14 Great Breakfast Restaurants in Chicago (from a Local Foodie) (2024)

Adrian Vargas

16:03 25 May 24

If you love pasta - especially Chicken Alfredo - it’s a must go season to go! They have a chicken Alfredo omelette special and wow, the most delicious! B&B never misses! And you can never go wrong with their French toast , I love strawberry and my gf got caramel - always delicious!!! Can never say enough about their service and friendliness - will always be my #1 breakfast joint!!!

Aaron Thomas

17:06 26 Apr 24

You can tell this place runs on love and authenticity. Raspberry Beret was one of the best French toast plates I had in a while. Egg white and veggie omelette was great too. I came during a rush so there was a bit of a wait but everyone was buzzing and doing their best with grace.

Elizabeth Valle

20:33 27 Mar 24

The atmosphere is a little loud because it is a small place. The wait was about 20 minutes.But the staff was so great! The person in charge was so welcoming and checked on all table. I can see why it seems like a popular place!The food was delicious! The fact that you can try all of their French toast options is awesome my kids were so excited about that.They do not have a kids menu, but they do offer a smaller portion of foods that is great!

Susan S.

15:33 22 May 24

In Chicago on vacation and wanted to try this place. It was so delicious. We tried something sweet and something savory.We got the Churro Waffle and it was delicious! A big scoop of caramel ice cream was on top of the cinnamon sugary waffles.Also decided on the Classic Breakfast Burrito. Eggs with 2 kinds of peppers, onions, avacado, chihuahua cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo are wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled with a perfect cross cross pattern.Note the bill is less if you pay in cash vs credit.Loved this place. Will definitely come back next time I’m in Chicago!!

ElmWood Flooring

17:10 23 Apr 24

Hands down, great food, the OJ was fresh and the pancakes were very yummy! Can’t wait to come back and try their waffles 🧇 seems that is their name and might be well known for, for our first time here very impressed by everything about this little business in a strip mall on Irving park rd. Chicago, IL. Keep up the good food!

Katie Levinson

15:44 24 Mar 24

Truly heart broken leaving this review! Every single thing I’ve ordered has been 10/10. In person and to go. However, I just got their $5.15 fruit cup. It was maybe 15 pieces of fruit and 80% of which being cantaloupe. I meannn fresh cantaloupe but those fruits themselves aren’t even $5 🙁

Jamie Edwards

16:12 29 Apr 24

OMG… the best chicken & biscuits with gravy… this was my first time here and let me just say, they didn’t disappoint us… the Denver skillet was also great with the pancakes!!! Our waiter was nice and very helpful… I’ll most definitely return…

Ashley N

14:04 20 Apr 24

Visited Chicago today and stopped by the Wildberry pancake and Café. This place is very large and has a great amount of seating both upstairs and downstairs. Accommodates for both families with children and adults. Pricing wise it appears to be a little more on the expensive side and I found they do like to charge if you want to substitute. The food was excellent. My pancakes tasted great. The side of scrambled eggs and turkey sausage was also very tasty. Would return.

C Tedesco

21:52 11 Apr 24

Very good breakfast spot on Pearson St near Lake Shore Park. I stopped in on a weekday and the service was very quick, but I’m guessing it is busier on the weekends. I tried the cauliflower hash skillet and it was very good - maybe a bit too much cheese, but otherwise very good. I saw some of the waffle and pancake dishes being served at tables nearby, and they looked very good.My only criticism is that it’s a bit expensive for a breakfast place. $21 for an egg skillet or $18 for 2 eggs with bacon and hash browns is far more than what you will pay in most places.

Qiana Carr

01:44 05 May 24

Issue is the kitchen.Brought my daughter here for her birthday. We arrived at 7pm. Their food came at 8:30. The issue isn’t the server. He was checking in with the kitchen. They ignored him. And the security guard with the braids has a horrible attitude. I asked for the manager and he looked me up and down with an attitude and said “he will be right back”. It took another server to speak to the kitchen for them to send the food out. The atmosphere is good. Food is decent. Server was attentive. Kitchen needs a strong leader. They are busy with to go orders. Not focused on the check of 7 people in front of them. My sister and I sat at another table and our food came out in an hour. I guess they didn’t notice the two adults that kept going to the table checking on the teens. This experience could have been better. Get your kitchen together. Please. Also, tell your kitchen staff that eating on the line is disgusting. And unsanitary.

