Remember the days of sleeping in, rolling out of bed and heading out for leisurely brunch? Those times may be long gone now that kids are in the picture, but a fun weekend brunch is still possible.
These Chicagoland spots cater to both the mimosa crowd and the sippy cup crowd.
Batter and Berries
This brunch spot is well known for the world-famous French toast flight on their menu, with four signature flavors – strawberry, blueberry, lemon and caramel. Also, every week they change their specialty French toast options – one being a Key Lime French Toast meal. They have unique omelet options like the ribeye omelet, chicken fajita omelet and “Green City” omelet with sautéed zucchini, onions, mushrooms, summer squash and peppers.
Brunch Café
- Address: Various locations in Chicago and the suburbs
Some of the brunch favorites here are salmon toast, breakfast sliders and stuffed potato pancakes. They have plenty of pancake, crepe, waffle and French toast options for the savory eater. Their “little brunchers” menu is for children ages 12 and under that offers French toast sticks, chocolate chip pancakes, strawberry banana crepe, fruity pebble baby cakes, mini cheese burger, chicken fingers and more.
Caribella
- Address: 3311 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
Sometimes you need a break from the standard brunch fare. Caribella has got you covered with Puerto Rican specialties like plantain frittatas, guava French toast and coquito French toast. For your picky eaters, the restaurant’s chocolate chip pancakes will easily win them over, plus kid’s meals (for ages 12 and under) are all under $8. Check out this low-key Caribbean diner the next time you’re in Logan Square. Walk-in only; no reservations.
Citrus Diner
- Address: 844 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont
This restaurant offers a fun, family atmosphere with a large menu of breakfast, lunch and brunch options. Try unique options like a breakfast quesadilla, an open-faced omelet and an avo-cauli skillet with avocado, bacon, goat cheese, spinach and cauliflower rice. The kid’s meal is for children ages 10 and under and includes different pancakes, waffles, mac and cheese and more.
Curt’s Cafe
- Locations: 2922 Central St., Evanston and 1766 Second St., Highland Park
Northsiders will love these cute cafes, especially since they are a nonprofit that employs at-risk youth. The atmosphere is cozy, with couches, comfy chairs and board games decorating the space. Their all-day breakfast includes avocado toast, omelette of the week and a sweet potato and quinoa breakfast bowl, and the kids menu has faves like chicken tenders, grilled cheese panini and peanut butter and jelly.
Egg Harbor Cafe
- Address: Various locations in Chicago and the suburbs
Breakfast and lunch are served all day at this restaurant. They offer a seasonal menu, breakfast bowls, harbor benedicts including Farmer’s market benedict, smoked salmon Benedict, eggs Arlington and Barrington Benedict. Kids will love the rainbow pancake with colorful chocolates baked inside or the green eggs and ham (yes, they’re really green) with diced ham scrambled into two green eggs.
Eleven City Diner
- Address: 1112 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Stop in here to make your own omelette or enjoy a quinoa scramble bowl or Keto bowl. You can even load up your mac and cheese bowl with meat like salami, bacon, ham or pastrami and add veggies like broccoli, zucchini and spinach. Enjoy their buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles or challah French toast plan or with a fun topping.
Elly’s Pancake House
- Locations: 5310 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 1142 W. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village, 1624 N Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, 435 Townline Road, Mundelein and 5050 N. Cumberland Ave., Norridge
This restaurant chain has been family owned since 1997. Kids can choose from a variety of crepes (banana, fresh strawberry and fresh blueberry), Mickey or Minnie Mouse pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes Oreo pancakes and much more. For the adults, there are tons of iced or hot coffees and cappuccinos. They have specialty baked pancakes like basked apple and German pancakes.
Little Branch Café
- Address: 1251 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago
If you’re heading to the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum or Grant Park, then stop in this restaurant for a bite to eat beforehand. Try their banana and Nutella pancakes or waffles, chorizo breakfast or their quiche of the day. They also offer tons of panini sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups.
Pastores Brunch
- Address: 4661 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Enjoy this family-friendly restaurant located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square. Their meals are inspired by homemade recipes like Mexican Molletes, Chilaquiles Verdes o Rojos, Huevos Rancheros or Divorciados and more. They offer a large menu for children with breakfast and lunch options. All kids meals include a small drink (milk, chocolate milk, apple juice or cranberry juice).
Savanna Restaurant
The kid’s meals are Mickey Mouse pancakes, waffles, French toast, chicken fingers, mac and cheese and more. If you or your child is feeling more adventurous, try their tower waffle, ham and mushroom crepe, dulche de leche French toast, turkey chorizo or mote pillo.
Summer House Santa Monica
- Address: 1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago
If you can’t spring for a family beach vacay right now, you can at least pretend you’re brunching beach side. This Lincoln Park favorite is bright, breezy and completely tot-friendly, offering a kid’s menu, highchairs and plenty of room to navigate a stroller through tables. Brunch selections include egg sandwiches, waffles and breakfast burritos. Make sure to grab one of the restaurant’s signature “huge” cinnamon rolls for the family to split.
Wildberry Cafe
- Locations: 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, 196 E. Pearson St., Chicago, 1783 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville and 1383 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg
Wildberry is often pretty crowded on the weekends, but that’s no doubt due to their tasty brunch selections. The kid’s menu (ages 12 and under) here is plentiful, offering everything from cinnamon roll pancakes to chicken tenders (all kids meals include a juice or soda, too!). For parents, there’s specialty Benedicts, biscuits & gravy and stuffed crepes. The smoothie, juice and lemonade selections are sure to please little ones and there are mocha and espresso drinks for parents in need of a caffeine fix.
Yolk
- Address: Various locations in Chicago and the suburbs
Enjoy your brunch in an upscale setting that offers reasonable prices, creative meals and their own private label coffee. Although its name is based on a breakfast food, it offers lunch fare like sandwiches, salads, wraps and burgers. Some unique favorites they offer include red velvet French toast, pot roast benedict and breakfast mac and cheese. Avoid waiting in line and add your name to the waiting list on the Yelp app.
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