Chicago concierges and our editor weigh in on their favorite brunch places
Sharyne Tu – Macy’s on State Street
YOLK TEST KITCHEN
“I love brunch at the Yolk Test Kitchen on Milwaukee Avenue. I really enjoyed the Chilaquilles. It’s a very tasty and generous portion. My friend loves the Chicken & Waffles there.”
DIM SUM BRUNCH
“I also love a good dim sum brunch when I go out with my friends or take tour guests to Chinatown. I recommend the following restaurants specializing in Dim Sum in addition to their main dishes: Phoenix, Imperial, and MingHin. Each location serves mostly the same dim sum items, though they have some of their own specialties. I like the shrimp and chives dumplings, BBQ Pork Rice Crepe Roll, Braised Chicken Feet, Custard Tarts, all served with Jasmine Tea. Dim Sum is a tradition with the Cantonese people and now popular worldwide. I love sharing a variety of small plates with friends – the more the merrier!”
Etienne Padin – Ivy Hotel
PINSTRIPES
“Who would have thought that a place that offers bowling and bocce would have the best buffet brunch as well? With a wonderful view of the Odgen Slip if you choose to sit outside, Pinstripes offers great make-your-own omelet and waffle stations. It’s a great place to start your journey to Navy Pier since it’s on the way. My favorite dish? Well, everything. And you can try everything, too!”
Faith Czajkowski – JW Marriott Hotel
BEATRIX
“I like any and all of the Beatrix locations for breakfast/brunch. Their comfortable atmosphere and innovative menus make for a great start of the day!”
Flor Sigaran – BuildingHub Concierge
SANTA MONICA SUMMER HOUSE
“I love brunch and one of my favorites is Santa Monica Summer House for the Cali vibes and fresh ingredients. Their salmon bagel is amazing.”
EL JOSIE
“I also love El Josie in the West Loop. I go there for the lively atmosphere with rotating DJs and some amazing Mexican inspired brunch like the carnita con huevos skillet.”
Melissa Long – The Ritz Carlton
“My happiest subject! Brunch Chicago Style! Hands down my favorite brunch restaurants are:
Wake ‘n Bacon
99.9% of their menu are my favorites! My #1 is La Vida Dulce & Spiced Maple Chicken ‘n Waffles.
Little Goat
Their French toast is THE best: brioche bread with egg inside of the toast!”
Leentje De Leeuw – Editor-in-Chief
“Having brunch is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago! With four of my closest friends, we created a brunch club a few years ago. We try to meet at least once a month, at a different location, of course. Our next ‘date’ is at the Hampton Social in River North. I am looking forward to their Colossal Crab Cake and Tuna Tartare!”
