Cherry Hill Cafe — Restaurant in Joliet

I've been here quite a few times in the decade I lived nearby. We don't have many restaurant options in walking distance, and most are not full service. So when I don't want to drive but don't want a hotdog or taco, I come here. Both the service and the food remain consistent. The food is cooked well but has limited seasoning which is great for someone with dietary restrictions, not for the foodie looking for flavor explosions. It reminds me of the old greasy spoons I would visit in Chicago in the early 90s which is nostalgic. I could look past the average dishes if the service was better. No matter what server I have had in 10 years, it's always the same terrible etiquette. Now, I worked as a server for over 2 years, 15 years ago during the recession, and I know what should and should not be done. These waitresses are not being trained properly and they must not have rules to follow. They don't flip their tables (bring the check after meals are nearly finished). They don't bus anything (take your plates). They don't get drinks on the table right away. After you sit for 15 minutes or more they get around to asking about drinks and walk away before you can give your food order. The only reason I keep coming back is the convenient location in a town with few options. Come here only if you have all the time in the world and you...

I recommend! I was very impressed by the young staff at this cute little hole in the wall. Very attentive, friendly, nice, and polite young group. I feel like it's rare to find nice staff nowadays! Several also speak Spanish.

Drink/food wise, I highly recommend the hot chocolate, it was super sweet and creamy 🤤. I almost ordered two! Most hot chocolates lately seem to be lukewarm water and a powder packet, but this was actually pretty tasty! I also ordered the Veggie Omelette ($11) which came with French toast with whipped cream and powdered sugar (I clearly love sweets 😋). I felt the omelette could've used a pinch of salt and pepper, but I definitely appreciated the Cholula already at the table (nothing a little hot sauce can't fix 😉). I really liked the French Toast, it was simple and small but good. I also ordered the fruit, I originally thought that was an option to upgrade the toast/pancakes but it was additional... just $2 for half a plate of fruit - which I thought was a steal! The fruit was a little overripe, but I'm all for zero food waste, so I ate it. I was visiting the hospital nearby and wasn't sure where to go. If you're in the area and looking for a quick, no frills, cheap breakfast/lunch with great staff I highly recommend. Btw watch out - I totally missed the entry and ended up turning into the one way...

Out of necessity I visited this place with my friend for breakfast. In all the time this place has been opened I have visited it 3 times. This was by far the worst. When we walked in the place it was almost empty, we were told to sit ourselves, which we did. Our waitress came to our table pretty fast. We both had coffee, looked at the menu and placed our orders . I had the chorizo omelet, my friend had scrambled eggs, bacon and waffle breakfast. My omelet lacked flavor, was way too small, the potatoes didn't have salt and my pancakes were too dry. My friend's scrambled eggs were too dry, and flavorless. The menu says 2 eggs, but the amount on her plate looked like 1 egg. Her waffle had black residue ( as from something burnt) on one side. They were good keeping up with the coffee, which could be better. It's no wonder I have visited this place only 3 times, and I used to live next door to it. It...