Nothing is worse than waking up Saturday or Sunday morning and having no clue where to get your next meal. Don’t worry, we’ve been there, and that’s why we don’t want you to go through the same pain. It’s also why we’ve updated our Brunch Directory to include a bit more information and include all the new spots.
Consider this as a way to jog your memory and inspire new ideas. Think we missed something? Well then, yell at your computer in disbelief, or shoot us an email with some suggestions instead. The goal is for this directory to continually evolve – like a chia pet.
Have fun out there.
River North
Beatrix
A casual River North restaurant that’s full of sunlight and good for both friends and your parents. The pastries are excellent if you only want to pop in for a light bite, but the weekend brunch menu has plenty of hits.
519 N. Clark, River North
Mercadito
Any meal at Mercadito is best when accompanied by margaritas, so that should be a pre-req to this being your brunch plan. Chilaquiles are always a strong move.
108 W. Kinzie St., River North
Hub 51
Hub 51 is more laid back on the weekends than it is at night during the week. Either the lemon skinny or cinnamon skinny pancakes should be on the table for sharing, and the breakfast tacos are excellent too. Who wants 10% off for wearing their pajamas to brunch? Hub will give it to you.
51 W. Hubbard St., River North
Bub City
BBQ food for brunch? Sure, why not. Expect the same Southern vibes that are present at Bub City every other day of the week. If you like to brunch late then expect live music too.
435 N. Clark St., River North
Siena Tavern
A trendy Italian restaurant that’s also more reserved on the weekend. It’s a pretty standard brunch menu, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
51 W. Kinzie., River North
Frontera
If you’re looking for an excellent and slightly more upscale Mexican brunch, then you can be sure Rick Bayless will deliver. Frontera is good any time of day.
445 N. Clark St., River North
Sunda
Sunda is the River North spot always full of pretty people that consistently serves great food. That mantra still holds true at their Asian inspired brunch.
110 W. Illinois St., River North
Tanta
Peruvian brunch? Yup, Peruvian bunch. Basically the Peruvian version of Sunda.
118 W. Grand Ave., River North
Shaw’s Crab House
A nicer seafood restaurant that does a decadent Sunday buffet style brunch for $55. Makes for a good family meal.
21 E. Hubbard St., River North
Sable
A hotel bar and restaurant with a surprisingly strong brunch menu. It doesn’t feel like a hotel crowd, which is a good thing
505 N. State St., River North
GT Fish & Oyster
A trendy small plates seafood spot that has more substantial solo items at brunch. Oysters and seafood is still what you want. Or chicken and waffles, we’ll allow that too.
531 N. Wells St., River North
The Kitchen
The industrial space is lovely in this mini chain from Colorado. It’s definitely a bit high class for brunch, but not a bad River North move.
316 N. Clark St., River North
Mag Mile
Purple Pig
One of the few places on Michigan Avenue that’s not a tourist trap. The pig centric brunch menu is great any time of year.
500 N Michigan Ave., Mag. Mile
RL
Oh you fancy, huh? The restaurant that’s part of the Ralph Lauren store is everything you’d expect it to be.
115 E. Chicago Ave., Mag. Mile/Gold Coast
Drake Bros at The Drake Hotel
Best reserved for family gatherings or when you need a nicer spot. The Drake Hotel isn’t a place you want to stroll into wearing sweatpants.
140 E. Walton Pl., Mag. Mile/Streeterville
Nomi at the Park Hyatt
Another fancy hotel restaurant that’s good but a bit of an ordeal.
800 N. Michigan Ave., Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Tavern On Rush
A Chicago staple in the Viagra Triangle that’s always busy no matter the time of year. The food is solid and it makes for excellent people watching.
1031 N. Rush St., Gold Coast
LuxBar
Basically the same as Tavern On Rush but a little more hip and cool. The food is solid but never amazing. The people watching, however, can’t be beat.