Ga'Nel Wiggins

14:48 13 Mar 24

SUPPORT BLACK OWNED RESTAURANTS !!!Wonderful location and I went on a Tuesday so it was perfect timing. Service was great. The owner greeted us. Waffle was very delicious and whatever butter they put in it adds the perfect touch. The catfish was cook to perfection. When I visit again I will come back to support.

Mia B

20:33 28 Jan 24

No reservations required at this beautiful restaurant as the hostess Ariel answered to my call inquiring. A friend of mines invited me to check this restaurant out, and, I’m so happy I did. No left overs at All. And, Yes. Yes. Yes. Atmosphere very simplistic and relaxing, for what dishes I had took me back nostalgically.

A F (Blanca)

04:43 14 May 24

First time here for my birthday, and the guava drink with CBD was delicious ,I had 3 of them and the w&b burger was so juicy and tasty ,i finished the whole thing,i never usually finish a burger lol Whoever made the drink and burger on May 6 at 11@m .You guys are the best and the service was good too. Would definitely come back and give it a 10 star🌟

K Johnson

16:49 03 May 24

Fantastic place!!! The food, service, ambiance and flare were fantastic!!! A great place to meet, enjoy excellent food, hang out, then take some food home because they have big portions. My kinda place.

Steph E

07:07 15 Jan 24

This place is such a cool cafe! The chia seed pudding I had was so good its been 2 weeks since I went and I'm deadass still thinking about it, tbh I was wary at first because the fruity pebbles in it threw me off but it adds literally the perfect crunch to the dish! If you're an ube lover the purple haze drink is to die for I loved it sm! They also have a digital mirror that takes customizable pictures for either just you or friends too!

Ta'Hari Trowers

09:43 15 May 24

The foood was delicious!!! My boyfriend had the chicken and waffles. You didn’t need any butter or syrup. Just a fork and knife, and I ditched that and ended using my fingers. It was fried to perfection, crunchy, and the waffles melt in yo mouth. He ordered the salmon and bites. It was a surprise. It was sautéed salmon patty with fried mash potato balls with buffalo sauce. The combination was amazing. I had the shrimp and grits. The grits was creamy and the shrimp was plentiful and scrumptious. Ooh and the Mac and cheese was melting in your mouth. My mom had the chicken gumbo, she loved it. The first time she ate it all. My family and I tore our plates up, we left nothing but scraps. Everything was consistent, hot and fresh. It was seasoned so right. I most definitely be back!!The only thing is some food had pork in it.(greens, cornbread) I was not able to taste those items. There is street parking, and you order at the register and sit down to eat they will bring you the food. It quite small. You can call to reserve. They do brunch 10-3pm, and dinner 5-close.

Duane Brown

14:54 12 May 24

Came here for brunch yesterday at 10am. The place was maybe half full which was fine.I got the buttermilk fried chicken and waffles. The fried chicken was great but the waffles were meh. Wouldn't get the waffles again.Plus I asked for buttermilk biscuits to go. Figured it'd be nice to have something for the airport or today for breakfast at home. I was wrong, the biscuits are tasteless and gross. Beyond the food I had just weird service... especially considering the price point.Towards the end of my meal I went to the washroom which meant going from the front of the restaurant to the back passing all the employees. I was gone a minute, the time I came back an employee cleared my table. They dumped the rest of my meal I was still working on and even my to go box of biscuits.Never seen this happen in any restaurant I dine solo in. They replaced the biscuits which is nice. I just hated seeing food go to waste.

Cristian Hernández

05:50 07 May 24

Shrimp & grits were so good!Perhaps because of the high expectations, the food experience wasn't as projected.Chicken & Waffle was good, but nothing oustanding; too oily, some parts raw, not much breaded (imo), and just with pockets of flavor.Ordering feels like fast food, pay as you order, tip before you know how is the food/service.The food took a lot of time to arrive, and they forgot items. And coffee was cold, even after refill.

Brad Andresen

01:00 12 May 24

First time here and wow, I was impressed! Arrived at 8:40 on a Saturday and the place was busy, but I was able to get a table for two quickly.The atmosphere was wonderful. Tables were abuzz and there was conversation and laughter all around. The servers and host were personable and kind, my daughter commented on how friendly they were.Food portions were large and came out quickly once ordered. Food tasted great and we left full! Will have to bring the rest of my family back for another meal!

