Top 9.5 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Chicago 🥞

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious breakfast in Chicago during the summer. The sun is out. The warm air has returned. You can finally walk through the city without bundling yourself up in an outfit that makes you look like a marshmallow. It’s time to celebrate the long-awaited summer season with a little breakfast. Whether you are hungry for a monster-sized meal or you want something a little more upscale with a glass of mimosa, Chicago has it all. 

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1. Lincoln Park Corner Kitchen

Cozy Comfort Food for Breakfast and Brunch

📍 2200 N Clybourn St | DePaul | lpcornerkitchen.com

Get all your home-cooked favorites with a tasty modern twist. Lincoln Park Corner Kitchen is family-owned and operated, so it’s no surprise that the whole restaurant has that close, cozy feel to it. The food itself is top notch – they use locally sourced ingredients to upgrade all of your favorite breakfast foods, like gourmet omelettes, corned beef hash, and french toast.

Wash it all down with the perfect cup of joe – whether it’s straight espresso for an immediate caffeine fix, and carefully crafted latte, or fresh brewed Julius Meinl coffee. Can you say yum?

“Exactly the kind of place we've been looking for! Great food, beautiful dining area, and a menu with all the diner fixins you could want. Today we were here for breakfast. Corned beef hash, eggs, pancakes... everything done with perfection. This will be a regular spot for us. Even for a gastronomical juggernaut like Chicago this place stands out. Hard to beat a well-run family-owned establishment especially when owners love the biz they are in. Happy employees, happy guests, great experience.” – Yelp Review

2. Sun Rey Cafe

Start Your Day on the Sun Rey Side with Filipino, Latino, and American Dishes from a Family-Owned Chicago Restaurant!

📍 1357 N Western Ave | Wicker Park | sunreycafe.com

It seems like the best breakfast spots in Chicago are always small, family-run neighborhood joints – and if you agree, Sun Rey Cafe should be on your list. Located in Wicker Park, the good folks at Sun Rey serve up breakfast and brunch with Filipino, Latino, and American origins – so no matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to leave satisfied.

The BYOB establishment is known for their pork belly adobo (yum), chicken and waffles (YUM), and “The Manilla Breakfast,” which comes complete with Logganisa sausage, garlic rice, a side of achara pickles, and two eggs any way you like ‘em (YUMMM). 

“We wandered into Sun Rey on a cold Saturday looking for a quick bite and a decent cup of coffee. What we found instead, was a transformative experience. A fortifying meal that left us satisfied and giggly. We felt welcome and cared for--What more can you ask from a restaurant?” – Yelp Review

3. Wake n’ Bacon

Insta-Worthy Fast-Casual Breakfast & Brunch in Gorgeous Lakeview

📍 420 W Belmont | Lakeview | eatwakenbacon.com

American, Asian, and Latin flavors, all rolled into one trendy breakfast experience? Yes please! The playful space features several dreamy-garden-inspired backdrops that are perfect for your next Instagram post, and the menu is full of mouthwatering options like chilaquiles del norte and ube flapjacks, not to mention a whole host of sassy cocktails.

“This place is amazing!!! The food is so good and the drinks are delicious. The entrance is confusing because the restaurant is attached to an apartment building and they share the same entrance, and to enter, a keypad is in place to enter. All that being said, the restaurant is worth going to. The decor is so unique and the staff is some of the most helpful and nice we have ever encounter. Please go support this place and order the big bird...it's a must!” – Yelp Review

4. Kanela Breakfast Club

Enjoy a Greek-Infused Breakfast Made from Local, Organic Ingredients

📍 1408 N Milwaukee Ave. | Wicker Park | kanelabreakfastclub.com

Known for being one of the premier Greek breakfast spots in Chicago, the Kanela [kuh-nel-uh] Breakfast Club serves only the freshest ingredients in its savory dishes and sweet smoothies. Kanela, which means cinnamon in Greek, displays its deep connection to its roots through its dishes made completely from scratch and its refreshing twist on traditional recipes. Customers can start their breakfast off with Kanela’s famous La Colombe Coffee before selecting a savory or sweet dish off the menu. Whether you are in the mood for a filling meal of fried chicken and waffles or you want something a little sweeter, like an acai bowl, Kanela has a dish that will satisfy your craving. 

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“I saw they had Chilaquiles which are by far one of my favorite breakfast food, so of course I got them. Who doesn't love nachos for breakfast?! The chorizo was slightly spicy and very delicious. The tomatillo salsa was refreshing and cool. So good!! I also got amazing breakfast potatoes. And a Skin Revive fresh-squeezed juice. So amazing!!” - Yelp Review

5. Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Fill Your Stomach With Pancakes and More at This Popular Chicago Breakfast Destination

📍 196 E Pearson St. | Streeterville | wildberrycafe.com

Since 2004, guests have flocked to the Wildberry Cafe for its warm hospitality and unforgettable dishes. Both breakfast and lunch are served, with each individual dish drawing upon traditional homemade recipes built to please one’s pallet. In order to ensure delicious, high-quality dishes are made every day, Wildberry only uses fresh, seasonal ingredients for all of its meals. Their most popular dishes include the Fried Chicken and Biscuits, Create Your Own Signature Omelette, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, and Wild Pan Crepes.

