For many Chicagoans, going out to breakfast or brunch is an important part of our daily or weekend routines. These restaurants rank among the best places for hearty starts in the Windy City.
(I also think it's fair to say that every single one of these recommendations is pretty kid-friendly should you have one or more of those in tow.)
Please note: I've listed the times these restaurants serve brunch and breakfast only. Some are open later and switch to lunch and/or dinner menus after breakfast.
(I also think it's fair to say that every single one of these recommendations is pretty kid-friendly should you have one or more of those in tow.)
Please note: I've listed the times these restaurants serve brunch and breakfast only. Some are open later and switch to lunch and/or dinner menus after breakfast.
1. Wishbone
© Jennifer Roche
1001 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL (312)850-2663 (West Loop)
Mon to Fri from 7am to 11am; Sat & Sun from 8am to 3pm
3300 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL (773)549-2663 (Lake View)
Mon to Fri from 8am to 3pm; Sat & Sun 8am to 2:30pm
6611 W. Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL (708)749-1295 (at FitzGerald's)
Wed to Fri from 8am to 11am; Sat & Sun from 8am to 3pm
Although I've eaten at Wishbone plenty of times, I've never quite understood what the "reconstruction" part of the "Southern Reconstruction" tag line means. I just know I love their cheese grits and corn muffins. I have found the food consistently better at the Lincoln Avenue location over the downtown one, though I've yet to try the new Berwyn spot.
Mon to Fri from 7am to 11am; Sat & Sun from 8am to 3pm
3300 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL (773)549-2663 (Lake View)
Mon to Fri from 8am to 3pm; Sat & Sun 8am to 2:30pm
6611 W. Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL (708)749-1295 (at FitzGerald's)
Wed to Fri from 8am to 11am; Sat & Sun from 8am to 3pm
Although I've eaten at Wishbone plenty of times, I've never quite understood what the "reconstruction" part of the "Southern Reconstruction" tag line means. I just know I love their cheese grits and corn muffins. I have found the food consistently better at the Lincoln Avenue location over the downtown one, though I've yet to try the new Berwyn spot.
2. Valois Restaurant
© Jennifer Roche
1518 E. 53rd Street, (773)667-0647 (Hyde Park)
Rumored to be Barack Obama's favorite breakfast spot and long promoted with the uncommon tag line "See Your Food." When I called to confirm their breakfast hours, the man who answered the phone said, "Til 4 o'clock. Every day. 79 years." Then he hung up. Need to know anything more to want to visit? I thought not.
Rumored to be Barack Obama's favorite breakfast spot and long promoted with the uncommon tag line "See Your Food." When I called to confirm their breakfast hours, the man who answered the phone said, "Til 4 o'clock. Every day. 79 years." Then he hung up. Need to know anything more to want to visit? I thought not.
3. Pauline's
1754 W. Balmoral, (773)561-8573 (Andersonville)Open every day, including holidays, from 7 am to 3 pm
The red-and-white checked atmosphere seems to make the eggs and pancakes taste even better.
4. Harmony Grill
3159 N. Southport, (773)525-2508 (Lake View)Mon to Fri 11am to 2:30pm, Sat and Sun 9am to 2:30pm
Located on the southern end of Schuba's, a popular bar and seven-night-a-week concert venue, it's easy to think this spot might be nothing more than a hangover recovery zone. But, you'd be wrong. It features satisfying American regional cuisine and home-made beignettes on the weekends.
5. Ann Sather's
909 W. Belmont, (773)348-2378 (Lake View)3416 N. Southport,(773)404-4475 (Southport Corridor)
3411 N. Broadway, (773)305-0024 (Lake View)
5207 N. Clark, (773)271-6677 (Andersonville)
Check website for hours
4 locations, one alderman. What began as a beloved pancake house in 1945 on Belmont by Chicago Scandinavian Ann Sather has morphed into a Chicago favorite now owned by 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney. Cinnamon rolls are a must-have here.
6. Clarke's Diner
2441 N. Lincoln, (773)472-3505 (Lincoln Park)Open and serving breakfast every day, 24 hours a day
Even in the middle of February, the fruit they serve is fresh and enticing. Big fluffy omelets. Consistently good food. Clouds painted on the ceiling. Choose this one over the Belmont location.
7. Tweet
5020 N. Sheridan Road, (773)728 5576Open 9am to 3pm every day but Tuesday
An updated twist on the classic, extensive menu breakfast place with an emphasis on organic ingredients.
8. Toast
© Jennifer Roche
746 W. Webster, (773)935-5600 (Lincoln Park)
Open daily from 8am to 2:30pm
Toast Two - 2046 N Damen Ave, (773)772-5600 (Bucktown)
Open daily from 8am to 2:30pm, til 3:30pm on weekends
Crowded and bustling, but consistently satisfying spots for morning meals.
Open daily from 8am to 2:30pm
Toast Two - 2046 N Damen Ave, (773)772-5600 (Bucktown)
Open daily from 8am to 2:30pm, til 3:30pm on weekends
Crowded and bustling, but consistently satisfying spots for morning meals.
9. Lou Mitchell's on Jackson
565 W Jackson Blvd, (312)939-3111 (Loop)Mon to Fri from 5:30am to 3pm; Sat & Sun 7am to 3pm
Downtown Chicago storefront with the pack-em-in diner experience and a complimentary box of Milk Duds. In business since 1923.
10. The Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash (312)291-0100 (South Loop) I>Mon to Fri from 8am to 2pm; Sat & Sun from 9am to 2pm
1470 N. Milwaukee (773)489-0690 (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Mon to Fri from 8am to 2:30pm; Sat & Sun from 9am to 2pm
So good that people wait in line outside on cold, cold days for just a glimpse of yummies like Smore Banana Pancakes and Chocolate Tower French Toast.