The Best Restaurants in Chicago for National Hot Breakfast Month

One of the most fascinating aspects of Chicago’s breakfast culture is its connection to history. The city was home to the world’s first-ever all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, introduced in the 1940s at the Sherman House Hotel, setting the stage for the extravagant brunches we know today. Chicago is also the birthplace of the original fast-food breakfast sandwich—McDonald's Egg McMuffin, developed by Herb Peterson in the early 1970s, was inspired by eggs Benedict but designed for people on the go.

Today, Chicago’s love for hot breakfast continues with a mix of historic diners, chef-driven brunch spots, and modern cafes. Whether you're looking for a hearty Southern-style breakfast, a plate of gourmet pancakes, or a perfectly crafted eggs Benedict, here are the must-visit restaurants in Chicago to celebrate National Hot Breakfast Month.

Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe on Pearson Street is a popular spot in downtown Chicago specializing in breakfasts and brunches. The restaurant is known for its hot breakfasts, particularly its signature pancakes available in over 15 variations. The menu includes classic American breakfast dishes like eggs, French toast, waffles, omelets, and Benedicts. A key feature is that all dishes are made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Interestingly, despite the name "Cafe," it is a full-fledged restaurant with an extensive menu and large portions. The spot often has lines, especially on weekends, due to its popularity with locals and tourists, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

Highlights

    Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Sweet pancakes infused with cinnamon.

    Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Seasonal special featuring pumpkin flavors.

    Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Fresh blueberries paired with lemon ricotta cheese.

    Eggs Benedict: Classic dish with poached eggs on toasted English muffins.

    Butcher Block Skillet: Hearty skillet filled with meats, vegetables, and served with pancakes.

Recommendations

    Experiment by pairing different pancake flavors together—like combining sweet Cinnamon Roll pancakes with savory Butcher Block Skillet ingredients.

    Don't miss their seasonal specials; each new flavor brings an exciting twist to traditional breakfast dishes.

    Try creating your own custom pancake stack by mixing various toppings like fresh fruits or nuts.

Photo Credit: instagram.com

Eggy's Diner is a cozy family restaurant located in the Lakeshore East residential complex in downtown Chicago. The spot offers a modern take on the classic American diner, with a focus on breakfast. Signature dishes include various Benedict options, corned beef hash, fluffy pancakes, and a special recipe for French toast. The restaurant stands out with its retro-modern interior and panoramic windows offering city views. A unique feature is the chef’s regular experimentation with the menu, adding seasonal specials to traditional breakfast dishes. Despite being in a business district, the diner maintains the feel of a cozy neighborhood spot.

Highlights

    Green Eggs & Ham: A unique twist on the classic dish.

    Chilaquiles: A flavorful Mexican-inspired breakfast option.

    Crunchy Nutella French Toast: Thick-cut bread filled with Nutella.

    Breakfast Poutine: A savory dish featuring eggs, cheese curds, and gravy over fries.

    Gyros Skillet: Hearty skillet filled with gyro meat, eggs, and vegetables.

Recommendations

    Order the Green Eggs & Ham alongside their fresh-squeezed orange juice for a balanced start to your day.

    Try pairing their Crunchy Nutella French Toast with one of their seasonal pancakes to mix sweet flavors.

    If you're visiting during peak hours, consider sitting at the bar for quicker service

Meli Cafe on Dearborn Street is a Greek-American restaurant specializing in Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts. The spot stands out for combining traditional American breakfast dishes with Greek elements, such as an omelet with feta and spinach or Greek yogurt with honey and nuts. A key feature of the café is its in-house coffee program, offering high-quality blends and Greek coffee. Interestingly, the name "Meli" translates to "honey" in Greek, which they frequently used in their dishes. The restaurant is also known for its healthy breakfast options, including organic and vegetarian dishes made with local ingredients.

Highlights

    Customizable Omelets: Choose from various fillings to create your perfect omelet.

    Banana Bread French Toast: Oven-baked banana bread dipped in vanilla bean custard.

    Chicken & Waffles: Southern fried chicken served with herbed waffle.

