Chef and owner Manny Mejia, who previously worked at M. Henry and Marmalade and also owns Big Hill, turns out dishes with global influences at this North Park gem. The eclectic selection includes a Caprese omelet, blackberry and kiwi French toast, scallion pancakes with eggs and pork belly, and French toast stuffed with Canadian bacon. Expect crowds and a wait on weekends. A second outpost is located in Belmont Gardens.

Over on the Northwest Side, Chicagoans pack this charming two-story building every day for Scandinavian comfort fare. Satiate the sweet tooth with maple pecan Danishes or cinnamon rolls before digging into cheesy omelets, Swedish pancakes with lingonberry preserves, and a plethora of sausages.

One of the best restaurants in Chicago, Lula Cafe helped establish Logan Square as a culinary destination. Chef and owner Jason Hammel, a two-time finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Great Lakes, was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement and continues using sustainable and local ingredients in dishes like a smoked trout scramble, pork belly and grits, and a celery root and ricotta omelet. Book a table through Resy.

Michelin-starred mega hit Kasama features both daytime and dinner options from chefs and spouses Genie Kwon and Tim Flores. Their breakfast sandwich (stuffed with egg, cheese, longanisa, and hash browns) is a banger that’s developed its own following, but there’s also a classic Filipino breakfast (fried egg, garlic fried rice, and longanisa or tocino) and Kwon’s stunning laminated pastries. Lumpia is also a wonderful way to start the day. Skip the long lines by ordering ahead.

A Chicago staple for almost three decades, the Bongo Room specializes in indulgent, over-the-top pancakes and French toasts. But if that’s too much sugar in the morning, the menu is also balanced out by eggs and sandwiches. There’s a second location in Andersonville. Place online orders here.

Tired of the same old bacon and eggs? Visit this Ukrainian Village diner for homey Southeast Asian specialties. The fluffy omelets and pancakes won’t disappoint, but the most popular choices are the marinated skirt steak and the hearty Filipino breakfasts. They can be ordered with longanisa (sweet sausage), bangus (marinated milkfish), tocino (cured pork shoulder), and more. The staff also serves complimentary bowls of lugaw (rice porridge) to every patron. Online ordering is available here.

Hailed as one of Chicago's top breakfast and brunch spots, M. Henry puts the focus on quality ingredients. The creative menu offers Jorge’s black bean cakes and huevos borrachos (“drunken eggs”), lemon-raspberry brioche French toast, and Fannie’s killer fried egg sandwich. There are also lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Order online here.

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish and one of Chicago’s best versions is found at this small Uptown cafe. The recipe features fresh tortilla chips topped with green salsa, eggs, Chihuahua cheese, onions, cilantro, and a choice of chorizo, steak, or chicken. Omelets and creamy oatmeal milkshakes are also standouts. And there’s a lovely back patio for outdoor dining. Online ordering is available here.

The University Village community hub warrants a visit for many exceptional dishes, including breakfast tacos, country scrambles, holiday French toast, home fries, and Southern-style fried catfish nuggets that are only available on Fridays.

An adorable Lincoln Park BYOB cafe with a soul food twist, Batter & Berries is most notable for its French toast flights which offer a taste of its signature lemon, blueberry, strawberry and caramel versions. The restaurant also offers a French toast special each week, with previous iterations including Oreo or caramel corn. Other highlights include deconstructed omelets and sweet potato waffles topped with fried chicken and nutmeg hot sauce. Skip the mob-inducing brunch hours by heading over for weekday breakfast.

The longtime West Loop restaurant moved from its original location in 2018 but the food hasn’t skipped a beat. The menu still leans heavily on Southern comforts, such as salmon cakes, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and chicken andouille hash. Online ordering is available here.

For an endless supply of Southern-style soul food, Chicagoans should make their way to Pearl’s. In addition to the a la carte menu, there’s also a buffet of breakfast comfort food, such as made-to-order omelets, waffles, grits, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken wings, and much more. It’s a bountiful spread that will keep even the biggest appetites full until dinner. Order online here.

Located right near Millennium Park, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is regularly packed with a mix of tourists and local workers tucking into rich plates of key lime pie pancakes, cookie dough waffles and red velvet cake french toast accompanied by fresh-squeezed orange juice and Intelligentsia coffee. Service is friendly and fast, though WiFi is available for anyone who needs to catch up on emails while they eat. Wildberry also has a location along the Magnificent Mile and suburban outposts in Libertyville and Schaumburg.

Bright and airy, Peach’s Restaurant stirs the soul with Southern delights. Salmon croquettes and flaky biscuits are hits, as is the juicy and peppery fried chicken served with cinnamon French toast and honey butter. Place online orders here.

With two locations, Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles has become a soul food destination with fluffy waffles, huge portions, and family-friendly service. Choose from wings, thighs, or breasts to find the right combo. Sub in catfish, too. Not everything is fried either. There are plenty of egg dishes if diners are trying to eat healthier.

Josephine Wade is a mythical figure in Chicago. The namesake owner, also known as “Mother,” has run this soul food diner in Chatham for decades. She received national attention in 2019 when her South Side institution was renovated on an episode of Restaurant: Impossible. Customers can expect to find catfish, pork chops, chicken and waffles, and salmon croquettes.

Located near the University of Chicago, this modern counter-service diner serves a New Orleans-inspired breakfast all day long. Lillie’s Q chef Charlie McKenna is the visionary behind the menu, which explores the world of Southern cooking. Guests can start with beignets and pimento cheese, followed by staples like shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and chicken fried steak. There’s a small, curated selection of alcoholic beverages as well. Online ordering is available here.

Situated next to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House on the University of Chicago’s campus, Plein Air is a French-inspired café that provides both students and locals alike a warm and cozy environment to refuel. Head to the bright, minimalist space in the morning for pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, quiches, and savory pies. Don’t forget the most important item: a hot (or cold) cup of coffee showcasing beans from artisan roasters. Online ordering is available here.