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A spread of brunch dishes including beignets, a cinnamon bun, an omelet, coffee and orange juice.
Roux serves New Orleans-inspired breakfast all day in Hyde Park.
Neil Burger Photography

Chicago’s Best Breakfast Spots

Start the day off right with these morning standouts

by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated
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Roux serves New Orleans-inspired breakfast all day in Hyde Park.
| Neil Burger Photography
by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated

Breakfast’s status as the most important meal is debatable, but too often it’s the day’s most overlooked dining opportunity. Though some people skip right to lunch, a plethora of Chicago restaurants provide a quality start to every morning. From longtime neighborhood favorites to newcomers dishing out sweet and savory creations, here are the city’s most outstanding breakfast spots.

Egg sandwiches are a sufficiently robust category to merit its own map, available here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Kaufman's

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A North Shore staple for more than 50 years, Kaufman’s serves traditional Jewish deli fare like lox, corned beef, pastrami and whitefish salad by the pound or piled onto massive sandwiches. The bakery offers a wide variety of New York-style bagels alongside Eastern European specialties and Kaufman’s also features a grocery section with an eclectic mix of snacks and spreads.

4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 677-6190
(847) 677-6190

Honeybear Cafe

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This cozy cafe has become one of the best breakfast destinations in Rogers Park. Guests can build their own omelets, skillets or scramblers. Other house specialties include breakfast quesadillas, biscuits stuffed with andouille sausage or smothered in country gravy, and truly decadent waffle and pancake platters. Book a table through Resy.

7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 754-7450
(773) 754-7450

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M. Henry

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Hailed as one of Chicago's top breakfast and brunch spots, M. Henry puts the focus on quality ingredients. The creative menu offers Jorge’s black bean cakes and huevos borrachos (“drunken eggs”), lemon-raspberry brioche French toast, and Fannie’s killer fried egg sandwich. There are also lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Order online here.

5707 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 561-1600
(773) 561-1600

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Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club

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Chef and owner Manny Mejia, who previously worked at M. Henry and Marmalade and also owns Big Hill, turns out dishes with global influences at this North Park gem. The eclectic selection includes a Caprese omelet, blackberry and kiwi French toast, scallion pancakes with eggs and pork belly, and French toast stuffed with Canadian bacon. Expect crowds and a wait on weekends. A second outpost is located in Belmont Gardens. Order online here.

3348 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(872) 208-7079
(872) 208-7079

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Tre Kronor

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Over on the Northwest Side, Chicagoans pack this charming two-story building every day for Scandinavian comfort fare. Satiate the sweet tooth with maple pecan Danishes or cinnamon rolls before digging into cheesy omelets, Swedish pancakes with lingonberry preserves, and a plethora of sausages.

3258 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 267-9888
(773) 267-9888

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Chiu Quon Bakery

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Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery, Chi Quon Bakery offers a wide variety of sweet and savory buns including barbecue pork, egg custard or coconut along with pastries such as Portuguese-style milk egg tarts and almond cookies. The prices are cheap, making it easy to fill a box with whatever looks good behind the counter to share with friends. There’s a second location in Chinatown.

1127 W Argyle St (at N Broadway), Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 907-8888
(773) 907-8888

Tiztal Cafe

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Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish and one of Chicago’s best versions is found at this small Uptown cafe. The recipe features fresh tortilla chips topped with green salsa, eggs, Chihuahua cheese, onions, cilantro, and a choice of chorizo, steak, or chicken. Omelets and creamy oatmeal milkshakes are also standouts. And there’s a lovely back patio for outdoor dining. Online ordering is available here.

4631 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-4631
(773) 271-4631
A plate of steak chilaquiles.
The chilaquiles are a must-try at Tiztal Cafe.
Tiztal Cafe [Official Photo]

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Istmo

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This Oaxacan restaurant, just south of Wrigley Field has a menu featuring chilaquiles, tlayda, and tons of egg dishes. There are also blue-corn pancakes, great coffee drinks, and a signature dish — garnachas with corn tortillas, red adobo steak, dried-aged queso, and pickles.

