Tempo Cafe Reviews

All food is good.Very crowed on weekends on SAt./Sun mornings for breakfast.Has a variety of diffrent foods on menu to choose from. Prices our fair and resonable. Loce thge omelletts and daily specials.

This place had cute outdoor seating and huge omelets. Everything on the menu looked really good. Someone ordered the Eggs Benedict as well and that was equally amazing. I highly recommend this location for brunch.

Visited whilst in town for the marathon, a very busy diner with a great menu. Frequented by many locals, always a good sign , is located a couple of blocks off the main strip. The food is very tasty, massive potions, and service very speedy and friendly. Endless top ups of coffee which is served in a proper mug!

Great authentic breakfast foods and sandwiches with full set of menu choices. Scramblers a must for skillet sized egg dishes served in the skillet. Great service too and excellent value

I was looking for a hearty meal for a reasonable price. I got neither. The people were very friendly, the coffee weak, and the fruit as old and beaten as the tabletops. I got a lot of food: bland, mediocre concoctions that made me wince. Still the room was very homey and inviting. So I bought a hat to commemorate my gastronomical miscalculation and left never to return.

We visited Chicago for a weekend and stayed very near this diner. We were delighted that it was open 24 hours a day. The menu was extensive and there were many healthy options, unusual for a diner. The staff was friendly and the restaurant was usually busy. We had breakfast there 2 mornings and dinner after a WhiteSox baseball game on Sunday night.

Staff was nice, the food was just OK. The BLT had very little bacon. The Caesar dressing tasted like it came out of a giant bottle.

I love this place for breakfast! The service is excellent, and the omelettes (5 eggs!) crowded onto a small skillet with breakfast potatoes are wonderful. I always get the Artemis omelette (love the artichoke hearts). And no matter what you order, a small bowl holding a section of orange and a stewed prune arrive at the table early on!

We had breakfast here twice while in Chicago.Good food, coffee & hot chocolate. The tables are a bit crowded and the service is quick. We would eat here again.

Waitress was very friendly. Waited less than ten minutes for a table. Food was great and the atmosphere was exactly what you would expect in a popular big city cafe.

What happened here? It’s just not the same quality. This used to be our go-to place for breakfast. They changed the menu maybe 2years ago? Eliminated all the signature omelettes (some of which were long time favorites). Instead they present a “make your own” from lists of ingredients in categories. This would be ok but not all the ingredients they used to offer are available. For instance- artichokes have been eliminated. My favorite omelette had been the Gold Coast with artichokes, swiss, tomato and mushroom. So that’s gone. Marble rye toast seems to be gone. They changed their brand of English muffins to one with the wrong texture. Still we’ve adapted and have continued to come, adjusting our orders. The latest change gradually has happened to the breakfast potatoes. These used to be the best home fries you could get anywhere. Crispy golden outer layer over soft dry potato slices served steamy hot. Over time they sometimes added pasty shredded hash browns to the mix and my potatoes this week came out as burnt bits over mushy pieces. We were there in the afternoon. Could it be they’re not consistent in the kitchen all day and I was served breakfast potato leftovers regrilled? My eggs were not hot /not cold exactly but not hot. The toast was not hot enough to melt the butter and the ham slice which has always been another signature of theirs was tough and dried out. Disappointing. On balance the soups are still good and a California Club sandwich (chicken, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato) was good. French fries are still good and were served hot. Maybe the lesson here is don't order breakfast in the afternoon.

We were looking for a breakfast place in Chicago which was walking distance from Lurie Children’s hospital. We needed to work remotely for a while and also have breakfast. This place had decent reviews on Trip Advisor so we tried it. I ordered a ham and cheese omelette and it was huge. I was stuffed after eating it and that’s when my wife told me it was 5 eggs. My wife had the blueberry waffles and said that was great. We would go to this place again, the staff was nice and the food was good. If you are working from here, it can get a little noisy.

We dined here for breakfast. Sat outdoors under cover which was great. Great menu. Excellent food. Freshest OJ on the planet. Great service. Can't ask for more than that.

I normally don't go to greasy restaurant but my friend talked me into it. I ordered veggi omelet with artichoke, tomatoes and swiss cheese on Pam. I just loved it.

2 in our party had short stacks, 2 had sandwiches and 1 had an omelet. Everyone liked what they were served. The server was proficient and attentive, the prices were moderate and we liked the atmosphere.

Visited here a couple of times whilst visiting Chicago and staying at the Whitehall hotel as it was a short walk away. Great food and friendly staff with bottomless coffees. I tried the scrambled eggs on one visit ( massive portion with a good choice of additions) and the eggs benedict. Both were lovely. Great price too.

I haven’t been here in years but it nice to know that the food is still great! If you love orange marmalade they make it fresh and it’s unbelievable!

Our visit to the Tempo Cafe for brunch was an absolute treat! We both had Scrambler Skillets - one Poor Man's and one with ham, mushrooms and cheese. Each portion was easily two meals! All of the staff were friendly, but our waiter, Forti, was an absolute gem of a human being. He was kind, friendly, attentive and made us feel like part of the family the entire time. The team knocks ir out of the park for flavor, variety, atmosphere and an all around amazing experience. We cannot wait to go back the next time we're in Chicago!!

This place is right around the corner from our hotel, so we stopped by to grab a bite before leaving for the airport. It totally reminds me of a diner we have back home that we love. Upon arrival, they seated us right away. Service was fast, staff was nice and friendly, and our waitress was very attentive. Shout out to Zulema! Food was good and portions are BIG so come hungry. I had just a cobb salad, but it was the best cobb salad I had ever had. I really wanted a waffle but looking at the other tables and saw their orders were ginormous. Good if I had more time but we were heading to the airport right after. Would definitely come back here again!

This place is famous for its omelettes and they are indeed great (and huge). I went for spinach and jalapeños. Underneath was a layer of hashbrowns. The rest of the breakfast (French toast with blueberry and greek yogurt with granola) was great. Coffee was fine. Service was welcoming and attentive.

My friends go here regularly, it is very busy on the weekends. They have great outdoor dining. The made certain our meals were gluten free and dairy free, from the avocado toast to the gold coast omelette and sides. Can't wait to go back!

