Chicago Waffles West Loop — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

PSA- There is no reasoning with pathological liars! Please just check their low Yelp/other reviews too before you go. Their manager is known to be patronizing, responds with blatant lies and discriminates. I won't be surprised if these tactics to get people to delete their poor reviews. Imo they couldn't stoop any lower, but they probably will! Food is honestly just average. But you'll get much better warmth, respect and experience elsewhere.

*Replying after the owner's response. - Yeah, none of what you said happened. We never said we needed 5 mins, never asked for the to go boxes and we certainly did not tell the waitress we didn't want to see them around. The 50 min rule and the "pay at register" didn't seem to apply to others. Lies will get you nowhere. Pathetic. Our dining etiquettes are more than just fine. You're a brunch place that serves mediocre diner food, not the Buckingham Palace. You should save some of this salt for your tasteless omelettes. Honestly, not surprised by your twisted lies. You've done this on EVERY low rating post. Also there is no reasoning with pathological liars and coming to an agreement. Yeah don't worry, I'm not sure where all your establishments are, and I don't care either but please do share a list for we'd hate to accidentally end up in one. Original post- Unnecessarily hostile waitress. They will unapologetically try to kick you out to make way for new customers while you, a customer, is still eating. Apparently they have a 50 minute rule for brunch (the waitress said). No idea if this counts the time they take to take your order and bring the food because if not then it's only 30 mins of eating time. We had a reservation for 2 people at 11:15 am for brunch but got there about 5-7 minutes early. Things were going fine for about and hour -ish until both the waitress and the hostess were very aggressively coming up to us trying to get us to leave. We sat down by 11:10 and got served food by 11:25 ish (not an issue as it was crowded) then the following happened after 30-40 mins - -The hostess came up to us and put up a reserved sign on the table saying we could take out time to finish eating but she has to reserve the desk for next customers, which I thought was odd as we were still eating. Then they came up to us again with the check while we were still eating 1 minute later. -Again, as we took another bite, the waitress came in and asked if we wanted boxes and we said ok because it was pretty clear at that point that they wanted us out. -After literally 1 minute, while we still didn't fill up the to go boxes, the waitress asked if she could take the plates away, while there was still food on our plates. -At this point we pointed out to the waitress that there are literally people around us who were here before us and that we were still working on our food. -The waitress got mad at us and said there's a 50 minute time limit and when they give boxes they're supposed to ask if the plates can be taken away. I don't deny that but it hadn't been a minute since you gave us the boxes. -So we packed up our food and left our cards on the table and all of a sudden there was no waitress in sight. We sat there for 10 mins and the waitress didn't come to get the cards. When she did come up to pick up the next tables check she very rudely asked up to pay at the front. We had our food on the table for not more than 35-40 minutes and if there were a 50 minute rule, as the waitress said, then you should be able to communicate that before being hostile and unpleasant. Also extremely unprofessional of you to be hostile to the customers, who made reservations, that are already at your restaurant. I let the hostess know my sentiments that this is very unprofessional. All I can say now is that if anyone can large portions of brunch in under 30 mins then this might be the place for you. But if you actually want to chew your food properly and not want to be pressured to leave then pick another...

UPDATE in reply to owner’s response [August 1, 2025]: To clarify, Google reviews are not limited to food or service. Residents and customers are fully entitled to report ongoing disturbances that impact quality of life—especially when a business operates within a mixed-use building. This includes noise violations, observed sanitation issues, and staff conduct.

This is not a personal dispute—it’s a persistent public disturbance. Under Google’s content policy and U.S. consumer protection laws, I am well within my rights to share this experience. Over the past year, residents have made multiple good-faith efforts to resolve the issue directly with the business. Only after those efforts were repeatedly ignored—and met with dismissiveness—were complaints filed with 311 and the local alderman’s office. This public review was not my first step; the business made it necessary.

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Business’s Public Response: Rather than professionally address the concerns, the owner responded sarcastically, stating they would now “set up the music to the legal maximum… just for you,” and reminded me the location “used to be a bar open until 2 AM.” I’m going to have to remind you that this is not a sports bar anymore. It’s a waffle house. That logic doesn’t make sense—past use doesn’t justify present-day disturbances in a mixed-use residential building. Businesses in this type of setting are expected to adjust to their surroundings, not the other way around.

This type of retaliatory messaging and public admission is now part of the record as I continue documenting the issue with city departments.

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Original Review: I am a resident of the building and have experienced repeated and serious noise disturbances from this business for over a year. At times, amplified music begins as early as 6:30 AM (I had previously reported 7:00 AM but have since confirmed the earlier time) and can be heard through the floors, originating from either the dining area or rear kitchen. The noise often continues well past business hours, sometimes until 5:00 PM. On multiple occasions, the bass and deep drum beats from music played after closing hours have caused floors and walls in neighboring units—and even adjacent corridors—to visibly shake.

Residents have communicated directly with staff and management many times, but the disturbances persist with no meaningful change. I have since filed formal 311 complaints, contacted the local alderman’s office, and am now prepared to escalate the issue to city code enforcement and public health authorities if this level of disregard continues. In addition, staff frequently leave trash or fail to pick up after themselves in the alley, contributing to sanitation concerns and further demonstrating a lack of respect for shared community space. Businesses operating in mixed-use buildings are required to maintain reasonable noise levels and basic cleanliness, and failure to comply may result in citations, fines, or other enforcement actions. What residents are asking for isn’t unreasonable—it’s basic decency and respect for not only the residents of this building, but also for the...

1st Timer.

I had a friend in town that wanted to grab a bite. Going from Googles recommendation and reviews. This place was close and the menu was good. I ordered from the menu "The way you like 'em", it was ok. The potatoes were a bit under cooked but mostly a decent meal. Ordered coffee and had to ask for water and coffee refills etc. Not great service- But this brings me to my point.. as I was leaving signing my bill I sat on the seat to sign my check. Specifically remembering leaving my sunglasses on the table.. They were a special gift from someone I lost. But the glasses were also expensive. I was the last customer there at this point. The restaurant closes at 2, I walked out after 1pm. As I left and was driving I noticed I left my glasses. I called several times to have someone buy the name of Elizabeth answer stating that she saw them and would hold them. Then next day I call, Elizabeth seems flustered and now is saying she needs to call the person that was working yesterday and she will let me know.. not asking for a call back number or name. So I go in person as soon as I walk in, she now knows who I am.. remembers where I sat etc.. she tells me that SHE was the person that was there the day I dined. Keep in mind. Anytime I speak to anyone in person or over the phone. There is not a Manger available not sure when one will be and they cannot give out the name of one or of the owner. But now that I'm here there are no glasses and she is not sure what happened, she's gonna talk to the manager. This time she gets my number and rushes me on my way. This (today) is the 2nd day I have given her or Someone to call me back. No call. So I called today spoke w an Allison. She would not let me speak with a manager wouldn't give a name and was rude. But was familiar with my lost item. I know there are bad people that steal etc..but this has truly been a Bad experience! Choosing to go out and support local businesses during a pandemic then to be lied to and toyed with is unfortunate. I feel like it was a joke I just wanted the glasses I would give the money to the person if I Could. I hope it gets resolved-Asap Until then be careful when supporting this business. No one seems honest or...