DineSpin

Best Brunch in Chicago

Find the best brunch restaurants in Chicago, IL. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Chicago brunch is a loyalty sport. You've got 20-year regulars who order the same omelet from the same server, diners willing to wait 45 minutes for pancakes because they've been waiting 45 minutes for 15 years, and neighborhood spots that survived gentrification by being too deeply rooted to move. The catch: consistency is the exception, not the rule. You'll find genuinely excellent food next to serious red flags—sometimes in the same kitchen. The places below range from no-frills value plays to Instagram-ready newcomers, but they all share one thing: Chicagoans have opinions about them, and those opinions are divided.

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Best Brunch in Chicago

1.

Caribella

92/100

Caribella is a highly-regarded brunch spot celebrated for its excellent Caribbean-inspired cuisine and outstanding, friendly service. It's a cozy and welcoming establishment that consistently delivers delicious food and a positive dining experience, making it a favorite for many.

Pro tip: Phenomenal food and outstanding service make this worth trying brunch spot.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate flavor, unique Caribbean twists on classic dishes, and high-quality ingredients. Standout items include the coquito latte, French toast variations, and various skillets.

Nothing short from phenomenal

👋Service96

Service is frequently highlighted as friendly, attentive, and top-notch, with specific staff members often recognized for their positive contributions.

Staff were so friendly and welcoming

Vibe90

The atmosphere is described as cute, cozy, bright, and welcoming, with a pleasant Caribbean feel that enhances the dining experience.

Cozy vibe

💰Value85

Prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, offering good value for the dining experience.

Prices are fair and portions are

📍 3311 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
4.7$$ChicagoCaribbean
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking unique flavorsDiners who appreciate attentive and friendly serviceThose looking for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere
2.

Tweet

92/100

Tweet is a beloved Chicago brunch spot known for its excellent food, outstanding service, and unique, cozy atmosphere. Despite often being busy, diners find the experience and value well worth the wait, with consistent quality over many years.

Pro tip: Outstanding food and service in a cozy, artsy atmosphere, though it can get loud.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, with many dishes highlighted as first-rate. The menu offers a wide variety of options, including specific accommodations for dietary needs.

Everything just tastes incredible

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, and attentive, with specific staff members often receiving commendations for their top-notch hospitality.

Service was beyond amazing

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, eclectic, artsy, and energetic, contributing to a unique and welcoming dining experience.

Unique vibe… it’s like NYC lower east side

💰Value88

Diners find the prices reasonable for the quality and generous portion sizes, with complimentary items like coffee cake adding to the perceived value.

Reasonable prices

📍 5020 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
4.7$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking creative dishesDiners with dietary restrictionsThose who appreciate a lively, artsy atmosphere
3.

The Brunchery

88/100

The Brunchery is a popular Chicago spot known for its remarkably delicious and creative brunch dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and generally friendly service. While it excels in food quality and ambiance, diners should be prepared for potential long waits, loud music, and higher price points.

Pro tip: The food was delicious! My husband and I ordered the mega French toast flight, jerk chicken Alfredo …

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, creativity, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes receiving excellent remarks. Standouts include the French toast flights, mimosa flights, shrimp and purple grits, and various omelets.

Food was outstanding

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and professional, with many servers well-regarded. However, a few instances of rudeness and inattentiveness have been noted.

Server was sweet and attentive

Vibe90

The restaurant is frequently lauded for its vibrant, lively, and welcoming atmosphere, often enhanced by music and decor.

Beautiful loving vibeyyy spot

💰Value65

While the food quality is high, several diners found the prices to be steep, particularly given the portion sizes for some dishes and the inclusion of automatic gratuity.

Definitely overpriced restaurants

📍 2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
4.3$$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking creative dishesDiners prioritizing atmosphere and vibeThose who arrive early or on weekdays
4.

Honeybear Cafe

88/100

Honeybear Cafe is a highly popular Chicago brunch spot known for its remarkably delicious and generously portioned food, served in a cute and vibrant atmosphere. While waits can be long and parking challenging, the overall dining experience is well-regarded.

Pro tip: The food was amazing, the vibes were amazing, but the showstopper was Jennifer.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, flavorful, and well-seasoned, with many dishes described as excellent. Portions are notably large, often feeding two people.

Food was delicious!

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with many servers well-regarded. However, there are isolated reports of rudeness and slow service.

She was very attentive and very friendly.

