the best brunch spots in chicago

The ultimate guide to brunch in the Windy City, plus a few mouthwatering dishes we can’t resist.

au cheval Best known for their burgers, dubbed one of the best in the counrtry, this spot serves up some of the richest fare in the city. Skip the mimosas and opt for something from their large selection of breakfast beers instead.

what to order: cheeseburger au cheval – A single cheeseburger featuring prime beef, a cheesy combo, fried egg, and a mouth-watering Dijonnaise sauce to seal the deal.

Au Cheval 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

avec A cozy spot featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a Midwestern influence, where diners can construct meals with unique shared plate combos.

what to order: breakfast pizza – topped with roasted potato, pancetta, pippara peppers, and sunny side up eggs

avec 615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

takito kitchen This Mexican spot is known for its complex flavors and hip interior (maple benches, cement bar, geometric lighting, and street art by local artists), not to mention their large selection of margaritas.

what to order: Pork Belly Sope – corn masa cake, hibiscus ghost pepper salsa, fried egg, arugula, and peanuts

Takito Kitchen 2013 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

the bristol A restaurant known for its hearty meat dishes, with brunch options that are just as filling. The short menu offers 8 different delicious options as well as sides and pastries. End your meal with the Big Cinnamon Roll topped with cream cheese frosting.

what to order: Hangover Breakfast – a rich pork broth with shrimp mousse, noodles, herbs, aromatic vegetables

The Bristol 2152 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

the kitchen A sunny “community bistro” located in the Chicago’s landmark Reid Murdoch building. This farm-to-table restaurant aims to create community through food.

what to order: Northern Lights Smoked Salmon Bruschetta – scrambled egg, chives, sprouts

The Kitchen 316 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

gather With a warm but contemporary interior, gather is known for their classic brunch fare cooked to perfection. Order one of their unique beverages – Watermelon Agua Fresca, Blueberry Lemonade, Ginger Lemonade, or Limeade. They’re freshly squeezed each morning and likely to run out quickly!

what to order: Benedict – poached‎ egg, irish bacon, truffle essence, bacon bits, hollandaise, english muffin, home fries

Gather 4539 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

flo The spot to satisfy your sweet tooth with a unique selection of breakfasts such as the Cocoa Pebbles French Toast, Bacon-Chocolate Pancakes, and Triple-Berry Zabione French Toast. Pair your meal with one of their brunch cocktails, like the PB&J or the Cinnamon French Toast.

what to order: Fruity Pebbles French Toast – classic french toast encrusted with Fruity Pebbles cereal topped with blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries

Flo 1434 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

feast For a classic brunch with plenty of sweet, savory, and healthy options, try one of their Adult Smoothies in 3 unique flavors – Love Juice, Fernet About It, or Cherry Berry. Too tired to make it to the restaurant? Feast delivers brunch as well.

what to order: Challah French Toast – blueberry-peach compote and crème anglaise

Feast 1616 N Damen Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60647

trenchermen Originally a 1920s bathhouse, Trenchermen is now a stunning, lively space with exposed brick walls and leather booths. Don’t skip their creative coffee program. Each month, Trencherman serves coffee from a different roaster. The kitchen creates a monthly pastry to go with the coffee, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind brunch experience.

what to order: Berkshire Pork Mortadella Sandwich – sunny side egg, cheddar, breakfast potatoes

Trenchermen 2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

kingsbury street cafe A kid-friendly spot for affordable brunch, in a bright and casual environment with plenty of hearty dishes that are sure to please.

what to order: Whole Wheat Carrot Pancakes – with maple cream cheese, pecans, and maple syrup

Kingsbury Street Cafe 1523 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

the publican A hip space inspired by a European beer hall, The Publican pays “homage to beer, pork, and oysters”. Sit down at their communal tables to enjoy two different brunch menus -one for Saturday and one for Sunday. Make sure to try a beer from their extensive list of global brews.

what to order: Saturday’s Waffles – with honey butter and raspberry jam

The Publican 837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

bellyq This trendy Asian BBQ restaurant serves classic brunch with an Asian twist, with options like Vietnamese Cinnamon Donuts, Korean Breakfast Tacos, and Breakfast Ramen.

what to order: Tea Smoked Duck Benedict – gai lan, Thai curry hollandaise, tempura egg

bellyQ 1400 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

travelle This chic spot located in the luxe Langham Hotel serves five types of eggs benedict. Don’t forget to ask about the off-menu options such as the BBQ octopus, black bean fries, and cornmeal dusted walleye.

what to order: Moroccan Benedict – lamb sausage, mint, and piquillo sauce

Travelle 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611