Wow - almost 3 years since my last review and visit and I must say this place hasn't missed a beat. I'm now working in the area so I'll be there a little more often now. When I got there, the place was almost full around 12:40PM. I was sat and had my food in less than 10 minutes. Pretty good reuben sandwich, Stephanie was my server and did a great job - never needed to ask for a thing. I rarely write updated reviews, but over the 5-6 years I have been here, the fact that this place still consistently offers good service and food is a real credit to their business. Looking forward to heading back soon.
(5)
Karen W.
My sister loves this cafe but they must have been having an off day with our meals when we went. I had the veggie potato pancake benedict. The potato pancake on the bottom tasted slightly mushy, and the cheese had a runny quality to it that was almost like eating the monterey jack version of Velveeta. Service was top notch though. Our meals were made in lightning time and drinks were refilled as needed.
(3)
Steve R.
Definitely worth checking out. Large, easy to read single page menu with choices broken down into groups.... scrambles, omelettes, pancakes / waffles, eggs, etc. Service was spot on... refilled my coffee several times and my meal ( The Mardi Gras ) was done to perfection and delicious. Rye toast was a nice, thickly cut slice and toasted just how I like it. Definitely going back here again.
(4)
Michelle A.
So glad we finally made it here without a huge wait or line! Only 10 mins on Sat at 1215p. Decided to order our own little mini brunch, turkey artichoke panini, lemon poppyseed crepe, and at caramba skillet w med poached eggs and english muffin. Everything was super good, freshly made, tasty, and not greasy at all. Place has pleasant decor and is clean, staff (Stacy) was really great! Can't wait to come back.
Better than OK! We came in here on a Friday morning to try them out for the first time. They appear to be a smaller version of their bigger location in McHenry which we love. There are some slight differences between the two locations but nothing worth writing about. This location is newer and very clean. I would even go as far as saying that it is welcoming and looks like a nice place for the local crowd to come for a good meal. As we walked in we were greeted right away and seated in a booth. As I looked around I didn't notice too many people but I only noticed one server who appeared to be working her butt off to keep everyone with fresh coffee or their food. The one server working her butt off came by and poured me my coffee which is always good. They have these flavored little creamer cups for your coffee which is a nice option. We already knew what we wanted to order so I went with a spinach and feta omelette with Greek toast and and a side of their potatoes. They also have those cool little jelly containers with grape, raspberry or strawberry. I have to say that the food is very good. Overall it is a good place to grab a meal. The only thing that needs to be improved is the server needs help. She couldn't possibly keep up with the pace if it got any busier and you don't want to burn out a good server.
(4)
Debbie F.
You know a place is good when you plan your travels around stopping here for brunch. It seems that I seldom make a trip to the NW burbs of Chicago without having at least one meal at the Fox River Grove location. Yes, the lines are often long on a weekend morning, but it is worth the wait. The staff is efficent at moving tables quickly and it is always a great place for people watching. The wait staff is always friendly and consistently good. Having tried a wide variety of menu iitems, I have NEVER been disappointed. My latest lunch was the stuffed avocado. It is an avocado with a ridiculously large helping of their decadent chicken salad surrounded by lucious fresh fruits. It was amazing!!!
(5)
Karissa K.
This place is fabulous for breakfast. Every time I'm in town my family and I go. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is very chill and amiable. And the food is amazing. I have yet to order something I don't like. They're choices range from classic omelettes to decadent specialties.
(5)
Mick B.
I love going to Brunch Cafe for their selection of tasty and unique breakfast and sandwich items. However, I do enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast and Brunch Cafe has what is probably the worst coffee that I have ever struggled to drink; I can only imagine that they over roasted the beans to a burnt mess and then threw an ashtray worth of cigarette butts and ashes in with the grounds before brewing. Honestly, that is just what it tastes like to me. I'd be more of a regular and give one more star if they somehow could solve this coffee disaster. If it's this way next time I am going to ask them to remove it from the bill since it's an insult to the taste buds to say the very least. Otherwise it's a great place to satisfy your hunger with hearty meals and excellent service.
(3)
Carissa B.
Always good food and fast service. Even if you have to wait for a seat... It never takes a long time. I have eaten here several times and have yet to have a complaint. I would recommend the PortoBenny Benedict. Sooooo good!!
(5)
Courtney F.
I haven't had anything here I didn't like! Today my husband and I had the nacho skillet and the South of the Border Quesadilla!! Omg both were so good!make sure you have salsa verde for the quesadilla as well! Highly recommend these two dishes! Also my daughter had the Gluten Free pancakes with strawberries and it was great! Pancakes were awesome and strawberries were fresh!! I wanna go back tomorrow!!
(5)
George G.
Came by this place by chance. It was amazing. Up there with egg harbor. Though their potatoes weren't as good. However, the rest of their breakfast was incredible. I ordered the nacho scrambler. Tortilla chips and eggs, amazing! I was so full but could not stop eating. I was with a party of 5. Everyone ordered something different and each person thoroughly enjoyed their dish. If I'm ever around one of these again, I will be stopping in. The wait staff was polite and friendly. Very attentive yet Not intrusive. My water and coffee cups were never empty. Keep up the great work!
(5)
Meg F.
Great find! A bit of a drive for me but totally worth it. We had a short wait (20 min). The service was great - everyone worked as a team to ensure we had everything we needed. The food was simply delicious. In so glad we ventured out that way.
(5)
Mary Beth B.
Love everything I ever had! The specials are wonderful Rueben sandwich is so good! The very berry crepes are so good! The soups are delightful! Love the sweet potato fries!
(5)
Kevin D.
Love it. Been here many times and I have never been disappointed in the service, inventiveness and variety of the food, freshness of the ingredients and the execution.
(5)
Brian L.
Why am I such a fool? I live not too far from here and had only been here once before since it opened and just had eggs and toast. It was ok and I was in a rush. Well today I had a little time to kill and it was breakfast time and I was close by. So I stopped in. Besides seeing two groups of people I know eating here. I was seated met by a super friendly, and helpful waitress. I ordered the Rt 22 which I read a review about. OMG besides the excellent service (the lbs Brianna) my good came out super quick and was so tasty. The crepes were wonderful veggies cooked perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was the perfect to take this dish over the top. In summary, like Arnie said in the Terminator, I'll be back!!
(5)
John S.
The place had a bit of a line when we got there mid morning on a weekend, but they have lots of seating and turned it over pretty quick. The omelets were huge and came with potatoes and a side of toast or pancakes. My son enjoyed the belgian waffle, he said it was filling and was nice and crispy.
(4)
Terry A.
I have had breakfast here several times. the food is always very good as is the service. the exception today was the service. I had water instead of coffee. I was never offered a refill or che ked on foe additional Ned's until I asked for the. heck. more water would have been nice
(4)
Lizabee H.
I love love love this place, and I continually come back for more. Here are my reasons: 1) The food always comes out PIPING HOT. This is so important with breakfast food, and something most places fail miserably at. 2) The menu has some tasty options, and what they do, they do really really well. Their banana pancakes are amazing, and the California crepes (crepes filled with egg, bacon, avocado, spinach, and cheese) are to die for. 3) The waitresses are really friendly, and my coffee is always full Go. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Michael H.
When the company I work for opened its new location in February of 2012, I was not too familiar with all the arrow ding restaurants in the area. One day, we had a customer event at the store and my manager at the time got food from this place. The first food I tried from Brunch Cafe were the sliders. Sausage, egg and cheese in a croissant sandwich. Amazing. The next time I had breakfast was when my manager treated me to food. I then ordered the meat and potato skillet. Wow. That dish filled me up so much, it was worth spending $11. From then on, whenever it happens to be a particular morning where I want to have a nice big breakfast, I'd just call in an order, pick it up and enjoy. Maybe next time I'll actually eat in at the place since it's literally down the street from my work. This is the perfect place to eat brunch, especially in a area that does not have many breakfast joints.
(4)
Ellen M.
Brunch Cafe offers fantastic service and food. I highly recommend the Fox River Grove location. ROUTE 22 - My favorite dish is the "Route 22" savory crepe filled with mushrooms, onions, spinach, and cheese. ( I usually ask to have avocado added.) It also comes with hollandaise sauce on top that is creamy with a bit of zing. You will get two VERY big crepes. FRENCH TOAST TRIO - My sister ordered the special of the day, a french toast trio. Each french toast was a different amazing flavor - Red Velvet, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread. Each of these are offered as individual dishes. It looked and tasted amazing. Our server was friendly, present, and not at all pushy. My family enjoyed time catching up over delicious food.
(5)
D W.
Exceptional place for brunch, although expect to wait as they are busy during the mid morning, especially on weekends. Great variety of food and all of it seems it is from scratch. I debated dropping a star due to the lack of parking and the annoying signs at the liquor store next door that claim parking is only for their business (rolls eyes). I parked there anyway. Also do not expect anything too fancy in terms of seating as it is a rather open concept that is simple and designed to seat as many as the space allows without feeling cramped. If you do not try this place you are a fool... :)
(5)
Shiloh C.
I love this place for the food and the creativity that they bring. The service is always between two and four stars which is why I gave it four stars I have never had bad service but I've never had excellent service either. They just seem to be well-trained and run like machines. They are constantly busy and the table seem like you're always in someone's way. But I love the food I love the coffee this place is delicious!
(4)
James F.
Ok so I have been to Apple Villa in Hoffman Estates and Walker Brothers in Lake Zurich. Today was the first time I have ever been to Brunch Cafe for breakfast and I have to say this is our new spot for weekend breakfast. He arrived at the restaurant @ 9:30am, were greeted immediately and seated within 2 minutes on a Sunday morning. After making our selections of what we wanted, the order was put in at 9:34 and got our food in about 15 minutes. I got the Butchershop Omelette, which is ham, sausage and bacon (i added fresh jalapeno) and no cheese. Along with their brunch potatoes and a side of pancakes, I probably had the best omelette I have had in my life. For three people, our bill was $36. I really suggest going there.
(5)
Amy W.
This place has the best food! Breakfast and lunch are both awesome. There are so many things to choose from on the menu and I haven't had anything I don't like!
(5)
Tiffany A.
There is no better place to have brunch! The food is always good and so is their service.
(5)
Stephanie K.
Everything is great. I can't eat breakfast anywhere else. The veggie skillet is my personal favorite, but I always sneak a couple of bites of the delicious pancakes and french toast that my mom orders. If you like sweet breakfast items, this is your place. The dishes they have are insanely good. If you prefer savory breakfast, Brunch Cafe does an excellent job with that too. My friend orders lunch when she goes and really enjoys it, but I can't bring myself to order it because I love the breakfast menu way too much.
(5)
Jenna A.
Awesome restaurant! Ask for the server Kelly! - Super nice and fun and on her game! (She must be a morning person, lol) The red velvet french toast is sublime as well as the cinnamon roll french toast! The strawberry orange juice is killer too!
(5)
Sean Y.
Really want to love this place - tried it several times and the food is just okay - nothing great - some items are too bland while others are too salty. Surprised at all the 5 star reviews.
(3)
Judi S.
I've never had a bad meal at Brunch cafe. We usually go for breakfast. Portions are plentiful, and they keep the hot coffee coming. Go for the fresh fruit instead of the breakfast potatoes, though. The service is great, and they don,t bother you, even if you sit and chat for quite a long time, which my girlfriends and I do!
(5)
Ellen P.
Had breakfast here yesterday and it was fantastic! Great coffee! Excellent service! And the price was great!!!