18 E. Bellevue Pl., Gold Coast
Pump Room
A trendy restaurant that goes for the “old school supper club” vibes in the Public Hotel. You’ll want to look good while you eat if your’e trying to fit in.
1301 N. State St., Gold Coast
Elly’s Pancakes
An informal pancake spot that gets the job done.
101 W. North Ave., Gold Coast
The Original Pancake House
The chain pancake restaurant delivers the goods when it comes to pancakes. The special Dutch Baby is the star, but any of the pancakes and waffles make for a quality brunch.
22 E. Bellevue Pl., Gold Coast
Chicago Q
BBQ food in a slightly more upscale space. Combine all of your favorite BBQ meats with eggs and potatoes.
1160 N. Dearborn St., Gold Coast
Nico Osteria
An upscale Italian seafood restaurant that we think is best hit for brunch. The open windows make it a lovely place to sit on a nice day, which is doubly true when you can use the patio.
1015 N. Rush St., Gold Coast
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
A classic Chicago steakhouse that you might not realize has a rather cheap brunch menu. Eggs benedict for $10.50 is a better deal than you’ll get at most other places, and Gibson’s is always a nice place to sit.
1028 N. Rush St., Gold Coast
Tempo Cafe
A typical 24 hour diner that’s good for eggs and pancakes any time of day. Feel free to get brunch at Tempo at 3am.
6 E. Chestnut St., Gold Coast
Fig and Olive
A sleek, upscale Gold Coast restaurant that’s all about mediterranean flavors and quality olive oils.
104 E Oak St., Gold Coast
Bistro Zinc
Casual French bistro hiding amongst all the trendy restaurants nearby.
1131 N. State St., Gold Coast
Balsan at the Waldorf Hotel
The restaurant in the Waldorf is, well, the restaurant in the Waldorf. Prettyyyyy fancy. The brunch is reasonable though, so it’s not that crazy to make a point to check it out.
11 E. Walton St., Gold Coast
Sunny Side Up & Coffee Shoppe
A cute little cafe serving typical American brunch staples.
42 E. Superior St., Gold Coast
Bistronamic
A modern take on the traditional French bistro. Not quite the same charm as a typical French bistro, but the same rich flavors.
840 N. Wabash Ave., Gold Coast
Old Town
Kanela Breakfast Club
Greek-inspired breakfast that’s become a local mini chain. The Old Town location is in an area where there’s not a lot of other options for brunch, which makes this Kanela a valuable place.
1552 N. Wells St., Old Town
Nookies
An Old Town staple for a casual meal any time of day.
1746 N. Wells St., Old Town
Streeterville
The West Egg
We have a soft spot for the West Egg because we’ve been eating here for literally 20 years. It’s a pretty standard breakfast diner that serves anything and everything. There are better breakfast restaurants around, but the West Egg is easy and filling.
620 N. Fairbanks., Streeterville
Beatrix
The new Beatrix location in Streeterville is a nice addition to the neighborhood. It has a good pastry counter plus a solid weekend brunch spot just like its twin restaurant in River North.
671 N. Saint Claire St.., Streeterville
Loop
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
A reliable breakfast spot just off Michigan Avenue near The Bean. There’s not much else like it in the area, so if you’re around these parts Wildberry is a good spot.
130 E. Randolph St., Loop
The Gage
The Gage is like an upscale restaurant bar that pours a great Guinness but has good food too. It’s in an old building from the 1800’s that’s now a Chicago landmark, and it’s one of our favorite options for something next to Millennium Park.
24 S. Michigan Ave., Loop
Seven Lions
A pretty restaurant with high ceilings and a sleek look. The space is better than the food, but it’s not bad.
130 S. Michigan Ave., Loop
South Loop
Bongo Room
Bongo Room is all about ridiculousness in the pancakes and waffles department. You want to order things like white chocolate and caramel pretzel pancakes and chocolate tower french toast.