3231 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

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Cebu

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This Flipino American diner in Lakeview is a family-owned affair with both savory and sweet morning options. Breakfast sandwiches feature longaniza and hash browns. Popcorn chicken is served with a zingy and sweet sauce, that also comes with waffles if desired. The coffee program is unorthodox with unique options. There’s something for everyone and pastries to take home.

3120 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60657
(773) 709-9153
(773) 709-9153
French toast Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

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Batter & Berries

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An adorable Lincoln Park BYOB cafe with a soul food twist, Batter & Berries is most notable for its French toast flights which offer a taste of its signature lemon, blueberry, strawberry and caramel versions. The restaurant also offers a French toast special each week, with previous iterations including banana pudding or peach cobbler. Other highlights include deconstructed omelets and sweet potato waffles topped with fried chicken and nutmeg hot sauce. Skip the mob-inducing brunch hours by heading over for weekday breakfast. There’s also a location outside of Chicago in Olympia Fields.

2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-7710
(773) 248-7710

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Lula Cafe

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One of the best restaurants in Chicago, Lula Cafe helped establish Logan Square as a culinary destination. Chef and owner Jason Hammel was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement and continues using sustainable and local ingredients in dishes like a smoked trout scramble, pork and beans, and a butternut squash and ricotta omelet. Book a table through Resy. In 2024, Lula won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
(773) 489-9554

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The Bongo Room

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A Chicago staple for almost three decades, the Bongo Room specializes in indulgent, over-the-top pancakes and French toasts. But if that’s too much sugar in the morning, the menu is also balanced out by eggs and sandwiches. Place online orders here.

1470 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0690
(773) 489-0690

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Nellie’s Restaurant

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Nellie’s is known for its breakfast buffet that features a mix of continental American and Puerto Rican favorites. It’s never a real visit unless customers order a bowl of coconut oatmeal (avena de coco). Gluten-free diners may find solace in the breakfast jibarito. Make a reservation through OpenTable.

2458 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-5520
(773) 252-5520

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Kasama

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Michelin-starred mega hit Kasama features both daytime and dinner options from chefs and spouses Genie Kwon and Tim Flores. Their breakfast sandwich (stuffed with egg, cheese, longanisa, and hash browns) is a banger that’s developed its own following, but there’s also a classic Filipino breakfast (fried egg, garlic fried rice, and longanisa or tocino) and Kwon’s stunning laminated pastries. Lumpia is also a wonderful way to start the day. Skip the long lines by ordering ahead, however, know that Flores will drop dine-on specials, like a giant wagyu steak.

1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790
(773) 697-3790
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

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Cafecito

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Start the day with a shot or two of espresso or a sweet and creamy cafe con leche along with a breakfast sandwich made with steak, eggs, grilled onions and Cafecito’s excellent Cuban bread. For a more indulgent meal, dig into pancakes topped with sweet plantains and pineapple while sipping a mimosa made with guava or mango nectar. Cafecito also has locations in Lincoln Park and The Loop.

215 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 643-2242
(312) 643-2242

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Nettare

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This West Town newcomer has a small and mighty baked goods program. The scones, sweet onion tart, and biscuit are delightful on their own. They’ll also make that into a sandwich, part of a prix fixe weekday brunch menu on select days. Service starts at 10 for brunch on Wednesday through Sunday. But that counts as a late breakfast, too.

1953 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622
312-219-5101
312-219-5101
A breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese. Ashok Selvam/Eater Chciago

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Uncle Mike's Place

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Tired of the same old bacon and eggs? Visit this Ukrainian Village diner for homey Southeast Asian specialties. The fluffy omelets and pancakes won’t disappoint, but the most popular choices are the marinated skirt steak and the hearty Filipino breakfasts. They can be ordered with longanisa (sweet sausage), bangus (marinated milkfish), tocino (cured pork shoulder), and more. Online ordering is available here.