(5)
Kim B.
The first time I tried Brunch Cafe, I went to the McHenry location and my experience was SO MUCH better there. The staff here definitely weren't as friendly or knowledgeable about the menu. First off, our waitress had way too many tables. It took forever just to get some glasses of water and to place our orders. We rarely saw her and when she did check on us, it felt rushed and insincere. Even when I was paying for my meal at the register, the cashier didn't smile or attempt to make small talk. I still enjoyed my food (corned beef skillet) but I doubt I'll ever come to this location again.
(3)
Kate H.
The food here is pretty standard. Fox River Grove doesn't have a lot going for it in terms of businesses, so I think it's great that this place came in. It seems very popular. The lines are very long on weekends. However, if you look at the broader picture and include some of the great brunch places within 15 minutes of here, you have Egg Harbor, Benedict's La Strada and the more pricey Port Edwards. I would just rather go to those places for some better food. The menu at Brunch Cafe is very standard. They offer a 2 or 3 specials, which seem slightly more creative. So I guess I have to give them some credit there. However, the rest of it is just like any family restaurant: pancakes, club sandwiches, soups, etc.
(2)
Judy W.
I selected Brunch Cafe when I wanted a small place to meet my former co-worker for lunch. We live quite a distance from each other, so I decided to find a place midway between our homes. We met at noon. We both had to park in the lot behind the building, but there was plenty of parking available there and some on the street also. We walked in the door as the hostess was seating the previous party. I figured we would need to wait for her to return, however a waitress came from the back and immediately gathered menus and made sure we were seated. The place wasn't packed, but was filling up for the lunch rush. Our waitress, Shana, was at our table quickly and was prompt to return with our drinks. We were ready to place our order when she returned. I ordered one of the daily specials, "Tuna Hummus Wrap", and my friend ordered a "manhattan", which was roast beef with grilled onions on rye bread. The food arrived at our tables in just minutes. My wrap came with house chips, which I must say were slightly overcooked. But after the first bite of my wrap, I knew I would be coming back to this restaurant. The wrap was fantastic. It had so much flavor and made my taste buds very happy. My friend said his sandwich was very, very good. He mentioned his family had take-out food from this location when his brother was hospitalized nearby, and it was very good also. The restaurant filled up during the lunch rush, and they were fed and left very quickly. That is a wonderful thing, and a great place for workers to stop for a good lunch. After we completed our meals, we sat and talked for quite some time. Our waitress stopped by a few times to check on us, but never made us feel uncomfortable about staying so long. I will be recommending this place to my friends and family, and I will definitely return.
(4)
Skye W.
I've been going here for a long while now and the food and service are always the best. It's such a friendly place. My family and I go here almost every week and it never gets old.
(5)
M G.
Went here a couple of times before deciding to write my review. I like some of the dishes they serve, such as the pancakes, scramblers, but the coffee could definitely be better. Wait times aren't as bad as other breakfast places and I never had a bad experience with service, hostess and servers are always courteous and pleasant. Will be back for sure.
(4)
Kartik S.
Amazing brunch place that ain't a chain place. Being a eggitarian, we get got options.
(5)
Susan G.
One of my favorite breakfast spots. Everything I have ever ordered has been fantastic. Crepes are excellent, salads, omelettes, specials, you can't go wrong. This location is often very very busy, they are quick and efficient! LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)
L B.
Excellent Service, Food and Vibe! I've driven by for 3 years and finally met a friend for breakfast. The pancakes, omelette, fruit and coffee were all very special. We also felt very welcome. Our server, the hostess and the manager were very friendly. Don't let the strip mall location influence you ; the place is a breakfast gem.
(5)
Dan B.
Can't say enough good about this place. The food is excellent and takes little time to reach your table, the staff is very friendly and great at what they do, and the seating area is an excellent place to sit down and enjoy your meal. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)
K B.
Yummmmmm I had the South Beach Scrambler and my husband had the breakfast burrito. Both were full of flavor. Waitress Angie was very attentive. Definitely my go to places for breakfast now.
(5)
R F.
If you list your closing time as 2:30 you shouldn't tell customers you are closed when they come in earlier than that.
(1)
Lydia B.
Coming in the restaurant, aside from the lack of parking, you get the feeling of an in and out rush. The staff was rather friendly. We were seated within 20mins of coming in on a Saturday morning, understandable it was busy. As we were sat down no water was brought to us, we had to ask twice after waiting another 15mins for them. The variety of menu was fascinating, excited for a delicious breakfast I ordered banana nut French toast, my other half ordered the "ay caramba" skillet aka Mexican skillet. After waiting another 15 mins out waitress comes back with our order. Being of the HispanIc heritage and looking like so, the waitress assumed "the ay caramba for you, and the French toasts for him" After shyly correcting the waitress of her mistake that my Caucasian looking boyfriend was indeed the one ordering the ay caramba she replied "oh really?" And switched our plates. No apology given. Aside from that the banana nut French toast was indeed delicious! Highly recommend. The ay caramba was just okay. Decently priced, and always got the coffee refilled before an empty cup.
(3)
Zach F.
The food is fantastic. Nacho scrambler is legit. The breakfast quesadilla is legit. Side of potatoes were just okay. Side if corn beef hash was good, not great. Very busy and loud atmosphere which is fine for me, but may not be for others. Weekends are busy, be ready to wait or get there early. Waitstaff is friendly, but they can be forgetful at times because they have a lot going on. Definitely a place to check out and go back to.
(4)
Taylor M.
This place had good food, good prices, great portions and an awesome selection of food. So why did I only give them three stars? The service was sub par. Our waitress kept disappearing on us leaving our coffee cups empty. She took forever to come back to us so we could order. The waitresses seemed like they personally knew most of the people they were serving and would hang out at those tables and ignore the customers that the did not know on a personal level. I wish my experience would have been better because I enjoyed everything else about Brunch Cafe. Oh and pass on the bacon pancakes...they are deceiving... they just crumpled some bacon and plopped it on top of the pancakes!
(3)
Colin W.
I have been coming here since they opened. Great food. Excellent service. They make you feel like family and the team never turns over, many of them have been there for years. A+
(5)
Tim W.
Fresh Food served Fast and Friendly! My goodness - we almost go once a week - we know the wait staff - we love the food. Breakfast is amazing. Coffee is amazing. I don't know where we would go if this place didn't exist. Please, never leave us, Brunch Cafe!
(5)
ND P.
The food is great - the Caliente Omelette is to die for - incredible - great value for the money and the food is great - the service from the wait staff to the hosts are first class - the staff at Brunch is so pleasant - a great dining experience. Love it so much I go there 2-3 times a week.
(5)
Margaret D.
Quality, amazing staff, and always delivers on all their meals. Everyone is super friendly and makes it so comfortable to go to.
(5)
Terry C.
Your catered in breakfast here this morning was great. Everything was hot, tasty and easy to get at for our 100+ employee company retirement breakfast party this morning. Again, good job!
(5)
Vince V.
Brunch cafe strikes the fine balance between offering a relaxed vibe with efficient service. The servers and staff are responsive but give just enough room for you to make up your mind. And they also seem to offer just the right number of specials without overwhelming your brain. Everything looks good here. I had something that was basically a really tasty Cuban sandwich. It was delicious. I must've been hungry because I didn't get a chance to break down the dish like I often do. The coffee is very good. Refill? Yes please. I love the Brunch Cafe. Did I tell you that already? :o)
(5)
Tiffany G.
I just finished having breakfast at Brunch Cafe. It was delicious. They have many different and unique items to choose from. I had Black and White Pancakes which were pancakes infused with white and chocolate chips. Every bite melted in your mouth. Besides having great food the service was quick. I give it a two thumbs up.
(5)
Richard L.
yum yum yum
(5)
Rachel S.
Staff is super friendly and attentive. The food is always amazing. Various specials and menu updates keep us coming back over and over. Hardest decision is what to eat this time! Wait times are never that long but make a reservation if you're in a hurry. Food comes out very quickly even with large parties. Definitely are go to place for brunch, love it!!
(5)
Stef M.
Good tasting food. Most of the menu is fattening, very fattening, and the entrees are sized for a Giant. You literally get no less than 2 meals per entree. The wait staff is pleasant and it is a good location, although the parking lot can really fill up on the weekend. Nice clean dining area. Eh, I kinda like this place. I've never had a bad meal here. Im not a fan of the stuffed french toast special - it was edible but not my taste. Its definately one of the most gelatinous meals here, stuffed with some gooey cheese and LOADS of sugar, it is not served with any sides, like eggs or meat. Just bread cheese and sugar. Breakfast for 4 adults with a coffee or juice will run about $55.00-60.00..
(3)
Gina W.
This is a great breakfast restaurant! Awesome menu selection with unique options. Service is very quick and staff is very friendly. Most importantly, food is delish!! I usually order the south beach scramble, which are eggs, tomatoes, asparagus, spinach and cheese. Served w/ diced breakfast potatoes and choice of pancakes, English muffs or toast. Coffee is always hot and fresh.
(5)
Shawn G.
"As good as it gets" is right!! As usual, we decide to venture away from the norm and try a new place for breakfast/brunch. 15-20 minutes later we arrive at the Brunch Cafe'. Happy Birthday to ME!!! Great decor, friendly staff (thank you, Stacie) and most importantly (i mean ... we are going to eat, right)... the food (choices and taste) was OFF THE HOOK!!! I knew we were in for a good experience, when my son's glass of OJ arrived in an actual full size glass and not the see-through thimble most places call a glass. Next... the the loose tea selection and Berry Bowl (which made us forget about our pending entrees)... and finally, the cheeeeeesy omelette and tasty Brunch potatoes, blueberry bliss and DELISH french toast with strawberry and kiwi.. everything was amazing!!! Definitely going back soooooon!! Note: my pictures don't do the meals justice, but it's a start :)
(5)
Adam D.
Always a great time! Their food and pricing is unbeatable; and the wait staff is always courteous and entertaining. I go often, almost every other weekend because there is always something new to try. I recommend the Apple Bread French Toast with a side of fruit. It was to die for. The 'chefs' really know what they are doing and seem to take care in what they are presenting their patrons. It's only downfall is how popular it is. Be prepared to wait a while in their crowded waiting area if you plan on going on the weekends. Try getting there on Sunday before the churches let out.
(5)
Ruth Ann M.
Brunch Cafe is pretty hit-or-miss. They are good at breakfast, not so good at lunch. The lunch items are very average. I was once served a salad with wilted, slimy lettuce. Gross. I sat there picking out the bad lettuce one leaf at a time. The breakfast items I've tried are good. I recommend the lemon poppyseed crepes, which are topped with icing, blackberries and kiwi slices. You also can't go wrong with their skillets. Overall, it is a good place for a family breakfast, but I wouldn't go there with someone I wanted to impress.
(3)
Tyler B.
My wife and I used to eat here almost every weekend when we lived in Palatine, but we recently moved to Lombard. We will miss this place, but there's one in Roselle, which I also reviewed (we actually got started at the Roselle location when we lived in Wheaton, then moved to Palatine, but I digress). You can check out my review of the other location here: yelp.com/biz/the-brunch-… It's the same menu, so everything from the other review applies (even the slightly different taste of their scrambled eggs). I've had most of their breakfast offerings, but not much from the lunch side. Service can be hit or miss. Mostly hit, but there are a couple waitresses that are clueless. The nice thing about being a regular (that tips decent) is that the good waitresses will remember you and anything that you do/order each time. My wife always gets the exact same thing, and it's nice that some of them remember. Sundays seem to be busier than Saturdays (church crowds maybe?) so we try to go on Saturdays. Then again, it might just be our timing. By far, this is my wife's favorite place for breakfast/brunch.
