Best Brunch Spots in Chicago
Hold onto your bottomless mimosa pitchers and French toast, brunch enthusiasts, because we’re about to embark on a roller-coaster ride of runny eggs, fluffy pancakes, and killer Bloody Marys in the glorious city of deep dish and hot dogs.
But honey, we're not talking about pizza or frankfurters today. Oh no, we're diving into the fabulous, extravagant, and sometimes downright hedonistic world of Chicago's best brunch spots.
Who doesn’t love brunch? Omelets, grits, fried chicken and waffles, and so much more — it’s the Beyoncé of meals — glamorous, iconic, and it makes you want to dance (or, at least, sway a little).
In Chicago, we take our brunch seriously. We're talking about eggcellent Benedicts, waffles so crispy they practically wink at you from the plate, and avocado toast slices that are ready for their Instagram debut at next week’s Sunday brunch.
From trendy North Side eateries that serve up inventive dishes worthy of a Michelin star to cozy South Side gems where the pancakes are as big as your face and twice as delicious, our city has a spot for every brunch fanatic.
Here are some of our favorite Chicago brunch spots from Lincoln Park to Lakeview.
Lula Cafe
Our brunch journey begins at the legendary Lula Café in Logan Square. This spot is as cool as an indie band's basement gig and as inviting as a jazz brunch on a lazy Sunday.
From the outside, Lula Café might look like just another hipster hangout, but honey, this place is a true pioneer of Chicago's farm-to-table movement. The decor? A beautiful mishmash of thrift store chic and cozy bistro charm. It’s like if your favorite vintage shop and your grandma’s kitchen had a foodie love child.
Brunch at Lula is like diving into a culinary wonderland where every dish is a flavorful adventure. Take their famous Royale Breakfast Sandwich, for example. This isn't your typical Egg McMuffin knockoff — oh no, it's a symphony of fluffy egg, spicy aioli, succulent pork shoulder, and gooey cheese that'll make you feel like brunch royalty.
And let's not forget their rotating seasonal menu, featuring dishes as fresh as a farmer’s market on a spring morning. One week you might be twirling your fork in a plate of cornmeal pancakes; the next, you could be indulging in a beet bruschetta that’s as sweet as a sonnet and twice as tasty.
So strap on your trendiest bib, darlings, and let's indulge in the edible creativity at Lula Café, where brunch isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey.
The Publican
We're soaring over to West Loop's finest: The Publican. A spot that's as chic as a New York loft and as charming as a Midwestern barn.
The Publican isn't just a brunch place — it's a brunch destination. With its long communal tables, high ceilings, and a vibe that says, "Hey, let's share some oysters and a mimosa," it's the kind of place that could turn a lazy Sunday morning into a culinary festival.
Their menu is like a love letter to local farmers, offering the freshest ingredients in dishes that will make you want to write a sonnet about a sausage. Speaking of sausage, their breakfast pork belly is a masterpiece. Crispy, savory, and cooked to perfection, it’s like the Hemingway of pork bellies — strong, full of character, and absolutely unforgettable.
And can we talk about their farm chicken and waffles? Crispy, juicy, and accompanied by a sweet, waffled embrace. I mean, if Romeo and Juliet were brunch food, they would absolutely be this chicken and waffle duo. From a classic martini to satiate your thirst to a delicious shakshuka, The Publican has it all.
M. Henry
We're venturing into the heart of Andersonville to the culinary haven that is M. Henry. This iconic American spot has a robust brunch menu, and its dining room is as cozy as a kitten in a pile of warm laundry and as charming as a Wes Anderson movie.
Henry’s dining experience is all about the three 'C's: comfort food, charm, and, most importantly, culinary creativity. It's the kind of place where local art graces the walls, fresh flowers adorn the tables, and the menu is a love story to all things brunch.
Their dishes are like your favorite indie song lyrics — whimsical, layered, and utterly delightful.
Take their Fannie’s killer fried egg sandwich, for example. It’s like a rock concert in your mouth, with each ingredient giving a solo performance. It has eggs fluffier than a cloud, bacon crunchier than fall leaves, and gouda meltier than your heart when you see a puppy.