1152 S. Wabash Ave., South Loop
Eleven City Diner
A classic Jewish deli with a bit of a modern flare. We lament the lack of Jewish delis in the city, but Eleven City diner offers the kind of comfort food you might crave.
1112 S. Wabash Ave., South Loop
Brasserie by LM
French spot big on crepes and stuffed baguettes.
800 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop
Mercat a la Planxa
A Spanish spot that has pretty good food, but it’s a strange crowd. It’s because of the location in a hotel, but if you need something in this area then the food plays.
638 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop
Bridgeport
Nana’s
One of the few quality brunch spots in Bridgeport. Nana’s serves all kinds of delicious Mexican inspired cuisine. A good field trip if you don’t make it over here very much.
3267 S. Halsted St., Bridgeport
The Duck Inn
We’re big fans of everything The Duck Inn does, including brunch. The duck confit hash is an obvious choice, but get whatever sounds good. The patio is perfect when it’s nice outside.
2701 S. Eleanor St., Bridgeport
Pilsen
Dusek’s
A newer restaurant in Pilsen that took over the old Thalia Hall. Dusek’s has range, meaning it’s ideal any time of day.
1227 W. 18th St., Pilsen
Don Pedro Carnitas
You might not think to get pork carnitas for lunch, but mornings on the weekend is when this place is most crowded with regulars. If the regulars are going then it means you should too.
1113 W. 18th St., Pilsen
West Loop
Lou Mitchell’s
An old school diner on the original beginnings of Route 66. Lou Mitchell’s has historical significance to Chicago, and it’s historically made a great early morning and afternoon meal. Always a strong choice.
565 W. Jackson Blvd., West Loop
Chicken Shop at Soho House
You could spend all day in the public spaces at Soho House if you’d like. Start in The Allis for a coffee, work your way to Chicken Shop for brunch, and stick around for drinks at Foxbar. Makes for a nice little day.
113-125 N. Green St., West Loop
Pizza East at Soho House
The steps to enjoying Soho House and Chicken Shop above can also be done at Pizza East. The only difference is banana bread and pizza instead of chicken and waffles.
113-125 N. Green St., West Loop
Avec
When Avec started serving brunch it was one small step for man, and one giant leap for mankind. The West Loop staple and favorite does a great job at brunch, which includes an excellent breakfast pizza. You want breakfast pizza.
615 W. Randolph St., West Loop
PQM
For those of you unable to make it to PQM during the week since they aren’t open for dinner, you’re really missing out. It’s the more casual cafe version of The Publican, and it’s a great meal. Don’t sleep on the butcher’s breakfast.
825 W. Fulton Market St., West Loop
The Publican
If you want a slightly more formal experience than PQM, then hit up it’s sister restaurant The Publican for Sunday brunch. They’re doing the type of brunch creations you won’t see other places like red wine poached eggs.
837 W. Fulton Market St., West Loop
Grange Hall Burger
Au Cheval has crazy lines all the time, but Grange Hall is basically next door with good burgers too. If you want a burger without a big scene, check it out.
844 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Au Cheval
The best burger in town, hands down. If you’re getting it for brunch then you obviously need to add the thick-cut bacon and a sunny side egg too. Eggs means brunch, everyone knows that. Consider splitting the burger and the duck heart hash with a friend, which is a sleeper on the menu.
800 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Nellcôte
You’re probably trying to have mimosas if brunch is at Nellcôte. Or a bellini. Bottom line is this plate is meant to feel like a French chateau, so champagne should be involved.
833 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Carnivale
Latin flavors with a space full of bright colors. The brunch menu has everything from chilaquiles to smoked salmon flatbread to a Spanish benedict with serrano ham. No complaints about that.
702 W. Fulton Market St., West Loop
La Sirena Clandestina
Sunday brunch South American style. La Sirena is all about Argentinian and Brazilian flavors in a cool Fulton Market space.
954 W. Fulton Market St., West Loop
Morgan Street Cafe
Want to feel like a West Loop Local? Eat at Morgan Street Cafe. It’s not the kind of place anyone will talk about but that’s because the people nearby probably don’t want you to know.
