and they LOVE breakfast!
(5)Renee L.
Tempo for sure is best visited at 3am on the way back home from wherever one has been boozing it up all night. The food it good. The portion size is nice for especially for breakfast drunk food. I usually get something of the greek egg omelette variety. Never disappoints, always hits the spot! One time, we were sitting near a window and a vagrant guy was staring at us through the window for quite a while and madly and animatedly scribbling on a piece of paper. I can't remember if it was him that came in the place or if he accosted us outside but he presented us with what was a really nice sketch of us at our table...extremely strange. I think one of my friends bought it actually.
(3)G Z.
THIS PLACE IS AWFUL!!! Just another lame greek joint, claiming to specialize in everything, but in reality only specializes in poor quality food and dining. AVOID!!
(1)Steve B.
The Tempo Cafe is a cool 24-hour diner in downtown Chicago. The menu is large and varied. We usually go there for breakfast, which can be huge and quite delicious. Last week my wife and I went to Tempo for a late night dinner. She ordered Liver which came out on a huge plate: she said it was very good. I ordered the old-fashioned open-face roast beef sandwich covered in gravy. It wasnt anything special, and I kinda regretted the choice. Having said that, the Tempo Cafe is a regular favorite of ours, and we wl certainly return.
(4)Amanda S.
whenever friends come to visit and they want good brunch, that means "tempo" in my book. i've been coming here for years, and the staff is practically my second family. when my mother goes without me, they ask how i am. when i go without my mother, they ask how she is. that's how it's always been. my mother always gripes about the fact that dc doesn't *do* omelets, and it's true..no one does omelets the way chicago does. fluffy goodness the size of your head WITH hashbrowns AND toast is standard. at tempo, you can have it your way, literally. prefer egg whites? done. don't want those taters? they're gone. want it cooked in pam? not a problem. and it's fast. the greek toast you should have with your omelet are literally slices of heaven. the juice is made in-house and is fresh as can be. on my most recent visit with a friend, she asked for the banana nut buckwheat pancakes. i was skeptical, but it was another win. so impressive. it certainly gets packed during the weekend, but with good reason. you won't be disappointed. also, please note that it is CASH ONLY, but they have an in-house atm.
(4)K R.
I only went there once, so mine is a limited opinion. BLECH! I ordered a hot turkey sandwich. No flavor. The gravy was the color of - ya know that 1960's "flesh" color from the Crayola box? Couldn't eat it. Nope Don't get me started on the gravy texture Walk north to the Original Pancake House (Bellvue) Oh the bacon! Walk north to Whiskey (Rush) - Fabulous breakfast! Both have a sidewalk cafe in the summer
(1)Kathy G.
I ate here with a friend this past Sunday morning. They had a long line but it want rather quickly. Once we went inside noticed the tables were quite close to each other, which I didn't care for, but we were luckily they sat us at a booth. We both had a poor man's skillet and it was fantastic. We were looking for hearty breakfast to get through the day and we got it. We weren't hungry again till later that night. It was very busy but I our waitress was very attentive. I didn't even notice that they didn't accept credit cards. I oddly had cash on me otherwise that would have been an issue.
(4)Marlon A.
I've eaten a lot of eggwhite omelets and this place has the best eggwhite omelets anywhere. So amazingly fluffy it's almost like a soufflé. It's clean tasting. Not a hint of greasiness.There's nothing quite like it. I make it a point to come here every time I'm in Chicago. I wish they'd open up a branch in NYC!
(5)Asinia A.
When I am in town, I only eat breakfast here. Greek toast is so good I love all the scrambles Bacon is just ok but i dont mind because I usually ordering an omelet and lots of coffee to fight the hangover of the night before :)
(4)Dusty W.
Tempo is really a place everyone should experience at least once. When you enter, you are greeted with a wall of Polaroids, featuring a multitude of mid-'90s celebrities eating at Tempo. Also there is the last ATM machine in Chicago that runs on dial-up. Tempo is cash only, so be prepared to use this historical piece of equipment. The food is incredibly good, and if you order anything with eggs, you will get plenty of them. The Michigan Omelet (eggs, apples, cheese) is surprisingly great, but the Hobo Skillet is what makes this place one of my absolute favorites at four in the morning. There are no free refills though.
(4)Jennifer B.
You know those restaurants where it's just an all-round frustrating experience? Those restaurants where the servers are aloof and unaccomodating, the kitchen is slow, the food is boring, the place is dirty, and you are just waiting for the experience to be over? That's Tempo Cafe. I've been quite a few times but this previous experience will surely be my last. Incredibly rude service (and we live in Chicago...we have a high tolerance for rudeness), a complete lack of caring, rude managers, and a dirty environment. I would say every experience at Tempo is unique, but the night we were there it looked like every table was having the same issues we were. If you are looking for a breakfast spot in the Gold Coast, try 3rd Coast on Burton, Feast on Delaware, hell even Cheesecake Factory. You'll be happier you stayed away from Tempo.
(2)John R.
Great value for breakfast. Enjoyed the Poor Man's Skillet...more than I expected. I would go back.
(4)Ryan B.
The rating description says it perfectly: "Meh. I've experienced better." When we walked out, we were both left disappointed. "Well, that wasn't too exciting." It was a solid meal though. Gf had the Denver omelet and I had the Morning Glory with French toast. Gf's looked okay, mine was a standard order of french toast with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries simply sitting on top. It really bugged me about the "NO FREE REFILLS" listed above the beverages. It wasn't really enforced with our $1.95 cup of coffee, but still, worrying about how much coffee I have vs. how much meal left put added stress on an already shaky experience. Cash only + nice service + nice dining room + okay food + coffee stress = I won't be back.
(2)Jeff N.
Depending on the time of year, Tempo could eke out 4 starts from me, or only 3. The food at this 24-hour diner is consistently good. If it's a beautiful day, sitting on the sidewalk seating enhances the Tempo experience. Sitting inside evokes another response; a tired, worn out restaurant too lazy to keep the furnishings clean, fresh and up to date. Yesterday I treated myself to 'The Continental', a plate full of chicken livers/onions/green peppers, accompanied by a fluffy 3-egg omelet, hash browns and greek toast. For $9.75 it is a a meal that fill you up and keep you there! Always good is the orange marmalade. I had the freshly made chocolate milk, too.
(3)Char Y.
We came for breakfast & had french toast. Pretty standard dinner fare.
(3)Unity O.
I do not like skinny fries, I love big fat fries, you know the kind that make you feel like you are eating a potato. For that reason alone, I give Tempo 5 stars--they have delicious fries! They also have fantastic hours--they are open like all the time. So, if you been out for an evening of revelry & need some food--stop by, they will be open. Their food is pretty decent--it is above diner quality and the give you alot of it. The portions are huge which is nice since it can be a little pricey. The ambiance inside is casual--I do like the neutral tones of the decor. They have outside seating which a huge plus. I do not recommend going for brunch on the weekend--simply because you will be waiting a long frigging time to get seated--it is very popular.
(5)Lyn B.
This place is your typical diner. The food is okay- the eggs tend to be dried out, but it's always open so is very reliable and convenient from that standpoint! The wait staff is friendly- another plus.
(3)Anthony S.
After a night of boozing over at Soundbar or Vision I tend to head here since it's so close and one of the few places open. Make sure you get to this place just before all the clubs let out otherwise you're going to be stuck in a really long line. Also stick to the sweet stuff here i.e. waffles, pancakes, etc. Beware of the omelets, ask for no jalapeños unless you like your taste buds burnt out (this is coming from someone who loves spicy food). Go with the simple stuff here and you'll only be regretting what you drank last night and not what you ate. P.S. Be sure to have cash left over when you visit this place, they do not take credit cards or you can pay an extra $2.00 and use their in-house ATM.
(3)Ron C.
I had a friend bring me breakfast cause I had to finish some work. I just wanted something light cause we had a heave dinner the night before. The assorted fruits and cottage cheese sounded good. I like fruit and I like cottage cheese. Win Win!. When I saw the food I was surprised to see that it was only sliced strawberries, a slice of cantaloupe and melon. The strawberries were sweet, but the melons weren't. At least the cottage cheese was good. I need to try an omelette next time!
(3)Kerry M.
Tempo is your typical diner. The servers are friendly, the food is decent, and it's one of those random menu's with everything from meatloaf to turkey sandwiches to pancakes. Everything I've had has been pretty good. I probably wouldn't seek it out for a meal, it's average in quality, but above average in quantity. It's always packed in the mornings, but afternoons and evenings seem to be pretty tame. They have a nice outdoor area as well. Oh, and it's a cash only establishment. They have an ATM inside the door, but, it's nice to know ahead of time so as not to incur the ridic atm fees.
(3)Mansoor K.
very very medicore at best. Very Basic, I perfer Yolk, west egg, bongo room to this place. They have no refills on soda for being a run of the mill place. Go somewhere else Dennys is much better.
(1)Carol S.
Stopped while shopping--big mistake. The worst blt I have ever had. All lettuce one slice of bacon. Will never go back.
(1)Diana C.
A little past midnight, I came here with two friends and proceeded to pig out. I wanted fries, but then saw they had BLTs on the menu... The waitress told me I should order the BLT Club because it comes with fries and soup. I really didn't need that much food, but it would have cost the same as ordering a regular BLT and fries. The sandwich was stuffed full of crisp, cool iceberg lettuce, a little bit of salty bacon, and barely any tomato, but it was the most refreshing BLT I've had in a while. The fries were fat, crispy steak fries. The vegetable barley soup was pretty bad--dense and salty. My friends enjoyed their huge, fluffy omelets served on top of skillet potatoes. Although I won't be seeking out Tempo for a late night meal anytime soon, I think it's worth stopping by when you're starving and craving salt and grease, and a comfortable late-night setting.
(3)Sam K.
Food was decent, though the service needs improvement. They were friendly, but very spacey. When our server sat us down there was money on the table - a tip from the last diners. I pointed it out to her, and she responded "oh, that belongs to the other waitress. I'll just leave it there, if you don't mind." That cash remained at our table the entire time we were there. It's sort of uncomfortable to have someone else's cash lying there while you're eating. My friend and I each got coffee - she had an omelette, and I had the morning special, which was simply French toast with fruit on top. A plus for not giving me preserves - fresh BLUEBERRIES (score), fresh ripe strawberries, and fresh banana. And no, they didn't put more banana than anything else just because it's cheaper. The french toast was perfect. My friend got this huge cheesy omelette that she thought was great. We definitely wanted more food - I was still hungry (my dish had only four half slices of bread) and my friend wanted something fresh after all that protein and cheese but the server seemed pretty anxious to get us out of there, even though it wasn't crowded. She left our check on the table five minutes after we got our food. I told her "Actually, we'd like to order more food." She responded "Really?" and smiled. We nodded, but she left without taking the check back. We figured she was off getting our menus. After ten minutes, she came back and asked us if were were ready to pay. Um, all righty then. The bill came to almost $30, and we paid with a $50 bill. She came back with our change: a $20 bill and a $1 bill. Since we didn't really want to tip her $20, we had to ask her again for change, and she seemed slightly annoyed (!?). She came back with two $10 bills. Um. Well, thirty three percent it is, then. We didn't really feel like pushing it further, since we were in a hurry at this point (since we were planning to stop somewher else for food after leaving Tempo) and the server looked confused, not bitchy. Good food though.
(3)Zach R.
Large quantities of food at competitive prices. Omelettes (served in a skillet over potatoes) are outstanding. Waffles are delicious. It can get crowded in a hurry, so plan accordingly. They accept cash and only cash, but there is an ATM in the entryway. Not much elbow room with the tables packed so close together. Hotel concierges in the area seem to refer most of their guests to Tempo if they're looking for a diner.
(5)Dean K.
I've eaten here many times at all different times of day and night and I've only ever had breakfast - can't get away from it. I usually get the skillet breakfast and it never disappoints. But they charge for refills of Coke. I'm not sure I've ever even heard of that.
(4)Sara F.
I started coming to Tempo for brunch waaaay back in 2005...back when I was new to the city, and would go with a group of 8 who'd all get varying forms of the same egg white omelette. As I grew up, I began to recognize that (gasp!) there were other places in the city that served eggs for a reasonable price, and even some who didn't serve food that came in a puddle at the bottom of the dish. That said... Tempo makes a mean, fluffy, made to order omelette. That's about the only reason to come here...and for the life of me, I can't understand why oh why people line up on the street for 45 minutes on the weekends for it. But, the diner atmosphere is casual, the food is served in HUGE portions, and it's pretty solid overall. Well, minus the inevitable stomach ache you're going to have about 2 hours later...
(3)Dan G.
The omletts were awesome. My wife got the blueberry French toast and loved it as well. It was like stepping back 20 years to cash-only restaurants. I highly recommend it!
(5)Gen J.
Nice food, nice service ! I want to back in ny next trip to chicago!!!
(5)Ashique M.
The only thing I ever get here is the waffle...at 9 am 9 pm or 4 am...it always tastes great!!!
(5)Mona R.
We were in Chicago for a wedding recently and were recommended to Tempo by a local foodie friend of mine. It did not disappoint! Our group of 8 got in the back of a long line waiting to eat here on a Sunday morning. We gave our name to the hostess and were seated within about 15 minutes. We ate outside on the patio so I didn't see the interior, but the patio has seating for about 40 people. Once we ordered, our food came quickly and coffee was refilled frequently. Portions are HUGE! I had the Poor Mans Veggie Skillet which was cooked/served in an 8" skillet! I couldn't even finish half of it. The toast served was a nice home baked bread with sesame seeds on the crust and nice, thick slices. The waffles with bananas and pecans was awesome, as was the corned beef hash with eggs. Juices are fresh-squeezed. Overall a great breakfast spot....would definitely recommend!
(4)Rachel W.
Oh wow. One could easily be overwhelmed with the deliciousness going on with the breakfest items on this menu. I knew the portions were going to be large enough to share, but we still wanted to try multiple things, so everyone got their own meail. Artichoke omelet = awesome. I love artichokes so it couldn't really have gone wrong. We also split one of the waffles covered in fruit as a "desert." It was the perfect finish to brunch. We ate at 11, and I was barely hungry for dinner at 6:30. And yes, they have great iced tea. But no unlimited refills? really? They've clearly never seen me and my iced tea. Knocked down to 4 stars.
(4)Y C.
What's up with "cash only"? I was not impressed with their sandwiches or Greek salad. We went for lunch once and dinner once while we were in Chicago. But they did have good breakfast food and their yogurt was excellent. So, mixed on this one.
(3)Len W.
Totally didn't expect this place in this neighborhood. Great outdoor space, but the menu of a neighborhood 24-hour diner (patty melts, spaghetti, fried fish, etc.). Food wasn't bad, coffee pretty good, service was nice. I had the beef barley soup, but it seemed to be more of a tomato soup base. Had a chicken sandwich with bacon and avocado, which was pretty mediocre. I think they're open 24 hours. They don't take credit cards or checks.
(3)Gabriel L.
Great 24 hour option. Quality of breakfast food exceeds lunch/dinner. The breakfast skillets are great, albeit heavy. The omelets are good, but the emphasis is on quantity versus quality of ingredients (probably could spit one between two people and still walk away full). If you are looking for a late night option or a decent, traditional breakfast place look no further.
(3)John I.
It was fun eating breakfast here with the bustling atmosphere and all. Loved the skillet omelette. I've noticed other reviews griping about this or that. Word to the wise: Just come here for breakfast. At least that is what I heard they do best before visiting. Too bad some of the other people didn't have that intel. Oh well, better luck next time.
(4)Nico M.
Since I work third shift I rarely eat breakfast in the morning. I usually just come home, shower and crash. My cousin invited me to breakfast today before we went shopping. So Though I was tired I figured why not go and get some breakfast for a change. My cousin suggested Tempo Cafe. I thought for a second? Oh yea Tempo, I didn't even know it was a cafe. I would just see the sign whenever I would ride by but never paid any attention. I met him at 10am and he had made it there before me. I walked in and the woman, ok I may get dissed on for this, but the woman at the counter, honestly looked like Charo. I was looking for my cousin and then she popped in my face. and ..my first thought was..Charo? ...Ok, progressing. We ordered, He got Pancakes with a peeled large phallic banana...ook yes bananas are phallic, but we both just thought it was random.lol a peeled banana just sitting atop the pancakes..plus a side of sausage. I got an eggwhite "Gold COast Omelette which is onions,mushrooms tomatos & spinach I added mozzerella, wheat toast & cranberry juice. Everything, was great! I loved that they had the eggwhite option. The Omelette was huge! and it had potatoes under it. I loved it. Very huge portion and very filling. ...Came to 35 bucks with tip. I enjoyed it, though we sat at a booth and i felt that the seat was too far away from the table i waz like sittin on the edge of the seat. But i dont care i really liked the friendly service, the speed of service, and the delicious food. I definately recommend!
(4)laela l.
We came here initially because they still had power the morning of Snowpocalypse (when the city shut down basically). Our car got stuck on the street that morning in West Town, so we walked 10 minutes so our friend (who is lucky enough to have covered parking) get us. Basically the whole street between the Gold Coast and West Town was dead....no power, no people, something out of a 1984-Brave New World ordeal. Most businesses were closed and we were dying of hunger since we had no power. This place was open and completely jam-packed. We were in civilization! Despite the long wait, the food was excellent and worth it. The eggs in the skillet were super-fluffy and the french toast wasn't terribly sweet (I hate sugary things for breakfast). Completely stuffed. Thank goodness the power came back on.
(4)Dain H.
Service is decent. I eat here on occasion when I happen to be visiting particular friends in the area that like this place so I've been here multiple times and will likely return multiple times. To me its just a run-of-the-mill greasy spoon that used to be a bit better a few years ago. They stopped making real fruit smoothies and went with some pre-mix crap. There omelettes were great but how many omelettes do you want to eat in life when there is so much more out there? I'm over the omelettes. A variety of their menu items are decent. There servers are also just okay. Not enthused or particularly helpful but not overtly rude. All in all a pretty blah place but good enough to return to.
(3)Gwynne R.
The two times I have been here, I have been highly intoxicated. And, as most things are when I'm in that condition, it was great! After clubbing downtown at Funk and/or Level all night, this is a good establishment to obtain greasy food in order to soak up the liquor in your stomach. Two of my friends and I came here in the wee hours of the morning, probably 5 or 6AM, in an incomprehensible state. Fortunately, the staff seems to be experienced in dealing with drunken debauchery, so were were seated quickly and without incident. The food was good as hell! I had some eggs, hash browns and sausage--yummy. I also had a bite of my friend's eggs benedict and it was THE BOMB!!!!!! I wanted to max her meal and mine. Sadly, she wouldn't let me. I was too drunk to notice how fast or slow the service was. However, considering how packed it was in there, we seemed to get our food pretty fast. Good drunk eatery. Maybe sometime I'll try it during the day!
(4)Scott L.