We have been here many times over the past few years. When we have come down with our grandchildren this is their favorite breakfast spot. Today, we came for breakfast again. My husband had the eggs Benedict and fresh orange juice. I had waffles, bacon and orange juice. First, the orange juice is wonderful. Pricey? Yes, but you taste the Florida sunshine. But the waffles❤️. These were the best I have had in a long time. Crispy, light and delicious. If you have the opportunity to have breakfast here you will not be disappointed

This Gold Coast neighborhood fixture still serves diner-adjacent food that is high-quality and excellent value. Omelettes, sandwiches, and burgers. Sadly, artichoke hearts are no longer an omelette option.

We stayed downtown for a few nights and wanted to grab some food. The wife said Tempo is pretty good, so there we went. The service was ok. We sat outside and was brought water fairly quickly. We decided on meals and put our orders in. The turnaround wasn't long, but the Arnold Palmer was only half made. It took a while for a replacement and the soup that came with my sandwich had a hair in it. I didn't want it replaced, maybe it was just an off day but seeing I was a few spoonfuls into the soup, I was disappointed. Just be aware of how your food looks.

A different style diner than were used to at home. Great selection of breakfast options. Great service and very nice atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

We went on crowded Sunday morning. Beautiful outdoor seating. The gluten free pancakes were amazing did not taste GF. My husband loved the 5 egg omelet with hash browns in a skillet. Portions were generous and prices excellent. Would come back again!

Excellent cafe with good prices. We ate breakfast here twice during our trip. They open early which is a plus. Efficient service. Recommended!

At the start wait staff acted rude and rushed. Checks are done by hand and when we questioned a bill staff pulled out a pocket calculator to double check and do tax manually. Turns out bill was wrong by $10! Bills should be automated!!! Breakfast dishes are drab and plain. Overcooked poached eggs, store sliced sandwich bread. Wait staff redeemed itself in end but we’d would never go back. Not one reason to.

Enjoyed a traditional American breakfast here. Service was very good & staff friendly. The portions are very big so make sure you are hungry! This place is clearly very popular which is unsurprising given the quality of the food and the reasonable prices.

When I asked where I could get the best breakfast - Tempo Cafe was rated No 1 and they were not wrong. Its quite a small restaurant but the food, ambience and the staff are fabulous. A long trunning family business I would definitely recommend the omelettes and the pancakes. Great value too

This cafe is open 24/7 and besides excellent service has an exceptional menu with the very best omelettes, pancakes and waffles, etc. Some tables are family style sitting, which is fun for conversation, but most tables are for 4 or 4 people. Prices are fair and the service was very friendly!

Followed Trip Advisor to Tempo, a nice neighborhood dinner. Really a breakfast specialty place, but open all the time. Venue is very clean and bright and service was fast, polite, and efficient. Meal (not breakfast) was just average, but not disappointing. Will recommend to anyone looking for a very nice breakfast, or a solidly satisfying lunch or dinner.

Slight wait. Super friendly staff. Great menu and specials. Pricy. Clean. Dine in and outside. I'd eat there again.

We arrived right before the Sunday morning rush, were seated quickly and were quite surprised at how fast they took our order and delivered our breakfast. We shared a 5 egg omelette with potatoes and bread which was more than enough for two and was excellent. The house-made marmalade and salsa were also good. The line was long when we left, but we would definitely return.

Tempo Cafe is the best - the food, the service, the location - it is hands-down our favorite breakfast spot in Chicago! Everything we have ever ordered is delicious! We ate there multiple times last year and had to come back while in Chicago this year! You can sit outside or inside. The wait times have never been long. The portions are huge! All items are so fresh! Don't miss out on eating here!

Had just landed in Chicago, taken the subway to downtown, and was walking up State St. to The Whitehall Hotel when I spotted this busy place. Decided to tske a chance at getting a table and am really gkad I did. The host saw my suitcase, assured me I’d be waiting only a few minutes, and kept up a friendly chat till a booth opened up. Enjoyed one of their scramblers and lots of coffee. It was a wonderful start to my Chicago trip. Ended up going back twice more with a friend.

Asked desk staff at my hotel for a recommendation for a "Super Breakfast" and the immediate response was "The Tempo Cafe". Only a five minute walk from the hotel I was fortunate to be seated immediately. OK, I had coffee and a water almost before I finished hanging my coat on the back of my chair. The wait staff was super friendly and didn't rush my ordering from the huge menu. My omelet came in less than 10 minutes and was really more than I could eat as it was served over home fries in a frying pan. Do try the orange marmalade as I believe it is home made. Yes, I ended up eating breakfast at the Tempo Cafe all four mornings I was in Chicago. Weekend mornings expect a short wait but through the week I walked right in and got a seat at 9:30 AM. Even in a rush the staff was friendly, the food hot, and the portions always huge. As for prices, just about what I would expect to pay in Chicago and certainly appropriate for what you get. I realized on my second day that a lot of the locals eat at the Tempo Cafe and I know why. Whatever the reason you might be on East Chestnut Street I would strongly recommend giving the Tempo Cafe a try.

Saw this place during my walk and then later suggested it as a brunch spot to meet up with an old friend. Sadly, it didn’t live up to what I had hoped. Granola was meh…nuts, reminiscent of ice-cream topping, came in a little plastic container. Coffee was meh. Service…well, 3rd strike when we were asked for a 2nd time what did we order for drinks, again? No repeat necessary.

We were in Chicago for 3 days on holiday, staying at the Sofitel next door. We ate here every morning and were never disappointed. Huge portions which kept us going right through to the evening, even with busy days of sight-seeing. Friendly and attentive staff. Very reasonably priced.

We dined here for breakfast as a family. After some service delays we had a very nice, reasonably priced meal. Highly recommend omelets.

The Tempo was a great find on a cold morning. The Scrambles were hot and hearty and the portions are more than generous. For travelers that appreciate a local feel, the diner is filled with local students and residents going about their business. Just a great cant miss choice for a casual meal at reasonable prices.

The day after arriving in Chicago from UK, despite best efforts, awake very early 4am. This fantastic tradition cafe is open 24hrs. It is a jet lagged travellers saviour. I like traditional booth seating diners, and this place does not disappoint. The staff are friendly and quick. Your coffee is refilled constantly, and the food is great. The Poor Mans skillet is a great meal if your only looking to eat once during the day. The Greek smoothie is also fantastic. Love the details like the slice of orange and prune they give you while you look at the menu. Great cafe. I will be back.

