Looking for the best brunch in Chicago? Look no further. Don’t miss these spots to get an amazing breakfast in the city.
Today, we’re talking about one of my most favorite things: brunch. Everybody loves a good weekend brunch—the week is over, the day is young, and the only the on the agenda is good food and a cocktail at an unacceptable time of day. What’s not to love?
I have so many favorite brunch spots in Chicago, that I thought I’d share them with you! (I’ve also been around the brunch block in Nashville, so stay tuned for a Nashville brunch roundup next!)
These are some of my favorites, whether you’re looking for a nice place to take your parents or a boozy brunch destination for a birthday party or other celebration.
Happy brunching!
Summer House Santa Monica
This is without a doubt my go-to brunch spot in Chicago. Go for The Original egg sandwich with avocado and a side of crispy hash browns. If you don’t order the breakfast sandwich, do yourself a favor and order an English muffin on the side. They’re made in house and are the BEST English muffins I’ve ever had. They even sell them in bulk, so you can take a bag home! And you can’t leave without grabbing a few treats on the way out. The chocolate chip rice krispie treat cookie is everything. My boyfriend Alex knows all too well that these cookies are the way to my heart.
Somerset
This new hot spot just opened last fall in the Viceroy Hotel. It’s super swanky and beautiful and v Instagram-worthy. I loved the Kale & Brussels Sprout salad with grapes, pecorino, cashew and a lemon mustard dressing, but the Avocado Toast and Crispy Chicken Sandwich also come highly recommended. (I also need to go back to try that grilled cheese.) Order a side of breakfast potatoes and a mimosa and you’ll never want to leave.
3 Arts Club Cafe
Whether you’re going for brunch or dinner (it’s lit up beautifully at night and has great date-night vibes!), this is another majorly Instagram-worthy place, from the draping trees to the big beautiful fountain, chandeliers and comfy seating. The wait is always obscene (be prepared to wait at least an hour, maybe even two or more), but you can grab a drink at the bar and stroll the Restoration Hardware showroom pretending to shop for your dream house for an afternoon well spent (as long as you aren’t starving or hungover, in which case, this is not your jam). Ordering the Truffled Grilled Cheese is not optional (the RH Scramble is another favorite), and save room for warm House-Made Chocolate Chip Cookies topped with ice cream.
Revolution Brewpub
This is one of my favorite hidden gems in the city. Everyone obviously loves Revolution beer, but I feel like the Brewpub doesn’t get the attention it deserves. They have the BEST food and it’s such a good atmosphere. ~*good vibes*~ all around. Their veggie burger is one of my faves in the city, but I literally dream about the Arugula Pizza and the House Pretzel. Skip the champagne and order a Beermosa for a breakfast-inspired brew.
Little Goat Diner
Venture over to the West Loop for Stephanie Izard’s take on classic breakfast foods. Little Goat has all the old-school diner feels and great outdoor seating and a rooftop when it’s nice out. I always go for the Spanish Omelette with a side of hash browns, but if you’re going all out, the Fat Elvis Waffles are epic. They also have a cute bakery and coffee bar if you’re in the neighborhood and want to pop bite for a quick bite and caffeine fix.
Dove’s Luncheonette
I still have yet to go to Dove’s Luncheonette, but my foodie friend Carly claims this as one of her favorite brunch spots in the city. According to their website, Dove’s “delivers Southern-inspired Mexican cuisine, alongside a tequila and mezcal-focused bar program, with the spirit of genuine hospitality.” Tequila + mexican-inspired brunch eats? Count me in. People die for the Chicken Fried Chicken, but Carly recommends going for whatever’s on special. They’re always delicious.
Fremont
I know what you’re thinking. This place is SO AGGRESSIVE. Like, club-vibes-before-noon aggressive. BUT if you’re looking for an all-out boozy brunch this is your place. It’s an all-you-can-eat, bottomless-mimosa situation, but unlike the rest, they actually keep the champagne coming and the food is surprisingly amazing. Whether you go the traditional eggs/hashbrowns/fruit route or go crazy with pizza and/or mac and cheese, the options are endless. Plus there’s a doughnut wall, and who doesn’t love that? Not a place for a family brunch by any means, but if you’ve got a big group and are celebrating a birthday, look no further.
What’s your favorite brunch spot in Chicago? Comment down below so I can try it out!
(All photos courtesy of each restaurant.)
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