And, my darling dears, their Bliss Cakes are absolutely heavenly. Packed with granola and bursting with berries, these buttermilk pancakes are the brunch equivalent of a spa day — relaxing, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying.
We're heading East to the Philippines—well, to Kasama in West Town, but trust me; it's a flavor journey of global proportions. This spot is as trendy as a vintage vinyl store and as welcoming as a beachside resort in Cebu.
Batter & Berries
Batter & Berries isn't just a brunch spot — it's a brunch party. The atmosphere is as lively as the Taste of Chicago, and the decor is as colorful as a box of crayons. With its quirky artwork and bright blue walls, this is the kind of place that makes you want to do the cha-cha between sips of your coffee.
Their menu is like a jazz improvisation session — exciting, innovative, and always surprising. You've never really had French toast until you've tried their French toast flight. We’re talking about four different flavors of custard-dipped brioche that will have your taste buds doing the Mambo. The caramel apple pecan, the strawberries and cream, the blueberry, and the lemon...it's like a round-the-world ticket for your palate.
And their chicken and waffle? It's a showstopper. Crispy, juicy fried chicken paired with a sweet, fluffy waffle. It’s like a beautiful ballad of sweet and savory that'll make your taste buds tap dance.
Lou Mitchell’s
Lou Mitchell's is a Chicago institution. With its retro signage and diner-style decor, stepping into Lou Mitchell's is like stepping onto the set of a 1950s film. The ambiance is as warm as a stack of hot pancakes, and the service is as sweet as a dollop of whipped cream.
Their menu is a comforting love letter to classic American breakfasts. You've got your fluffy omelets, your bagels, your golden hash browns, and of course, their famous donuts served as a warm welcome to every guest. They're mini, they're sugary, and they're guaranteed to make your sweet tooth swoon.
And let’s not forget their pancakes. Made from a secret family recipe, these fluffy disks of deliciousness are a must-try. Topped with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, they're like a love song to your taste buds.
Pochos
Pochos’ menu is like a culinary journey through Mexico, with each dish bursting with authentic flavors. Take their chilaquiles, for instance. The tortilla chips are as crispy as a fresh autumn morning, the salsa verde as zingy as a Mariachi band, and the queso fresco as creamy as a cloud. It's a dish that will make your taste buds do the Mexican hat dance.
And can we talk about their tacos? Soft, handmade tortillas filled with your choice of flavorful meats, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. They're like a hug from your abuela — warm, comforting, and always just what you need.
And, of course, no visit to Pochos would be complete without a taste of their Mexican coffee. Spiced with cinnamon and served piping hot, it's like a caffeinated kiss to start your day.
Kasama
Kasama is more than a brunch spot — it's a Filipino tropical dream in the heart of the Windy City. With its minimalistic decor and sun-soaked patio, stepping into Kasama is like being transported to a hip Manila café, minus the jet lag.
This Chicago restaurant’s menu is perfect for a weekend brunch. Their Longsilog, a traditional Filipino breakfast dish, is a standout. The combination of sweet longanisa sausage, garlic rice, and a sunny-side-up egg will have your taste buds doing the Tinikling.
And let’s take a moment of silence to appreciate their Pandesal. This Filipino bread roll is so soft, so fluffy, it’s like a pillow of deliciousness. Spread some Ube butter on it, and oh honey, you're on a first-class trip to flavor town at this Chicago brunch spot.
Honorable Mentions
- Coast Cafe in Gold Coast
- Little Goat Diner in West loop, operated by chef Stephanie Izard
- Summer House Santa Monica
- Etta, Wicker Park in River North
Wrapping Up
Bust out your Sunday best (or your Saturday sweatpants — no judgment here) and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the city that eats, drinks, and brunches hard. Whether you’re craving chorizo sausage, beignets, or a breakfast burrito, it's time to make your taste buds tingle and your Instagram feed pop. Time to check out some of the best brunch spots in Chicago, my friends. Let’s get our brunch on!
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