Great omelets. The potatoes are also a hit. We loved the service, atmosphere and the prices. It's open 24 hours. One note: CASH ONLY.
(4)Shannon B.
Tempo, home of the worlds best chocolate chip pancakes. Every once in a while I get a real jones for stuff and it rocks. Not too much chocolate, not too little. PMS Heaven. I have always had pretty good experiences with the food, never a bad meal. The place is usually packed for breakfast, so late morning is a good time to go. Of course, they are 24 hours- which is great. You have the drunk party kids some nights, but since there aren't many alternatives...you deal with it. Here is the breakdown: * Wait staff: Busy and informal, but never rude * Drink Menu: I don't think they have booze, good coffee * Menu: American and Breakfast 24/7 * Parking: Good luck. I'm sure it is do-able, but not worth it. The 36 runs past it and its not far from the Red Line (Chicago).
(3)Crystal L.
I use to frequent Tempo Cafe for my breakfast needs. There are quite a few selections for light breakfast choices. I usually came here when I felt the need to start watching my weight because many of the items on their breakfast menu come with cottage cheese, tuna, and/or fresh fruits. I once ordered the French Dip. Not such a good idea at a cafe. This is a good place for healthy choices. Also, just a tip Tempo Cafe does not accept credit cards so bring cash.
(3)Double L.
We actually came here a few years ago while visiting Chicago and were looking for something to eat late night close to our hotel on Michigan Ave., this review is based on that experience. To me this spot is the perfect late night dinning experience. No frills quick eats to stave off the hang over. Probably could serve as a convenient breakfast spot too if you are in the area but I don't think I would go out of my way to check it out. I forget what we ordered but it was decent late night food. It was pretty crowded but the line for a table moved quickly. The service was adequate for a turn and burn establishment and pretty good for a late night spot. It is a bit of scene at 3.30 am but what place isn't. Tempo if you have the tiempo. RrL
(3)Dave H.
When I first starting working in the Gold Coast area, one of the first places my co-workers took me to was Tempo. I thought of being able to get breakfast food any time of the day sounded like a good idea so I was in. This place is a stubborn diner that works perfectly against the potentially pretentious people of the gold coast. It's cash only and there may be a wait during lunchtime, but some nights the line is out the door for people looking to close out there evening with a breakfast skillet. The food can be greasy so don't expect anything healthy, but if you are looking to get some tasty diner or breakfast food give them a try.
(4)Regan A.
There once was a girl who was wasted Vodka and cran was all she tasted She stumbled upon Tempo Cafe And had nothing to say except, "glaaaah huh wurr am bleeegggh" Weekend nights usually consist of inebriated, halter-topped, eyeliner heavy, and dance-floor sweaty globs of drunken messes slumped over in the booths. I know because I've been one of them. Thus continues my love-hate relationship with this cafe. When I'm sober, I want to knock those obnoxious drunks sitting beside me up the head. When I'm drunk, Tempo Cafe is a haven to my post-midnight munchies. Their waffle fries and deluxe burgers have saved my trembling tummy more than once. So here is 1 star for being open 24 hours. 1 star for the servers who deal with hammered hoodlums like me. And another star for having somewhat decent diner food.
(3)Ashley M.
Yum-mazing breakfast!! I ate here for an early dinner after getting out of work. I was starving and wasn't sure what I was hungry for. So a family type restaurant seemed like a good idea since they usually have a good variety. They had a huge selection of breakfast foods. Probably more breakfast items than anything else. I love greek omelets and can't think about anything else when I see one on a menu. So naturally, that's what I ordered. It came with hash browns and this amazing greek toast. I couldn't believe how big the omelet was when it came to the table, served in a skillet. After the waitress walked away I noticed she didn't bring my hash browns. I dug into the omelet and noticed that a mountain of hash browns were buried under the eggs. Probably a common confusion. Everything was delicious, all the ingredients in my omelet were disbursed perfectly and there were tons of big chunks of feta. I can't wait to go back again at actual breakfast/brunch time.
(4)Jenny z.
Bless this oddly located Gold Coast diner -having gone to grad school in this neighborhood, this place was a godsend. Just try getting a decent meal when you're living on student loans in this hood that isn't McDonald's, go on, I dare you. It seems like most places that don't require reservations in this neighborhood have been closed down, most likely, due to my detested alma mater owning every square inch of real estate in this neighborhood - thanks a bunch, Loyola. Nicer than most diners, but a diner nonetheless. Cheap and yummy breakfast with well prepared eggs and great hash browns, really friendly servers, good sandwiches and salads, generous (huge) specials, tasty soups. When I was feeling really rich, I'd get the open faced turkey sandwich, they make it right at this joint. An extra point for letting me sit, chain smoke, and study for hours without giving me the bum rush. Thanks, Tempo, I needed that.
(4)Jeff P.
Can't ever say anything bad about breakfast. Any late breakfast/brunch at Tempo is very good. Service was reasonable and food tasty. My only gripe is getting charged for refills on a coke.When I asked why this policy, the waitress said the owner said it was 'Coke's' policy. Dammit! Burn my toast! Send out the eggs scrambled instead of over easy! But don't blow smoke up my.....nose. If the owner needs to charge for refills to keep profits up, tell me. Don't blame it on some guy in Atlanta who has never heard of Tempo Cafe. I will go back... just not anytime soon.
(3)Jojo F.
Yay, Tempo. I started replicating the famed Jamaican omelet at home(egg whites, walnuts, honey and 'nanners). This place rocks. Be sure to request the homemade orange marmalade...it's blissful. Good for after long races.
(4)Tina S.
On my most recent visit to Chitown, this awesome brunch spot was recommended to us. I am not a breakfast person, but damn I enjoyed every calorie. I ordered the banana pancakes - 3 huge discs of yummy banana pancakes topped with walnuts and cinnamon a la grecque. YUMMMMMMMM. I also ordered a side of bacon which was disappointingly burnt to a crisp and a little overpriced. Freshly squeezed oj:)) My friend's homefries were DELICIOUS. She loved her Greek omelette ( I did not try it since I hate eggs). The place was spacious and full of locals - cops, EMTs, postmen, tourists, you name it. It was packed and consistently had a wait. Our waitress was awesome as well. Pay at the register - cash only. Can't wait to visit again.
(5)Vivian L.
I hear this place is a 24 hour joint but we went in the morning for breakfast. I loved it! It had that mom and pop feel to it, the prices weren't that bad, and I had a really good crispy waffle topped with fresh fruit here. That was yummy! The coffee was also good. We also got a skillet with eggs, hash browns, and bacon. The skillet was ok. But it was worth coming here for the waffle and all that fresh fruit. They only take cash though so bring some. It's Zagat rated, too!
(4)Janette L.
One star for food that did not make me sick the next day and another for being a place where I seem to run into old friends (unfortunately I am always looking a mess). For cheaper better diner food I recommend Hollywood Grill in WP. I really don't go out in the Gold Coast too much and really don't think I would venture out here for a sober post 5 am breakfast. Nothing I have had here draws me back.
(2)Aimee C.
Tempo, not the quickest of service, not the best of it.. but what I love is the fact that's it's just around the corner, and as everyone waits for tables, I typically grab the paper, squeeze past them and sit alone at the little bar by the kitchen.. It's just a wonderful place to grab a quick bite when you're a rush and want to get on the move to shop... The skillets are just so cool... their homemade marmalade... the bread.. all of it.. coffee could be better, but what can y ou expect from a diner/cafe... Enjoy with friends and family on a quick day.. i would love to know what the scene looked like on a mid day, as I'm typically at work.. but breakfast all day is always down in my book.
(3)Andrea C.
4.5 stars only because they have the very best waffles ever!!!! Just moved here from CA, and when we visited Chicago in May we ate here twice only because it was pratically across the street from our hotel. The first time was in the middle of the night at like 1am when it was dead. They serve typical dinner food nothing special. We decided to go there again a couple mornings later for breakfast. The wait is a little ridiculous I must say, but after trying their beautiful waffles it is damn worth it. I hate breakfast, it is my least favorite meal and I don't even like waffles. But TEMPO's is the best. The batter is lightly sweetened, fluffy, and gently dusted with powder sugar. You can eat it without syrup. You will definately find me here again and I am taking all my guests here for breakfast despite the wait.
(4)Sara P.
I went to Tempo today for brunch with a friend post- workout. Luckily, we got there late enough (around 130p) that our wait was only 10 minutes, if even that. The food here is okay. I did love that I could get an egg white omelet with Pam spray instead of butter. The potatoes on the bottom of the skillet were quite a bit burned though :( Wait staff was pretty lousy- I asked for a straw 3 seperate times, and the waitress kept forgetting- she even put a bunch in her apron and still forgot to give it to me. I live around the corner, but for the money, would rather go to 3rd Coast on a weekend morning.
(2)Lauren D.
I would only recommend going to Tempo Cafe if all the other brunch places nearby (including Einsteins) are out of food. I find their breakfast food to be average even though their omelets are quite large and they also have smoothies on the menu that aren't so much smoothies.
(2)Pamela B.
Tempo is the best place to go after a night out at the bars. Its also a great place to take a laptop and hang out, study, or in one example for me, stay up ALL night writing a script with a group for a 48 Hour Film Festival competition last fall. The servers are friendly, and the food and coffee is good. It's cozy, comfortable, inviting, ALWAYS open! Try the skillet omelets...they're amazing! But be warned, they are HUGE. It's perfect for sharing with someone else.
(5)Alison C.
Amazing, amazing omelets! Tempo has a lovely outdoor cafe allowing for people watching along one of Chicago's busiest shopping areas. The indoor restaurant is large and spacious. The waitresses are all very sweet. The menu is large and essentially a diner menu. They are especially known for their omelets which come in a round skillet over delicious grilled potato slices. The omelets are massive and fluffy. However, you can salvage your heart and waistline by ordering it made with Pam instead of butter...They even point this out on the menu, which is perfect for the jet-setters that plan on hitting the trendy boutiques after brunch. I ordered the Michigan omelet made from egg whites, which contained an unusual combination of apple and cheddar cheese. It was delicious, but could have had more seasoning. The potatoes underneath were especially crispy and good. There was also a side of what they referred to as "Greek toast", which was a thick slice of white bread with sesame seeds. This came with butter and jam. Other menu offerings included sandwiches, salads, etc.
(4)Regina S.
There is nothing like a patty melt for breakfast. I don't know why in my corner of the world we don't have more places where you can get lunch for breakfast. Sometimes, after a night of festivities you want to start the day with a greasy carb overload that doesn't involve eggs and bacon. This place is good in a pinch. It's open 24/7 so it may be a great choice at 4:00 AM when your palate may not be too demanding. I had one of the breakfast skillets on the first go around and it was just OK. The potential was great - potatoes, cheese, veggies, and scrambled eggs all in a cast iron pan. The potato layer was under seasoned and the proportion was too great as compared to the other ingredients. Cheese was spotty, as were the vegetables. Depending on the line cook, you might score a better preparation. Second time around, I wasn't taking any chances with breakfast. The melt was good - juicy patty, melted, gooey cheese, caramelized onions, and nicely buttered and griddled rye bread. The super hot and crisp steak fries made the perfect partner. It filled the tank and brought a smile of contentment. Fine dining? No. But choose right and you will leave happy.
(3)Kara P.
For chicago breakfast options avoid this place. Food is poor quality. Butter is a form if processed margarine Pancakes and toast has zero flavor. All food here is cheap and low quality. So bad I now have to get another meal as this one left me still hungry. Service is terrible. Waited 20 minutes for a coffee refill. The staff is clearly illegal aliens . Bad place bad food bad quailty bad service bad bad bad
(2)Evan S.
Love this place. Super fast, friendly staff, and lots of food!!! Pretty inexpensive. Emma was very lovely.
(5)Kevin D.
Love it here. Great diner food and atmosphere. Open 24 hours - cash only - breakfast served any time. I've tried a couple sandwiches and salads and they were not amazing but pretty darn good for an inexpensive diner. Great people watching at night... gets busy when the clubs and bars let out.
(4)Food M.
great food, ok coffee but the bathrooms were horrible...... If its like that with the space you can see, what is it like behind the kitchen?
(2)Whitney W.
Can't deny that the food is good here! 24 hours, and you may or may not see a celebrity there if you're lucky lol. Good price on the food, hardly ever any waiting time, and I think they take cards now for payment?
(4)Peter D.
Tempo cafe serves a much needed late night option when the bars close and you need to eat before you crash. its open all night and is similar in menu to Denny's. the food is not great but its ok so no complaints. That it was right next to the hotel was even better. i pretty much stayed with the club sandwich. No complaints and service was ok. Peter
(3)Mohammed A.
Found a dead fly on the burger
(1)Dominique M.
I called to order food from Tempo Cafe while on a business trip-just now actually, and was treated to the absolute rudest, most condescending, most abrasive individual I have probably ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I asked a basic question about the menu after explaining that the website was down and that their carryout menu was therefore unavailable to me. I was snapped at and told that it was my responsibility to get ahold of a menu-which I had obviously already attempted to do. I asked what kind of fare they had available (ie American, Chinese, Burgers, Steaks...basic info). I did not ask for a layout of the menu, but only what kind of fare they served. The woman who answered my call could've easily said we serve classic American fare and I could've told her what I wanted to order right then and there. Instead, I was called honey and sweetie and a number of other condescending terms and berated for possibly having had the nerve to call and ask what kind of fare the restaurant served as their website was down. This place could have the best food on the face of the planet and I would avoid it in favor of McDonald's. I expect to be treated with respect if not kindness when I call a business to ask a polite and totally answerable question. I will be calling to speak with the manager tomorrow. Note: The woman who answered my call took probably thirty seconds to speak with me about how horrible it was that I called. She might've been better served to use that time to simply say we have American Fare.
(1)John G.
The food was good and proper and the scene was a riot at 2am. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars because that's what it deserves.
(3)S. J.
Our hotel was right next door so our family chose this restaurant for its proximity (our kids were hungry and we needed to get down to museum campus). It was a Monday morning and it was pretty crowded which seemed like a good sign. I wanted to get one of the skillets (others had it and it looked popular). The menu is like your typical American Greek cafe. The food is good but nothing spectacular. They actually have fresh squeezed juice on the menu (basic Apple, carrot, celery) but it's fresh squeezed. Serving sizes are big. My husband got a grilled chicken sand which and it came with a bowl of fresh soup and side of fries. One of my reasons for 3 stars was place was a little dirty and our server miscalculated our check and over charged by almost $4. When I pointed this out I did not like how the issue was handled. Be careful and double check you check and add it up with calculator on your phone so you don't get improperly charged!
(3)Haley F.
I have eaten brunch here a few times and have never been disappointed with my meal. While this may not be the best place for breakfast in Chicago, it is definitely not a bad one. I enjoy getting the skillets because the portions are large and I'm actually full after eating them, unlike some breakfast places that leave me wanting more. I think eating outside on a nice day makes the experience a lot better because you are right in the heart of the bustling city atmosphere, only steps away from North Michigan Ave. I enjoy stopping here before a long day of shopping to get brunch with friends but I don't think I would make a trip all the way here just for the food.
(3)Mike G.
A locals only joint that runs a 24 hour service chow hall. The staff is friendly, the food is abundant if not to forget tasty. Give it a shot if you feel like waffles at the 3 in the oh my goodness it's early morning! or the damn we closed the bars down and forgot to eat bar crawl.
(3)Tita P.
Now if you know me YOU know that I truly love Breakfast. So, I was surprised when my friend who was in town visiting mentioned Tempo and I had not heard of it. Well I made my way down to Tempo and let me tell you if you want to sit on the patio be prepared to W A I T. So, we decided to eat inside. I love any place that serves regular ole breakfast and they serve it all day. So, I have no issues with the food. I do think that our server needed to WRITE down our order. I mean she forgot quite a few things that we said and I know that it is hip, as you young folks say, to memorize an order but if your memory is a little unstable WRITE it down!! With that said I will definitely go back but if I have that same server I will expect their to be some lapses in memory.
(3)Johanna E.
Best Brunch ive had in a while. Artimes Omelette and Buckwheat Waffle to share for 2! Outstanding! Staff is friendly and efficient.
(5)Diane C.
My friend and I visited Chicago for the first time (from Ottawa and Toronto, respectively) a couple of weekends ago. And what better way to start off our mini-adventure in the Windy City than with a good hearty breakfast? When we arrived around 10 a.m., the place was already busy and bustling. But we had no problems getting seated, and service was pretty good. We both ordered Scramblers - the sizes of which, I'm not sure either of us were prepared for - and hash browns. But the food was fantastic! Despite being so full that we actually skipped lunch, I have absolutely no complaints. Excellent restaurant.
(4)Dawn D.
An old school classic. Back in my 20s when I was dipping it low, kicking it at the club--Tempo's was the spot, you know to soak up the alcohol. So, it's only nostalgic when I find myself here again after a 20-something's birthday celebration, it was great. Now, I'm in my dirty-thirties I can't just eat whatever I want. But I will say the chicken noodle soup hit the spot.
(3)Montez G.
I go here cause the soup is $2.50 for a decent sized take-out bowl with crackers and bread. However, warning, warning, warning....you get what you pay for. The soup: plenty of chicken in the chicken noodle soup; but the broth is tasteless and without seasoning. I want recommend it to anyone else; but I do love bargains so I come with co-workers and we get it and sip on it in the office. Tempo seems to have a good breakfast thingy going on from a lot of the comments I read. Maybe they need to stop selling soup and leave it to the Soup Box. Do Recommend: the Soup Box, I have not Yelped it yet, but stay tuned, my YelpView coming soon. 2*s for now; until I have breakfast there or food on a late night out. Montez G. Yelp! that me.
(2)Andrew G.
Omelettes served in a DEEP PAN. THROW THE FLAG IN. Tempo is a GREAT breakfast place to stop by in Chicago that will fill even the HUNGRIEST of people in the AM. I consider myself a big breakfast easter, and an omelette-lover. At Tempo, i got my usual omelette (egg whites, cheese, onions, peppers) expecting the usual... WRONG. They bring out an omelette in a DEEP PAN. I couldn't believe my peepers. STILL....I thought this wasn't a problem, and it'd go down the hatch no worries. Worries surfaced. A few bites in, realizing I didn't even SCRATCH the surface of this beast, I KNEW I'd been defeated. It was delicious, it was hearty, it was huge. And all for a pretty damn good price! The OJ was among the best I've ever had -- fresh, pulpy, and seemed like it was just outta the damn fruit pre-coming out to our table. TEMPO'S THE SPOT FOR BREAKING YOUR FAST.
(4)Drew S.
Best Breakfast in Chicago. Open 24 hours, friendly staff, quick service and delicious food. Order the Poor Man's Skillet for breakfast or the turkey club for lunch. Classic diner feel with great service. No Nonsense.
(4)Jacob H.