“With each bite came ohhhss and ahhs of pure bliss. I got the Slow Roast Brisket Hash. It also came with pancakes which I upgraded to cinnamon bun flavor. It was a large portion but I couldn't stop. My boyfriend got the vegan hash. He said the veggie patty was amazing. Lastly my friend got the Los Altos Benedict. Again amazing!!” - Yelp Review

6. The Little Goat Diner

Pick a Savory Dish from its Elaborate Menu

📍 820 W Randolph St. | West Loop | littlegoatchicago.com

Located in West Loop, the Little Goat Diner brings its own twist on the classic American diner to residents and visitors alike. Whenever you walk in here, you will likely find groups of friends enjoying coffee over pancakes and families indulging in classic breakfast meals. Whether you pick the diner’s famous Bull’s Eye French Toast or its flavorful Bi Bimp Bop Breakfast Bowl, you are sure to leave the place full and satisfied. For those who arrive for brunch or lunch, they can choose an alcoholic beverage from the diner’s comprehensive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. 

“We ordered the Naan your average crudité platter to share. all three dips were delicious! I could have easily inhaled this all if I wasn't being judged by my friend. For my meal, I ordered a veggie burger and Cheerwine. Yum! The bun was soft, the veggie burger itself was so flavorful, I would order this again.” - Yelp Review

7. Chicago Waffles

Dine on Breakfast or Lunch in One of Chicago’s Favorite Eateries

📍 1104 West Madison St. | West Loop | chicagowaffles.com

For years, Chicago Waffles has whipped up five-star breakfast and lunch dishes to residents and visitors of the West Loop. Guests can expect a welcoming atmosphere, speedy service, and a delicious meal. All meals are made fresh and piping-hot. Order a hefty serving of Belgian waffles or cinnamon apple pancakes to start off the day. Don’t forget to bring the rest of the family! The kids can choose from mini waffles, chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and eggs, french toast, and more. 

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“Their "sweet" is just the right amount, the "savory" just so, and the portions very generous. You won't leave Waffles anything but satisfied. They have a wide variety of tastes and something for everyone. We live in the neighborhood and are regulars. We highly recommend it!” - Yelp Review

8. Jaimito’s Burritos

Start Your Day Off Right with One of Their Delicious Burritos, Tacos, or Enchiladas

📍 1781 N Clybourn Ave. | DePaul | jaimitos.com

Jaimito’s Burritos offers fresh, authentic Mexican breakfast burritos that are perfect for starting your day off right. Guests can choose from a comprehensive menu that includes burritos filled with steak, chicken, ground beef, chorizo & egg, and more! Not in the mood for a burrito? No worries. Jaimito’s also serves a wide selection of tacos and enchiladas. Their breakfast specials also include tacos and burritos filled with turkey sausage, eggs, bacon, ham, and veggies. 

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“Been visiting on and off for 20+ years. Recommend the steak tacos Americano style. One of the best things on the menu. They'll make nachos if you ask nicely, though that's not on the menu (best with chicken).” - Yelp Review

9. West Egg Cafe

Enjoy a Savory Downtown Chicago Breakfast Selection of Italian, Greek, and Tex-Mex Influenced Food

📍 620 N Fairbanks Ct. River East | Near North Side | westeggchicago.com

For an upscale, casual breakfast experience in Downtown Chicago, you can’t go wrong with West Egg Cafe. Guests are treated with a wide array of fresh breakfast options inspired by Italian, Tex-Mex, and Greek cuisine. Some of their most popular menu items include the Huevos Rancheros Our Way, Albuquerque Turkey Benedict, Feta Frittata, and California Crepe. 

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“They know their eggs! The breakfast options are varied. I had the California crepes - so good, I forgot to get a picture. It came with a poppy seed vinaigrette, potatoes, and an English muffin. I added a side of hollandaise sauce. The other dish was the Mag Mile. Tons of mushrooms with melted cheese, 2 eggs your way, potatoes, and an English muffin. The mushrooms were cooked just right. The eggs came out exactly as ordered.” - Yelp Review

Backup Option: The Original Pancake House

Fill Your Stomach with Some Classic Breakfast Dishes

📍 1358 E 47th | St. Kenwood | ophchicagoland.com

For a hearty, traditional breakfast, you can’t go wrong with The Original Pancake House. With locations in Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Oak Forest, Orland Park, and the Gold Coast, you can enjoy one of their signature dishes almost anywhere you go. Guests can choose from its wide variety of original world-famous specialties, such as the Apple Pancake or the Dutch Baby. Each menu differs a little per location, so make sure you double-check its menu online before ordering in or dining out there. Each branch of The Original Pancake House offers an extensive menu that goes on for pages, so giving it an extra look ahead of time may prevent you from becoming too overwhelmed. 

Buy a GiftYa to The Original Pancake House >

“First visit I had to have one of their omelets. They are so good, I think the baking makes them super fluffy. The spinach omelet is my favorite, they serve it with a mushroom/sherry sauce. I asked for cheddar vs. feta and Hollandaise on the side as that is how they serve it at my old local OPH. Ahhhhh, it was so wonderful!” - Yelp Review

Chicago is known for great music and great food… so it’s no wonder there are so many highly rated breakfast and brunch spots in the Windy City. 

No matter where you go in Chicago, you are bound to find a new breakfast spot to fall in love with. That’s one of the many reasons why people adore Chi-Town. What are your go-to breakfast places in Chicago? Let us know in the comments!