Hello there LOVE’s I have been asked time and time again what are my top brunch spots in Chicago and I can truly only commit to 5 and I must admit this list is ever changing as many menu’s in and around Chicago are seasonal BUT I will admit these are 5 that I am feeling right now.  Stay tuned into the blog, as I will update you with my top 5 in the Spring as I am sure some will have menu changes!  As you are making your selections to visit any of these locations, may I suggest that you make a reservation and go with a group!  Brunch with a Bunch…it’s always fun as you get to share and try different items, enjoy!

 

 

Shaws

Swanky!  Exquisite! Refined Dining!  If you are looking for a true treat, the crème de le crème, the Grand Buffet at Shaw’s is the answer!  Although the buffet is a little pricey, it is well worth the cost of $55, just bring your appetite!  There is absolutely a reason why it is called Shaw’s grand buffet!  The buffet menu is too extensive to list but here are some must tries that I highly recommend:   Bananas Foster French toast, Maryland style crab cakes, King Salmon, caramelized smoked bacon, omelet and waffle kitchen, cold seafood bar that has oysters on the half shell, sushi, king crab and melon cocktail, seafood ceviche, and a HUGE sweets table that has key lime, raspberry tartlets, cupcakes and OF COURSE my fav crème brûlée!  I did say that these were a few of the items that are my favorite…WHAT?!?!?!  Cocktails are extra!

 

http://www.shawscrabhouse.com/sunday-brunch/

Zed451

Located on Chicago’s near north side, this place is another buffet style brunch that is housed in a swanky, yet chill location if you have been here for dinner then you get the over all idea.  The harvest stations are filled with fruit, salads, pastries, a huge  charcuterie station that will blow you away!  Indulge in lavish breakfast favorites and unlimited lunchtime samplings.  Upon being seated, you are immediately served a tray of thick cut maple bacon which is NOT to be missed! IT’S BACON FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!! Followed by the bacon are cinnamon rolls which I would personally save for the end as they are good BUT you don’t want to fill up and have no room for the passed delectable bites they will be bringing to your table!  Some of my favs of the passed bites were the Buffalo Chicken ‘n’ Waffles, Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham, Catfish, and last but certainly not least, the Maple-Bacon Sausage with Bourbon Maple Syrup!  Say that 4 times!!!

http://zed451.com/our-menus/brunch/

 

Red Door

Favorite! Regular! My Cheers!!!  This gem of a spot which is located in Bucktown on Damen is owned by my friend, Chef Troy.  His seasonal brunch menus are a HIT and he NEVER disappoints!  Over the past couple of months, he has added a lobster breakfast sandwich that he said we could not resist! And he was right!! This sandwich has huge chunks of lobster, scrambled eggs, giardiniera, tarragon aioli served on a fluffy bun, it was AMAZING!  There is also the croquet Madame which is  one of the best I have ever had by far!  He does also offer a few carb friendly options that are not on the menu.  Be sure to ask your server about it.  This is one of my personal favs that I frequent often! What makes it my fav is that the food quality is consistent!   And of course there are bottomless mimosas.  The bartenders there are top notch and can whip you up a FABULOUS Bloody Mary or a special crafted cocktail depending on what you like.  One of my fav cocktails is the French 75, cheers!

 

http://reddoorchicago.com/

 

Reel Club

 

Buffet!  Bottomless! Awesome Service!  What else do you need for a successful Brunch on the day set aside for bunchin’?!?!?   Reel Club has an excellent buffet brunch with an omelet, waffle and carving stations, along with an array of other options from sushi, to shucked oysters, to shrimp cocktail to crab legs…Talk about seafood heaven!  Then why not indulge into the hot plate options of breakfast or lunch/dinner fare.  THEN…why not indulge in the dessert table, with fresh pastries to donuts made to order to the ice cream bar with ALL the toppings!  YUM YUM YUM…Did I mention that the mimosas are bottomless?!?!? Oh and the Bloody Mary bar is available at a discounted and well worth it price, which can be a meal within itself!

 

http://www.reel-club.com/website/documents/menus/reelclub_brunch

 

Batter and Berries

Good Food! Value Priced! Service! Atmosphere…HOUSE MUSIC!!!!!  Now it’s a party!  This place is a must try if you haven’t been!  Where else can you get a flight of french toast which is a sample of the house staples or you can try the weekly special that is not your ordinary french toast but alway topped with something that will have your mouth watering.  The waffles are great and the deconstructed omelets are always on point!  The chef also offers an omelet of the week/day so be sure to ask!  If breakfast isn’t your flavor, then why not try one of their hearty salads, wraps, or sandwiches?  The food here is always fresh and cooked to order and it is always crowded.  I suggest that you try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait for a table.  I can understand why it’s a wait.  When you go, it’s BYOB, the food is good and the house music in the background gives this place a nice vibe where you don’t want it to end…

 

http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurants/batter-berries/menu