Everyone I know says Tempo sucks unless it's 3am on Saturday and you're drunk. I tend to disagree. It's not assuming, it's not high-end, and it's not fantastic service. Tempo's got above-average food, reasonable prices, and massive portions! Tempo's got character, and the reuben sandwich is amazing. It lasts at least two meals for me. If you happen to stop in late at night/early morning on the weekends, it's packed, so be prepared to wait. Just getting take-out can be faster.
(5)Kashif A.
They use to be cash only but recently the policy has changed so yay to that :-) This use to be my go to place in my 20s when I was out late with friends. Sometimes you would see someone "semi famous". On a Friday or Saturday night (midnight - 2am) this place is packed and the service is generally poor. They want you in an out but on the bright side the food is consistent and they have a fresh juice bar. I went recently in there after an absence of at least 4-5 years and I must say its hasn't changed much from the tables, chairs decor and even the service.
(3)Benjamin S.
It was okay. They had a nice seating area outside, but I didn't think anything was particularly special. I ordered the huevos rancheros; they were okay but definitely nothing great, and I wouldn't order them again.
(2)Meghan B.
This was my go to spot in college, after a long night at the bars (or library)... Price point is right and the service is friendly and quick. Serving sizes are large, quality is MEH... typical cafe food. I'm not sure if I would ever go sober or during the day since I feel like there are much better options out there, but Tempo has always been there for me... So I will continue to be a patron. Even if it's only at night. Oh and they take cash only, if you haven't already gathered that from the other reviews.
(3)Kate L.
My boyfriend and I come here all the time, and we love Tempo Cafe! This is definitely the best 24 hour place around because the food is always delicious and levels above any other food you can find at 2 am. Based on the yelp reviews, the very first time we visited I got the cheddar cheese omelet that comes in a frying pan with hashbrowns underneath, and I haven't ever dared to branch out because it's sooo good! My boyfriend gets the "La Conga," which is basically a grilled cheese with bacon and tomato, but he gets it without tomato because we've had a couple of incidents where the tomatoes weren't exactly ripe. The la conga comes with fries and while they aren't super flavorful, I always end up eating them all. A couple of times the omelets have been extremely greasy to the point that I felt sick eating it, but that's only been at the late hours of the night on Sundays when they aren't as busy so i assume the chef just isn't as well versed? Just to be safe, we avoid going on Sundays now. We went for the first time during daylight hours just last week, and it's a much different crowd and pace, but the food is just as good! I appreciate consistency. During the day the sandwiches were served with soup, and my omelet came with a choice of bread or english muffin, which we found a little weird since we don't get that at night yet we're paying the same money. But either way, when it comes down to it, I absolutely love the skillet omelets at this place, and there is no where else i'd rather go when i'm hungry at 2 am. It's around $18 for the two of us, which isn't so bad for all the good food that you get, and as they are cash only, make sure you bring cash.
(4)Carol K.
Dinner? At Tempo? It never really occurred to me since this is one of my breakfast "go to" places when I am in the neighborhood. But on a recent Summer's night- I stopped in to grab a quick dinner with a friend. This place was packed even early on a Friday night (it always is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings and late night) But there was room outside and since it had begun to cool down- we decided that it was the better than waiting. The menu has a range of breakfast favorites, sandwiches and some Greek favorites like shish kabob. I decided that breakfast was just what I wanted so I ordered an omelet and my friend went with a burger. Loved that my omelet came in a skillet atop crusty potatoes. And if that is not enough starch- you also get two big pieces of Greek toast with jam and butter to spread. The food came up quickly and was eaten just as quickly. Our server was split between inside and out so there were longish gaps in service but that is to be expected given her table assignments. If you drive- there is a parking garage just east of the location on Chestnut - although it is a bit pricey (About $23 for a couple of hours). Better to find street parking as hard as that is sometimes. Tempo Cafe. A little bit of "go to" simplicity in a neighborhood known for anything but.
(4)Sandy G.
Came here 8/3/13. Had the Skillet with Bacon, turkey sausage and mushrooms. Asked for it to be cooked in Pam- it wasn't greasy at all! Came with hashbrowns which are large sliced pieces of potatoes that were cooked to perfection! Just like I like them. Not overly done at all. They were very accommodating and changed the tv channel to the cubs/dodgers game after we asked. Skillet was big but I was able to finish it all with my 5'4" 120 pound self! The Greek bread it came with was two thick slices of toast and the crust was coated with sesame seeds. It came with homemade orange marmalade. I would definitely return when I visit Chicago again! Oh, they also played good music!
(5)Yanyao N.
Sometimes I have to force myself to write unfavorable reviews. Typing out glowing 5-star ones are so easy, but 2-star ones are a little painful. Still, a meal at Tempo Cafe resulted in me being nauseous for an entire day. Hm... not so good. I had skimmed some reviews, suggested lunch there after a mad 3-hour morning study session, even bringing along cash. I was excited! An P. liked it and I generally trust his food choices. So when I order a hot roast beef sandwich with soup, I am hopeful! Even looking forward to my meal... What came out was not so good. The chicken rice soup tasted fine, but was this gloppy white thick cream stuff that sort of resembled Elmer's glue. I thought chicken rice was supposed to be broth-based? My fault for not asking I suppose, though if they had done this with chicken noodle, people might have thrown a fit. My sandwich was a mound of flavorless roast beef on top of some bread that basically disintegrated. The mashed potatoes were pathetic. Not remotely creamy - did they mix this stuff with water? Can we get some butter and cream in here please? Extra heavy peppering didn't help anything. I think maybe people who don't have their own teeth would like this food. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing and should have gone with breakfast instead. However, if you aren't going to do something well, then don't put it on the menu. Simple. Plus 1-star for friendly service.
(2)Kathleen O.
This is a great little diner and a fun place for lunch. I had to go with the club sandwich and it was very good and the fries were perfectly crispy! They have a cute outside area for when the weather is nice. The breakfast foods looked amazing and would like to come back for that sometime.
(3)Debbi N.
This is a special breakfast place and you can figure it out when it's 6 degrees outside and people are waiting to get in for a place that does not even take credit cards. The employees are lovely, friendly and attentive. The specialty is the pancakes, waffles and skillet meals. My son had the eggs benedict and seemed satisfied. I had an egg white omlette which is probably not the best choice, but it was still good. They serve it in a big skillet over potatoes. I really didn't care for the potatoes, and the omlette was just ok. The coffee was very good, and the fresh bread was very good. It's an absolute scene there on a weekend morning and with the people willing to stand in line and wait so long, I figured next time I would order one of the fattening specialties. They looked good. I am going back.
(3)Vincent C.
Excellent choice for a great breakfast. Service is very good. I really liked the bowl with a prune and orange slice. Plus the greek toast was very good.
(5)Daniel W.
The only place in Chicago for breakfast. Reminds me of New York style diners that are open 24hrs a day and have a full menu. For those that love omlettes, waffles or pancakes this is the place. No place better to cure your weekend hangover. Bring your cash because no credit cards are accepted. Prepare to wait and see everybody you know as the line just confirms this is the best breakfast place in town.
(5)Gfiddy F.
Totally there when you need it early in the AM.
(5)Wilt C.
An insomniacs dream. Stick to the basics (eggs/omelets/club sandwich) and you can't lose. Hit the place at about 4 am to get your day going.
(4)Matt C.
Don't even bother with this place. It's sub-par diner food at best. The service acts like they don't want you there at all. Also, they don't give you free refills on sodas. What in the crap is THAT about? So stupid.
(2)Parisa S.
everyone knows the food here sucks. i mean, straight-up rock bottom. however, it is THE gold coast 4am drunk food standby, and therefor, always a scene. and sometimes it can be fun, if with the right group of people after imbibing the right amount of alcohol. 1 star for the poor man's skillet, 1 star because I always cut the line and nobody seems to notice/care.
(2)Annie G.
I drank a boot of beer at Prost! and then stumbled into Tempo Cafe at 3am. And for that reason it deserves 5 stars. No questions about it.
(5)Elizabeth H.
The food here ROCKS! There will be a line, but it does go pretty quickly. I would recommend the belgian waffle with strawberries and bananas, YUM. Bonus: It's open 24 hours!
(5)Happiness L.
The food is really good...I had the yummy buck wheat waffle with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream....coffee is good and strong. I wish I knew the name of my waitress as she was very attentive and would request her table again...she has short brown hair. Minus one star as better busing service is needed to clear dishes more quickly and the bathroom sink does not have hot water and the trash can was over flowing. I did like the decor and the hostess was nice and friendly. Keep in mind this is a cash only place.
(4)Elizabeth C.
Lived a few blocks from Tempo for 12 years and any true Gold Coaster knows this is where you go...morning, noon or night. They have excellent omelets, french toast, sandwiches, etc... and the host & wait staff are always friendly & accommodating. I would kill to have a Tempo on the southside. To all the haters--stay in the suburbs or whatever state you came from.
(5)Emily H.
I heard this place had good breakfast, but I went there for lunch and it was terrible. There was a fly in my watery chicken noodle soup, and my reuben was tasteless. I sat outside on the patio, and it was extremely dirty. I live down the street from this place, but I will never go back again.
(1)lesley s.
I went back to Tempo after a day/night of many beers, and I realized I don't really like this place after all. The service was still fast but even after drinking all day my 1am meal did not hit the spot. I would have been better off at McDonald's down the street.
(2)Ambrosia C.
I had brunch here and it was very tasty! Pancakes with fruit and lots of coffee. Good times!
(4)Tiff B.
Tempo is the spot for post club dining. The food is pretty damn good and not too overpriced. Not the best food I've ever had by any stretch, but hell at 4 a.m. who cares? Plus, I always meet interesting equally intoxicated people there.
(4)David V.
What I like about this place is that you can get an egg white omelet made with PAM instead of butter. I observed many plates passing by me on their way to other customers and, I have to say, each and every dish looked mouth-watering. The meals ARE a bit pricey, but I only go here once a year (to start my St. Patty's Day bar hopping), and the meal provides the necessary base needed for a day of drinking and carousing!
(4)Jinna H.
The food is decent, but the service isn't. Who the heck doesn't take credit cards? How strange. They were fixing a ceiling tile on one end so everyone had to cram on one side. We (my date and I) sat uncomfortably close to a pair of dudefriends having large omlettes. The pancakes were decent, though the strawberries on top of them were great. But those cut up strawberries shouldn't be considered to make strawberry pancakes at all! It's just a nice garnish. Anyway, I probably would have had more fun at IHOP. Go if you're drunk, because it seemed a perfect place for that.
(2)Paul C.
This was a place I would wind up at after a night of law school induced drinking. Because of that, I can't even imagine what this place is like during the day, or sober. However, as a late night stop before you pass out, Tempo is pretty darn good. The food is affordable, eggs, french toast--you name it. Stop off at Tempo and you should be able to reduce your hangover woes by 20-36%.
(4)Garrett D.
Come here quiet a bit for breakfast or lunch. Good food and service always, have good corn beef hash and omlets. Greek toast is also a plus!
(4)Heidi K.
Best corned beef hash ever! Thick Greek toast, frothy fresh squeezed OJ (you can hear them squeezing it after you order!) and friendly servers. Big portions for the $$ and I always leave happily full (and sad to be done!). Definitely get there early...but the wait is worth it if not!
(5)Mark B.
I LOVE TEMPO! everything i've tried on tempo's menu is GREAT! understandable higher prices due to them being open 24 hrs and serving their entire menu all day. great food. service is ok but i love the setting in this fabulously located diner. 4 stars only because they don't accept CC's.
(4)Loan L.
If you plan on coming here for Sunday brunch, be prepared to wait in a very long line. Every time i went there i always got the mushroom and swiss omelet and have never been disappointed. The portions are gargantuan and you never leave hungry. I have yet to find a place like this that serves the fluffiest omelet, the freshest homefries and very large Greek toast. Bring cash because that is the only thing they accept.
(4)Jelly C.
Cute place but mediocre food. Mommy and me tried this place out before going on our little shopping excursion. It was nicely packed for a Wednesday morning. I ordered a cup of fresh OJ and Mom had a cup of coffee. Since I've seen the chicken liver and eggs dish at a lot of breakfast places, I thought I'd finally give it a try. Mom ordered the Morning glory waffle (fresh strawberries, bananas, and blueberries on a waffle). I was very disappointed with my dish. I was under the impression that the liver was going to be scrambled in with the eggs but it was a pile of liver and a pile of scrambled eggs. The liver was ok, too heavy for a breakfast/brunch dish in my opinion, but the eggs and hashbrowns were yucky. They tasted like they were simmered in butter! Anyways, it was probably my fault that I didn't like the dish. I probably should've asked my waitress more questions, but she did say "We have very good liver here." The waffle was good and the fruit was very fresh but my mom and I both agree that it doesn't compare to the waffles at Original Pancake House in Hyde Park... I think I would come back again and give their omelets a try. My waitress says that they're quite popular there. I think they throw it in the oven to bake a bit (like OPH)....
(3)Chris S.
If ever there was "see and be seen" breakfast place, I guess this is it. Wait in line for a table with all the other beautiful people and see if you can spot Billy Corgan or a Cusak or 2. Far too long of a wait and prices too high to justify that wait. This is a diner and it is no better than your favorite diner, it's just in a more upscale setting probably. If you're in the area and anticipate being hungry in an hour or so, this might fit the bill. Otherwise, it ain't worth it.
(2)Helena D.
when you're punch drunk wasted or have been out a long time and are semi-sober but you have the mad alcoholic munchies and are in the Gold Coast, this is where you go. It's also where you go if apparently you are an older man with a girl 3x younger and you want a little 15-minute exercise in the bathroom...which is like the size of 2 handicap bathrooms put together. We witnessed this at 3 am one Saturday morning. Amusing to watch the late night owls, the wasted, and the prom kids while demolishing a mess of eggs and hash browns. Beware of the dirty silverware and food-encrusted bread plates, which might lurk...and the sticky menus. The older broads who serve your table are no-nonsense and are sticklers for cash, so make sure you have mad money pinned to the inside lining of your pants ... else be prepared to pay the ATM ransom fee with their private machine located by the bathroom....it may just be worth it to see how long the old man and chick are hobnobbing in the rest area. Come morning, you may throw up or have an awful stomach ache like my friend who always without fail feels sick after eating at Tempo. Me, I can handle the grease, the salt, and the characters at this joint - it's just another night out in the Viagra Triangle.
(3)Mark R.
Bleah. Not impressed. The outside looked nice, but as soon as we got inside ... it's just a diner, folks. Server had a strong accent that was difficult to understand. Crowded, but we're not sure why. The food was marginal at best - I have had better food at Denny's. We ordered chicken breast sandwiches (one with avo, bacon and cheese). The fries were overcooked (and looking at other orders of fries going past our table, it seemed this was not a problem with just our order). The chicken breasts were overcooked and dry ... and the sandwiches were served "dry" ... we had to ask for condiments (e.g. mayo). Basically, this was the worst meal we ate in Chicago on our 3 day trip. Can't understand why this place keeps on getting high ratings.
(1)Sarah F.
Tempo is quite possibly one of the most classic (and tasty!) diners in the city. They have EVERYTHING on the menu, but in my opinion, the breakfasts here top all. I have had several of the omlettes (the greek is awesome) and just the other day tried the pancakes. Those are fan-freaking-tastic! I had the banana-nut buckwheat pancakes and ....wow!!! Delicious and banana-y gooey. The BEST! Whether you are actually there eating breakfast during breakfast hours, or are in from wandering the streets after bar-hours, food never fails to taste good here. Service is friendly and efficient, and it's open 24 hours. Watch out for the lines though on Sat/Sun mornings...killer.
(4)Rob G.
Great fresh food and friendly staff. Great breakfast spot. I'll be coming back again soon.
(4)Julie P.
Tempo is my favorite place to go after a long night of drinking...they are open 24 hours!! There is usually a line, but it's worth the wait...I love their Michigan omelet (apples and cheese), on top of crispy hash browns. They also do egg white omelets cooked in Pam instead of butter, so you can justify a late night meal here! The staff and service is so-so, but when I'm drunk and hungry and with a group of people, Tempo is where you'll find me.
(4)Erin B.
I actually came here after our Yelp Exhale Spa event. I was STARVIN for something to eat. Jeana N. and I came in here for a quick dinner. I had the turkey burger that was quite yummy, and she had the grilled cheese, completed with a slice of tomato on it. YUM! The french fries were pretty good too. Three stars because service was rather slow, and there was no one in there. I heard that breakfast is supposed to be awesome here...
(3)justin d.
ohhh Tempo Cafe you are overpriced for the quality, but again i eat you at least once a week. Close to home and the only place open 24 hours in the Gold Coast friends and I often venture here for some late night grub. Omelettes are pretty substantial and the orange marmalade is to die for. The waitresses can be snooty at times but hey you can expect that in the Gold Coast i see it as a trend at many of the restaurants. They only take cash ughhh!
(4)Olivia P.
I have only been here for breakfast twice, and it was decent both times. The omelettes are HUGE and are served in a skillet. I wasn't able to finish my meal both times. I liked their omelette's slightly better than Yolk's. I'd say that it's the type of food you'd expect from the local diner. Our waitress was friendly and I have no complaints about the service. Not a place I'm going to write a rave review about...but it's decent. If I could give a half star, I'd make this a 3 1/2.
(3)Mel M.
This is one of my favorite places to get cheap fast breakfast. The omelettes are delicious and HUGE.
(4)a w.
I think this place is at its best during breakfast. They have amazing food and even more amazing fresh juices. But the waits are terrible...last time we waited for 40 minutes (but of course we wanted to sit outside!). But I think the wait is definitely worth the food and the great seating and service!
(4)Martha Z.
I have not been to tempo in years unfortunately, but that won't stop me from writing this review. I love the fact that this place is open 24 hours a day. It's the perfect alternative to the greasy spoon places that are usually the only option in the middle of the night. I'm always torn between the omelets and Belgian waffles. There is definitely something for everybody here.
(4)Alexandria G.
Save your self the waste of time and patience. This place has bad service, long lines, and a pricey breakfast tab. My cousin's friend took me here on my Birthday. I swear we could not get a table or a decent waitress. Finally we got a table by the door and people kept staring at us and our food while they waited in line. this place packs the tables on the floor. It is impossible to have a conversation it is so noisy. Please do not waste your $$$ here.
(1)Meredith F.
Went here for a meeting with my bosses, Andrea and Elizabeth :), and had a great brunch. I've decided I could pretty much live on breakfast food, and I wouldn't mind if Tempo made it all. I had pancakes with fruit, caught glances of omelettes in frying pans and the french toast, and all looked good. My coffee was tasty enough, and the waitress was personable and helpful. We went during the day on a weekday, so the wait was no problem.
(4)Jared L.
Great place to get some breakfast, great omelets. For it's location, reasonably priced. However, you may have to wait if you go there for Sunday brunch. In the winter, that's not cool.
(5)Eddie O.
