I initially ignored Richard Walker's driving by it for several months, curious about a pancake house that appeared more upscale but not curious enough to give it another though. A co-worker recommended it and I tried every other restaurant along highway 14 so why not? Stepping in to the Cabela/Caribou Coffee meets Cracker Barrel aesthetic building on the right of the counter they were selling pancake mixes and Kona coffee to take home. I noticed signs for the Pumpkin Pancakes which sounded great! I think it would go well with pumpkin ice cream but that is another story. I ended up selecting the wheat bran pancakes with a side of broccoli and a glass of Cabernet; I have healthy but shall we say eclectic taste sometimes. There were 8 or so mini-pancakes delivered and they were delicious served with the authentic real maple syrup, the only way it could be so flowingly liquid with lightly fruity tasting.
(4)
Chelsea L.
Since writing my original review, we've gone back nearly every other week for breakfast and just love this place. Service is consistently great and the breadth of menu choices keeps it from becoming routine (unless, of course, you want it to be! :)
(4)
Brian B.
I think the food quality is pretty good, breakfast is their specialty. It's the prices that I don't like. You can spend $20 on breakfast easy. So I will usually go elsewhere unless someone else is buying.
(2)
c. f.
Occasionally, I have to travel to Crystal Lake for work. It's not a favorite destination of mine. I'm from New England, and when I'm not surrounded by rolling hills and closely packed triple deckers I feel out of my element. In addition, the place I travel to visit is a rather unpleasant chemical factory surrounded by cornfields and recent (ugly) housing developments. The people are very nice, but the work and the location just bring me down. The one shining bright spot is Richard Walker's Motherfucking Pancake House. Seriously, how come I can't get Belgian waffles with bacon in them everywhere I go? I love New England, but we are way behind in bacon-stuffed waffle technology. The fluffy waffle is good enough, but fill it up with the best bacon ever to touch your tastebuds and you will see God. Thanks Richard Walker, whoever you are. You make travelling to the middle of Illinois bearable.
(4)
Aesha W.
This restaurant is owned by a member of the same family that owns the Walker Bros. chain of pancake houses, though this is a separate restaurant. I enjoyed this one even more than Walker Brothers; the ambience was a little nicer, the restaurant more clean (meaning less kitsch all over the walls), and the prices were just as good. I also liked the pancakes better! I've seen that the Schaumburg and Crystal Lake restaurants have slightly different menus, and since I have only once been to either location, I can't comment on Schaumburg. My friend ordered the apple pancake, and I've had a small bite of this at another and didn't like it; at this restaurant, it was fantastic. I've seen other reviews that mention it was pricey, but our total bill was $22.05. I had a Denver omelet with pancakes, my friend an apple pancake with bacon on the side. In my opinion, it was comparable to most of the pancake houses we've been to. This is my #1 pancake house, and we've been touring area pancake houses to find a our favorite one to visit on weekends (so far, we've been to at least 6). I'll drive the 30 minutes to Schaumburg or Crystal Lake on the weekend now and then to enjoy a nice breakfast.
(5)
lynn s.
My husband and I love Richard Walker's. The closest one in is Crystal Lake, but worth the drive from Elgin. Omlettes are fluffy and wonderful and have never had any complaints with service or food quality. I am only giving 4 stars because while very good, still it is on the pricey side for breakfast. I cringe when I see a large family coming in for breakfast ....$$. They do seem to upcharge quite a bit on the extras and may want to rethink some of their prices due to the economy. That said it is still always a treat for breakfast.
(4)
Sean T.
I always receive wonderful service. I'm a breakfast nerd (kinda easily satisfied) but they have some of the best bacon and orange juice around.. No complaints really.. Just wish they were a little cheaper otherwise I'd be tehre every weekend..
(4)
Hank G.
Went to Richard Walker's for breakfast on Sunday Morning. Place had a good crowd but not overly packed at about 9:30AM. Tried it because of the gluten free menu for my daughter and was really impressed by the knowledge of our waitress. I must say the whole wait staff also greated us as we came in and exited the establishment. Nice touch. The food was great the gluten free bacon pancakes had the most bacon my daughter ever had in that type of pancake. She had 6 and will be took home 4 of them because they were so big. My country fried steak was good with the gravy having a substantial amount of sausage and pepper in it. And my wife had an omelet that will be eaten for at least another day or two. Coffee was excellent and the cup never was empty. Waitress also offered us a discount card to be used at Rich Walkers and other establishments for points. Will definetly be going back saw some dutch apple pancakes with my name on them.
(5)
Nancy E.
Richard Walker's is my ideal breakfast place. You pay a bit more, but you get great ambiance, good service, perfect coffee (it's Kona and served with fresh, real cream), and it keeps Riff and his brother Raff out. Yes, the wait is horrendous on weekend mornings!!! I couldn't afford to eat there daily, but it is a terrific place to treat yourself (or a loved one). I love the seafood crepes, Seafood Newberg, filled with a very rich concoction of scallops, shrimp, and crab and served with potato pancakes. The huge, fluffy omelets are... well, huge... and served with 3 buttermilk pancakes (or toast). One thing regarding pancakes is that they serve it with warmed real maple syrup, while I appreciate Aunt Jamima, or the like, better-- but really! What kind of complaint is that! The German Pancake is something magical to try if you haven't before. I used to make Pilgrimages for those until I learned to make them myself. Don't let it's size scare you. It is a super-big, super-fluffy, almost souffle-like pancake served with powdered sugar and lemon. Lemon on my pancake??? Yes. It is really good! Then there is Richard Walker's for dinner. Dining out in Crystal Lake on a weekend evening can cost you valuable time waiting in line for a seat. No one thinks of a breakfast place for a lovely dinner. It is quieter and more intimate than TGIF and chances are you can get immediate seating. The calamari is perfectly prepared lightly coated and not overcooked. The Bistro Burger (with brie and bacon) and French Onion Soup are also excellent. The French Onion is not over-salted, like most restaurants tend to do. There is also a limited breakfast menu. This is a great place for a fantastic meal any time of the day.
(5)
Jen P.
this is the most awful restaurant!!!!!!!!! not only is the food terrible so is the service!!! will never go back!!!!!! go to reese's in lith...the ultimate for food & service!!!!
(1)
tim l.
The food here is so good ! fresh ingredients! worth every penny, and the portions are huge so you have breakfast for the next morning!
(5)
Nicole C.
Delicious!! I had the Belgian waffle and my husband had eggs, hash browns and ham. Both meals were absolutely wonderful! We came on a slow day, no one was standing up front to seat anyone, so we were standing around longer than necessary, but I can understand that maybe they were understaffed. Honestly the worst of it was that I didn't realize that each side is an additional charge. So being used to getting at least one side at other restaurants, I was kind of surprised when all I got was s plate of waffles. (Granted, reading the top of the menu section would clarify that). A friend of ours always complained about how expensive they are, but when I saw how inexpensive it was I thought she was crazy. Now I know how they're expensive when you have to pay for each side! But with that being said, the meal was delicious and we would definitely go back- and possibly order a side next time!
(4)
Heather K.
Great place - awesome food, only drawback was portion size to price. The server was very attentive, the corned beef hash was amazing and house made. I had the chocolate crepes (or crepe rather as it was only one for almost $9) and it was delicious as well.
(4)
Borris Z.
I visit often.... never had an issue. Food is always great and fresh! Today Martin was my server did great! Weekday are not so busy ....you may enjoy coffee and listen to classical music. Very relaxing for me. Always polite and friendly here. They pay attention to clients needs. Weekends are busy so be patient.. its like anything else. If it was not good it would be empty! It is one of my favorite places for breakfast. Priced fairly and coffee is delicious! As for me It deserves 5 stars.
