You want the best places to eat for the best brunch in Chicago without guesswork. You want strong coffee, bold plates of food, and a place that fits your mood. This guide does that. You get 15 proven restaurants pulled from late 2025 buzz, steady reviews, and local love.
Chicago is packed with styles. You’ll find Tex-Mex, Southern comfort, Korean twists, dim sum, farm to table, and vegan plates. You’ll hit Logan Square, Downtown, West Loop, Pilsen, and Andersonville. Expectations are clear. Some lines are long. Prices vary. Vibes shift by block.
This list shows you what to order, when to go, and how to avoid the wait. You also get quick picks by mood and tips to move faster. Brunch pros plan. You will too. Here is best brunch in Chicago made simple.
A sunny Chicago patio scene with brunch plates, coffee, and string lights. Image created with AI.
How to pick the right Chicago brunch this weekend
Start with vibe. Want a sunny patio, a sleek room, or a cozy cafe? Next, set a budget. Many spots sit at $$, a few reach $$$. Decide how you feel about a line. Some waits hit 45 to 90 minutes at peak. When picking the right brunch restaurants, consider these options.
- Best for short waits: m.henry, The Bongo Room, Southport Grocery.
- Best patios: Big Star, The Whale, Lula Cafe.
- Best Downtown near hotels: The Dearborn, South Water Kitchen, Remington’s.
- Best for vegans: Native Foods Cafe, The Chicago Diner.
- Best for groups: The Bristol, Girl & the Goat, Big Star.
Local timing matters. Chicago fills from 10 am to 1 pm on weekends when people eat brunch and breakfast. Arrive by 9 am for coffee and smoother starts. Many places use online queues. Join the list while you park or walk. If reservations exist, book a few days ahead. Walk in if you go early or late.
Parking shifts by area. Downtown garages help near the Loop and McCormick Place. Logan Square gets tight by late morning, so rideshare helps. West Loop has mixed lots and street parking. North side often feels easier.
Patio safety is real. Pack sunblock, a hat, and water. Shade changes fast. Hydrate and move to inside seating if you feel cooked.
Map tip: star picks in your maps app, then plan by cluster.
For extra planning help, scan the citywide lists on Eater Chicago’s brunch map and cross-check traveler ratings on Tripadvisor’s 2025 Chicago brunch guide.
Top 15 Chicago brunch spots for 2025-2026
These top brunch restaurants each list the neighborhood, what to order, price range, wait advice, and why it earns a spot. Scan for your vibe, then book, queue, or stroll in.
Paperboy (Logan Square): biscuit and chicken, soufflé pancake, rooftop
Paperboy draws lines because the food hits every time. Get the chicken biscuit with herby gravy, a soufflé pancake, and a pastry. The coffee is strong and clean. The rooftop brings bright sun and nice views.
Arrive by 9 am on weekends. Join the waitlist online if it’s open that day. Expect $$ per person. Parking gets tight by mid-morning, so rideshare helps. The space works for dates and small groups.
Service is friendly, plates come fast, and flavors stay sharp. That is why Paperboy keeps landing on top brunch lists year after year. You will talk about that biscuit all day.
Curious how locals rate it alongside other hits? Check this neighborhood-forward roundup from Chicago Food Adventures.
Mother’s Ruin (Logan Square): all-day brunch, late hours, bagel sandwich
Come for the McMother’s Bagel Sandwich and a golden hash. Stay for a late brunch that fits odd hours. The vibe is a casual bar, with easygoing service and fun drinks.
Most days are walk-in. You grab a table, then settle in. Price sits at $$. For shorter waits, try late morning or early afternoon on weekends. Nights can stay busy, but turnover stays decent.
It suits groups who want a chill seat and one more round. If you wake late, this spot saves your day. It is also on the radar of local roundups like Eater Chicago’s brunch list, which track new and steady players.