Hands down the best place for breakfast in this city. I'd suggest going on off times because of the wait, but if you do have to wait it's probably worth it. I've also found that the food comes out pretty quickly once you are sitting down. The waffles are my favorite- and they taste especially good at 4 am.
(4)Edward H.
What a nice place to grab some late night/early morning grub! Parking usually isn't a problem late and the client turnover is good. Seating availability around 2 or 3AM didn't seem to be too bad and there was minimal wait for food as well. The potatoes in my skillet was a bit on the bland side but the cheese and the 3 eggs over easy done just right helped keep it on the up and up. I heard good things about their omelettes and will probably come back for a re-evaluation.
(3)Kristen D.
This place is open 24 hours and has a very nice seating area outside. It however, can become very crowded, and the food isn't worth the wait (unless that is, that nothing else is open at that time of day). It's relatively reasonably priced, but on the high end of that. All that being said, I have some friends that are obsessed with coming here. It makes a nice place to study when it's not too busy and you need your continuous coffee drip.
(3)Robyn W.
I love breakfast food. For any meal. And who doesn't love it at 5 AM after a night of drinking, where it becomes that gray area between dinner and breakfast (I don't normally eat breakfast before I go to sleep, although I will sometimes eat cereal for dinner). So, I reluctantly go to this place at 5 am on a Sunday, really wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. But I am SO glad I went. It was, hands down, THE best omelette I've ever had. Perhaps I'm used to inferior omelettes - Long Island diner food. But this incredibly fluffy and tasty omeletted, served in the pan, served over (joy of all joys) home-fried potatoes (a WONDERFUL surprise), and filled with just the right amount of Swiss cheese (I've learned there IS a thing as too much cheese), large, well-constructed and so delish that I even took half of it home, reheated it when I got up 5 hours later and had it for breakfast-breakfast. And it was almost as delicious as the first go-round. The only thing that tainted my visit was the dumbass who was acting as though his 98-lb girlfriend was really "holding him back" from cleaning some guy's clock, pushed her out of his way as he glared all the way as he strutted out the door, and she stepped squarely on the top of my foot right above my second and middle toes with her 5-inch heels. This was two weeks ago and I still have the bruise. How is that Tempo's fault? It's not. But I could not give 5 stars to a place when my dining experience was clearly tainted by the throbbing pain in my head, superseded only by the pain in my foot, and the service may have sucked and I wouldn't have noticed. Or the bill could have been expensive except I didn't pay. Or, they could have moved a little faster so I didn't have to stand in line for so long by the door where said idiot made his grand exit. I just don't know. So, 4 stars it is.
(4)Andrea L.
I finally had the chance to have brunch at Tempo today, and I was glad I did. Even on a busy Sunday morning at 11:45, we only waited 15 minutes for a table. The service was quick and the food was very good. I enjoyed my banana pancakes-they were huge, fluffy, and full of bananas. My parents both had some sort of skillet dish with eggs, potatoes, veggies, and cheese that they enjoyed. We will definitely go back!
(4)Jess S.
I was too busy passing out at the table to enjoy my skillet, but I think it was good. Damn those GnT's!
(3)Abigail D.
overpriced and gross. thats all i gotta say.
(1)John M.
Here is a hint- Go to Tempo at around 5pm on a weeknight. There is no wait. The crowd is chill and laid-back. I have enjoyed many a succulent evening-time breakfast while reading my fantasy literature at Tempo, and in my opinion this is when the service is best. I always tip the waitress just over 20% because she is always ON it. Highlights for me include the Continental (I love liver) and the Asparagus and Cheddar omelette. I don't think you can go wrong with any omelette or skillet here, and they ALWAYS keep the coffee coming. Overall Excellent.
(4)S to the izzo F.
What no After hours... I'm hungry, lets get some food.. where? Tempo! The food is OK, but it's open when I need it..... 4am to 6 am. Actually that is the only time I have ever eaten there. It's better than Micky D's breakfast, Plus some times a burger with avocado tastes real good at 5:30 in the morning. I always bump into some friends at this time too. We swap stories from the evening and laugh at the really drunk people. My boys, sometimes, score with the girls who seem to have had a bad night and are happy to see guys in a more casual and lighted location.. The night is never over till you hit that pillow!!! I'd give it 5 stars for being open 24 hours and dealing with that early morning, actually, late late night crowd!
(4)Julie H.
Such a mob scene, the wait is ridic! But its a killer breakfast, especially when you're hungover.
(4)Avin B.
I was in Chicago for a bachelor party so we went here late night Fri/Sat night, just because it was open late. Despite a long line, they sat us quickly. The 8 of us who at there each night unanimously agreed: the food sucked. Even late at night. It gets 2 stars just for being open late and feeding us. We tried a wide variety of things from breakfast items (skillet, french toast) to others (sandwiches, etc) and top to bottom, the food was very unsatisfying. However, people must like it as it was packed and we had a Chicago Bulls star sitting next to us.
(2)Kristen F.
How can you not love Tempo? I've been there many, many times. This past time I had the chocolate chip pancakes which is full of chocolate. Had I not already had a drink, milk would have been good. Expect a wait on the weekends but the hostess has been doing this for years and had perfected her job, trust her, she knows what she's doing, you'll get seated eventually. The turnover is pretty quick so it's not long once you sit down to order, get your food and get out. The inside is pretty packed so it gets fairly crowded. I knocked over and broke a water glass once (oops!) it's that crowded with tables and chairs!
(4)Kira L.
I really like Tempo but sometimes I just can't deal with the crowds. The food is great though so I usually try to rally up the girls to head there during an off time- like 2:30 or so on the weekends. That has worked well with the wait- you only have to wait about 10 minutes then. Get the omlettes- I love the egg white with mozarrella- yum!
(4)Sean D.
Great selection of breakfast platters served in skillets, always open, great place to come for a bite to eat after clubbing. Love it, we need one like that in the West Loop. Crowded yes, especially late nights but what do you expect, not many places are open late at night and decently priced.
(4)Geoff M.
If you've resigned yourself to an interminable wait for brunch on a weekend do yourself a favor and go to a real brunch place. While fairly tasty (especially after a long night out) the food is nothing to write home about and not particularly creative either. Sure, there's something to be said for doing the basics and doing them well, but Lou Mitchell's can claim that with free donut holes to boot. An added deterrent is the price, which is unusually high for a predominantly breakfast place. Their lunch/dinner fare is passable. There are some high points. A late-night eatery is tough to find in the Gold Coast and Tempo fills in admirably. They serve a delicious marmalade with their toast that everyone should try. Lastly, although the after-hours crowds can be as large as the ones on Sunday mornings, at least you have a chance of a B-list celebrity sighting. I'll keep coming when everywhere else is closed but will pass during daylight.
(3)elizabeth n.
Tempo Cafe is a great place to go for brunch or lunch if you aren't worried about waiting. They do have a long wait at times, but once you are in, they move you along quickly. The food is great though so it makes up for whatever time you have to wait to get in. I usually do breakfast foods and they have the most amazing french toast which is my favorite, and lots of great omlette choices as well. If you go at off times it shouldn't be too bad of a wait but it's worth it!
(4)H K.
Breakfest: The Best place for BREAKFAST hands down, if your looking for a family style place. Can't beat the Price. Staff is super nice!
(4)Jake A.
It's good, but I've spent too much of my life in line at Tempo waiting for a decent breakfast. The wait is usually more than an hour, but the service is pretty fast once you are finally seated. I tend to stick with their breakfast items- omelette's, pancakes, and french toast. I've never had anything off their regular lunch menu, but I've been told the salads are good as well. I suggest Tempo expands or opens another location to fit us all in!
(4)Ali C.
good cafe style food. my chicken sandwich was great! it was filled with tons of avocado and the chicken was grilled to perfection.. the thick cut fries were hot and delicious! i also got a chicken rice soup with my meal and it was actually good. i was tempted to try one of their omelets because they serve them in a frying pan! they only take cash here which is the only bummer especially being a tourist and never carrying any cash on me. i like the fact that they are open 24 hours! a great pit stop for drunken club goers..
(4)Emily T.
Tempo is amazing. It is our go-to breakfast spot whenever friends are in town. There is a wait, but that always lets you know that you are at a good place. Dont forget to bring cash with you- they do not accept credit cards ect. The best thing on the menu is the poor mans skillet! The waiters are nice and the vibe is good- you have to check out tempo!
(5)A.S. V.
I waited for about 30 minutes on a busy Saturday, which isn't too bad. What looks like a humble little Greek coffee shop actually offers some of the best breakfasts downtown. It had more than 25 omelets to choose from, and they didn't have that heavy greasy taste associated with old school diners like this. The french toast and pancakes (yes we pig out for brunch) offered less creative options, but were very good.
(4)Rasmei P.
oh man! i shuffled in here around 2 or 3am on friday and we were seated right away. all i can recall right now is a humungous Belgian waffle in my face, perfectly cooked golden crisp brown topped with strawberries. it was so good! oh, and served with a tasty pan of fluffy scrambled eggs. yum! you bet i was happy!
(4)L B.
Very disappointing. First, we decided to sit inside since there was construction going on across the street from the outside seating. With about a third of the restaurant empty, the hostess sat us next to a table with very loud, unsupervised children. We asked to go back outside and decided to endure the noise. To make a long story short, my pancakes came out well before the side order of bacon and my husband's skillet was bland but a generous portion. To be fair, the restaurant did offer to have us back to make up for this meal after our hotel called them to discuss our visit. Our trip will be too short to do this but it was a nice offer. Check on the construction if you decide to try it.
(2)William L.
Pretty solid breakfast place if you're downtown for shopping, shows, or snooty-pooking. We went on a Saturday morning and it was packed by 8:45 but there was only about a 10 minute wait. The service was pretty fast and the portions were hearty. Poor man's skillet was my choice and I'd definitely get it again, although maybe with Greek toast next time. The strawberry waffle looked great too, but how do you screw up a waffle? I agree with Andrew T., try the orange marmalade. Cash only and you can't sit until your entire party is there, so plan accordingly.
(3)Andrew T.
What more can I say about breakfast? I think this place deserves some consideration for its location and pretty friendly service - coffee while you wait - but when you get right down to it, it's just breakfast. This was the morning stop before half of the AMC Oscars marathon, and it worked just fine. My Poor Man's Skillet was pretty good - lots of ham, lots of good cheese, lots of peppers. About as good as that sort of thing gets. And their orange marmalade, which is apparently made in house, is very subtle and mild. Really good, and I'm not a huge marmalade fan. I'd like to try some lunch stuff - they had some good looking Greek dishes on the specials board. Service was very fast and friendly, as I mentioned. Our check for four seemed to be a little big high, but it is in a pretty popular location, so I can forgive that. I can see this place being mobbed late at night, since it's a 24 hour joint...
(3)Ben B.
Tempo Cafe isn't really much more than a Denny's. Bright lighting, an around-the-clock breakfast menu and drunk customers. I had the chicken breast sandwich, which was supposed to have been marinated in something. I'm guessing they just marinated the chicken in lukewarm water because it tasted like nothing. Disappointing. And it wouldn't have killed them to have toasted the bun. But my fries were good. Big, thick steak fries. Service was also attentive. And I had an orange cream smoothie that was delightful. This shouldn't be your first resort for food, but as a stop-gap emergency place, it might do the trick. Warning: They only take cash.
(3)Thomas P.
Whenever I am in Chicago THIS is the place to go for breakfast or any other meal. They are open 24 hours and the food and service is great. I have been a customer for over 15 years and I'll always go back. If you like steak and eggs-try their version it's fantastic.
(5)Barbara S.
Fabulous omelets. Service was slow but sitting with friends made it tolerable. Must have cash. If going on Sunday morning try 10:00, much later is more difficult.
(4)Paul F.
Come here hungry
(4)Denise B.
I hear Tempo Cafe is popular with the locals who live in the area, and after dining here I can understand why! If you want your yummy, classic, tasty homestyle brunch and lunch treats, Tempo is a perfect place to eat! Although the menu does feature a lot of old favorites, they also have a lot of twists on old favorites. Service was quick and done with a smile, and I was VERY happy with my food. it was great! best of all, there was no wait for a table at all! I guess that's the advantage of going over lunch on a weekday. Cash $$$s only, so bring some crisp bills!
(4)Cory C.
Wonderful place to have brunch. Wait can be a bit long but it moves quickly. It is a pretty loud place. Prices are very reasonable compared to portion size.
(3)Adrienne K.
YUMMM!! Perfect place for breakfast!! Delicious eggs, bacon, waffles, smoothies, coffee...the works!! Fantastic!! NOTE: CASH ONLY !! ATM inside, but extremely large service charge
(5)Keith C.
I have never been Tempo sober. If I am still somehow alive on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning after partying until 5, then my friends and I usually hit this place up. Tempo is open 24 hours and is serves one of the best breakfast in the area. Their omelets are enormous and I love their Greek omelet. Whenever I show up there (usually around 5:30 am or 6 am) the place is packed and you will have to wait for a table. I guess all the drunk people go here too. You have to pay with cash and the service can be really slow sometimes but that's because they are completely packed. You'll also see a couple rowdy tables because everyone is usually hammered at this time. My group being one of those rowdy tables so just get used to it because the food here is awesome. Maybe one day I'll try this place sober and update my review.
(4)Danyelle K.
The waitress recommended the Poor Man's Skillet and it was fantastic. The hash brown potatoes were very crispy and yet not burned. The Greek toast was browned to perfection. And the best part - the coffee! Tempo is an upscale diner that I'll visit again when I'm in town.
(4)Matthew M.
Very very very good food. Their eggs are great and excellent chocolate chip pancakes. Service could be 10-15 min wait. If your food takes more time than excepted, they might give you a complementary free drink.
(4)Sam I.
Service is ok, sometimes they can be rude if you go at 4 am. We went that early after a night race, totally sober. However, the waitress was not the nicest and it was hard for her to understand my order of 1 egg over easy,1 piece of wheat toast and potatoes. Everyone was happy with their food though.
(3)Nick M.
I'm a breakfast for dinner kind of guy. I don't know what kind of guy that makes me. Oh, wait an AWESOME guy (giving you the "Fonzie point"). Pants and I worked up an appetite after watching others leap and jump through the air (Contemp. dance festival). Yep, that's how we roll. Lucky for us it wasn't busy and there was plenty of tables on the patio for a nice sunny day. There really isn't much to say about the place, decor is plain and the service is ok, nothing really special but... the food is solid. It's not fancy and it's more then likely to put some meat on your bones. The servings are HUGE! I didn't have to eat for the rest of the weekend. They have all of your standard breakfast items so it's not hard to find something you like. I went with the Poor Man's Skillet -A skillet full of hash browns, bacon, green pepper, onion, first topped with melted American, Mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs. Good lord I was struggling to finish and didn't. Pants decided to be crazy and go with the Jamaican- 3 Egg Omelettes with banana, walnut, honey. That shit was good, I almost stole it and yes we both said that it was so good it was "Jamaican me crazy". Like I said solid and a big meal. Also, bring cash, no credit allowed.
(4)Mike P.
Had a meeting downtown that lasted a little longer than I had anticipated and wanted brunch (versus lunch) somewhere close to where I was (Rush and Peterson area) that wasn't too pricey. Came upon this place thanks to Foursquare and decided to check it out. I saw the place and wanted to see if they had a menu outside...woman comes up and asked if she could help me. Said I was looking for a table for one. Even though the place was crowded there were still a few tables here and there so got seated right away. Ordered what they call a scrambler which in actuality was a skillet with scrambled eggs....was tasty and not too many potatoes. Also got my choice of ingredients in the scrambler so I opted for Canadian Bacon, mushrooms, and American Cheese. Oh yea got an English Muffin with it (no extra charge...yay!) All in all a good place....will definitely go here again as the food is good and plentiful.
(5)Fred C.
Would I be bale to go two and a half stars I would. Tempo's big value for me is that it is open 24x7 and I live two blocks away. It is ubiquitous - when Kate and I want some place to go, grab a late-night breakfast, and get some work done it fits the bill. The food is average and overpriced compared to my other River North breakfast spots (Eggsperence, Orange, Yolk) - every item is $10 and worth maybe $6. Also, unless you are drinking water or coffee be prepared to pay for refills. The coffee is not great, in many ways this is the first sin of breakfast spots. The staff is generally friendly and moderately attentive. And the service is nearly always quick. The only other annoyance is they take only cash. INCONVENIENT. All in all if it is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and you are in the Gold Coast in want of breakfast after 10 pm this is the spot for you. If you are looking for a go-to spot for a fab breakfast/brunch... keep looking you will find better.
(2)Sally R.
I've eaten here a couple of times. I'd say the food is ok, but nothing to write home about. The service is just ok.
(2)Terra V.
Wowza, this place doesn't mess around with their skillets. My husband looked Tempo Cafe up on Yelp while we were visiting Chicago. I can't remember what skillet I got, all I know is that I couldn't eat it all, and they gave me the option to have it cooked with Pam to save a little bit of calories (seriously, I'm ordering a giant skillet of eggs and has browns, why did I think this would help me?) Anyway, my skillet was delicious and my husband was a big fan of his as well. He also got some orange juice that I wish I would have ordered because it was fresh squeezed. Great place.
(4)Mahsa T.
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to stop in at Tempo for breakfast. Not only are they affordable, but they have fabulous food and great service. The restaurant itself is small and they do get busy so expect a wait, but tables turn over pretty quickly. We arrived around 11 am, were greeted warmly by the hostess, quoted 15 minutes for a table and seated within that time frame if not quicker. Our waitress was friendly, thoughtful, and on top of things, I wish I remembered her name. She checked in on us often and got every little thing we asked for and even offered to get us things we didn't ask for. I ordered the Poor Man's Skillet with ham, green peppers, hash browns, layers of cheese, and 3 eggs any style--it was fantastic! Portions are huge too so you can easily order one skillet and share. We also shared a short stack of pancakes (3 very large pancakes) that were mouth-wateringly delicious. I highly recommend the fresh-squeezed orange juice and I would get the large size because the small size is too small (looks like a shot glass). I love that they top off your coffee even though it says no refills on the menu. Our food came out literally a few minutes after we ordered. I'm extremely impressed and surprised by how efficiently this restaurant is run. They're open 24 hours, 7 days a week. I haven't had a breakfast this satisfying in a long time, I came out absolutely stuffed and very happy to have found my new breakfast spot!
(4)Stacy F.
Tempo Cafe had a really nice patio area for those nice spring/summer/fall days. Service was alright, not very attentive. Food was tasty. One thing to remember: CASH ONLY.
(3)Tania G.
Ok, i have been here before couple of times and went on one night after a black tight event .We sat done the table in a busy night ,just to realize my whole dress was covered in oil and whatever else was around the table .The table looked clean on the top except not around the edges .(half ass job done ). So i was upset and try to tell them and they called on the GM,.So when she came in she try to blame it all an me ,she called me i was annoying customer ,she took my food away from my table and told me she will call the police on me . No need for that, i couldn't believe,i was treated like this . This is a big red flag for place like this .Now ,not that i was upset over my expensive dress i was upset over how bad they treated me .I try to talk to the owner but he kept ignoring my calls ,,i have nothing else to do but to call the business bureau on them . This is not how you treat a customer ! Lack of professionalism can ruin fool reputation .Zero stars and only good place for drunk people that they can not see they surroundings .
(1)Arly J.
Great diner for breakfast. We had delicious skillet omellettes and eggs benedict. All meals came with an orange and prunes for the table. we were a group of six and the waitress was very accomadating when one of us was on a diet and exchange the omelette that had potatoes. Food was all fresh and plentiful. Quick , fast service.
(4)M G.
This place is great for a quick bite if there isn't a long wait. (usually occurs around breakfast on the weekends). Good service and You get a lot of food for a good price. I recommend sharing breakfast plates because its a lot for one person. They are also great with kids. Provide balloons for them. Only downside is that they take CASH only. Food is still good tho.
(5)DJ C.
Wow! This place has a great vibe and the ambiance is amazing. The location is great. I must reccomend the morning glory waffles which were fantastic! The smoothie was tremendous. However, my associate had the wuevos rancheros and was far from satisfied. Despite that minor setback, we also enjoyed the huge omlets which were finger lickin good. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)Rits M.
Tempo is great. They have delish food, and I got the scrambled egg and illy coffee for my cousin, which she deemed good. I personally really liked my eggs, the portions were generous. The only problem was they dont accept credit cards, which I think is a bummer
(3)Lindsey D.
This is a breakfast for a man about to go work a ten hour shift on the farm. It comes in a skillet for Pete's sake! And not a small skillet either. This spot is classic diner food but with tasty options. I've been here now a couple times over the years and Tempe never seems to let me down. On my most recent visit, we got lucky with cold and rainy weather in the middle of the week which meant that Tempe wasn't very crowded and we actually got a seat without waiting. We first tried the banana pancakes as our appetizer followed by a skillet omelet. Yes, I said a skillet. I got the egg white omelet with ham, cheese, spinach and mushrooms. It was large and definitely in charge. The omelet rests on a bed of hash browns within the skillet. I ate and I ate and I ate and I ate...and guess what this skillet looked like when I was too stuffed to think? It looked like a little bird had poked a hole in it with its beak and took some little bites. It didn't even look like I had eaten anything! PS - every bite was delicious. The only downfall is that more often than not, there is a line out the door to eat at Tempo. But hey, that's the price you pay for a delicious breakfast to start your day!
(4)Ana Cristina P.
Every time I visit Chicago, I visit Tempo. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and at Tempo it's even more so! Everything on their menu is HUGE. Really. Bring a friend and share. The omelets fill up an entire skillet... I think they're made with a dozen eggs. At least it feels that way. They're always made with the crispest, freshest ingredients... And I had no idea I'd enjoy fruit in my omelet until I came here. They make it work. Their banana waffles are amazing. But maybe that's just because I'm a huge fan of bananas- I eat one everyday of my life... It's nice to have it sprinkled in belgian waffle mix at least one day a year! Their pancakes are pretty great too. There really isn't anything on their menu that isn't good, as far as I'm concerned. If you love breakfast food and you're in the Windy City, make time for a meal here. You won't regret it.
(4)Blair R.
Met a friend at Tempo for brunch this Sunday. Even though it is nearby, I don't go often. However, it is a good option if you are in the mood for a diner-style brunch. Chicago is majorly lacking in good diners, if you ask me. I am not a big omelette girl (I'm weird and don't like veggies in my eggs in the A.M.) but that seems to be the "go to" option. I went with the three eggs any style/scrambled and was a bit disappointed that they were more omelette-like than scrambled but I'd probably go back nonetheless. Important to note that this is cash only. Also the small orange juice is basically the size of a shot glass so make sure to go with the large.
(4)William S.
Rosa is the best waitress hands down
(5)Michael G.
Good food! Big Portions too. Ordered the veggie poor man skillet and you could definitely split it. Coming back for a late night meal-open 24 hours
(4)Bill J.
Best breakfast in the city if you like skillets. I can't say enough good things about the service either.
(5)Arian M.
I usually enjoy breakfast at Tempo...they are fast and food is tasty. Unfortunately, today was not a good day. Not sure if it was because we had a new server or it was busy, but not that busy. I asked for grapefruti juice and was told they don't serve grapefruti juice...hmmmmn really cause I usually order it and it's on the menu, front and center. Our server provided no explanation, but the bus boy stepped in and said, "Of course we serve, grapfefruti juice, but we don't have any in stock at the moment." I ordered an egg-white omelet with spinach,turkey sausage and tomatoe...it was quite tasty, but I noticed the eggs weren't very white. A girl's gotta watch her figure, if you know what I mean. I asked the serve if it was egg whites and she said, " It doesn't look like it, but htat's what I wrote down. Do you want me to take it back and make you a new one, no charge?" I said, " No, thank you...I'll eat this because I have to get back to work." I only ate half (again a girl's gotta watch her figure). Or server asked if I wanted to doggy bag the rest. I said no thank you. I only assumed that because she made an error that we would have received a small discount, let's say 20% off the bill. Unfortunaley not. It won't stop me from coming back, but I will say that I will definitely be visting other eateries more frequently.
(3)Tam H.
This is late night dining at its finest...Its not only the food that brings people together after the late night of partying and shindigs but is the atmosphere... First off, I love the omelets...I have pretty much eaten most of the omelets on the menu. Why? Because they truly understand how to make an omelet tasty and good late at night. Its nothing like eating somewhere at that time and the food is horrible. You already have had a hard night out with your friends with all the debauchery that may have taken place. The last thing you need is bad food. Right? Nope not here. The pancakes are on point and fluffy. They don't skimp on the serving so if you are not really hungry you can share it with your date. Now look at you getting cozy in that booth with your boo! LOVE IT!. Tempo serves it up fresh and quick. The waitstaff is pleasant even at 2 am in the morning...You can't beat that.
(3)Gina V.
Waitress hated her life and it was very evident in her manner... Club sandwich was kinda gross...can't put my finger on it, but I have had much better. Fries were pretty good. I have no reason to return
(2)Carolyn L.
I didn't even know this place existed until my friends brought me here to binge on late-night food. I think I'd only be able to enjoy this place if I was drunk. I ordered the strawberry french toast and it was enjoyable as a drunken treat. Honestly, I can't really complain about anything but that's because I don't remember most of my night post-Hangge Uppe. So let's just say the food was good, I didn't get sick from it, but I'm not entirely tempted to go back.
(3)Alexandra G.
I stopped in here for breakfast while visiting Chicago and enjoyed the entire experience. Great food, great service!
(4)Ashley C.
Food? Mediocre. I ordered the Eggs Benedict. It was ok - nothing special. But what about the wonderful breakfast potatoes that complete a brunch? They were lukewarm at best. Meh. :-( This is NOT the way to start off a brunch. [The blueberry pancakes were actually really tasty and I would order those next time.] Service? It took 5 minutes to get ketchup and then she rushed us for the bill. It gets worse - NO FREE REFILLS. Really? Does that mean it's really cheap? NOPE. The redeeming quality is that there was nice shaded outdoor seating and there wasn't much of a wait when we went (for 4 outside). Plus - it's location was convenient. A good meeting place and you're by Michigan Ave. Would I go back? If it was a place to meet, nice outside, and if I wasn't dehyrdated.
(2)Stephanie S.
We came here since it was the only restaurant that was open after 11pm (we landed pretty late). The food was so disgusting. I started off with a creamy soup which was decent but the steak stir fry was bland and tasted awful. My girlfriend had filet of perch which was so bad she only had the fried shrimp by the fish and she had the worst mashed potatoes (fake, runny instant mashed potatoes). This was a waste of time and money. The waitress didn't seem to be in the best mood either.
(1)Temple W.
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. DO NOT BRING KIDS HERE. i took my 11 year old daughter to breakfast early saturday morning. the service was good and the food was as well, but the manager sat a table of really drunken guys next to us who were clearly coming off a long night of drinking. they were swearing, speaking disrespectfully to the waitress, and frightening my daughter... so much so that she couldn't eat her breakfast and asked to leave. i told the manager and his response was, "what can we do?". here's an idea, if they are so drunk that they are slurring their words, can barely stand up coming in the door and picking fights with your staff, THROW THEM OUT. you may be making a few bucks on them but you just lost my business forever.
(1)Andrew L.
great place to eat!!
(5)Jackie C.
This place was just around the corner from my hotel, and my husband and I were craving breakfast food, so we gave it a try. BAD DECISON. Things started out okay- our waitress seemed civil. Hubby ordered the famous omelette in a pan and I ordered some type of scrambled eggs and toast. The ONLY thing that was decent was the toast. My husband's omelette was dry, flavorless, and mostly filled with one of the worst hashbrowns I've ever had- soggy and absolutely lacking in any type of flavor whatsoever. The decaf there was also one of the worst I've had- incredibly acidic and gross. As for the service? BAD. Like Emily B. mentioned in her review, the servers here seem to hate their jobs and make sure the customers know it. I tried to flag down my waitress to get the check at least three times (she was standing by the cashier, talking to another worker), and despite locking eyes with me two times, ignored me and actually walked behind some huge kitchen equipment so she could continue to ignore me. Probably thought I wanted her to get something besides the check and didn't want to do her job. After waiting in vain for her to address our needs, my husband had to actually walk to the counter to get our check. My soft-hearted hubs left a 15% tip- I would have left them none. NEVER GOING BACK again.
(2)Isaac C.
Good: The food Bad: Everything else. The service was terrible. After we were seated it took over ten minutes until we were greeted by our server. Then when she was taking our order she asked us to hurry up and we could only order if we were going to be fast because she had to help a table of seven. Then half way into our meal she asked if i needed a refill of my water. I said yes but after 30 minutes she had never come back with a refill. I never got more water. This place had not given me a very good experience so far so i decided to talk to a manager about it. He was very receptive to the criticism and thanked me. Then when i was paying my bill i complained again because the service continued to get worse. The person hearing my complaint this time, who i am assuming was the line/executive chef, someone important., told me that i don't have to come back and he was extremely rude.
(1)Stephen H.
Labor day weekend, every place in town packed. Except Tempo. My hero. Tempo had no wait, was clean, inexpensive, fresh, casual. Food was really good. Generous portions. I will definitely be back. 3.5 stars...
(3)Bob D.
Food was good and overall experience was positive. Nothing ground shaking about the menu but if you're looking for a no frills decent breakfast, you can't go wrong here. One big plus is that their portions are pretty hearty so bring your appetite. As mentioned, cash only.
(3)Boon K.
I have been coming here since college and I love that they are open all the time (24H), great place to get breakfast after a clubbing and still good in the morning. Plus if your not a breakfast person they service other things too like sandwishes, entrees, etc. The banana nut buckwheat pancake or the waffles, all my favorite but I like the healthy option of white egg french toast. The veggie poor man skillet is good too and so is the egg benedict.
(4)Kevin H.
Maybe it was the city, maybe it was the cold air and winter cheer, or maybe it was the alcohol, at any rate this place was a great place to be in the middle of the night. I really enjoyed my omelet something I am finding a hard to say these days as I try more and more breakfast places. Most Cafes I've been to are fairly closed off. What I mean by that is you sit at your table and can be loud and obnoxious as long as you stay at your table. This place as a little different (or maybe I was that guy ;) I've never met so many interesting people in one place. Between our neighbors at the table next to us, and the random group that decided to come join our table because the place was out of seats, This is by far the friendliest place I've been to. Given the crowd at 3 am, I'm guess this is the place to be for late night meals. I wonder if its the only place ??
(4)Julia J.
Love this place. I am an omelet freak! They pay attention to your order, and it is always delish! The staff is really sweet. Adrianna you ROCK!
(4)Colleen C.
Round the clock grub downtown? A rarity. I dined for breakfast on a weekday, so I did not witness the unbearable wait times...though I'm sure if I had, I'd be deducting another star. It's a decent stop for a downtown omelette, but it's nothing to wait around for... Aforementioned omelette was BIG. Denver style, served in a pan. Interesting touch, though really...I'd prefer a plate. Just a thing I have. I know I'm not super sophisticated, but I generally don't eat out of the skillets at my house. Ok, that one time...but that doesn't count, because I didn't have any dishes clean ;) Food was acceptable, and prices are on par for downtown. It's a greasy spoon with Gold Coast clientele and price points. The outdoor patio is prime for people watching and the service is a bit spotty, although adequate... Coffee is hot and strong, just the way I like it. Many refills later I was extra jolted and ready to power through the day... I wouldn't wait for it, but if the timing is right and you're downtown in search of breakfast, it sure beats the food court at 700 N Michigan! What's with the weird orange/prune plate? Is that a prune? I have no idea. Maybe just a bloated cherry. I could not tell, and did not want to find out...
(4)Dj Nightwolf ..
Best place to go to immediately after a night of late-night partying! I highly recommend the omelettes, pancakes, and waffles. They are delicious and oh so filling! It gets pretty packed and busy with all the other party animals who come in looking to fill their bellies with carb-heavy breakfast food. You may have to wait a bit to be seated, but it's worth it. The service is great and extremely patient. You'd have to be, especially when dealing with a restaurant full of drunken maniacs! I give Tempo Cafe 4 stars: 3 stars overall plus an additional star for their friendly and extremely patient service. Oh yeah, one more thing. When you come to Tempo Cafe make sure you have cash on you because they don't take plastic. Holla!!!â„¢
(4)Esther T.
This is a 24 hour cafe and after a late night on a Friday/Saturday it HITS THEE SPOT (I'm sure most places do after a drunken night) but this is my favorite 24 hour cafe in Chicago. Their omelets were amazing.
(5)Emily B.
Everything works about this place....minus the food. Seriously, I love the small cafe setting, the waitresses who seemingly hate their jobs, and the outdoor seating. Do not love the food. Do not love the no-refills (Really? Really?). But if you're in the area and it's that weird after breakfast but before lunch time, pop a squat here. Otherwise, just give yourself 20 minutes and head over to Bistro 110.
(2)Andrea R.
A few years ago I would have recommended Tempo as one of the best spots to get breakfast in town. These days I'm just not feeling it when it comes to Tempo. The fluffy omelettes just aren't quite as tasty as they used to be and while my fruit platter looked good yesterday it had sort of a funny taste. And the wait on the weekends remains ridiculous! All this and CASH ONLY...gasp! However, I wasn't quite sober during most of my late night visits to Tempo a few years ago...and many times still wasn't sober when going for breakfast the very next morning. Perhaps the problem isn't Tempo, but that I'm now attempting to eat there while sober.
(3)Thalie L.
It's a place fine place to drink a coffee and have a nice talk with someone. The prices were fine. I'll come back for a breakfast.
(3)Gabi M.
I have fond memories of Tempo... it used to be a go-to breakfast spot during every visit to Chicago! I specifically remember the fluffy egg white omelettes, perfectly golden hash browns, and some amazing looking desserts. So, when I realized that I was staying right next door to Tempo on a recent visit, I just had to make a stop. Not knowing if the wait would be ridiculous (I seem to recall that also), I ended up calling in a breakfast order to go one morning. I opted for a spinach and mushroom egg white omelette fluffy and well done, and requested sliced tomato and wheat toast. It wasn't crazy busy when I went to pick up my food... but it was also a weekday. The people were not overly friendly; they seemed more frenzied than anything. I was happy that they provided me with salt, pepper, ketchup, and a couple flavors of jelly with my order. I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room and dig in... Yum - the omelette looked fluffy and was just as delicious as I remembered. I probably should've gotten the hash browns instead of the toast though - since it was nothing special; even with butter and jelly, it tasted like cardboard. Note to self: forget the toast, go for the hash browns next time! I'm sure I'll be back - just not necessarily a 'go-to' spot for every visit anymore!
(3)Chris K.
Tempo is hands down the best breakfast restaurant I have tried in Chicago. Now, I know, I know most of those from Chicago will pick Lou Mitchell's as the best. Sorry, but sometimes I think reputation trumps the reality of what is truly a better meal. Tempo has a much better atmosphere, service and my god do they have wonderful skillets and breakfast plates! Just look at the pictures of the omelet I had. There are potatoes under that omelet, but the omelet is so huge, they had to put them on the bottom! The prices are great and it has a bit of a European feel - maybe a little French or Canadian French. Nice place and nice service. I have eaten here a number of times and love it. I have never been disappointed and would recommend this as my number 1 pick for breakfast in Chicago.
(5)David Z.
I came here for a Sunday brunch and despite the buzzing atmosphere, we were all quickly seated. This is one of those classic diners. I hadn't been here before and I'm not in Chicago enough to know what to order, so in need of a filling breakfast, I went with the vegetarian skillet with scrambled eggs. We all ordered huge breakfasts and it came with a basket of toast. I'm not usually a toast fan, but there toast was actually pretty great (though how hard is it really to screw up toast?) Overall, it's a solid breakfast, but perhaps not great enough to return to immediately without checking out other downtown offerings!
(4)Shaheen R.
One of my all time favorites, and I absolutely despise repeating restaurants, but this one is one of my very few exceptions. Things to know: this cafe is one of the very few 24/7 places with good food in all of Chicago. While the food quality will always be consistent, the type of atmosphere you encounter will depend on when you come! For example, let's say you're craving breakfast-- an spinach and feta omelet to be precise, at 11:30 PM on a Wednesday, or even 8 PM on a Friday night you will be greated by friendly staff, quick moving bussers and maybe only 3-4 other patrons in the entire restaurant. This type of time is my favorite time to come. The quickest service in the quietest atmosphere. Peak Times: HOWEVER, should you decide to come for breakfast during normal breakfast hours or even weekend brunch , be prepared to wait for a bit. The turnover is still relatively fast, and the wait is definitely worth it. Also, if you decide to come here when the bars close after 1-2 AM on friday-sunday, you're going to get a completely different crowd. Realize the bars have just closed and these are where you might find some of the patrons. Food will still be amazing, and the turnover still quick, but expect it to be packed full, and for it to be considerably louder. FOOD: Now while I cannot vouch for lunch/dinner options, I CAN vouch for their breakfast options. And dear lord are their breakfast options phenomenal. I haven't had a single dish that has failed to impress me. While all of their breakfast items are incredible, YOU GO HERE FOR THE OMLETS. I don't know what magic they put in these but if you try one you'll hear angels sing!!! The Spinach and Feta omelet is my all time favorite. 3 eggs with loads of baby spinach, and generous portions of fresh feta cheese atop a bed of thick cut, PERFECTLY golden brown sliced potatoes. When I say perfect, I mean PERFECT. like its got a crust of golden brown perfection. If you're the type of person whose reading this and going "big deal. omelets are omelets. They all taste the same no matter where I go, or if I make it at home" then you sir (or madam) have been deprived. I too was once deprived. I have NO idea how they prepare their omelets here, but they are the fluffiest, most flavorful omelets here!! You don't understand; I can't have omelets from anywhere else because Tempo has spoiled me and turned me into an omelet snob. All of their omelets are great-- If you're adventurous I highly suggest the Jamaican Omelet (honey, raisins, walnuts and I think I've added chicken sausage?), or even the Michigan omelet (swiss cheese and fresh apples!) A) I've also had their pancakes, eggs florentine, french toast, their skillets, and a ton of other dishes over the years that I know I'm forgetting by name. I cannot emphasize enough-- NONE HAVE EVER NOT IMPRESSED ME. B) No matter what dish you get, or what diet you're on (unless you're gluten free or allergic) GET. THE. GREEK. TOAST. I don't care if you don't like white bread, or if you think thicker cut bread is weird. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It will change your life. I don't know what magic is in this bread, but the combination of the taste, with the cut, and the generous serving of toasted sesame seeds embedded into the crust will make you hear angels sing. Servers: Even if you haven't been here in months, or for a particular stretch of time for me, a year and a half, they will always remember you and greet you with a smile. Notes: 1) Turnover is meant to be fast. Despite there being power outlets you won't be allowed to utilize them 2) Once upon a time they were cash only. That has since changed, and they take credit cards. TL;DR: Greek toast. Greek toast. Greek Toast. Omelets. Omelets. Omelets. Quick turnover, open 24/7. SUPER busy on weekends for brunch, and can become crazy when the bars close. No matter what time you go the wait is relatively short because turnover is quick and food is HANDS DOWN WORTH IT. They take cards (once upon a time cash only), but this is not the place to plug in your laptop to work.
