LINCOLN PARK—Much-lauded Italian hotspot Balena is getting in on the brunch game with service starting this Sunday, Sept. 13. Chef Chris Pandel is masterminding Italian-inspired dishes such as scrambled egg bruschetta, crispy polenta hash with pork ragu and fried egg, and a porchetta sandwich. Brunch shouldn't be complete without one of the crisp Neapolitan-style pizzas either. Selections include the classic margherita or a peaches, goat cheese and pancetta pie but if that doesn't suit you, customize one with a number of toppings. There's also a full cocktail menu with daytime libations like a Bloody Mary and Bellini. Check out the menu below. [EaterWire]
SOUTH LOOP—The new chef-driven iteration of Villains Chicago has been a fresh addition to the South Loop, replacing the former dive bar with a sleek, modern space featuring locally-sourced dishes and an extensive beer list. Sunday brunch, available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., just launched and offers items like pork head scrapple, cola-brined brisket hash and ricotta crepes with mushroom ragu. On the drinks side, there's a special Bloody Mary beer fermented with Roma tomatoes and spiced with dill, horseradish, peppercorns and celery. [EaterWire]
RAVENSWOOD—If getting up early on the weekend is too tall of a task, Ampersand Wine Bar's new late brunch menu should help. It's offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays so you can sleep in and recover over a plate of short rib hash, smoked salmon belly or brioche bread pudding. All of which should be complemented by a glass of wine, of course. [EaterWire]