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5318
(312) 226-5318
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

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Wishbone

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The longtime West Loop restaurant moved from its original location in 2018 but the food hasn’t skipped a beat. The menu still leans heavily on Southern comforts, such as salmon cakes, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and chicken andouille hash. Make a reservation through Tock.

161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-2663
(312) 850-2663
Wishbone jambalaya Wishbone

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Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

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Located right near Millennium Park, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is regularly packed with a mix of tourists and local workers tucking into rich plates of banana coconut cream pie pancakes, cookie dough waffles and chocolate banana bread french toast accompanied by fresh-squeezed orange juice and Intelligentsia coffee. Service is friendly and fast, though WiFi is available for anyone who needs to catch up on emails while they eat. Wildberry also has a location along the Magnificent Mile and suburban outposts in Libertyville and Schaumburg. Order online through Toast.

130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 938-9777
(312) 938-9777

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Lou Mitchell's

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A Chicago icon that’s been in business for a century, Lou Mitchell's dishes out a dose of greasy spoon Americana rarely seen in the 21st century. Omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, and complimentary Milk Duds (yes, Milk Duds) are go-tos for regulars who stop in for a dose of old-school charm and entertaining people-watching.

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
(312) 939-3111
The Lou Mitchell’s neon sign. Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

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Sweet Maple Cafe

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The University Village community hub warrants a visit for many exceptional dishes, including breakfast tacos, country scrambles, holiday French toast, home fries, and Southern-style fried catfish nuggets that are only available on Fridays.

1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 243-8908
(312) 243-8908

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Stax Cafe

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Popular with UIC students and workers in the Illinois Medical District, Stax Cafe is known for its creative spins on breakfast staples. The menu boasts exciting dishes like a Monte Cristo waffle sandwich, cinnamon roll waffles, “Healthy Start” oatmeal pancakes mixed with blueberries, and prosciutto avocado benedict. There’s also a selection of cocktails so guests can pair their bites with a Bloody Mary or an old fashioned. A second Stax Cafe outpost is located in River West. Online ordering is available here.

1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9871
(312) 733-9871
A variety of breakfast plates spread out on a table. Neil John Burger

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La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant

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Decked out with religious Mexican art and version of the Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam on the ceiling, Little Village favorite La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant offers divine Mexican breakfast fare including a wide variety of chilaquiles, dulce de leche pancakes and huevos rancheros. Check in with the waitlist before heading out as lines can stretch out the door. A second location opened last year in North Lawndale and a third is in the works.

2500 S Christiana Ave (at 25th St), Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 823-7546
(773) 823-7546
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

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Huck Finn Restaurant

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South Side diner Huck Finn Restaurant has been pleasing families for more than 50 years with affordable all-day breakfast including cinnamon roll french toast, potato pancakes and corned beef hash. It’s also beloved for its fresh baked doughnuts, offering enormous frosted Alaska rings and more reasonable sizes that can be ordered toppped with ice cream and whipped cream. Huck Finn also has locations in West Lawn and Oak Lawn.

3414 S Archer Ave (at Damen), Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 247-5515
(773) 247-5515
An egg skillet Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

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Pearl's Place

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For an endless supply of Southern-style soul food, Chicagoans should make their way to Pearl’s. In addition to the a la carte menu, there’s also a buffet of breakfast comfort food, such as made-to-order omelets, waffles, grits, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken wings, and much more. It’s a bountiful spread that will keep even the biggest appetites full until dinner.

3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 285-1000
(773) 285-1000
Mini-waffles and chicken wings
Pearl’s Place is an institution in Bronzeville.
Pearl’s Place [Official Photo]

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Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles

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With two locations, Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles has become a soul food destination with fluffy waffles, huge portions, and family-friendly service. Choose from wings, thighs, or breasts to find the right combo. Sub in catfish, too. Not everything is fried either. There are plenty of egg dishes if diners are trying to eat healthier. Order online here.

