Top Picks For Springtime Brunch Spots
via Yolk
There’s something about the warming weather and flowers blooming that makes a brunch outing all the more desirable. Whether it’s a quick weekday escape from the office or a lavish + boozy soiree, you’re sure to be in for a delicious time with these hot brunch destinations around the city:
Yolk. {Multiple Locations}
With a name like ‘Yolk’ you already know that delicious breakfast food is in store! Yolk has four locations throughout Chicago (South Loop, Streeterville, Ogilvie Station + Marina City), each boasting spacious interiors adorned with their signature yellow color. Yolk is a favorite for family and group outings thanks to its expansive and approachable menu, highlighting all your favorite brunch classics (think pancakes, scrambles, benedicts + more) as well as rotating seasonal dishes and house-brewed coffees. Breakfast + brunch are available daily at all 4 locations from 7am-2:30pm.
Highlights include:
Cinnamon Roll or Very Berry French Toast
Breakfast Mac & Cheese
via Ox Bar
Ox Bar & Hearth {1578 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.763.2222}
Ox Bar & Hearth, located in the former home of The Golden Ox, is one of Lincoln Park’s hottest new additions. Their Midwestern comfort-focused menu centers on seasonal, local fare cooked over an iconic wood-burning hearth. Ox Bar’s Sunday brunch is fresh and eclectic, highlighting elevated takes on all your morning favorites along with a special brunch cocktail list. Brunch is available exclusively on Sunday from 10am-1:30pm.
Highlights include:
Monkey Bread
Braised Lamb Hash
Smoked Trout Dip
Stax Cafe {Multiple Locations}
Stax Cafe is a family-owned and operated breakfast + lunch destination that has been a Chicago staple for over 15 years. With two locations, in River West and near the UIC campus, both boast spacious interiors and River West has a sidewalk patio.
Stax’s menu has something for everyone in the family to enjoy, with seasonal specials, a kids’ menu serving up Mickey Mouse pancakes, brunch favorites, sweet + savory breakfast entrees and a full lunch menu. Brunch is available daily from 7am-3pm on weekdays and 7am-3:30pm on weekends.
Highlights include:
Cookie Butter Pancakes
Braised Beef Brisket Hash
Lula Cafe {2537 North Kedzie Boulevard, Chicago, IL; 773.489.9554}
Lula Cafe is a renowned and beloved culinary staple in the Logan Square neighborhood led by James Beard finalist, Chef Jason Hammel. What started as a tiny hole in the wall has evolved into a restaurant spanning three storefronts. Enjoy seasonal brunch, lunch + dinner fare including a variety of vegetarian and vegan offerings. Lula’s brunch menu is creative, flavorful and always fresh, with rotating pastries, classic brunch specialties and seasonal delights. Brunch is offered Wednesday-Monday from 9am-3pm.
Highlights include:
Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito
Spring Crêpe
via Roux
Roux {1055 East 55th Street, Chicago, IL; 773.770.4785}
Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park next to the UC campus, Roux is a New Orleans-inspired all day breakfast destination from Chef Charlie McKenna. Their house-made pastries are baked fresh daily and their coffee is sourced from local Chicago roaster, Sparrow Coffee. In true Southern fashion, Roux’s fresh beignets and biscuits and grits are the stars of the menu, but don’t forget to save room for dessert, because Roux also serves up house-made pies, made fresh daily and sold by the slice. Brunch is available daily starting at 7am.
Highlights include:
Fresh Beignets
Stone Ground Grits
Fried Green Tomato Tartine
Little Goat Diner {3325 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.819.7673}
Little Goat Diner recently moved from the West Loop to Lakeview but has kept its cult following of diners thanks to an insanely delicious menu brought to you by famed Chef Stephanie Izard. Staying true to its ‘diner’ roots, Little Goat offers an all day breakfast along with more substantial lunch + dinner options and a dessert menu that will make every sweets lover swoon. The bright, welcoming atmosphere and approachable menu (and exclusive kid’s menu!) make it a great spot for all ages, especially family outings! Brunch is available daily from 8am-9pm.
Highlights include:
‘This Little Piggy’ Breakfast Sandwich
Ooey Gooey Cinnabiscuit (baked fresh daily!)
Nutella Pancakes
via Spinning J Bakery
Spinning J Bakery {1000 North California Avenue, Chicago, IL; 872.829.2793}
Prepare to be transported back in time with a visit to Spinning J Bakery, where vintage furniture, retro vibes and an old-school soda fountain await inside. The bakery has been a favorite in the Humboldt Park neighborhood for over a decade, serving up an extra dose of nostalgia in their all-day breakfast offerings, house-made sodas and mouthwatering shakes. Breakfast + brunch are available Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-3pm.
Highlights include:
The Spinning J Breakfast Sandwich (rated one of Chicago’s best breakfast sandwiches!)
Roasted Poblano + Chipotle Sandwich
Wake 'n Bacon {420 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.880.5100}
Equal parts delicious brunch food and Instagram-worthy backdrop, Lakeview’s Wake n’ Bacon is the ‘it’ destination for an epic outing with the gals; picture colorful hanging florals, bright brunch delights and trendy cocktails. Their international menu showcases a variety of American, Asian and Latin flavors with a cocktail list that’s sure to turn your normal brunch into ‘boozy brunch’ in no time. Brunch is available daily from 8am-4pm.
Highlights include:
Bacon Flight
Spiced Maple Chicken n’ Waffle
Batter & Berries {Multiple Locations}
French toast lovers, this one’s for you. Batter & Berries, with locations in Lincoln Park and the South Loop, has been voted ‘Best Brunch in Chicago’ and is home to the famous French Toast Flight! Their no frills no fuss restaurants are BYOB, walk-in only and are always bustling with lively conversation and good vibes. Batter & Berries may be famous for their knock-out, seasonal french toast, but their menu also offers a variety of other brunch + lunch options to dig into. Brunch is available daily from 8am-3pm Friday-Monday and 9am-2pm Tuesday-Thursday.
Highlights include:
French Toast Flight: Strawberry, Blueberry, Lemon & Caramel
Apple Belgique Waffles
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager