Flapjacks at Gather
Photograph: Anthony SoaveFlapjacks at Gather

Guide to the best brunch in Chicago

For brunch, Chicago restaurants deliver great pastries, creative eggs Benedict and lots of brunch cocktails
Amy Cavanaugh
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When it comes to brunch, Chicago takes the meal to another level. Brunch at the best Chicago restaurants means inventive takes on eggs Benedict, perfectly done brunch classics like waffles and pancakes and well-crafted Bloody Marys to kick-start your day. And it's not just restaurants—some of the best bars in Chicago also serve up noteworthy brunches. And for any brunch haters out there, we have one word: breakfast.

Best brunch in Chicago

20 best brunches
Restaurants

20 best brunches

Critical praise for the gluttonous, restorative weekend tradition

Breakfast classics

12 brunch pastries
Restaurants

12 brunch pastries

When you need a small sweet during brunch, Chicago restaurants serve up coffee cakes, churros, cinnamon rolls and more
Bacon
Restaurants

Bacon

Where to get the best bacon in Chicago
Waffles
Restaurants

Waffles

In our search for the perfect Belgian waffle, we found several contenders. But only one was perfect.

Brunch beverage guide

Bloody Mary mixes
Bars

Bloody Mary mixes

When you need to whip up a Bloody at home, you need to start with a solid mix
6 coffee cocktails
Bars

6 coffee cocktails

Move over, Bloody Mary. This spring, Chicago brunch spots are all about coffee cocktails

Recent brunch reviews

Balena
Restaurants

Balena

Rustic Italian for brunch
Pub Royale
Bars

Pub Royale

Bars are an underappreciated spot for brunch
Scofflaw
Bars

Scofflaw

The gin bar masters the Red Snapper
A10
Restaurants

A10

Hyde Park has a great new brunch
Analogue
Bars

Analogue

Cajun cuisine and killer beignets
Xoco Wicker Park
Restaurants

Xoco Wicker Park

  • price 1 of 4
The new Xoco outpost has better brunch hours
The Dawson
Restaurants

The Dawson

Bloody Marys on a glorious patio
Stella Barra Pizzeria
Restaurants

Stella Barra Pizzeria

The Lincoln Park pizza spot turns out breakfast pies, sandwiches and more
Fat Rice
Restaurants

Fat Rice

It's the most inventive brunch in town