    Shakshuka: Poached eggs in rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices.

    Farmland Bowl: Spinach, mushroom, zucchini, tomato, and Swiss cheese.

Recommendations

    Try pairing their Banana Bread French Toast with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

    Order the Shakshuka if you're looking for something savory; it's rich in flavor.

    If you're visiting during peak hours, consider ordering takeout or sitting at the bar for quicker service.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/melicafechicago/

Tempo Cafe on Chestnut Street is a classic American diner that has been serving Chicago since 1990. The restaurant is known for its huge portions of traditional hot breakfasts, especially for plate-sized omelets and signature pancakes. A notable feature is the open kitchen, where guests can watch their meals being prepared. The diner maintains an authentic old-school vibe with its typical counter and booth seating. Interestingly, the café is especially popular among night workers and early risers due to its 24-hour operation and is known for fast, friendly service even during peak hours.

Highlights

    Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes available in various flavors.

    French Toast: Thick-cut bread dipped in egg batter.

    Scrambler: A hearty dish featuring scrambled eggs with vegetables and meats.

    Eggs Benedict: Classic poached eggs on toasted English muffins with ham or bacon.

    Veggie Skillet: Fried potatoes, vegetables, and scrambled eggs served in a skillet.

Recommendations

    Order the Scrambler with extra cheese to add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

    Try pairing their French Toast with fresh berries instead of syrup for a lighter twist.

The stylish breakfast spot Sunny Side Up, located in the River North district, attracts visitors with its modern approach to traditional breakfasts. The highlight of the menu is the artistic presentation of dishes. The chef places a special emphasis on eggs benedict, offering unique variations of the dish with lobster and avocado. The interior stands out with its open space, high ceilings, and large windows that fill the room with natural light. Notably, the café bakes its own bread and prepares homemade jams, which are also available for purchase to take home.

Highlights

    Breakfast Burrito: Chorizo, tomato, onion, pepper & cheese with egg.

    The Chicago Way: Two eggs your way with ham, bacon, pork or turkey sausage.

    Chilaquiles: Corn tortillas with red salsa topped with eggs and chorizo.

    Stuffed French Toast: Filled with delicious berries and cream.

    Croque Madame: Brioche toast with ham, gruyere cheese, sunny side up egg.

Recommendations

    Try the Chilaquiles if you're looking for something spicy; add extra sour cream to balance the heat.

Miss Ricky's, located in the Virgin Hotels Chicago, is a retro-futuristic diner with a distinctive character. The restaurant stands out with its bold pop-art design and playful atmosphere, reflected both in the interior and in the presentation of its dishes. The breakfast menu features creative names and unexpected combinations, such as the signature sandwich "The Mullet" (elegant in the front, wild in the back) and eccentric takes on classic American breakfast dishes. A unique feature of the diner is its location in a historic 1920s building, where modern design blends seamlessly with original architectural elements.

Highlights

    Ricky's Omelet: A standout dish featuring spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, goat cheese with a side of fruit.

    Spaghetti & Chicken Sandwiches: Italian-inspired sandwiches perfect for brunch.

    Breakfast Items: Offers various breakfast options including omelets and potatoes with bacon or sausage.

    Italian Classics: Made-from-scratch pasta dishes like Bolognese or Carbonara.

Recommendations

    Order the Ricky's Omelet without goat cheese if you prefer lighter flavors, adding some fresh basil instead.

    Pair their Spaghetti & Chicken Sandwiches with their homemade garlic aioli for an extra kick.

    For dessert lovers visiting during brunch hours, try combining their Tiramisu with espresso shots to create an authentic Italian experience.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/virginhotelschi/

Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken in the Streeterville neighborhood is a compact spot specializing in a unique combination: freshly baked artisanal donuts and fried chicken. The donuts are made in small batches every two hours. Notably, they offer vegan and gluten-free donut options, which are rare for such establishments. The signature dish is the breakfast sandwich, where a fried chicken fillet is served between halves of a glazed donut. The café stands out by using locally sourced organic Dark Matter Coffee and offering seasonal donut flavors that change regularly.

