The Top Breakfast Restaurants in Chicago
With thousands of options, choosing a restaurant in Chicago can be a daunting task. Everywhere you look eateries of all kinds are beckoning you inside their doors. In the morning it can be particularly difficult to make a decision, so here’s a helpful guide to the best restaurants for breakfast in Chicago. Even if you just roll out of bed and pick one of these places, you’ll be guaranteed a delicious breakfast in a unique atmosphere.
Pauline’s, 1754 W. Balmoral Ave., 773-561-8573
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This caf�© is located on a secluded corner in the Ravenswood neighborhood on the North Side of the city. In the shadow of the L tracks, hearty breakfast and lunch dishes are served in an intimate diner-like setting. Generous portions of eggs, omelets, pancakes and other breakfast favorites will help you start your day on the right note. Especially tasty are the daily specials, which often consist of items like French toast and pancakes drenched in fruit toppings. Neither the entr�©es nor side dishes are very expensive, so you can indulge in a large, scrumptious meal. The crowded dining room is adorned with classic movie posters and enhances the feel of a true neighborhood hang-out. If you stop by during the summer, take advantage of the delightful patio and enjoy the relative quiet and fantastic breakfast food in this little corner of Chicago.
Salt & Pepper Diner, 3537 N. Clark St., 773-883-9800
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A stone’s throw from Wrigley Field is Salt & Pepper, a classic ’50’s-style diner that serves a particularly delicious breakfast. Shiny chrome, a classic counter and jukebox radiate retro charm, and while the lunch and dinner food is great too, this restaurant is best for Sunday brunches. You can find a comparable burger anywhere, but their eggs, bacon and other breakfast favorites are hard to top. They also serve fantastic Bloody Marys that are great after a long night out. Although there is another location on Lincoln Avenue, this Clark Street Salt & Pepper is larger, which means less possibility of a wait. If you’re in Lakeview or Wrigleyville and need a hearty morning meal, enjoy a quality, filling breakfast in this lively atmosphere.
Martyr’s Restaurant & Pub, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-404-9494
A little-known secret about this place is the delicious breakfast they serve on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Martyr’s is famous as one of the best bars and music venues in
Chicago, and they serve dinner nightly as well (except Sundays). But on weekend mornings they open for breakfast, and while the menu isn’t huge, what they offer is exceptionally delicious. Their hash browns are particularly tasty, and their mimosas and Bloody Marys are amazing, which you would expect from a bar. The generous portions are reasonably priced, although the drinks are a little expensive. The simple tables and dÃ?©cor make you feel like you’re sitting backstage, waiting for the band to do their sound check. The great food and unique environment make Martyr’s not only one of the greatest spots for nightlife but also for weekend morning breakfasts in Chicago.
The Bongo Room, 1470 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-489-0690
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For a truly distinctive breakfast you must try The Bongo Room, located in the uber-trendy Bucktown neighborhood. This intimate cafÃ?© offers some of the most unique breakfast dishes in Chicago; they are particularly famous for their pancakes and French toast, served with extraordinary toppings like flavored cream cheese sauces, fruit compotes and crÃ?¨me anglaise. They also offer favorites like a breakfast burrito, omelets and eggs, and lunch is available as well. The menu changes seasonally, so there is always something new and unusual available. This popular and fashionable restaurant is a little costly, but if you’re looking for a special breakfast or brunch in Chicago, The Bongo Room is worth the extra money.
If you’re not familiar with Chicago, don’t be intimidated by the incredible number of restaurants to choose from. Fantastic food is around every corner in the Windy City, and for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants recommended here!