3947 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 536-3300
(773) 536-3300

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Peach's Restaurant

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Bright and airy, Peach’s Restaurant stirs the soul with Southern delights. Salmon croquettes and flaky biscuits are hits, as is the juicy and peppery fried chicken served with cinnamon French toast and honey butter. Place online orders here.

4652 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 966-5801
(773) 966-5801
A pile of French toast topped with chopped peanuts, powdered sugar and a scoop of ice cream.
French toast from Peach’s Restaurant
Cliff Rome

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Roux

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Located near the University of Chicago, this modern counter-service diner serves a New Orleans-inspired breakfast all day long. Lillie’s Q chef Charlie McKenna is the visionary behind the menu, which explores the world of Southern cooking. Guests can start with beignets and pimento cheese, followed by staples like shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and chicken fried steak. There’s a small, curated selection of alcoholic beverages as well. Online ordering is available here.

1055 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 770-4785
(773) 770-4785

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Plein Air Cafe

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Situated next to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House on the University of Chicago’s campus, Plein Air is a French-inspired café that provides both students and locals alike a warm and cozy environment to refuel. Head to the bright, minimalist space in the morning for pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, quiches, and savory pies. Don’t forget the most important item: a hot (or cold) cup of coffee. Online ordering is available here.

5751 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 966-7531
(773) 966-7531

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Daley's Restaurant

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Chicago’s oldest restaurant — which moved across the street in 2019 — has been part delicious soul food, part time capsule, and part gathering place for nearly half the city since 1892. At breakfast, there aren’t many places in town where one can get pork chops, catfish, chicken wings, salmon patties, grilled salt pork, and other Southern comforts alongside eggs and pancakes. Online ordering is available here.

6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 643-6670
(773) 643-6670
A breakfast skillet.
Daley’s is a timeless treasure for daytime dining.
Daley’s Restaurant [Official Photo]

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Josephine's Southern Cooking

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Josephine Wade is a mythical figure in Chicago. The namesake owner, also known as “Mother,” has run this soul food diner in Chatham for decades. She received national attention in 2019 when her South Side institution was renovated on an episode of Restaurant: Impossible. Customers can expect to find catfish, pork chops, chicken and waffles, and salmon croquettes.

436 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 487-2900
(773) 487-2900

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Kaufman's

4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60077

A North Shore staple for more than 50 years, Kaufman’s serves traditional Jewish deli fare like lox, corned beef, pastrami and whitefish salad by the pound or piled onto massive sandwiches. The bakery offers a wide variety of New York-style bagels alongside Eastern European specialties and Kaufman’s also features a grocery section with an eclectic mix of snacks and spreads.

4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 677-6190
(847) 677-6190

Honeybear Cafe

7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626

This cozy cafe has become one of the best breakfast destinations in Rogers Park. Guests can build their own omelets, skillets or scramblers. Other house specialties include breakfast quesadillas, biscuits stuffed with andouille sausage or smothered in country gravy, and truly decadent waffle and pancake platters. Book a table through Resy.

7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 754-7450
(773) 754-7450

M. Henry

5707 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660

Hailed as one of Chicago's top breakfast and brunch spots, M. Henry puts the focus on quality ingredients. The creative menu offers Jorge’s black bean cakes and huevos borrachos (“drunken eggs”), lemon-raspberry brioche French toast, and Fannie’s killer fried egg sandwich. There are also lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Order online here.

5707 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 561-1600
(773) 561-1600

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club

3348 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Chef and owner Manny Mejia, who previously worked at M. Henry and Marmalade and also owns Big Hill, turns out dishes with global influences at this North Park gem. The eclectic selection includes a Caprese omelet, blackberry and kiwi French toast, scallion pancakes with eggs and pork belly, and French toast stuffed with Canadian bacon. Expect crowds and a wait on weekends. A second outpost is located in Belmont Gardens. Order online here.