933 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Little Goat Diner
Little Goat has a crazy menu with things like the “kimchee & bacon & eggs & pancakes asian style breakfast tasty thing” and “bull’s eye french toast” with fried chicken on it. Sometimes the dishes are so crazy they don’t actually work, but it’s something you should try for yourself. The space is great, so there’s that.
820 W. Randolph St., West Loop
River West
Gaudi Cafe
Gaudi Cafe is a cute little West Town spot serving tapas and Mexican favorites. A chorizo breakfast burrito never hurt anyone.
1147 W. Grand Ave., River West
The Breakfast Club & Grill
The Breakfast Club is the restaurant your grandma runs if your grandma ran a restaurant. You can’t miss it, just look for the pink house.
1381 W. Hubbard St., River West
Paramount Room
A quirky spot on Halsted that’s a bar with solid food. The limited brunch menu is really just an excuse to order their burger.
415 N. Milwaukee., River West
The Dawson
Cool looking two-story space with an eclectic menu, good outdoor space, and great cocktails.
730 W. Grand, River West
Noble Square/West Town/Ukrainian Village
Bite Cafe
This casual BYOB spot on Western has all kinds of good stuff. Ashland isn’t a street you would just wander down for brunch, so make it a point to hit Bite Cafe. Nobody ever said no to breakfast poutine.
1039 N. Western Ave., Ukrainian Village
Whisk
Another BYOB brunch spot serving the classic American dishes with some Mexican flare thrown in too. They have a bunch of Ron Swanson pictures on the wall too so that should be reason enough to come.
2018 W. Chicago Ave., West Town
Flo
Flo is all about New Mexican favorites like huevos verdes with christmas colored chili. But you’ll undoubtedly get distracted by both their fruity and coco pebbles french toast. Get one of the french toast to share for the table but make sure to try the New Mexican classics.
1434 W. Chicago Ave., West Town
Charlatan
A good excuse to eat a lot of meat and not necessarily brunch dishes. If pork belly carbonara has an egg on it then it’s brunch, right? Right.
1329 W. Chicago Ave, West Town
The Winchester
The Winchester was closed down a while for a fire, but luckily the neighborhood cafe is back again. Brunch is the best time to hang in this bright and welcoming space.
1001 N. Winchester Ave., West Town
Humboldt Park
Grandma J’s Local Kitchen
The woman who owns and runs Granda J’s is the kind of person you know right off the bat loves what she does. She loves catering to her customers too.
1552 N. Kedzie., Humboldt Park
Wicker/Bucktown
Dove’s Luncheonette
Tex-Mex food meets 60’s counter-style diner meets blues music on repeat. Dove’s is one of the most unique place you can eat.
1545 N. Damen Ave., Wicker Parkt
Chop Shop
Chop Shop is a fun zone of restaurant, bar, butcher shop, and event space all built into one. They’re serving brunch now too, because why wouldn’t they. It’s a solid spot.
2033 W. North Ave., Wicker Park
Bro Bagel
We complain about the bagel options in this city a lot. Bro Bagel might not be New York bagel good, but it’s good. Definitely as good as you’ll get around here.
1931 W. North Ave., Wicker Park
Presidio
Presidio is part cocktail lounge part restaurant. Hangout in the front area if you’re more concerned with mimosas, or take a seat in the back dining room if the focus is food.
1749 N. Damen Ave., Wicker Park
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
Let’s be honest, everyone wants to go to Mindy’s as an excuse to get hot chocolate and dessert. The good news is Mindy’s has good brunch, and then you can get hot chocolate and dessert.
1747 N. Damen Ave., Wicker Park
Big Star
Ah yes, Big Star. Tacos, beers, and margaritas count as brunch. Everybody knows that.
1531 N. Damen Ave., Wicker Park
The Bristol
A cool gastropub that has more beer options available at brunch than do do food items. A beer-filled brunch isn’t a bad idea though.