Marc Bonis-Charancle

14:11 08 May 24

An iconic experience. As an european, if you're looking to find a movie like experience but with great food, look no more.It was great experience. Big portions be careful. Staff was so nice and professional. Sitting at the bar make it extra special and mingling with other customer was good time. To try.

Eight5ive2wo

15:07 02 May 24

I give it 4 stars ONLY because it is pricey. One egg was $5 😵‍💫. OTHER than that the place is nice! The atmosphere & decor is comfy. I went with a friend of mine on a Saturday morning around 11 & it was packed! We sat at the bar, which was a little uncomfortable, but we weren't complaining. I think the seating may be uncomfortable for taller/bigger persons. I got a bacon waffle & my friend got an omelet. We were both happy with our food. The waitress serving us was so friendly & she was pleasant even tho it was jam-packed. Overall, I would go back!

Mel Rodriguez

15:30 24 Mar 24

Delicious food and excellent customer service. Went with a party of 3 around brunch time on a Saturday. Was a 15-20 minute wait, and they have a lobby, which you can sit and wait. Very spacious. Loved the menu and drink selections. Tried the Meli's Sunrise, which is a mango mimosa. Staff was on it and quick on the move to clean tables, get orders, and make sure clients were all okay. Will certainly return!

Marisa Passaro

16:04 09 Mar 24

The spot was very cute. Service was quick. The juice and the smoothie were both very yummy. I had the avocado Benedict and honestly the bread needed to be toasted more. It was hard to keep it all together because the bread was too soft. Otherwise the potatoes were good, eggs were cooked perfectly, and my fiancé enjoyed his chicken omelet breakfast.

Dari Herrera

20:18 25 Dec 23

I guess a dedicated gluten free and vegan menu as well as fresh made juices (except orange) is what makes this breakfast restaurant special. Other than that, nothing extraordinary. Customer service could be better. Atmosphere was nice but thankfully it was not busy, otherwise it would feel too crowded in there. Expensive prices but generous food portions and meals had a good taste. Eggs Benedict needed more hollandaise. Apple juice was perfect. They do not serve alcohol in this location. Also, there is a 90 minute table limit.

Ahmed

03:32 23 May 24

First time trying chicken and waffles for breakfast and I just absolutely loved it-Yolk knows how to mesh together some well seasoned friend chicken and some crispy buttermilk mini waffles, with some warm maple syrup that makes it all come together perfectly. Portion sizes were generous, the staff were super friendly, and the prices were decent overall. The restaurant itself does feel a little dated, and not on the ‘classic Chicago’ kinda way. Overall, would recommend.

Ade

20:57 22 May 24

The food was great, it came quickly even though it was quite busy in there the servers weren't rushed and were able to keep up with the orders. As mentioned the food was great, but the atmosphere in there is also quite welcoming, you don't feel rushed to eat/pay/leave. If you're in the area it's a good place to stop for breakfast or brunch for sure.

Gigi

00:45 20 Mar 24

Walking into Yolk, you’re immediately enveloped in a warm, inviting vibe that only a top-notch breakfast spot can offer. The crepes and pancakes? Absolutely divine. They’re the kind you’d happily jump out of bed for on a lazy Sunday. 😍And the omelets are a whole different level of yum - fluffy, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of filling. It’s clear why Yolk is a local favorite. Definitely worth a visit for a taste of their morning magic!

jean philippe lechat

13:36 18 May 24

Order one of the special with ground beef and scrambled eggs. Delicious!! Every thing was excellent! One portion is enough for 2 Europeans 😉

Cristian Hernández

21:44 12 May 24

The Swedish Pancakes are Yummy!The Dutch Baby Pancake are Superb!!Omellete, buttermilk pancake, and cofee were just ok.Hope they could expand Bathroom since it is only one per gender, and waiting times get long.Line moves fast. Nice terrace area in a GREAT location, in case need to find options.

Maiya Chanel

13:18 22 Apr 24

I stayed across the street at the Thompson & thought hey why not give the breakfast across the street a try. It was DELICIOUS! we went here on our second day & came back every morning after. Definitely recommend, you wont be disappointed!