(4)
Maria D.
All I can say is yummy delicious!!! We go here about once a month and recommend it to everyone. We get raved reviews back that it was simply fantastic! The eggs Benedict are delicious and just melts in your mouth... The crepes will just have you craving more!!! This is a great eat! One suggestion during the weekends, make sure you allow yourself 15-20 minutes to wait for a table ! The place is always packed; they have multiple locations & same scenario with the wait along each location! The waitresses and managers are extremely friendly & will remember your face which is always a great plus for a restaurant!!!!!
(5)
Alison B.
I'm a major Sunday brunch person so when I was out by Barrington on a Sunday afternoon and Yelped a place called BRUNCH Cafe - it was a no-brainer. I had the Breakfast Quesidillas (not the name of it, but can't remember the actual name) and the were delicious! They had huge pieces of avocado and tons of eggs and big pieces of bacon. Loved it!!!!!! We were seated pretty quickly, slight wait, but not that bad compared to what normally happens at most places on Sunday. The wait staff was extremely nice and service oriented. Overall a great experience and I'm sending other people that way to hit Brunch Cafe and then Treetime which is around the corner in Barrington (great Christmas shopping!).
(5)
Richard R.
I had a nice breakfast here. I don't want to be a spoil sport, but I kind of wished they had some other "side options". It seemed like every dish came with potatoes and either toast or an English muffin. I am currently on a "no starch" diet and was hoping to get a side of fruit or something more healthy, but didn't see anything. That being said, the food was good, the coffee was great and the service was excellent. I am definitely on board with all the positive reviews -- this place deserves them.
Fantastic savory dishes and stunning sweets- this place has it all! I fist went to the McHenry location and was delighted to find a sister shop in Fox River. Super fast and friendly service. Lots of calory and dietary options to choose from or throw caution to the wind and dive into the Red Velvet French Toast!!
(4)
Matt C.
The Brunch Cafe is fantastic. . I recommend the south beach scrabbled eggs which has avocado mixed in. Would have never thought to put that in scrabbled eggs. Coffee is a step above your typical greasy spoon.
(4)
Corey N.
What a great place, everyone is smiling. Service is wonderful. Food is great! Very clean, just a over all happy atmosphere. Highly recommend. Will be stopping here again the next time I come to visit my family.
(5)
Kiera D.
This place is fantastic! I come here for the first time with my mom after a long day at the stables and was very impressed! They have quite a large array of choices, the service is extremely friendly, and they come out very quickly with your meal. A small detail, but I was quite sickly the day I visited the Brunch Cafe and looked/talked/acted absolutely terrible. Our waitress acted like everything was completely normal and was one of the best and most friendly waitresses I've ever met. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a delicious and fair-priced breakfast or lunch. I will absolutely be visiting again.
(5)
John H.
Huge portions, quiet and basic chairs and tables. Nothing fancy, but the service and food are great.
(4)
Jeff S.
For the weekends we are in the suburbs and want to go out for breakfast the Brunch Cafe fits the bill. Having so many places to choose from downtown but being limited to chains like IHOP in 'burbs used to mean a spur-of-the-moment breakfast/brunch outing was a city-activity only. But for the past few years we've come back here numerous times. If you love eggs, you'd be hard-pressed to find a breakfast item on the menu with them. The omelets and skillets are large and consistently cooked well, you can't go wrong with them. And for a sweet tooth they have an entire other page of hard-to-resist items. The only negatives I can think of are I often find myself out of water; the waitstaff is so busy they sometimes don't check back after the initial 2 stops until it's time for the check. Also add-ons can be pricey; was $1.50 extra to toss a very small handful of chocolate chips onto of some regular pancakes. Rated on breakfast items alone, have not yet tried any of the lunch items. Also, there is a ton of parking in the rear of the building. And don't forgot to check out the table right inside the front door with the daily specials cooked-up on it.
(4)
Taylor M.
Good fresh food and awesome service!
(5)
Suzanne T.
Delicious any time of day, appetite big or small. Coffee is delicious and always fresh. Pancakes are top notch. Much better than Walker Brothers and far cheaper. Skip the bacon-which seems pre cooked, dry and leathery. Service is consistently good.
(4)
Michael J.
Ordered the Stuffed Potatoe Pancakes. Its stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese. Good size portion and really good. Comes with sour cream. $7.99 about.
(5)
Jill M.
This place is great! The menu is huge. I always end up trying something different every time I go. The portions tend to be huge, as well. The staff is friendly, though not always the quickest. The specials are inventive, but I have to admit I don't think I've ever tried one. If I have any complaints it's that there's nothing "basic" on the menu. Sometimes you just want eggs and pancakes with a side of bacon, you know? But if you're looking for unique breakfast and lunch food, I highly recommend Brunch.
(4)
Franklin D.
Just opened. Restrooms are so clean you could eat off the floor...at least the men's room. I had a special "Nacho Fritatta" for like $7. It was gigantic and the homemade salsa was totally "en fuego" if you know what I mean. The place was packed with people on the Saturday morning we were there. You will probably have to park around the back of the building but it's a short walk from there to the dining room. My kids really like the "baby cakes". The food here really is quite good. Only one problem, the service is horrible! It seems like there are one or two waitresses that know what's going on a a lot of "trainees" or something. One visit we had enough time to sit in our seats before the busboy dumped a glass of ice water on my 5 year old. Then the snarky teen waitress forgot several things and had to keep shuffling (slowly) back and forth for each item. Another time the waitress was supposed to bring a side of bacon, forgot it twice and then finally canceled it (without asking us) blaming the whole thing on the kitchen. One good idea might be to take out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. If you are eating here and can't find your server odds are they are standing back there talking. =\
(3)
Jamie W.
really good food, large menu 5 stars!
(5)
Linda R.
REALLY GREAT menu and REALLY GREAT prices!!! This is not your typical eggs, waffles and pancakes kind of joint. Although they do have all of those... its the great flavor combinations and fresh ingredients make this a very worthwhile drive for a great brunch selection. And they serve MIMOSA'S and BLOODY MARY'S to boot!!! This is my kind of place... it just skyrocketed to my NOW place to go for brunch!
The best breakfast I've had in all of Cary/fox river/ crystal lake! service is always great. I am in love with the crepes! also offer turkey sausage which I love. portions are large and price is fair. I will continue to be a regular!
(5)
Rick M.
Great breakfasts with many unique selections. Reasonable prices. Fabulous service!
(5)
Brian B.
This was my first time eating here and the food was amazing. The menu has very unique takes on breakfast food that all sound worth a try. They also have gluten-free options available. On this particular visit, I ordered their special, Chicken and Waffles. It was a breaded chicken breast sandwiched between waffles in a pool of their sausage gravy. It was a great combination and worth a try if it shows up again as a special. The seating area is okay sized but it did require a 20 minute wait for the two of us. Prices are very reasonable. My only complaint is their coffee is not very good. My next visit, I will probably order their Chocolate Bacon pancakes.
I went for my first time Sunday 11/6 for Breakfast. All I can say is that it was about as perfect a breakfast as you could have. From the service to the food just perfect. Our waitress was a fun, spunky young girl with a great attitude. She was more than efficient. I never had an empty mug, she checked on us every time she passed by, she smiled and laughed and made us feel very welcome. And never felt rushed like cattle. Our food was delicious. I had a omlette and it was huge and cooked perfectly. The potatoes were not greasy and were also cooked perfectly. However, it's not as though people on strict diets are going to be able to eat here too often. But you know what if that's what you look for when going out for breakfast then stay home. This is hearty, delicious food to help start your day. I know we were not the only people that have had this experience either. While there we saw one table talk with the busboy about his soccer team. And another couple shake his hand on the way in. People feel welcomed here. I cannot say enough good things about my experience. Thank you.
(5)
Randy H.
Love this place! Great food, great service, great prices. They don't serve dinner, and close around 2 or 3. Don't miss it!!
(4)
Stephen N.
My Review in 2: BRUNCH w/PUNCH Go with this hunch: for a delicious munch, join the bunch who lunch at Brunch Cafe! Brunch Cafe's debut offers a dependable, high-quality choice in the Fox River Grove area for a breakfast, brunch, or lunch treat at affordable prices. Breakfast out has been my lifelong guilty pleasure. Weekends, holidays, and vacations begin with the siren song luring me to the Next Great Diner that does something amazing with eggs, breakfast meats and veggies of assorted descriptions and origin, and serves it up dependably and with conviction. Brunch Cafe scores highly on many fronts, with an extensive menu, generous portions, and an extraordinarily clean & contemporary dining environment (surprisingly nice for its suburban-stripmall location). Fresh, well-prepared food. Salsa with flavor and a kick. Actual flavor in the food - ample use of herbs and flavor-intense ingredients (sundried tomatoes, fresh cilantro, basil, et cetera) - and flexibility to add ingredient A into dish B upon request. Yum! Service at this fairly new restaurant has at times been of up-and-down quality ranging from excellent (attentive experienced waitstaff) to a little shaky (a few "I hope school starts back up soon so I can lose this lame summer job" types), but the food has been consistently good from Visit One. And as others who have reviewed it attest, it's got that clean-enough-to-eat-off-the-floor vibe - along with very reasonable prices. In short: Brunch w/Punch!
(4)
Jen H.
Very reasonable prices. Fantastic service. Some very interesting menu options and unique daily specials. Better than average breakfast food.
(4)
Jacob K.
Yet to be let down by Brunch Cafe. The skillets are my favorite. Staff is helpful and food always seems to come out ultra-fast
(4)
Andrew M.
Massive portions! Brunch has good food that is consistant and always good! The service is very friendly and the atmosphere is local - most everyone knows everyone!
(3)
Tracy K.
My mom had heard great things about Brunch Cafe, so last weekend, we decided to check it out. We arrived around 12:15 and were quoted a 20 minute wait. The size of the waiting crowd was intimidating, but they moved quickly and we were seated at a private (but tiny) table. Our waitress was sweet and attentive. The food (mile high omelet for Mom and the southwestern plate for me) was awesome and worth the wait. Their specials sounded great, but because they are made en masse, are difficult to modify for vegetarians or those with other dietary restrictions. Because of this, I ordered something from the regular menu and had it customized to make it veggie-friendly. Portion sizes were such that I got 2.5 meals out of my order. All in all, a tasty meal that was worth the drive. I'm looking forward to going back!
(4)
Malorie F.
The daily breakfast specials are always creative, and delicious. They usually put a mock plate up front so you can drool over it while you wait, which is nice because then you get to see it. I'm not a big fan of breakfast food, so this is a favorite place for me and my family because they can get their eggs and bacon, and I can get a cheeseburger or a tuna sandwich! The menu offers lots of healthy options too which is great! Lots of fresh fruit, big hearty salads, a yummy veggie burger, frittatas loaded with veggies, whole wheat pancakes and waffles, and turkey sausage! They also have a menagerie of freshly squeezed fruit juices that are delicious. Everything is fresh and we've yet to wait longer than 15 minutes. There are lots of tables and while they don't rush you, they get people in and out. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)
nicole h.
