50 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Chicago

“Food was amazing and prepared with care. Meinl Coffee is a huge plus! We will return.“

“We stopped in today on a tip and what a delicious treat! Highly recommend!“

“Lou Mitchell's absolutely lives up to its reputation. The restaurant has a classic diner feel—bustling, full of conversation, and a fun, energetic atmosphere. Even though it was busy, the host was organized and efficient, and we were seated quickly.

Our waiter was friendly and attentive, and the food arrived hot with generous portion sizes. The grilled cheese was outstanding, with perfectly buttery, crisp bread and gooey melted cheese. The open-faced Reuben was loaded with thinly sliced meat and full of flavor. No fatty bits either. Everything was fresh, satisfying, and exactly what you'd hope for from a classic Chicago diner.

If you're looking for a lively breakfast or lunch spot with great service and hearty food, Lou Mitchell's is definitely worth a visit.“

“Super tasty Filipino and American breakfast in a cheery and cozy spot with tabletops tiled in white penny-round tile and walls covered with eclectic homey decor. During warmer weather, they also have outdoor seating.

What to get:
- Pork Belly Adobo (served with white rice or garlic rice, 2 eggs any style, side of achara pickles, cucumber, tomato. The adobo is super tasty and goes so well with the pickle, rice, and eggs.)
- Chicken and Waffles (the chicken [one piece dark, one piece white] is SO good, but it's often a long wait; my guess is they're incredibly good at frying chicken and also fry to order, but they don't have a pressure fryer which is way faster, but is also a really huge piece of equipment)
- Santa Fe Hash (chorizo, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, cheese, tomato, potatoes, and toast)...we can't over-emphasize how well this dish is cooked: the potatoes are perfectly crisp, the peppers and onions are perfectly caramelized, there's the right amount of slightly crisped chorizo, and everything goes great with the eggs.
- Two Eggs with Bacon (with thick-cut bacon, toast and choice of home-fried potatoes or fried garlic rice)
- Garlic Fried Rice
- Breakfast Sandwich

Service is attentive, friendly, and on point. They'll remember you if you visit often. :) Note: they can get busy with long food-prep times during peak hours on weekends, so plan accordingly.“

“I loved this place! The Cinnamon Roll Waffles and the Ham and Cheese Omelette were absolutely amazing! The staff was great as well. I will definitely go back when I'm in town again.“

“First time at this restaurant. The service was quick and the food was amazing. The hot sauce is made in-house by the chef/owner and I was able to take some home as well. 🤤 definitely coming back to try other items on the menu. 🤘🤘“

“Went today for the first time. Food was fresh, generous portions, priced right and tasted amazing. I ordered Breakfast Quesadilla. The homemade salsa had some heat to it. Bacon cooked perfect. Best OJ I’ve had in a while. I’ll definitely be back Keep up the great work“

“Great food and great service. I will be back for sure.“

“Very friendly and excellent service, highly recommended.“

“I cannot put into words how wonderful, hospitable and welcoming this place is. I was welcomed in by the owner Samantha, young respectful young lady, she took my order she made me feel at home. I felt as though I was eating brunch at my Abuelita’s home. Thank you Samantha and family for the warm welcome- the red chilaquiles and cafe de olla we’re phenomenal and I will be sure to be back with my babies and husband! I mentioned to Samantha I was treating myself for my birthday and she brought out a cinnamon role with a candle meant the world to me!“

“Wow, this place is AMAZING? Great service, hopping atmosphere, and every single one of our dishes were delicious. We will be making this establishment a regular breakfast place during our Chicago visits! Food ordered was: Breakfast burrito Croissant Sandwich Buttermilk pancakes with a side of crispy bacon!“

“Great brew!! Pancakes were the bomb!!“

“One of my favourite breakfast spot! They have grits!!“

“I came here for my birthday breakfast on a Monday with my son and had the best meal ever! The sorullitos are AMAZING and the Coquito latte is something I will drive 30 mins back just to have it again. I had the yuca pork skillet and it was incredible. 10/10! It's chill, laid back, and great food. It was exactly what we were looking for!

Bella is also so sweet and kind. I loved hearing their story of the family owned business and wish them nothing but success!“

“I was a steady customer but will not be returning to this establishment again. Today I asked to sit in a booth and James, the owner said "We're too busy to sit one person in a "big" booth. (I was the only one waiting for a table.) So the waitress wanted me to sit at a table. The "big" booth seats 4. The table they wanted me to sit at also seats 4. The only difference is the booth doesn't hurt my back like the hard chairs do. I'm dying of cancer, which James is aware of, I have enough pain I don't need any more by sitting on hard chairs. Well he won't have to worry about being so "busy" to let someone have some comfort he's got one less patron. I'm done with this place.“

“Food is all homemade ... chilliques are so good with red sauce To die for... The burgers are HUGe.... so delicious.... the fries are like no others and I personally never order fries. So they have to be good.... I did substitute the salad for the fries and was blown away how tasty it was... I mean I'm talking salad right!! Please come visit this beautiful restaurant and tast the real homemade goodness.“

“This small, friendly neighborhood spot has amazing food. You might not even notice City Bear Cafe driving by, but if you are looking for a delicious meal in a down to earth, comfortable environment, check it out! The homemade salsa and breakfast potatoes are excellent. I had the breakfast burrito and loved it. My son had the nutella waffle, which had tons of fruit and whipped cream. Everything was great. We will come back soon.“

