Brunch is easily one of the most popular meals of the week-- it combines the recipes of both breakfast and lunch seamlessly, and is a great way to wind down the weekend. Due to the enormous appeal of brunch, more and more restaurants across the Chicagoland area have been adding specialized brunch menus--and customers have never been more pleased!
We wanted to offer a wide variety of brunch options, so while this is by no means a comprehensive list of places, they are some of the best in the city! So whether you prefer sweet or savory for your brunch meal, these places are a must-visit in Chicago!
If you know someone who loves to try out different brunch spots--or who can’t decide whether they want breakfast or lunch--surprise them with a GiftYa virtual gift card! They’re accepted at any of the restaurants on this brunch list, and they’re super easy to send. Choose the restaurant, the amount you want, and the recipient, and that’s it. Your gift will arrive electronically and will never expire or lose value!
Kanela Breakfast Club
This is the brunch that dreams are made of!
Patrons can’t wait to dive into the gooey goodness of these brunch options. Image courtesy of Kanela Breakfast Club.
3231 N Clark St. and other locations
Lakeview
Anyone who is interested in some amazing brunch options needs to stop at a Kanela Breakfast Club location! Kanela wants to be the location that you like to return to each week-- with fresh, local ingredients and a creative twist on old favorites--we’re pretty sure you’ll be back!
Choose to go sweet and try some of their out of this world banana nut pancakes, crunchy French toast, or waffles topped with fruit. You can also go savory with their crab cake benedict, chorizo and eggs, or even build your own omelette! If you’d rather have a kale cobb salad or a fried chicken sandwich, they have that too!
Don’t forget to indulge in their brunch cocktails like the Irish espresso or the cinnamon toast brunch!
Buy a GiftYa To Kanela Breakfast Club >
“Stopped in for breakfast before a Thursday afternoon baseball game and had a very yummy breakfast. The coffee was good and strong and the decor is cute with chandeliers.” -Yelp Review
Yolk
One of Chicago’s liveliest brunch spots
Serving up brunch favorites with a friendly smile. Image courtesy of Yolk.
1120 S Michigan Ave. and other locations
South Loop
Yolk prides itself on being one of Chicago’s most well liked spots for breakfast, brunch, or lunch--so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it at Yolk. Although this restaurant has all your brunch favorites like cinnamon roll French toast, monkey cakes, and breakfast burritos, they don’t shy away from being creative! You can try items like the pot roast benedict, green eggs and ham, and the Santa Fe frittata.
If you’re feeling more in the lunch mood, the tuna meltdown and the steak and greens salad are among the more popular items. There are a lot of items to try on this menu, but no matter what you order, you know you’re getting a meal that was freshly prepared by friendly staff who genuinely care!
“Wow!! I am completely hooked on Yolk! I've wanted to try this brunch spot for a while, and it definitely met all expectations. I can't wait to come back and try some of the other breakfast options.” -Yelp Review
Little Goat Diner
Brunch is always sunny side up at this local Chicago restaurant
Funky named brunch items are just the beginning at this top brunch spot. Image courtesy of Little Goat Diner.
820 W Randolph St.
West Loop
When you want to try something a little different for brunch, then stop at the Little Goat Diner and you won’t be disappointed! This unique spot always seems to be full of eager diners looking to try some of the interestingly-named menu items. Popular options are Little Piggy Went to China, Everything is Everything Crumpets, and the Fat Elvis Waffles. Regardless of their names, they’re guaranteed to be delicious!
This diner also offers sandwiches, munchies, soups, and salads-- and they also have some dinner options as well. They’re open early to late everyday of the week, so no matter when your brunch craving hits, you can be sure that Little Goat Diner will be around to satisfy! Don’t forget to try their coffee bar or try one of their sundaes as well.
Buy a GiftYa To Little Goat Diner >
“Perfect for a brunch- great options for eggs, pancake and waffles and some new unique dishes. Loved my choc chip pancake.” -Yelp Review
Lula Cafe
Pop into one of Chicago’s best-loved brunch spots
This restaurant provides their community with local, fresh brunch items. Image courtesy Lula Cafe.
2537 N Kedzie Blvd.
Logan Square
Since 1999 Lula Cafe has been serving the people of Chicago with an assortment of deliciously creative fresh meals. They were one of the pioneers in Chicago’s farm to table movement, and continue to serve meat and fish from sustainable sources, and get their eggs, dairy, and grains from local farmers.
