Fab Happenings: Top 5 Brunch Spots in Chicago

In Chicago, we take brunch seriously (#brunchsohard). For many, the weekly ritual includes gluttonous amounts of runny yolks, thick-cut maple bacon, cheesy omelettes, fluffy pancakes, bottomless mimosas, and more. One of my favorite Instagrammers, Lisette (@lavila92), shares her top brunch spots and her mouthwatering pics. 

Lisette started Instagramming while she was in school. She had little time to go grocery shopping or cook so she ate out a lot. She would occasionally post pictures of food and before she knew it, people she didn’t know (like me) were liking and commenting on her photos. From there, she decided to focus her account on food (her account makes me hungry). She loves trying different types of cuisine so it quickly turned into a passion.

Here are Lisette’s (@lavila92) Top 5 Brunch Spots…

5. The Cotton Duck

“The Cotton Duck is unique because not only is it a restaurant, it is also part art gallery. The menu changes every few months, inspired by the current artwork. While it is a BYOB restaurant, they do offer house made non-alcoholic drinks with suggested liquor pairings. My favorite brunch item is the Duck Confit Hash, which is beyond amazing!

FAB TIP: Brunch is served only on Sundays.”

{Location}
The Cotton Duck
West Town || 941 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 661-6131

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}

4. Dusek’s

“After having brunch at Dusek’s on multiple occasions, it is very clear why this restaurant has a coveted Michelin star. While it does have a Michelin star, it still has an approachable laid back feel. The food here never disappoints. My personal favorite is a tie between the BBQ Shrimp & Grits and the Juicy Lucy burger with beef fat fries.

FAB TIP: Weekend brunch is served 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and then the menu changes to their dinner items.”

{Location}
Dusek’s
Pilsen || 1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 526-3851

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

3. Happy Camper

“It is no surprise that Happy Camper became one of my favorite go-to spots since I am a big fan of Homeslice, sister restaurant in Lincoln Park. Happy Camper’s atmosphere is what makes it a fun place to go for brunch. The space is huge so it is pretty easy to get a table even though it is always packed. They even have a second bar with tire swings! Their brunch pizza includes potatoes, ham, an egg, and buttermilk ranch, which makes it the perfect hangover cure. The French toast sticks are also a fantastic option as they are served with ice cream.

FAB TIP: If ordering a Bloody Mary, ask for the brunch special. It comes topped with a slice of pizza!”

{Location}
Happy Camper
Old Town || 1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 344-1634

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

2. Lula Café

“With new restaurants frequently popping up in Logan Square, it is easy to forget about the ones that have been around for a while. Lula Café has been serving farm-to-table food for 17 years now. This is one of my favorites because the menu changes each time I go, and you can never go wrong with any of their creative dishes. My favorite dish of all time is the Melon Burrata. It is incredibly fresh and flavorful!

FAB TIP: Lula Café tends to get crowded quickly, so it is best to make a reservation.”

{Location}
Lula Café
Logan Square || 2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 489-9554

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

1. The Duck Inn

“The Duck Inn can take a while to get to if you don’t have a car as it is tucked away in the Bridgeport neighborhood. However, it is definitely worth the travel. I often order lox plates for brunch whenever the restaurant offers it. The lox plate at The Duck Inn is the prettiest plate of lox I have ever seen. Also, equally amazing are the duck fat potatoes and duck fat dog (pictured in the beginning of the article).

FAB TIP: Don’t miss out on ordering their funnel cake that is served only for Sunday brunch!”

{Location}
The Duck Inn
Bridgeport || 2701 S Eleanor, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 724-8811

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}

Follow Lisette on Instagram at @lavila92 to check out more of her favorite spots.

I love meeting people in the community who share the same passion for food and the Chicago food scene. If interested in a collaboration or need a platform to express your talents, please email me at soo@fabfoodchicago.com.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.