(5)Sarah R.
I came to grab a late brunch around 3:30 one day. I walked in and was asked if I wanted to sit inside or out. I originally said inside, and the lady at the front said to sit anywhere that I wanted. It was very dead inside. I sat down in a booth, and then realized how cold it was in there. So I got up and said I would rather sit outside. I sat close to the sidewalk, out of the way on the patio. Maybe that was a bad idea because I was hidden or something. Let me go on... My waitress brought me coffee that I ordered and immediately asked if I was ready to order. I've had this experience a lot lately at restaurants. It makes me feel very rushed, so I end up ordering the first thing that I see, which happened to be an omelet with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese. I opted for egg whites instead, which was $1.75 extra (wow. Most places have it for $1 extra, if that....). I chose wheat toast, dry, and fruit instead of hashbrowns. My food came out rather fast. The omelet was very tasty. The toast came with an orange marmalade that was made in house. I was NOT a fan. It tasted like an orange rind, to me.... So I scraped it off and used the blueberry spread. Let's talk about the fruit........you get ONE TINY SLIVER of honeydew or cantaloupe. ONE. I asked and my server even said that it was one or the other...really?? Ok.... I had to ask another server for coffee a few times, which I know is annoying. I'm a server, and it's annoying when customers ask me to do something when I'm not their server. HOWEVER, my server was very MIA, so I had to ask someone else. When my bill came out, it was a handwritten ticket...I'm not sure HOW they charged me $17.15, but I was charged that much for an omelet and coffee...I didn't argue because I had places to be, but nowhere on the ticket did it say how much each "up charge" was. Or even what I was up charged for. If I was charged extra for the ONE sliver of honeydew, I will laugh. Literally laugh. Yeah, the omelet was delicious, but there are far better breakfast places....
(2)Bernie C.
I was walking around the Mag Mile on a Saturday morning and didn't want to have the standard breakfast provided by the Hampton Inn and I found this little charming old school diner. Apparently, they are open 24/7, which is great. I ordered the Intercontinental plate, which had chicken liver and onions, a massive portion of fluffy scrambled eggs, some hash potatoes and Greek toast (white sesame bread) with homemade marmalade. The eggs were good, but were bland so I had to add salt and ketchup. The liver was decent and an ample the portion. The best/most unique part though was the Greek toast with their homemade marmalade. It was delicious. Overall, this seems like a great place for your hangover or big breakfast.
(3)Brandon V.
I gave Tempo another go today, after several years away. I've updated to three stars because they do now accept credit cards, and I believe that the soft drink refills are now free. However, the food and service was still mediocre at best, and still overpriced. I don't think I'll find myself here again.
(3)Lisa S.
We always have brunch here while in Chicago. We always share an omelet because they are huge! Consistently great food and service! If you're coming on a weekend, be prepared to wait in line, but it's well worth it!
(4)David H.
Very good food, large portions quick service. Some people enjoyed their food more than others (see pic).
(5)Richard B.
Well, it's a diner with decent food. Very good omelets. So so prices. We did have a problem with a baked potato. Spoiled, black on inside and it was served opened....should have caught that! The replacement was undercooked so switched to some awesome steak fries. Fruit serving is a tiny slice of melon. It's a Greek place and you can't get pancakes instead of toast....what's with that? Service is not very good.
(3)Candice S.
Terrible food today. We waited nearly 45 minutes for our food to come out. When it arrived the eggs were so overcooked they were browned and dry. My boyfriend's scrambler was supposed to have 4 cheeses which it didn't have any, and his eggs were flat and browned too.. Clearly our food was forgotten about on the grill and when we sent it back the waitress question, "it's burned?" Anyways we will not return. We will save our breakfast meals when in town for wild berry cafe or yolk!
(1)Tracy T.
My guilty pleasure hangover location after a late night and too many adult beverages. This time was after a friends wedding ,we packed the car and figured we would fill up before heading home. found a parking spot pretty quick and got our name on the list...... 10 -15 minutes promised. took closer to 30 minutes.......... the staff was not turning over and cleaning tables as quick as i remember from my last visit a couple of years ago. The food was as i remembered, a slice of orange and a prune to start with a bottomless coffee. I dined on the 3 eggs western omelet in the skillet with a side of slightly burned hash browns and rye toast. My man went the full carb route... french toast and hash browns... not burnt..... He shared :) Hangover fading....! A plus is they now take credit cards. I will give them another try next time in the city, Tempo Cafe and i have history.... but give me a realistic seating time and let me decide if i want to wait or move on .............
(3)Mike Q.
My visit to this restaurant was ok. I usually don't like to be negative. But the service was really slow. There was a lot of empty dirty tables in lobby and we had to wait for them to get cleaned to be seated. And then once seated, another 15 minutes until our order was taken. Now as far as food, my corned beef hash with eggs was ok. Not what I was expecting for the price or reputation this place has. My first visit was not too tempting for a second!
(2)Tim K.
Omelettes in stainless steel skillets (with a handle!) are a cool idea, and you should come here and eat one. Truly a diner/cafe with great windows, great atmosphere, and lots of smiles. You will not find here those icky diner things (e.g. greasy floors and food, gross tables and and dinnerware, sweaty and always-urgent service). Instead, you'll find that diner comfort food that makes everyone happy, breakfast, lunch and dinner and every time in between. Eat here because the experience and value for your money is well-balanced and satisfying.
(3)Emily O.
We stayed at the Talbott Hotel which was just a block from this little cafe. When we arrived the cafe was almost empty and we were starting to second guess our decision to eat here. I ordered the Banana, strawberry, blueberry waffles. Fruit was fresh and sweet and my waffle was pressed into the shape of a flower. The waffle was fluffy and had a nice crust to it. Syrup and butter was not needed due to the delicious fruit. Their coffee is what you would expect from a diner. It was good, nothing to rave about. By the time we left the placed was packed and there was a line out on the sidewalk. Really glad we stopped here and hit it on such perfect timing so we didn't wait long for seating or food.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Great choice for a solid meal that won't dissapoint. My favorite thing to get is the turkey salad--- superb! Moderately priced, great service and plenty of options make this a good choice for a delicious breakfast or lunch!
(4)Christopher H.
Went here on the recommendation of the hotel clerk when we were looking for a nice place to grab breakfast. We roamed on over on a rather gorgeous Sunday morning and expected the place to be very busy. Much to our delight, we were seated outdoors instantly; if we'd have been about 20 minutes later, we'd have been stuck waiting. It's all about great timing, right? The hostess had all the personality in the world, and our server was very friendly. The menu is mostly classic diner food, but really - what's wrong with that? The French toast was very tasty. And the poor man's skillet I had, with all sorts of hashy-goodness (if I can create a word) underneath a bed of 4 cheese and 3 over easy eggs? That's just heaven in a skillet if you ask me! And all told breakfast was around $28.00. Can't beat that! We'll be back!
(4)Kim L.
In my humble opinion Tempo Cafe is a much needed diner in this neighborhood. I mean, who doesn't love a diner with familiar dishes and big portions? I was happy that the hotel where I'm staying directed me here when I asked where I could have a kid-friendly big breakfast. This is a good ol' diner prefect for big plates of eggs, hash browns & toast. They have a few fresh squeezed juice options which is a nice touch. A definite revisit if I stay in this part of the city again.
(4)Rick V.
This is a great diner and one of the only ones in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The staff is very friendly, pays good attention to the customer, though is sometimes a little on the slow side (it was a Sunday). I order a simple dish and was able to customize it to my needs and wants, which to me makes a good diner a great diner. The food was served out in time and very flavorful. A very cosy and much needed eatery in the neighborhood. I would definitely recommend it.
(4)E D.
First time in Chicago for an overnight layover. Came here close to 3am starving. I'm super glad this place is open 24/7 but I can't believe this place was still packed at that hour. I ordered the Blueberry French Toast and a coffee. I was a little disappointed that the blueberries just topped the toast instead of mixed into the batter. Nevertheless, it was good and so pretty! Knocked down a star because the service here is a little lacking. They don't come to check on you once and I had to keep asking for a refill. It's annoying. And when you say thank you, they don't acknowledge it.
(4)Annette J.
I went by the place on the bus practically every day for 5 years when I lived in Chicago and never stopped in to eat. But my fella's step sister lives across the street so when we were meeting his family for breakfast when we were all out in Chicago for a weekend we decided to pop in. Stopped by around early Sunday morning (10ish) and while it was crowded we still got a table pretty quickly. They have a lovely patio but it was a bit chilly so we went inside. The table was small and a bit cramped for 5 people but we made it work. Breakfast was simple but good. I had a ham and cheddar egg white omelet with a side of potatoes. Holy cow, what a huge portion! I could barely finish half. Egg white omelets can sometimes be a bit dry but this one was cooked very well. My fella got a belgian waffle and it was a modest size (no oversized waffle machines here) but just the right amount of food. Also it was very pretty to look at. Decorative and tasty to boot! Service was quick. It was inexpensive and unfussy. I'd do it again!
(4)Lia V.
I wasn't impressed with this particular hangover breakfast. I got a skillet, but it was like the slackers skillet. The "hash browns" were just thick cut potatoes that weren't crispy. The ratio of cheese to everything else was insane. The toast was just thin wheat toast you'd buy for a dollar at the store. The eggs were cooked perfectly though and the hand squeezed juice was rockin', but that's about it. Service wasn't overly friendly. The food did come out fast though. I'll go elsewhere for breakfast in the future.
(2)Rafael A.
Is hard to beat this breakfast place in downtown Chicago, you have to be patience but the way they cook it and serve it is completely WORTH it... Open 24 Hrs with the same menu!!!
(5)Todd S.
My wife an I are staying at the Talbott Hotel and were looking for a nearby cafe for breakfast. I found this and was happy that it was only a block down. I had three eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. Their eggs are cooked in butter (the real stuff) and served in a skillet. I loved every bite. My wife had the Scrambler with mushrooms. That too is served in a skillet. I tried the Greek toast with marmalade based on other Yelp reviews and glad I did. They have desserts as well so I think we're going to grab one to go tonight after dinner and take it back to the room to enjoy Great place, great food and a very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit when downtown.
(4)Oscar R.
The food was actually good. No complains there. However the service was terrible. I saw my server twice. To get the food order and drop the food. No water refill. No checking up if everything was okay. I order a sandwich which cost $9.95. I added avocado which she said it was $2. Then she said plus tax my total was $14.15. I'll pay for what I eat but not for your hidden fees. The receipt had nothing written down just the amount that was charged. She stood over me as I signed the copy which made it even more uncomfortable. Over all terrible service. Terrible customer service
(1)Madeline H.
Wonderful soup deal! A large cup of soup and piece of bread for $2.50!! Cream of chicken and rice soup is my favorite!
(3)Alisha M.
Worst breakfast place in the city. Currently sitting here for 30 min no server, no coffee. Bullshit.
(1)Nneka I.
I was drunk and the food still wasn't good. The service was okay, hence the two stars.
(2)shamrock B.
Food is average nothing special. Price is a bit on the high side for breakfast but it's the location your paying for. Just an average breakfast place nothing special.
(3)Raj D.
24 HOURS!!! Restaurant only takes cash so be aware! It's a nice spot for an after bar hopping meal. Overall I didn't think the food was anything to die for and primarily felt like traditional brunch menu options... nothing over the top. Quality of the food was great... flavor of the food was just traditional. The place is fairly crowded so you may have to wait a bit. Plenty of street parking in the area which is a plus. I ordered the poor mans skillet with extra crispy potatoes. The meal was very nicely cooked and eggs were perfectly runny over easy like I love them. I'm willing to give this place another shot in the future but for brunch options there are many better options in the Chicago area.
(3)Michael L.
This is a Greek diner with standard diner fare. Reasonable prices, generous portions, friendly waitstaff. Outdoor seating. Indoors is quite old-fashioned looking, a bit like a retirement home feel but maybe you like that.
(4)Andrew H.
Sorry but I've been here twice and it's over priced and how in the world can you mess up an omelette. Don't cook an omelette over hash browns. Hash browns are meant to be crispy not soggy. Then when you go to check out 50 plus dollars for an omelette I haven't been able to eat both times. Ridiculous. The bacon is good though but if you can mess that up you may want to close down.
(1)Garth G.
Their portions are huge and the price is good. The skillets are great, I didn't have the omelette but the table next to us did and it was massive. All in all this is a great go to spot for breakfast and brunch. It's also open 24 hours which can come in handy.
(5)John R.
Pure satisfaction it's has the best open face roast beef and gravy love the waiters and there open 24hrs
(5)Bill E.
We have enjoyed breakfast at this restaurant on many occasions over the last 15 years. Atmosphere: this is a small venue with tables very close to each other. It gets noisy and you get bumped by the servers walking between the tables. Do not get the wrong opinion, you feel like you are having breakfast with a hundred of you friends and if you have to wait for a table the food is worth it. Menu: all of the traditional breakfast offerings. Pancakes, eggs, omelets, various proteins, waffles, French toast, etc, etc, etc. All well done and delicious. Service: quick, friendly, and attentive. This is everything you want to have in a breakfast place. Please be warned - locals and visitors know about Tempo so you will have to wait during busy times but don't give up - it's worth it.
(4)Anne E.
This appeared to be a typical family owned 24 hour diner. I arrived later in the evening, after 8 pm and it felt like I may have been the only person who was there of my own free will. The menu clearly states that refills for coffee will be charged for and substitutions will not be tolerated. The waitress took my order for eggs benedict without asking how I wanted my eggs poached and it went downhill from there. My eggs were overcooked. The hollandaise was clearly from a package and the ham was rolled. The hash browned hardly deserved the name. Rather, they were so soggy as to almost resemble mashed potatoes that had been lightly fried. Horrid. In an otherwise empty restaurant, you'd think it would be easy to catch my waitresses eye to get my bill, but repeated attempts met with failure and eventually I went to the cash register where the other waitress noticed me and galvanized my waitress into action. It seems my check was still hanging at the pass, as she had to return there to retrieve it in order to ring me up. Perhaps they save the decent staff for Sunday Brunch?
(2)Jenna K.
Such a love hate relationship with you, Tempo Cafe. I live right down the street from here, and the food has always been fantastic. It's the service here that really drives me crazy. As a college student, sometimes I'm up till 1am studying and doing homework. Decided to come here for a meal and do my homework but was told that's "not something they do on the weekends" and that I "couldn't have my laptop in here" .....Um, okay. Even told them I was going to order food and they still turned me away with empty tables. Rude rude rude rude rude. Would have loved to enjoy some Corned Beef hash here. Second time I get a to go order coming out to $13.45. Look on my bank statement and see I was charged $27.32....This place has to get it together.
(3)Ashley I.
Tempo cafe is open very early, when many other restaurants are not. I had the chicken, bacon, avocado sandwich. It was very tasty! I also enjoyed the fries and coleslaw.
(4)Caress T.
A pretty basic cafe with mediocre service (the server wasn't very friendly at all) and mediocre food. I had a feta cheese, turkey sausage and green pepper skillet. It was okay, but it sucks that the only way to upgrade your toast to pancakes is to buy pancakes separately. Also, the meal came with an orange slice and a prune (?). I assume it's for pre- and -post meal palate cleansing, but I just found it odd. I can't really see myself coming back here.
(2)Eric T.
Been here a few years ago and was truly looking forward to visiting again. Unfortunately the quality ha slipped a bit since our last visit. Juices were all warm and food was just starting to cool. Although always busy in the past I never felt the were trying to flip tables as fast as they could. That's kind of the vibe they have now. Still okay but has slipped a bit.
(3)K C.
Veggie Eggs, perfect, carrot juice only comment is that the cup wasn't big enough! And I wanted to buy their orange jam or marmalade but they didn't have any to sell. It was sooooooo good!
(5)Avery M.
I used to live directly above this place and the omlets were always my perfect little pick me up. It's 24 hours and a super cute little diner! Stop by!
(5)Karla W.
We arrived to a crowd pouring out into the street on a Friday morning and expected a huge wait, so we were happily surprised to hear it would only be 15 minutes. True to their word, we were seated at a patio table a bit under 20 minutes later. The large menu is slightly overwhelming, just like the portions--which is my main complaint with Tempo! I understand they're trying to provide value, but my 3-Egg Mexican Omelette (with egg whites subbed in for whole eggs) filled half of a skillet. Hashbrowns, which I left untouched, filled the other half, plus, this came with toast! One egg-based order would easily feed two adults. Come hungry or try to plan ahead for a time when you can take your boxed-up meal home. The breakfast was tasty; it was nice to see that quantity didn't supersede quality. Next time, I'd love to try one of the sweet options, like (half of) the Morning Glory Pancakes!
(4)Alex R.
This is hands-down one of the best casual diners in Chicago. I can't speak for their dinner or lunch, but their breakfast is absolutely amazing! My favorite items are their omelettes and their pancakes. In fact, writing this review is making me hungry! I used to live a couple of blocks from Tempo and would study here during law school at the wee hours of the morning (they're open 24/7). One thing to keep in mind though is that they do not have wifi or computer outlets. Didn't bother me, that just meant I spent more time studying and less time on Facebook! I now live out in the suburbs but my wife and I keep coming back to Tempo for their delicious breakfast. The owner/manager recognizes us every time we stop by. Is the decor fancy? No, but the food is definitely worth it. PAYMENT METHOD UPDATE: The review below me is inaccurate. Tempo now accepts VISA/MasterCard! They have been for several months now.
