11 Incredible Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants in Chicago
When it comes to the most important meal of the day, the Windy City doesn’t disappoint. From hearty breakfasts to indulgent brunch creations, Chicago’s culinary landscape offers a plethora of options that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. This article will take us on a tasty journey through eleven of the city’s best places to savor breakfast and brunch. Whether you’re a local seeking new gems or a visitor eager to explore Chicago’s delicious culinary scene, grab your fork and join us as we uncover the flavors, ambiance, and mouthwatering dishes that will have you ready for the rest of the day!
3 Arts Club Cafe
1300 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 475-9116
Located within the historic grand central garden courtyard of RH Chicago, 3 Arts Club Cafe is one of the most beautiful settings that you’ll ever dine in. The menu is filled with elevated classic dishes and delectable new creations alike. You’ve never had eggs like the RH Scramble. Made with creme fraiche, avocado, and chives, you can even add Black Summer Truffles if you feel so inclined. The wine list has been extensively curated with some of the finest bottles you can find in Chicago. Dining at 3 Arts Club Cafe is a complete sensory experience. It costs a pretty penny, but we absolutely think it’s worth it for a special occasion or just a fun splurge.
Lula Cafe
2537 Kedzie Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
Lula Cafe has had a significant impact on the Chicago culinary scene. Opened in 1999, this spot helped drive the Windy City’s farm-to-table movement. For over 20 years, diners have been coming to Logan Square to feast on this cafe’s delicious brunch offerings. Chef Jason Hammel emphasizes seasonal produce, which sees the menu change throughout the year. Depending on what time of year you come, you can find all manner of tasty breakfast sandwiches and omelets. It wouldn’t be brunch without a bit of booze, so make sure to order a Bloody Mary or mimosa while you savor some of the best brunch you’ve ever had.
Little Goat Diner
3325 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 819-7673
An absolute gem in the West Loop, Little Goat Diner adds a little twist to their takes on classic breakfast and brunch dishes. The Bull’s Eye French Toast is their take on chicken and waffles, and it’s jam-packed with flavor. The Shrimp & Cheesy Grits is a must-order as well, especially if you’ve never tried the classic Southern dish. Little Goat Diner is great for groups big or small, making it a prime location for breakfast and brunch. If you don’t want to wait, you can order ahead and pick it up “to-goat.”
Tzuco
720 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 374-8995
Tzuco isn’t just one of the best brunch spots in the city; it’s one of the best restaurants in the city, respectfully. From 10-2 on Saturdays and Sundays, this oasis of flavor serves up some of the best brunch imaginable. Chef-owner Carlos Gaytán is a culinary master. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, there’s something delicious on the menu that will make a run at the “best you’ve ever had.” We recommend Belgian waffles with duck leg carnitas, sweet potato puree, and poached egg. That said, we could sit here and recommend the whole menu because everything is just that darn good. Tzuco also serves up some of the most refreshing sangria you’ve ever had with brandy, hibiscus, and mint. For dessert, you’ve got to try the horchata tres leches.
Summer House Santa Monica
1954 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 634-4100
No matter the weather, Summer House Santa Monica will have you in a California state of mind when you sit down to dine on some of their West Coast delights. The space itself is open and features touches of Golden State all around, including a giant glass roof that provides a window to the sky in the heart of the city. The SoCal-inspired menu shines a light on California’s state fruit, the avocado. So whether you go for the thick-cut avocado toast or a massive breakfast burrito, you’ll be hit with fresh and delicious flavors.
Beatnik
1604 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 929-4945
Named for the bohemian freethinkers of the 50s and 60s, Beatnik is all about vibes, and you won’t find many places with better vibes. The design of the space features an opulent old-world feel with bright colors, dozens of plants, and true bohemian energy. This place is as Instagramable as they come, and we haven’t even mentioned the food yet. Every Saturday and Sunday, this place serves up some of Chicago’s best brunch. You can order things like Shakshuka, to Chicken and Waffles, Cubano Sandwiches, and everything in between. Each bite is loaded with expansive flavors that will leave your mouth desperate for another bite. You can also order one of Beatnik’s divine craft cocktails, some of the city’s best. Once you come here you’ll be counting down the days until you come back.
Big Jones
5347 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-5725
Big Jones delivers true Southern cooking and hospitality to the Windy City. The food may be southern, but the ingredients are local, and the flavors are delightful. When you’re here, you have to try Big Jones signature shrimp & grits, made with creamy heirloom cheese grits, shiitake mushroom gravy, and a pile of shrimp sauteed in tasso ham. If that doesn’t sound filling, we don’t know what does. To finish off your meal, you must order Big Jones beignets.
Honeybear Cafe
7036 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 754-7450
This family-owned Rogers Park restaurant has quickly established itself as the go-to place for breakfast for locals. If that’s not the start of a ringing endorsement, then we don’t know what else is. Almost everything on the menu is made from scratch and with locally sourced ingredients. What makes Honeybear Cafe even more special is that it strikes the perfect balance between healthy and filling. So whether you order the breakfast tacos or vegan tofu scrambler, you’ll feel happy, full, and satisfied. Oh, and don’t forget to try the Banana Crunch Cakes before you go. These tasty treats are filled with granola and fresh bananas and topped with cinnamon butter, pecans, more fresh bananas, and whipped cream.
Etta
700 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 766-4444
Etta is unique in that it centers its dining experience around a wood-fired hearth. The open kitchen design gives guests a peek into the fire-roasting methods that make the food here so darn delicious. Whether you want fire-roasted pizza and fresh focaccia or a family-style grilled pig, everything is made fresh with man’s first cooking method: fire. Etta also seeks to provide these meticulously crafted dishes at an affordable price so that anyone can enjoy the elevated culinary experience. The huevos rancheros with their green braised pork is another fantastic dish we recommend when you travel to this unique eatery. There aren’t many places like Etta, and to be honest, that’s a good thing. It makes the experience that much better.
The Allis
113-125 North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 521-8000
The Allis does what many other restaurants don’t; they serve breakfast all week. The bonus? Their brunch goes until 4 pm on the weekends. In addition to that, this West Loop spot is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re here with friends, a date, or even your parents, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is delicious. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows as well as an expansive art collection. The menu features classic favorites like scrambled eggs, french toast, and more, and some unique house dishes with a Mediterranean and French flair. Their coconut pudding will transport you to the tropics even when the weather outside says otherwise. The charred cauliflower and halloumi pita sandwich is unique yet perfect no matter the time of day. It all adds up to make The Allis one of the go-to spots for breakfast and brunch in town.
Wake ‘N Bacon
420 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 880-5100
Wake ‘N Bacon is a counter-service joint that you’ll need a reservation for if you want a table. Another spot that’s highly Instagrammable and where the food is just as good as it looks, if not better. The menu features flavors from Latin America, Asia, and America too. From that diverse fusion, you can order anything from breakfast burritos, chia puddings, and Spiced Maple Chicken n’ Waffles. It’s no coincidence that Wake N’ Bacon’s street address is 420 either. So you can be sure that they have high standards when it comes to their food.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Chicago city page!
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