We visited this place for breakfast on 10/10/19. The waitress and other staff were pretty great, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu items. The place was clean and well kept. I ordered the skillet breakfast with bacon. It wasn't great, but it did the trick and filled me up. I can't say that i would return or recommend this place to others though. I hope this review helps other Chicago vacationers in deciding where to eat!

Since I've been to this place for the first time about ten years ago, I return here at least once a year. Chicago changed a lot during this time but the Tempo Cafe didn't: They still serve the same excellent breakfast as they used to. Don't expect anything fancy just the legendary classics: eggs in every style (scrambled, Benedict, omelette...), pancakes and waffles, coffee with free refills, juices, etc. You need to come hungry though, as the portions are really generous. You can sit outside or experience the old school diner flair inside. Staff is really friendly, prices are fair, you won't find anything comparable in that area. Can be busy at times especially in the morning (they serve breakfast 24/7). Looking very much forward to my next visit!

Indoor and outdoor seating. Clean open dining room. Good menu selection. Lots of food for surprisingly good prices. Fast service. What else do you need for breakfast?

I was walking around looking fir an area inexpensive dinner. I stopped in at the Tempo Cafe to check out their menu. I saw a beef stew special and looked no further. I even ordered before I sat down . I was also surprised I had an included soup or salad. Granted I was hungry . The salad was very nice the stew was excellent. I ate it all. “ I shall return”

When in Chicago, I always visit this authentic cafe for breakfast. Great service and good quality of food. Perfect to sit outside when it’s nice out. Try the skillets. Great value.

This is a delicious spot for breakfast. Beautiful presentation as well. The waffles were great. It has a great selection of choices.

What a find - great prices forbhuge portions of freshly made food. You can definitely share a plate at this restaurant. Very genuine staff.

Found this great diner on first day of holiday. Situated a couple of blocks west of Michigan Ave it's open 24hrs a day, though we only visited for breakfast. Traditional diner with plenty of seating and friendly staff. Reasonably priced, and large portions.Food incredibly tasty. I had Veg skillet one day, apple cinnamon pancakes on another. Delicious! Would highly recommend.

First time back since Covid in 2020 - and hasn't changed - still great breakfast served in a skillet - with really friendly staff. Absolute bargain for anyone wanting a good cooked breakfast just off the Mag Mile in Chicago, be it in a group or by yourself (have done both numerous times). Only change from pre-covid is you don't get a 1/4 fresh orange anymore ! Did also pop in for a coffee and small stack of pancakes one afternoon and these were good too.

Then location is perfectly located for access to Magnificent Mile shopping and events at the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The atmosphere is clean and simple. Food is American with extras like gyros. Open til 8pm. They serve breakfast all day. Generous portions: one can share a meal if you’re watching your waistline over the holidays. Service is efficient. Value is good considering it is in a very high rent district of Chicago. No wait for indoor dining in winter. There might be for the large outdoor area during summer. If you park in the structure just to the east and dine at Tempo Cafe, they validate your parking card which gives you 10-12 hours of parking for $8.00. Best parking deal in the area.

Food was absolutely delicious and staff very attentive! Would recommend a bite to eat here.for a tourist it’s highly recommended with lots of good choices.

Was happy to find this restaurant opened early when we went in search of breakfast at 6:30. The food was good and breakfast covered the range of normal options - eggs, pack cakes, French toast, oatmeal, etc.

What a great place to stop for a meal! The service here was absolutely exceptional. I felt so welcome here and sat inside at one of the free tables as I waited for my to go meal. I cannot have gluten or dairy. The gentleman who took my order was very pleasant and took extra care to ensure that my meal did not include gluten or dairy I cannot eat dairy or gluten and the gentleman who took my order

I loved this place right down to the 40’s style coffee cups. Great breakfast and supper. Neighborhood cafe vibe- just sent a friend there. You’ll love it.

I still remember the first time my wife and I had breakfast at Tempo Cafe. It was in 1983, just after Tempo Cafe opened for business at 6 East Chestnut Street, at the corner of State Street, and just after we had moved to a new home overlooking Lincoln Park. We had spent some time browsing through books at the nearby Abraham Lincoln Bookstore and decided to have something to eat. We were very impressed with the service and the quality of the breakfast. Since then, Tempo Cafe has become a frequent breakfast destination while taking daily walks through the Gold Coast neighborhood. The staff has changed, of course, but the food remains the same...hot and fresh and delicious. Our favorites are oatmeal with blueberries, fresh fruit platter, orange juice, black coffee, Eggs Benedict with English muffin covered by Canadian bacon, two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, corned beef hash and eggs with three scrambled eggs and pork sausage and fresh strawberry waffle or fresh strawberry French Toast. After 38 years, eating at Tempo Cafe gets to be a habit.

We had breakfast at the tempo cafe and chose the ‘poor mans skillet.’ Eggs, hash browns, peppers, ham and cheese! It was immense! You definitely don’t need the bread they serve alongside the meal! It was delicious and the service was brilliant. Would definitely return to try something else on the breakfast menu!

Once sat, you're immediately treated to a orange wedge and stewed prune! Our breakfast skillet, the scrambler, was so good, we returned the next morning! We didn't want breakfast potatoes so we opted for tomato slices and a side order of bacon. YUM is all I can say! Coffee was hot and abundant. Atmosphere is lively and pleasant. Very affordable prices to boot! More than likely you'll have a short wait because it's that popular, but tables turn over fast so don't let the line scare you away!

Great food great service . If go to Chicago to visit tempo cafe. My visit was good. The service was great and my family loved the restaurant.

Came here on a Saturday morning. There was a line at 9am. Could be due to outdoors seating was closed as it was too cool. Or maybe just busy. But the line moved fairly fast and we were seated in about 10 minutes. A great selection of breakfast items. I decided to get something unsure, the Continental. Chicken Livers and Peppers! It was great.

The food took forever to come because the mgt had 2 staff waiting tables. They were great but through no fault of their own it was impossible to keep up. One of our meals was great. The other was cold and inedible. They were fine about not charging, but a 24/7 diner needs to anticipate customer levels and on that measure they failed miserably.

