15 Places for the Best Brunch in Chicago

Are you looking for places that serve the best brunch in Chicago? If the answer is yes, then we have the perfect list of the best brunch places in Chicago for you to explore.

Visiting Chicago is one of the best Midwest weekend getaways, especially for foodies.

There are lots of places to explore in Chicago such as amusement parks, museums, public art, and more.

And before you begin your day of exploration, you will want to have a great breakfast or brunch to fuel up your energy.

Thankfully, there are many amazing Chicago brunch spots that you can check out.

Whether you are looking to hang out with your besties, enjoy a Sunday fun activity, or wish to cure a hangover, brunch is the perfect way to start your day.

In this article, we have listed some of the best brunch places that you can easily find in Chicago. So, read on to know about the 15 places for the best brunch in Chicago!

15 Places for the Best Brunch in Chicago

Lula Cafe

One of the best brunch places in Chicago, Lula Cafe offers a relaxed and warm environment to the guests and is a favorite of both locals and tourists.

This long-established place is perfect for the best weekday brunch in Chicago and offers both a dining room and a patio that allows visitors to look at the square as they enjoy their meal.

Another great thing about this cafe is that they prepare food using locally-sourced ingredients.

A few top dishes to try here for brunch are breakfast burrito, French toast with cranberry compote, bruschetta, and more.

Plus, they also serve vegan and gluten-free options as well, so the cafe is well-suited for all kinds of eaters.

Honestly, if you are looking to try the best brunch in Chicago, you cannot go wrong with Lula Cafe.

Cindy’s Rooftop

Are you looking for a place to enjoy the best brunch in downtown Chicago? If yes, then you should check out Cindy’s Rooftop.

Located inside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, this is the perfect eatery for anyone who wishes to enjoy a rooftop brunch in Chicago.

The rooftop restaurant and the open-air terrace here offer stunning views of Millenium Park, Lake Michigan, Cloud Gate, and more.

Apart from the wonderful views, this place is quite famous for its seasonal fares and award-winning cocktails as well.

So, if you want an amazing view with your food, then do visit Cindy’s Rooftop as they offer the best rooftop brunch in Chicago!

Maple & Ash

Are you looking for an upscale boozy brunch in Chicago? If yes, then check out Maple & Ash.

This restaurant is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse and the menu is prepared by a two-Michelin-star Chef Danny Grant.

You can get classic wood-fired dishes here along with a good selection of wines.

Most importantly, the chandeliers and the velvet booths fitted at this establishment give the guests a feel of luxury brunch. If you also want to brunch in style, then do visit Maple & Ash.

Batter & Berries

One of the best Chicago brunch spots that opened in 2012 and offers an upbeat ambiance with a good selection of dishes is the Batter & Berries.

One of the most amazing things about this brunch restaurant is that they use locally sourced ingredients to prepare all their dishes.

So, whether it is handmade sausages, freshly shredded potatoes, etc., you will find everything prepared using fresh and authentic ingredients and methods.

They collaborate with local artisans for a lot of their dishes which is what sets them apart from other brunch restaurants in Chicago.

If you do plan a visit to this restaurant, then make sure to try their French Toast which is available in four flavors – blueberry, strawberry, caramel, and lemon.

With its delicious breakfast options, bright floral decor, and amazing service, Batter & Berries is one of the top places for eating the best brunch in Chicago.

Lou Mitchell’s Is One Of The Best Places For Brunch In Chicago

Lou Michell’s is one of the oldest Chicago brunch spots which opened in 1923 and is quite famous for its breakfasts and brunches.

This restaurant began with Uncle Lou who specialized in breakfasts, brunches, and lunches before it was passed to his son, Lou Mitchell.

One of the most fun things about this place is that they offer a lively and fun ambiance to the guests.

In fact, they have even mentioned on their website that they have poured enough cups of coffee to fill up the Chicago River and made pancakes to fill the Wrigley field.

Talk about experience, right? You can expect old-school dining here with a wide selection of brunch options such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, and more.

So, if you wish to experience brunch at one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago, then Lou Mitchell is a perfect choice.

For The Best Brunch In Chicago Head To Hub 51

If you are looking for a fun place to hang out where you can get bottomless mimosas in Chicago, then Hub 51 is the place to go.

This spot offers the best bottomless brunch in Chicago and is the ultimate restaurant to cure your hangover.

From delicious dishes like breakfast nachos to honey butter and sweet potato fries, they have everything here.

Moreover, you can add bottomless mimosas to your purchase for an additional $28 and have a wild brunch with your friends.

They also have a DJ soundtrack that fits perfectly with the weekend party mood.

Are you looking for a place where the fun never ends? Then, you should definitely plan a visit to Hub 51 for the free-flowing booze!

Etta – River North

Do you wish to try Italian dishes for brunch? If yes, then Etta offers the best outdoor brunch in Chicago that you must try.

Located in River North, this brunch spot features a laid-back environment and offers outdoor dining options to visitors as well.

So, whether you are hanging out with friends or meeting a date for brunch, Etta is well-suited for everything.

In this brunch Chicago River north eatery, you will find an expansive menu that includes wood-fired dishes along with a good selection of drinks.

A few dishes that are a must-try here are Etta Chopped – salad with smoked salmon, Huevos Ranchero, and Focaccia bread.

Honestly, if you are looking for a chill and fun place to go on a brunch date, then Etta is a perfect choice.

