Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Gold Coast

"West LoopThis long-revered Mediterranean-influenced fixture from One Off Hospitality has held it down as one of the area’s go-to date night spots since opening its minimalist doors back in 2003, well before many of us could even define romance. And not much has changed -- the wine list is still spectacular, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are still iconic, and a reservation for the intimate front patio is still highly coveted."

"Restaurants Contemporary American West Loop. After more than 20 years in the West Loop, this iconic kitchen is still one of the city's best. In 2019, chef-partner Paul Kahan handed over the keys to the kitchen to executive chef Ryan Pfeiffer, who aims to revive the restaurant's rock 'n' roll soul."

"With all the fantastic Chicago diners available in the Windy City sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. Lincoln Park’s Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to sunny California with its bright and breezy dining room. If you’re looking for an instant mood boost, this is it."

"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?"

"Get a taste of California without leaving the city or even having to sit down through dinner. These cookies are always available alongside other sweets at their Market counter."

"Eat This Right Now:  Chia Bagel – Vegan Loaded Bagel ($7.50). I’m not sure what is the best part of Chicago Bagel Authority. Their laid back atmosphere with couches, writing on the wall, and board games paired with their extra late hours makes it a great place to hang out."

"New Yorkers might think that they have America’s best bagels… but they’ve probably never heard of CBA. CBA is the Chicago Bagel Authority. They serve mouthwatering steamed bagel sandwiches in seemingly endless varieties."

"Chicagoans love sandwiches, so it’s no surprise that bagel sandwiches are a must. Chicago Bagel Authority is just a friendly reminder that bagels can be eaten at any time of day."

"Located in Chicago’s Main Stem river district on the third floor of Renaissance Chicago Hotel, Raised is a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the city and the river. The indoor/outdoor bar occupies what was once the hotel’s meeting space. Decorated in trendy and industrial style, the lounge serves Chicago local craft beers, a nice selection of wines and, both classic and new cocktails."

"Bars Cocktail bars Loop. We consider this Loop rooftop one of Chicago's most underrated summertime secrets. Situated just three stories above street level, it might not seem like this hotel bar has much to offer on the view front."

"Located inside the newly refurbished Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, this comfortable rooftop has indoor and outdoor space with fire pits and a fun Mediterranean menu. It’s hip, but to me feels more welcoming than some of the others."

"Located in the Peninsula Hotel, The Peninsula Spa draws inspiration from Ayurvedic and Asian healing therapies, including a variety of Ayurvedic massage techniques and hot stone treatments. Check out the Sleep Support Therapy for help getting a good night’s rest when you’re experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.If you book two or more hours of treatments, you’re free to explore other hotel amenities – but leave your phone beyond, as this is a technology-free zone. Go for a swim in the spacious pool and enjoy a view from the surrounding city through floor to ceiling windows, relax by the fireplace in the lounge, or enjoy a yoga session in the fitness center."

"From the second you arrive in the lobby of The Peninsula Spa, you’ll be transported. Natural wood interiors and raku-style tiles evoke an Asian oasis, while your prime location on the Magnificent Mile is reiterated by a spectacular view from the glass-enclosed pool. Before or after a treatment, guests can gaze dreamily at the skyline; with premium snack and glass of port."

"You’d have to try really hard to not be pampered at the Peninsula. From the opulent lap pool (its floor-to-ceiling views are worth Instagramming) to the facial treatments featuring Biologique Recherche (the holy grail of French skin care), everything is a little extra. We suggest you take it as a challenge and book not one but two treatments for a half-day retreat."

"The view of the Chicago River is the crown jewel in the signature Chuan Spa, known for its serenity. The décor and treatments are based on an East-meets-West spa concept, with many of the services—massage, facials, and an array of well-known traditional Chinese medicine treatments, including cupping and acupuncture, designed to restore balance and increase overall energy."

"Helping you reach tranquility through the essence of water, Chuan Spa Chicago offers a water journey potent to your replenishment. Once you enter through their Moon Gate doors and secret garden, the excursion begins. Bathing rituals, saunas, a steam room, and utterly exquisite interior all join to create the utmost relaxation experience."

"Chuan Spa at The Langham, Chicago has been rated Illinois' first and only Forbes 5 star spa - and it shows. Ensconced in The Langham Chicago, rated a Five-Star hotel by Forbes Travel Guide, Chuan Spa is the best spa in the city. Complete a five-element questionnaire to ensure you get the most from your treatment."

"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."

"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."