(5)
Jennifer W.
Best buttermilk pancakes & coffee around, huge omelets. Relaxing atmosphere w classical music & a fireplace. Great service!
(5)
Erin O.
If you're looking for great value, this is not your place. If you're looking for a more upscale establishment for breakfast or brunch and cost isn't of much concern, this is an option. My first frustration was with the pricing. I tend to eat smaller meals, and the only options that fit were the kids meals. However, I settled on Spinach Crepes: "Fresh spinach with diced onions, fresh diced mushrooms, aged cheddar cheese, Hollandaise on top, Served with three potato pancakes." The two crepes were tasty, but the filling was lacking. Where were the mushrooms? Where was the spinach? Delicious sauce, though. I was able to substitute pancakes for the potato pancakes, which was a plus. The dish was around $10, my cup of coffee well over $2. Considering this is a pancake house, I was incredibly disappointed in the pancakes. They were not moist or milky; just your run-of-the-mill flapjacks that tasted as if they were out of a box. Side note: My husband ordered an orange juice right off the bat without checking pricing; our server automatically brought him the larger size. At $4.50, the orange juice was a waste of money. On the other hand, our server was attentive and warm, and helpful in accommodating the two children in our party. Sadly, I will not visit this small chain restaurant again. I'd much rather give my business to a small pancake parlor with more character and cozy feel.
(3)
Corey D.
The only reason I'm giving this place three stars instead of two is because of the oven baked apple pancake... it FAR exceeds the ooey gooey cake like creation I grew up with as a child at The Original Pancake house just outside Chicago. It was warm, sticky, sweet, fluffy... everything you want an apple pancake to be. BUT this one (unlike the several I ate long ago) had crisped edges that added a bit of texture. Outside of that, the place doesn't offer much more. Service was slow to start then speedy and almost rushed, The eggs and taters lacked flavor, and I was surprised that the menu seemed so limited. It also seemed a bit on the pricey side for breakfast.
(3)
Alan S.
Have you ever seen a waffle as big as your head Portions are great take me home some grub for the next 3 days I love it and the price is right Killer food thanks
(5)
Rob L.
We started eating breakfast here on advice (not Yelpers though) from people who "knew" the best place to eat in the area. This was when we first moved to Crystal Lake in 2007. We enjoyed the variety the menu offered along with the quaint atmosphere and the central fireplace on a cold winter morning. We continued to eat her off and on until 2010 when we began discovering other breakfast nooks with the help of Yelpers. We decided to go back to reflect on our first year in the area for some breakfast. I am not sure if the service and quality are sliding or that we are used to better places in the area. The service was slow at 7:30 on a Sunday with only two other couples in the restaurant (I checked the other side just to be sure). We got our order and the food was standard for this small chain restaurant. While eating I wanted another glass of water but could not visually locate the server. After about 15 minutes I tracked them down. We waited another 10 minutes for them to come back to see if we needed anything else. For the final surprise they tried to charge me an extra two dollars for my scrambled eggs because I requested egg whites only! I spoke with the manager and ask if the eggs are fresh and they replied yes. I countered with asking how difficult it is for your staff to separate and egg?? I got the charged removed and we left. Richard Walkers is a fine small chain restaurant with above average food at a slightly higher price. However, like I have said about chain restaurants in this area, there are many other restaurant options the same if not better quality food and price. These restaurants are also not chains and provide the same variety of menu options (yes, even the trendy pancakes). Take a look around the area and you will be amazed at the wonderful breakfast experiences you can have! If you can't find em just ask!
(2)
Matthew O.
Gonna have to go with three stars instead of two for two reasons: Service. And bacon. The bacon, the bacon, the bacon. Wow. 4 slices of thick-cut, perfectly cooked bacon. Wow. Probably the best restaurant bacon I've had. Met friends here for a quick brunch and was disappointed with the pricing for what you get: $8.95 for two eggs, hash browns and 4 strips of bacon is a touch high in my opinion. If it came with pancakes or maybe even toast they'd be spot-on, especially because you get 4 strips of bacon. The real kicker was the cost of the large orange juice. I didn't bother to check the menu before ordering it thinking it'd be in the $2.50 - $3.00 range, even for fresh squeezed. My large OJ set me back $4.50, and it wasn't too memorable. Disappointed. Last thing that made dining difficult -- it was STUFFY and WARM in the restaurant. Felt like I was waiting for the AC to kick in the whole time, but it kept getting warmer and warmer. By the end, I had a few sweat beads on my brow and that should NOT happen at any restaurant in the summer. But hey, the bacon was awesome. Otherwise, 2 stars.
(3)
Helen W.
Gotta love the bacon!
(5)
Liv S.
Love the food and service! Definitely my favorite breakfast place in all of Chicagoland!
(5)
Jen J.
$60...for 4 people (2 of which were kids) for BREAKFAST. However, the food was VERY good. Everything was seasoned and cooked properly. I don't have a single complaint about the taste of the food. I ordered the San Diego french toast which is made of challah break. You only get 2 slices, cut in half. Yes, only 2 slices for $9.95. The bowl of fresh fruit that comes with it, at least was on a larger side. I ordered a side of bacon. They cooked it perfectly, but you only get 3 slices for $4. My hubby ordered the Denver omelette. The size was great and every bite had just enough veggies/meat. It was seasoned very well. Our kids got the 1,2,3 breakfast and silver dollar pancakes with orange juice and apple juice. They gave me a birthday blueberry muffin which was nice (but we haven't eaten it yet). If you don't care about price, this is the place to go. We, however, will not be returning based completely on the price. I could ALMOST understand if they served everything organic and grass fed meats. But this is not the case.
(3)
Patricia D.
We called in a breakfast order on a Wednesday morning. We were told the food would be ready in 20 mins. When I arrived, and asked for my order, it wasn't ready. I had to sit and wait 20 MORE minutes for them to cook my food. I was incredibly frustrated by that, but had no choice but to wait. I didn't get an apology or anything. So I left with my food. It was delicious, but making me wait longer was unacceptable.
(3)
Michelle F.
If it's possible, I like this Richard Walkers more than I like the Schaumburg location. I mean, the Schaumburg one has served its purpose and everything, but the service as this location is SO much better! My friend called ahead for seating at 9 am for a Sunday morning for a group of seven of us. We were seated in a back room with other large parties. That made me happy because they were loud, and we were loud. It all worked out :) I ordered the apple pancake ahead of time so that it would come out at the same time as the food--I highly reccommend doing that. NEVER skimp on the apple pancake, you will be sorry. Even if you can't finish it in one sitting, it makes for amazing leftovers. Just heat that baby back up and you're good to go! I also got a skillet that was on their specials menu. It was quite delicious, however, I had ordered it w/ over easy eggs and they came scrambled. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but it would have changed the taste for me. I also upgraded my regular pancakes to the chocolate chip pancakes. You might want to do that as well. Just saying ;) Sugar rushes are awesome!! Our server was great--he was patient and quick with the refills! He was on top of things without being on top of us (to leave) like we feel pressured to do at other restaurants! So basically, don't come here if you're on a diet. Either you'll be crying at everyone else's amazing food, or you will crash and burn on the diet-front!
(4)
D S.
This is a fun place to go to for breakfast. Be fair warned that on Sundays from 9:30am-12pm the church crowds come. There have been times where it was a good 30-45 minute wait. But it is worth the wait. This place has your standard breakfast as well as some delicious specials. They also have a reward program that gives you $5 off your bill. My son used to love the pigs in a side car (sausage links wrapped in pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and a orange dipping sauce), my husband and I like the omelets. Coffee is good and plentiful. Waitstaff is always accommodating. Fun place to people watch.