Innovative menu, reasonable prices, good service, quality food. Only two gripes. 1) Resaurant layout is a bit awkward. Some tables are situated right in the waiting area while hungry eyes gaze enviously at your breakfast. 2) There are often looooong waits. This can be easily remedied, however, by calling ahead. In the past they've been accomodating when we've done this.
(4)
Edgar O.
The service is great! Great breakfast. Our favorite is the turkey burger and the veggie panini. Friendly workers.
(4)
Ryan B.
Great, clean atmosphere with fantastic service. Awesome culinary creativity on the daily breakfast specials, which is a nice diversion from your standard bacon, eggs and pancakes. I highly suggest the South Beach Scrambler. Coffee leaves a lot to be desired, but it's not a show-stopper. Overall it's a slam dunk if you're looking for a great breakfast. They never disappoint.
(4)
Andrea R.
Only complaint is it took so long to read the menu because it all looked so good! Had a delicious breakfast quesadilla. Everyone in here was super pleasant, it was just a great experience. Our waitress was Jen and she was spot on for balancing unobtrusive and helpful.
(5)
Wayne K.
I love this place. We eat here at least twice a week! I always get the Berry Berry Crape with a Berry Bowl on the side. My wife loves their daily specials. Don't miss this place, it's a real treat!
(5)
Chrisa H.
Oh. My. Lord. Mimosas. Bloody Marys. Orange stuffed French toast. Emery skillet is good. Brunch paninis are amazing. I've never had even a mediocre meal here. The service is great, and the prices are right. Amazing. Go. Now.
(5)
Mick W.
Great sandwhiches in addtion to the very creative breakfast foods on the menu. With all the tantelizing selections it can be hard to make up your mind. I tried them when they first opened (good) and now they are even better. They are alway's packed but don't be worried as there is parking in the rear and there are enough tables so you should be seated fairly quickly.
(5)
Quinn B.
A step up from a regular "greasy spoon"..... Good food and portions. Better than average coffee, but not great. Staff friendly and service is quick. A tad pricey, but living 5 minutes from the restaurant I've dined here over 50x's.....Have not had a bad breakfast.....or lunch for that matter.
(4)
Scott S.
Well we tried this place twice once for breakfast and once for lunch. The breakfast was just ok could get a better meal at a greasy spoon for less. The lunch was not good was kind of like fast food rather than fresh cooked. My wifes had the chopped salad had couldn't even eat it. How do you mess up a salad. I had a burger that was just above a McDonalds burger. Our waitress was never around and took a long time to take our order. Not going back for below average food.
(2)
Bill S.
I Love this place I have been here several time now . and I haven't had a bad meal yet , Staff is friendly and fast the food is excellent , there is always a special or two that are really great
(5)
Brandy B.
I agree with a previous poster that the layout is awkward and almost hazardous. Where we were seated, close to the kitchen, we saw more then a couple people almost knocked out by servers coming around a corner from the kitchen. So ask not to be seat along the wall by the kitchen and be careful walking by it on your way back from the restroom. Other then that, the food was great and waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. It seemed they were happy to serve you and they might actually enjoy their job. We'll be back! Yummy breakfast food!!
(4)
Michelle C.
We eat breakfast at Brunch every weekend unless we are out of town. I try something different on their menu or one of the daily specials every visit. I haven't had anything that I didn't LOVE. My favorites so far are the Stuffed Potato Pancake and the Portabenny (ask them to put a turkey sausage patty on it). We had lunch last week and loved it as well. The service is great! Our favorite server is Ashley G. - we never have to ask for anything she is on top of it all. The food is super quick. The portions are ridiculous we always split or take 1/2 home for breakfast the next day. The coffee is just as good as (if not better) than Starbucks for a fraction of the cost. We are so glad we have found this AWESOME and affordable place! Bucky & Michelle
(5)
Dave Z.
Had the stuff waffle, a belgium waffle stuffed with strawberries and bananas. The waffle was crisp and light. The filling was sweet, but not overly so. The waitress was attentive and the service was fast, with 7 people in our group. And they did separate checks, which is very helpful in a group of our size.
(5)
stacey b.
This was my first time here and wasn't disappointed. Took my mom for a Sunday brunch. First off, the place is much bigger than you would think looking at it from the street, so that was a pleasant surprise. We had to wait about 15 minutes but the line moved quickly. Mom had the meat skillet - bacon, sausage, and ham over brunch potatoes with 2 eggs over-easy and a side of marble rye toast. I had plain crepes with a side of sausage links. Odd to me that her dish - which was GINORMOUS and more than she probably eats in 3 days total - was less expensive than my two crepes and side links (which were also huge - not your normal dinky link). But whatever. Both were excellent. Service was great. Our waitress was sweet as pie and incredibly polite - even asked if it was alright with us if she set the coffee pot she was carrying down on our table to take our order. I didn't give this place a 5 but it's only because everything on the menu is so rich (cinnamon roll french toast with vanilla cream? or filet mignon benedict with hollandaise? OMG) - I went a safer route because I didn't know if my sensitive tummy would take it. That said, I'd have LOVED to have seen a seafood crepe under their Savory Crepes menu section. Hint, hint. ;) We'll definitely be back. This is a great little find.
(4)
Corryn A.
I have been looking for a "city-type" of breakfast place in the NW 'Burbs, and I think I finally found it. Ate here for the first time on 1/9/11, and loved it. EXCELLENT coffee. HUGE portions! I had the Route 22 Crepes and my friend had their Multigrain Daily Special. We were both really pleased. Our bill came to $21, so slightly more than a diner, less than Egg Harbor or Walker Bros. The atmosphere is very cute, and our server was excellent. Decor is not as "kitschy" as Egg Harbor. Yes, their menu isn't exactly lo-cal, but you can create your own by asking for egg whites and whole wheat toast. They will accommodate. We will be back for sure.
(4)
Doug M.
Really nice place! Awesome food, great service. Our server (Kristi) was delightful and attentive.
(5)
Andy S.
Excellent! Every time we come here, the food is always way above our expectations. Prices are in line, nice large portions and not greasy! My husband and I love coming here and will continue to do so. The greek omelet. YUM!
(5)
Marc S.
I am a BIG fan of this place! The atmosphere isn't anything to write home about, but you know when you try to walk into the place during the weekend and see the crowd waiting to be seated, it's has to be good. They move people in and out quick, so don't be put off by the crowd... it just means the food is THAT good. First thing to check over by the register is a tray that usually has three dishes on it, the dishes change each day. Those are today's specials, never on the menu, and the servers won't tell you about them unless you ask. While I have always liked (or loved) anything I ordered off the menu, the specials usually surpass the menu in creativity and WOW factor. The staff is all very friendly (though usually very harried) and have never let me down in service. The food is always good, served hot, and plentiful. I'm not a coffee drinker, but they have a decent selection of teas. About the only thing negative I could say about the place is that it gets noisy in there; lots of people enjoying good food with family and friends. If you prefer it a bit quieter (not much, but a bit), ask for a table on the far end of the room from the entrance (past the divider). I guess I should mention the price. For the amount of food you get, the quality of the food, and the service, the price is a bargain. You will see many families in here because it is good wholesome food made well and with a twist at a great price. One last thing you should know: the place is called Brunch Cafe cause they are only open for breakfast and lunch!
(5)
Bill P.
First time at the restaurant. Excellent food. Good service. Florentine eggs benedict excellent. I will return.
(5)
Matthew P.
I have been their multiple times since i got Yelp. I love all the food they have. If your not one of though's breakfast people i would think you might not like it very much
(5)
Melissa W.
This place ROCKS! It's the kind of suburban restaurant that (no offense) we have city food up here in the Northwest suburbs. You'll want to take all your out of towners here, but try hit it on a week day when it's not as crowded. But don't let a long weekend line scare you -- it moves very quickly. I've been here three times and have had glorious eggs florentine, unbelievably good crepes and a breakfast bowl that my 265 pound, 6'5 nephew couldn't finish. The interior is nothing to write home about, but it is spotless and, here's a concept, there's room to walk around tables! Go, and take your fancy city friends. All tummies will be happy.
I stop in for a Turkey club sandwich at least once a week. Great food and freindly employees.
(4)
michael k.
I tried out there new location in Roselle il on lake street, it was awesome, I had the classic frittata which had fresh spinach,ham and swiss cheese (excellent) My friends had the rueben and a ham and cheese omelet, They both raved about there food. Sevice was very, very good, I cant wait to go back.
(4)
Carli W.
Amazing amazing AMAZING!!! Best breakfast place ever. Only thing that would make it better is if it served hashbrowns( they do country potatoes). Normally, that is a deal breaker for my husband, but its so good, it doesn't matter. Try the stuffed waffle if you like sweet stuff. Its to die for. They even serve bloody marys and mimosas. Expect a decent wait...all great breakfast places have a 20 min or so wait. but if you go early you can beat the "church" crowd. Its worth waiting for!
(5)
k h.
When the owners talked about opening this place I wondered how they would do because it is a bit pricey. It is so worth it! You can get a basic breakfast but why? They have a wonderful, creative menu. Try the Berry Explosion! I usually try to order it but I am almost always waylaid by their speical of the day! They have great sandwiches for lunch, too. I've read the other reviews and they are right on target. Big portions, friendly service and they seat you as quickly as possible but don't push you out of a table just because they are busy. So worth the trip to FRG.
(4)
tim l.
This place was awesome ! Very creative menue and sunny waitresses! Not your typical greasy spoon!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Rob W.
Wow - almost 3 years since my last review and visit and I must say this place hasn't missed a beat. I'm now working in the area so I'll be there a little more often now. When I got there, the place was almost full around 12:40PM. I was sat and had my food in less than 10 minutes. Pretty good reuben sandwich, Stephanie was my server and did a great job - never needed to ask for a thing. I rarely write updated reviews, but over the 5-6 years I have been here, the fact that this place still consistently offers good service and food is a real credit to their business. Looking forward to heading back soon.
(5)Karen W.
My sister loves this cafe but they must have been having an off day with our meals when we went. I had the veggie potato pancake benedict. The potato pancake on the bottom tasted slightly mushy, and the cheese had a runny quality to it that was almost like eating the monterey jack version of Velveeta. Service was top notch though. Our meals were made in lightning time and drinks were refilled as needed.
(3)Steve R.
Definitely worth checking out. Large, easy to read single page menu with choices broken down into groups.... scrambles, omelettes, pancakes / waffles, eggs, etc. Service was spot on... refilled my coffee several times and my meal ( The Mardi Gras ) was done to perfection and delicious. Rye toast was a nice, thickly cut slice and toasted just how I like it. Definitely going back here again.
(4)Michelle A.
So glad we finally made it here without a huge wait or line! Only 10 mins on Sat at 1215p. Decided to order our own little mini brunch, turkey artichoke panini, lemon poppyseed crepe, and at caramba skillet w med poached eggs and english muffin. Everything was super good, freshly made, tasty, and not greasy at all. Place has pleasant decor and is clean, staff (Stacy) was really great! Can't wait to come back.
(5)angie p.
Overpriced for what you get. The dishes used to be imaginative, now it just seems that they throw a dart at a board and decide which ingredients are going to go in their entrées. Waitstaff does an excellent excellent job though. Five stars for them.
(2)Steve M.