Bouldin Creek Cafe (Wicker Park): vegetarian hit, strong coffee
Bouldin Creek Cafe is a plant-friendly icon. Order the tofu scramble, a veggie Benedict, and a seasonal special. The coffee is bold, and people swear by it. The boho-chic interior design adds to the relaxed brunch appeal.
Expect $ to $$ per person. You may wait at peak time, but turnover is steady. The patio is relaxed and dog friendly. Staff stays kind and fast, even when the line looks rough.
It works for mixed diets because the menu covers a lot. Vegans eat well, so do meat eaters. That is rare and handy. Local guides often praise it for heart and consistency, like this take from Time Out Chicago.
Oseyo (Logan Square): Korean-inspired brunch with fresh flavors
Oseyo keeps flavors bright and clean. Try kimchi pancakes, a bibimbap with egg, and a few sides to share. Add a soju cocktail to round it out.
Price sits at $$. Book a reservation for weekend prime hours. The lot can fill, so give yourself time. Inside, the design feels calm, which fits a slow morning.
Korean flavors at brunch feel fresh in Chicago right now. This pick draws raves from local writers, including this note-filled guide by Local Food Guide.
Lin Asian Bar (West Loop): dim sum favorite, soup dumplings
If you want soup dumplings for brunch, go here. Add shrimp har gow and a few greens. The menu fits sharing, which is great for groups.
The price lands at $$ to $$$, based on how much you order. Brunch fills fast. Reserve ahead. The West Loop spot is walkable from many hotels. Service is quick, and quality is steady.
You will forget eggs and bacon while you chase steam baskets. It is a nice switch if your group wants something new near the Loop.
Qi (West Loop): dim sum and Asian plates, sleek room
Qi shares dim sum roots with a broader menu. Order dumplings, a crispy plate, and a classic with a twist. The space looks modern and polished, with sleek design that suits nicer plans.
Expect $$ to $$$. Book ahead on weekends. It works for birthdays and treat days. The feel is different from Lin. Qi bends more into fusion, with a wider circle of plates.
If you want Asian flavors but a mix beyond dim sum, this is your stop. It is also an easy walk from many West Loop hotels.
Cenote (Bucktown): easy counter service, pesto eggs, biscuit
Cenote is quick and calm. Grab the Cenote Scramble, pesto eggs, and a house biscuit. Coffee is a strength here, so get a pour-over or lattes. Do not miss the baked goods alongside.
Price sits at $. You order at the counter, then take your seat outside. The patio is big and relaxed. Families fit, and so do weekday laptops. Parking is easier than many Bucktown lots.
If you need a low-stress brunch morning, this is it. You will eat well without the fuss of a long line or a reservation.
Tamale House (Pilsen): classic Chicago breakfast tacos
You want tacos without the wait. Hit Tamale House. Order migas with a kick, then a bacon and egg taco. Add salsa to match your heat.
Price sits at $. You get food fast, which helps before a flight or a hike. Best early or mid-morning. Seating is limited at times, so plan to eat casual.
This is day one Chicago food. It is simple, fast, and always hits. You will leave happy and full after this hearty breakfast option.
Fresa’s (South Loop): wood-grilled chicken, strong patio energy
Fresa’s leans on smoke and spice. Get the achiote chicken plate, a round of breakfast tacos, and queso. The cocktails draw cheers in full sun.
Expect $$ per person. The patio is large and shaded, which is gold here. Good for kids and dogs. At noon on sunny days, waits pop up. Parking is decent for the area.
This is a social brunch spot. If you want space outdoors and easy group vibes, it shines.
El Naranjo (Little Village): chef-driven Mexican brunch
El Naranjo cooks with care. Order chilaquiles with a tidy crunch, huevos rancheros, and queso fundido. Sauces land balanced, with heat that builds clean. As the best new restaurant of 2017, it set a high bar for brunch excellence.
Price sits at $$ to $$$. Book for weekends. The room is calm, so take your time. If you love real Mexican flavors and not Tex-Mex, start here.
