Chicago's brunch scene is legendary, and for good reason. Whether you're craving a classic eggs Benedict or something more adventurous, the city has a spot for every palate. As someone who's spent years exploring every corner of this city with clients and friends, I've put together my definitive list of the spots worth waking up for.
What Makes Chicago Brunch Special
There's something about a Chicago brunch that just hits different. Maybe it's the lake views, the buzzing energy of a weekend morning, or the sheer creativity of the city's chefs. Whatever it is, these spots capture the magic — and they're all in neighborhoods that make incredible places to call home.
Our Top Picks
1. Lula Cafe — Logan Square
A neighborhood institution that started the farm-to-table brunch movement in Chicago. Their seasonal menu changes constantly, but the quality never wavers. The Monday night prix fixe is legendary, but weekend brunch is where Lula truly shines. Try the Dutch baby pancake when it's on the menu — it sells out fast. 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.
2. Bongo Room — Wicker Park
Known for their over-the-top pancake presentations and creative twists on classic breakfast dishes. The white chocolate pretzel pancakes are legendary, and their seasonal specials — like the pumpkin spice French toast in fall — are worth the trip alone. There's also a South Loop location if you're exploring that side of town. 1152 S. Wabash Ave. (South Loop) / 2476 N. Milwaukee Ave. (Wicker Park)
3. Summer House Santa Monica — Lincoln Park
Bright, airy, and California-inspired. The avocado toast and fresh juices make it feel like a vacation without leaving the city. The space itself is gorgeous — all white wood, hanging plants, and natural light — making it one of the most Instagram-worthy brunch spots in Chicago. Don't skip the cookie counter on your way out. 1954 N. Halsted St.
4. Lark — West Loop
Upscale but unpretentious, Lark brings Mediterranean flair to brunch. The shakshuka is a must-order, and their house-made pita bread is impossibly fluffy. The West Loop location puts you steps from Randolph Street's restaurant row, perfect for a post-brunch stroll. 1397 W. Randolph St.
5. Big Jones — Andersonville
Southern-inspired brunch with dishes like shrimp and grits and beignets that transport you straight to New Orleans. Chef Paul Fehribach is a James Beard-recognized talent, and every plate reflects his deep knowledge of Southern foodways. The fried chicken and waffles here is the real deal. 5347 N. Clark St.
6. Kasama — Ukrainian Village
The first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the country runs a phenomenal brunch service. The longanisa breakfast plate and ube pancakes are unlike anything else in the city. Expect a line — it's worth every minute. 1001 N. Winchester Ave.
7. The Publican — West Loop
If you're a meat-and-beer person, The Publican's brunch is your happy place. Communal tables, farmhouse vibes, and dishes built around pork, oysters, and seasonal produce. The pork belly hash is a Chicago classic. 837 W. Fulton Market
8. Tweet — Uptown
A beloved neighborhood spot that's been serving some of the best breakfast in the city for years. Creative specials change daily, and they do an excellent job accommodating dietary restrictions. The huevos rancheros are a standout. 5020 N. Sheridan Rd.
9. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba — Lincoln Park
For a brunch that feels like a celebration, the tapas-style spread at Ba-Ba-Reeba can't be beat. Sangria flights, Spanish tortillas, and churros with chocolate make it feel like a mini vacation. Great for groups. 2024 N. Halsted St.
10. Au Cheval — West Loop
Yes, the wait is long. Yes, it's worth it. Known primarily for their legendary burger, Au Cheval's brunch brings the same meticulous attention to breakfast. The fried egg sandwich with dijonnaise is simple perfection. 800 W. Randolph St.
A Few More Worth Knowing
Luella's Gospel Brunch — Lincoln Square
Sunday brunch with live gospel music — it's exactly as joyful as it sounds. Luella's serves Southern-inspired brunch dishes (the chicken and biscuits are outstanding) while a rotating cast of gospel singers fills the room with energy. It's the kind of brunch experience you can't get anywhere else in the city. Reservations strongly recommended. 4609 N. Lincoln Ave.
Café Marie-Jeanne — Humboldt Park
A French-inflected neighborhood cafe that does brunch with restraint and precision. The menu is small and changes often, but everything is made with care — the soft scrambled eggs with herbs, the house-made sausage, the simple but perfect croissants. The space is tiny, so go early or be prepared to wait. Worth it. 1001 N. California Ave.
Aba — Fulton Market
Mediterranean brunch in one of the most beautiful restaurant spaces in the city. The shakshuka, whipped feta with warm pita, and Turkish eggs are all exceptional. The second-floor patio in summer is one of the best outdoor dining experiences in Chicago. 302 N. Green St.
Maple & Ash — Gold Coast
For a splurge-worthy brunch, Maple & Ash delivers. The "I Don't Give a Fork" tasting menu lets the chef choose for you, and it's consistently one of the most memorable brunch experiences in Chicago. The cocktail program is top-tier, and the Gold Coast setting is pure luxury. 8 W. Maple St.
Owen & Engine — Logan Square
A British-inspired gastropub that does a proper English breakfast alongside creative American brunch dishes. The full English with house-made sausages, beans, and black pudding is hearty enough to fuel an entire weekend. Great beer selection too, if you're in the mood. 2700 N. Western Ave.
Pro Tips
- Reservations are essential on weekends, especially at popular spots like Kasama, Lark, and Summer House. Most open their books on Resy or OpenTable — set alerts for high-demand spots.
- Go early — most spots start brunch at 10am, and the 10:30 slot is golden before the rush. By noon, every place on this list has a wait.
- Don't skip the cocktails — Chicago's brunch cocktail game is next level. Lula's seasonal cocktails, The Publican's beer pairings, and Aba's Turkish-inspired drinks are all standouts.
- Explore the neighborhood — every spot on this list is in a walkable neighborhood worth discovering. Post-brunch walks are how I've gotten to know some of my favorite blocks in the city.
- Be adventurous — the best brunch experiences come from ordering something you've never tried. Kasama's ube pancakes, Big Jones' beignets, and Owen & Engine's black pudding are all outside the typical brunch comfort zone, and they're all worth it.
- Weekday brunch exists — a few spots on this list (Lula, Cafe Marie-Jeanne, Aba) serve brunch on weekdays with zero wait. The best-kept secret in Chicago dining.
Why Brunch Neighborhoods Matter
I've learned something showing homes across Chicago: buyers who love to eat out end up in neighborhoods where the dining scene is part of daily life. The West Loop, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park — these aren't just neighborhoods with good restaurants. They're neighborhoods where the restaurant is the living room, where Saturday brunch is the weekly ritual, where you run into your neighbors over coffee and eggs.
Every brunch spot on this list is in a neighborhood worth living in. If any of these communities caught your attention — whether it's the West Loop energy or the Logan Square charm — I'd love to show you what's available. And if you're looking for more dining inspiration, check out my guide to where Chicago gets its coffee.