(4)
Jerry K.
Walkers has some of the best breakfast around, only rivaled by Benedict's La Strata. Most items on the menu will have you coming back.
(4)
Nathan S.
This is a more upscale breakfast place. The prices are high, but the food and portions reflect the price. This is a great place to bring company for breakfast. It's very comfortable and clean. The staff is incredibly nice and helpful.
(4)
Dominique M.
Richard Walker's is the best! Ray, the manager is always kind and welcoming and he along with the rest of the staff are quick to smile and say hello. They even remember their regulars' names. As a business owner myself, I know how important it is to go the extra mile, and they always do here at Richard Walker's. The food is excellent and the environment is classy. The prices are reasonable as well, and they seem to have quite a low turnover rate among all levels of staff. I'm certainly going to continue patronizing this business and I would suggest that all of you who end up reading this review do the same. I just can't say enough about Richard Walker's.
(5)
Timothy D.
It is a nice place to eat. A friendly and quite place. The service is good and the prices are about average. My wife had the potato pancakes and they had to be exchanged for something else. They had a sour taste. I will probably come back and eat here again
(3)
Len S.
We have been here several times over the years. The last few times, and it really has gone downhill. Bacon served looked like it was cooked hours before and tasted like it. Food comes out Luke warm. By the time they served my eggs, I was already done with the pancakes. That's once they brought out the blueberry pancakes after they brought out blueberry muffins. And this was mid week, mid day.
(1)
Griselda B.
I have been wanting to come here for a longgg time. So this year for my birthday my mom, husband son and I went for breakfest. I ordered a simple eggs and pancakes for my son and he didnt even touch them. And he loves eggs. I ordered eggs,ham.and their special apple pancake. Well i was not satiesfied.my eggs tasted like plastic my ham had a strong garlic taste and well that apple pancake was not what i expected. My mom ordered a omlete and she liked it. Im not sure i would return its to pricey. I have never paid $80.00 for breakfest. Horrible.
(1)
Christy T.
The corned beef hash is great. With a crisp texture and an unexpected smokey flavor the likes of which I've never had, I'd revisit for that alone. The reason for the 4 out of 5 star being the link sausage. There was too much coating around the outside of the sausage link that tasted over processed. The staff was very cordial and helpful. We will keep this as a possibility for many return visits in the near future.
(4)
Megan M.
I always like this restaurant, the orange juice was always fresh and the atmosphere was very relaxing. I liked it so much that I decided to go again, and we were sat very quickly, which was nice and we got our orders in fast too. Then it came to receiving our meals. I got the walker scrambler which comes with pancakes. I got the scrambler and our waitress informs me that my pancakes are still being made and they will be out soon. Our waitress then goes to her other table and she is there for about 15 minutes, she never came back to see how everything was tasting and we had to call out to her to get her attention to inform her my pancakes never came out. She didn't even apologize. All in all I am very disappointed about my experience here.
(2)
Keith R.
Warning: There is a math reference, a music reference, and a movie reference. This is really more of a 2.5 star review, but due to the rounding half up plus infinity rule(math), 2.5 stars = 3 stars. Pancake House, right? I'm not sure, but it's the pancakes that are holding back on the 4th star for me. Having Pancakes in your name should mean that you serve them AND serve them well. It's not called Taco Bell because they have great hot dogs, am I right? I LOVE PANCAKES. I didn't love Richard Walker's pancakes...I even put half the butter on the table onto 2 pancakes and drizzled syrup on it, it just didn't do it for me, so the 3rd pancake went uneaten, and I kind of knew when I took the first bite, plain. It had sort of a crispy exterior , and there was no fluffiness to the interior. The second piece I cut, i picked up with my fingers and bent it, and it snapped in half. That was weird, It should "Bend and Not Break", kind of like a Dashboard Confessional song(music). So other than the pancake thing, my breakfast was pretty good. It's kind of hard to mess up chicken fried steak, and my scrambled eggs over easy came a little more cooked than I liked, but they usually do at most places, and thats just "fine and dandy", like Forrest Gump's(movie) legs. The coffee is good, and refilled frequently. Slight gripe about the wait, but that's usually the case on Sunday Morning(Maroon 5). Sorry , I know, I couldn't resist another music reference!
(3)
Dorothy P.
I've been dying to try this place out (and I'm not sure why), but from the Yelp reviews, I've been sort of hesitant because so many people complain about how expensive this eatery is. My hungrier half & I went early on a Sunday morning (7am), and when we pulled up, we joked that maybe they weren't open, since there were only 3 cars in the parking lot. Apparently they open at 6:30, so people around here must be late risers on Sunday or something (who knows). We were promptly greeted and seated in a charming booth lined with stained glass. The dining area seems a little stuffy, especially with the classical music being piped through the speakers, and I couldn't help but wonder if the ambiance is what made people think that Richard Walkers is so expensive. Much to my delight, the prices are not really any pricier than our favorite breakfast restaurant (Wildberry's in Schaumburg), fears unfounded, I guess. Their orange juice is a little pricey, until you realize that it's fresh squeezed, and for someone who juices at home a fair amount, I can tell you that it takes a lot of oranges to make a glass of orange juice, so I didn't mind shelling out for someone else to make it for me. Even though I'm more of an egg eater in the morning, I was lured by the luscious combination of whipped cream and strawberries on the crepes (plus I wanted to know what the heck "tropical sauce" is), so I opted for the fresh strawberry crepes. My dining companion, a sucker for anything with Choirzo, opted for a Mexican skillet. Our food came out promptly and was nice and hot. The crepes were just ok, standard crepes and the tropical sauce is actually orange juice based and quite watery instead of being thick and saucy. Interesting but not my favorite sauce I've ever had. My husband seemed to enjoy his skillet, although he lamented that it was lacking in the chorizo department. Our server was quite attentive, making sure to check on us often enough to feel taken care of but not so often that we felt pushed. She was also great about refilling the coffee until my husband declined a refill. Overall, Richard Walkers was good, not great. I think we'll probably stick with some of our favorites the next time we are deciding on breakfast though and forgo this place.
(3)
M K.
For eggs and pancakes...very expensive. There are better options out there. Having said that, my daughter ordered scrambled eggs and wouldn't eat them. Just like another review commented. They do something to the eggs that give them a different taste. My thought is that they put tons of butter in them. They had a very fatty, heavy taste. My son's pancakes were fine but not worth $8. Something happened with one of our orders though it was a while ago and I can't recall what it was. But the manager gave us a 20% discount on the bill. After all the rave reviews I've heard about this place we won't be back. The prices were high for "eggs and pancakes", the menu seemed limited compared to other places. IHOP is a better option or even Colonial Cafe for breakfast choices.
(2)
Adam R.
One of the better breakfast places in the area. The omelets are huge and the pancakes are delicious - this coming from someone who doesn't usually enjoy pancakes. It's our go to spot for breakfast food!
(4)
Priscilla M.
Love their homemade orange juice. The chocolate chip pancakes, waffles, and skillets are amazing. Never had a bad experience except having to wait in line on a Sunday morning (but it's worth it). Happy to have this restaurant in my town!!!
(5)
Harat H.
Just ok. Service and food both just ok. Seems to have lost their spark in both customer service as well as quality and flavors of the food. Not what it used to be. More than likely wont be back any time soon as other local eateries have superior quality food and service for way less.
(3)
Chris S.
We tried Richard Walker's in part becuase of the reputation, and we were disappointed. We went on a Saturday morning. It was busy but not packed full. We waited about 10 minutes when we could see a number of empty and set up tables. The server was streched with two large groups, and several other tables. She came by four times and I only got a refill on my coffee becuase someone else was walking around. The pancakes were good, definately above average, but the hash browns were small and nearly burnt (beyond crispy). For the price point there are much better places with better service and less wait. I would probably give them another try on a weekday though.
