Best Brunch in Chicago: Top 18 Chicago Spots (2025, 2026)

You want great eggs, good coffee, and no regrets. This guide keeps it simple. You will find the best brunch in Chicago for 2025 and 2026, grouped by vibe so you can pick fast.

You will see must-order dishes, price cues, wait tips, and who each brunch restaurant fits. Weekend waits can get long. Go early, go late, or go on weekdays to save time.

Use this like a menu. Skim the groups, match your mood, location, and budget. You will see favorites across the West Loop, Logan Square, Wicker Park, River North, Ukrainian Village, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, Andersonville, and Bucktown. You will spot gluten free options and veggie picks, plus notes on bottomless drinks, patios, kids, and dogs.

The picks here share one thing in common, steady praise, great food, good value, and recent buzz. Bookmark this for your next trip or easy local weekend to eat brunch and breakfast in Chicago.

A cozy Chicago brunch table with beignets, shrimp and grits, and coffee in a warm, bustling restaurant interior. Image created with AI. ## Chicago classics you should try first

These legends still hit in 2025. Start here, then roam.

Brenda’s French Soul Food (West Loop): beignets and shrimp and grits

Vibe: Lively, loud, and warm, with plates that hug you back.
Must-order: Beignets flight, shrimp and grits. Add red beans and rice.
Price: $$, big portions, easy to share.
Wait: Lines stay steady on weekends.
Tip: Join the list and grab coffee. Early is smart.
Best for: Comfort food fans, groups, and anyone who loves butter.
Nearby: Art Institute of Chicago or a Loop stroll.

Curious how it stacks up citywide? See Eater’s running hit list in The Best Places to Eat Brunch in Chicago Right Now.

Foreign Cinema (Logan Square): stylish brunch in a courtyard setting

Vibe: Film reels, string lights, and grown-up Logan Square energy.
Must-order: Oysters, seasonal eggs plate. Ask about the pop tart.
Price: $$$.
Wait: Reservations help, especially for the courtyard.
Tip: Book a later slot for softer light and fewer kids.
Best for: Birthdays, date days, and celebrations.
Nearby: Logan Square murals, Milwaukee Avenue shops.

Sweet Maple (Wicker Park): Millionaire’s bacon and big stacks

Vibe: Casual, busy, and friendly, with plate envy at every table.
Must-order: Millionaire’s bacon, thick pancakes.
Price: $$.
Wait: Fast-moving, yet long on weekends.
Tip: Coffee first, then join the list. Weekdays are smooth.
Best for: Families, hearty eaters, and hangover fixes.
Nearby: Damen Avenue stores.

You can compare crowd faves and wait tips on the Yelp best brunch in Chicago list.

Pat’s Cafe (River North): classic diner plates near the Loop

Vibe: Simple room, warm service, and quick turn.
Must-order: Waffles, eggs, and crispy hash.
Price: $.
Wait: Easier if you go early.
Tip: Eat before the Loop crowds show up.
Best for: Early birds, families, and budget wins.
Nearby: Willis Tower steps or a riverwalk.

New and hot for 2025: Chicago spots worth the wait

Fresh buzz, dialed plates, and bright rooms you will want to linger in.

Caché (West Loop): French brunch with crepes and mussels

Vibe: Airy, sunny, and a little chic, marble touches included.
Must-order: Savory crepe, classic Benedict, avocado toast, mussels marinière.
Price: $$ to $$$.
Wait: Book if you can, or go early.
Tip: Split a sweet crepe for dessert.
Best for: Dates, small groups, and pastry fans.

Early to Rise (Logan Square): scratch-made comfort with a Southern twist

Vibe: Cozy with stained glass, warm chatter, and boho-chic interior design.
Must-order: Fried chicken, peach cobbler French toast, biscuits.
Price: $$.
Wait: Lines on weekends, joins the list early.
Tip: Grab coffee nearby and watch the queue.
Best for: Comfort seekers and biscuit lovers. This spot was rated the best new restaurant of 2017.

Check current tables on the OpenTable guide for best brunch restaurants in Chicago. It includes Early to Rise and many more.

Mayaflor (Wicker Park): French bistro plates and a cozy patio

Vibe: Cute, relaxed, and neighborly with heaters outside.
Must-order: “Miracle” pancakes, crispy home fries.
Price: $$.
Wait: No reservations, waits can build.
Tip: Bring a light layer for patio seating.
Best for: Couples and friend catch-ups. Dog friendly.

Lucuma Kitchen & Bar (Lincoln Park): farm-to-table brunch with cocktails

Vibe: Bright plates, clean lines, and easy weekend pace with thoughtful design.
Must-order: Seasonal veggie hash, a fresh fish dish, or chef’s pastry.
Price: $$ to $$$.
Wait: Book ahead if you have a group.
Tip: Ask about weekly specials.
Best for: Groups and relaxed long brunches.

Global flavors that make brunch fun

Spice, color, and new cravings. Share plates and try a drink that fits.

Abacá (near Fisherman’s Wharf): Filipino-Cal plates with ube treats

Vibe: Light-filled with a patio feel and bright plates.
Must-order: Stuffed French toast, and baked goods like the ube milk bun.
Drink pick: Tropical spritz or a house cocktail.
Price: $$$.
Wait: Book when you can, or go off-peak.
Tip: Order one extra pastry for the table.
Best for: Groups who like to share and want color.