(5)Laura E.
My rating is probably closer to 3.5 stars. No half star ratings? Feeling generous? I'll give it 4. I came here twice on my recent trip to Chicago and had different experiences each time I was there. My first visit was on a Saturday, which was much more crowded than my Monday visit. On Saturday, they refused to seat us until our entire party was here but on Monday, we were seated right away despite not having everyone in our party present. Beware that the omelets are HUGE--I couldn't finish mine so I'd recommend sharing it with a friend or two. The crab omelet was okay, just very heavy and difficult to finish. What made my rating go up was the amazing chocolate chip waffles I had on my second visit. I got strawberries on them and it was breakfast heaven! Definitely was able to finish the waffles :)
(4)JC E.
I love this place. I always make a an effort to eat breakfast here evertytime I am in Chicago. The Poor Man's skillet is amazing and is very filling. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Kelly C.
As a standard diner that gets you in and out quickly with food that emphasizes quantity over quality, this place rates well. If you're looking for the authentic foodie experience, this might not be your destination. If you're hungry as all get out and have a hankering for eggs and hash brown potatoes this will give you the fix. The skillets look great, but I found the flavor to be quite bland for my egg, canadian bacon, spinach and mushroom version. The desserts are not made in house - on display as you walk in they come from the Chicago sweet connection bakery. People start to wait for tables by ~9am so get there early if you have a large group.
(2)Sann F.
Recommended by bellman at hotel and it did not disappoint. Skillet omlets and service very good. 15-minute wait on busy Sat. morning but well worth it!
(5)Nancie M.
This place is open 24hrs and was referred to me as a hole in the wall diner. With that in mind I expected just a little better food quality since diner usually has plentiful and can't finish but some portions were large and some not very inconsistent. My eggs Benedict was fair price $11 so not bad but would I crave this place again probably not . Long line to get in because of New Year's Day but seating in 15 min and waitress was a doll. Unfortunately too many other good restaurants around the block!
(3)Amber A.
Quaint and peaceful little place. Simple interior. Food is yummy! Ordered the scrambler with zucchini bacon and mozzarella. Fresh squeezed orange juice and an English muffin. Server wasn't mean or rude, she just wasn't exceptionally nice. She didn't really look at us in our face and as soon as she would get an answer from us she would simply walk away as soon as the words left our mouth. This is why I took away one star for the service. Cute place to come eat and the fact that it is open 24 hours is pretty cool. 2 scramblers, 2 juices came out to 33$ not including tax or tip. Kind of pricy.
(3)Jessica P.
Will this place ever be on the same level as all those super trendy brunch places in this city? No way. But is it a cafe worth going to? I'd say so. First of all, the portions are ginormous. One of their skillets could feed three people. The waffles are huge. And the servers were always ready with the coffee- my cup was never less than half full. Secondly, the food was good. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned breakfast food. But it was well prepared. I had a scrambler with broccoli, sausage and cheese and I loved it. Others at my table has one of the aforementioned giant skillets and the French toast, and they both were extremely happy with their dishes as well. The servers weren't super pleasant, but they weren't rude by any means. And they were really attentive. The other benefit of this place? We had a five minute wait on a Saturday morning at 11 am. It would have taken us longer to wait in line at a fast food place than it took for us to get seated. Oh, also, the reviews saying this is a cash only place are old, so don't let that "tip" hinder you. If you're in the area and have worked up an appetite, check Tempo out.
(4)Jessica P.
If you like breakfast food.. why not come here?. .it reminds me of a Denny's but located in the city...open 24/7.. Food: Scrambler with cheddar cheese, green pepper and canadian bacon comes with toast of your choice..it tasted ok..I'm sure you can make this at home on your own though...portion was big so I had me some leftovers... -Tastes: ok, not anything to amazing that would make me want to go back, but if I was in the area craving breakfast food & lazy to cook.. I guess I would come here.. Portions: are big enough for leftovers..but it also depends on what you order Atmosphere: diverse.. all ages and family friendly..doesn't look clean, but doesn't look really dirty either.. reminds me of a Denny's... Service: waitress was nice..don't have any complaints really..
(3)Lindsay L.
It's so cute and the food was great. It was a 3 story mansion and we sat on the 3rd floor. Although we were fine, the couple behind us was in crunches and the hostess flew up the stairs and they were right behind us. I didn't realize until we were at the top, but the hostess didn't even notice! They have an elevator, after all. Besides that, the food was was and so was the service, just took a little long for breakfast. If you have time on your hands, stop and have some breakfast! Hopefully it will be a little cold outside and they can open the window. Very cute place!
(4)Tee K.
Good eats, great portions, unpleasant hostess. Maybe because it was 3am. Will be there again, good experience overall.
(4)Spencer H.
The quality of people you find here late at night are less than the quality you would find in your toilet after taking a huge dump. I have been eating late night at good old Tempo Cafe for a few years now. It seems that every time I visit here the food has declined more & more & the prices do not reflect the poor taste of the food. Sometimes when you eat a meal late night even when you know you shouldn't have, you say to yourself that was pretty good & really worth eating so late, but not here. For me moments after eating the meal I say to myself maybe I should have just went & got a burrito. It would have been cheaper & a lot better. This restaurant is also cash only. Some of the good things about this place is late at night you can occasionally run into some people you know that have also just left the clubs. Also there are usually some drunk people who begin yelling & make for some amusement. The service here has never been bad even with a busy restaurant. From now on I will probably eat some where else late night but I might give this restaurant another chance.
(2)Leslie B.
Loved brunch at Tempo! Their fluffy omelets filled with ingredients are some of the best around, you definitely get your money's worth. Tempo is very busy around weekend brunch time so I don't recommend coming with a huge party, I think a table of four has the best chance of getting seated within a reasonable amount of time. Do you have a group of 20-something girls who are going to have 3 modifications each to their menu item? If so, Tempo is great for you. Accommodating and friendly, our waitress didn't bat an eye at the egg-white, minus this, plus this orders as she went around the table. If you order fruit instead of potatoes with your breakfast, you receive a very plentiful serving and they bring baskets of toast for the table. The coffee is good, nothing to brag about, but we received plenty of refills throughout our meal. The star of their breakfast is really the omelets and skillets. The eggs are cooked to perfection and full of toppings. Another very nice touch to Tempo is that our waitress brought us separate checks which is so helpful! Overall, a great brunch (or late night!) option in the area, I'll definitely be back.
(4)Giselle G.
Late night munchies after eating? Come here! I used to go to Eggtastic or Eggcelent (forgot name) but this place is much more cleaner and better food. Don't expect great service, 5 star food and a classy vibe because it's full of after club people who are drunk and need food. Great place to come after a night of partying and dancing!
(4)Corelle P.
I use to go here when I was working downtown. Their skillet's are always good! I took one of my friends there. I ordered the Poor man's veggie skillet, she saw what I was ordering and ordered it too! She enjoyed it! And yes the Greek Toast is off the chain...and the orange marmalade!
(4)Anthony C.
I visited Chicago and stayed at the Talbott hotel last year and ate breakfast here. I liked it so much, I came back for breakfast the next day. My memories of the place are not detailed anymore, but I do recall being very impressed with the portions and the quality of all of the food. I remember that the bacon in particular was thick and juicy. The eggs Benedict was also very good, but again it wasn't for any big reason other than the quality of the ingredients. Nothing was greasy either, which I really appreciated. I regard the ingredients here as a solid cut or two above the average diner. Not spectacular, but very solid, tasty, and non-greasy.
(5)Kyle L.
Awesome food, especially the scramblers, however the service is a bit slow. Probably just because they are always so busy due to the great food!
(4)Sarah R.
Very quick service. Food was wonderful!! The french toast was wonderful. Pancakes served with fresh raspberries. Veggie omelet was enough for two people.
(5)Michelle R.
No Mimosas! The breakfast was good but nothing special. Very large portions. Staff was nice.
(3)Sam N.
I refer to this place as THE BREAKFAST E R. yes as in emergency room. Yes they take breakfast so seriously that just like in the ER you will be serviced all day just as long as you are ordering breakfast. I figure I will add this. About 2 years ago all I knew about food is that I liked it. I am not a foodie per se but I am getting there. I am a foodie in training (FIT) Dont get all nuts when you read this review and are like " shit where is the blow by blow description of the tuna melt" ?. I am not on that level yet. I will leave that up to the true foodies :) The cooks are like skillful hear surgeon's who you should entrust with your life because they know what they are doing. The wait staff are like the nurses carefully plying your but into the seat and treating you with just enough love that you will want more coffee and some more pie with your already huge order. I think they should make caffeine available from a option that would feed it to you intravenously over here. At 5 AM it would make a lot of sense. Back to the ER comparison. And you are the patient. While in the ER they would give you a gown presumably if they were going to operate or give you a shot ; here they arm you with your own frying pan to serve your eggs in should you order an omelette. The best time to go here is on weekends after 11PM. It's like being a night club without the cover charge. The French toast is out of this world. Don't get involved in anyone shouting at each other. Rest assured they love each other ( or at least will try after they come here ) but they are communicating with each other the only way they know how to after many martinis or beers. If you drank that much you would also be argumentative. There are many ways this place amuses me. I keep going back and bringing people to see the amusement. Enjoy the food and the scenery.
(4)Rose H.
This place was a great find. The eggs Benedict was amazing and my husband loved the steak and eggs. Big portions and good service. My only complaint is that it's cash only! Seriously? It's 2014 people! Other than that great place!
(4)Lindsay Y.
Tempo cafe is just right down the street from my new apartment which is so convenient. They have great outdoor seating, good prices, and very generous portions. My friend and I had breakfast there and we took out leftovers home and were still eating them 3 days later. Pretty good deal if you ask me :)
(3)Bethany W.
Wow. Fresh food, large portions, and a beautiful patio experience make for a memorable experience at Tempo! We arrived to find a 15 minute wait on a Friday morning, but, once seated, the servers were efficient and attentive. Our food arrived quickly; I enjoyed the Veggie Poor Man's Skillet, a skillet full of hash browns, broccoli, tomato, mushroom, green pepper, and onion first topped with melted american, mozzarella, cheddar and Swiss then topped with your style of three eggs; so delicious! This came with toast, which was accompanied by a fresh orange marmalade; Tempo is worth a visit just for this! Definitely a place to check out, but consider splitting a dish with your company due to the large portion sizes!
(4)Cilisa Ann J.
Excellent food and great atmosphere. This place was recommended by a worker at a local hotel across from where I am staying. Seems try serve breakfast all day which just happens to be my favorite to eat!
(5)Jay W.
I'm trying to remember what year I first ate here, way back when when it was across Chestnut on the SE corner of State St. I think it was 87 or 88, maybe before that. We used to come here a lot. This is not the Tempo of old. I respectfully disagree with the other reviewers who feel it's the best food around. Not in my estimation. I don't think their portions are huge either. Maybe breakfast is OK, everything esle is on the small side. That's OK, I suppose Americans eat too much anyway. We're not all big fat Superfans. Long and short of it is, Tempo is better than aerage breakfast and mediocre everything else. Sandwiches are unimpressive.
(3)Alicja K.
I live just down the street and love going to Tempo for brunch. The Morning Glory waffle is my favorite item on the menu. My friends drive on from the suburbs for it. Eggs and other breakfast food is also yummy. They finally take credit card which is great! One negative is that it gets very busy. I've never had to wait very long but I have seen lines down the block to get in on a nice weekend.
(4)Kelsey C.
Delicious waffles and great service. I was pleasantly surprised by the price too. Two meals with one coffee was under $20. We went around 10:30 & had no trouble getting a seat. I'm guessing it's much busier earlier in the morning.
(5)M P.
Had monte cristo and a cappucinno. VERY nice cappucinno! The monte cristo was good, but nothing you couldnt get anywhere else. I would come back here, the food is good. But just not above and beyond.
(3)Dragana M.
Great service. Great food. Clean. Delicious. What more can you ask for?! Love the touches of fresh oranges when you're seated & roasted chestnuts! You don't see that anywhere :) large portions too!
(4)Sharyn M.
I MUST give TEMPO a solid 4 stars....I found no complaints since deciding to wander into a breakfast destination close to home. I will admit that I am fearful of making the wrong choice and will admit I do at times dread trying new places..I have been burned before by reviews that were WAY off course.....but lemme just say..from me to you...I LOVED IT We arrived approx 8 AM...my son and I had an up and out early ...venture into the city, dig a bit deeper .. discover hidden gems...kinda thing goin on...SO... Upon entry we discovered the place is a quaint diner image comfortableness ....really easy feeling. We were seated immediately at the south west corner booth...great for people watching which never ceases to entertain me. Our server Adrianna was a dream the entire visit...super friendly attentive relaxed and non invasive. I ordered the Spinach /Feta 3 Egg omelette with a smoked Ham slice. Let me PLEASE tell you this Omelette was amazing..no brown dryness but instead moist generously filled greatness. Fresh not over cooked Spinach, wonderful salty melty cubes of good Feta...and the Ham was a meaty portion so I felt the additional cost was worth it... NOW..my son..ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict. This dish was sheer joy visually as well as palette pleasing. From the Hollandaise, obvious homemade..the crisp muffin base, the Real Canadian Bacon ...and thee PERFECT Poached Eggs Wow!!..nice to see this dish done right...that golden yolk cascaded when pierced and that H sauce had the perfect citrus note. Damn they are good here. My meal was accompanied by thick delicately toasted fluffy bread, whipped butter (fresh)..and this amazing orange marmalade.Very tasty. All in all a must recommendation from me to those of you searching for a great simple breakfast...good coffee..and also a selection of baked goods we did not indulge in...but maybe next time... THX again to Adrianna...u were a great server and I do so hope to find Biscuits and Gravy on the menu soon as we discussed!!
(4)Jacqueline N.
I'd just like to start out, I'm a BIG BREAKFAST FOODIE! I love me some breakfast food for bfast, lunch and dinner. We came here at the break of dawn and my group and I definitely needed some sustenance. I tried the skillet and eggs benedict. Taste-wise in between good and mediocre for me. Eggs benedict: the standard egg muffin, ham, poached egg and hollandaise. Nothing really stood out to me about it. Hashbrowns/Potatoes: I prefer more finely sliced hashbrowns, but these were too chunky and undercooked for my liking. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because it was a 24 hour diner that had a huge selection of food, instead of specialties. It still works for breakfast but I'd prefer Wildberry anyday!
(2)Jeremy S.
THIS is absolutely the best food I have had since arriving in downtown Chicago! Super friendly and warm welcoming. Everything here actually is home made and you can taste it. Great prices and gray flavors. This definitely is under-rated on Yelp. Eat here if you want to feel like a welcome guest and enjoy great food.
(5)Lamar J.
I'll never eat here again!! They have great food, but terrible service. I came in here for a late night carryout, but ended up getting ripped off. The place wasn't that busy. I handed the guy with the grey hair, pony tail and beard money, he never gave me my change back. When the waitress brought me my carryout, she slammed it on the table and walked away! I will never walk back in here again!!!
(1)Emily J.
You seriously cannot beat Tempo for either weekend brunch or late night bites. It's open 24/7 which really works for me and seemingly most of its patrons as I have seen this place full at 2:30am. I have a tradition of eating here super super early in the morning if I have an early flight out the next day and am pulling an all nighter. Tempo's food is better than most food you'll find at the airport at that hour so it's perfect. Besides crazy pre-airport binges, I go to Tempo almost every weekend for brunch and get the veggie poor man's skillet, but sometimes I add turkey sausage to mix things up. Always get the Greek toast, it's the most delicious bread in the entire world. The perfect mix of sour and sweet with sesame seeds encrusting the outside, this is the toast of dreams. The short stack blueberry pancakes are another must as well as the club sandwich. I love my lady Rosa, she always has a smile, a kiss, and a word of advice for me no matter what time of day I come in. If you want friendly service, filling and tasty food, and a great patio, go to Tempo!
(5)Katherine G.
I occasionally meet friends midweek for breakfast before work and this is our usual go to spot. The service is attentive and gets us in served and it fast but doesn't make us feel rushed. I have only ever had the banana pancakes, but they are so good (and nutty) I just can't pass them up Also, I generally plan to have cash, butthink they take cards now
(4)Jewells N.
We went for Saturaday Breakfast, about 7 am - was nnot crowed but by 8:15 it was packed!. Good basic breakfast place in downtown Chicago that didn't set us back $50.00. It was good food, I have the omelet and wife had oatmeal - both were what we expected and average. Food is very expensive in Downtown Chicago and this was not over the top like other places. The service was good and not too loud. NO credit cards !
(3)Lauren G.
Tempo has been my standard, go-to brunch spot on lazy weekend afternoons. The food is good, nothing special, but definitely good, and the portions are huge. I wouldn't recommend dining in during prime brunch hours if you live close enough to pick-up--sometimes, the wait can be lengthy, and the service can be a little slow due to how packed this place is, but when you call to order carry out, they have your food ready in 10 minutes flat! Oh, and they make their own orange marmalade that comes with the toast - it's the only orange marmalade I've ever liked, and I LOVE it!
(3)Wesley W.
Came here after a long travel day for a late dinner. I was starving so I avoided the Greek Chicken which states on the menu that it takes 30 minutes. I got the kebab instead and it still took 30 minutes. Go figure. When the bill came the restaurant charged us for a coffee which nobody ordered. It was a hand written bill so they took it off by crossing it out and subtracting it from the total. However, they didn't adjust the tax to reflect the new subtotal so I just had to tip less. It's basic math, people!
(2)Jenn L.
After a lonnnggg day of travelling including delays and a diverted flight (thanks, Chicago weather), we arrived into the city. Because we weren't expecting to be delayed, we hadn't eaten and were starving by the time we checked into our hotel, well past 10pm. We asked the front desk employee if there were any places open nearby and she recommended Tempo Cafe as a 24 hour diner. They had a good variety of menu items, including an extensive breakfast menu, salads, sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the 3 eggs and hashbrowns skillet with spinach, cheese and ham, while my other half ordered the chicken kebab. Previous reviewers weren't lying when they said the portions were large. Even though I was starving I was only able to finish about half of my meal and pack the rest. The food itself was all right, not the best, not the worst we've had. The staff here are quite friendly and they were always refilling our water; however service was rather slow. It wasn't particularly busy but our meals took about 30 minutes to arrive.
(2)Donald M.
Good prices, good food, fresh squeezed juices! All in a downtown location. Say hi to Blanca when you come in to Tempo ! Nice family dinner atmosphere. Highly recommend it!
(5)C P.
My first trip to Chicago and we were told to eat here for breakfast by locals. Staff lacked personality. Our water was not refilled during our meal. I ordered the 3 scrambled eggs combo with spinach, brocoli and bacon. It came in a stainless steel type pan and portion size enough for 2. There is a layer of slightly crispy potatoes under the eggs which was a delightful surprise. However, I had to add salt and ketchup to my dish. I never add ketchup to my eggs. The dish was bland. The place was packed with patrons so they are doing something right, I guess. The price was reasonable, under $30 for 2 including tip. The wait time to be seated and get your food were fast.