(2)
Jennifer L.
If you're a breakfast person - this place is a must! They have high quality breakfasts!! (As opposed to say the cheap place with the blue roof)... All locations have great food! Fast service as well. I do have 2 objections to this place - very expensive in my book. It's nearly $3 for a small glass of pop, and they up-charge you for everything! I think it was like an extra $1 to add a tiny bit of cheese to my scrambled eggs....C'mon!!! I have also had issues at a couple locations doing substitutions. So although I love their food, I always find myself super annoyed when the check comes. Love their eggs all kinds, wonderful fresh-squeezed O.J., and in fall the Pumpkin pancakes (they're totally not oversweet, just right).
(4)
Darlene M.
Everything was superb!! Service, food, price!!! Had one of the egg and bacon plates. Bacon is outstanding! Served with the best tasting pancakes that I have had in a long time. Everyone in my party got something different and all were pleased. Would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Andrew W.
If you are looking for a great place with great breakfast food, here it is... My son and I love this place. We are huge breakfast fans. My suggestion is the pancakes and bacon.... Outstanding...
(5)
Jim S.
Good but pricey. We checked in today at Richard Walker's Pancake House in Crystal Lake, IL I had an Omelet, which was outstanding. Big and fluffy, with cheddar cheese, ham and onion. I also had a side of the regular buttermilk pancakes. They were fine, but not especially noteworthy. My wife had eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. The bacon is thick cut, and very flavorful. The eggs were fine, but she had asked for toast, and we got another side of pancakes. My daughter had French Toast. It was good, but she never got her side of bacon. I saw some of the specialty's going by, like the baked apple pancake. It looked very good. They were quite busy at the time, so perhaps that is why our server missed the toast and bacon. I did not know about this until after we left, or I would have brought it to the server's attentions. I expect that he would have made it right. In total, while the food was good, we spent $58 with tax and tip for the 3 of us. That is a pretty pricey breakfast. The omelet was worth the price, but the rest of the food while good, was not noteworthy. I may return for the omelet, or some of the specialty items. If you are just looking for basic eggs, etc.. you can do as well for less $$.
(3)
Smitty J.
How this place gets a 3.5 is beyond me. The food, service,atmosphere are excellent. Wish I could give them 6 stars. Everybit as good as the Original Walker Brothers. The apple pancake is devine, the hash browns are the best I have ever had. The Santa Fe omlet was excellent, and the setvice was excellent.
(5)
Brad D.
What can I say???? But, this is the best breakfast place in McHenry county. The food is correctly portioned. Well priced, and the service is excellent.... We took my mother there for her birthday a few weeks ago. Everyone was extremely happy with our choice. I had the corned beef hash and eggs. Corned beef was not from a can as you find at most places and you could tell it was that GOOD! For a party of four all enjoying a wide mix from the selections on the menu it only turned out to be about 35.00 plus tax an tip. We got a lot of food. Highly recommended!
(4)
David B.
Sunday morning. Post-church rush. Long line. Packed waiting area. Completely worth it. I have been to the Schaumburg location of Richard Walker's a few times, and the one thing that I had always come away with was that it was slightly expensive. Walking into the Crystal Lake location was completely different. The main entrance has warm-colored wine barrel taps decorating the walls, the main dining area has a giant stone fireplace, and-- most importantly-- the place is packed wall-to-wall with a variety of people. Young and old, families and couples, Sunday-best suits and Urlacher jerseys... I could immediately see that this location appealed to the entire town. The coffee here is wonderful on two levels. First, it's brewed well-- bold but not burnt. Perhaps benefitting from the time of day, I felt like every cup came from a fresh pot. Second, I don't think my cup ever got lower than half full. All employees seem to team up to ensure that tables always have hot cups sitting in front of them. I ordered the mushroom omelet with cheddar cheese, although I was really tempted to have jalapeno cheese. This is an option on every omelet, which I found to be very unique. The giant omelet combined with a side order of three fluffy pancakes (these are included) was definitely more than I should have consumed in a single meal. But I'm overweight, and that's what overweight people do. Because it was during Autumn, they had pumpkin-flavored pancakes available. They included whipped cream and cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top of them. Just like my coffee, I skipped the cream and sugar, and the pumpkin pancakes were still incredible. On the way out, I heard someone call my name. I glanced over and saw the owner behind the counter. He asked how my meal was, and I told him that I enjoyed it. He leaned forward with a big smile and asked, "So am I going to see you in here again?" I mentioned to him how impressed I was with this location compared to the Schaumburg counterpart. We then had a brief discussion about Schaumburg, and he wanted to know my thoughts on moving to Cary. It would be impressive for any owner to be able to remember customers' names from the waiting list. It'd be a nice touch for all owners to have a little chat with patrons on their way out. But to do this during the Sunday morning post-church rush with a long line in a packed waiting area was incredible. And it certainly didn't leave me thinking about the price.
(5)
Rice A.
The food was okay. We've been to the one in Schaumburg and the one in Lincolnshire is my number one pick. The pancakes and breakfast food at this location seem a little less then what I am used to in Lincolnshire. The service gets a five star rating, though.
(3)
Bryan S.
Well, I grew up in Crystal Lake (I now live in Chicago) and I never ate at Richard Walker's when I lived in the area. Now I know why. I went back to CL today to visit my parents and they wanted to go there. I ordered the french onion soup and a side of potato pancakes. The soup was lukewarm and the pancakes were probably the worst I have ever had. They had a very strange taste. I went home afterward and the food gave me something that rhymes with rhiarrhea. That was a blast. Thanks Richard Walker!
(1)
Franklin D.
A little pricey and sometimes very crowded, but worth. Pretty good food and nice atmosphere including classical music and you can sit by the gas fireplace in the winter. You can avoid the crowd and have the same breakfast food by going in the evening. Kids love the silver dollar pancakes.
(4)
Bill H.
If you want to spend the same money as a real nice dinner than this place is for you. $10.00 for an omelette.....and you don't even get potatoes. $4.25 for 3 pieces of bacon? WTF!! Oh yes...don't forget the $4.00 glass of oj. Save your money and go Andy's or Olympic. Better food and half the price.
(1)
George B.
this place rocks now that Lou is now in control of it. Food and service have improved significantly thanks to his running this place. Pricewise, it isn't the bargain basement, but it isn't the most expensive either. Portion sizes are good for the money, and the coffee is worth the price.
(5)
Marc B.
The building is most, if not all, of what is good about this place. It's new construction but cozy and pretty inside and out. The food is fairly consistent in quality, but they prepare certain common things oddly. Like sunny side up eggs are partly poached. And omelets are whipped (and baked?) into enormous air-filled puffy whoopie cushions. It's all on the expensive side and there are not many healthy options -- but if you don't care about that then this may be a good place to go if you're looking for a warm and cozy place on a cold day.
(3)
Todd K.
So not worth the fifty dollars. Food is ok but very overpriced. No hashbrowns and toast w eggs? My omelette was egg white and it was eleven dollars! Service was just ok. I use to come here about four yrs ago when they had the same staff and they were actually fun. Lots of stonefaces here.
(1)
Liz B.
Nice for a breakfast date with my family. The food is relatively fast and there are alot of tables in the place. The food is fairly good, but it's not the best I've ever had. I feel like the menu is very limited. Avoid it Sunday mornings if you don't want to wait to stuff your face.
(4)
Maria C.
We were at the restaurant this past Saturday and paid with a new credit card. Within the hour there were numerous charges onto the account. The food is good, but unless you pay with cash, you run the risk of fraud....
