Finding the Best Breakfast in Chicago

My roommate said this place HAD to be included in my guide. Having never been here myself, I thought it best to let her explain why you should try it out. They have delicious pancakes – they have many different types, including chocolate chip pancakes. She called it an “upscale Denny’s.” She’s never been disappointed. The restaurant itself is really clean and the staff is very friendly. You don’t feel crammed in or rushed.

For a chain, IHOP is still one of my favorite pancakes houses. I love that most of them are open 24 hours. It’s not uncommon to wake up at 3 a.m. and be craving pancakes. IHOP is one of those places where I only eat breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever tried their lunch or dinner menu. A house of pancakes shouldn’t be selling hamburgers.

I wrote about Kitsch’ns on another guide I worked on. They’re great for meals at all times of day, but I LOVE their breakfast menu. I recently went there for brunch and instead of getting pancakes (can you tell I love them?) I opted for an omelet. A smoked ham and cheddar cheese omelet to be exact. It was DElicious. It was a pretty decent size too. It was too big for me to finish, but that could have been because of the mouthwatering hash browns and texas toast that came with it. YUM!

Lou Mitchell’s has been around for 85 years! They must be doing something right! Women and children receive Milk Duds when they enter the restaurant as a welcome greeting. Breakfast is served all day, and I love that in a restaurant. They’re one of the few places where you can get truly amazing food for a reasonable price. I recommend their pastries or omelets.

Stuffed french toast. Enough said!

“Southern Reconstruction Cooking.” I was told about this place last year, and it took me nearly a year to get there. I wish I had gone sooner. Their crunchy french toast is the best. I didn’t think I would like it – it’s french toast, it shouldn’t be crunchy! But I was wrong and I’m so glad that I was. I also recommend their southwest corncakes. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but definitely a nice break from eggs.

Sally’s is a better version of Denny’s. The food is WAY better – trust me. Their best dish is their Belgian waffle. I suggest going more than once because their pancakes and omelets are just as good.

Le Peep is a cute little restaurant in the heart of Park Ridge. The name alone makes me like it. They have some of the best smoothies I’ve ever had. They have a pancake sandwich, which as you can imagine, tickles me pink. I also recommend the granola cranberry oatmeal. Man I wish they delivered!

Blind Faith Cafe is one of the more well known vegetarian restaurants in Chicago. It has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Definitely a great place to relax first thing in the morning – before that first cup of joe. I also heard that they have some pretty great smoothies. I have yet to try one, but look forward to it.

This is another roommate recommendation. She said they have the “eff’ing best cinnamon rolls…EVER. They’re a mass of sugary goodness.” It has a fun, warm atmosphere. Not much can be said other than go there!!

The ordering is a bit fast-paced, so be ready when you step up. They’re known for their french toast, which is delicious by the way. Toast is delicious, affordable, and quick.

This is a favorite of students at UIC not only because of its convenient location, but their array of perfectly cooked omelets, fluffy biscuits and appealing sides. I’ve heard that their breakfast is better than their lunch menu; it’s hit or miss. It’s a small, yet charming restaurant. Many patrons are hesitant to recommend it for fear of increasing the wait in the mornings.