(2)Chris G.
So as to stay on top of options during peak cravings, I've recently created a pancake rolodex for my iPhone. Why? It just doesn't seem as easy to find the kind of moist, tasty pancakes that I prefer. Far too many places use bitter tasting batter that's often overcooked in a hurry. And these usually end up tasting like dry, rubbery discs of hot yuck, drowned in sticky stuff... that mayhaps would have dripped from a nearby, unsexy tree. That's why it's great to have another centrally-located and friendly 24-hour spot like Tempo to chomp on non-pretentious grub. I already know that I can get my pancake on at my neighborhood Stages Restaurant, or certainly at The Works grill near the Clark Street blue line... Eggsperience or maybe even at Yolk (if you order specialty and avoid their standard pancake monstrosity). It'd been quite a number of years since I'd visited Tempo but decided to drop in on a post Christmas Day Monday morning after parting ways with a visiting friend. Their menu offers a few omelettes and most things seem to be offered in skillet form along with toast. Since they don't allow you to substitute pancakes (even for an extra charge), I decided to order a short stack, a few scrambled eggs and turkey sausage links a la carte. As you'll notice in my pics, the $6 pancakes were as wide as the plate... and trust me that they were moist, tasty and had crispy edges. The prices here are quite reasonable considering that Tempo is smack dab in the middle of the posh Gold Coast area north of downtown. My bill, including a bottomless cup of coffee was around $15. I was pleased! (Note that they are cash-only as of this writing.) Tempo usually has a line streaming out of the front door on weekends and during holidays, so maybe I was lucky this day and had missed the first crush of people. There was still a crowd inside, but a few tables were empty. I love my city!
(4)Paul G.
Good food and good service. Have been many times and everything always seems very consistent. Nothing blows me away, but everything is good and pricing seems reasonable for the neighborhood. Tasty food and the typical large variety you expect from a diner. Men's bathroom layout is a bit awkward...the one urinal faces the door and is right next to the door when you walk in. Seems like they could do something to improve that, like putting a divider between the door and the urinal. I get that we all use bathrooms, I just prefer not to witness the action.
(3)Kristy F.
Atmosphere was clean but a tad loud considering there was only one full table in the joint... I can only imagine what a busy place would sound like. The service wasn't spectacularly friendly or welcoming but they got the job done. My friend ordered the steak and eggs breakfast. Was expensive (about $18) but she made it last three meals so it was worth it. I took a taste and thought I could cook better so I wasn't too impressed. Still it hits the spot and I'd recommend going here if you need a late night something something.
(3)A C.
Just an OK place, IMHO. More like a greasy-spoon restaurant. Similar to White Palace in the South Loop. :) But if you've been out and need some food, especially breakfast food, there are only a handful of 24 hour breakfast places in the city that are open so your options are limited. Not to say the food is terrible, but if you're hungry, you're hungry! The portion sizes are HUGE - I always go for the skillet. Keep in mind that this place is CASH ONLY - no credit cards accepted.
(3)Wes M.
We were in town on a busy summer Saturday night. No reservation and this place was around the corner from our hotel. It's a basic coffee shop but the portions are big. My wife enjoyed her sirloin patty and my fish and chips were better than I expected. The service is nothing special
(3)Charlie V.
Great spot for brunch. Were seated after a wait of about 10 minutes at 12:30 on a Saturday. I ordered the skirt steak and eggs. Steak was perfectly cooked to medium rare. Eggs were smooth and fluffy Everybody at my table commented on how massive the portions were as well as how good the food was. I may have to get one of the scrambles next time. Only complaint is that the service was a little slow/inattentive.
(4)Elle M.
Tempo is our Sunday spot. This may have to do with the fact that we live kiddy corner to the place but it's also delicious!! Most Sundays we call ahead, order the Poor Mans Skillet and it's ready within 5-10 minutes! They are always super nice on the phone and when you go to pick up the food. I have of course are inside as well. Staff are friendly and patient even though it's always a mad house (crowded as heck) in there. Amazingggggg food. Fills you up perfectly and doesn't make you feel bad after!!
(5)Ben G.
While in town for vacation I ate breakfast at Tempo since it was about 10 feet from my hotel. I ordered a spinach omelette and when it arrived I couldn't believe the portion size. It was huge. Food was good and service good. I ended up eating breakfast here every morning for the next 5 days. Priced very reasonable, large portions and good taste. I was given several other options in the city for breakfast but decided there was no reason to experiment. Very satisfied.
(4)Arnie G.
Huge portions for breakfast, lots of selections, and excellent service. Great choice for breakfast. Erica the waitress was outstanding and you can also take your coffee to go afterwards. Bravo!
(4)George J.
This is one if those places where you if you REALLY want breakfast after a night out in downtown. The food is not good and the atmosphere is even worse. There's almost always a fight or two or ten when dining here late night. Stay away from this place you really aren't missing anything special.
(2)XL V.
This is my favorite breakfast food joint in the area. It is a great place to eat after a night of clubbing or just a late night. Great comfort food. I eat here each time I stay downtown. The food portions are huge and they make some things from scratch such as the celery drink. Their veggie burger was slightly disappointing but I'd eat it when I'm hungry enough. Their Eggs Benedict with canadian bacon is my absolute favorite dish here. The flavor is just right and I always finish it because it's that good! Their omelettes are good but most of the time, the eggs seems overcooked and sort of dry. Service is fast, prompt, and efficient. They don't interact much with you probably because the place is almost always busy when I'm there. However, they're attentive enough where I've never felt the urge to walk out. I love their orange marmalade and would eat the whole jar if they'd let me.
(4)Lauren F.
The best omelet you will eat at 3am! My go-to is a sausage and cheese omelet with extra crispy potatoes-gotta ask for extra crispy or they're just not nearly as good. I was coming here for late night (or early morning I suppose) before I even lived in the city and it always lives up to expectations. Also a big 2 thumbs up for their sesame toast, love it!
(4)Chet A.
The experience didn't start out so well, that's why it's s 3 star experience. It wad trending for less but I'm going to give them a break. That's because their water was shut off. That being said here goes. The place was busy and unorganized. People running all over the place. People being sat in front of people that had been waiting. (Same table size.). Then we get seated and find out they have no running water. Great port a potties outside to use? Really at a restaurant? Then the best. Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils! Awesome!!! We get coffee. They tell us we can only have a warm up because they are low on water! Not great planning on their part. Now to the saving grace for them. The food was excellent. We ordered the skillets and omelet. Both were phenomenal. I would recommend this place to anyone for breakfast. As long as they have water.
(3)Elizabeth L.
2AM Gold Coast diner, late-night standby for all your shenanigans at this hour. Oversized omelettes and skillets to stave off your impending hangover. Ample seating, good for groups.
(3)Terrence W.
Went here with friends after the club late one night. The food was great and delicious. Will be going back again
(5)Scott M.
Very nice spot. Ate outside for breakfast. Had scrambled eggs with feta cheese, chorizio, onion. Great service. Definitely worth the money for a hearty breakfast.
(4)eglys h.
Trying to get to another place, we ended up here. The service I do have to say was 5 stars. but the food was ok. Be warned services are huge!!!!! Way too much food.. They do not even have a 2 egg platter - smallest one is 3 eggs which is way too much for me. I requested 2 eggs one instead but was advised that they were going to charge me for 3 - no substitution. Had them fried - with ham - it was over all - toast was amazing.. Hubby had a huge platter of scrambled - 3 eggs - all mixed up with ham, bacon, way to much for one... toast were big as well. best part was the freshly made orange marmalade - that was awesome!! gotta get extra of that for sure. We were advised that in the good old days, Jordan used to come in with his buddies after a late nite out (they are open 24 hrs). Must of been a site! Sure he enjoyed the big servings!!! If ever in the area, do not believe we would come back again. Its one of those hubby and I say, been there, done that.....
(3)Randy C.
I would give the restaurant 4 stars, however, our server Cindy, puts my rating over the top. Tempo was recommended to us as a good locals place for breakfast for our family of six. And we were not disappointed. The pancakes must have some secret ingredient, because we've never tasted better. And don't pass up the marmalade either. Be prepared for ample portions, luckily Cindy suggested the kids share. Very clean, bright and airy atmosphere. This will be our breakfast go to spot for the rest of the week we're here.
(5)Angie H.
I hit Tempo Cafe for a quick Saturday Mid-afternoon brunch ( around 2pm ) when I visited Chicago two weeks ago. We were seated right away, albeit in the corner of the outdoor seating area. I think due to this, the service was a bit lackluster, since the servers didn't come outside all THAT often, or were pulled away by a table closer to the center of the seating area before they were able to reach us. As for food, the portions are GIGANTIC. I have a pretty healthy appetite, and I barely finished half of my skillet. I got the poor man's scramble, which is a feast of veggies covered in cheese (seriously, if you dont REALLY like cheese, ask for less cheese. there is a CRAPTON of cheese on this dish) and a THICK layer of egg. I had to salt and pepper and tabasco it a bit to get it to my liking, but that's true of most cheap brunch places I've been. Also, I have a slightly heavier palate, so that also may be why I had to add more flavoring. One of our party ordered an omelet, which was equally gigantic. I had a bite, and it was decent, although I preferred my poor man's scramble. Another got the strawberry french toast, which was passable, but a bit too dry to my liking, so my tip is to smother it with syrup. The third got some chicken dish that she really did NOT like, because it wasn't all that flavorful, and the meat was dry. The orange juice, though, is SPLENDID. All in all, the service was okay, the food was okay, and it was a reasonable price for the portion sizes ( i paid $12 after tax & a pretty generous tip ). Being from LA, where the only brunch places with food of equal volume in this price range are Denny's or Ihop, Tempo Cafe is a decent choice by me :)
(3)Ellie W.
Like all stories, my story began with drinks with friends...and ended at sunrise with plates of food we ordered simply because someone sitting next to us was eating it and it looked good. Ok, maybe not all stories. But most of the fun ones worth mentioning. My friend and I, neither familiar with Chicago, had a post-bar craving for milkshakes and pancakes, and of course, went on a Yelp search for the closest diner still open. Sadly, we tried three and all of them were closed. So in lieu of Yelp, we trusted our local cabbie and he took us here, what he claimed was a "hot spot" for breakfast food. 3am at Tempo Cafe is basically like witnessing the walk of shame before the act of shame actually happens. It's packed with girls wearing blood clot-inducing bandage dresses, hobbling in and out on 5" heels, and the guys who will eventually have to piggy back 125 lbs of woman back home. But in between all of this is...*drumroll please*...some killer pancakes/eggs/omelets. Your standard diner food, made that much more delicious by the midnight crawl here.
(4)Aja G.
While I dislike the cash only aspect of this place, their food is good! I have been here for every meal and sometimes in between and have always been satisfied. They have hearty soups, delicious breakfast and occasionally good service. The service is hit or miss, but overall the wait staff does make a genuine effort to take care of their customers' need. There is sometimes a wait on the weekends, but if you avoid brunching hour you shouldn't have an issue. There is an ATM on site for non-cash carries like myself, but it sometimes out of order. It is 24 hours, so anytime is a good time ( expect of course brunch time)
(4)Sean B.
This place was within walking distance from our hotel. We checked in pretty late and we were starving so we were glad to know there was a spot nearby that was open 24 hours. I had the Chicken a la Louis and it was delicious. The service was great. They have freshly squeezed juices too.
(4)Isabel A.
After a long night of clubbing we decided to stop at this small cafe. It has a wonderful appearance but the service was terrible. I ordered an egg scrambler and it had no taste. The servers were rude and the entire time I was there I didn't even get a second glass if water. I asked and multiple waiters and they all said I'm not your waiter, turned around and walked away. It was the worst service I had experienced so far in Chicago.
(1)A L.
The Tempo Cafe is hit or miss all the way around. Sometimes their food is delicious and sometimes not so good. Sometimes the service is awesome and sometimes just awful. It's very close to my house and when I'm hungry for a simple breakfast I will go and gamble it.
(3)Mike B.
The best breakfast place I have ever eaten at. If your in the area must try will not be disappointed. The service is excellent and also the food.
(5)Pauline J.
My boyfriend and I were staying at the Drake and were looking for some close by place to walk to at 3AM. This was one of the only places near by, so we went for it. The place looked nice and the staff was friendly. We got to watch a horde of drunk drag queens, so that was pretty fun. The food wasn't anything special. This place was overall pretty average. Downside, my boyfriend, who's lived in Madison, WI almost his whole life, doesn't really understand how big cities work. For some reason he made eye contact with a homeless person and when the guy asked for his to-go box my boyfriend actually talked to him to politely say no. Then the guy started threatening to follow us and mug us. That was fun. My boyfriend, who wasn't really interested in the leftovers anyway, shoved his food at the guy and copied my disinterested, vaguely annoyed demeanor and we briskly walked back the block over to the Drake. Not sure if the guy followed us, because we didn't look, but we didn't get mugged. Between the average food and poor experience leaving, I won't be back unless I'm stuck in a similar situation of having no where else to eat.
(3)Kaitlin M.
I love this hot little breakfast place. Every time I have been there has been fairly good service, great food, good portion size and at a typical diner price. I cant rave enough about their skillets and omelets. As a vegetarian I appreciate the good produce. Their coffee is also good.
(5)Aimee P.
Great in and out, with good food!
(4)Lorraine L.
Tempo was my go to brunch food. If you like brunch/breakfast all hours of the day, this place is great for you. The portions are generous. It's usually busy every time I go to eat there, but I think it is worth the wait. It has a very diner-like atmosphere, which is something I appreciate. I am originally from New Jersey and diners are everywhere. It's very comforting. They have booths and table settings. They only accept cash. If you do forget to bring cash, they have an ATM machine by the entrance for your convenience.
(5)Pete B.
pretty awesome diner/breakfast place in Gold Coast, and best of all, it is pretty cheap for the area! A skillet entree can be easily split between two people. I was skeptical when I read that because I eat a lot, but the portion was just enormous. A quality meal for two for $10 + tax + tip = big bargain for the area.
(4)Rhondi S.
Got the tip from our seemingly knowledgable bus driver. Great joint, looks like a lot of regulars that come here. Huge portions of breakfast goodies.
(3)Brittany V.
I used to live a few blocks over and would visit here for breakfast once in a while. Pros: *Good food! Nice quality. *Big portions. I always took some of my meal home. Cons: *They used to take cash only. Do they still do that? I couldn't believe that in 2008 I was scrambling to find an ATM to pay this place. *It's crowded on the weekends. I believe we always waited around 1 hour for a table. *Sometimes the service had that "you're one in eleventy billion" feeling. You know, like they just wish you would order in as few words as possible so that they could move on. I know it's busy, but still, c'mon now. If you're in the neighborhood, this would be my place for breakfast.
(4)Paige W.
This is the first restaurant that I visited when I first moved to Chicago. And for this, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year I probably would have only given Tempo 3 stars, due to their cash only policy. Luckily however, they recently started accepting credit cards. I also really appreciate that this cafe is 24 hours. I usually stick with the breakfast menu; their skillets are generous and delicious. Their sandwiches and soup are also good. No, there is nothing spectacular about this place, but I appreciate that they have consistent, quality food.
(4)Kris L.
I thought this place was just for late night...but I was wrong. It's a no frills brunch, cash only, stern service, but the omelets are amazing, lights fluffy and come on top of hash browns in a skillet! Love it. Also the portions are ridiculous. Ate my omelet for 2 days afterwards.
(4)Amanda C.
I'm not at all impressed with this place. They are extremely OVER PRICED. You can get better food for cheaper elsewhere. I get that it's downtown, but with the higher prices the quality should be much better don't you think? I went in with my son to have a little breakfast. His water based (not milk) hot chocolate was $2.75. Really? They also have no kids menu, so I got 2 eggs which they ran me at $3.50. Explain to me how 3 eggs with meat is $4.50 & 2 eggs alone are 3.50? I mean I'm not cheap but being that my mediocre "blueberry" french toast was $8.95. I expected a good portion of french toast but it was 2, not so thick slices cut into four pieces with a small amount of fresh blueberries on top. Meh. I don't know why I expected more from here, but I did. They have free wifi thus the two stars. The waitress was nice also so I can't knock them for that. It is a restaurant though so HELLO the food is what should shine.
(2)Will C.
Coming from the Aloha State, one truly appreciates 24 hr any things. So that in itself garners 3 stars for me. Straight from Ohare, with no hotel room ready, we took a recommendation and tucked into this corner diner. Friendly fast service and staff that was on their A game. Service people who enjoy servicing? What a novelty. Large food portions and easy on the wallet. They also have a big ole wall of celebrities that choose to chow down here too.
(4)David K.
Very good breakfast place overall however you probably will have to wait on weekends between 8:30 and 12:30 or so. Omelette skillets are very good and large portions with hash browns (or more like American fries). Home made orange marmalade is great. Eggs Benedict is very good as well. Rest of menu is typical huge Greek diner stuff and is hit and miss.
(4)Matthew M.
While I was disappointed, I was also not surprised. Being in the Gold Coast, I expected Tempo Cafe to have a bit more creativity with the menu. The menu consists of the American diner basics prepared poorly with a 'twist' on nothing. Some of you diner food purists might love it here with the bland dishes and dingy interior, but I can't find a reason to go back.
(2)Amy G.
I love that I can count on Yelp reviews to help me find such great places to eat when I'm traveling. Such is the case with Tempo Cafe. It was within walking distance of my hotel, great prices, huge portions ( especially the skillets) and fast service. Don't forget your cash!
(5)Bruce K.
Wandering the streets in search of a decent and not terribly expensive meal, I walked past and decided to give it a shot. I only realized after I ordered that they don't accept credit cards, which is just weird. Fortunately, I had enough cash in my wallet. My egg omelette (the "Omni" which includes ham, green peppers and onions) was light and fluffy and moist. There is no way that's just three eggs. It has to be at least four! And underneath were sliced potatoes. On the side, two pieces of excellent toast and what tasted like fresh homemade marmalade. Pretty inexpensive for such a large meal, I was very pleased. Good service too and it was nice to sit outside with the traffic going past. Woohoo! As good as it gets!
(5)R T.
The cafe was crowded, but my food was on point!
(4)Amy H.
Breakfast on a Wednesday morning at 10am during the holidays - great experience! AWESOME service: They poured me coffee and gave me a bit of fruit to snack on while I waited for my former-boss-and-now-mentor. They were great about refilling my coffee constantly even though we stayed for almost 2 hours catching up. VEGGIE POOR MAN'S SKILLET: Delicious! HUGE portion, and I had to take half of it home, but I got it with scrambled eggs and wheat toast, and it was so full of flavor! Definitely woke up my taste buds for the day haha.
(4)