It’s time to work hard and brunch harder. Whether you need an instant mood boost, searching for a group Sunday Funday activity, or looking to cure a hangover from the night before, brunch is the solution to all problems. Luckily, Chicago has an abundance of seriously good morning eats, and here we’ve compiled a list of where you can find the best brunch in Chicago.
Based on our experiences at Secret Chicago, our audience’s most popular choices, and a scrupulous assessment of settings and prices, we’ve filtered through the noise to gather the most unique, reliable, and affordable brunch spots around Chicago, providing you with the ultimate Chicago brunch list.
1. Little Goat Diner, Southport
With Stephanie Izard, the first female chef to win Bravo’s Top Chef, at the helm, you can bet your bottom dollar the Little Goat Diner will serve a Chicago brunch to please the pickiest of people. A menu dedicated to brunching and serving spectacular dishes all day makes this an ever-reliable brunch spot that always exceeds expectations.
The retro midcentury-modern diner is casual and cozy, so you can brunch away in comfort and choose from an array of delectable brunch options, both traditional and worldly.
📍Address: 3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago
2. m.henry, Andersonville
Of all the fantastic brunch spots in Andersonville, the historic Chicago staple M Henry is a frontrunner dedicated to using mostly organic and meat-free options. If bacon is essential to your dream brunch setup, m.henry might not be for you. But you can’t go wrong with M Henry if you’re looking for a place to satisfy several different tastes and tendencies.
The daytime-only cafe offers globally inspired, new American-style cooking from the finest natural, locally produced ingredients available. M. Henry’s all-day menu has both traditional options like fried egg sandwiches and stacks of hotcakes as well as veggie and vegan options such as the veritable vegan epiphany—an organic tofu scramble with tempeh strips and sliced avocado.
📍Address: 5707 North Clark Street, Chicago
3. Twisted Spoke, River West
A brunch menu titled ‘Hangover Hospital‘ tells you all you need to know about this River West rooftop. Helping Chicagoans get back on their feet from 10 am – 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday, Twisted Spoke has become an ever-reliable weekend retreat.
The casual rooftop boasts three incredible bloody mary options Road Rash Mary, Smoking Salma, and Bloody Maria. We warn you that it might become a weekly habit once you check in here.
📍Address: 501 North Ogden Avenue, Chicago
4. Hub 51, River North
If you’re spending the day with friends, head to Hub 51 for an Instagrammable moment. The busy River North restaurant is always bustling. Not only do they have an amazing happy hour deal but an endlessly appealing brunch menu, from spiked coffee and donuts to brioche French toast and more.
📍Address: 51 W Hubbard St, Chicago
5. Offshore Rooftop, Navy Pier
The Offshore Rooftop holds the title of the largest rooftop deck in the country and is consistently recognized as one of the best places to enjoy a drink or a meal with a view. The panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline are unmatched, but remarkably it also offers a phenomenal brunch menu every day from 11 am until 2.30 pm. There aren’t many places that boast such incredible sights and simultaneously a notable brunch, but Offshore Rooftop certainly does.
Open year-round, the award-winning 36,000-square-foot rooftop has indoor and outdoor areas, several cozy fire pits, and an entertainment and gaming area, meaning the views and world-class kitchen can be enjoyed regardless of the Chicago weather.
📍Address: 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago
6. Signature Brunch, Lake Michigan
While most options are firmly on the ground, this boozy cruise allows you to set sail while devouring a scrumptious brunch buffet. On a hot, humid morning, there’s truly nothing like being on the river, the wind blowing in your face, and having awe-inspiring 360 views of the city, all while consuming a delectable brunch. This is for anyone who wants scenery and a delicious meal—purchase brunch cruise tickets on Lake Michigan for any day of the week.
📍Address: Chicago River/Lake Michigan
7. Eleven City, South Loop
From eggs served in various forms on house potatoes and toast to Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, and challah French toast, there is so much to choose from at Eleven City it will make you want to make a checklist to help try everything on its all-day brunch menu.
For those wanting a healthier brunch, a Quinoa Scramble Bowl or Avocado Bagel are two fantastic options, while any stand-alone bagel with a single spread can be ordered for $4.75 or 99 cents a second.
