Stax Cafe
Is this your business?
Claim this profile to update your info and track analytics.
About
Stax Cafe — solid, no-fuss brunch & breakfast in Fulton Market. Old-school in the best sense, with zero pretense. Michael Baird: "The best part is pretty much anything you order comes with pancakes (expect if your order pancakes)"
Experience Breakdown
Chloe Chan
69 reviews
“I've ordered the smoked salmon bagel benedict on multiple occasions, and I don't really like the potatoes it comes with-- onions are undercooked so I substitute it with fries (there is a sub fee even if the side you want is cheaper than the side the entree comes with) Overall I'd say this is a pretty solid place in terms of food”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
A hidden gem of River West. Everything on the menu is great and we stop here all the time.
Classic diner experience with amazing food.
The food is fresh and fabulous. The service is excellent. But the people that work here are the stars.
Literally the best breakfast I've ever had. Food came out in like 5 minutes. Blown away by the food and service.
Clean record
No recurring complaints found across reviews.
Location
522 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
What 567+ diners say about Stax Cafe
“A hidden gem of River West.”
A hidden gem of River West. Everything on the menu is great and we stop here all the time. The best part is pretty much anything you order comes with pancakes (expect if your order pancakes).
Michael Baird
Jan 2026
“Literally the best breakfast I've ever had.”
Literally the best breakfast I've ever had. Food came out in like 5 minutes. Blown away by the food and service! If I ever come back to Chicago, I'll be stopping here.
Brandon Lindner
Aug 2025
“I loved it! Just the kind of junk to indulge in 🤪 Lip smacking burgers and everything else that we...”
I loved it! Just the kind of junk to indulge in 🤪 Lip smacking burgers and everything else that we ordered. Not to forget the just perrrfect old skool whiskey.
Yogesh Chand Thakur
Aug 2025
“This place is a hundred times better than Beatrix the food is very good the service is very...”
This place is a hundred times better than Beatrix the food is very good the service is very professional and friendly, happy people all around the food is very good and economical, plenty free parking on the street. Catherine is a great member of your staff. Thank you
Francisco Enriquez II
Jun 2025
“Love Stax, the one on Milwaukee is usually less crowded than the Taylor Street .”
Love Stax, the one on Milwaukee is usually less crowded than the Taylor Street . Breakfast foods are always delicious. Love the selection of fresh juice mixes. Fast and friendly service. "Mini" pancakes are a generous portion.
Deana G
Jun 2025
“Today I came to Stax Cafe to try the Dubai Chocolate pancakes.”
Today I came to Stax Cafe to try the Dubai Chocolate pancakes. Wow. I am absolutely speechless. If you have never had Dubai chocolate pancakes you are seriously missing out. I have never had something so absolutely delectable in my entire life. I don’t know how I will return to any other restaurant after this. Absolutely phenomenal will be RUNNING back for more. If you have not tried, what are you doing????? Put this place into your google maps ASAP and try these pancakes immediately you will NOT be disappointed.
stephen
May 2025
“Wow. Just wow. The Dubai chocolate pancakes had us shaking with excitement. We also ordered the...”
Wow. Just wow. The Dubai chocolate pancakes had us shaking with excitement. We also ordered the caprese sandwich to split (also delicious), but the real star of the show remained these addictive pancakes. If you have not tried Dubai chocolate pancakes, you MUST come here! RUN don’t walk! 🍽️🥞
Zhihanna Liu
May 2025
“I wish I could give this place 10 stars.”
I wish I could give this place 10 stars. The service is phenomenal. We bought our 2.5 and 9 month old and they were very accommodating with seating. We loved how cute it is inside! Our food was sooooo good! I would definitely get the breakfast stitches sandwich everytime. I got the sauce on the side and forgot to take a picture. My husband got the starving student and my little guy got the pancakes and we had some to take home!Go here for amazing food and service!
Sarah Allen
Jan 2025
“Star has become our go-to breakfast spot when we are in the City.”
Star has become our go-to breakfast spot when we are in the City. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated. The food is AMAZING, we wish we had room for more! Excellent service too.
Heidi Anaya
Jan 2025
“Amazing, my husband and I been coming here for 4 years.”
Amazing, my husband and I been coming here for 4 years. Never had a bad experience. Everyone here is very attentive! We even got married at the court house and came here right after with our family, they were very accommodating when putting our tables together.
Sajel J
Dec 2024
“Great place for breakfast...fresh food done right...loved the taste of the potatoes that came with...”
Great place for breakfast...fresh food done right...loved the taste of the potatoes that came with my omelet..omelet was filled with the meats I ordered and they did not skimp on it... I thought the service could be more attentive to the customer...had to flag the server as he was walking past me 3 times for fill ups on my coffee...usually a good server is on top of that... I would definitely come back...
Hector Roque
Nov 2024
“LOVE this brunch spot.”
LOVE this brunch spot. First visited Stax before COVID, back in 2019 and have gone back numerous times since. Food is always phenomenal. I’ve eaten inside, outside, and taken food to-go. Very nice ambiance and definitely “trendy” decor. Always a great option for meeting up with some friends, or cute for a date. Have tried multiple brunch and lunch options and haven’t disliked something yet! Coffee choices are nice too. If you’re in the neighborhood stop in! You won’t be disappointed.
Amalia Waltz
Jul 2024
Love Stax Cafe?
First Bite — Coming Soon
Our monthly Chicago food newsletter — new openings, hidden gems & trending spots.
More brunch-breakfast in West Loop & Fulton Market
Top-rated spots serving the same cuisine.
You Might Also Like
Similar style & budget — mid-range.
Different Cuisines in Fulton Market
Try something new without leaving the neighborhood.