Better than OK! We came in here on a Friday morning to try them out for the first time. They appear to be a smaller version of their bigger location in McHenry which we love. There are some slight differences between the two locations but nothing worth writing about. This location is newer and very clean. I would even go as far as saying that it is welcoming and looks like a nice place for the local crowd to come for a good meal. As we walked in we were greeted right away and seated in a booth. As I looked around I didn't notice too many people but I only noticed one server who appeared to be working her butt off to keep everyone with fresh coffee or their food. The one server working her butt off came by and poured me my coffee which is always good. They have these flavored little creamer cups for your coffee which is a nice option. We already knew what we wanted to order so I went with a spinach and feta omelette with Greek toast and and a side of their potatoes. They also have those cool little jelly containers with grape, raspberry or strawberry. I have to say that the food is very good. Overall it is a good place to grab a meal. The only thing that needs to be improved is the server needs help. She couldn't possibly keep up with the pace if it got any busier and you don't want to burn out a good server.
(4)Debbie F.
You know a place is good when you plan your travels around stopping here for brunch. It seems that I seldom make a trip to the NW burbs of Chicago without having at least one meal at the Fox River Grove location. Yes, the lines are often long on a weekend morning, but it is worth the wait. The staff is efficent at moving tables quickly and it is always a great place for people watching. The wait staff is always friendly and consistently good. Having tried a wide variety of menu iitems, I have NEVER been disappointed. My latest lunch was the stuffed avocado. It is an avocado with a ridiculously large helping of their decadent chicken salad surrounded by lucious fresh fruits. It was amazing!!!
(5)Karissa K.
This place is fabulous for breakfast. Every time I'm in town my family and I go. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is very chill and amiable. And the food is amazing. I have yet to order something I don't like. They're choices range from classic omelettes to decadent specialties.
(5)Mick B.
I love going to Brunch Cafe for their selection of tasty and unique breakfast and sandwich items. However, I do enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast and Brunch Cafe has what is probably the worst coffee that I have ever struggled to drink; I can only imagine that they over roasted the beans to a burnt mess and then threw an ashtray worth of cigarette butts and ashes in with the grounds before brewing. Honestly, that is just what it tastes like to me. I'd be more of a regular and give one more star if they somehow could solve this coffee disaster. If it's this way next time I am going to ask them to remove it from the bill since it's an insult to the taste buds to say the very least. Otherwise it's a great place to satisfy your hunger with hearty meals and excellent service.
(3)Carissa B.
Always good food and fast service. Even if you have to wait for a seat... It never takes a long time. I have eaten here several times and have yet to have a complaint. I would recommend the PortoBenny Benedict. Sooooo good!!
(5)Courtney F.
I haven't had anything here I didn't like! Today my husband and I had the nacho skillet and the South of the Border Quesadilla!! Omg both were so good!make sure you have salsa verde for the quesadilla as well! Highly recommend these two dishes! Also my daughter had the Gluten Free pancakes with strawberries and it was great! Pancakes were awesome and strawberries were fresh!! I wanna go back tomorrow!!
(5)George G.
Came by this place by chance. It was amazing. Up there with egg harbor. Though their potatoes weren't as good. However, the rest of their breakfast was incredible. I ordered the nacho scrambler. Tortilla chips and eggs, amazing! I was so full but could not stop eating. I was with a party of 5. Everyone ordered something different and each person thoroughly enjoyed their dish. If I'm ever around one of these again, I will be stopping in. The wait staff was polite and friendly. Very attentive yet Not intrusive. My water and coffee cups were never empty. Keep up the great work!
(5)Meg F.
Great find! A bit of a drive for me but totally worth it. We had a short wait (20 min). The service was great - everyone worked as a team to ensure we had everything we needed. The food was simply delicious. In so glad we ventured out that way.
(5)Mary Beth B.
Love everything I ever had! The specials are wonderful Rueben sandwich is so good! The very berry crepes are so good! The soups are delightful! Love the sweet potato fries!
(5)Kevin D.
Love it. Been here many times and I have never been disappointed in the service, inventiveness and variety of the food, freshness of the ingredients and the execution.
(5)Brian L.
Why am I such a fool? I live not too far from here and had only been here once before since it opened and just had eggs and toast. It was ok and I was in a rush. Well today I had a little time to kill and it was breakfast time and I was close by. So I stopped in. Besides seeing two groups of people I know eating here. I was seated met by a super friendly, and helpful waitress. I ordered the Rt 22 which I read a review about. OMG besides the excellent service (the lbs Brianna) my good came out super quick and was so tasty. The crepes were wonderful veggies cooked perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was the perfect to take this dish over the top. In summary, like Arnie said in the Terminator, I'll be back!!
(5)John S.
The place had a bit of a line when we got there mid morning on a weekend, but they have lots of seating and turned it over pretty quick. The omelets were huge and came with potatoes and a side of toast or pancakes. My son enjoyed the belgian waffle, he said it was filling and was nice and crispy.
(4)Terry A.
I have had breakfast here several times. the food is always very good as is the service. the exception today was the service. I had water instead of coffee. I was never offered a refill or che ked on foe additional Ned's until I asked for the. heck. more water would have been nice
(4)Lizabee H.
I love love love this place, and I continually come back for more. Here are my reasons: 1) The food always comes out PIPING HOT. This is so important with breakfast food, and something most places fail miserably at. 2) The menu has some tasty options, and what they do, they do really really well. Their banana pancakes are amazing, and the California crepes (crepes filled with egg, bacon, avocado, spinach, and cheese) are to die for. 3) The waitresses are really friendly, and my coffee is always full Go. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Michael H.
When the company I work for opened its new location in February of 2012, I was not too familiar with all the arrow ding restaurants in the area. One day, we had a customer event at the store and my manager at the time got food from this place. The first food I tried from Brunch Cafe were the sliders. Sausage, egg and cheese in a croissant sandwich. Amazing. The next time I had breakfast was when my manager treated me to food. I then ordered the meat and potato skillet. Wow. That dish filled me up so much, it was worth spending $11. From then on, whenever it happens to be a particular morning where I want to have a nice big breakfast, I'd just call in an order, pick it up and enjoy. Maybe next time I'll actually eat in at the place since it's literally down the street from my work. This is the perfect place to eat brunch, especially in a area that does not have many breakfast joints.
(4)Ellen M.
Brunch Cafe offers fantastic service and food. I highly recommend the Fox River Grove location. ROUTE 22 - My favorite dish is the "Route 22" savory crepe filled with mushrooms, onions, spinach, and cheese. ( I usually ask to have avocado added.) It also comes with hollandaise sauce on top that is creamy with a bit of zing. You will get two VERY big crepes. FRENCH TOAST TRIO - My sister ordered the special of the day, a french toast trio. Each french toast was a different amazing flavor - Red Velvet, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread. Each of these are offered as individual dishes. It looked and tasted amazing. Our server was friendly, present, and not at all pushy. My family enjoyed time catching up over delicious food.
(5)D W.
Exceptional place for brunch, although expect to wait as they are busy during the mid morning, especially on weekends. Great variety of food and all of it seems it is from scratch. I debated dropping a star due to the lack of parking and the annoying signs at the liquor store next door that claim parking is only for their business (rolls eyes). I parked there anyway. Also do not expect anything too fancy in terms of seating as it is a rather open concept that is simple and designed to seat as many as the space allows without feeling cramped. If you do not try this place you are a fool... :)
(5)Shiloh C.
I love this place for the food and the creativity that they bring. The service is always between two and four stars which is why I gave it four stars I have never had bad service but I've never had excellent service either. They just seem to be well-trained and run like machines. They are constantly busy and the table seem like you're always in someone's way. But I love the food I love the coffee this place is delicious!
(4)James F.
Ok so I have been to Apple Villa in Hoffman Estates and Walker Brothers in Lake Zurich. Today was the first time I have ever been to Brunch Cafe for breakfast and I have to say this is our new spot for weekend breakfast. He arrived at the restaurant @ 9:30am, were greeted immediately and seated within 2 minutes on a Sunday morning. After making our selections of what we wanted, the order was put in at 9:34 and got our food in about 15 minutes. I got the Butchershop Omelette, which is ham, sausage and bacon (i added fresh jalapeno) and no cheese. Along with their brunch potatoes and a side of pancakes, I probably had the best omelette I have had in my life. For three people, our bill was $36. I really suggest going there.
(5)Amy W.
This place has the best food! Breakfast and lunch are both awesome. There are so many things to choose from on the menu and I haven't had anything I don't like!
(5)Tiffany A.
There is no better place to have brunch! The food is always good and so is their service.
(5)Stephanie K.
Everything is great. I can't eat breakfast anywhere else. The veggie skillet is my personal favorite, but I always sneak a couple of bites of the delicious pancakes and french toast that my mom orders. If you like sweet breakfast items, this is your place. The dishes they have are insanely good. If you prefer savory breakfast, Brunch Cafe does an excellent job with that too. My friend orders lunch when she goes and really enjoys it, but I can't bring myself to order it because I love the breakfast menu way too much.
(5)Jenna A.
Awesome restaurant! Ask for the server Kelly! - Super nice and fun and on her game! (She must be a morning person, lol) The red velvet french toast is sublime as well as the cinnamon roll french toast! The strawberry orange juice is killer too!
(5)Sean Y.
Really want to love this place - tried it several times and the food is just okay - nothing great - some items are too bland while others are too salty. Surprised at all the 5 star reviews.
(3)Judi S.
I've never had a bad meal at Brunch cafe. We usually go for breakfast. Portions are plentiful, and they keep the hot coffee coming. Go for the fresh fruit instead of the breakfast potatoes, though. The service is great, and they don,t bother you, even if you sit and chat for quite a long time, which my girlfriends and I do!
(5)Ellen P.
Had breakfast here yesterday and it was fantastic! Great coffee! Excellent service! And the price was great!!!
(5)Kim B.
The first time I tried Brunch Cafe, I went to the McHenry location and my experience was SO MUCH better there. The staff here definitely weren't as friendly or knowledgeable about the menu. First off, our waitress had way too many tables. It took forever just to get some glasses of water and to place our orders. We rarely saw her and when she did check on us, it felt rushed and insincere. Even when I was paying for my meal at the register, the cashier didn't smile or attempt to make small talk. I still enjoyed my food (corned beef skillet) but I doubt I'll ever come to this location again.
(3)Kate H.
The food here is pretty standard. Fox River Grove doesn't have a lot going for it in terms of businesses, so I think it's great that this place came in. It seems very popular. The lines are very long on weekends. However, if you look at the broader picture and include some of the great brunch places within 15 minutes of here, you have Egg Harbor, Benedict's La Strada and the more pricey Port Edwards. I would just rather go to those places for some better food. The menu at Brunch Cafe is very standard. They offer a 2 or 3 specials, which seem slightly more creative. So I guess I have to give them some credit there. However, the rest of it is just like any family restaurant: pancakes, club sandwiches, soups, etc.
(2)Judy W.
I selected Brunch Cafe when I wanted a small place to meet my former co-worker for lunch. We live quite a distance from each other, so I decided to find a place midway between our homes. We met at noon. We both had to park in the lot behind the building, but there was plenty of parking available there and some on the street also. We walked in the door as the hostess was seating the previous party. I figured we would need to wait for her to return, however a waitress came from the back and immediately gathered menus and made sure we were seated. The place wasn't packed, but was filling up for the lunch rush. Our waitress, Shana, was at our table quickly and was prompt to return with our drinks. We were ready to place our order when she returned. I ordered one of the daily specials, "Tuna Hummus Wrap", and my friend ordered a "manhattan", which was roast beef with grilled onions on rye bread. The food arrived at our tables in just minutes. My wrap came with house chips, which I must say were slightly overcooked. But after the first bite of my wrap, I knew I would be coming back to this restaurant. The wrap was fantastic. It had so much flavor and made my taste buds very happy. My friend said his sandwich was very, very good. He mentioned his family had take-out food from this location when his brother was hospitalized nearby, and it was very good also. The restaurant filled up during the lunch rush, and they were fed and left very quickly. That is a wonderful thing, and a great place for workers to stop for a good lunch. After we completed our meals, we sat and talked for quite some time. Our waitress stopped by a few times to check on us, but never made us feel uncomfortable about staying so long. I will be recommending this place to my friends and family, and I will definitely return.
