Best Brunch in Wicker Park Chicago: Your 2025 Guide

You want plates that hit fast and taste great. Wicker Park gives you both. Bold flavors, warm rooms, and easy transit make this area a weekend win.

You get best brunch in Wicker Park Chicago picks with what to order, price notes, and local tips. The six spots in this guide: Cafe Robey, Bongo Room, Big Star, Harvest Moon, Dove’s Luncheonette, and Amaru. You will see 2025 trends too. Think farm-to-table plates, Latin flavors, extended menus, and patios.

It is simple to reach. Ride the Blue Line to Damen, then walk a few blocks. Save time and skip guesswork. You will know where to go and what to get.

## Local favorites for the best brunch in Wicker Park

These spots are steady. Prices feel fair. The food is reliable, and the rooms are easy to like.

Bongo Room: creative pancakes and hearty plates

• Why you will like it: fun room, big flavor, and people who know pancakes.
• What to order: rich honey butter pancakes and breakfast combos. Check rotating specials.
• Price feel: affordable to moderate.
• Vibe: casual, busy, friendly staff.
• Best for: sweet tooth days, big portions.
• Tip: arrive early on weekends to cut your wait.

Dove’s Luncheonette: classic comfort near the Blue Line

• Why you will like it: comfort plates and fast access to the train.
• What to order: classic American brunch dishes like eggs alongside savory items, with generous portions.
• Price feel: affordable.
• Vibe: fun, laid back, music on.
• Best for: no fuss plates before or after a train ride.
• Tip: the location by Damen helps for quick meet-ups.

Big Star: tacos, patio seats, and brunch cocktails

• Why you will like it: bright flavors in this Mexican restaurant brunch, strong drinks, and a lively patio in warm months.
• What to order: tacos, brunch cocktails, and shareable sides.
• Price feel: moderate.
• Vibe: hip, casual, great for groups.
• Best for: sunny days, margaritas, and easy plates to share.
• Tip: expect a wait at peak hours. Add your name and stroll nearby.

Fresh and creative brunch picks to try in 2025

These spots bring new ideas and seasonal brunch menus. You get global flavors, smart plates, and a nice pace. Some offer all-day brunch.

Cafe Robey: all-day brunch, seasonal comfort food

• Why you will like it: fresh plates with local ingredients, clean flavors, and globally-inspired dishes like Shakshouka.
• What to order: seasonal comfort food that avoids heavy traditional French classics, delicious croissants, and artisan coffee.
• Price feel: moderate; brunch runs all day on weekends.
• Vibe: cozy space with an open kitchen and street views.
• Best for: relaxed meals as a casual brunch option, weekday brunch, and people watching.
• Tip: a strong pick when you want brunch outside the rush.

Harvest Moon: new farm-to-table plates with a twist

• Why you will like it: local produce and a warm, modern room.
• What to order: sweet potato waffles and plates with Eastern European notes.
• Price feel: moderate to slightly higher.
• Vibe: sleek, calm, date friendly.
• Best for: a fresh spot that feels special without fuss.
• Tip: book ahead for prime times. It is a newer hit.

Amaru: Pan-Latin brunch with bold flavor

• Why you will like it: Latin American plates with style from across the region.
• What to order: Pan-Latin brunch dishes like signature arepas with elegant presentation.
• Price feel: moderate to slightly higher.
• Vibe: warm, modern, colorful plates.
• Best for: flavor fans and small groups who like to share.
• Tip: pair plates with a bright cocktail, or go zero proof if you prefer.

What to order and how to budget your brunch

You want the right plate for your mood and wallet. Use these quick tips tied to the spots above. While traditional Jewish classics like bagels, matzo ball soup, and babka are typically found elsewhere for regional variety, these recommendations help you mix sweet and savory without overspending.

Sweet plates and pancakes that hit the spot

• If you want sweet: go to Bongo Room for rich pancakes or French toast.
• Want balanced sweet: try Cafe Robey seasonal items.
• Share a sweet plate and a savory plate to keep costs in check.

Eggs, comfort plates, and savory picks

• Hearty comfort: Dove’s Luncheonette serves classic American plates like brisket hash.
• Seasonal savory: Cafe Robey offers simple, fresh dishes.
• Farm focus: Harvest Moon leans seasonal; the sweet potato waffle gives a savory sweet mix.

Latin flavors, tacos, and shareable bites

• Bright and casual: Big Star for tacos and sides.
• Pan-Latin flair: Amaru for a wider range of Latin plates like huevos rancheros.
• Share two or three dishes for variety without overspending.

Coffee, cocktails, and zero-proof sips

• Strong coffee: Cafe Robey.
• Brunch cocktails: Big Star and Amaru, where a classic Bloody Mary is a popular choice.
• Save money: choose coffee or a mocktail and split a starter.

Plan your Wicker Park brunch like a local

Avoid long waits with a smart plan. Keep it simple. You will eat sooner, and you will enjoy more.

Best times to go and wait tips

• Aim for before 10 am or after 1:30 pm on weekends to dodge the brunch wait line.
• Weekdays are calmer at Cafe Robey since it serves all day.
• Add your name, then browse shops on Milwaukee to pass time.

Reservations, lines, and walk-ins

• Check if your pick takes reservations and review their booking policies, since newer spots fill fast.
• If walk-in only, go with a backup choice nearby or join the waitlist for queue management.
• Small groups seat faster for group dining. Split large parties when needed.

Getting there and parking made simple

• Take the Blue Line to Damen for fast access.
• Street parking can be tight. Allow extra time.
• Use a rideshare if you plan to drink.

After-brunch ideas steps from your table

• Shop and people watch on Damen and Milwaukee.
• Grab coffee and walk the Six Corners area.
• If weather is nice, pick an outdoor dining spot and linger.

Quick picks by mood

You want a fast match for your day. Use this list.

• Bongo Room: sweet plates and pancakes, go here.
• Dove’s Luncheonette: classic comfort and easy transit.
• Big Star: tacos, patio, strong drinks, and bottomless mimosa options.
• Cafe Robey: all-day ease and seasonal comfort.
• Harvest Moon: a new date spot with farm fresh plates.
• Amaru: bold Latin flavor with style.

Check hours, lines, and menus before you go. Consider trying two places over two weekends. Tell me your favorite dishes in the comments. Join the newsletter for more Chicago brunch guides and updates. While Chicago holds its own in the brunch scene, it stacks up well against the competitive landscape of city dining, from the Best Brunch in Brooklyn to vibrant Williamsburg brunch options and the best brunch spots NYC has to offer.