Morning glory
Craving a great breakfast? We’ve got 20 of the best spots in town worth checking out
Whether or not breakfast is the most important meal is
debatable. But it’s certainly the most underrated meal.
Though it’s a meal often skipped by many people, the
first bites of the day get the attention they deserve at a
plethora of Chicago restaurants. Some have been delivering a quality start
to every morning for decades while others are bringing fresh energy to the
breakfast game. For our 2020 update, new additions include Frances’ Deli
and Brunchery, Filipino diner Uncle Mike’s Place, Southern-style favorite
Peach’s Restaurant, and chilaquiles expert Tiztal Cafe.
1. M. Henry
Hailed as one of Chicago’s top breakfast and brunch spots, M. Henry puts the focus on quality ingredients. The creative menu offers black bean cakes with “drunken eggs,” blackberry bliss hotcakes, and a fried egg sandwich. 5707 N. Clark St.
2. Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club
Chef and owner Manny Mejia, who previously worked at M. Henry and Marmalade, turns out dishes with global influences at this North Park gem. The eclectic selection includes a Caprese omelet, a breakfast torta (chorizo, melted Chihuahua cheese, scrambled eggs, adobo sauce), and scallion pancakes with eggs and pork belly. Expect crowds and a wait on weekends. 3348 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
3. Tre Kronor
Over on the Northwest Side, Chicagoans pack this charming two-story building every day for Scandinavian comfort fare. Satiate the sweet tooth with Danishes or cinnamon rolls before digging into cheesy omelets, open-faced meatball sandwiches, and meaty pickled herring. 3258 W. Foster Ave.
4. Tiztal Cafe
Chilaquiles are typically consumed for breakfast and one of Chicago’s best versions is found at this small Uptown cafe. The classic dish features housemade tortilla chips topped with green salsa, eggs, Chihuahua cheese, onions, cilantro, and choice of either chorizo, steak, or chicken. Omelets and creamy oatmeal milkshakes are other menu highlights, and guests can enjoy their meals on a lovely back patio when it’s warm outside. 4631 N. Clark St.
5. Ann Sather
Step aside Cinnabon, the crown for Chicago’s most beloved cinnamon rolls belongs to this Swedish institution. Original owner Ann Sather opened her diner more than seven decades ago and today its three locations are popular breakfast hangouts, due in large part to the housemade pastries. Of course, a balanced diet requires more than just sweets so the kitchen cranks out a host of eggs and wraps too. 909 W. Belmont Ave.
6. Cellar Door Provisions
Its minimalist design belies the complex flavors coming out of this Logan Square kitchen. The menu changes frequently to take advantage of what’s in season but guests can always expect quality quiches, irresistible pastries, and a topnotch bread program. The hours of operation are limited to Wednesday through Sunday but Cellar Door Provisions is a morning experience worth planning around. 3025 W. Diversey Ave.
7. Batter & Berries
An adorable Lincoln Park BYOB cafe with a soul food twist, Batter & Berries is known for its French toast flights (the restaurant has served more than 100 varieties), deconstructed omelets, and chicken and waffles drizzled with nutmeg hot sauce. Skip the mob-inducing brunch hours by heading over for weekday breakfast. A second location is coming to suburban Olympia Fields. 2748 N. Lincoln Ave.
8. Cafe Con Leche
A Mexican breakfast can be had at many places around town, but Cafe Con Leche in Logan Square is a noteworthy standout. Kick the morning off with breakfast tortas, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, excellent cafe con leche, and agua frescas. 2714 N. Milwaukee Ave.
9. Frances’ Deli and Brunchery
The addition of Derek Rylon, opening chef at Batter & Berries, has revitalized Frances’, turning it from Kosher-style deli to a lively space for breakfast and brunch. Rylon’s signature French toasts are present, as is a variety of sweet treats. 2552 N. Clark St.
10. The Bongo Room
A Chicago staple for more than 20 years, the Bongo Room’s two locations specialize in indulgent, over-the-top pancakes and French toasts. But if that’s too much sugar to handle in the morning, the menu is also balanced out by eggs and sandwiches. 1470 N. Milwaukee Ave.
11. Cafe Marie-Jeanne
This French-inspired café, from the former chef of neighborhood favorite Rootstock, breaks out some unique items in the morning. Pastries like praline monkey buns, doughnuts, and an array of croissants are on offer, while the menu boasts smoked fishes, calf brains, seared foie gras, and caviar toast. 1001 N. California Ave.
12. Uncle Mike’s Place
Tired of the same old bacon and eggs? Then visit this Ukrainian Village diner for homey Southeast Asian specialties. The fluffy omelets and pancakes don’t disappoint, but the most popular choices are the marinated skirt steak and the hearty Filipino rice plates. They can be ordered with longanisa (sweet sausage), bangus (marinated milkfish), tocino (cured pork shoulder), and more. The staff also serve complimentary bowls of lugao (rice porridge) to every guest. 1700 W. Grand Ave.
13. Wishbone
The longtime West Loop restaurant moved from its original location in 2018 but the food hasn’t skipped a beat. The menu still leans heavily on Southern comforts, such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, blackened catfish, and chicken andouille hash. The cocktail list, though, was refreshed to feature both classic and seasonal libations. 161 N. Jefferson St.
14. Lou Mitchell’s
A Chicago icon approaching a century in business, Lou Mitchell’s dishes out a dose of greasy spoon Americana rarely seen in the 21st Century. Omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, and complimentary Milk Duds (yes, Milk Duds) are what diners will eat; oldschool charm and people-watching are what they’ll experience. 565 W. Jackson Blvd.
15. Sweet Maple Cafe
The University Village community hub warrants a visit for many exceptional dishes, including breakfast tacos, holiday French toast, and catfish nuggets and eggs that are only available on Fridays. 1339 W. Taylor St.
16. Pearl’s Place
For an endless supply of Southern-style soul food, Chicagoans should make their way to Pearl’s. In addition to the a la carte menu, there’s also a buffet of breakfast comforts, such as made-to-order omelets, waffles, grits, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken wings, and much more. It’s a plentiful spread that will keep most appetites full until dinner. 3901 S. Michigan Ave.
17. Peach’s Restaurant
Bright and airy Peach’s Restaurant stirs the soul with Southern delights during morning hours. Salmon croquettes and flaky biscuits are hits, as is the juicy and peppery fried chicken served with cinnamon French toast and honey butter. 4652 S. King Dr.
18. Valois
Opened in 1921, this cafeteria-style restaurant has been feeding generations of Hyde Park residents for nearly a century. The steak and eggs – a reported favorite of President Obama – is popular while other items include pancakes, French toast, and omelets. It’s cash only, but the prices are quite affordable. 1518 E. 53rd St.
19. Daley’s Restaurant
Chicago’s oldest restaurant — which moved across the street in 2019 — has been part delicious soul food, part time capsule, and part gathering place for nearly half the city since 1892. At breakfast, there aren’t many places in town where one can get pork chops, catfish, chicken wings, salmon patties, salt pork, and other Southern comforts alongside eggs and pancakes. 6257 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
20. 5 Loaves Eatery
This Jean Banchet-honored eatery on the South Side delivers down-home cooking at its finest. Diners nourish themselves on hearty helpings of soul food, such as buttermilk biscuits, catfish nuggets, and cheesy grits. However, the biggest attraction is the fried chicken. The well-seasoned, extra-crispy pieces of poultry are among the city’s best.
405 E. 75th St.