(2)
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Address :5680 Northwest Hwy
Crystal Lake, IL, 60014
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Teo D.
Baked apple pancake is so good!
(4)Taylor O.
I initially ignored Richard Walker's driving by it for several months, curious about a pancake house that appeared more upscale but not curious enough to give it another though. A co-worker recommended it and I tried every other restaurant along highway 14 so why not? Stepping in to the Cabela/Caribou Coffee meets Cracker Barrel aesthetic building on the right of the counter they were selling pancake mixes and Kona coffee to take home. I noticed signs for the Pumpkin Pancakes which sounded great! I think it would go well with pumpkin ice cream but that is another story. I ended up selecting the wheat bran pancakes with a side of broccoli and a glass of Cabernet; I have healthy but shall we say eclectic taste sometimes. There were 8 or so mini-pancakes delivered and they were delicious served with the authentic real maple syrup, the only way it could be so flowingly liquid with lightly fruity tasting.
(4)Chelsea L.
Since writing my original review, we've gone back nearly every other week for breakfast and just love this place. Service is consistently great and the breadth of menu choices keeps it from becoming routine (unless, of course, you want it to be! :)
(4)Brian B.
I think the food quality is pretty good, breakfast is their specialty. It's the prices that I don't like. You can spend $20 on breakfast easy. So I will usually go elsewhere unless someone else is buying.
(2)c. f.
Occasionally, I have to travel to Crystal Lake for work. It's not a favorite destination of mine. I'm from New England, and when I'm not surrounded by rolling hills and closely packed triple deckers I feel out of my element. In addition, the place I travel to visit is a rather unpleasant chemical factory surrounded by cornfields and recent (ugly) housing developments. The people are very nice, but the work and the location just bring me down. The one shining bright spot is Richard Walker's Motherfucking Pancake House. Seriously, how come I can't get Belgian waffles with bacon in them everywhere I go? I love New England, but we are way behind in bacon-stuffed waffle technology. The fluffy waffle is good enough, but fill it up with the best bacon ever to touch your tastebuds and you will see God. Thanks Richard Walker, whoever you are. You make travelling to the middle of Illinois bearable.
(4)Aesha W.
This restaurant is owned by a member of the same family that owns the Walker Bros. chain of pancake houses, though this is a separate restaurant. I enjoyed this one even more than Walker Brothers; the ambience was a little nicer, the restaurant more clean (meaning less kitsch all over the walls), and the prices were just as good. I also liked the pancakes better! I've seen that the Schaumburg and Crystal Lake restaurants have slightly different menus, and since I have only once been to either location, I can't comment on Schaumburg. My friend ordered the apple pancake, and I've had a small bite of this at another and didn't like it; at this restaurant, it was fantastic. I've seen other reviews that mention it was pricey, but our total bill was $22.05. I had a Denver omelet with pancakes, my friend an apple pancake with bacon on the side. In my opinion, it was comparable to most of the pancake houses we've been to. This is my #1 pancake house, and we've been touring area pancake houses to find a our favorite one to visit on weekends (so far, we've been to at least 6). I'll drive the 30 minutes to Schaumburg or Crystal Lake on the weekend now and then to enjoy a nice breakfast.
(5)lynn s.
My husband and I love Richard Walker's. The closest one in is Crystal Lake, but worth the drive from Elgin. Omlettes are fluffy and wonderful and have never had any complaints with service or food quality. I am only giving 4 stars because while very good, still it is on the pricey side for breakfast. I cringe when I see a large family coming in for breakfast ....$$. They do seem to upcharge quite a bit on the extras and may want to rethink some of their prices due to the economy. That said it is still always a treat for breakfast.
(4)Sean T.
I always receive wonderful service. I'm a breakfast nerd (kinda easily satisfied) but they have some of the best bacon and orange juice around.. No complaints really.. Just wish they were a little cheaper otherwise I'd be tehre every weekend..
(4)Hank G.
Went to Richard Walker's for breakfast on Sunday Morning. Place had a good crowd but not overly packed at about 9:30AM. Tried it because of the gluten free menu for my daughter and was really impressed by the knowledge of our waitress. I must say the whole wait staff also greated us as we came in and exited the establishment. Nice touch. The food was great the gluten free bacon pancakes had the most bacon my daughter ever had in that type of pancake. She had 6 and will be took home 4 of them because they were so big. My country fried steak was good with the gravy having a substantial amount of sausage and pepper in it. And my wife had an omelet that will be eaten for at least another day or two. Coffee was excellent and the cup never was empty. Waitress also offered us a discount card to be used at Rich Walkers and other establishments for points. Will definetly be going back saw some dutch apple pancakes with my name on them.
(5)Nancy E.
Richard Walker's is my ideal breakfast place. You pay a bit more, but you get great ambiance, good service, perfect coffee (it's Kona and served with fresh, real cream), and it keeps Riff and his brother Raff out. Yes, the wait is horrendous on weekend mornings!!! I couldn't afford to eat there daily, but it is a terrific place to treat yourself (or a loved one). I love the seafood crepes, Seafood Newberg, filled with a very rich concoction of scallops, shrimp, and crab and served with potato pancakes. The huge, fluffy omelets are... well, huge... and served with 3 buttermilk pancakes (or toast). One thing regarding pancakes is that they serve it with warmed real maple syrup, while I appreciate Aunt Jamima, or the like, better-- but really! What kind of complaint is that! The German Pancake is something magical to try if you haven't before. I used to make Pilgrimages for those until I learned to make them myself. Don't let it's size scare you. It is a super-big, super-fluffy, almost souffle-like pancake served with powdered sugar and lemon. Lemon on my pancake??? Yes. It is really good! Then there is Richard Walker's for dinner. Dining out in Crystal Lake on a weekend evening can cost you valuable time waiting in line for a seat. No one thinks of a breakfast place for a lovely dinner. It is quieter and more intimate than TGIF and chances are you can get immediate seating. The calamari is perfectly prepared lightly coated and not overcooked. The Bistro Burger (with brie and bacon) and French Onion Soup are also excellent. The French Onion is not over-salted, like most restaurants tend to do. There is also a limited breakfast menu. This is a great place for a fantastic meal any time of the day.
(5)Jen P.
this is the most awful restaurant!!!!!!!!! not only is the food terrible so is the service!!! will never go back!!!!!! go to reese's in lith...the ultimate for food & service!!!!
(1)tim l.
The food here is so good ! fresh ingredients! worth every penny, and the portions are huge so you have breakfast for the next morning!
(5)Nicole C.
Delicious!! I had the Belgian waffle and my husband had eggs, hash browns and ham. Both meals were absolutely wonderful! We came on a slow day, no one was standing up front to seat anyone, so we were standing around longer than necessary, but I can understand that maybe they were understaffed. Honestly the worst of it was that I didn't realize that each side is an additional charge. So being used to getting at least one side at other restaurants, I was kind of surprised when all I got was s plate of waffles. (Granted, reading the top of the menu section would clarify that). A friend of ours always complained about how expensive they are, but when I saw how inexpensive it was I thought she was crazy. Now I know how they're expensive when you have to pay for each side! But with that being said, the meal was delicious and we would definitely go back- and possibly order a side next time!
(4)Heather K.
Great place - awesome food, only drawback was portion size to price. The server was very attentive, the corned beef hash was amazing and house made. I had the chocolate crepes (or crepe rather as it was only one for almost $9) and it was delicious as well.
(4)Borris Z.
I visit often.... never had an issue. Food is always great and fresh! Today Martin was my server did great! Weekday are not so busy ....you may enjoy coffee and listen to classical music. Very relaxing for me. Always polite and friendly here. They pay attention to clients needs. Weekends are busy so be patient.. its like anything else. If it was not good it would be empty! It is one of my favorite places for breakfast. Priced fairly and coffee is delicious! As for me It deserves 5 stars.