Good easy diner for breakfasts of all kinds. Generous portions and good service. Nice outside seating on a busy road. Recommended.

Ordered the Veggie Poor Man’s Skillet: A skillet full of hash browns broccoli, tomato, mushrooms, green peppers & onions. First topped with melted American, mozzarella, cheddar and swiss then topped with your style of 3 eggs. As you can see on the picture, the eggs are poached. It was delicious! I hope to return soon!

I saw this place on google maps and decided to try as it was close to our hotel. What a good move! Really great food (breakfast) at very good prices. We ate here nearly every morning during our stay. The staff were really friendly and remembered us after just one visit. Gets very busy but not surprisingly considering value for money

This is my 2nd visit here for breakfast, my first was towards the end of last year - it is great to see the seating outside the restaurant! They make their own marmalade, which comes automatically with a wedge of orange & a prune. They say that they use ‘fresh’ products & they certainly do - I ordered a 5 egg white omelette with ham & spinach (Florentine) & the spinach was fresh! Hiding under it were homemade hash browns. The previous time that I was here, it was a Sunday as is this visit & it was very busy - thank you very much for another great breakfast - I will return

This cafe is popular for a very good reason. What you get, are great fresh dishes served by friendly & attentive staff. It’s longevity is testament to its reputation. Just make sure you arrive early at a weekend for breakfast, or you’ll have to be patient and wait to be seated. The food is fantastic.

I’ve been coming here for breakfasts and brunches for more than 30 years, although haven’t been in Chicago for a few years. Came back today and was thrilled to find that its great food, fabulous service and reasonable prices are all still intact. Super central location, lovely outside eating terrace, and super traditional American deli style food. Strong recommendation for a huge breakfast or lunch.

I had the apple pancakes. They weren't what I was expecting, but they were delicious. When you sit down, the waitress puts several jellies, marmalade and butter on the table. The pancakes had sliced apples on them. I couldn't eat them all, but I tried.

Stumbled across this lovely, lively and very busy cafe a few days ago. Was welcomed by the friendly staff, sat down and enjoyed our French toast. Popped back in today, and filled up on the Scrambler! It was absolutely delicious! The place was jam packed at 10am on a Sunday, but, we joined the queue, waited for less than 10 mins, and were then sat at a lovely table to enjoy our last feast in Chicago! 100% recommend this place! The food was delicious, the service very good. Reasonably priced too! Thanks 👍

The food itself was very good! The orange juice was great and the meals themselves great. On the specific day we went, it was very very busy. We got our meals only after asking our waiter where they are since it was taking a while. One we got our food, some of it had been waiting and was ready a while before- meaning it was cold once served to us. But, when we notified our waiter of this issue it was taken care of immediatly. Overall would defininitely recommend!

We had only a short wait and on Mother's Day! Food very fresh and so good. Super nice waitress. They even handed out roses to all the moms.

The food was just okay. Very crowded and a bit overpriced. The service was good and the outside dining was nice. I wouldn’t recommend.

Tempo Cafe was delicious for breakfast. Service was friendly, menu was great. It's a busy place for breakfast and I can see why . Everything was cooked to perfection and very tasty. I definitely recommend.

This cute little cafe had wonderful breakfast food! My husband got a skillet and I got an omelette. The service was what made the place even more special. I asked for a side of sour cream and when they did t have it - they went and bought some. I was so shocked but it was one of the nicest things I’ve had happen at a restaurant! Talk about going above and beyond! Check out this place if you are in the area!!

The cafe was very busy when we walked in which was a good sign. The food was delicious and tasty. All staff were kind and friendly. Would definitely return.

When we're visiting the mile, Tempo Cafe is always on the list for breakfast. Huge portions that can easily be shared. Recommend the skillets for sure. Tempo is very popular and busy on the weekends. You may have to wait a bit for a table but it's worth it. Wait staff are always friendly and keep your coffees topped up without being pushy or too attentive.

We visited the cafe based on a recommendation from friends. Upon arriving at the front of the cafe we were greeted by an Irish host, who was without doubt the rudest I’ve ever met. She was sarcastic, snappy and really unfriendly. She also rolled her eyes and showed very little communication and customer service skills. We were tempted to go else where but we couldn’t be bothered to walk somewhere else. However the staff serving our table couldn’t have been more accommodating. The food was great and decent portion sizes. I would recommend a visit, just stay clear of the dreadful woman at the front of house!!!!

The place for Breakfast Very busy place. Good and handmade breakfast. They are a little stingy with the amount of fruit on the plate - other than that a very good experience

Breakfast at Tempo while staying at Sofitel Hotel next door. Huge portions and should have shared! Had the scrambler which comes out in the skillet w yummy potato’s, eggs, and whatever 3 other options you want. Side of bread - English muffin or their thick cut Greek bread with their homemade marmalade and butter. So good! Weekends look super busy but weekdays are great w no wait! Friendly service too! Feels like a nice hometown diner w the creamers on the table and the friendly waitresses.

Tempo is a very busy cafe on the corner of E Chestnut and State Street. There is always a queue of people waiting for tables. I had the scrambler in a pan which was very good (and huge) The staff are friendly and there is a buzzy atmosphere.

Really lovely staff. Nice food. Had bacon, eggs, strawberry waffle, coffee, fresh OJ. All tasty. The toast and marmalade really good. Would go back.

Very convenient location with overwhelming choices. Great service and reasonable prices. Just off Michigan ave near most attractions

My husband and I walked to Tempo from the our hotel. We were seated at a cozy little table between two other groups. Our server was attentive and helped us order in a timely manner. My husband ordered the Buckwheat Pancakes and 2 fried eggs and I had a Veggie Scramble. Yummy hash browns topped with fresh veggies and cheese and eggs made my way. They also have many gluten free choices which was a draw for me.

We love to eat out and every Sunday morning for breakfast and prefer a place with a nice outdoor patio. As we have few in our South Loop neighborhood the hubby and I headed north to try Tempo Cafe. The prices are reasonable, the portions are large and the coffee delicious. Hubby had an omelet and I had a scrambler, and we both preferred the scrambler. When the sun glare became bad the staff was quick to activate the awning. Our server was nice and efficient, although we would have liked her to come by a little more frequently for coffee refills. We would go back to try some of the other items on their extensive menu.