3348 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(872) 208-7079
(872) 208-7079

Tre Kronor

3258 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Over on the Northwest Side, Chicagoans pack this charming two-story building every day for Scandinavian comfort fare. Satiate the sweet tooth with maple pecan Danishes or cinnamon rolls before digging into cheesy omelets, Swedish pancakes with lingonberry preserves, and a plethora of sausages.

3258 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 267-9888
(773) 267-9888

Chiu Quon Bakery

1127 W Argyle St (at N Broadway), Chicago, IL 60640

Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery, Chi Quon Bakery offers a wide variety of sweet and savory buns including barbecue pork, egg custard or coconut along with pastries such as Portuguese-style milk egg tarts and almond cookies. The prices are cheap, making it easy to fill a box with whatever looks good behind the counter to share with friends. There’s a second location in Chinatown.

1127 W Argyle St (at N Broadway), Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 907-8888
(773) 907-8888

Tiztal Cafe

4631 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish and one of Chicago’s best versions is found at this small Uptown cafe. The recipe features fresh tortilla chips topped with green salsa, eggs, Chihuahua cheese, onions, cilantro, and a choice of chorizo, steak, or chicken. Omelets and creamy oatmeal milkshakes are also standouts. And there’s a lovely back patio for outdoor dining. Online ordering is available here.

4631 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-4631
(773) 271-4631
A plate of steak chilaquiles.
The chilaquiles are a must-try at Tiztal Cafe.
Tiztal Cafe [Official Photo]

Istmo

3231 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657

This Oaxacan restaurant, just south of Wrigley Field has a menu featuring chilaquiles, tlayda, and tons of egg dishes. There are also blue-corn pancakes, great coffee drinks, and a signature dish — garnachas with corn tortillas, red adobo steak, dried-aged queso, and pickles.

3231 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Cebu

3120 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60657

This Flipino American diner in Lakeview is a family-owned affair with both savory and sweet morning options. Breakfast sandwiches feature longaniza and hash browns. Popcorn chicken is served with a zingy and sweet sauce, that also comes with waffles if desired. The coffee program is unorthodox with unique options. There’s something for everyone and pastries to take home.

3120 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60657
(773) 709-9153
(773) 709-9153
French toast Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Batter & Berries

2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

An adorable Lincoln Park BYOB cafe with a soul food twist, Batter & Berries is most notable for its French toast flights which offer a taste of its signature lemon, blueberry, strawberry and caramel versions. The restaurant also offers a French toast special each week, with previous iterations including banana pudding or peach cobbler. Other highlights include deconstructed omelets and sweet potato waffles topped with fried chicken and nutmeg hot sauce. Skip the mob-inducing brunch hours by heading over for weekday breakfast. There’s also a location outside of Chicago in Olympia Fields.

2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-7710
(773) 248-7710

Lula Cafe

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

One of the best restaurants in Chicago, Lula Cafe helped establish Logan Square as a culinary destination. Chef and owner Jason Hammel was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement and continues using sustainable and local ingredients in dishes like a smoked trout scramble, pork and beans, and a butternut squash and ricotta omelet. Book a table through Resy. In 2024, Lula won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
(773) 489-9554

The Bongo Room

1470 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A Chicago staple for almost three decades, the Bongo Room specializes in indulgent, over-the-top pancakes and French toasts. But if that’s too much sugar in the morning, the menu is also balanced out by eggs and sandwiches. Place online orders here.

1470 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0690
(773) 489-0690

Nellie’s Restaurant

2458 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Nellie’s is known for its breakfast buffet that features a mix of continental American and Puerto Rican favorites. It’s never a real visit unless customers order a bowl of coconut oatmeal (avena de coco). Gluten-free diners may find solace in the breakfast jibarito. Make a reservation through OpenTable.

2458 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-5520
(773) 252-5520

Kasama

1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Michelin-starred mega hit Kasama features both daytime and dinner options from chefs and spouses Genie Kwon and Tim Flores. Their breakfast sandwich (stuffed with egg, cheese, longanisa, and hash browns) is a banger that’s developed its own following, but there’s also a classic Filipino breakfast (fried egg, garlic fried rice, and longanisa or tocino) and Kwon’s stunning laminated pastries. Lumpia is also a wonderful way to start the day. Skip the long lines by ordering ahead, however, know that Flores will drop dine-on specials, like a giant wagyu steak.

