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Ready to brunch your way through the Windy City? Chicago’s breakfast and brunch spots serve up everything from towering pancakes to bottomless mimosas—perfect for lazy weekends or weekday pick-me-ups.
😍 If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
- Trendy brunch cafes with creative comfort food
- Classic diners serving hearty Midwest breakfasts
- Rooftop brunch spots with skyline views
- Chic spots offering vegan, gluten-free, and healthy options
- Popular brunch joints with bottomless mimosa and Bloody Mary specials
Unique Breakfast in Chicago, Illinois:
1. Indulge in Sweet and Savory Brunch at Batter & Berries
© Batter & Berries
Batter & Berries is a lively and eclectic café in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, beloved for its inventive breakfast creations, gourmet sandwiches, and vibrant, welcoming vibe. With exposed brick floors and playful décor, this BYOB spot is perfect for a fun brunch featuring bold flavors and sweet indulgences.
Recommended For: Brunch lovers, sweet tooths, and anyone looking for a BYOB breakfast experience full of flair and flavor.
- Indulge in signature caramel French toast with candied walnuts and maple butter.
- Try the crowd-favorite sweet potato waffles stacked with fried chicken and smothered in hot nutmeg sauce.
- Explore a menu packed with creative pancakes, fluffy omelets, and hearty lunch fare.
- Bring your own bubbly for DIY mimosas in a fun, relaxed café setting.
- Start your day at a buzzing Lincoln Park hotspot known for its bold breakfast flair.
Batter & Berries, 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 773-248-7710
2. Savor Greek-Inspired Morning Favorites at Kanela Breakfast Club
© Kanela Breakfast Club
Kanela Breakfast Club is a beloved local chain serving a fresh take on American breakfast with a Mediterranean twist. Popping up across Chicago, these cozy, unpretentious cafés are known for their buzzing energy, local organic ingredients, and modern Greek-inspired fare that elevates breakfast and lunch to something truly memorable.
Recommended For: Brunch adventurers, health-conscious eaters, and anyone craving bold Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed, neighborhood setting.
- Try the Goat Cheese Omelette with sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula, and toast.
- Order the standout Avocado Toast topped with pickled red onion, kale slaw, and vegan tartine.
- Enjoy locally sourced, organic ingredients in every delicious bite.
- Join the lively vibe of a buzzing café packed with happy brunch-goers.
- Explore a unique menu blending American classics with Greek-inspired flair.
Kanela Breakfast Club, 502 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-380-0071
Date Ideas:
3. If You Love Decadent Breakfasts, Treat Yourself at Bongo Room
© Bongo Room
The Bongo Room is a laid-back café on Milwaukee Avenue serving up fresh, seasonal breakfast and brunch fare in a bright, relaxed setting. Known for creative pancakes, hearty omelets, and flavorful scrambles, this Chicago favorite offers inventive morning bites at three locations across the city, seven days a week.
Recommended For: Brunch lovers, casual diners, and anyone craving inventive takes on breakfast staples in a chill, friendly atmosphere.
- Dig into breakfast burritos, croissant sandwiches, and vegetarian-friendly options made fresh to order.
- Savor rotating seasonal pancakes and French toast creations that change throughout the year.
- Choose from tomato scrambles, three-egg omelets, and stacked breakfast sandwiches.
- Enjoy your meal with freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of tea.
- Visit one of three locations across Chicago for all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
The Bongo Room, 1470 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 773-489-0690
4. Start Your Day with Comfort Classics at Breakfast House
© Breakfast House
Breakfast House is a welcoming, family-friendly restaurant on Grand Avenue serving homemade breakfast and lunch favorites with a flavorful twist. Known for its casual charm and diverse menu, this local gem blends American classics with Latin-inspired dishes, all paired with expertly brewed Intelligentsia coffee.
Recommended For: Families, casual brunch-goers, and anyone craving hearty comfort food with global flavor.
- Choose from breakfast staples like omelets, chicken and waffles, French toast, and cornmeal cakes.
- Spice it up with Latin-style plates like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and savory frittatas.
- Sip freshly roasted Intelligentsia coffee—espresso, macchiato, and more.
- Refresh with cold-pressed juices and a variety of imported teas.
- Relax in a casual, cozy space perfect for breakfast or lunch any day of the week.
Breakfast House, 1800 West Grand Avenue (at Wood Street), Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-997-2400
5. Dig Into Hearty Plates at Eggy's Diner
© Eggy's Diner
Eggy's Diner is a hip neighborhood café in Chicago’s Lakeshore East, designed by Karen Herold of 555 International to evoke a nostalgic 1960s “Mayberry” charm with a modern twist. Known for its fresh, feel-good fare and retro soda fountain vibes, Eggy’s serves all-day breakfast, lunch, and family-style dinners in a cozy, approachable setting.
Recommended For: Classic comfort food fans, retro diners, and anyone craving a stylish yet homey breakfast spot in the heart of the city.
- Dive into breakfast staples like eggs Benedict, omelets, and homemade pancakes.
- Treat yourself to hearty favorites like pastrami hash, biscuits and gravy, or chicken and waffles.
- Enjoy all-day dining made with fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients.
- Step back in time at a contemporary diner inspired by the charm of the 1960s.
- Relax in a bright, friendly space perfect for breakfast, brunch, or casual family dinners.
Eggy's Diner, 333 E Benton Place Suite 103, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 773-234-3449
6. If You Crave Retro Vibes and Big Flavors, Dine at Eleven City Diner
© Courtesy of Myst - Fotolia.com
Eleven City Diner is a nostalgic Jewish deli in Chicago’s South Loop, housed in a historic building that once served as a printing press and bank. With WWII-era music, glowing neon signs, and leather-button booths, this retro diner transports guests to the 1940s and 50s while serving up hearty deli-style classics with modern flair.
Recommended For: Deli lovers, nostalgic diners, and anyone craving comfort food in a vintage, upbeat setting.
- Dive into bowls of matzoh ball soup, golden latkes, and massive gourmet sandwiches.
- Feast on Reubens, melts, mac and cheese, and crisp fresh salads.
- Indulge in drinks from a vintage soda fountain, including house-brewed root beer and classic floats.
- Soak in the ambiance of neon lights, 1940s tunes, and timeless diner charm.
- Experience a South Loop staple blending Jewish deli tradition with a retro American twist.
Eleven City Diner, 1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-212-1112
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Why is Chicago considered a foodie’s haven?
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Chicago has become a foodie’s haven with a wide variety of award-winning places to wine and dine, and when it comes to breakfast and brunch, the city also delivers.
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What breakfast and brunch options are available in Chicago?
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Whether you are looking for the finest house-roasted coffee and a freshly baked muffin on the go or a long, lazy mimosa-laden Sunday brunch with friends, Chicago has a spot just for you.
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