Glen Oak Cafe — Restaurant in Glen Ellyn

Where do I start...How about the Front Door. They open at 6am, I arrived at 7:10am. With visibly only two tables seated, I was not greeted, I had to find the Hostess(?), and ask if I should find my own table, I grabbed my own menu and proceeded to do just that. She was putting butter on the tables. Was asked if I wanted coffee, and said yes please, and cream too. (Was not on the table.) The hostess came back with a water and the Lunch Specials. (Again, arrived at 7:10am.) The Waitress came with my coffee, no creamer, and asked if I was ready to order, so I proceeded to ask her for creamer, she didn't like that. I ordered from the "South of the Border" breakfast section the "Burrito Suizo" Needless to say HORRIBLE!!! Over cooked and Very Very Bland Chorizo, barely any egg, Very "watery" on the inside do to the 1 1/4 cup of raw Green Pepper, (and Yes, I cut open the burrito in half and literally picked that much out of it!), under cooked Sliced Mozzarella, not Shredded. The Under Cooked Flour Tortilla was water logged, inside and out do to the green pepper inside and poorly made "Watery Salsa" they dumped on top of the burrito. It was so bad I asked the Waitress for the Salsa and she said, "It's right there on Top" in a voice like I was an idiot for even asking. Avocado, on the side, was shades of brown. I didn't even attempt with that. Very under cooked Hash Browns, that mean white and cold. Agh. Coffee was Very Bitter and luke warm. Before asking for it, the Waitress came with the bill. I asked to speak to a Manager and was told that they were not there. I took the bill up to the Hostess, she proceeded to ask me how everything was...I responded "it was there", left a $1.00 tip, hoping the Waitress gets the point. I'm thinking she won't. I turned 60 this month, with over 40 years Restaurant/Hotel/Resort/Country Club experience. It had been awhile since I was in Glen Ellyn, Very Disappointing. With effort, they can AND SHOULD DO BETTER. Happy Travels. P.S. The burrito nightmare and cup of cold bitter...

I've loved Glen Oak since I was a kid, and it has only gotten better. They have a good sized menu- honestly I can't speak to anything beyind their breakfast food, because why order anything else when you can have breakfast? Their omlets are good, they ha e the standard options, and they are big and filling (it is always 2 full meals for me.) They have the best red velvet French toast in the area, but be prepared for dessert as breakfast. If you pay an upcharge they can do a side of it so you don't develop diabetes all at once. But really, it is special. I got the chocolate chip pancakes this time, chips in the batter and on top (in the future I'll ask them to go lighter with the chocolate, because it is really sweet!) I meant to take pictures for the review, but I was starving, so next time I will be sure to do so. Booths are seperated with hanging plexiglass. The waitress didnt wear a mask, but the busboy did. The only downside is service. The waitress I seem to get whenever I go there always seems like I'm putting her out when I come by. I tip WAY over the top (I was once a waitress too) so I hope for a little warmth along with service. The waitress in training was just fantastic though! A smile...

I grew up in Glen Oaks, This restaurant has always felt more like a second home than a place to eat. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted not just with the comforting aroma of homemade soup and hearty meals, but with smiles that feel like family.

The food? Always warm, always fresh, always made with love. Their soups could cure any bad day, and the rest of the menu never misses — just good, honest cooking that feeds your body and your soul.

But what truly sets Glen Oaks apart is the heart behind it. The owner is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet — someone who doesn’t just serve customers, but builds relationships. He remembers your name, your favorite order, even asks how your family’s doing. He walks table to table like a gracious host, making sure everyone feels seen, welcomed, and appreciated.

Glen Oaks is more than a restaurant — it’s a community table where kindness is served just as generously as the food. I’m endlessly grateful to have grown up with it, and I’ll keep coming back for...