12 Best Breakfast Restaurants near Waukegan

“Food was DELICIOUS!!! Really Authentic Mexican Food! Had their Combinación Ixtapan. (picadura & gordita) I'm from Kenosha WI, so idk if it's a hidden gem or not but I loved it!“

“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.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sandy’s Cafe in Illinois absolutely knocked it out of the park.

As someone who waited tables for 25 years, I do not hand out praise lightly. I notice everything. Timing. Flow. Energy. Detail. And Darcy? She was beyond exceptional. Truly above and beyond in every way.

From the moment we sat down, Darcy brought warmth, attentiveness, and that effortless professionalism you only see from someone who genuinely cares. She anticipated needs before we even had to ask. The pacing was perfect. The vibe was welcoming without ever feeling rushed. It was flawless service.

And the food? Incredible. I had the blueberry pancakes and the corned beef hash and both were outstanding. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy with that just right golden finish, and the hash was savory, comforting, and cooked to perfection. Every bite felt like someone in the kitchen really knows what they’re doing.

But what set this apart from a great breakfast to an unforgettable experience was Darcy. She made us feel special. Seen. Taken care of. That kind of hospitality is rare and it matters. She even pulled out a special little gift for basket for toddlers/kids! My bestie has an 18month old granddaughter and this was a game changer! 😊

We’re from Minneapolis visiting and stumbling into Sandy’s was such a joy. Thank you for a memorable meal and for having a gem like Darcy on your team!“

“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.“

“I went to The Wicked Egg with my daughter and it was a great experience. Everyone who works there is so friendly, the food was prepared quickly and tasted good. I definitely recommend The Wicked Egg!“

“Super surprise of the trip. Possibly the best pancakes I’ve ever had. My wife and I aren’t much for pancakes, and usually I’ll get them as a side so we can have a bite or two. Dang, we ate them all, super hot and fluffy and really hot syrup. Delicious. Too full to eat more than 1/2 of our breakfasts. Country omelette and hash browns were great, bacon crispy as requested. Nina, our server, was amazing. Watching the restaurant for an hour, they are extremely well staffed and all staff served with a big smile and were incredibly attentive. Building and decor needs an update and some TLC, and they need to take down the covid-era booth dividers. I’m not docking stars for that because they shined everywhere else. Great value, keep up the good work.“

“Reasonable prices, Good food“

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

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

“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!“

“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.“