(5)Jennifer W.
Best buttermilk pancakes & coffee around, huge omelets. Relaxing atmosphere w classical music & a fireplace. Great service!
(5)Erin O.
If you're looking for great value, this is not your place. If you're looking for a more upscale establishment for breakfast or brunch and cost isn't of much concern, this is an option. My first frustration was with the pricing. I tend to eat smaller meals, and the only options that fit were the kids meals. However, I settled on Spinach Crepes: "Fresh spinach with diced onions, fresh diced mushrooms, aged cheddar cheese, Hollandaise on top, Served with three potato pancakes." The two crepes were tasty, but the filling was lacking. Where were the mushrooms? Where was the spinach? Delicious sauce, though. I was able to substitute pancakes for the potato pancakes, which was a plus. The dish was around $10, my cup of coffee well over $2. Considering this is a pancake house, I was incredibly disappointed in the pancakes. They were not moist or milky; just your run-of-the-mill flapjacks that tasted as if they were out of a box. Side note: My husband ordered an orange juice right off the bat without checking pricing; our server automatically brought him the larger size. At $4.50, the orange juice was a waste of money. On the other hand, our server was attentive and warm, and helpful in accommodating the two children in our party. Sadly, I will not visit this small chain restaurant again. I'd much rather give my business to a small pancake parlor with more character and cozy feel.
(3)Corey D.
The only reason I'm giving this place three stars instead of two is because of the oven baked apple pancake... it FAR exceeds the ooey gooey cake like creation I grew up with as a child at The Original Pancake house just outside Chicago. It was warm, sticky, sweet, fluffy... everything you want an apple pancake to be. BUT this one (unlike the several I ate long ago) had crisped edges that added a bit of texture. Outside of that, the place doesn't offer much more. Service was slow to start then speedy and almost rushed, The eggs and taters lacked flavor, and I was surprised that the menu seemed so limited. It also seemed a bit on the pricey side for breakfast.
(3)Alan S.
Have you ever seen a waffle as big as your head Portions are great take me home some grub for the next 3 days I love it and the price is right Killer food thanks
(5)Rob L.
We started eating breakfast here on advice (not Yelpers though) from people who "knew" the best place to eat in the area. This was when we first moved to Crystal Lake in 2007. We enjoyed the variety the menu offered along with the quaint atmosphere and the central fireplace on a cold winter morning. We continued to eat her off and on until 2010 when we began discovering other breakfast nooks with the help of Yelpers. We decided to go back to reflect on our first year in the area for some breakfast. I am not sure if the service and quality are sliding or that we are used to better places in the area. The service was slow at 7:30 on a Sunday with only two other couples in the restaurant (I checked the other side just to be sure). We got our order and the food was standard for this small chain restaurant. While eating I wanted another glass of water but could not visually locate the server. After about 15 minutes I tracked them down. We waited another 10 minutes for them to come back to see if we needed anything else. For the final surprise they tried to charge me an extra two dollars for my scrambled eggs because I requested egg whites only! I spoke with the manager and ask if the eggs are fresh and they replied yes. I countered with asking how difficult it is for your staff to separate and egg?? I got the charged removed and we left. Richard Walkers is a fine small chain restaurant with above average food at a slightly higher price. However, like I have said about chain restaurants in this area, there are many other restaurant options the same if not better quality food and price. These restaurants are also not chains and provide the same variety of menu options (yes, even the trendy pancakes). Take a look around the area and you will be amazed at the wonderful breakfast experiences you can have! If you can't find em just ask!
(2)Matthew O.
Gonna have to go with three stars instead of two for two reasons: Service. And bacon. The bacon, the bacon, the bacon. Wow. 4 slices of thick-cut, perfectly cooked bacon. Wow. Probably the best restaurant bacon I've had. Met friends here for a quick brunch and was disappointed with the pricing for what you get: $8.95 for two eggs, hash browns and 4 strips of bacon is a touch high in my opinion. If it came with pancakes or maybe even toast they'd be spot-on, especially because you get 4 strips of bacon. The real kicker was the cost of the large orange juice. I didn't bother to check the menu before ordering it thinking it'd be in the $2.50 - $3.00 range, even for fresh squeezed. My large OJ set me back $4.50, and it wasn't too memorable. Disappointed. Last thing that made dining difficult -- it was STUFFY and WARM in the restaurant. Felt like I was waiting for the AC to kick in the whole time, but it kept getting warmer and warmer. By the end, I had a few sweat beads on my brow and that should NOT happen at any restaurant in the summer. But hey, the bacon was awesome. Otherwise, 2 stars.
(3)Helen W.
Gotta love the bacon!
(5)Liv S.
Love the food and service! Definitely my favorite breakfast place in all of Chicagoland!
(5)Jen J.
$60...for 4 people (2 of which were kids) for BREAKFAST. However, the food was VERY good. Everything was seasoned and cooked properly. I don't have a single complaint about the taste of the food. I ordered the San Diego french toast which is made of challah break. You only get 2 slices, cut in half. Yes, only 2 slices for $9.95. The bowl of fresh fruit that comes with it, at least was on a larger side. I ordered a side of bacon. They cooked it perfectly, but you only get 3 slices for $4. My hubby ordered the Denver omelette. The size was great and every bite had just enough veggies/meat. It was seasoned very well. Our kids got the 1,2,3 breakfast and silver dollar pancakes with orange juice and apple juice. They gave me a birthday blueberry muffin which was nice (but we haven't eaten it yet). If you don't care about price, this is the place to go. We, however, will not be returning based completely on the price. I could ALMOST understand if they served everything organic and grass fed meats. But this is not the case.
(3)Patricia D.
We called in a breakfast order on a Wednesday morning. We were told the food would be ready in 20 mins. When I arrived, and asked for my order, it wasn't ready. I had to sit and wait 20 MORE minutes for them to cook my food. I was incredibly frustrated by that, but had no choice but to wait. I didn't get an apology or anything. So I left with my food. It was delicious, but making me wait longer was unacceptable.
(3)Michelle F.
If it's possible, I like this Richard Walkers more than I like the Schaumburg location. I mean, the Schaumburg one has served its purpose and everything, but the service as this location is SO much better! My friend called ahead for seating at 9 am for a Sunday morning for a group of seven of us. We were seated in a back room with other large parties. That made me happy because they were loud, and we were loud. It all worked out :) I ordered the apple pancake ahead of time so that it would come out at the same time as the food--I highly reccommend doing that. NEVER skimp on the apple pancake, you will be sorry. Even if you can't finish it in one sitting, it makes for amazing leftovers. Just heat that baby back up and you're good to go! I also got a skillet that was on their specials menu. It was quite delicious, however, I had ordered it w/ over easy eggs and they came scrambled. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but it would have changed the taste for me. I also upgraded my regular pancakes to the chocolate chip pancakes. You might want to do that as well. Just saying ;) Sugar rushes are awesome!! Our server was great--he was patient and quick with the refills! He was on top of things without being on top of us (to leave) like we feel pressured to do at other restaurants! So basically, don't come here if you're on a diet. Either you'll be crying at everyone else's amazing food, or you will crash and burn on the diet-front!
(4)D S.
This is a fun place to go to for breakfast. Be fair warned that on Sundays from 9:30am-12pm the church crowds come. There have been times where it was a good 30-45 minute wait. But it is worth the wait. This place has your standard breakfast as well as some delicious specials. They also have a reward program that gives you $5 off your bill. My son used to love the pigs in a side car (sausage links wrapped in pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and a orange dipping sauce), my husband and I like the omelets. Coffee is good and plentiful. Waitstaff is always accommodating. Fun place to people watch.