They are open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner everyday of the week except Tuesday--so no matter when you decide to give them a try, you’re going to be in for a treat! Their farm fresh eggs and local breads are the basis for their popular brunch menu, so make sure you try the brioche French toast, the stone cut oatmeal, or the Lula breakfast sandwich series.
“I love Lula cafe! Their brunch menu offers a variety of choices and the dishes I have tried have been spot on! Go try Lula for brunch!” -Yelp Review
Cracked on Milwaukee
The perfect spot to curb your craving for brunch
You can enjoy brunch on your schedule, any day of the week! Image courtesy of Cracked.
1359 N Milwaukee Ave.
Wicker Park
Cracked got its start in Champaign, IL but recently opened up a location in Wicker Park--and Chicago has never been happier! They offer breakfast and brunch options any time of day, which is perfect for those late night cravings for a breakfast burrito loaded with bacon and fresh eggs, or when you just have to have some grilled cheese and soup. They also offer popular items like the Sloppy Jose breakfast sandwich, a build your own breakfast bowl, as well as a parfait bar full of yummy oats, fruit of your choice, and a sweet drizzle of raspberry, strawberry, maple syrup, or honey.
They also offer some burger options like the Colonel Angus and the Richard Rooster, just in case you’re extra hungry! Don’t forget to try their cocktails either-- the Bloody Mary and the Mi-Mo flights (flights of mimosas) are both very popular with the Chicago brunch crowd.
“Do you like eggs? How about flavor? If so, you will looooove Cracked! The staff is incredibly friendly and the whole experience is happy and positive.” -Yelp Review
Stockton Restaurant and Lounge
Experience high-style brunch on Chicago’s Gold Coast
Dine in style at the Stockton brunch. Image courtesy of Stockton Restaurant and Lounge.
1009 N Rush St.
Gold Coast
Sometimes you just need to splurge, and doing brunch at the Stockton is a great way to get out and do something different! You can enjoy items on the Stockton’s brunch menu such as the French toast tower, cinnamon roll pancakes, and their popular wagyu steak and eggs. They also have hot and cold plates that are made to be shared, like the lobster mac n’ cheese and the truffle tuna sashimi.
You’ll most certainly want to take advantage of their cocktail menu as well, where the apple cider mule and the Julias negroni are very popular options. After you enjoy your meal consider taking a stroll down Chicago’s beautiful Gold Coast and take in the sights and sounds on a Sunday afternoon!
“Wow - thoroughly impressed with this place! Every staff member was polite and professional, you can tell they all have lots of industry experience. I am so happy I found this place.” -Yelp Review
Tzuco
French and Mexican cuisine combine for an unforgettable Chicago brunch!
These creative brunch entrees will have you coming back for more. Image courtesy of Tzuco.
720 N State St.
Near North Side
You might be wondering how you successfully marry both French and Mexican cuisine together seamlessly--well, you get a Michelin star chef to do it! Tzuco is a restaurant that seeks to push the boundaries of what Chicagoans--and most of us--might consider standard brunch fare, much to the delight of their satisfied customers.
Menu items for brunch include cazuela libanesa--with a mix of scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausages, and fondue--croque Tzuco--which is a brioche, cured pork, eggs, and cheese-- and the very popular duck confit and waffles. They also have sweeter items available such as the pan de muerto French toast.
Customers rave about their Bloody Mary, which is mixed with just the right amount of spice and homemade tortilla liquor.
“Excellent brunch with a Mexican flair. We met a friend here at her recommendation, and were not disappointed. The duck confit with waffles and chilaquiles were plenty of food to share amongst the three of us.” -TripAdvisor Review
Minghin Cuisine
Add some Asian dim sum flair to your brunch
Dim sum is a great way to enjoy the brunch hour! Image courtesy of Minghin.
2168 S Archer Ave. and other locations.
Chinatown
Sunday Funday is normally reserved for brunch, but it is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy dim sum at Minghin. While this Chinese specialty is typically served in the morning and early afternoon, at Minghin, you can also take advantage of their night dim sum menu as well! This place has all your favorites ready to be ordered a la carte, such as shrimp dumplings, chicken feet with sauce, spare ribs, custard rolls, and sesame balls.
Make sure to come hungry, because there are going to be a lot of new items you just can’t wait to try!
Brunch is a wonderful excuse to meet up with friends or family and enjoy a meal together. Many places in Chicago are crafting some creative entrees, so consider checking some of them out! Where is your favorite place to grab brunch on the weekends? Let us know in the comments!
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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