Quick trip to visit the theater and a comedy show. Great diner. Good food. My breakfast sandwich (english muffin, egg over hard, sausage patty and american cheese) was delicious! My husband had fresh strawberry french toast and that was good as well. The bacon didn't have much flavor and was chewy and the coffee was weak and blah otherwise, I would have rated a 5. Wait staff was fast and super nice.

Great for breakfast. Five egg omelette a must, French toast great. Service very efficient. You won't need to eat lunch!

Traditional diner style. Great early start breakfasts. Huge portion sizes and well cooked. Fast and friendly service.

Ate here twice for breakfast as a party of 4. Seated quickly on both occasions. Large choice and huge portions! I had the veggie skillet which was packed full of veg. Others had French toast and omelette which looked just as good. Service was great. Would defo recommend!

We were in town for the weekend and this was recommended to us by a local friend for breakfast. It was amazing food with great service and very reasonable prices. If you visit the area try it for sure !!

We had a weekday brunch/lunch here. It brought me back to a traditional east coast diner from my childhood. Breakfast any time, a big menu to choose from.

We stopped by around 10:30am on a Sunday and waited about 5 minutes for a table for 2. Outside tables are pretty close together. Service was about as expected for a busy weekend morning. Easy to find something for a diner with a food allergy (they have almond milk and made clear on the menu which items were cooked in butter). Both the 5-egg omelet and the scramble were REALLY good and were served with hashbrowns and toast for the table. Nice to get off of Michigan Avenue for a while.

Highly Recommend Breakfast at Tempo any time of the day open 24/7 warm welcome from the Waitress/Waiters Food Delicious and set us up for a day of sightseeing

The service is super friendly and fast. Eggs cooked in an infinite number of combinations. Delicious. The skillets are enough to get you through lunch.

This was near our hotel and had good reviews. We went for breakfast. We got very large amounts of tasty food. It was probably too much, as we could skip lunch. If that is a usual sized breakfast in Chicago I am not surprised that there are lots of overweight people around!

This light and cheerful diner has very good breakfasts with many excellent choices. Service is friendly and fast, and you can also enjoy sitting outside in good weather.

Visited on 6th August 24, great place with great food, our server, name escapes me right now, was very chatty and we had great conversation from politics to dukes of hazard, while no spring chicken she was very quick and fun to talk too…. If anyone knows her name, tell her thanks from the 4 of us in the UK

Basic breakfasts with very little care or desire to stand out. We ordered avocado toast, which is not recommended, with simple sliced bread with a little tasteless avocado and egg, this for the modest price of 15usd. However, the waffles and pancakes can be recommended and although they are not the best in the world, they can be eaten. If you are in the area it is not a bad option, being aware that you will have breakfast without further ado.

Had a good breakfast here, as it was close to our hotel. The prices are average. The food came out very quickly and was tasty.

Basically a diner with wonderful food and good service. 5-egg omlettes! Free coffee (that tastes OK)!. We ate breakfast here several times during our stay (+ one lunch). All the food was good (and far to much to eat). Welcoming, friendly. Highly recommended.

Great Food early in the morning, several friends were looking for a great early Sunday morning meal. This was the first time for all of us. We will be back.

Banana nut buckwheat waffles! Stopped in for breakfast. We were seated right away. Fresh squeezed oj was delightful. Scrambled eggs were light and fluffy. The waffles were outstanding. Went back to the hotel for post-breakfast induced nap . . .

Stumbled on this place one morning walking. Wow! Best breakfast ever and staff was great. Caution - unless you are superhuman, split the omelette...five eggs and loaded with whatever you order in it. Great, nongreasy fried potatoes and Greek toast come with it. excellent fresh homemade orange marmalade too. Other items look great too, but breakfast items (available all day) seemed to be the choice of two thirds of the diners. Highly recommend!

I love a good breakfast, and Tempo has a terrific staff, perfect casual interior, and super tasty food. Coffee is hot, and refilled constantly. The scramble with three choice add in is delicious - as are the browned harsh browns. The fried eggs are served in a skillet - nice touch. Especially perfect if staying in a hotel nearby.

+ Nice location + Sitting on a table outside is a joy to see people passing by + Big portion of nice food + very nice service + Good price compare to downtown Chicago

love this place ! good service , excellent food good portion right price It is close to big and luxury hotel ( steps from waldorf astoria and sofitel magnificent mile ) but seems to enter in another world ... My sunny side up eggs was perfectly cooked and my friends benedictine eggs superb ! Deftly one of the best spot for a real american breakfast

This is an absolute destination for us whenever we are in Chicago. Best Breakfast/Brunch Ever! The Veggie Poor Man's Skillet is breakfast heaven, and my husband and son just loved the regular Poor Man's Skillet. It's nice that you can now get on the wait list before you get there, and it gives you some idea of how long the wait might be. When we got there, we were told 20 minutes, but when the hostess realized that we were on the online wait, we were seated next. The 4 of us were seated at a smallish table while a nice size booth only had 2 people in it. I guess that's to be expected as they seat people when a table is available. It all worked, though. Breakfast lived up to our memories of the last few times we went there. So good.

This place is amazing! I had the scrambler with three veggies. Everything was fresh. So many places throw in canned mushrooms. These were fresh! Waitress was awesome! Constantly topped of coffe and water even though the restaurant was very busy! We did not have to wait for a table. Constantly busy, but the flow of people in and out was good. Menu has a ton of options! This is a hidden gem in the downtown area! I will be back!

We have been to Tempo cafe on several occasions. It is our go to breakfast place will in Chicago. It is always crowded so be prepared for a wait. They do however, turn over tables at a good rate so you may have a 15-20 minute wait. The service is excellent and they get your food out to you quickly. If you enjoy breakfast you should try Tempo, the menu is extensive so there will be something for everyone.

Tempo was just around the corner from Sofitel Chicago and we decided to go for a late breakfast - be warned the portions are big and come with included extras we didn't expect. Friendly service and good value. Breakfast here will set you up for the day!

