Valois Restaurant   

Since 1921, Valois Cafeteria has made it its business to serve up hearty, home-style fare at affordable prices. This 150-seat Hyde Park institution - pronounced ''va-loyz'' by those in the know - specializes in the meat-plus-two-sides meal, the majority of which won't set you back more than seven dollars. Favorites include short ribs, T-bone steaks, roast beef, baked ham and the daily fish special. Add a starch think potatoes or mac and cheese and a veggie and you're good to go. Pies, cheesecakes and homemade cobblers round out the menu. Breakfast is a big draw at the Valois Cafeteria, with the cooks whipping up French toast, pancakes, omelets, hash browns, bacon, grits and oatmeal until 4PM. Expect to break bread with a diverse clientele, as students, families, workers and retirees are all known to frequent this casual eatery.