📍Address: 1112 S Wabash Avenue, Chicago
8. 3rd Coast Café, Gold Coast
All the way up in Gold Coast, another seasoned restaurant has long been a reputable spot for a reliable all-day brunch. Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast at the corner of Dearborn and Goethe since 1985, 3rd Coast Café is “as Chicago as Wrigley Field,” in the words of the New York Post.
“We are proud to source locally, use “free bird” chicken, farm fresh eggs, and Angus prime beef,” reads the 3rd Coast Café website.
If you’re looking for a comfortable ‘cafe’ atmosphere with well-priced wine and a great locally-produced brunch just a couple of blocks north of the shopping area on Michigan Avenue, 3rd Coast Café checks all the boxes.
📍: 1260 N Dearborn, Chicago
9. Honeybear Cafe, Rogers Park
A down-to-earth family-owned restaurant in the Rogers Park neighborhood, Honeybear Cafe has already become a brunch staple for Rogers Park locals despite only opening in February of 2020.
Almost everything is homemade at Honeybear Cafe, and as a scratch kitchen, as much as possible is sourced locally. If you’re looking for somewhere to feel wholesome and healthy while tucking into some delicious tacos, french toast, or a vegan tofu scrambler, Honeybear is that place.
P.S. If you’re prepared to let your discipline slide just a little, the Banana Crunch Cakes, “filled with granola and fresh bananas topped with cinnamon butter, pecans, more fresh bananas, & whipped cream,” is our pick.
📍Address: 7036 N Clark St, Chicago
11. Smack Dab, Rogers Park
A little further down North Clark Street lies another relatively young restaurant, Smack Dab, which opened in 2017. The casual, modern cafe offers signature gourmet sandwiches and top-notch coffee.
Everything at Smack Dab has been made with an abundance of TLC using local and organic ingredients. It’s another Chicago brunch spot where you just can’t go wrong.
The Smack Dab menu and more information can be found here.
📍: 6730 N Clark St, Chicago
10. Wake ‘N Bacon, Lakeview
If an Instagrammable brunch is just important for you as a tasty, nourishing brunch, you’ll be more than satisfied with both at the family-friendly Wake ‘N Bacon in Lakeview.
“A playful environment, where the outdoors comes inside, you can enjoy great food with fun drinks. We are currently the most Instagrammable brunch spot in Chicago, and we make sure your social media won’t be disappointed,” reads the Wake ‘N Bacon website.
While this list is about brunches and not the best photo op locations in Chicago, luckily Wake ‘N Bacon boasts both an astounding chic setup with an abundance of floral decorations having from the ceiling and a menu of distinct flavors from Latin America, Asia, and America.
The brunch menu offers burritos, Hawaiian bread options, bagels, pancakes, chia puddings – you name it. Spiced Maple Chicken ‘n Waffles are our favorite if you have a sweet tooth.
📍Address: 420 W Belmont Avenue, Chicago
12. Summer House Santa Monica, Lincoln Park
With all the fantastic Chicago diners in Windy City, sometimes changing it up is nice. Lincoln Park’s Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to sunny California with its bright and breezy dining room.
If you’re looking for an instant mood boost, this is it. This beautiful restaurant has coastal touches, hanging plants, and a glass retractable roof comprises a stunning setting channeling West Coast charm. You certainly won’t be disappointed when you’re enjoying one of their brilliant brunch options.
📍Address: 1954 North Halsted Street, Chicago
13. Lula Cafe, Logan Square
The dining room and patio at Lula Cafe provide an incredible brunch setup with a long-established brunch menu that can be enjoyed whilst overlooking the square.
Consistently identified as one of Chicago’s best brunch spots, Lula Cafe cannot be overemphasized. You can’t go wrong with Lula Cafe, another neighborhood staple using locally sourced ingredients and offers a range of vegan and gluten-free options.
📍Address: 2537 N Kedzie Avenue, Chicago
14. The Publican, Fulton Market
“An homage to oysters, pork, and beer, The Publican’s eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall.”