(4)Jerry K.
Walkers has some of the best breakfast around, only rivaled by Benedict's La Strata. Most items on the menu will have you coming back.
(4)Nathan S.
This is a more upscale breakfast place. The prices are high, but the food and portions reflect the price. This is a great place to bring company for breakfast. It's very comfortable and clean. The staff is incredibly nice and helpful.
(4)Dominique M.
Richard Walker's is the best! Ray, the manager is always kind and welcoming and he along with the rest of the staff are quick to smile and say hello. They even remember their regulars' names. As a business owner myself, I know how important it is to go the extra mile, and they always do here at Richard Walker's. The food is excellent and the environment is classy. The prices are reasonable as well, and they seem to have quite a low turnover rate among all levels of staff. I'm certainly going to continue patronizing this business and I would suggest that all of you who end up reading this review do the same. I just can't say enough about Richard Walker's.
(5)Timothy D.
It is a nice place to eat. A friendly and quite place. The service is good and the prices are about average. My wife had the potato pancakes and they had to be exchanged for something else. They had a sour taste. I will probably come back and eat here again
(3)Len S.
We have been here several times over the years. The last few times, and it really has gone downhill. Bacon served looked like it was cooked hours before and tasted like it. Food comes out Luke warm. By the time they served my eggs, I was already done with the pancakes. That's once they brought out the blueberry pancakes after they brought out blueberry muffins. And this was mid week, mid day.
(1)Griselda B.
I have been wanting to come here for a longgg time. So this year for my birthday my mom, husband son and I went for breakfest. I ordered a simple eggs and pancakes for my son and he didnt even touch them. And he loves eggs. I ordered eggs,ham.and their special apple pancake. Well i was not satiesfied.my eggs tasted like plastic my ham had a strong garlic taste and well that apple pancake was not what i expected. My mom ordered a omlete and she liked it. Im not sure i would return its to pricey. I have never paid $80.00 for breakfest. Horrible.
(1)Christy T.
The corned beef hash is great. With a crisp texture and an unexpected smokey flavor the likes of which I've never had, I'd revisit for that alone. The reason for the 4 out of 5 star being the link sausage. There was too much coating around the outside of the sausage link that tasted over processed. The staff was very cordial and helpful. We will keep this as a possibility for many return visits in the near future.
(4)Megan M.
I always like this restaurant, the orange juice was always fresh and the atmosphere was very relaxing. I liked it so much that I decided to go again, and we were sat very quickly, which was nice and we got our orders in fast too. Then it came to receiving our meals. I got the walker scrambler which comes with pancakes. I got the scrambler and our waitress informs me that my pancakes are still being made and they will be out soon. Our waitress then goes to her other table and she is there for about 15 minutes, she never came back to see how everything was tasting and we had to call out to her to get her attention to inform her my pancakes never came out. She didn't even apologize. All in all I am very disappointed about my experience here.
(2)Keith R.
Warning: There is a math reference, a music reference, and a movie reference. This is really more of a 2.5 star review, but due to the rounding half up plus infinity rule(math), 2.5 stars = 3 stars. Pancake House, right? I'm not sure, but it's the pancakes that are holding back on the 4th star for me. Having Pancakes in your name should mean that you serve them AND serve them well. It's not called Taco Bell because they have great hot dogs, am I right? I LOVE PANCAKES. I didn't love Richard Walker's pancakes...I even put half the butter on the table onto 2 pancakes and drizzled syrup on it, it just didn't do it for me, so the 3rd pancake went uneaten, and I kind of knew when I took the first bite, plain. It had sort of a crispy exterior , and there was no fluffiness to the interior. The second piece I cut, i picked up with my fingers and bent it, and it snapped in half. That was weird, It should "Bend and Not Break", kind of like a Dashboard Confessional song(music). So other than the pancake thing, my breakfast was pretty good. It's kind of hard to mess up chicken fried steak, and my scrambled eggs over easy came a little more cooked than I liked, but they usually do at most places, and thats just "fine and dandy", like Forrest Gump's(movie) legs. The coffee is good, and refilled frequently. Slight gripe about the wait, but that's usually the case on Sunday Morning(Maroon 5). Sorry , I know, I couldn't resist another music reference!
(3)Dorothy P.
I've been dying to try this place out (and I'm not sure why), but from the Yelp reviews, I've been sort of hesitant because so many people complain about how expensive this eatery is. My hungrier half & I went early on a Sunday morning (7am), and when we pulled up, we joked that maybe they weren't open, since there were only 3 cars in the parking lot. Apparently they open at 6:30, so people around here must be late risers on Sunday or something (who knows). We were promptly greeted and seated in a charming booth lined with stained glass. The dining area seems a little stuffy, especially with the classical music being piped through the speakers, and I couldn't help but wonder if the ambiance is what made people think that Richard Walkers is so expensive. Much to my delight, the prices are not really any pricier than our favorite breakfast restaurant (Wildberry's in Schaumburg), fears unfounded, I guess. Their orange juice is a little pricey, until you realize that it's fresh squeezed, and for someone who juices at home a fair amount, I can tell you that it takes a lot of oranges to make a glass of orange juice, so I didn't mind shelling out for someone else to make it for me. Even though I'm more of an egg eater in the morning, I was lured by the luscious combination of whipped cream and strawberries on the crepes (plus I wanted to know what the heck "tropical sauce" is), so I opted for the fresh strawberry crepes. My dining companion, a sucker for anything with Choirzo, opted for a Mexican skillet. Our food came out promptly and was nice and hot. The crepes were just ok, standard crepes and the tropical sauce is actually orange juice based and quite watery instead of being thick and saucy. Interesting but not my favorite sauce I've ever had. My husband seemed to enjoy his skillet, although he lamented that it was lacking in the chorizo department. Our server was quite attentive, making sure to check on us often enough to feel taken care of but not so often that we felt pushed. She was also great about refilling the coffee until my husband declined a refill. Overall, Richard Walkers was good, not great. I think we'll probably stick with some of our favorites the next time we are deciding on breakfast though and forgo this place.
(3)M K.
For eggs and pancakes...very expensive. There are better options out there. Having said that, my daughter ordered scrambled eggs and wouldn't eat them. Just like another review commented. They do something to the eggs that give them a different taste. My thought is that they put tons of butter in them. They had a very fatty, heavy taste. My son's pancakes were fine but not worth $8. Something happened with one of our orders though it was a while ago and I can't recall what it was. But the manager gave us a 20% discount on the bill. After all the rave reviews I've heard about this place we won't be back. The prices were high for "eggs and pancakes", the menu seemed limited compared to other places. IHOP is a better option or even Colonial Cafe for breakfast choices.
(2)Adam R.
One of the better breakfast places in the area. The omelets are huge and the pancakes are delicious - this coming from someone who doesn't usually enjoy pancakes. It's our go to spot for breakfast food!
(4)Priscilla M.
Love their homemade orange juice. The chocolate chip pancakes, waffles, and skillets are amazing. Never had a bad experience except having to wait in line on a Sunday morning (but it's worth it). Happy to have this restaurant in my town!!!
(5)Harat H.
Just ok. Service and food both just ok. Seems to have lost their spark in both customer service as well as quality and flavors of the food. Not what it used to be. More than likely wont be back any time soon as other local eateries have superior quality food and service for way less.
(3)Chris S.
We tried Richard Walker's in part becuase of the reputation, and we were disappointed. We went on a Saturday morning. It was busy but not packed full. We waited about 10 minutes when we could see a number of empty and set up tables. The server was streched with two large groups, and several other tables. She came by four times and I only got a refill on my coffee becuase someone else was walking around. The pancakes were good, definately above average, but the hash browns were small and nearly burnt (beyond crispy). For the price point there are much better places with better service and less wait. I would probably give them another try on a weekday though.