Highlights

    Vanilla Bean Glazed Donut: A classic yeast-raised donut with real vanilla bean glaze.

    Candied Maple Bacon Donut: Dipped in maple glaze and topped with candied bacon.

    Breakfast Sandwiches: Options like Applewood Smoked Bacon or Avocado on toasted brioche buns.

    Fried Chicken Sandwiches: Crispy chicken served on a bun with pickle, mayo, lettuce, bread & butter pickles.

Recommendations:

    Try pairing their Vanilla Bean Glazed Donut with their specialty coffee for an excellent morning combination!

    Order the Candied Maple Bacon Donut as part of your breakfast; add some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness!

    If you're looking for something savory, go for the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/doritedonuts/

Goddess and the Baker on Wabash Avenue is a modern café with an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, specializing in fresh pastries and signature breakfasts. The spot stands out for its pastry selection, particularly the "Rainbow Cake," which has become its signature item. Breakfast offerings include trendy quinoa bowls, avocado toasts, and hearty sandwiches on artisanal bread. The café also features its own coffee program with seasonal drinks and specialty blends. Notably, the interior is designed in a Scandinavian style with bright accents and neon signs.

Highlights

    Breakfast Burrito: Scrambled eggs, chorizo, pepper jack cheese.

    Avocado Toast: Fresh avocado on grilled sourdough with feta.

    Croissant Sandwiches: Scrambled eggs with bacon or ham.

    Healthy Bowls: Options like quinoa bowls with roasted vegetables.

Recommendations

    If you prefer less spice, you can order their Breakfast Burrito without chorizo.

    If you're looking for something light yet satisfying, go for their Yogurt Parfait with granola or nuts for crunch.

CDA (Chicago Diner Authority) on Chestnut Street is a modern take on the classic Chicago diner, located in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood. Their breakfast menu features signature scrambles with house-made sausage and crispy hash browns. The restaurant is known for its "build-your-own" breakfast, allowing guests to customize their meal with a variety of ingredients. A standout feature is their in-house smoker used for meats and fish. The diner strikes a balance between contemporary culinary trends and the classic recipes of old Chicago.

Highlights

    Signature Sofitel Benedict: A classic dish featuring poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce.

    Brioche French Toast: Thick slices of brioche served with fresh berries and maple syrup.

    Lobster Omelet: A luxurious option filled with fresh lobster meat and herbs.

    Seasonal Salads: Made with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a light lunch.

    Artisan Flatbreads: Featuring various toppings that highlight seasonal flavors.

Recommendations

    Try the Lobster Omelet paired with a side of roasted potatoes for a hearty breakfast.

    For dinner, share an Artisan Flatbread with seasonal toppings as an appetizer before moving on to one of their signature entrées.

Big Jones, located in the Andersonville neighborhood, is a unique restaurant specializing in historic Southern cuisine with a strong focus on Creole breakfasts. Chef Paul Fehribach recreates authentic 19th- and early 20th-century recipes, drawing inspiration from vintage cookbooks and traditional cooking methods. Signature dishes include a true Southern classic—Gumbo Z'Herbes—and Sally Lunn bread, baked using an 18th-century recipe. A distinctive feature of the restaurant is its dedication to in-house preparation, including smoking ham and bacon, churning butter, and making homemade preserves. Big Jones is also known for its bourbon collection and historic cocktails.

Highlights

    Southern Cuisine: Big Jones offers a menu of modern regional Southern cuisine made by hand. They are known for dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits.

    Extensive Bar: Features handcrafted cocktails and a large selection of American whiskeys and bourbons.

    Weekend Brunch: Big Jones has an award-winning weekend brunch. Dishes like beignets and grits are popular.

    Seasonal Dishes: Big Jones offers seasonal dishes that highlight fresh ingredients.

    Skillet Cornbread: Freshly made-to-order cornbread.

Recommendations

    Consider visiting for brunch to try their beignets and grits.

    Explore their extensive whiskey and bourbon menu at the bar.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/bigjoneschicago/