2152 N. Damen Ave., Wicker Park
Jane’s
A small house-like building that’s been around for over a hundred years. Businesses have come and gone over the year, but these days it’s Janes, a cozy, romantic restaurant. There are a lot of good vegetarian options.
1653 W. Cortland., Bucktown
Bongo Room
There are a few Bongo Room locations around and they are all virtually the same. You still want crazy sweet concoctions like chocolate tower french toast and red velvet hot cages.
1470 N. Milwaukee., Wicker Park
Trencherman
A a historic building that was once a bath house, which you still see remnants off in the tile and design. We like everything this restaurant crew puts together, Trencherman included.
2039 W. North Ave., Wicker Park
Logan Square
Longman & Eagle
The Logan Square staple is always a strong choice. No reservations, but the food is great and the drinks are just as good. It’s a cozy setting that’s great for holing up.
2657 N. Kedzie., Logan Square
Fat Rice
A must visit for Macanese food, and as far as we know the only place serving Macanese food. The hip space is cool any time of day, including Sunday brunch.
2957 W. Diversey., Logan Square
Jam
An artisanal approach to classic American brunch.
3057 W. Logan Blvd., Logan Square
Osteria Langhe
An Italian restaurant specializing in Piedmontese cuisine. Nicer than a local cafe but not fancy at all.
2824 W. Armitage Ave., Logan Square
Analogue
Want a lot of butter in your food? Cajun cooking is good for that, and Analogue is good for cajun cooking. It feels like a bar but the food is excellent.
2523 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
The Radler
Think modern, sophisticated German beer hall. A lot of meat will be involved and probably a beer too.
2375 N. Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square
Owen & Engine
Upscale British pub food.
2700 N. Western Ave., Logan Square
Reno
Reno makes their own bagels, which are pretty good. Get involved with their breakfast sandwiches like the nando with homemade chorizo, eggs, and cheddar on their wood fired bagels. A breakfast pizza isn’t a bad choice either.
2607 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
Revolution Brewing
Who doesn’t want to eat brunch at a brewhouse that’s making their own beer?
2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
Lula Cafe
Another long-time Logan Square favorite on the heart of the square. A friendly place that always has a mix of people and a mix of great food.
2537 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square
Chicago Diner
Meat free since ’83. The Chicago Diner is the most well known vegan restaurant in the city. Breakfast and brunch is the best way to ease yourself into vegan food, and we advocate for everyone giving it at least a try.
2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
Dunlays on the Square
Pretty standard stuff and you can usually find a seat. Except for on the patio in the summers, that’s prime real estate.
3137 W. Logan Blvd., Logan Square
Johnny’s Grill
Johnny’s Grill used to be a longtime favorite on the square, then it closed, and now it’s back again. The menu is a little more sophisticated than it used to be but with the same diner vibes.
2545 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Excellent biscuits and breakfast sandwiches, excellent pie. That’s breakfast heaven right there. The small shop is one of the best places around, and outdoor area feels like you’re sitting in a friends backyard.
2051 N. California Ave., Logan Square
Cellar Door Provisions
A tiny, 20 seat restaurant that is making fancy toast and other small batch goodies.
Lincoln Park
Kingsbury Street Cafe
An easy, simple, typical cafe. Relatively cheap eats in a casual spot.
1523 N. Kingsubry St., Lincoln Park
Nookies Too
Nookies Too, the follow up to Nookies one in Old Town. The second outpost of this local go-to serves the same great breakfast food and is BYOB.
2114 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
Summer House Santa Monica
You can literally escape to California in here. Or at least it’ll feel that well. Make sure to check out the pastry counter, particularly the cookies.
1954 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
Toast
With its proximity close to DePaul, Toast is the kind of place you have college brunches at. Hungover brunches, is what we mean.