(2)Jennifer L.
If you're a breakfast person - this place is a must! They have high quality breakfasts!! (As opposed to say the cheap place with the blue roof)... All locations have great food! Fast service as well. I do have 2 objections to this place - very expensive in my book. It's nearly $3 for a small glass of pop, and they up-charge you for everything! I think it was like an extra $1 to add a tiny bit of cheese to my scrambled eggs....C'mon!!! I have also had issues at a couple locations doing substitutions. So although I love their food, I always find myself super annoyed when the check comes. Love their eggs all kinds, wonderful fresh-squeezed O.J., and in fall the Pumpkin pancakes (they're totally not oversweet, just right).
(4)Darlene M.
Everything was superb!! Service, food, price!!! Had one of the egg and bacon plates. Bacon is outstanding! Served with the best tasting pancakes that I have had in a long time. Everyone in my party got something different and all were pleased. Would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Andrew W.
If you are looking for a great place with great breakfast food, here it is... My son and I love this place. We are huge breakfast fans. My suggestion is the pancakes and bacon.... Outstanding...
(5)Jim S.
Good but pricey. We checked in today at Richard Walker's Pancake House in Crystal Lake, IL I had an Omelet, which was outstanding. Big and fluffy, with cheddar cheese, ham and onion. I also had a side of the regular buttermilk pancakes. They were fine, but not especially noteworthy. My wife had eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. The bacon is thick cut, and very flavorful. The eggs were fine, but she had asked for toast, and we got another side of pancakes. My daughter had French Toast. It was good, but she never got her side of bacon. I saw some of the specialty's going by, like the baked apple pancake. It looked very good. They were quite busy at the time, so perhaps that is why our server missed the toast and bacon. I did not know about this until after we left, or I would have brought it to the server's attentions. I expect that he would have made it right. In total, while the food was good, we spent $58 with tax and tip for the 3 of us. That is a pretty pricey breakfast. The omelet was worth the price, but the rest of the food while good, was not noteworthy. I may return for the omelet, or some of the specialty items. If you are just looking for basic eggs, etc.. you can do as well for less $$.
(3)Smitty J.
How this place gets a 3.5 is beyond me. The food, service,atmosphere are excellent. Wish I could give them 6 stars. Everybit as good as the Original Walker Brothers. The apple pancake is devine, the hash browns are the best I have ever had. The Santa Fe omlet was excellent, and the setvice was excellent.
(5)Brad D.
What can I say???? But, this is the best breakfast place in McHenry county. The food is correctly portioned. Well priced, and the service is excellent.... We took my mother there for her birthday a few weeks ago. Everyone was extremely happy with our choice. I had the corned beef hash and eggs. Corned beef was not from a can as you find at most places and you could tell it was that GOOD! For a party of four all enjoying a wide mix from the selections on the menu it only turned out to be about 35.00 plus tax an tip. We got a lot of food. Highly recommended!
(4)David B.
Sunday morning. Post-church rush. Long line. Packed waiting area. Completely worth it. I have been to the Schaumburg location of Richard Walker's a few times, and the one thing that I had always come away with was that it was slightly expensive. Walking into the Crystal Lake location was completely different. The main entrance has warm-colored wine barrel taps decorating the walls, the main dining area has a giant stone fireplace, and-- most importantly-- the place is packed wall-to-wall with a variety of people. Young and old, families and couples, Sunday-best suits and Urlacher jerseys... I could immediately see that this location appealed to the entire town. The coffee here is wonderful on two levels. First, it's brewed well-- bold but not burnt. Perhaps benefitting from the time of day, I felt like every cup came from a fresh pot. Second, I don't think my cup ever got lower than half full. All employees seem to team up to ensure that tables always have hot cups sitting in front of them. I ordered the mushroom omelet with cheddar cheese, although I was really tempted to have jalapeno cheese. This is an option on every omelet, which I found to be very unique. The giant omelet combined with a side order of three fluffy pancakes (these are included) was definitely more than I should have consumed in a single meal. But I'm overweight, and that's what overweight people do. Because it was during Autumn, they had pumpkin-flavored pancakes available. They included whipped cream and cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top of them. Just like my coffee, I skipped the cream and sugar, and the pumpkin pancakes were still incredible. On the way out, I heard someone call my name. I glanced over and saw the owner behind the counter. He asked how my meal was, and I told him that I enjoyed it. He leaned forward with a big smile and asked, "So am I going to see you in here again?" I mentioned to him how impressed I was with this location compared to the Schaumburg counterpart. We then had a brief discussion about Schaumburg, and he wanted to know my thoughts on moving to Cary. It would be impressive for any owner to be able to remember customers' names from the waiting list. It'd be a nice touch for all owners to have a little chat with patrons on their way out. But to do this during the Sunday morning post-church rush with a long line in a packed waiting area was incredible. And it certainly didn't leave me thinking about the price.
(5)Rice A.
The food was okay. We've been to the one in Schaumburg and the one in Lincolnshire is my number one pick. The pancakes and breakfast food at this location seem a little less then what I am used to in Lincolnshire. The service gets a five star rating, though.
(3)Bryan S.
Well, I grew up in Crystal Lake (I now live in Chicago) and I never ate at Richard Walker's when I lived in the area. Now I know why. I went back to CL today to visit my parents and they wanted to go there. I ordered the french onion soup and a side of potato pancakes. The soup was lukewarm and the pancakes were probably the worst I have ever had. They had a very strange taste. I went home afterward and the food gave me something that rhymes with rhiarrhea. That was a blast. Thanks Richard Walker!
(1)Franklin D.
A little pricey and sometimes very crowded, but worth. Pretty good food and nice atmosphere including classical music and you can sit by the gas fireplace in the winter. You can avoid the crowd and have the same breakfast food by going in the evening. Kids love the silver dollar pancakes.
(4)Bill H.
If you want to spend the same money as a real nice dinner than this place is for you. $10.00 for an omelette.....and you don't even get potatoes. $4.25 for 3 pieces of bacon? WTF!! Oh yes...don't forget the $4.00 glass of oj. Save your money and go Andy's or Olympic. Better food and half the price.
(1)George B.
this place rocks now that Lou is now in control of it. Food and service have improved significantly thanks to his running this place. Pricewise, it isn't the bargain basement, but it isn't the most expensive either. Portion sizes are good for the money, and the coffee is worth the price.
(5)Marc B.
The building is most, if not all, of what is good about this place. It's new construction but cozy and pretty inside and out. The food is fairly consistent in quality, but they prepare certain common things oddly. Like sunny side up eggs are partly poached. And omelets are whipped (and baked?) into enormous air-filled puffy whoopie cushions. It's all on the expensive side and there are not many healthy options -- but if you don't care about that then this may be a good place to go if you're looking for a warm and cozy place on a cold day.
(3)Todd K.
So not worth the fifty dollars. Food is ok but very overpriced. No hashbrowns and toast w eggs? My omelette was egg white and it was eleven dollars! Service was just ok. I use to come here about four yrs ago when they had the same staff and they were actually fun. Lots of stonefaces here.
(1)Liz B.
Nice for a breakfast date with my family. The food is relatively fast and there are alot of tables in the place. The food is fairly good, but it's not the best I've ever had. I feel like the menu is very limited. Avoid it Sunday mornings if you don't want to wait to stuff your face.
(4)Maria C.
We were at the restaurant this past Saturday and paid with a new credit card. Within the hour there were numerous charges onto the account. The food is good, but unless you pay with cash, you run the risk of fraud....
(2)