You will taste the work in each sauce. It is refined without being stiff.
Moonshine Grill (River North): Southern comfort and Sunday spread
Moonshine brings Southern comfort to the table. Get fried chicken and waffles or lean into the Sunday spread with French toast. Portions run big, and the historic room adds charm.
Price sits at $$ to $$$. Lines start early. Arrive before 10 am for a smoother path. Great for family visits and out-of-towners. River North parking can be tough. Try the nearby garages a few blocks away.
It is hearty, warm, and built for a happy crowd. Many traveler lists keep it high as the best brunch spot, including this 2025 Chicago brunch roundup.
Odd Duck (West Town): farm to table, seasonal plates
Odd Duck cooks Illinois produce with care and style at one of the top brunch restaurants. Order a few small plates to share and a seasonal brunch cocktail. Expect new combos that still taste familiar.
Price lands at $$$. Book weekends ahead. It suits food lovers who enjoy trying new plates. Service runs sharp. The room feels lively but not loud.
If you want a special brunch with local focus, this is your pick. It rewards curiosity every time.
Caroline (West Loop): all-day American with a rooftop option
Caroline covers many tastes. Order fresh breakfast plates like avocado toast, a hot sandwich, or a hearty salad. Upstairs at one of its central locations gives you rooftop drinks later.
Price sits at $$ per person. The spot is central, near hotels and the United Center. It is an easy choice for mixed groups. Reservations help during big events.
You can show up with coworkers, friends, or family. Everyone will find something that fits for brunch.
Cypress Grill (Lincoln Square): Cajun comfort, grits and biscuits
Cypress Grill serves Cajun comfort without the fuss. Get shrimp and grits, a hot biscuit, and a big omelet. The room is warm, and the staff knows regulars.
Price sits at $$. Parking is easier than downtown. It is great for families and a calm weekend. If you live north, this is a steady go-to for brunch.
It also scores well with travelers thanks to consistent plates and service, as seen in city lists like Tripadvisor’s 2025 Chicago brunch rankings.
True Food Kitchen (The Loop): fresh juices and lighter plates
You want lighter food that still satisfies. True Food Kitchen has you. Order an acai bowl, a fresh omelet, and a juice or spritz. Labels help if you avoid meat or seek gluten free options.
Expect $$ per person. The room is bright, and service is steady. Reservations help at lunch rush. It works for diners who prefer clean plates without heavy sauces.
You will leave full but not tired, which makes the rest of your day easier after this refreshing brunch.
Quick picks by vibe, diet, and area
Best patios and rooftops
- Fresa’s for shade and space
- Paperboy for the rooftop
- Cenote for a relaxed patio
- Caroline for rooftop drinks
Peak patio hours hit 11 am to 1 pm on sunny days. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and water.
Best vegetarian and vegan brunch in Chicago
- Bouldin Creek cafe
- True Food Kitchen
- Paperboy has solid options
These are some of the best brunch spots overall. Menus often mark vegan or gluten-free swaps. Confirm ingredients with staff if you have allergies.
Best downtown Chicago near hotels and the Capitol
- Lin Asian Bar
- Qi
- Caroline
- Moonshine Grill
Most are a 5 to 15 minute walk from major hotels. Use Convention Center or 2nd Street garages. Event days spike waits, so book early.
Best cheap and fast
- Tamale House
- Cenote
Typical tickets land under $15 to $20. Go before 9:30 am to beat the line.
Wrap-up
Pick by mood, then make a plan for time, wait, and sun. If you want a Downtown stroll, pair Caroline with a walk to the Capitol. If you want an East Austin patio day, start at Cenote, then hop to Paperboy or Mother’s Ruin. Share your favorite in the comments.
Menus, hours, and waitlists change often. Check them before you head out. You now have a clear map to Chicago brunch for 2025 and beyond. Make it a good weekend. If you want even more options, save this handy city guide on the best brunch in Chicago from Eater Chicago for your next trip.
Leave a Comment