746 W. Webster Ave., Lincoln Park
Perennial Virant at Hotel Lincoln
The restaurant inside the Lincoln Hotel that’s all about seasonal ingredients and trying to minimize waste. Don’t waste any food on your table, make sure to eat it all.
1800 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park
Batter & Berries
Typical breakfast spot that likes to serve you things made from batter with berries on top.
2748 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park
Mon Ami Gabi
The cozy French bistro inside the fancy Belden Stratford apartment building is now serving brunch. The french menu is way more low-key than the apartment building it sits in.
2300 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
A slightly Americanized version of a classic Spanish tapas spot. Breakfast paella is a perfect fusion of Spanish and American cuisine.
2024 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
France’s Deli
If you need a deli fix France’s can help keep you sane.
2552 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park
Chicago Bagel Authority
CBA is all about their bagel steamwiches. Sandwiches on a bagel that are steamed in order to be heated up. A good caryy-out spot that also has a few tables if you want to pop in.
953 W. Armitage., Lincoln Park
Lakeview
Ann Sather
The highlight at Ann Sather’s is the cinnamon rolls. You don’t want to be the guy/girl who only eats cinnamon rolls, but just know that you’re ordering other standard breakfast foods so you can get the giant cinnamon rolls as a side.
909 W. Belmont Ave., Lakeview
Bakin’ & Eggs
A pretty typical Lakeview breakfast spot with one caveat – a bacon flight. Tastings of maple pepper bacon, jalapeno bacon, cherry smoked bacon, and mesquite bacon. You need that.
3120 N. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview
Hutch
Hutch serves brunch all week long. That’s important to know.
3301 N. Clark St., Lakeview
Southport Grocery and Cafe
Our favorite brunch spot in Chicago, no question. It’s a hybrid restaurant and small shop, and everything is exceptional. We love the bread pudding pancakes.
3552 N. Southport Ave., Lakeview
Uncommon Ground
Uncommon Ground supports the farm fresh, local, organic movement to the fullest. They’re serious about providing local goods, and it’s a good local spot to hang.
3800 N. Clark St., Lakeview
Ravenswood/Lincoln Square
Over Easy Cafe
A little Ravenswood breakfast spot that’ll serve you coffee in line. That’s customer service.
4943 N. Damen Ave., Ravenswood
Baker Miller
The original Bang Bang Pie owners left in order to start Baker Miller, and it’s just as awesome. Toast never tasted so good, plus you’ll want to eat all of the pastries and pie on the menu.
4610 N. Western Ave., Lincoln Square
Gather
In need of a good restaurant in Lincoln Square? This is the spot right here. Sit at the bar and watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen at this light and homey space, or sit on their back patio when it’s nice out. The pastries are great.
4539 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Square
Andersonville
Big Jones
Southern cooking at its finest. We’re all about the shrimp and grits at big jones, and the weekend beignets are a strong move.
5347 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Bongo Room
Another Bongo room but the story here remains the same. Chocolate tower french toast and caramel apple pancakes is what you want, or at least something like that.
5022 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Vincent
A cozy spot that’s great for a date if you need a good brunch spot. It’s not romantic though, just cozy. Consider one of their brunch sandwiches.
1475 W. Balmoral., Andersonville
Svea
Did you know Andersonville is a traditionally Swedish neighborhood? Well now you do, and Svea serves traditional Swedish food.
5236 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Uptown/Edgewater
Tweet
An eclectic Uptown spot that’s kind of a crazy place inside. All sorts of stuff on the walls and a happening bar make for a lot of activity and fun. People like to boozy brunch here.
5020 N. Sheridan Rd., Uptown
Tiztal Cafe
Our sleeper pick for the best Mexican brunch you don’t know about. Tiztal cafe is a cozy little place, and the chilaquiles here are so good. Make sure to get a horchata milkshake.
4631 N. Clark St., Edgewater
M Henry
A cozy spot with an eclectic menu with everything from bacon wrapped baked eggs with polenta to roasted asparagus and proscuitto benedict
5707 N. Clark St., Edgewater