Vibe90

The cafe is frequently lauded for its cute, cozy, and inviting atmosphere, with elaborate decorations that change seasonally.

The vibes and decorations are perfect

💰Value80

While some diners find the prices slightly high, the large portion sizes are generally seen as balancing out the cost, offering good value.

Huge portions. Service was attentive and prompt.

📍 7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
4.5$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking unique dishesDiners prioritizing large portionsThose who enjoy a lively, decorated atmosphere
5.

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club

88/100

"Everything you'd want in a brunch spot, fresh delicious quality food"—that's a real review, and on a good day, it's accurate. The skillets are creative, the French toast variations actually justify $20, and the service is genuinely attentive. The catch is you're paying premium prices for inconsistent execution (some visits the steak is old, some visits it's fine) and you will wait 45 minutes even with a reservation. This is a special-occasion spot, not a regular.

Pro tip: Street parking only and it's brutal. Arrive early or budget 15 minutes just for parking on weekends.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, fresh, and well-seasoned, with many dishes receiving high marks. While most diners find the quality excellent, a few noted specific dishes as bland or unbalanced.

Absolutely DELICIOUS!

👋Service92

Service is frequently described as spectacular, friendly, attentive, and fast, even during busy periods. Staff are noted for their accommodating nature and professionalism.

The service was spectacular

Vibe85

The atmosphere is consistently described as inviting, cozy, hip, and fun, making it a pleasant place for various occasions.

Very inviting atmosphere

💰Value70

While many find the quality justifies the price, several diners noted that the restaurant is on the pricier side for breakfast, with some feeling certain dishes were not worth the cost.

A bit on the high side

📍 3348 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, United States
4.6$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Weekend brunch outingsSpecial occasion breakfastsDiners seeking fresh ingredients
6.

The Reservoir

75/100

The Reservoir is a popular neighborhood spot in Chicago known for its cozy atmosphere and generally well-received food, particularly burgers and brunch items. However, inconsistent service, loud music, and a concerning instance of undercooked meat detract from the experience.

Pro tip: Friendly, cozy, and welcoming bar with excellent food, but service and noise levels can be inconsistent.

🍽️Food85

The food is generally well-regarded, with many diners celebrating specific dishes like burgers, chicken biscuits, and truffle fries. While most find it delicious and of good quality, a few diners mention blandness or dryness.

Food was outstanding

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with many positive comments about friendly and attentive staff, but also recurring complaints about rudeness, slow service, and being overwhelmed, particularly during busy periods.

Server seemed to be having a bad day

Vibe85

The atmosphere is well-regarded as cozy, friendly, energetic, and welcoming, making it a popular spot for various occasions from casual drinks to brunches.

Friendly, cozy, and welcoming bar

💰Value70

While many find the prices reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, some diners consider the restaurant to be a bit pricey for a neighborhood bar, especially for standard menu items.

A little pricey for a neighborhood bar

📍 844 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
4.4$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Casual drinks with friendsWeekend brunchWatching sports games
7.

Starlight Restaurant

76/100

Starlight is what happens when a neighborhood institution doesn't adapt fast enough. The pancakes are still good, the regulars still show up, and if you land a server named Wanda or Kimberly you'll understand why people keep coming back. But the rest of the staff is hit-or-miss, the kitchen has been making mistakes more often, and there's been recent defensiveness about complaints. It's on the decline, which for a 50-year place is almost sadder than if it was always mediocre.

Pro tip: Ask for a table in Wanda or Kimberly's section if you're going on a weekend. The quality of your experience will depend almost entirely on who's taking your order.

🍽️Food80

Generally known for hearty, homemade breakfast fare (pancakes, eggs, skillets) with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Pancakes and biscuits are signature standouts. Occasional kitchen errors (wrong cheese type, undercooked items, cold reheats) and quality variance noted by repeat customers, especially during busy/late hours.

Pancakes to die for, food excellent

👋Service72

Highly variable. Standout servers (Wanda, Kimberly, Lupe) known for attentiveness and personality. Frequent complaints of rude/dismissive staff, language barriers causing order errors, slow refills, and forgotten orders. Management often unresponsive or defensive when complaints arise.

Staff is friendly, service is quick

Vibe80

Classic neighborhood diner with cozy, laid-back family atmosphere. Nostalgic 'old school' feel. Spacious interior with separate banquet area. Calm, welcoming environment when service is attentive. Some call it a 'gem' or 'neighborhood treasure.'

