The best brunch restaurants in Chicago to try right now

What is it? One Off Hospitality’s European-inspired beer hall dedicated to oysters and pork.

Why we love it: Just like there's no need for an alarm on the weekends, there's no reason to be counting calories at brunch. This West Loop institution offers irresistible dishes for pigging out on, such as crab scrambled eggs, chicken schnitzel and one of our favorite waffles in the city—served with honey butter, jam and maple syrup. The atmosphere is lively so if you’re looking for a quieter brunch, this may not be the place for you. But for those who need something to help them recover from a night out, the Hangover Brunch is a great option: Choice of Bloody Mary or beer and shot combo, shrimp cocktail and the Full Publican entree (two eggs, bacon, black pudding, baked beans, roasted tomato and toast).

Time Out tip: Promote yourself to hero status when you order the maple-braised bacon for the table to share. It’s a must.

Address: 837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Brunch is served Sat-Sun from 10am-2pm

Expect to pay: Around $$40-$50 per person

What is it? A farm-to-table pioneer that’s been at the forefront of Chicago’s culinary scene for more than 25 years.

Why we love it: When Lula Cafe opened in 1999, it helped turn Logan Square into a dining destination while fueling the city’s farm-to-table movement. The cafe's brunch menu offers a more laid back way to experience chef Jason Hammel’s cooking, which emphasizes seasonal produce in items like rotating breakfast sandwiches, a classic breakfast burrito and dulce de leche French toast. If you have room for dessert, the carrot cake is the move. Add a Bloody Mary or mimosa, or blend your booze with caffeine by ordering an Irish coffee made with whiskey and coffee liqueur. And try to get a seat on the patio, assuming it's warm outside.

Time Out tip: Lula is an extremely popular place, but it offers brunch daily (closed on Tuesdays) so drop in on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

Address: 2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Brunch is served Wed-Mon from 9am-3pm

Expect to pay: $25-$35 per person

What is it? A modern French bistro from the owners of another French stalwart, Le Bouchon.

Why we love it: Obelix is a Francophile’s dream restaurant. You can enjoy classics like escargots, French onion soup and salade Lyonnaise of course, but the menu offers much, much more. Original creations, such as the foie gras and pancake and steak frites sandwich, are fresh spins that show that French cuisine doesn’t have to be confined to tradition. For a really rich dish, try the Foie-men (yes, duck is heavily featured)—roasted duck broth teeming with seared foie gras, duck meatballs, duck egg, bamboo shoots, black garlic, chili threads and noodles by Akahoshi Ramen. Just be prepared to rub elbows with your neighbors as the tables are packed together tightly.

Time Out tip: Everything feels rich and indulgent on Obelix’s menu, but the caviar sandwich is truly one of the most luxurious bites in Chicago. It’s packed with golden kaluga and bowfin caviars, and smoked trout roe, and priced at an eye-popping $125. If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed.

Address: 700 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Brunch is served Sat-Sun from 10:30am-2pm

Expect to pay: Anywhere from $30-$60 depending on what and how much you order

What is it? Chef-owner Stephen Gillanders' Asian-inspired restaurant that's not afraid to experiment.

Why we love it: Named after his wife's initials, Gillanders’ Pilsen restaurant is a refined-yet-approachable dining experience full of delightful surprises. By experimenting with Asian-inspired flavors, Gillanders creates memorable mashups like Maine lobster dumplings, bacon and egg bibimbap and black truffle croquettes. Don’t miss out on the brunch pastries, either—the cornbread madeleines are a must-try starter. Nothing is quite what you expect it to be at S.K.Y.—the flavors and presentations frequently go against your expectations—so just embrace (and enjoy) the unpredictability. The beverage list features a solid selection of wines, local beers and sakes.

Time Out tip: The fried chicken is a seriously elevated version that’s served with habanero butter and creamed corn. Get it.

Address: 1239 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Brunch is served Sat-Sun from 10am-2pm

Expect to pay: $30-$40 per person

What is it? A glitzy Gold Coast steakhouse with dinner party vibes and decadent offerings.

Why we love it: If you’re really looking to go YOLO during brunch, there’s no better spot than Maple & Ash. Sure, the restaurant is a place to be seen, and the clubby atmosphere isn’t for everyone, but the food is undeniably great. Start with the fire-roasted seafood tower for the table, which comes bearing oysters, scallops, lobster, clams, shrimp and crab. You’ll feel like a baller with options including Alaskan king crab benedict, lobster toast and caviar service, plus Maple & Ash’s prime selection of wood-fired steaks. Top it off with a glass of bubbles from the Champagne cart to keep the good times going all afternoon.

Time Out tip: Don’t feel like making decisions? Opt for the “I Don’t Give a F*@k” menu and let the kitchen supply you with classic brunch dishes, caviar, a seafood tower and bottomless Champagne.

Address: 8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Brunch is served on Sunday from 10:30am-2pm

Expect to pay: A pretty penny. Depending on what you order, more than $100 per person isn’t out of the question.

What is it? Chef Carlos Gaytán's breathtakingly beautiful River North restaurant that pays homage to his hometown of Huitzuco, Mexico.

