Five Great Chicago Brunch Spots

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To me, nothing beats brunch. It’s something I look forward to every weekend. I mean, really…what’s better than breakfast AND lunch?! I think Bess Pearson over at Belles and Bows, described it best. She said:

1. It just sounds classy.
2. Bacon.
3. It can be enjoyed in such a relaxed manner.
4. You can eat breakfast or lunch, contingent upon your mood.
5. Bacon.

Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to have champagne or Bloody Mary’s on a Sunday morning! I asked my friends on Facebook what they thought about brunch, and most agreed with me:

• “Brunch is the best!”
• “mmm…brunch”
• “I love me a good brunch”

And one  friend even said she and her husband were considering making Sunday brunch their new “date day.”

So without further ado, here are five great brunch spots in Chicago…

Bakin’ and Eggs

Bakin’ and Eggs is located in Lakeview, a north side neighborhood of Chicago. It has a relaxed, bright atmosphere and a clean layout. It has a modern, country feel with exposed brick and aluminium chairs. I’ll never forget the first time I went there, I ordered a bowl full of deliciousness! (It was the southern comfort bowl in case you’re wondering.) The menu isn’t extensive, but I’ve never been disappointed with a meal here.The staff is friendly, but waits can get long on weekends, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

Bongo Room

The best description I’ve ever heard of the Bongo Room is: “Just for plain unhealthiness, go to Bongo Room!” They have three different locations in Chicago – Wicker Park, the South Loop (not too far from AMLI 900), and Andersonville. It has been around since 1993 and their original concept was, “to serve fresh, seasonal breakfast and brunch in a unique way.” Their menu features savory, sweet, and sinful dishes from vegetarian croissant sandwich (one of the few items that has been on their menu since the beginning), to chocolate tower French toast – you’re sure to find something to please your palate.

Ann Sather

Let me start by saying, if you like a good cinnamon roll, Ann Sather is a must!  Hands down. The restaurant has a Swedish influenced menu, and they are known for their potato sausage and Swedish pancakes. They also have a variety of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and eggs Benedict. The staff is friendly and it’s a great place you can relax and enjoy a meal with your friends or family. There are a few locations in Chicago to choose from in the North Side neighborhoods of: Boystown, Lakeview, and Edgewater.

Little Goat

The Little Goat is a sister restaurant to Girl and the Goat (just across the street) and in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. If you’re a fan of breakfast, you’ll love Little Goat since it’s  served all day. Chicago Now contributor Rachel Loftspring, described the food at Little Goat as “creative, delicious, unique.” But it most definitely is not healthy. “Those in search of a wholesome, lean morning brunch should look elsewhere,” adds Loftspring. From dark chocolate chip crunch pancakes to fat Elvis waffles, to more traditional dishes such as biscuits and gravy, this place is a splurge, but worth it. Service is standard and crowds are large, so be prepared to wait a bit.

Hash House a Go Go

In the Gold Coast neighborhood (and not too far from AMLI River North), Hash House a Go Go was best described to me as “crazy extravagant for the waistline, but as a treat, AMAZING!”  They have everything from chicken and bacon-laced waffles to O’Hare of the dog, which is a 24-ounce Budweiser in a bag with a side of bacon. And the servings are large enough to feed a family of ten. Hash House has a casual atmosphere, although sometimes it can get loud, but it’s a great place to have brunch with friends and get a good laugh over just how much food you’re served. And if you don’t know what to order, just ask your server.

This is by no means an exhaustive list…just Google “Best brunch places in Chicago” and you’ll see what I mean. But this list includes some of this Chicago native’s (and her friends) favorites!

What is your favorite brunch spot? Share with us in the comments.