12 Best Breakfast Restaurants near Waukegan

“Las personas que viajamos mucho , se nos hace difícil encontrar un lugar con tan buena comida como este. Siempre que ando por el area paso a comer en Los Perez de Wuakegan. todo lo que he probado me ha gustado. felicidades Los perez“

“Went to eat at IHOP tonight. The man who seated us was great and we got a good seat. The menu had pictures of some of the food items and the Steak Omelette looked great on the menu so I ordered one. For the first time, in the history of time, my omelette looked better on my plate than the menu picture. It was huge and filled to the brim with fresh ingredients and steak. The waitress was awesome. I was very pleasantly impressed. I will be going back.“

“Delicious food & Great Service! Had the chilaquiles which were perfect because the tortillas were still a bit crunchy not all soggy and The Concha French toast was amazing. Would definitely be back.“

“This is a rarity today for restaurants of any type, a par-excellence value! This is a diner/breakfast/lunch restaurant, a few booths and counter seats. Most of the activity by the staff is out front, no secrets. Many customers have dined there frequently, they are regulars and recognized, the waitress can practically write the order without asking, they know the person that well. Occasionally it is a first timer and because of the ambience they feel free to voice their opinion as to how good it is, as we did the first time we ate here in late winter 2025.

We had driven by Sandy’s many times and I often remarked, we should try them out, and we would have sooner, but the parking is the limiting factor, basically curbside parallel parking, only 4 or 5 spots are in front of the restaurant, others down the block and across the street. There may be some in the alley behind but I’m not aware of any. I’m unable to walk any significant distance, so if the parking isn’t right near the door, I’d pass Sandys by, but that is my issue, if you are healthy, the distance isn’t an issue

The food is great, the owner/chef/cook knows what is expected of a dinner establishment. The eggs are prepared as asked, if the request is “over-medium” the egg whites are cooked through, yolks runny, and edges crisp ... Anyone who has trained as breakfast fry cook will know how to make eggs to request, and yes that is a SKILL. The biscuits and gravy are the best I have had in the NW suburbs, there is breakfast sausage crumbles in a cream gravy, and the gravy actually is seasoned and not just white flour paste.

No matter how rushed and busy a restaurant is, they should never lose sight of the fact that each meal served is important, there are not many 2nd chances in the restaurant business. I’m guessing that one of the wait staff is probably the owner, this is the difference, she is watching that the customer’s expectations are met, she deserves an A.“

“My inlaws & I had breakfast here recently while we were attending my son's graduation from Navy bootcamp. The food was awesome, the staff very friendly, the prices decent and the Blueberry Wild Child tea SO tasty.“

“The Wicked Egg is really incredible. My wife and I tried this place for the first time over this past weekend and the dining experience was top shelf. Their menu is very intuitive, and sleek. The service was quick, gentle and friendly. The food? The food was the best. There was so much flavor and their homemade sauces complimented every flavor combination that was on both our plates. Extra shoutout towards the staff and they were SO friendly, and sent us on our satisfied ways with “to go” containers of their home made sauces. We really look forward to going back!“

“God bless Egg Harbor Cafe and all personal, The best service“

“Amazing food, good service,Huge plates.
Had the Emily's GARBAGE plate but the star of the show were the strawberry pancakes ..yum tasted like a strawberry cake, with a strawberry sauce on top and tangy strawberries that made the whole thing a great blend of flavor.“

“Reasonable prices, Good food“

“My wife and I celebrated our anniversary breakfast at Gardenberry Cafe, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by how clean, friendly, and welcoming the atmosphere was. The outdoor seating was a real highlight—it felt so good to enjoy a quiet meal outside together. Now the food… wow. I ordered the fajita skillet and French toast—both were incredible. My wife had the deluxe Philly cheesesteak with fries and tortilla soup. That soup was out of this world, and everything on her plate was just as impressive. The service was fantastic—friendly, attentive, and quick without feeling rushed. Honestly, the only "negative" is that Gardenberry is 35 minutes from our house. If it were closer, we'd be regulars. But even with the drive, we’ll absolutely be back soon. Great place, great people, great food. Highly recommend!“

“Always great service, great food and very friendly staff. Owner Pete is such a great guy“

“Hands down one of the best breakfast spots I've been to in while. I first visited their Naperville location in 2021 and fell in love with the potatoes and pancakes. There can be a wait but I suggest making reservations or going before 11am. Even if you wait, its totally worth it.“