Why we love it: When one of the best restaurants in Chicago offers brunch, you can rest easy knowing that it's a safe bet. Gaytán’s French-inspired Mexican cooking yields a mix of sweet and savory entrées, like Belgian waffles served with duck leg carnitas, sweet potato puree, and poached egg; and orange-scented French toast served with pink peppercorn crème anglaise and berries. Share a pitcher of sangria made with brandy, Burgundy, hibiscus syrup and mint or opt for something spicier with a michelada Cubana. Finish off your meal with tres leches horchata or blueberry cheesecake.

Time Out tip: A heated, all-season patio makes it possible to dine outdoors no matter the forecast, but you must check out the otherworldly dining room, too.

Address: 720 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Brunch is served Sat-Sun from 10am-2pm

Expect to pay: $30-$50 per person

What is it? One of the best Chinese restaurants in Chicago.

Why we love it: Brunch is always more enjoyable with a group of friends, and nothing is better for communal dining than dim sum. This Chinatown spot is a favorite of ours (and those in the know) for a midday feast. The dim sum is served family-style, encouraging you to try a variety of bites. To say the menu is expansive would be an understatement: creamy egg tarts, bitter melon custard cakes, tender pork shumai, bright-green durian pancakes, fluffy pork buns—and that's just scraping the surface of what Dolo has to offer. If we haven't made it clear already, come hungry and bring a friend or two.

Time out tip: Dolo is one of the few places in the neighborhood that has its own parking lot. It’s small so you may have to wait for someone to leave, but you can’t beat free parking.

Address: 2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-9pm

Expect to pay: Depends on how hungry you are, but generally around $20-$30 per person

What is it? A beloved breakfast and brunch specialist in Lincoln Park.

Why we love it: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Batter & Berries deserves to be at the top of your list. Just hearing the name of the restaurant makes us crave brunch—no matter the time of day. That feeling isn't unfounded, as Batter & Berries deals in omelets, pancakes, waffles and breakfast sandwiches. But the star of the menu is the French toast, which comes in four distinct flavors: blueberry, strawberry, caramel and lemon. There are also special flavors all the time, meaning you’ll never run out of new creations to try. Regulars know that the best way to order is through the French Toast Flight, which affords you a taste of each.

Time Out tip: Batter & Berries is BYOB so bring your own bubbles for mimosas.

Address: 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Tues-Thu 9am-2pm, Fri-Mon 8am-3pm

Expect to pay: $20-$30 per person

What is it? Chef Kevin Hickey’s retro-inspired gastro-tavern.

Why we love it: Just about everything at the Duck Inn is a homage to Midwestern comfort. Tucked away on a sleepy side street in Pilsen, the restaurant delivers a host of familiar flavors, executed with chef-driven technique. On weekends, start the day with the McDonald’s-inspired Egg McDuckInn, croque ma’spam, rotisserie duck hash and a seemingly endless supply of Bloody Mary mix. Ordering for the table? The sticky buns and fried cheese curds with Bloody Mary ketchup are musts for munching. You can also always order the famous Chicago-style Duck Inn Dog—one of Chicago’s best hot dogs—or the Decent Beef, Hickey’s oh-so-delicious version of the Italian beef. You may need a nap after brunch, but we promise it’s worth it.

Time Out tip: When weather permits, the Duck Inn has a lovely back patio that’s among our favorites in the city.

Address: 2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Brunch is served Sat-Sun from 10:30am-3pm

Expect to pay: $30-$40 per person

What is it? One of the oldest restaurants in Chicago, known for serving classic diner fare during breakfast and lunch.

Why we love it: Thinking of spending your weekend mornings at this classic Chicago institution? Better check the weather: The line can snake out the door so bring something to pass the time. Customers are treated to fresh, sugar-dusted doughnut holes (and, if you’re a woman or child, Milk Duds) while they wait, but the real feast starts when you sit down. Stacks of “meltaway” pancakes are perfectly browned, omelettes come in hot skillets (try the sweet, rich apple-and-cheese variety) and juicy, gooey patty melts seem too big to finish. But as with the rest of the irresistible dishes, you’ll find room. Once you’re finished, you’ll understand why this greasy spoon on the National Register of Historic Places has lasted for over a century.

Time Out tip: We’ve never had something we didn’t enjoy, but the jumbo Denver omelet is a particular favorite.

Address:  565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm

Expect to pay: $20-$30 per person

What is it? An airy diner located near the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.

Why we love it: Hungry students and area residents alike come to Roux to fuel up with a selection of Southern fare from Lillie’s Q chef Charlie McKenna. Comforting classics like biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits and chicken fried steak are crowd pleasers. For those with a sweet tooth, make sure to get an order of the beignets or enormous cinnamon roll. The alcohol list is pretty small, but the two brunch essentials—Bloody Mary and mimosa—are offered. It’s counter-service so you can dine at your leisure.

Time Out tip: Roux has an all-day menu and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the restaurant is open until 9pm, which means you can enjoy brunch during the day or night.

Address: 1055 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

Opening hours: Tue-Wed 7am-2:30pm, Thu-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7am-2:30pm

Expect to pay: $20-$30 per person