(4)Skye W.
I've been going here for a long while now and the food and service are always the best. It's such a friendly place. My family and I go here almost every week and it never gets old.
(5)M G.
Went here a couple of times before deciding to write my review. I like some of the dishes they serve, such as the pancakes, scramblers, but the coffee could definitely be better. Wait times aren't as bad as other breakfast places and I never had a bad experience with service, hostess and servers are always courteous and pleasant. Will be back for sure.
(4)Kartik S.
Amazing brunch place that ain't a chain place. Being a eggitarian, we get got options.
(5)Susan G.
One of my favorite breakfast spots. Everything I have ever ordered has been fantastic. Crepes are excellent, salads, omelettes, specials, you can't go wrong. This location is often very very busy, they are quick and efficient! LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)L B.
Excellent Service, Food and Vibe! I've driven by for 3 years and finally met a friend for breakfast. The pancakes, omelette, fruit and coffee were all very special. We also felt very welcome. Our server, the hostess and the manager were very friendly. Don't let the strip mall location influence you ; the place is a breakfast gem.
(5)Dan B.
Can't say enough good about this place. The food is excellent and takes little time to reach your table, the staff is very friendly and great at what they do, and the seating area is an excellent place to sit down and enjoy your meal. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)K B.
Yummmmmm I had the South Beach Scrambler and my husband had the breakfast burrito. Both were full of flavor. Waitress Angie was very attentive. Definitely my go to places for breakfast now.
(5)R F.
If you list your closing time as 2:30 you shouldn't tell customers you are closed when they come in earlier than that.
(1)Lydia B.
Coming in the restaurant, aside from the lack of parking, you get the feeling of an in and out rush. The staff was rather friendly. We were seated within 20mins of coming in on a Saturday morning, understandable it was busy. As we were sat down no water was brought to us, we had to ask twice after waiting another 15mins for them. The variety of menu was fascinating, excited for a delicious breakfast I ordered banana nut French toast, my other half ordered the "ay caramba" skillet aka Mexican skillet. After waiting another 15 mins out waitress comes back with our order. Being of the HispanIc heritage and looking like so, the waitress assumed "the ay caramba for you, and the French toasts for him" After shyly correcting the waitress of her mistake that my Caucasian looking boyfriend was indeed the one ordering the ay caramba she replied "oh really?" And switched our plates. No apology given. Aside from that the banana nut French toast was indeed delicious! Highly recommend. The ay caramba was just okay. Decently priced, and always got the coffee refilled before an empty cup.
(3)Zach F.
The food is fantastic. Nacho scrambler is legit. The breakfast quesadilla is legit. Side of potatoes were just okay. Side if corn beef hash was good, not great. Very busy and loud atmosphere which is fine for me, but may not be for others. Weekends are busy, be ready to wait or get there early. Waitstaff is friendly, but they can be forgetful at times because they have a lot going on. Definitely a place to check out and go back to.
(4)Taylor M.
This place had good food, good prices, great portions and an awesome selection of food. So why did I only give them three stars? The service was sub par. Our waitress kept disappearing on us leaving our coffee cups empty. She took forever to come back to us so we could order. The waitresses seemed like they personally knew most of the people they were serving and would hang out at those tables and ignore the customers that the did not know on a personal level. I wish my experience would have been better because I enjoyed everything else about Brunch Cafe. Oh and pass on the bacon pancakes...they are deceiving... they just crumpled some bacon and plopped it on top of the pancakes!
(3)Colin W.
I have been coming here since they opened. Great food. Excellent service. They make you feel like family and the team never turns over, many of them have been there for years. A+
(5)Tim W.
Fresh Food served Fast and Friendly! My goodness - we almost go once a week - we know the wait staff - we love the food. Breakfast is amazing. Coffee is amazing. I don't know where we would go if this place didn't exist. Please, never leave us, Brunch Cafe!
(5)ND P.
The food is great - the Caliente Omelette is to die for - incredible - great value for the money and the food is great - the service from the wait staff to the hosts are first class - the staff at Brunch is so pleasant - a great dining experience. Love it so much I go there 2-3 times a week.
(5)Margaret D.
Quality, amazing staff, and always delivers on all their meals. Everyone is super friendly and makes it so comfortable to go to.
(5)Terry C.
Your catered in breakfast here this morning was great. Everything was hot, tasty and easy to get at for our 100+ employee company retirement breakfast party this morning. Again, good job!
(5)Vince V.
Brunch cafe strikes the fine balance between offering a relaxed vibe with efficient service. The servers and staff are responsive but give just enough room for you to make up your mind. And they also seem to offer just the right number of specials without overwhelming your brain. Everything looks good here. I had something that was basically a really tasty Cuban sandwich. It was delicious. I must've been hungry because I didn't get a chance to break down the dish like I often do. The coffee is very good. Refill? Yes please. I love the Brunch Cafe. Did I tell you that already? :o)
(5)Tiffany G.
I just finished having breakfast at Brunch Cafe. It was delicious. They have many different and unique items to choose from. I had Black and White Pancakes which were pancakes infused with white and chocolate chips. Every bite melted in your mouth. Besides having great food the service was quick. I give it a two thumbs up.
(5)Richard L.
yum yum yum
(5)Rachel S.
Staff is super friendly and attentive. The food is always amazing. Various specials and menu updates keep us coming back over and over. Hardest decision is what to eat this time! Wait times are never that long but make a reservation if you're in a hurry. Food comes out very quickly even with large parties. Definitely are go to place for brunch, love it!!
(5)Stef M.
Good tasting food. Most of the menu is fattening, very fattening, and the entrees are sized for a Giant. You literally get no less than 2 meals per entree. The wait staff is pleasant and it is a good location, although the parking lot can really fill up on the weekend. Nice clean dining area. Eh, I kinda like this place. I've never had a bad meal here. Im not a fan of the stuffed french toast special - it was edible but not my taste. Its definately one of the most gelatinous meals here, stuffed with some gooey cheese and LOADS of sugar, it is not served with any sides, like eggs or meat. Just bread cheese and sugar. Breakfast for 4 adults with a coffee or juice will run about $55.00-60.00..
(3)Gina W.
This is a great breakfast restaurant! Awesome menu selection with unique options. Service is very quick and staff is very friendly. Most importantly, food is delish!! I usually order the south beach scramble, which are eggs, tomatoes, asparagus, spinach and cheese. Served w/ diced breakfast potatoes and choice of pancakes, English muffs or toast. Coffee is always hot and fresh.
(5)Shawn G.
"As good as it gets" is right!! As usual, we decide to venture away from the norm and try a new place for breakfast/brunch. 15-20 minutes later we arrive at the Brunch Cafe'. Happy Birthday to ME!!! Great decor, friendly staff (thank you, Stacie) and most importantly (i mean ... we are going to eat, right)... the food (choices and taste) was OFF THE HOOK!!! I knew we were in for a good experience, when my son's glass of OJ arrived in an actual full size glass and not the see-through thimble most places call a glass. Next... the the loose tea selection and Berry Bowl (which made us forget about our pending entrees)... and finally, the cheeeeeesy omelette and tasty Brunch potatoes, blueberry bliss and DELISH french toast with strawberry and kiwi.. everything was amazing!!! Definitely going back soooooon!! Note: my pictures don't do the meals justice, but it's a start :)
(5)Adam D.
Always a great time! Their food and pricing is unbeatable; and the wait staff is always courteous and entertaining. I go often, almost every other weekend because there is always something new to try. I recommend the Apple Bread French Toast with a side of fruit. It was to die for. The 'chefs' really know what they are doing and seem to take care in what they are presenting their patrons. It's only downfall is how popular it is. Be prepared to wait a while in their crowded waiting area if you plan on going on the weekends. Try getting there on Sunday before the churches let out.
(5)Ruth Ann M.
Brunch Cafe is pretty hit-or-miss. They are good at breakfast, not so good at lunch. The lunch items are very average. I was once served a salad with wilted, slimy lettuce. Gross. I sat there picking out the bad lettuce one leaf at a time. The breakfast items I've tried are good. I recommend the lemon poppyseed crepes, which are topped with icing, blackberries and kiwi slices. You also can't go wrong with their skillets. Overall, it is a good place for a family breakfast, but I wouldn't go there with someone I wanted to impress.
(3)Tyler B.
My wife and I used to eat here almost every weekend when we lived in Palatine, but we recently moved to Lombard. We will miss this place, but there's one in Roselle, which I also reviewed (we actually got started at the Roselle location when we lived in Wheaton, then moved to Palatine, but I digress). You can check out my review of the other location here: yelp.com/biz/the-brunch-… It's the same menu, so everything from the other review applies (even the slightly different taste of their scrambled eggs). I've had most of their breakfast offerings, but not much from the lunch side. Service can be hit or miss. Mostly hit, but there are a couple waitresses that are clueless. The nice thing about being a regular (that tips decent) is that the good waitresses will remember you and anything that you do/order each time. My wife always gets the exact same thing, and it's nice that some of them remember. Sundays seem to be busier than Saturdays (church crowds maybe?) so we try to go on Saturdays. Then again, it might just be our timing. By far, this is my wife's favorite place for breakfast/brunch.
(4)Maria D.
All I can say is yummy delicious!!! We go here about once a month and recommend it to everyone. We get raved reviews back that it was simply fantastic! The eggs Benedict are delicious and just melts in your mouth... The crepes will just have you craving more!!! This is a great eat! One suggestion during the weekends, make sure you allow yourself 15-20 minutes to wait for a table ! The place is always packed; they have multiple locations & same scenario with the wait along each location! The waitresses and managers are extremely friendly & will remember your face which is always a great plus for a restaurant!!!!!
(5)Alison B.
I'm a major Sunday brunch person so when I was out by Barrington on a Sunday afternoon and Yelped a place called BRUNCH Cafe - it was a no-brainer. I had the Breakfast Quesidillas (not the name of it, but can't remember the actual name) and the were delicious! They had huge pieces of avocado and tons of eggs and big pieces of bacon. Loved it!!!!!! We were seated pretty quickly, slight wait, but not that bad compared to what normally happens at most places on Sunday. The wait staff was extremely nice and service oriented. Overall a great experience and I'm sending other people that way to hit Brunch Cafe and then Treetime which is around the corner in Barrington (great Christmas shopping!).
(5)Richard R.
I had a nice breakfast here. I don't want to be a spoil sport, but I kind of wished they had some other "side options". It seemed like every dish came with potatoes and either toast or an English muffin. I am currently on a "no starch" diet and was hoping to get a side of fruit or something more healthy, but didn't see anything. That being said, the food was good, the coffee was great and the service was excellent. I am definitely on board with all the positive reviews -- this place deserves them.
(4)Mike B.