Angela Blunt

11:07 21 May 24

I visited on Mother’s Day. I did not expect to see the manager going to every table to speak to every customer. He was so warm and welcoming to our party. The staff was super friendly and extremely helpful with making sure we enjoyed our experience. The food was delivered to our table in a timely manner, hot, and fresh. I was able to customize my order which was a skillet with sausage, spinach, and mushrooms. My mother loved the red velvet pancakes. I enjoyed myself so much I forgot to take pictures of all the food ordered. The ambience gave good friends and family enjoying a moment in time. I recommend this place for all occasions.

Angela Williams

17:54 27 Apr 24

I have been here before and has an amazing experience 6 months ago. I had to send my food back 3 times as the cook could not get my order right. When the bill came, my food was still on the bill after speaking with one of the managers about having it removed. The people I was with also experienced a mishap with their foods. We sat for almost 3 hours and left very dissatisfied and hungry. I would think twice about recommending this restaurant again as I believe there is major miscommunication between the cooks and waitresses. I still tipped my waitress as this was not a result of her putting my order in. If there was a place to record a half star, this would be that moment when this restaurant would get one. I’m sooooooo disheartened and disgusted at this point and still hungry as so could not eat my food!!!!!

Brian Cotton

14:19 05 Apr 24

We came in on Friday morning and it's a little empty. We were worried that our was empty but our fears we alleviated quickly. The staff is incredibly friendly. Don't be filled by the high prices. This place is not pretentious. None of us were able to finish our meals. The portions are ridiculously large and delicious.

Bill Wang

23:12 27 May 24

The cinnamon rolls here are absolutely outstanding and decadent. While their other breakfast items did not quite measure up, they were still enjoyable as standard brunch fare. The service was very friendly and efficient, and the brunch with the generous sides is always a great value.

M Caroline

13:48 24 May 24

I can here after seeing some YouTube videos about their cinnamon buns. I gotta say they’re just ok. The icing has a distinct flavor that just wasn’t for me; I’d describe it to a licorice. The texture of the bun was phenomenal though. The Swedish breakfast sampler however was pretty tasty. Unsung hero was the fresh juice.

Wendee Hsu

04:02 16 May 24

The cinnamon rolls are a must try! I also got a v4 omelette which is okay though I added many salt and hot sauce as the taste is not enough. The meal is crazily filling.My friend's Mexican omelette is better than mine. I love its guacamole stuffing.Btw, hash brown was just chopped potatoes.

Michael Wu PhD

21:47 04 May 24

Good Old fashioned hearty comfort food. They are delicious! And the portion is quite generous. They're desserts are delicious, but leaning a bit on the sweeter side (too sweet for me, but probably okay for most). The vibe is very good, with upbeat music to energize your day. And the service is excellent. Our waiter gave very good recommendations.

Cory Edwards

19:23 27 Apr 24

Beatrix is a fine place for brunch. I’m very happy about their many gluten free items. 10 years ago or so when l the first Beatrix opened we were smitten. The hot honey fried chicken sandwich was such a fun gluten free experience! The juice/smoothie options also taste very good.

Debra Shaw

19:47 08 Apr 24

Excellent food,service and atmosphere. Went on Easter for brunch I had the egg white omelet and my husband had the steak and eggs.Both were cooked perfectly,fresh and delicious.Service was excellent the waiter was attentive filling our water glasses bringing coffee when needed,just an altogether wonderful brunch.On our list for brunch next time we are in Chicago.

Dan Saldana

04:57 15 May 24

My first time at this place and I didn’t know what to expect, I just wanted brunch and it blew my expectations.I had the chorizo omelette with rice and beans and it was fantastic, the corn bread was a nice addition.We also had the French toast with the corn flakes and it was really unique and delicious!Don’t miss this place!

Oscar Enrique Phelps

14:53 26 Apr 24

Great place to have breakfast love the art decor throughout the whole restaurant very cute and funky. I will say the Cajun flavors were really good felt I was in Nola! Southern comfort food.

David Needham

16:09 22 Mar 24

I had the corn cakes with scrambled eggs and a side of crispy french toast. The corn cakes were soft and moist like good buttermilk pancakes and had sweet corn and peppers in the batter. The savory sauce on the side was a great complement. The crispy french toast was absolute perfection. Soft and almost gooey in the center but the frosted flake coating gave it an incredible crunch. What an incredible mouth feel! In the future I'll go out of my way to get this again. My server was friendly and checked back regularly to see if I needed a coffee refill or anything else.