While The Publican is chiefly a seafood and pork restaurant offering hand-selected and sustainably raised fish, the rustic West Loop spot also offers a charming brunch with various meat and vegetarian options.
📍Address: 837 West Fulton Market, Chicago
15. Maple & Ash, Gold Coast
If you’re in search of an upscale boozy brunch in Gold Coast, look no further. With a menu crafted by two Michelin-star Chef Danny Grant, Maple & Ash is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse “mixing a modern aesthetic with authentic service to deliver classic wood-fired dishes.”
Add in a wine list named “one of the most outstanding in the world” by Wine Spectator, Maple & Ash does not fall short of recognition. The lavish establishment is decorated with chandeliers and spacious velvet booths, offering guests the chance to brunch in style.
📍Address: 8 West Maple Street, Chicago
16. Lou Mitchell’s, West Loop
While age doesn’t always guarantee quality, it is difficult to ignore one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants, Lou Mitchell’s. The restaurant will have been serving up brunches to Chicagoans for 100 years in mid-2023.
The family diner was started by ‘Uncle Lou in 1923, specializing in brunch and lunch dishes before being handed down to his son Lou Mitchell.
The website boasts that “we’ve poured enough cups of our signature coffee to fill the Chicago River, and our delicious pancakes could fill Wrigley Field.” With various different pancakes, waffles, and omelets, there is plenty of option, and this old-school dining experience is sure to exceed expectations.
📍: 565 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago
17. Beatnik, Various Locations
You’ll struggle to find another cafe in Chicago as trendy as Beatnik. The exotic escape from the folks behind Celeste boasts an opulent old-world design with a fantastic menu.
Writers and artists of the 1950s and 60s Beat Generation inspired the West Town restaurant. The decor inside consequently draws inspiration from around the world with bright colors, hundreds of plants, and a bohemian vibe.
River seating offers an iconic setting, while an open-air courtyard with a fully retractable roof is usually swamped in natural light, creating an incomparable backdrop. An array of traditional dishes offer great Chicago brunch, but the menu is as colorful as the venue, with plenty of dishes from different countries and cultures.
📍Address: 180 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago
📍Address: 1604 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago
18. Yolk, Various Locations
After opening the first Yolk restaurant in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood in 2006, Yolk has become one of those family-friendly chains that have grown in popularity for its reliable service and fantastic food.
Having just opened a 5th Chicago location in May 2021, several conveniently placed Yolk cafes offer fantastic Chicago brunches in several different corners of the city.
You can be sure you’ll leave any of them well-fed with a spring in your step and a smile.
19. Batter & Berries, Lincoln Park
Founded in 2012, Batter & Berries combines a diverse menu with an upbeat atmosphere; almost everything is sourced locally, making it essential for a Sunday brunch in Chicago.
While the website talks of handmade sausages from locally sourced poultry, freshly shredded potatoes daily, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, and collaborations with local artisans, talk to any fan of Batter & Berries, and you’ll likely hear about their phenomenal French toast.
Coming in four different flavors, strawberry, blueberry, lemon, and caramel, the French toast is a must-try for brunch fanatics, but for the real deal, the French Toast Flight offers a taste of all four.
With its bright floral surroundings, hearty brunch, and fantastic service, Batter & Berries is unsurprisingly one of the most popular Chicago brunch options in the whole city.
📍Address: 2748 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
20. Chicago Diner, Various Locations
Ask any vegetarian or vegan in the city about their top restaurant choices, and Chicago Diner will likely be one of their first names. The famed diner often makes it into lists of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago, and rightly so.
Whilst its motto boasts that The Chicago Diner has been “Meat free since ’83,” its reputation is such that The Chicago Diner is loved by meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters all over the city and is thus a popular seasoned Chicago brunch spot.
A large menu offers anything ranging from pancakes to black bean veggie burgers, but it’s what they can do with seitan and tofu that will blow your mind and your taste buds.
Eggs Benedict, Steak & Eggs (using fried seitan), Biscuit & Gravy (again with seitan), and the Breakfast Combo are just a few of the options that will have you leaving the Chicago Diner happy, whatever your diet consists of.