My wife and I are regulars at Brunch Café in Fox River Grove. We're on a first name basis with some of the staff. The food is excellent, the service is lightning fast (it will seriously impress you at how fast your food comes out), and the staff is very friendly. The prices are also very reasonable. We usually go earlier in the morning, around 7:30 or so, otherwise it gets pretty busy, it's not a huge place so fills up quickly. My only complaint though, is if you have small kids in diapers, there's no changing station in the men's restroom. I took my 1 year old daughter one morning by myself and ended up changing her on the men's room floor, not cool. I've contacted them multiple times via their website (as other locations also do not have them) asking about this and have gotten no response. So a word of caution. Outside of this issue, this place is fantastic, you'll love it if you go.
(4)Kerri B.
Fantastic savory dishes and stunning sweets- this place has it all! I fist went to the McHenry location and was delighted to find a sister shop in Fox River. Super fast and friendly service. Lots of calory and dietary options to choose from or throw caution to the wind and dive into the Red Velvet French Toast!!
(4)Matt C.
The Brunch Cafe is fantastic. . I recommend the south beach scrabbled eggs which has avocado mixed in. Would have never thought to put that in scrabbled eggs. Coffee is a step above your typical greasy spoon.
(4)Corey N.
What a great place, everyone is smiling. Service is wonderful. Food is great! Very clean, just a over all happy atmosphere. Highly recommend. Will be stopping here again the next time I come to visit my family.
(5)Kiera D.
This place is fantastic! I come here for the first time with my mom after a long day at the stables and was very impressed! They have quite a large array of choices, the service is extremely friendly, and they come out very quickly with your meal. A small detail, but I was quite sickly the day I visited the Brunch Cafe and looked/talked/acted absolutely terrible. Our waitress acted like everything was completely normal and was one of the best and most friendly waitresses I've ever met. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a delicious and fair-priced breakfast or lunch. I will absolutely be visiting again.
(5)John H.
Huge portions, quiet and basic chairs and tables. Nothing fancy, but the service and food are great.
(4)Jeff S.
For the weekends we are in the suburbs and want to go out for breakfast the Brunch Cafe fits the bill. Having so many places to choose from downtown but being limited to chains like IHOP in 'burbs used to mean a spur-of-the-moment breakfast/brunch outing was a city-activity only. But for the past few years we've come back here numerous times. If you love eggs, you'd be hard-pressed to find a breakfast item on the menu with them. The omelets and skillets are large and consistently cooked well, you can't go wrong with them. And for a sweet tooth they have an entire other page of hard-to-resist items. The only negatives I can think of are I often find myself out of water; the waitstaff is so busy they sometimes don't check back after the initial 2 stops until it's time for the check. Also add-ons can be pricey; was $1.50 extra to toss a very small handful of chocolate chips onto of some regular pancakes. Rated on breakfast items alone, have not yet tried any of the lunch items. Also, there is a ton of parking in the rear of the building. And don't forgot to check out the table right inside the front door with the daily specials cooked-up on it.
(4)Taylor M.
Good fresh food and awesome service!
(5)Suzanne T.
Delicious any time of day, appetite big or small. Coffee is delicious and always fresh. Pancakes are top notch. Much better than Walker Brothers and far cheaper. Skip the bacon-which seems pre cooked, dry and leathery. Service is consistently good.
(4)Michael J.
Ordered the Stuffed Potatoe Pancakes. Its stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese. Good size portion and really good. Comes with sour cream. $7.99 about.
(5)Jill M.
This place is great! The menu is huge. I always end up trying something different every time I go. The portions tend to be huge, as well. The staff is friendly, though not always the quickest. The specials are inventive, but I have to admit I don't think I've ever tried one. If I have any complaints it's that there's nothing "basic" on the menu. Sometimes you just want eggs and pancakes with a side of bacon, you know? But if you're looking for unique breakfast and lunch food, I highly recommend Brunch.
(4)Franklin D.
Just opened. Restrooms are so clean you could eat off the floor...at least the men's room. I had a special "Nacho Fritatta" for like $7. It was gigantic and the homemade salsa was totally "en fuego" if you know what I mean. The place was packed with people on the Saturday morning we were there. You will probably have to park around the back of the building but it's a short walk from there to the dining room. My kids really like the "baby cakes". The food here really is quite good. Only one problem, the service is horrible! It seems like there are one or two waitresses that know what's going on a a lot of "trainees" or something. One visit we had enough time to sit in our seats before the busboy dumped a glass of ice water on my 5 year old. Then the snarky teen waitress forgot several things and had to keep shuffling (slowly) back and forth for each item. Another time the waitress was supposed to bring a side of bacon, forgot it twice and then finally canceled it (without asking us) blaming the whole thing on the kitchen. One good idea might be to take out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. If you are eating here and can't find your server odds are they are standing back there talking. =\
(3)Jamie W.
really good food, large menu 5 stars!
(5)Linda R.
REALLY GREAT menu and REALLY GREAT prices!!! This is not your typical eggs, waffles and pancakes kind of joint. Although they do have all of those... its the great flavor combinations and fresh ingredients make this a very worthwhile drive for a great brunch selection. And they serve MIMOSA'S and BLOODY MARY'S to boot!!! This is my kind of place... it just skyrocketed to my NOW place to go for brunch!
(5)M. H.
Had my first experience at Brunch Café this weekend and was very pleasantly surprised! Our server was so very sweet and attentive, as seemed all the staff. I ordered the veggie stuffed potato pancakes and they were divine! My husband had a simple omelet but loved it. The coffee was delicious, and as I mentioned, our server was great at refills and stopping by often. I can't believe I didn't know about this place! We will definitely go back again.
(5)Syd F.
The best breakfast I've had in all of Cary/fox river/ crystal lake! service is always great. I am in love with the crepes! also offer turkey sausage which I love. portions are large and price is fair. I will continue to be a regular!
(5)Rick M.
Great breakfasts with many unique selections. Reasonable prices. Fabulous service!
(5)Brian B.
This was my first time eating here and the food was amazing. The menu has very unique takes on breakfast food that all sound worth a try. They also have gluten-free options available. On this particular visit, I ordered their special, Chicken and Waffles. It was a breaded chicken breast sandwiched between waffles in a pool of their sausage gravy. It was a great combination and worth a try if it shows up again as a special. The seating area is okay sized but it did require a 20 minute wait for the two of us. Prices are very reasonable. My only complaint is their coffee is not very good. My next visit, I will probably order their Chocolate Bacon pancakes.
(4)Mr. E.
FIrst time that I ever went to this restaurant, and it will be the last. My wife and I had the rare opportunity to go out to a meal together, and she mentioned that Brunch Cafe was supposed to be pretty good. We went there on a Saturday, 2/23/2013, around 9:30 AM. Luckily, we got seated pretty quickly, since when we were leaving, there was a big line waiting. My wife ordered a veggie omelet, and I ordered a meat and potato skillet, both with just toast. $8-$9 dollars a piece. She had coffee, and I requested a milk to arrive when the meal did. Our server was very nice, and actually pretty prompt. The food looked good and it arrived in a timely fashion. My milk was warm. Like it had sat out on a counter since we had put in our order waiting to be served WITH our order. Yech. Maybe they need to get their ordering requests better. My wife and I dive into our breakfasts, since we are hungry. She seems to be enjoying hers. I just ordered scrambled eggs with my skillet; the eggs get served right on top of the whole skillet. Seemed like fresh eggs, but they must have been cooked on the griddle on one side, and then folded over on themselves, and then put on top of the skillet. THE WHOLE INSIDES WERE NOT COOKED. Holy carp. Only one thing worse than biting into raw/undercooked eggs, and that is biting into raw/uncooked poultry. Nearly lost my cookies right there. But, I moved my undercooked, disappointing eggs off the top over to my toast plate. I couldn't really enjoy eating anything after that. Slimy undercooked eggs will do that to a person. So, note to Brunch Café, milk should be more cool and crisp, not warm and unpalatable. Scrambled eggs should be cooked through, not overcooked and rubbery of course, but not have any whites being slimy. There is also the food safety factor there. Who the heck can screw up cold milk and scrambled eggs? Conclusion: I can have a raw egg meal at home for way under $9.
(1)Chad W.
I went for my first time Sunday 11/6 for Breakfast. All I can say is that it was about as perfect a breakfast as you could have. From the service to the food just perfect. Our waitress was a fun, spunky young girl with a great attitude. She was more than efficient. I never had an empty mug, she checked on us every time she passed by, she smiled and laughed and made us feel very welcome. And never felt rushed like cattle. Our food was delicious. I had a omlette and it was huge and cooked perfectly. The potatoes were not greasy and were also cooked perfectly. However, it's not as though people on strict diets are going to be able to eat here too often. But you know what if that's what you look for when going out for breakfast then stay home. This is hearty, delicious food to help start your day. I know we were not the only people that have had this experience either. While there we saw one table talk with the busboy about his soccer team. And another couple shake his hand on the way in. People feel welcomed here. I cannot say enough good things about my experience. Thank you.
(5)Randy H.
Love this place! Great food, great service, great prices. They don't serve dinner, and close around 2 or 3. Don't miss it!!
(4)Stephen N.
My Review in 2: BRUNCH w/PUNCH Go with this hunch: for a delicious munch, join the bunch who lunch at Brunch Cafe! Brunch Cafe's debut offers a dependable, high-quality choice in the Fox River Grove area for a breakfast, brunch, or lunch treat at affordable prices. Breakfast out has been my lifelong guilty pleasure. Weekends, holidays, and vacations begin with the siren song luring me to the Next Great Diner that does something amazing with eggs, breakfast meats and veggies of assorted descriptions and origin, and serves it up dependably and with conviction. Brunch Cafe scores highly on many fronts, with an extensive menu, generous portions, and an extraordinarily clean & contemporary dining environment (surprisingly nice for its suburban-stripmall location). Fresh, well-prepared food. Salsa with flavor and a kick. Actual flavor in the food - ample use of herbs and flavor-intense ingredients (sundried tomatoes, fresh cilantro, basil, et cetera) - and flexibility to add ingredient A into dish B upon request. Yum! Service at this fairly new restaurant has at times been of up-and-down quality ranging from excellent (attentive experienced waitstaff) to a little shaky (a few "I hope school starts back up soon so I can lose this lame summer job" types), but the food has been consistently good from Visit One. And as others who have reviewed it attest, it's got that clean-enough-to-eat-off-the-floor vibe - along with very reasonable prices. In short: Brunch w/Punch!
(4)Jen H.
Very reasonable prices. Fantastic service. Some very interesting menu options and unique daily specials. Better than average breakfast food.
(4)Jacob K.
Yet to be let down by Brunch Cafe. The skillets are my favorite. Staff is helpful and food always seems to come out ultra-fast
(4)Andrew M.
Massive portions! Brunch has good food that is consistant and always good! The service is very friendly and the atmosphere is local - most everyone knows everyone!
(3)Tracy K.
My mom had heard great things about Brunch Cafe, so last weekend, we decided to check it out. We arrived around 12:15 and were quoted a 20 minute wait. The size of the waiting crowd was intimidating, but they moved quickly and we were seated at a private (but tiny) table. Our waitress was sweet and attentive. The food (mile high omelet for Mom and the southwestern plate for me) was awesome and worth the wait. Their specials sounded great, but because they are made en masse, are difficult to modify for vegetarians or those with other dietary restrictions. Because of this, I ordered something from the regular menu and had it customized to make it veggie-friendly. Portion sizes were such that I got 2.5 meals out of my order. All in all, a tasty meal that was worth the drive. I'm looking forward to going back!
