Discover 6 Trendy Chicago Brunch Spots: Unique Dishes & Hip Vibes

In Chicago, weekends mean one thing — brunch. But sometimes you need more than the typical bacon-and-eggs breakfast. These hip hangouts offer a little something extra, like French toast with fire-roasted blueberries and poppy seed mascarpone, or an omelet with trout roe and Spanish cheese. Plus, the vibe at these trendy restaurants are just as cool as what’s on your plate.

Dusek’s Board & Beer

This hot storefront spot has a hip and homey vibe — and its gourmet pub fare has earned it a one-star Michelin rating. Housed in the same historic building Thalia Hall, Dusek’s serves up interesting brunch options like shrimp and grits with whole red prawns and white corn grits served with hunter gravy. Or go for the extraordinary French toast, a decadent combination of fire-roasted blueberries and almond granola layered with tart blueberry jam and marshmallow. Pair your meal with the Board & Beer Bloody: vodka, house bloody mix, pickled vegetables, and a Miller High Life pony. 1227 W. 18th St., Pilsen

Longman & Eagle

Eat, sleep, whiskey. You can do all three at Longman & Eagle, which serves their creative brunch daily. The menu of regional American fare changes with the seasonal ingredients available, but recent options included the sunnyside duck egg hash with duck confit, Yukon Gold potatoes, and shallots in a black truffle vinaigrette. For a real wake-up call, try the PBR Breakfast: two eggs any style with bacon or house-made sausage, potatoes, and an ice-cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Or choose a pour from their extensive rare whiskey collection. Need a nap after brunch? Longman & Eagle has six eclectic rooms for rent upstairs. 2657 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square

nana

Looking for a truly local brunch option? Look no further than the Bridgeport neighborhood for an organic, local, and sustainable meal. The family-run nana is a charming little brick-walled eatery located on Halsted Street, Bridgeport’s main boulevard. Nana’s uses the full bounty of regional Midwest farms and orchards to create their delicious brunch dishes. Try the signature Nanadict: two house-made corn tortillas with chorizo, poached eggs, and poblano cream sauce, served with farm greens and home fries. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be able to resist the taffy apple pancakes made with candied apples, gooey caramel, and peanuts. 3267 S. Halsted St., Bridgeport 

Beatnik & Beatnik on the River

Beatnik is a bohemian-chic restaurant and cocktail bar that features a lush, dreamy design. See if you can spot the antique elements, like crystal chandeliers from the historic Century Plaza Hotel and carved wood doors salvaged from a 1900s Egyptian home. If you can tear your eyes away from the interior, check the menu for the Spanish tortilla omelet with Tetilla cheese and trout roe, or the fried chicken with pumpkin seed hummus and lentil salad. Be sure to sample one of the boozy slushies, like the Eaaaaasy Tiger made with absinthe, coconut, lime, honey, and pineapple. Their second location has a riverfront patio that retains all the boho vibes. 1604 W. Chicago Ave., West Town & 180 N. Wacker Drive, Loop

Split-Rail

Settle in for a spell at this welcoming restaurant. Antique rugs, brick walls, and artwork depicting Americana scenes are the perfect backdrop for the seasonal comfort food. Dubbing her cuisine New Americana, Chef Zoe Schor takes Split-Rail diners on a nostalgic culinary trip, offering chicken nuggets with honey-mustard sauce as a side dish, along with maple syrup-drizzled French toast bread pudding that’s crowned with whipped cream. Sip a fanciful drink like The Purple Rose of Cairo, a delightful mix of cranberry puree, grapefruit, lemon, and hibiscus. The restaurant’s soundtrack is mined from Chef Schor’s own vinyl collection, so expect to hear the likes of Miles Davis and Regina Spektor. 2500 W. Chicago Ave., West Town 

Mesler

Tucked inside the trendy Sophy Hotel, Mesler has a contemporary library vibe and artfully composed dishes. Mesler, which means to “mix and mingle”, is designed to be a reflection of the social Hyde Park community. The menu is made up of new American takes on classic dishes, with local influences. Choose from “brunch on plates” like shrimp and grits or sweet potato hash or “brunch in hand” like a BLT with basil remoulade and rustic bread. Mixology is also a focus. The cocktails are made with thoughtfully selected ingredients, like the old fashioned made with the hotel’s own house bourbon. 1401 E. 53rd St., Hyde Park