Cozy lil restaurant, family atmosphere

💰Value78

Reasonably priced for diner fare; large portions often split between two people. Some mention extra charges for add-ons (sausage, chocolate chips) not always clearly listed upfront. Overall good value, though inflation and hidden charges frustrate some.

Reasonable prices, good portions

📍 8300 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60652
4.3$$ChicagoBreakfast/Brunch
Ideal for
Regulars with favorite serversLarge family groups (quick seating)Breakfast/brunch enthusiasts wanting classic diner fare
8.

Raspberry's Pancake House & Restaurant

76/100

The portions are genuinely huge and the prices truly cheap, which is why people from far south suburbs keep showing up. Then there are the cockroaches at the tables, restrooms without soap or towels, and a pervasive sense that quality has been declining since ownership changed. Budget brunch can be good. This is what happens when budget brunch stops caring.

Pro tip: Skip this one. The cleanliness issues are serious enough that the price advantage evaporates the moment you factor in regret.

🍽️Food78

Breakfast-focused diner with generally positive reception for pancakes, French toast, and skillets. Quality inconsistent: some diners celebrate fresh ingredients and huge portions; others report bland, overcooked, or poorly executed dishes. Recent concerns about spoiled-tasting food.

Everything is a ten out of ten

👋Service78

Mixed service with strong positive signals (frequent mentions of great service, 20 excellent experiences) but notable gaps in attentiveness and knowledge. Two documented instances of rude service; staff inconsistency across shifts.

Service was fast

Vibe79

Described as cozy, family-friendly favorite with warm atmosphere. Spacious interior, good for groups and regulars. Some noise noted from crowds, especially weekends.

Nice cozy clean atmosphere

💰Value70

Perceived as affordable with generous portions by many; however, multiple recent complaints (past year) about price increases, high markups on drinks, and degraded value over time. Pricing appears competitive for breakfast but not outstanding.

Affordable, food comes out quickly, huge portions

⚠️Heads Up
  • Cockroach sightings on dining table (2x mentioned)
📍 3145 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475, United States
4.4$$ChicagoBreakfast/Brunch
Ideal for
Budget-conscious breakfast lovers seeking generous portionsLocal regulars and repeat weekend brunch visitorsGroups and families in far south suburbs
9.

Luna Cafe

92/100

Luna Cafe is a highly-regarded neighborhood spot known for its excellent food quality, fresh ingredients, and outstandingly friendly service from both staff and ownership. It offers a welcoming atmosphere and good value, making it a popular choice for coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

Pro tip: Amazing cafe! The staff is super friendly love the atmosphere it's cozy and relaxing.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, quality, and delicious flavors, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Fresh flavor explosions!!

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as remarkably friendly, warm, welcoming, and attentive, with staff and ownership often singled out for celebrate.

Super friendly staff

Vibe75

The atmosphere is generally seen as cozy, relaxing, and welcoming, though one diner found it stark and loud.

Cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing

💰Value85

Diners find the prices to be fair and reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes of the food.

Very reasonably priced

📍 5433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
5$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Casual breakfast and lunchCoffee and latte enthusiastsRemote workers seeking a welcoming space
10.

Eggs with Benefits

92/100

Eggs with Benefits offers a well-regarded fusion of American breakfast and Asian flavors, particularly excelling in creative egg dishes, flavorful bowls, and tacos. The restaurant is lauded for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and remarkably friendly service, especially from the owner.

Pro tip: Best breakfast sandwich I've ever had, with unique Asian-inspired flavors and friendly service.

🍽️Food95

The restaurant excels in its creative fusion of American breakfast staples with Asian flavors, particularly noted for its perfectly cooked eggs, well-seasoned meats, and flavorful curry dishes. Many diners highlight the quality and taste of the ingredients.

Best Tacos in Rogers Park/Loyola area

👋Service90

Service is consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and attentive, with many patrons specifically mentioning the owner's positive interactions and the staff's warmth.

Staff is SO friendly, cheerful, and welcoming.

Vibe80

The atmosphere is described as welcoming, chill, and vibrant, with a minimalist decor that is comfortable for small groups.

The place was very chill and vibrant

💰Value85

Portions are generally considered generous and the prices reasonable, especially given the quality and unique flavor combinations offered.

Great food and incredibly friendly staff.

📍 6441 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
4.8$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and lunch diners seeking unique flavorsStudents near Loyola campusDiners who appreciate friendly owner interaction

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