Two of Chicago’s Top New Restaurants Start Brunching and More Intel

— Two of Chicago’s top new restaurants in recent months are now giving eaters opportunities to try them during weekend daytimes. Jamming new globally-inspired drinking and noshing spot Beatnik now serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays on Chicago Avenue, highlighted by creative cocktails including three slushies and mimosa bottle service. Food isn’t an afterthought though, as a Spanish tortilla with uni, grilled PB&J, pork cheek fried rice, and halloumi cheese with tomato and quince jam are on the menu. Read the full thing here.

— Split-Rail, Zoe Schor’s popular American comfort food spot in West Town, also kicks off Saturday and Sunday brunch services tomorrow. The full menu is not yet available, but dishes teased in a news release include a breakfast burrito, duck confit hash, bluefish spread on a bagel with tobiko, and cocktails.

— With new locations coming to the Loop and Old Town — in addition to an Au Cheval on the way to NYC — Food & Wine wonders if Small Cheval is the next Shake Shack.

— With expansion renovations on the way and summer sadly over, Parson’s Chicken & Fish will close its patio on Monday, Oct. 2 until the spring. So naturally Land & Sea Dept.’s summer paradise in Logan Square will throw a two-day party on Saturday and Sunday with DJ sets and plenty of drink specials. Construction is slated to begin in early October.

— Epic Burger has added a few new milkshakes inside its restaurant at 1000 W. North Ave. Five new flavors are available for $6.99 each, including strawberry shortcake, s’mores, and coffee with doughnuts.

— And finally, join other people who don’t like hate (and like immigrant and LGBTQ rights) at Links Taproom’s appropriately-named event on Sunday: “F U Hate.” Happening from open to close, 100 percent of all food and drink sales from the day will be donated to the Chicago House and Social Service Agency (which serves the LGBTQ+ community) and Chicago location of The Young Center For Immigrant Children's Rights. Ownership will match that money in its own donation too.