Even the super early risers can find a spot that’s perfect for brunch
There are a few theories on when and where brunch originated. Some say it originated in England as a post-hunt celebration, others a post-church meal. Brunch became popular in the 1930s in Chicago when actors would have publicity tours via train from the East Coast to California. They would stop in Chicago for a midday meal.
At some point “going to brunch” became a real event. So much so that restaurants are constantly trying to up the ante. For example, you now have Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, All-You-Can-Eat Brunch, Musical Brunch, Trivia Brunch, and even Drag Brunch. So which ones can you take the kids to? We’ve rounded up some of the best brunch spots that are kid-friendly while equally delicious. We found a couple for the early risers too!
Andersonville
Replay
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., kids are welcome at Replay Andersonville. While you enjoy brunch favorites such as biscuits and gravy or huevos rancheros, the kids (and adults), can feel nostalgic playing classic arcade games like Asteroids, Donkey Kong, or Ms. Pac-Man. They also have pinball.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5358 N. Clark St.
Online: replayandersonville.com
Avondale
Chief O’Neill’s
The brunch buffet at Chief O’Neill’s has everything you could ask for: salads, fruit, cheese, smoked salmon, glazed ham, Irish Eggs Benedict, soup, assorted bread, a Taco Bar, and more. Kids will love building their own ice cream sundaes with many toppings to choose from. Adults are only $30 while kids under 6 are $23. When the weather warms up, sit in the beautiful garden and let the kids stretch their legs a little.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
3471 N. Elston Ave.
Online: chiefoneillspub.com
Lakeview
2d Restaurant
2d Restaurant is not only one of the best donut shops in Chicago, but they also serve brunch items, including breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of chicken sandwiches (even plant-based.) What makes 2d Restaurant special is its decor. The monochrome comic-book murals make you feel like you’ve walked into a coloring book.
Thursdays – Mondays, 9 a.m.
3155 N Halsted Street
Online: 2d-restaurant.com
Crosby’s
Iron Skillet Blueberry Cornbread—need we say more? If we must, at this neighborhood family favorite, you’ll also find omelets & eggs, french toast & pancakes, burgers & salads, as well as a kids’ brunch menu.
Saturdays & Sundays, 8:30 a.m.
3455 N. Southport Ave.
Online: crosbyschicago.com
Smoke Daddy
The family-style brunch includes limitless servings of monkey bread, the most amazing hash browns, bacon, sausage, fruit, and a platter of pancakes. Don’t forget to leave room for your entree!
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
3636 N. Clark St.
Online: thesmokedaddy.com
Lincoln Park
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
Create your own feast from their selection of brunch tapas, including Jamon Serrano Benedict, bite-sized pintxos like their famous Chorizo-wrapped Date, Breakfast Paella, and a variety of traditional tapas dishes. These shareable plates are a great way to introduce kids to new foods.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
441 N. Clark St.
Online: cafebabareeba.com
RJ Grunts
RJ Grunts is always on the ready with crayons or wiki sticks for the little diners. Couple cheesy buffalo hashbrowns with their more traditional breakfast items, or skip straight to a classic burger. Afterward, hop across the road to the Lincoln Park Zoo for the perfect family day.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
2056 N. Lincoln Park W.
Online: rjgruntschicago.com
Logan Square
Park & Field
Even though it is called a Boozy Brunch, Park & Field is all about family. They aim to have their 6,000-square-foot patio feel like a backyard barbeque, where the kids feel comfortable playing lawn games and running around. The rotating weekly buffet includes an omelet bar, charcuterie, fruit, eggs, meats, pancakes, waffles, and vegetarian and vegan options.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
3509 W. Fullerton Ave.
Online: parkandfieldchicago.com
Rogers Park
Honey Bear Cafe
The menu at Honey Bear Cafe is over-the-top. Choose from skillets that include a Chicken Fried Chicken Skillet, a Sloppy Skillet, a Paddy’s (corned beef) Skillet, and more. Or try to finish off a Stuffed Cajun Cheesesteak Biscuit. We dare you! Children will love their kids’ menu as well. You might want to join their loyalty rewards program as you will be back.
Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-2:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 7:30 am-3:30 p.m.
7036 N Clark St.
Online: honeybearrp.com
Roscoe Village
Beat Kitchen
Beat Kitchen has long been known for its Concerts for Kids on Sunday mornings. They have since pivoted and now host a Bluegrass Brunch every Saturday. Enjoy your brunch in the front room and then head back to the performance stage to listen to some of Chicago’s finest Bluegrass Ensembles. Admission is free, open to all ages, and is first come – first served.
Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
2100 W. Belmont Ave.
Online: beatkitchen.com
John’s Place
John’s Place is one of the most kid-friendly restaurants around and you will always find lots of families dining here. Their brunch includes favorites like Bananas Foster French Toast and egg combos, as well as several Mexican specialties. Of course, they also have a kids’ menu.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
2132 W. Roscoe Ave.
Online: johnsplace.com
Kitsch’n
Kitsch’n may remind you of the kitchen you grew up eating in. The decor is ’70s-esque with tons of retro toys and games lining the walls and shelves. It is definitely a blast from the past and it’s fun to point things out to your kids and tell the stories of how you had this or that when you were little. But don’t let the retro vibe fool you, the menu is quite modern and very tasty. The chilaquiles “Levanta Los Muertos” are so good!
Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
2005 W. Roscoe Ave.
Online: kitschn.com
West Loop
Recess
The space at Recess is incredible, particularly the huge patio. It’s quite unique for Chicago. In fact, it is the largest outdoor patio in the city. While it is known as a 21+ establishment, children are welcome for weekend brunch. They even have a separate kids’ brunch menu to prove it. With giant lawn games like Jenga and Connect 4, the whole family can keep busy while you wait for your food, which by the way is also quite yummy!
Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
838 W. Kinzie Ave.
Online: chicagoinrecess.com
Wicker Park
Janik’s Cafe
The early bird catches the worm at this one. This small, casual spot serves all-day breakfast and lunch with a Mexican flare.
7 days a week, 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
2011 W. Division St.
Online: janikscafe.com