Recently ate in this restaurant before I was about to check out of my hotel and head to the airport. I had the Spinach and mushroom omelette. The food was great and had coffee, where the refills are free. My server seemed like she didn't want to be there, hard to get much out of here other than an unhelpful grunt.

I used to come here super late at night when Tempo was a 24 hour restaurant and I'd either come here for pancakes, a slice of pie 🥧 or their delicious skillets. I truly hope sometime in the near future they will reopen their late night kitchen especially since it was such a relaxing place to unwind after work. During this current pandemic I've revisited a handful of times and dined outside to order a burger 🍔 and shake or a tuna melt with fries. I am never disappointed with the service or quality of the food and this is the perfect all American diner to enjoy comfort food or brunch. It's always a relaxing experience and the staff here tries their best to give you good service. I highly recommend the skillets 🍳 You can't go wrong visiting this cute diner especially if you choose a table outside because the people watching here is ideal as you nibble on your meal. I have such good memories here and the vibe is always so low key, casual and relaxing as you unwind with your comfort food of choice!

We really enjoyed our breakfast here. My build-it-yourself omelette was huge, with a layer of fried potatoes on the bottom, and a side of toast. My husband enjoyed his waffle. It also was quite large but light and crisp. He chose to keep it plain, but there were many options for toppings available. The staff was very attentive and kept our coffee and water filled. We arrived a little before 9:00 on a Saturday morning and were seated immediately and served very quickly. However, there was a line waiting when we left. Would definitely go back.

This little cafe was really close to our hotel so tried it out for breakfast one morning. Every employee was super friendly, attentive and fast. Menu has a good variety of really well made food. Highly recommend adding the "Morning Glory" special to waffles/pancakes/french toast - tons of fresh fruit! Homemade salsa has good flavor (but does lack heat which is understandable given this is the Midwest). Prices are really reasonable as well. We enjoyed everything so much we came back another day for breakfast and even ordered dinner to-go one night (spinach salad is *massive* and SO good!). We never had a wait but when there was one, it seemed very short. Will absolutely come back whenever we are in Chicago.

Not fancy, not expensive, and certainly not small servings. If you are bored with the expensive Hotel food or live near and just want a down home meal- look no further. They are known for huge breakfasts at reasonable prices. Omelettes are humongous and you’re not getting those reconstituted hash browns either. These are the real deal. Special orders don’t upset them either- order those egg whites! Don’t pass up lunch or dinner specials. There is outside dining in season. 24 hours- but you won’t find us there past 9 pm.

This became our favorite breakfast spot while visiting Chicago! All 3 mornings, our breakfast was delicious and the staff was very attentive and friendly. The restaurant is easy to find and in a safe location. We recommend this restaurant to everyone in the downtown area! You can sit inside or outside.

Good food. Fitting atmosphere to it's name. Breakfast served 24 hours. Breakfast is a favorite here, but they also make really good, homemade soups.

We went here to enjoy good food and weather. The outdoor seating was great. They offered some wonderful gluten free options: Toast Pancakes Waffles French Toast I had gluten free waffles and they were delicious! Their gluten free toast was really nice too. I enjoyed their fresh squeezed orang juice as well. We will definitely be coming here again!

This place was recommended by the hotel concierge, so we headed there for breakfast. Super quick and friendly service - but DO bring an appetite as the portions are humongous. We could only eat about half of it, and we noticed that most folks took a doggie bag away. It was fresh, tasty, the menu had plenty of choice and the coffee is good - we were well pleased.

Herd about this place around the corner from where we live decided to try it and the food was right on point I had cornbeef hash two eggs potatoes and toast and was filled to the brim I suppose to be on a diet but...i will be sneaking here to eat every now and then ....highly recommend

Just had a wonderful breakfast skillet with 4 types of cheese, chorizo, bacon, spinach and potatoes. It was awesome! Seevice was fast and friendly. Outdoor seating was a plus. I’ll definitely be back!

Great breakfast, good value for money and very filling. great smoothie and Maria was very friendly, gets busy on weekends

Staying in Chicago and came here yesterday. Fantastic breakfast! Huge portions and really tasty. Definitely try this when you are here. Will be back today for more!!!

We ate here as a party of 4. We didn’t have to wait for a table even though it was really busy. The service was really quick and friendly. The food was superb. The skillets were huge. The pancakes were very good. Highly recommend this place.

Loved this restaurant. Ate there 3 times during my stay. Portions are huge and prices reasonable. The staff were always polite so I’d highly recommend the place. The only drawback is that you may have to queue (approx 15-20 mins) as the place is extremely popular. Worth the wait though. Stand out dishes were their corn beef has and eggs and also their French toast. Well worth a visit if you’re feeling hungry.

An early arrival in the morning, welcome and quick set up at a large well-laid table. Appetizing menu, difficult to choose from the many dishes on offer. Excellent omelette and huge pancakes, everything was excellent. The service very friendly and fast, charming team in this restaurant that I highly recommend to spend a pleasant time. The establishment offers some goodies with his image, I leave with a nice T-shirt.

We had breakfast here the past 2 morning and the food was excellent but the service was exceptional. All of the staff were very friendly and outgoing. We would recommend this Cafe to anyone looking for a delicious reasonable meal with wonderful service.

Awesome food with great prices. Hearty portions and excellent late night service. Fast and friendly people. Thanks for saving my late nite after bar food needs. Highly recommend

This restaurant was in a lovely setting and I was very pleased with my waitress. She was excellent and the food was delicious. However one of the owners, Stelios, ruined my entire experience. He was rude and disrespectful and has no idea how to run a restaurant. He shouted at and belittled his staff and generally got in people’s way. Overall, he made this a very uncomfortable environment to eat it. I felt so sorry for the poor staff that have to put up with him! I spoke with the other owner before I left, Stefano and he was a lovely man. Will definitely not be coming back here again due to this poor management however.

