10 Best Brunches in Chicago

Arrive early at Lula Cafe, the hugely popular brunch spot that blazed a trail for the farm-to-table movement in Chicago. The sought-after cafe began life in 1999 as a modest operation with ‘a dented collection of thrifted pots and pans,’ but now stretches across 3 storefronts and has received a string of awards including the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand for culinary excellence at a fair price.

Despite its success, Lula Cafe retains its bohemian charm, and hungry customers can enjoy familiar dishes made with locally sourced farm fresh eggs, cornmeal from a local mill, and sustainably sourced fish and meat. When the time calls for it, there’s a great selection of wines, too.

Yolk boasts cafes across Chicago and several other US cities, but the South Loop branch is where it all began for the much-loved brunch spot. The 2006 opening enticed hungry locals with its bright, colorful decor and super-fresh food, and quickly expanded across the city and further afield.

Only the freshest eggs go into the famous omelets, frittatas, and waffles, but there’s plenty more on the menu, too. From a famous pot-roast benedict and breakfast mac ’n’ cheese to a wonderfully indulgent red velvet French toast, Yolk caters to every craving. With friendly service and a relaxed ambiance, it’s a favorite among families and groups of friends as well as solo diners looking for a hearty start to the day.

Inspired by the classic diners and soundtracked by 1960s and 1970s Chicago soul and blues, Dove’s Luncheonette serves up hearty food and delicious drinks every day. It’s open in the evenings 3 nights a week. The location in busy Wicker Park ensures a steady flow of customers, but it’s the innovative menu, from brisket hash and breakfast tacos to broccoli Caesar salad, that keeps locals coming back for more.

Take a seat at the 41-stool counter to enjoy an excellent morning coffee, mid-afternoon meal, or an after-dark drink from the extensive list of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails. Whatever time of day you call in here, it’s sure to be a memorable visit.

Serving up hearty breakfast and brunch dishes since 1923, the family-run Lou Mitchell’s is a welcoming diner located right next to the start of Route 66. It’s a firm favorite with locals and out-of-towners, all eager to soak up the old-world ambiance and sip a strong coffee as they browse the extensive menu.

The omelets here are famously fluffy, and other classic dishes include buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, corned beef hash with eggs and potatoes, and a variety of eggs benedict dishes. Freshly squeezed juices, gluten free pancakes, and egg-white omelets are lighter options, but it’s the friendly service and hearty staples that have made Lou Mitchell’s one of the most enduringly popular spots in town.

As the name suggests, Eggy’s Diner does a delicious line in enticing egg dishes, but there’s plenty more on the menu besides omelets and scrambles. The pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers keep folk coming through the doors all day long at a welcoming spot whose interior design calls to mind the homey diners of the 1960s.

The French toast is the stuff of local legend, and the corned beef skillet, chicken & waffles, and breakfast tacos are all prepared to perfection. Whatever you order, come hungry as portions are enormous across the board.

With a location close to Washington Square Park, Tempo Café attracts a mix of Chicago locals and guests from nearby hotels. It’s a warm and welcoming spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch and serves up some of the best fresh-squeezed OJ in town.

The build-your-own omelets are a popular order here: take your pick from a vast range of options ranging from meaty treats like chorizo and sausage to fresh green peppers, mushrooms, and jalapenos. Avocado toast and Belgian waffles are a hit too, and a range of gluten-free and vegan options means nobody will go hungry.

There are 3 branches of Meli Café in Chicago, all of which embrace the farm-to-table ethos of serving dishes made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The Greek Town branch is a standout thanks to its lively location and spacious lobby, but the outposts at River North and Printers Row share the same commitment to serving super fresh juices, hormone-free meat, and a wide range of vegan options.

Gluten-free customers are well catered for too, and this friendly neighborhood cafe and juice bar attracts hordes of hungry locals. If there’s a bit of a wait, don’t worry, you can order a mango mimosa and soak up the ambiance in the lobby until it’s time to take your seat.

The name of Kanela Breakfast Club comes from the Greek word for cinnamon, and you can expect a dash of spice with your order. Since the first branch of this 4-strong chain of lively neighborhood hangouts opened in 2010 at Lakeview, Kanela has expanded across town, picking up rave reviews along the way.

The emphasis is on organic ingredients, and ingredients like spiced feta add a Greek twist to the roster of crowd-pleasing omelets, bagels, and avocado toasts. And then there’s the titular cinnamon, which crops up in various guises among the breakfast bowls, waffles, and French toasts. Coffee is good and strong, as are the cocktails, which include an excellent Bloody Mary.

Get a dash of history with your hearty brunch at Chicago’s welcoming Pittsfield Café. The constantly popular spot is hidden away inside the Pittsfield Building, a 1920s skyscraper that was once Chicago’s tallest building. Today it’s an official Chicago landmark, but one which lies almost abandoned, blink and you could miss the entrance to Pittsfield Café.

It’s a hidden gem well worth seeking out, however. Along with the historic charm, you’ll find excellent lattes, a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, and an enormous breakfast and brunch menu that’s strong on local favorites like skillets with corned beef and American cheese. Should you want something stronger than coffee to wash it all down, there’s a wide choice of mimosas and Bloody Mary cocktails.

Founded in 1973 by Greek immigrants to Chicago, Nookies on Wells remains one of the most appealing places to eat in Chicago’s lively Old Town neighborhood. It’s a prevalent spot for leisurely weekend brunches, and tables beneath the trees on the outdoor patio are in high demand during the heat of summer.

The cozy interior offers a warm welcome at any time of year, and families with young children are particularly looked after by the friendly staff. Excellent coffee and crowd-pleasing local fare like chicken and waffles ensure a steady flow of repeat customers, while those with dietary restrictions can tuck into gluten free pancakes and a range of vegan options.