(4)Malorie F.
The daily breakfast specials are always creative, and delicious. They usually put a mock plate up front so you can drool over it while you wait, which is nice because then you get to see it. I'm not a big fan of breakfast food, so this is a favorite place for me and my family because they can get their eggs and bacon, and I can get a cheeseburger or a tuna sandwich! The menu offers lots of healthy options too which is great! Lots of fresh fruit, big hearty salads, a yummy veggie burger, frittatas loaded with veggies, whole wheat pancakes and waffles, and turkey sausage! They also have a menagerie of freshly squeezed fruit juices that are delicious. Everything is fresh and we've yet to wait longer than 15 minutes. There are lots of tables and while they don't rush you, they get people in and out. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)nicole h.
Innovative menu, reasonable prices, good service, quality food. Only two gripes. 1) Resaurant layout is a bit awkward. Some tables are situated right in the waiting area while hungry eyes gaze enviously at your breakfast. 2) There are often looooong waits. This can be easily remedied, however, by calling ahead. In the past they've been accomodating when we've done this.
(4)Edgar O.
The service is great! Great breakfast. Our favorite is the turkey burger and the veggie panini. Friendly workers.
(4)Ryan B.
Great, clean atmosphere with fantastic service. Awesome culinary creativity on the daily breakfast specials, which is a nice diversion from your standard bacon, eggs and pancakes. I highly suggest the South Beach Scrambler. Coffee leaves a lot to be desired, but it's not a show-stopper. Overall it's a slam dunk if you're looking for a great breakfast. They never disappoint.
(4)Andrea R.
Only complaint is it took so long to read the menu because it all looked so good! Had a delicious breakfast quesadilla. Everyone in here was super pleasant, it was just a great experience. Our waitress was Jen and she was spot on for balancing unobtrusive and helpful.
(5)Wayne K.
I love this place. We eat here at least twice a week! I always get the Berry Berry Crape with a Berry Bowl on the side. My wife loves their daily specials. Don't miss this place, it's a real treat!
(5)Chrisa H.
Oh. My. Lord. Mimosas. Bloody Marys. Orange stuffed French toast. Emery skillet is good. Brunch paninis are amazing. I've never had even a mediocre meal here. The service is great, and the prices are right. Amazing. Go. Now.
(5)Mick W.
Great sandwhiches in addtion to the very creative breakfast foods on the menu. With all the tantelizing selections it can be hard to make up your mind. I tried them when they first opened (good) and now they are even better. They are alway's packed but don't be worried as there is parking in the rear and there are enough tables so you should be seated fairly quickly.
(5)Quinn B.
A step up from a regular "greasy spoon"..... Good food and portions. Better than average coffee, but not great. Staff friendly and service is quick. A tad pricey, but living 5 minutes from the restaurant I've dined here over 50x's.....Have not had a bad breakfast.....or lunch for that matter.
(4)Scott S.
Well we tried this place twice once for breakfast and once for lunch. The breakfast was just ok could get a better meal at a greasy spoon for less. The lunch was not good was kind of like fast food rather than fresh cooked. My wifes had the chopped salad had couldn't even eat it. How do you mess up a salad. I had a burger that was just above a McDonalds burger. Our waitress was never around and took a long time to take our order. Not going back for below average food.
(2)Bill S.
I Love this place I have been here several time now . and I haven't had a bad meal yet , Staff is friendly and fast the food is excellent , there is always a special or two that are really great
(5)Brandy B.
I agree with a previous poster that the layout is awkward and almost hazardous. Where we were seated, close to the kitchen, we saw more then a couple people almost knocked out by servers coming around a corner from the kitchen. So ask not to be seat along the wall by the kitchen and be careful walking by it on your way back from the restroom. Other then that, the food was great and waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. It seemed they were happy to serve you and they might actually enjoy their job. We'll be back! Yummy breakfast food!!
(4)Michelle C.
We eat breakfast at Brunch every weekend unless we are out of town. I try something different on their menu or one of the daily specials every visit. I haven't had anything that I didn't LOVE. My favorites so far are the Stuffed Potato Pancake and the Portabenny (ask them to put a turkey sausage patty on it). We had lunch last week and loved it as well. The service is great! Our favorite server is Ashley G. - we never have to ask for anything she is on top of it all. The food is super quick. The portions are ridiculous we always split or take 1/2 home for breakfast the next day. The coffee is just as good as (if not better) than Starbucks for a fraction of the cost. We are so glad we have found this AWESOME and affordable place! Bucky & Michelle
(5)Dave Z.
Had the stuff waffle, a belgium waffle stuffed with strawberries and bananas. The waffle was crisp and light. The filling was sweet, but not overly so. The waitress was attentive and the service was fast, with 7 people in our group. And they did separate checks, which is very helpful in a group of our size.
(5)stacey b.
This was my first time here and wasn't disappointed. Took my mom for a Sunday brunch. First off, the place is much bigger than you would think looking at it from the street, so that was a pleasant surprise. We had to wait about 15 minutes but the line moved quickly. Mom had the meat skillet - bacon, sausage, and ham over brunch potatoes with 2 eggs over-easy and a side of marble rye toast. I had plain crepes with a side of sausage links. Odd to me that her dish - which was GINORMOUS and more than she probably eats in 3 days total - was less expensive than my two crepes and side links (which were also huge - not your normal dinky link). But whatever. Both were excellent. Service was great. Our waitress was sweet as pie and incredibly polite - even asked if it was alright with us if she set the coffee pot she was carrying down on our table to take our order. I didn't give this place a 5 but it's only because everything on the menu is so rich (cinnamon roll french toast with vanilla cream? or filet mignon benedict with hollandaise? OMG) - I went a safer route because I didn't know if my sensitive tummy would take it. That said, I'd have LOVED to have seen a seafood crepe under their Savory Crepes menu section. Hint, hint. ;) We'll definitely be back. This is a great little find.
(4)Corryn A.
I have been looking for a "city-type" of breakfast place in the NW 'Burbs, and I think I finally found it. Ate here for the first time on 1/9/11, and loved it. EXCELLENT coffee. HUGE portions! I had the Route 22 Crepes and my friend had their Multigrain Daily Special. We were both really pleased. Our bill came to $21, so slightly more than a diner, less than Egg Harbor or Walker Bros. The atmosphere is very cute, and our server was excellent. Decor is not as "kitschy" as Egg Harbor. Yes, their menu isn't exactly lo-cal, but you can create your own by asking for egg whites and whole wheat toast. They will accommodate. We will be back for sure.
(4)Doug M.
Really nice place! Awesome food, great service. Our server (Kristi) was delightful and attentive.
(5)Andy S.
Excellent! Every time we come here, the food is always way above our expectations. Prices are in line, nice large portions and not greasy! My husband and I love coming here and will continue to do so. The greek omelet. YUM!
(5)Marc S.
I am a BIG fan of this place! The atmosphere isn't anything to write home about, but you know when you try to walk into the place during the weekend and see the crowd waiting to be seated, it's has to be good. They move people in and out quick, so don't be put off by the crowd... it just means the food is THAT good. First thing to check over by the register is a tray that usually has three dishes on it, the dishes change each day. Those are today's specials, never on the menu, and the servers won't tell you about them unless you ask. While I have always liked (or loved) anything I ordered off the menu, the specials usually surpass the menu in creativity and WOW factor. The staff is all very friendly (though usually very harried) and have never let me down in service. The food is always good, served hot, and plentiful. I'm not a coffee drinker, but they have a decent selection of teas. About the only thing negative I could say about the place is that it gets noisy in there; lots of people enjoying good food with family and friends. If you prefer it a bit quieter (not much, but a bit), ask for a table on the far end of the room from the entrance (past the divider). I guess I should mention the price. For the amount of food you get, the quality of the food, and the service, the price is a bargain. You will see many families in here because it is good wholesome food made well and with a twist at a great price. One last thing you should know: the place is called Brunch Cafe cause they are only open for breakfast and lunch!
(5)Bill P.
First time at the restaurant. Excellent food. Good service. Florentine eggs benedict excellent. I will return.
(5)Matthew P.
I have been their multiple times since i got Yelp. I love all the food they have. If your not one of though's breakfast people i would think you might not like it very much
(5)Melissa W.
This place ROCKS! It's the kind of suburban restaurant that (no offense) we have city food up here in the Northwest suburbs. You'll want to take all your out of towners here, but try hit it on a week day when it's not as crowded. But don't let a long weekend line scare you -- it moves very quickly. I've been here three times and have had glorious eggs florentine, unbelievably good crepes and a breakfast bowl that my 265 pound, 6'5 nephew couldn't finish. The interior is nothing to write home about, but it is spotless and, here's a concept, there's room to walk around tables! Go, and take your fancy city friends. All tummies will be happy.
(4)Erin P.
Until recently my other half was living in Barrington. So during the weekends that I (reluctantly) spent in the burbs, rather than downtown, brunch at The Brunch Café was one of the suburb's saving graces. This place is in a desolate strip mall off of 14 (I think- my NW suburb geography is not so good). It is bright and happy with lots of tables and employees that are young and genuinely happy to be there and serve you. Their menu is almost as extensive as that of the Cheesecake Factory, only not nearly as annoying. They have so many different options when it comes to omelets, Eggs Benedict (termed "bennies"), sweet and savory crepes, frittatas and more. They all have fresh and upbeat ingredients offered in their creations like goat cheese, basil, chorizo and sundried tomatoes (not all thought though . . .). On the "unch" side of the menu they have entrée sized salads, sandwiches, wraps, paninis and a few burgers. Over the course of my dining experiences here I have enjoyed the (huge) Mediterranean omelet (full of basil, sundried tomatoes and feta cheese), the bruchetta salad (topped with fresh chopped tomatoes and great vinaigrette), and most recently the Portobello Bennies which were amazing; the perfect combination of mushroom caps, creamy melted goat cheese and asparagus topped with poached eggs and hollandaise (on the side for me). This is a truly great breakfast/brunch/lunch place, so if you are stuck in the suburbs (or just live there) stop by this place for a great meal!
(4)Jim B.
I stop in for a Turkey club sandwich at least once a week. Great food and freindly employees.
(4)michael k.
I tried out there new location in Roselle il on lake street, it was awesome, I had the classic frittata which had fresh spinach,ham and swiss cheese (excellent) My friends had the rueben and a ham and cheese omelet, They both raved about there food. Sevice was very, very good, I cant wait to go back.
(4)Carli W.
Amazing amazing AMAZING!!! Best breakfast place ever. Only thing that would make it better is if it served hashbrowns( they do country potatoes). Normally, that is a deal breaker for my husband, but its so good, it doesn't matter. Try the stuffed waffle if you like sweet stuff. Its to die for. They even serve bloody marys and mimosas. Expect a decent wait...all great breakfast places have a 20 min or so wait. but if you go early you can beat the "church" crowd. Its worth waiting for!
(5)k h.
When the owners talked about opening this place I wondered how they would do because it is a bit pricey. It is so worth it! You can get a basic breakfast but why? They have a wonderful, creative menu. Try the Berry Explosion! I usually try to order it but I am almost always waylaid by their speical of the day! They have great sandwiches for lunch, too. I've read the other reviews and they are right on target. Big portions, friendly service and they seat you as quickly as possible but don't push you out of a table just because they are busy. So worth the trip to FRG.
(4)tim l.
This place was awesome ! Very creative menue and sunny waitresses! Not your typical greasy spoon!
(5)