Four New Brunches to Try This Weekend Around Chicago

RIVER NORTH—Ema, chef C.J. Jacobson’s Mediterranean-inspired spot in River North from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, is launching brunch this weekend. Check out the menu here. Weekend brunch goes from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. House-cured King Salmon could be a popular item.

RIVER NORTH— LEYE continues to roll out new brunches. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Tallboy Taco is staring a Saturday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’ll serve steak & egg tacos, brisket & egg tacos, and more, including huevos rancheros with molcajete salsa, avocado, and pico de gallo, and chilaquilles al rancho. It’s also launching drinks including a “Morning Margarita” (Avion Reposada, triple sec, avocado puree, orange, yuzu, lime, egg white, mole bitters) and a “Café De Dominicano” (Jameson, tres leches, horchata, Dark Matter-taco blend coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, cream). There’s also a make-your-own mimosa bar.

Courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

LINCOLN PARK— It’s been a couple of weeks since Gemini has relaunched, and now the neighborhood spot is starting weekend brunch. Sunday will be the first day for weekend service, which will go from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Executive chef Miguel Ortiz’s menu includes sticky cinnamon rolls a Nova lox platter (dill horseradish schmear, hard boiled egg, pickled red onion, caper, tomato), and strawberries and cream waffles. The burger will also be on the menu, and they’ll have cocktails like a Cherry Bellini (prosecco, Amarena cherry) and the “Morning Screw” (Ketel One vodka, Ketel O, Bauchant, fresh orange juice, soda). Non-boozy drinks are also available like the “FKG” (Barritt’s ginger soda, lime, mint, splash of cranberry).

WICKER PARK— Lucia’s, the casual Italian restaurant that’s expanded over the years from a just a deli, has quietly launched brunch service. Take a look at their menu over here. An omelette with spaghetti is one of the highlights.