My wife and I have lived in the neighborhood for nearly 40 years and everyone we know claims Tempo Cafe is a good place to go for an inexpensive but very satisfying lunch or dinner. But, everyone agrees, it is the best breakfast destination on the Gold Coast. Located at 6 East Chestnut, at the corner of State Street, Tempo Cafe has been in business since 1983 and its reputation is built on a delicious all-day breakfast menu. You can order everything from five-egg omelettes to waffles to pancakes to French toast to skillets. But we prefer the old standbys, the traditional game-winners, oatmeal with blueberries, corned beef hash with three scrambled eggs and pork sausage patties and traditional Eggs Benedict with an English muffin covered by Canadian bacon, two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Wash it all down with black coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice. And you're ready for a big day. Tempo Cafe always seems to be crowded, especially at breakfast time, but the friendly and efficient staff always seems to maintain its poise under pressure.

A great place to have breakfast prior to seeing the sights of Chicago. The portions are large, filling and very tasty. Service is good and the wait staff are friendly.

Not like it used to be Luke warm coffee Soggy egg white veggy omelet Raw to uncooked riced potatoes( not sliced) Pale barely toasted so called whole wheat bread But good wait service was appreciated I’m an old time customer when they were across the street many years ago. But, Nookies a better choice

This was probably the worst breakfast I’ve ever had. We ordered eggs benny and eggs Florentine, it came with potatoes- they never asked how we wanted our eggs poached, when it arrived it looked awful, barely could find any hollandais sauce the eggs were poached hard and my English muffin was burnt. The eggs Florentine were the same expect for the overwhelming heap of flavourless spinach. Nothing tastes good and it was $43. To top it off I was sick for the rest of the day. I don’t recommend going there at all.

Found Tempo on TripAdvisor and am delighted to honor the recommendation. Despite a short wait for parties of 3 or more, the 2 of us were seated immediately. My wife had the Avocado toast, and I had Nova Lox Benedict. Both were scrumptious. I wish NLB had been warmer, but otherwise it rang every bell, as the presentation, texture and taste were all excellent. Tangy hollandaise, fluffy poached eggs and a larger-than-expected mound of lox. My wife was equally enthusiastic about her AT. Fresh carrot juice and OJ topped off a thoroughly delightful al fresco meal.

We came here for breakfast and were served immediately. The staff were attentive and informative. There is a large variety of items on the menu including gluten free options. I had the apple pancakes which were cooked to perfection and highly reccomended on this menu. I easily reccomend this spot as a breakfast option and will be coming here again.

We chose the Tempo Cafe because of the excellent reviews, they were not wrong. Breakfast was excellent, as was the service. Portion size was very good, and the prices reasonable for Chicago.

Second time there, still amazing ! Delicious orange juice, great pancakes and extraordinary scrambled eggs (we choses it with pork sausage, bacon and mushrooms). One of my favorites adresses in Chicago!

We ate at tempo at least 7 times during our visit !! We stayed at the whitehall hotel which is 3 blocks away. We ate breakfast,dinner and at midnight !! Tempo is open 24 hrs a day! We tried pancakes, waffles, the scramble, burgers, sandwiches and soups we couldn't fault any of it! I would highly recommend the milkshakes as they use real fruit I had the Banana and wow it was amazing !! The portions are huge!! The service was amazing they couldn't do anything more to make this place better they are defiantly at the top of thier game !! The quality of the food never falters Wether it's 6am or 5pm or even midnight we had the same great quality food and amazing service. I can't recommend trying tempo enough

This is not a large restaurant but they are extremely accommodating with groups above 4. Everything is well prepared and served hot to your table. We typically go there for breakfast because of the food and great value but their lunch and dinner is just as nice

Went here today with another couple and loved it. Arrived about 11:30, it’s Saturday. We had to wait about 20 minutes, shorter than those who arrived later, but worth it. The service is fast and friendly, and the food was excellent. I had the Ruben and it was to die for. Served open faced with the dressing in the side. The most tender corned beef I’ve ever eaten. Side of thick fries and delicious coleslaw. Just a small cup of slaw, I could have eaten much more of it. The others had cub sandwiches, pancakes and fruit plates. Large portions of fresh delicious ingredients. You won’t be disappointed.

Nice cafe. Very busy but staff were attentive. Great food and great service. I would come again, it was worth the short wait.

A great little cafe with prompt service. They do a speciality 5-egg omelette which I can wholeheartedly say was delicious and filled me up for the day. Well worth a visit if you’re hungry and want a break from the chain restaurants.

While it was fast. And the server was very nice. Food was cold and below average. Was in a good location.

This place is mediocre. Came with family for breakfast. Waited in front and the staff barely acknowledged our presence. Sat down and ordered coffee and drinks for kids. Coffee mugs chipped and old. A range of food arrived hash browns large flat cut potatoes over done on one side and not crispy on the other. I found two hairs in my food. The eggs my husband ordered were grey and bland. The pancakes were a highlight nice and fluffy with good flavour and toppings. Service was not great. Had to ask for coffee refills and water to drink whereas many places bring iced water out before the meal starts which is very welcome. No one very smiley.

Whenever I am back in Chicago I always make sure I visit Tempo's for breakfast at least once. Perfect breakfast every time - with friendly wait staff - the skillets are great, so is the greek toast with home made marmalade. This place has been going for 30 years -looking forward to the next 30 !

Tempo cafe is situated just a short walk away from the main tourist footfall . That , and the fact it stays open 24 hrs per day, suggests it caters more for locals Lucky locals is all I can say . I wish there was a place like this near where I live. Not flashy or pretentious in any way, but bright , spacious and clean inside with a few tables outside. Service is friendly and efficient..menu is quite large and varied, covering everything most folks would want for breakfast or any casual meal. Prices reflect the location , slightly more reasonable than other similar establishments in more touristy areas. All food that was ordered was very good. I'm glad now that I decided to walk 5 minutes longer in a different direction than usual and discovered Tempo . Any future visit to Chicago will include a stop off here.

Came here for breakfast on my last day in Chicago and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. It has a diner atmosphere and appears to have a lot of locals that go there. I had the eggs Benedict with hashbrowns which were very good, my girlfriend had fresh waffles with raspberries. Extremely attentive staff and very friendly.

One bit of advice before ordering a “skillet” at Tempo Cafe. Make sure you see a skillet delivered from the kitchen to a diner as you won’t believe the volume of food contained therein. The first thing you notice on the menu are the 5 - egg omelets. We ordered a waffle and blueberry pancakes, as good as imagined. The menu is complete, the coffee pot is bottomless, the service is great and the outside patio on the south side of the restaurant is a delight. TC is easy to find, if your hotel is within a three block radius of TC, this is your breakfast destination.

