In the modern era of ‘foodies’ and the social media explosion, the popularity of brunch is on the rise. Many restaurants will cater their weekend menus to attract regular, loyal customers with lavish food and drink offerings. Saturdays are the most popular for brunch-goers, though Sundays can bring in large gatherings from those leaving church services or others who enjoy sleeping in after a late night.
Those who enjoy a scrumptious brunch with all the trappings and fixings are in luck in Illinois, which boasts a bevy of popular destinations. A recent listing of the 100 Most Popular Brunch Spots in the U.S. included seven from Illinois. All of those restaurants are in the Chicagoland area:
- 3 Arts Club Café (Gold Coast) – Features the RH Burger and Lobster Roll.
- Beatrix (Oak Brook) – Features the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich and Ham and Cheese Croissant.
- Café Ba-Ba-Reeba (Lincoln Park) – Features Paella and Paella Mixta.
- Meson Sabika (Naperville) – Features Pasta Vegetariana and Ensalada con Queso de Cabra.
- Summer House (Lincoln Park) – Features Margherita Pizza and Chocolate Chip dessert dish.
- The Dearborn (Downtown Chicago) – Features Diverse Classic Options, Pastries, Salads, and Creative Cocktails.
- The Gage (Downtown Chicago) – Features Vanilla Bean Crème Brulé and Steak & Eggs.
- The Publican – Crab Scrambled Eggs, Chicken Schnitzel, and Waffles.
- Lula Café – Breakfast sandwiches/burritos, French Toast, and Carrot Cake.
- Obelix – French Onion Soup, Escargots, Roasted Duck Broth.
- S.K.Y. – Lobster Dumplings, Bacon and Egg Bibimbap, Black Truffle Croquettes.
- Maple & Ash – Seafood Tower, Alaskan King Crab Benedict, Lobster Toast, Steaks.
- Tzuco – French-inspired Mexican offerings, including Belgian waffles, French Toast, Tres Leches Horchata, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
- Dolo – Expansive menu of Chinese offerings served family style.
- Batter & Berries – Omelets, Pancakes, Waffles, and four flavors of French Toast.
- The Duck Inn – Several duck-inspired offerings, Sticky Buns, Fried Cheese Curds.
- Lou Mitchell’s – Doughnut holes, Pancakes, Omelets, Patty Melts.
- Roux – Biscuits and Gravy, Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Fried Steak, Giant Cinnamon Roll.
Over in the Quad Cities, top brunch locations include Creative Pastry and Coffee in Silvis, Brunch House 2 in Colona, Bayside Bistro in Rock Island, Flip’s Pancake House in Moline, and Egg Parlor in Silvis. In the Quincy area, recommended options include Coach House Restaurant, The Yum Factory, Underbrinks Bakery, Seoul 2 Soul Bistro, and The Patio Restaurant & Lounge.
Moving on to the State Capital, brunch options in downtown Springfield include Boone’s, Incredibly Delicious, Replay Lounge, Obed & Isaac’s, and Buzz Bomb Brewing/A Taste of Seoul. Other top brunch locations in the city include BUNN Gourmet, Curate, Finley’s Tap House, Legacy Pointe Eatery, Casa Real, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, and Papi’s Pizza Pub.
Heading east to Champaign-Urbana, top brunch locations include Big Grove Tavern, Original Pancake House, Le Peep, Silvercreek, Watson’s Shack & Rail, The WheelHouse, and Neil St. Blues.
Down in the Metro East in Madison and St. Clair counties, a delicious brunch can be found at Clara B’s Kitchen Table in Belleville. Other options include Pie Hard Pizzeria in Waterloo, June’s Breakfast + Patio in Shiloh, and Cleveland-Heath and Second Grounds Café in downtown Edwardsville.
And in deep southern Illinois, top brunch options include Faye and St. Nicholas Brewing Company in Murphysboro and Emily’s Eatery in Dowell. In Carbondale, brunch can be found at Harbaugh’s Café, Longbranch Café & Bakery, Sunny Street Café, Mary Lou’s Grill, and Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge. In Marion, brunch is offered at the Vault Café on the Square and other local chain restaurants.
Whether dining with friends, family, or as part of a large social event or celebration, brunch is a meal to take a little extra time to socialize, savor, and enjoy.