“The food and the services is amazing! Will always be one of my favorite spots to eat!“

“Been here a few times, good every time. The name's not a lie, I think the pancakes are the best parts.
Portion sizes are more than sufficient, and I have never had to wait too long for food to arrive.
Shoutout to one server Cordell, who was excellent.“

“Adorable place!! Food was delicious and the server was great!! Would definitely recommend! 5 stars ⭐️“

“This place is awesome.. everything is wonderful here. you definitely won't be disappointed.“

“I love Steak and Egger. Their prices are super reasonable and the food is excellent. I usually go there for breakfast. I'll never try lunch or dinner or anything like that. Their steaks are well-proportioned and you can't go wrong.“

“Pauline’s is one of Chicago’s beloved neighborhood breakfast institutions, where generous portions, warm hospitality, and classic American comfort food have kept locals coming back for years. From fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets to their famous Pauline’s potatoes, every meal is made to satisfy. With its charming, eclectic atmosphere and welcoming, family owned feel, Pauline’s proves that great breakfasts are about more than just the food they’re about creating a place that feels like home. ☕🥞🍳“

“Food and service is a 10/10“

“Thank you Laz for such an amazing breakfast! We were very impressed with all the food and of course you coming out and speaking with us was just an awesome experience!“

“S&G is a classic, if you go here, you must get a skillet, it’s what they’re known for. This was my regular spot before moving out of Chicago, so I had to come back and get it again.

I got the godfather skillet, and the flavors as always were amazing.

Service was extremely quick. You could get in and get out if you need to with a great meal eaten. I miss you S&G 😢“

“Veggie fajitas were fresh and delicious. Everyone in our party of 6, enjoyed their meal. Great graduation breakfast.“

“I loved this place! The Cinnamon Roll Waffles and the Ham and Cheese Omelette were absolutely amazing! The staff was great as well. I will definitely go back when I'm in town again.“

“My friends and I, had breakfast here today and the service was awesome. I was seated quickly, and had many items, to choose from on their menu. The waiter was super nice and friendly and checked on us a few times to see if we needed anything. The ambiance was great, the food was fresh and a lot of it. I took my leftovers home. Thank you Dem and staff for a GREAT service. Take care“

“Came here for the first time for dinner with a friend and was pleasantly surprised. Everything you want from a diner: unpretentious, breakfast classics (available all day) that are delicious and priced right. Leo was on point with the food and service! I enjoyed sitting at the bar and being able to watch him work his magic. The burgers he was cooking up for his other customers looked fabulous. Definitely coming back!“

“We stumbled upon Flying Saucer while visiting Chicago and are glad we did. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is fun with nice indoor and outdoor seating options. The staff were friendly, helpful and on top of it. This is the type of restaurant I wish I had in my neighborhood. If you’re in the area it’s a must visit.“

“I can’t comment on what I don’t know but I do know that the food is delicious and the service is wonderful! The restaurant is very cozy and clean. I recommend either location! I have never been disappointed.“

“You will love it. Greatest omelettes ever“

“Great atmosphere and best Greek omelet ever!!“

“I found this diner on Google maps for me and my wife to try while in the area. The staff is friendly and the service was great. My wife and I had brunch. She had the bistek skillet & my wife said it was excellent afterwards and I had a steak burrito with hash browns on the side. I took a steak burrito to go for dinner because it was excellent! Afterwards the owner came out to greet us and asked how was everything. It is a family owned business and a great atmosphere. Overall I give this place AAA+ Will be back when in the area.“

“The potatoes were soooooo good. The best I’ve had in a very long time. The chicken sand which was very flavorful“

“Good food and bevs; love sitting in the dining room when the sliding windows are opened to the outside. Pleasant staff always improves the experience. check it out!“

“Great food, great location!! 🍳☕️“

“It wasn’t a far walk from the Sheraton Hotel where we was staying at“

“Excellent!
Food Oh My - always delicious, Hot, presentation-the care!
The Team is Very Accommodating, Kind and work together so well.
It always starts with leadership!!!
Shout out to everyone!
Plus…Arturo, Vincente’ Carlos etc…
Gina & Bobby“

“Very good Food but very expensive for the food they make need to lower the price and make it affordable“

“Sumptuous egg omellete , I will highly recommend. Thanks for the good breakfast“

“Unique experience. Right portioned and so taste! Very non traditional menu and superb environment.“

“Great service and food!! It was nice, even having to wait 30 minutes for a table. They text you when you're up next, so you can go for a walk in the park and watch the dogs/puppies in the dog park and if you have kids there is a playground nearby in the park, too. They have gluten free options as well. The chicken and waffles were amazing!! Same with the orange juice!“

“Food was incredible very yummmmm“

“My friends and I, had breakfast here today and the service was awesome. I was seated quickly, and had many items, to choose from on their menu. The waiter was super nice and friendly and checked on us a few times to see if we needed anything. The ambiance was great, the food was fresh and a lot of it. I took my leftovers home. Thank you Dem and staff for a GREAT service. Take care“

“Staff was really nice and the food was good and well priced. Server was really tentative and made sure I was satisfied multiple times during my meal. I sat at my table with headphones on and watched comic book videos on YouTube. It was a very chill breakfast.“

“The breakfast was excellent. Pancakes, omelet, hashbrowns…cooked to perfection! Friendly staff and great service and prices.“

“I had the best omelette there today. Fabulous!!!!“