1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790
(773) 697-3790
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Cafecito

215 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611

Start the day with a shot or two of espresso or a sweet and creamy cafe con leche along with a breakfast sandwich made with steak, eggs, grilled onions and Cafecito’s excellent Cuban bread. For a more indulgent meal, dig into pancakes topped with sweet plantains and pineapple while sipping a mimosa made with guava or mango nectar. Cafecito also has locations in Lincoln Park and The Loop.

215 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 643-2242
(312) 643-2242

Related Maps

Nettare

1953 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622

This West Town newcomer has a small and mighty baked goods program. The scones, sweet onion tart, and biscuit are delightful on their own. They’ll also make that into a sandwich, part of a prix fixe weekday brunch menu on select days. Service starts at 10 for brunch on Wednesday through Sunday. But that counts as a late breakfast, too.

1953 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622
312-219-5101
312-219-5101
A breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese. Ashok Selvam/Eater Chciago

Uncle Mike's Place

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Tired of the same old bacon and eggs? Visit this Ukrainian Village diner for homey Southeast Asian specialties. The fluffy omelets and pancakes won’t disappoint, but the most popular choices are the marinated skirt steak and the hearty Filipino breakfasts. They can be ordered with longanisa (sweet sausage), bangus (marinated milkfish), tocino (cured pork shoulder), and more. Online ordering is available here.

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5318
(312) 226-5318
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Wishbone

161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661

The longtime West Loop restaurant moved from its original location in 2018 but the food hasn’t skipped a beat. The menu still leans heavily on Southern comforts, such as salmon cakes, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and chicken andouille hash. Make a reservation through Tock.

161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-2663
(312) 850-2663
Wishbone jambalaya Wishbone

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Located right near Millennium Park, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is regularly packed with a mix of tourists and local workers tucking into rich plates of banana coconut cream pie pancakes, cookie dough waffles and chocolate banana bread french toast accompanied by fresh-squeezed orange juice and Intelligentsia coffee. Service is friendly and fast, though WiFi is available for anyone who needs to catch up on emails while they eat. Wildberry also has a location along the Magnificent Mile and suburban outposts in Libertyville and Schaumburg. Order online through Toast.

130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 938-9777
(312) 938-9777

Lou Mitchell's

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

A Chicago icon that’s been in business for a century, Lou Mitchell's dishes out a dose of greasy spoon Americana rarely seen in the 21st century. Omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, and complimentary Milk Duds (yes, Milk Duds) are go-tos for regulars who stop in for a dose of old-school charm and entertaining people-watching.

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
(312) 939-3111
The Lou Mitchell’s neon sign. Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Sweet Maple Cafe

1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

The University Village community hub warrants a visit for many exceptional dishes, including breakfast tacos, country scrambles, holiday French toast, home fries, and Southern-style fried catfish nuggets that are only available on Fridays.

1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 243-8908
(312) 243-8908

Stax Cafe

1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Popular with UIC students and workers in the Illinois Medical District, Stax Cafe is known for its creative spins on breakfast staples. The menu boasts exciting dishes like a Monte Cristo waffle sandwich, cinnamon roll waffles, “Healthy Start” oatmeal pancakes mixed with blueberries, and prosciutto avocado benedict. There’s also a selection of cocktails so guests can pair their bites with a Bloody Mary or an old fashioned. A second Stax Cafe outpost is located in River West. Online ordering is available here.

1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9871
(312) 733-9871
A variety of breakfast plates spread out on a table. Neil John Burger

La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant

2500 S Christiana Ave (at 25th St), Chicago, IL 60623

Decked out with religious Mexican art and version of the Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam on the ceiling, Little Village favorite La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant offers divine Mexican breakfast fare including a wide variety of chilaquiles, dulce de leche pancakes and huevos rancheros. Check in with the waitlist before heading out as lines can stretch out the door. A second location opened last year in North Lawndale and a third is in the works.

