Favorite Brunch Hot Spots in Wicker Park & Bucktown

Every Sunday we walk through the neighborhood. And every Sunday we scratch our heads wondering why people are waiting in line at any establishment for brunch. There are so many great spots serving up delicious fare that if your first pick is packed, just keep going.

We could list every restaurant and bar in Wicker Park & Bucktown that offer brunch. But what we really like to offer our viewers is the best in the neighborhood. So we asked you about your favorite place for brunch in Wicker park or Bucktown and the feedback we got was phenomenal. There are a number of tasty options out there and each offers something a little different. Not only are there great brunch options available, there's a very good chance you'll find exactly what you're looking for right here because there is such a variety. And with all of these options available, there's no reason to wait in line on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

A very big "thank you" to everyone who participated. If you missed the poll, not a problem. Just provide a comment below and let us know about your favorite. In the interim, have a great time at brunch -- and tell 'em we sent you.

 

Bangers & Lace

1670 W. Division Street - Wicker Park

773-252-6499
Brunch 11am -3pm

Looking for a very different twist on the traditional Sunday brunch? Try Bangers & Lace. The late night spot opens early on the weekend to serve sausage pancakes and hash as well as the Benedict: a favorite featuring eggs, sausage, bacon all sitting on top of brioche for $8.00. We also wanted to add 4 very special words: Build Your Own Biscuit. Yep...and delicious. This gets 2 very hearty thumbs ups from all of the foodies out there.

Our viewers tried most of the menu, however, and loved it all. Special note: the gravy fries ...delish. Favorites on the menu beyond just brunch included the deviled eggs, black truffle/white cheddar grilled cheese and brioche corn-battered Vienna hot dog. Don't forget the Bloody Marys.

 

Birchwood Kitchen

2211 W. North Avenue - Bucktown
(773) 276-2100
Sunday 9am – 4pm

Friendly and comfortable Birchwood Kitchen offers a great atmosphere, terrific attentive service and excellent food. The brunch menu may not be as expansive as other neighborhood establishments but there is a variety to choose from. And the prices are reasonable.

Choices range from the Breakfast Sandwich (vegetable frittata, cheddar, grilled focaccia, roasted potatoes, petit salad) to Quiche to Belgian waffles to Salad to Steak and Eggs + more. You may also want to try the Croque Vert - seasonal vegetables and cheese on sourdough topped with fried eggs and served with a petite salad.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and casual brunch spot with good food and excellent coffee, this just may be your place.

 

The Bongo Room

1470 N. Milwaukee Avenue - Wicker Park
Sunday Hours 9am- 2:30pm.

Super cozy with a diner feeling, the best advice I can give is to get there early. Lines of people are usually forming down Milwaukee Avenue early on the weekends. The food is good --- and original. Pancakes are a favorite here and they range from carrot cake with vanilla bean sauce to cranberry...or even white macadamia ! The standard fare: Omelettes, eggs, french toast are also available. Always good but very busy on weekends.

 

Feast

1616 N. Damen - Bucktown
Weekend Brunch
Sat - Sun: 9am - 3pm
(no reservations)

Feast is well-known for their fresh food and variety of delicious options and brunch is no different! Yes, the traditional pancakes are available but there’s so much more. Eggs are the primary focus with build-your-own-omelettes, the grand slam breakfast (eggs, sausage, potatoes + toast). For non-traditional brunch-lovers, why not try the eggs portobello (two poached eggs with spinach and oven roasted tomatoes over a breaded portobello mushroom with hollandaise sauce + feast potatoes) or the crab benedict two poached eggs and crab cakes over jalapeno cheddar corn bread with chipotle hollandaise + feast potatoes.

 

Hot Chocolate

1747 N. Damen Avenue

(773) 489- 1747

Hot Chocolate's brunch includes treats like sweets and warm doughnuts, fresh ricotta & eggs, smoked fish, cheddar melts, buttermilk pancakes, steak and eggs, quiche and much much more. Also available are salads, granola and fruit plates. For a new and fresh twist on your old favorites, be sure to stop by. And don't forget the hot chocolate. It is truly not to be missed.