For more context on city favorites, check The Infatuation’s guide to the best brunch spots in SF. Kitchen Story fans, you are seen.

Aziza (Outer Richmond): Moroccan brunch with warm spices

Vibe: Calm room, kind service, and layered flavors.
Must-order: Tagine-style plates, spiced egg dishes.
Drink pick: Mint tea or a citrus cocktail.
Price: $$$.
Wait: Reserve for prime times.
Tip: Ask staff to guide heat level if needed.
Best for: Special days and flavor seekers.

Alem’s Coffee: A comfortable cafe with Eritrean flavors and standout coffee

Vibe: Friendly, relaxed, and caring, with bold coffee.
Must-order: Eritrean-inspired plates, creative bites.
Drink pick: House special brew.
Price: $.
Wait: Easy pace, solo friendly.
Tip: Pair a savory plate with a second cup.
Best for: Quiet meets and solo brunch.

Cote Ouest: French-inspired seasonal brunch

Vibe: Bright, neighborhood bistro with easy charm.
Must-order: Seasonal egg plate, market salad.
Drink pick: A light sparkling wine.
Price: $$ to $$$.
Wait: Book popular times.
Tip: Share a dessert with coffee.
Best for: Slow meals and small groups.

Cozy neighborhood spots locals love

Cozy neighborhood places for brunch and breakfast offer easy mornings, less fuss, great food. Perfect for a calm start.

Mymy (Nob Hill): soufflé pancake and corned beef hash

Vibe: Tight room, friendly staff, steady flow.
Must-order: Soufflé pancake, corned beef hash.
Drink pick: Five mimosa flavors keep things fun.
Price: $$.
Wait: Arrive early and be ready to squeeze in.
Service: Full service.
Best for: Small groups and pancake fans.

Local chatter backs it up. See what people say in this Reddit thread on favorite SF brunch spots.

Eight AM: all-day breakfast favorites done right

Vibe: Sunny smiles, quick service, and clean plates.
Must-order: Pancakes, breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese; the acai bowl adds healthy variety to the breakfast lineup.
Drink pick: Fresh juice or lattes.
Price: $.
Wait: Moves fast, great for families.
Service: Full service with a diner pace.
Tip: Ask about off-menu add-ons.
Best for: A no-stress brunch.

Travelers love it too. You can peek at reviews on Tripadvisor’s SF brunch list, where Eight AM ranks well.

Brit Finnegan: quiet brunch for solo time or a calm catch-up

Vibe: Unhurried and low noise, with steady plates.
Must-order: Simple egg plate with greens, a seasonal sweet.
Drink pick: A light spritz.
Price: $$.
Wait: Usually gentle.
Service: Full service at this cafe, friendly staff.
Tip: Pick a window seat if you like people-watching.
Best for: Reading, light work, and calm talks.

Brunch with views, patios, and bottomless picks

Come for the scene, stay for the stacks and sips.

Cindy’s Rooftop (Loop): skyline views and seafood plates

Vibe: Wide lake views, relaxed beats, and fresh air.
Must-order: Crab Benedict, fish and chips, or a seasonal omelet.
Drinks: Cocktails lean bright and beachy.
Price: $$ to $$$.
Wait: Book outdoor tables when the forecast is clear.
Best seat: Patio facing the city, wind can pick up.
Photo tip: Shoot toward the skyline in late morning light.

This spot often appears on city roundups for its prime locations, along with other Loop picks on ChicagoEatsGuide’s brunch guide.

Riva Crabhouse (Streeterville): by-the-water brunch

Vibe: Historic waterfront energy with a calm dining room.
Must-order: Dungeness crab omelet, chowder with a side salad.
Drinks: Solid coffee and coastal cocktails.
Price: $$.
Wait: Reserve during peak travel weeks.
Best seat: Near a window for a break from the crowds.
Photo tip: Snap a quick shot outside near the historic signs.

The Bongo Room (Wicker Park): bottomless brunch with brown sugar pancakes

Vibe: Loud, fun, and social, with stacks everywhere.
Must-order: Brown sugar pancakes, a spicy scramble, millionaire’s bacon cousin.
Drinks: Bottomless on weekends, pace yourself.
Price: $$.
Wait: Expect a line at prime hours.
Tip: Set a safe ride plan if you go bottomless.
Best seat: Inside mid-room for easy staff access.
Photo tip: Pancake stack from a top angle.

Quick cheat sheet: timing and tips

GoalBest MoveBackup PlanAvoid long waitsGo before 10 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m.Try weekdays, or join the listCourtyard or patio seatingBook ahead, check weatherBring a layer, request heatersBottomless with friendsNorth Side spot, plan a safe ridePace drinks, order extra platesFamily brunchDowntown diners, North Side cafesSplit big plates to saveDate dayRiver North venues, West Loop bistrosAsk for quieter seating

Final bites

Here is your two-day plan. Day 1, do the West Loop or Wicker Park for energy and buzz. Day 2, Navy Pier or the lakefront for views. Reserve where you can, or line up early. Check hours and menus, since they change. For a fast scan of current hot spots to eat brunch and breakfast, save Eater’s map here: Chicago’s best places to eat right now.

Use this checklist before you book: