Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Boystown

"A Randolph Street stalwart that dishes out Midwestern-influenced Mediterranean fare with a killer wine list to match. Why we love it: We have to believe that there are very few restaurants in the world that are as consistently special as avec. It's the kind of spot that makes us swell with pride for our dining scene, the kind of place we can't help but flock to even though there are plenty of newcomers to try."

"Like your mom and Wrigley Field, just because they've been around for a while, it doesn't mean they've lost a bit of luster. The Mediterranean-meets-the-Midwest avec has been a Chicago favorite for 16 years despite the hundreds of upstarts that come and go in the West Loop. And with good reason."

"Make one large or four minis from the cookie dough balls ($3 each) in chocolate chip, peanut butter or funfetti flavors. The Lettuce Entertain You beach house concept restaurant in Lincoln Park never seemed to make much sense to me as a former Southern California resident, but we can all use a virtual escape right now."

"I’ll admit, the decor of this place is what initially sucked me in – but I kept going back because off their Breakfast Tostadas. I’ve tried a few other things there, but nothing beats those tostadas!. Crunchy and a little spicy and a yolk that spills everywhere?"

"American , Bakery/Cafe"

"For the best view of the city and an excellent meal, go to River Roast Steakhouse that’s right on the river inside the historic Reid Murdoch building. The Hogan’s charcuterie with chef’s selection housemade & local charcuterie is one of the best charcuterie boards I’ve ever had. From there, you’ll choose from a whole chicken, rack of pork, big fish (crispy or fire-roasted), roast beef, or the ‘Sunday Supper’ prime rib (available only on Sundays)."

"Diners shouldn’t let the lineup of juicy meats fool them; River Roast has enough options to accommodate all diets. The menu’s most notable herbivore-friendly entrée is dubbed ‘Boatload of Veggies’ and features a poblano pepper stuffed with roasted seasonal vegetables."

"If the views from this riverside patio, bar and restaurant don’t have you over a barrel, the food certainly will. River Roast's riverfront patio is open, but daily reservations fill up quickly. Be sure to book yours in advance!"

"Cupitol is an all-day eatery located in Streeterville and Evanston that serves just what you crave after the sun rises. Choose various breakfast sandwiches and protein breakfasts like housemade corned beef hash poached eggs; a deliciously sloppy country Benedict with buttermilk biscuits, pork sausage gravy, eggs; and a European Breakfast with the thickest Greek yogurt you've ever witnessed, sprinkled with homemade almond granola, berries and local raw honey. Pancakes and Belgian waffles are made with a proprietary mix."

"Cafe Marie-Jeanne does double duty, serving as a candle-lit setting for first Tinder dates and 10th-anniversary dinners by night, and opening up to locals in search of excellent coffee and French pastries by day. Chef Michael Simmons' zero-fuss approach to fine dining works in both occasions—but for brunch, you can't go wrong with smoked and cured fish or (if it's available) the Chicago-style lobster roll, a cheeky take on the city's hot dog. After stuffing a brioche bun with wood-smoked lobster coated with a paprika-and-coriander spiced aioli, Simmons "drags it through the garden," adding his take on the iconic toppings: shishito peppers, yellow mustard, diced onion, pickled cucumber spears."

"French , Bakery/Cafe"

"For people with gluten allergies and sensitivity finding a place where they can eat everything is a true treasure. Wheat’s End is a delightful, bright, and cozy spot on Chicago’s North Broadway with wooden tables, comfortable chairs, and a long banquette along the wall with a few cushions thrown in for full comfort. The menu is surprisingly rich and diverse and has such delights as prosciutto Benedict on a gluten-free English muffin, pancakes, popovers, honey-butter-cheddar chive biscuits, cinnamon rolls, chocolate doughnuts, and orange-cranberry scones."

"Irish owned but utterly American, The Dearborn can be found at the intersection the Theater District, satisfying food and lively ambiance. Pastry Chef Julianna Westgor has a playful style riffing on ice cream truck treats in the summer and warming things up in the winter with adults only hot chocolate and fried banana bread with hazelnut chocolate ganache, malted milk jam and hazelnut crunch ice cream. Her peanut butter chocolate dream is just that and don't leave without someone ordering the gooey butter cake with burnt honey ice cream and orange caramel drizzle."

"The reviews are right, the food was great, the cocktails were great. We left Raised due to poor service and seating and came here. The fish and chips are..."

"Restaurants Seafood River West/West Town. Seafood reigns supreme at this Latin-inspired restaurant near Goose Island, which features an open-air rooftop (called Cielo) overlooking the Chicago River. Get fancy with a seafood tower—stacked high with Alaskan king crab leg, lobster, jumbo shrimp and oysters—or the restaurant's “shot tree,” which arranges 12 artfully mixed shooters into a tree-shaped tower of liquor."

"A Latin-inspired seafood spot has arrived on Chicago's riverfront. Those familiar with the space—which formerly housed Estate—will recall scenic riverfront views and an abundance of outdoor dining areas. Seafood comes in all forms here—raw, fried, baked and grilled."

"South DeeringThis humble Far South Side fish shack has been marinating and smoking their prime seafood over specially selected oak logs onsite since 1948 and, unlike pretty much everything else in this crazy world, precious little about their award-winning process has changed. The menu runs deep, of course, but the shrimp, tender and bursting with briny, meaty succulence, remains an absolute no-brainer.How to book: Stop by for counter service."

"Don't miss this James Beard-honored monument to smoked fish on the far South Side, in business since 1948. Get a paper bag of salmon, shrimp, or black cod and be prepared to eat in the car or on the sidewalk. View this post on Instagram"

"Chicago’s quintessential cash-only seafood smokehouse, located just north of the Indiana border. Why we love it: Remember the bridge-jumping scene in Blues Brothers?. It happened right next to Calumet Fisheries."

"Everything Uncooked offers is raw, from breakfast through dessert, for a unique vegan dining experience. Think fresh salads loaded with crisp vegetables, hummus, vegetable noodles and overnight oats. There are also fresh juices, and Uncooked uses compostable utensils and packaging for a fully sustainable operation in one of the best restaurants in Chicago."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"