Summer House Santa Monica

One of the best brunch restaurants in Chicago is Summer House Santa Monica which is a perfect place to visit throughout the year.

This Chicago brunch restaurant features a bright and airy ambiance with coastal decor and a giant glass roof. Making it unique from other brunch spots in the city.

Moreover, they have a SoCal-inspired menu and several avocado dishes that guests will enjoy.

From breakfast burritos to avocado toast, to pastries, there is no shortage of delicious brunch dishes to find at this restaurant.

This restaurant is one of the best places to meet up with your friends and start the week the right way.

So, if you are planning for a weekday brunch in Chicago, then do check out Summer House Santa Monica.

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The Publican

Are you looking for the best brunch restaurants in Chicago? If yes, then you cannot miss out on brunch at The Publican.

This place offers outdoor brunch in Chicago in a hip setting with communal tables.

That doesn’t mean they only have outdoor seating though, there is enough space inside as well along with a bar counter where you can hang out with friends.

Their eclectic menu includes a good selection of seafood including oysters and other meat options.

They also serve vegetarian options as well so you don’t have to worry about it being just a place for seafood and meat lovers.

Overall, The Publican is a hip place to enjoy brunch in the city.

Tanta Chicago

Do you wish to experience a boozy brunch in Chicago? Well, then what better place to visit than Tanta Chicago in River North?

This Peruvian restaurant serves the most amazing brunch and for an additional $30, you can enjoy unlimited mimosas here.

So, this is one of the reasons why Tanta Chicago is known to be the best place for enjoying bottomless mimosas in Chicago.

The mimosas here include the booze and a choice of two juices such as chicha Morada and orange.

Apart from the booze, this bottomless brunch in Chicago place also serves delicious Peruvian brunch dishes such as choclo grits, chilaquiles, fried eggs, and more.

If you are meeting up with friends for a fun brunch, then you should plan a visit to Tanta Chicago.

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The Smith

Another great place for a boozy brunch in Chicago, The Smith, is also located in River North and is an absolutely wonderful place to try American brunch dishes.

This brunch Chicago River North restaurant features an architectural space with a large and bright dining area along with outdoor space.

So, if you want outdoor brunch in Chicago, then this place is perfect for that as well.

Apart from the lovely ambiance, this restaurant also has an amazing brunch menu.

Some favorites are the Smith burger, mac n cheese, french toast with maple syrup, and a lot more.

Plus, you can also get cocktails with your brunch and make it a happy day for you and your brunch buddy.

If you are looking for a place where they serve booze with their brunch, then The Smith is a good place to check out.

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Nana

A family-owned breakfast cafe located in Bridgeport, Nana is one of the best brunch places in Chicago since 2006.

Here guests can enjoy a hearty Latin-inspired brunch with amazing coffee or cocktails while catching up with their friends or family.

The restaurant features a casual counter-serve setting where guests can order their food and then wait in the self-seating dining room for their brunch meal.

At this brunch cafe, you can get both American and Mexican fares including Chilaquiles with poblano salsa, Eggs Benedict, El Cubano, Chicken Burger, and more.

Most importantly, their food is organic and made using local produce so, it is healthy as well.

If you wish to enjoy a Mexican brunch menu in the city, then Nana is the perfect choice for you.

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Upstairs At The Gwen For A Rooftop Brunch In Chicago

If you want to enjoy rooftop brunch in Chicago, then Upstairs at the Gwen is a good place to check out in downtown Chicago.

This brunch spot in Chicago is famous for American sharing plates, delicious cocktails, and stunning views of the city skyline.

The restaurant offers a laid-back and twinkle-lit atmosphere which makes it a great place to have brunch with family and friends.

You get the ultimate brunch food here along with cocktails so, if you are looking for a boozy brunch in Chicago, then it is great for that as well.

They have an amazing selection of beverages and cocktails so you won’t be disappointed here.

A few dishes and drinks that you must try here are meatballs, mini churros, spicy margaritas, and more.

Upstairs at The Gwen is definitely one of the best places for brunch in downtown Chicago that you cannot miss out on.

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M Henry

Another great place for Sunday brunch in Chicago, M Henry in Andersonville is one of the best brunch spots for vegans and vegetarians in the city.

This is one of the few establishments in the city that offer organic and meat-free options to customers.

Although, they don’t have the quintessential bacon they do cater to all different kinds of tastes as long as it’s a meat-free dish.

This day cafe features new American-style cooking and uses only locally produced ingredients for preparing the brunch dishes.

Their all-day breakfast menu includes both the traditional brunch options such as fried egg sandwiches, pancakes, etc. along with several vegan and veggie options as well.

If you are a vegan, then a few must-try dishes here are avocado toast, tofu scramble, and more. Honestly, M Henry is one of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago to visit.

Sweet Maple Cafe

If you are looking for a place to enjoy Sunday brunch in Chicago, then you cannot go wrong with Sweet Maple Cafe.

This American restaurant offers all-day breakfasts and lunches that include country-style comfort food served in a warm and homely environment.

Whether you want to try the buttermilk pancakes or the sweet milk biscuits, or farm-fresh scrambled eggs, this place is perfect for all kinds of comfort foods.

It is located in a modest storefront and is great for a casual hangout with friends.

Overall, this is one of the best brunch spots in the city for anyone who wants comfort brunch food in Chicago without the frills and the luxury.

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When it comes to brunch in Chicago the possibilities are endless. Why not spend a weekend in Chicago?

Enjoy enjoy enjoy!