2019’s New Chicago Brunches
by Kirsten Ballard
Chicago has new restaurants opening faster than we can eat at them. Here is a comprehensive list of all of the restaurants that opened in 2019 that we’ve brunched at so far. We will update this list as we eat our way through the city. (This list does not include restaurants that launched brunch in 2019, the requirement is that the restaurant has to be new.)
All Together Now
Are you looking for a fast and casual brunch? Maybe you met a new friend in spin and don’t have two hours of small talk in you, or you don’t want to spend that much time with your roommate. Whatever the occasion, gather your people at All Together Now in Ukrainan Village. This cafe has communal seating, an amazing wine selection, and classic breakfast options. Read our review here.
All Together Now, 2119 W Chicago Ave, (773) 661-1599
BomboBar
Old Town welcomed burger and dessert juggernaut BomboBar onto Wells Street, and with it, a fast-casual brunch menu. We’re obsessed with the breakfast sandwich and pour-your-own wine station at this little restaurant. Even better, you’re not limited to Saturday and Sunday brunch hours, you can enjoy them all of the time. Read the review here.
BomboBar, 1529 N Wells St, (312) 549-8433
Cabra
Take your brunch to the next level with a rooftop meal at Cabra. Chef/girl crush Stephanie Izard opened this Peruvian spot on top of the Hoxton hotel. It is as tasty as it is beautiful. Share small plates poolside and enjoy sweeping views of downtown. Read our review here.
Cabra, 200 N Green St, (312) 761-1717
District Brew Yards
This isn’t your traditional brunch spot. But it’s still worth visiting on the weekend, because who doesn’t want to start their day with barbecue and beer? Take an antacid and head to this pour-your-own taproom featuring four walls of beer. It’s pay as you pour, so you can sample them all, or commit to your favorites. We also recommend a heaping of the elotes. Read our review here.
District Brew Yards, 417 N Ashland Ave, (773) 295-1270
Francois Frankie
You’re going to want to take this brunch for a spin. Francois Frankie is modeled after the Carousel Bar in New Orleans, complete with a larger than life rotating bar. Usually, gimmicky restaurants don’t deliver on the menu, but Francois Frankie has tasty bites that will turn your head. Read our review here.
Francois Frankie, 222 W Randolph St, (312) 600-9659
Joe’s Imports
This has been one of our favorite brunches this year. This wine bar opened in the blustery months, but the menu offers fresh, farm to table flavors all year round. Our favorite brunch item is the French pancakes, which have a crisp outside and warm, fluffy inside. It will ruin all other pancakes for you. Read our review here.
Joe’s Imports, 813 W Fulton Market, (312) 736-1750
Machine: Engineered Dining and Drink
This Wicker Park establishment garnered popularity for its interactive cocktails and flowers. Half restaurant, half florist, this is where you want to take your VSCO girl friends. Whether you want to boomerang breaking open your cocktail or split a wine shot fountain, you will have a fun time at this innovative brunch. Read our review here.
Machine Engineered Dining and Drink, 1846 W Division St, (773) 276-7422
Maddon’s Post
What do baseball managers know about good food? Turns out, a lot. Joe Maddon, manager of the Chicago Cubs, and co-owner chef Tony Mantuano opened this Wrigleyville Italian-Polish restaurant earlier this year, and it’s proving that game day food can be elevated and delicious. Read our review here.
Maddon’s Post, 1119 W Waveland Ave, (773) 269-5370
Middle Brow Bungalow
Middle Brow Bungalow offers three things: beer, bread, and pizza. But they excel at those three things. This simple and laid back restaurant opened earlier this year in Logan Square. It’s a great place to gather friends and catch up, since the restaurant has large communal tables. And before you leave, pick up a loaf of bread for the road – then you can make avocado toast at home and celebrate brunch every day. Read the review here.
Middle Brow Bungalow, 2840 W Armitage Ave, (773) 687-9076
SX Sky Bar
Spice up your brunch date with SX Lounge’s suggestive and sexy vibes. This spot is a nightclub with a group cocktail called the dominatrix. But during brunch hours, you can snuggle next to your boo on one of the plush velvet seats and enjoy bottomless mimosas, Bellinis and Bloody Marys. Read our review here.
SX Sky Bar, 808 S Michigan Ave, (773) 633-0214
Twisted Hippo
Do you have your college roommates in town and overdo it on Friday night? Sip a slow beer to start another day of day drinking at Twisted Hippo in Albany Park. They have an amazing beer selection, games, and cinnamon rolls the size of your head. What more can you want? Read our review here.
Twisted Hippo, 2925 W Montrose Ave, (708) 844-7768
The Whale
Kiss avocado toast goodbye and welcome the future of toast into your stomach with The Whale’s strawberry and brie toast. This Logan Square newbie has casino vibes, but the menu is not a gamble, it’s just a winner. Read our review here.
The Whale, 2427 N Milwaukee Ave, (773) 825-2900
Young American
Young American opened in Logan Square in early 2019 and made a splash with its CBD cocktails and its goth bread. It’s a trendy hipster paradise with bold graphic design and funky neon. We fell in love with their North Carolinian-approved biscuits and nighttime sisig. Read our review here.
Young American, 2545 N Kedzie Ave, (773) 687-8385
Did you open a new Chicago spot in 2019 and want to make this list? Let us know! Tweet us, DM us, or message us on Facebook.