The menu has rare items: 5-egg omelettes. The omelettes come in a big frying pan, and they are not really any more expensive than 3-egg omlettes, which makes them great value for money. The cafe is not located very far from downtown, and should be a go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. Sandwiches also come with soup and fries if you get the deluxe version. The service is fast and efficient.

Great place frequented by locals and tourists alike. We went there twice for breakfast. Big menu, big portions of great food, great service, all at very reasonable prices.

We came here for breakfast on the recommendation of the concierge at The Peninsula. It was busy and noisy, just as you'd expect. But the food was good, and it arrived quickly. The service was fast and efficient. Constant coffee refills without needing to ask. Great eggs with jalapenos. Would return.

We ate breakfast here for three of our four days in Chicago. Service was always friendly with regular drink refills and good tips on what to order. Food portions are filling, a great way to start the day. Omelettes , eggs Benedict and “poor man’s breakfast skillets” were all tasty and large. I particularly enjoyed the skillet. A great breakfast place to start your day !

Tempo Cafe at 6 East Chestnut, at the corner of State and Chestnut, in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, was opened by Jim Kontos in 1983. Today, the 24-hour diner is owned and operated by his sons, Stellios and Stefanos. It wasn't long after the grand opening that my wife and I stopped by for breakfast. It didn't disappoint us then and, 35 years later, it doesn't disappoint us today. But we've expanded our culinary desires over the years. Today, we stop by for lunch or dinner on occasion, even late at night. Breakfast is always a treat with fresh squeezed orange juice, Eggs Benedict, corned beef hash and eggs, French toast and Belgian waffles with strawberries. For lunch, I always order the lemonade from real lemons and a patty melt, 1/2 pound of pure beef covered on both sides with melted old cheddar cheese and grilled onions on grilled rye bread, while my wife opts for a bowl of soup and a hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy or a corned beef sandwich. For dinner, our favorites are Atlantic cod, tilapia, chopped sirloin, New York strip, strawberry shortcake, banana split and rice pudding. The food is always hot and fresh and delicious. The service is always friendly and attentive. And the clientele is a people-watcher's dream, a genuine motion picture of Chicago.

Nice for an afternoon chill time, close to the Magnificent Mile, you can get great coffee, sit outside in a shady seating areas, always nice for people watching, and they have the best ever cheesecake.

Visited this café for Breakfast, would recommend the Scrambler (scramble eggs with 3 different fillings of your choice). Can also recommend the Marmalade which came with my toast, very tasty. Staff very helpful and friendly

The food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The portion size is large, so make sure you come hungry. I also enjoyed the coffee. The service was fast and friendly and the price was very fair.

The food was all fresh and tasty,especially the homemade marmalade.Portions were very generous. The staff were friendly and efficient. No wonder it is always busy.

Quick summary: breakfast all day, it seems, but also has sandwiches and mains later in the day. Reasonable prices. Friendly, professional service. I didn't have much breakfast, so the omelettes sounded really as noon arrived. The set-up is you can order up to three fillings of a very wide array of meats, cheeses, and veges. It also comes with excellent hash browns and toast. The eggs were cooked just as I like them and ordered (very firm - I'm not a runny egg girl.) Good coffee with free refills. I think the omelettes were $10, but I forget.) The toast tasted oddly sweet, but I liked the sesame seeds on the it. There is a range of other breakfast items (e.g. waffles, fruit plates,) burgers, sandwiches, mains that include steaks and fish, and stir-frys. The signature dishes seem to be a half Greek-mariated chicken or chicken kabob plate. I just had coffee. I don't know if they have a liquor license. The location is at the corner of N. State and Chestnut - a nice alternative to the bustle of N. Michigan Ave a short walk away. Friendly, professional staff. So - it is a good spot, especially if you are in the mood for eggs.

Finally starting to eat breakfast out once again and delighted to be doing so here at Tempo. An amazing menu, great service, and plentiful, delicious food. We enjoyed a scrambler and a lox and onion in scrambled eggs with great thick-sliced bread. Good unlimited coffee and a bit of free fresh fruit. Check it out - you’ll love it!

The lines can be log so go early. We visited for breakfast at 9:30 and got seated immediately but lines were out the door by 10. We had a choice of 5 and 3 egg omelettes and scrambles, pancakes, waffles and lots more. You will definitely be full of whatever delicious item you ordered. We ordered eggs Benedict which which came with hash browns and a slice of cantaloup. We always come whenever we visit Chicago.

We had breakfast at Tempo café. I had a ham and cheese omelette made with five eggs, the ham was cut in large chunks, with the whole concoction served on top of hashbrowns in a pan. It was so filling and good that I did not eat until dinner that same day. I recommend this breakfast restaurant highly.

7 of us had a superb start to the day with plenty of choice for avid meat eaters and vegetarians. From pancakes to cooked breakfasts. Really friendly helpful staff too. Nice surrounding and only 5 minutes walk from the Magnificent Mile.

Went here by myself, I am a huge breakfast fan. Menu is reasonably diverse, but not too extensive. Went for the 3 egg skillet, with 2 types of sausage and mushroom. When it came it is huge, and the presentation is really pretty rough. Cheese not on top, looked really thrown together. Not much browning, which is why you get the skillet. Was cooked separately and then put in the skillet on top of potatoes. The taste was ok. Really a large refueling, not greatly enjoyable.

The Tempo is always great for a yummy breakfast. From the skillets, eggs benedict, to pancakes, all is delicious. I do have to admit I like it best in summer when you can sit outside. It is always busy, but they do move quickly to get you in.

The concierge at our hotel recommended Tempo Cafe for breakfast one morning. It was great. Comfortable, brightly lit, and with a diverse breakfast menu. Everything you could want, and then some. Just like the New York coffee shop-diner, where you can get it all, from a cup of coffee to a three-course meal, Tempo Cafe had it. Reasonably priced, all the best breakfast foods and decent coffee. From breakfast basics to French toast and English muffins, you will be satisfied without hurting your pocketbook. We like it so much that we returned next evening for dinner and delicious skirt steak and open-faced turkey sandwich, smothered in delicious dressing and cranberry sauce.