2500 S Christiana Ave (at 25th St), Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 823-7546
(773) 823-7546
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Huck Finn Restaurant

3414 S Archer Ave (at Damen), Chicago, IL 60608

South Side diner Huck Finn Restaurant has been pleasing families for more than 50 years with affordable all-day breakfast including cinnamon roll french toast, potato pancakes and corned beef hash. It’s also beloved for its fresh baked doughnuts, offering enormous frosted Alaska rings and more reasonable sizes that can be ordered toppped with ice cream and whipped cream. Huck Finn also has locations in West Lawn and Oak Lawn.

3414 S Archer Ave (at Damen), Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 247-5515
(773) 247-5515
An egg skillet Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Pearl's Place

3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

For an endless supply of Southern-style soul food, Chicagoans should make their way to Pearl’s. In addition to the a la carte menu, there’s also a buffet of breakfast comfort food, such as made-to-order omelets, waffles, grits, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken wings, and much more. It’s a bountiful spread that will keep even the biggest appetites full until dinner.

3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 285-1000
(773) 285-1000
Mini-waffles and chicken wings
Pearl’s Place is an institution in Bronzeville.
Pearl’s Place [Official Photo]

Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles

3947 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653

With two locations, Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles has become a soul food destination with fluffy waffles, huge portions, and family-friendly service. Choose from wings, thighs, or breasts to find the right combo. Sub in catfish, too. Not everything is fried either. There are plenty of egg dishes if diners are trying to eat healthier. Order online here.

3947 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 536-3300
(773) 536-3300

Peach's Restaurant

4652 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653

Bright and airy, Peach’s Restaurant stirs the soul with Southern delights. Salmon croquettes and flaky biscuits are hits, as is the juicy and peppery fried chicken served with cinnamon French toast and honey butter. Place online orders here.

4652 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 966-5801
(773) 966-5801
A pile of French toast topped with chopped peanuts, powdered sugar and a scoop of ice cream.
French toast from Peach’s Restaurant
Cliff Rome

Roux

1055 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

Located near the University of Chicago, this modern counter-service diner serves a New Orleans-inspired breakfast all day long. Lillie’s Q chef Charlie McKenna is the visionary behind the menu, which explores the world of Southern cooking. Guests can start with beignets and pimento cheese, followed by staples like shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and chicken fried steak. There’s a small, curated selection of alcoholic beverages as well. Online ordering is available here.

1055 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 770-4785
(773) 770-4785

Plein Air Cafe

5751 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Situated next to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House on the University of Chicago’s campus, Plein Air is a French-inspired café that provides both students and locals alike a warm and cozy environment to refuel. Head to the bright, minimalist space in the morning for pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, quiches, and savory pies. Don’t forget the most important item: a hot (or cold) cup of coffee. Online ordering is available here.

5751 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 966-7531
(773) 966-7531

Daley's Restaurant

6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Chicago’s oldest restaurant — which moved across the street in 2019 — has been part delicious soul food, part time capsule, and part gathering place for nearly half the city since 1892. At breakfast, there aren’t many places in town where one can get pork chops, catfish, chicken wings, salmon patties, grilled salt pork, and other Southern comforts alongside eggs and pancakes. Online ordering is available here.

6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 643-6670
(773) 643-6670
A breakfast skillet.
Daley’s is a timeless treasure for daytime dining.
Daley’s Restaurant [Official Photo]

Josephine's Southern Cooking

436 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Josephine Wade is a mythical figure in Chicago. The namesake owner, also known as “Mother,” has run this soul food diner in Chatham for decades. She received national attention in 2019 when her South Side institution was renovated on an episode of Restaurant: Impossible. Customers can expect to find catfish, pork chops, chicken and waffles, and salmon croquettes.

436 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 487-2900
(773) 487-2900

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