 

Las Palmas

1825 W. North Avenue - Wicker Park

(773) 289-4991

For something completely different, put a Mexican spin on your Saturday (or Sunday) morning brunch. Tucked away on North Avenue, Las Palmas is a favorite of the neighborhood and one of Wicker Park & Bucktown's best kept secrets. For starters, how about two eggs sunny-side up smothered in salsa ranchera and served with refried black beans, rice, avocado, crema Mexicana & warm tortillas? Not a bad start to the day. Many many brunch options wait for you. The brunch menu is right here: Brunch.

 

Letizia's Natural Bakery

 2144 W. Division Street - Wicker Park

(773) 342-1011

First of all, you have to love the fact that Letizia's wesbite is superyummy.com. That being said, Letizia's is one of Wicker Park's best kept secrets. Off the beaten path on the West end of Division, you might miss it if you don't know it's there. And if you're looking for fresh natural ingredients, head to Letizia's. You'll also find a full espresso bar, pastries, muffins, panini and more. In the Summer, the patio in the back is like an oasis. For hours and more.

 

 

Milk & Honey

1920 W. Division - Wicker Park
(773) 395-9434

One of the earlier brunch spots in the neighborhood, you head to Milk & Honey at 8am on Saturday or Sunday and brunch is open until 2:00pm. What can you expect to find at Milk & Honey? Buttermilk granola pancakes, orange brioche French Toast with almonds, scrambled egg burritos or smoked salmon on a toasted bagel. Those are just the starters. There are many more optins, fresh juice and you won't break the bank at $7 or less. The full Brunch Menu.

 

 

Prasino

1846 W. Division Street - Wicker Park

Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, Prasino was almost immediately voted as a neighborhood favorite for brunch. This eco-friendly hotspot features organic and locally-sourced food when available. The brunch menu is unconventional and not your traditional Sunday morning breakfast and eggs. Here you'll find lobster stuffed avocados with mango salsa, chili beurre fondue or the honey chicken salad sandwich – arugula, grapes, pecans, celery, honey yogurt dressing, pretzel croissant. For breakfast, you'll also find gluten-free pancakes. For the full brunch menu: Prasino Brunch.

 

 

 

 

Riverside Cafe

1656 W. Cortland - Bucktown

 (773) 278-3354

This small little neighborhood gem is tucked away on Cortland Avenue far away from the beaten path and hectic pace of North, Damen and Milwaukee. For those looking for a quiet respite in the heart of the city, the Riverside Cafe is for you. The large patio is very private. The Sunday brunch is a huge spread of about 50+ items were you'll find: fruit, eggs, pierogis, pancakes, cereal, steak and so much more. The regular menu is not available but this is a great deal (and a great deal of food) for $12.95 a person.

Riverside is cash only.

 

 

Photo Credit Toast Bucktown

 

Toast

2046 N. Damen Avenue - Bucktown

A neighborhood favorite for over 10 years, Toast is comfy cozy and casual. In the warmer months, Toast also opens their patio. So you'll never miss a nice day camped inside.What can you expect to find at Toast? An extensive menu. All different types of "Benedicts" (like crab, grilled tenderloin and eggs), scrambles, omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, soups, sandwiches, salads and more. They also feature a breakfast burrito which features: flavored tortilla stuffed w/ scrambled eggs, chihuahua cheese, diced jalapeños, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Accompanied with salsa and sour cream. For a look at the full Toast Menu.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bristol

2152 N. Damen Avenue - Bucktown

Sunday Brunch Hours: 10am - 2pm

Seasonal and locally sourced food reigns supreme here at The Bristol. What can you expect on a Sunday? Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and large menu with a lot of variety. A few items to get you thinking about heading to The Bristol this Sunday: glazed doughnuts and maple sausage. Those are just for starters. Once you head to the heart of brunch, you'll find buttermilk pancakes, house made biscuits with a poached egg, braised pork chilaquiles with fried egg, eggs benedict with smoked ham & mustard hollandaise and much much more. The full menu is right here: Bristol Brunch.

 

 

The Southern

1840 W. North Avenue
Weekend Brunch
773-342-1840

 

The Southern has quickly become know for its outstanding brunch and amazing Bloody Marys. Although a bar, The Southern is a true contender for great food in the neighborhood. On Sunday morning, try the fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, chicken and biscuits or eggs sardou.  Our viewers give this Sunday morning hot spot a great rating and it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.  The word everyone uses to describe The Southern Brunch: delicious.

 

Have a favorite who's not included? Let us know. We're happy to add them.