📍Address: 3411 N Halsted Street, Chicago
📍Address: 2333 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
21. Pick Me Up Cafe, Uptown
Pick Me Up Cafe is another restaurant offering a fantastic array of vegan and vegetarian fare. However, unlike the Chicago Diner, Pick Me Up Cafe has just as many meat options. Any group can find a variety of dishes to satisfy all needs.
“Whether it’s a plate of vegan french toast, a hearty chorizo burrito, or a perfectly crafted latte, we have something for everyone,” the website reads.
Whether it’s a Vegan Tofu Scram, Bacon Benedict, or Huevos Rancheros Deluxe, the brunch options at Pick Me Up Cafe are sensational. It is also another trendy hangout with brightly colored decor and an assortment of mismatched furniture that give it a truly unique feel.
📍Address: 4882 N Clark St, Chicago
22. Nana, Bridgeport
Frequently recognized as one of Chicago’s best brunch spots, the family-owned Nana in Bridgeport reopened in May 2021.
Boasting a delicious brunch menu made with sustainably and ethically sourced organic ingredients from local farmers, Nana offers a unique array of Mexican-American food.
There are some great Latin-influenced brunch options you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the Windy City.
📍Address: 752 West 33rd Street, Chicago
23. The Bongo Room, Various Locations
The Bongo Room is another brunch classic in Chicago. The casual café serves an outstanding brunch in a relaxed setting.
Both meat/meat-free burritos and croissant sandwiches are the go-to options for many here. You’ll also want to try the decadent Lobster Benedict that has a lot of admirers.
📍Address: 5022 North Clark Street, Chicago
📍Address: 1470 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
24. The Duck Inn, Pilson
The Duck Inn’s Sunday Brunch menu is one of those menus that has just too many mouth-watering options. As you read through the eye-catching selection, you’ll likely ask for more time to decide. Items like Banana Foster French Toast, Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast, and The Bridgeport Breakfast are all mouthwatering.
This famed neighborhood gastro-tavern is on the border of the vibrant Pilsen and Bridgeport neighborhoods. It has a comfortable vibe and a sensational meal that will bring you back for more.
📍Address: 2701 South Eleanor Street, Chicago
25. Beatrix, Various Locations
You’ll struggle to find a more reliable brunch spot than Beatrix. With multiple locations around the city, the friendly chain of cozy cafés offers fresh-squeezed juices and an outstanding brunch menu.
The popular all-day eatery focuses on healthy and affordable options, from light & fluffy lemon pancakes to steak, chimichurri & eggs. You can guarantee Beatrix has something for everybody. Finding a convenient meeting place with a small collection of well-located coffeehouses and restaurants shouldn’t be hard.
📍Address: 519 N Clark Street (River North)
📍Address: 834 W. Fulton Market (Fulton Market)
📍Address: 671 N. St. Clair Street (Streeterville)
26. Daley’s, Woodlawn
In South Side’s Woodlawn neighborhood, you’ll find Chicago’s oldest restaurant and one of the city’s best brunch spots. Having served Chicago for over a century, the family-owned restaurant relocated across the street in 2019.
Daley’s was first opened in 1892 by an Irish immigrant named John Daley (unrelated to political figures). The fabled restaurant has now become a city landmark. And it knows a thing about how Chicagoans like to start the day.
Daley’s is another Chicago restaurant famed for its Belgian waffles, tasty omelets, and unbeatable sandwiches. It will set you back just $8.95.
📍Address: 6257 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago
27. Tweet, Edgewater
Tweet has already been named twice as the best Chicago brunch by the Chicago Reader. It has become an incredibly popular Chicago brunch spot while remaining modest and affordable.
Born in 2003 as the sister restaurant to Big Chicks, Tweet is nestled within a vintage art deco building. It serves a wide range of classic and non-traditional dishes in a comfortable but unique setting.
Almost everything on the menu is under $15, including delicious dishes like Eggs Florentine, Portabella Benedict, and Avocado Toast Platter. There are spectacular drinks in the form of sangrias, mimosas, craft beers, iced coffees, and iced teas. Oh, and not to mention, the service is superb.
📍Address: 5024 N Sheridan Road, Chicago