Best Brunch in Chicago
Jul 19, 2005 | 4:25 pm
#1
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Best Brunch in Chicago
Looking for some rec's on the best brunch in Chicago (within walking/El distance of the Loop). It would be nice if the "best" wasn't going to set me back a lot.
Jul 19, 2005 | 8:45 pm
#3
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One fun time would be the House of Blues Gospel Brunch http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues...spelbrunch.asp
Rick Baylesss Frontera Grill serves brunch: http://www.fronterakitchens.com/rest...ra_brunch.html
Signature Room on one of the top floors of the Hancock building serves brunch: http://www.signatureroom.com/ as well as Cite Restaurant http://centerstage.net/restaurants/cite-at-top.html
This was a cheap brunch, still dont know if they are running it: South City Tavern: was offering an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet of Southern fare that includes carving and waffle stations (10 AM3 PM, $15.95 per person, $7.95 per child aged 512; 312-567-1400).
Rick Baylesss Frontera Grill serves brunch: http://www.fronterakitchens.com/rest...ra_brunch.html
Signature Room on one of the top floors of the Hancock building serves brunch: http://www.signatureroom.com/ as well as Cite Restaurant http://centerstage.net/restaurants/cite-at-top.html
This was a cheap brunch, still dont know if they are running it: South City Tavern: was offering an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet of Southern fare that includes carving and waffle stations (10 AM3 PM, $15.95 per person, $7.95 per child aged 512; 312-567-1400).
Jul 19, 2005 | 9:09 pm
#4
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Hearty Boys
(They were just picked to be featured on Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star" programming.)
The Lobster Bread Pudding Eggs Benedict always run out if you go in late!
Tweet
The biscuits and gravy are to die for!
(They were just picked to be featured on Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star" programming.)
The Lobster Bread Pudding Eggs Benedict always run out if you go in late!
Tweet
The biscuits and gravy are to die for!
Jul 20, 2005 | 7:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2001
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Stay away from the Peninsula. I went there for Sunday Brunch two months ago and the service was very, very disappointing. We had an aloof waiter who couldn't be bothered to give us an introduction on the different food stations or refill our water glasses. Of course, he was very eager and enthusiastic about putting the bill on our table at the same moment we got back to our table with our desserts.
Dec 22, 2005 | 3:39 pm
#7
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Two tempting choices on the Magnificent Mile are the Greenhouse in the Ritz-Carlton Chicago and the Signature Room at the 95th.
The Signature Room has drop-dead lake and city views, but the Greenhouse comes out on top for its opulent setting, more creative food and superior service.
Greenhouse at the Ritz-Carlton
160 E. Pearson St.
(312) 573-5154
Buffet price, $25
The hotel's lofty 12th-floor dining room with its massive glass wall and ceiling is as opulent a setting for lunch as any in the city. Located just beyond the hotel's elegant lobby fountain, the Greenhouse faces northeast, startlingly close to the John Hancock Center.
Choose from traditional tables or settle into brightly colored sofas and chairs arranged around coffee tables. All are well-spaced for privacy.
Buffet selections change daily and typically include several salads, made-to-order Caesar salad, homemade soup, hot entree and three to four desserts.
Chicken salad with crisp vegetables is a standout with slivers of red onion, cabbage and red, yellow and green peppers in light vinaigrette, a stimulating mixture of textures and flavors. Veal, tomato and fennel salad is an attention-getter; the tender meat plays well against juicy tomatoes, crisp fennel and oregano dressing.
Vegetarian couscous with dried fruit combines savory with sweet, an interesting change of pace from vinaigrette-based salads.
Creamy baba ghanouj, lightly flavored with garlic, is delicious on seasoned pita triangles.
Salmon with fresh herbs is carefully cooked, moist and firm. Beef fajitas, served with guacamole, salsa and sour cream, are just spicy enough. Tender, flavorful chunks of meat and abundant strips of bell peppers and onions make a zesty main course, but tackle this messy dish with knife and fork. Mild Spanish rice with corn and bits of onion works well as a side dish.
Cinnamon apple cobbler would have been outstanding were it not oozing butter. I prefer the luxurious, dome-shaped cheesecake with raspberry coulis and fresh mixed berries.
Service reflects the Ritz-Carlton reputation. We were greeted and directed as we stepped off the elevator at the lobby. Plates were whisked away promptly and silverware replaced. Coffee was not poured until we returned to our seats from the dessert table.
Absolutely lovely.
Signature Room at the 95th
875 N. Michigan Ave.
(312) 787-9596
Buffet price, $18
The scenery alone is worth the price of admission to the Signature Room, with its breathtaking views of the lake, shoreline and city.
Try to avoid being seated in the narrow dining area adjacent to the buffet table. The view is fabulous, but this area is cramped, and on a sunny day it is uncomfortably hot.
Buffet selections were familiar favorites with a little twist the day I visited, expertly prepared and generally very good. Options change regularly but include several salads, a homemade soup and several entrees.
Shrimp and tomato salad in sun-dried tomato vinaigrette is a winner, while marinated broccoli and cauliflower was pedestrian. I prefer the cucumber and bell pepper salad with black sesame seeds in a refreshing, sweet marinade.
Orange-ginger dressing for the build-your-own tossed salad sparkles with a touch of sweetness, a welcome contrast to savory toppings like red beans and black olives.
Delicate and earthy, mushroom soup blends four varieties of mushrooms flavored with Madeira and pureed to a silky texture.
Pepper steak in rich gravy melts in your mouth, leaving behind some heat. This is comfort food with a kick, but I would have liked some egg noodles or plain rice for a base.
Firm, pan-seared perch benefits from tangy citrus vinaigrette, while smoked, roasted turkey breast is surprisingly good, moist and infused with sage from overnight brining. But where are the mashed potatoes?
Someone should tell the kitchen the no-carb diet is dead. The only starch offered with all three entrees was buttery Spanish rice, and while flavorful and well-prepared, it is not the right partner for pepper steak or sage gravy.
It's disappointing that a small selection of desserts is not included with the buffet, even at a higher price. But the multilayered carrot cake ($5.50) is superb moist and spicy, with caramel sauce and heavenly vanilla gelato, all homemade.
The Signature Room has drop-dead lake and city views, but the Greenhouse comes out on top for its opulent setting, more creative food and superior service.
Greenhouse at the Ritz-Carlton
160 E. Pearson St.
(312) 573-5154
Buffet price, $25
The hotel's lofty 12th-floor dining room with its massive glass wall and ceiling is as opulent a setting for lunch as any in the city. Located just beyond the hotel's elegant lobby fountain, the Greenhouse faces northeast, startlingly close to the John Hancock Center.
Choose from traditional tables or settle into brightly colored sofas and chairs arranged around coffee tables. All are well-spaced for privacy.
Buffet selections change daily and typically include several salads, made-to-order Caesar salad, homemade soup, hot entree and three to four desserts.
Chicken salad with crisp vegetables is a standout with slivers of red onion, cabbage and red, yellow and green peppers in light vinaigrette, a stimulating mixture of textures and flavors. Veal, tomato and fennel salad is an attention-getter; the tender meat plays well against juicy tomatoes, crisp fennel and oregano dressing.
Vegetarian couscous with dried fruit combines savory with sweet, an interesting change of pace from vinaigrette-based salads.
Creamy baba ghanouj, lightly flavored with garlic, is delicious on seasoned pita triangles.
Salmon with fresh herbs is carefully cooked, moist and firm. Beef fajitas, served with guacamole, salsa and sour cream, are just spicy enough. Tender, flavorful chunks of meat and abundant strips of bell peppers and onions make a zesty main course, but tackle this messy dish with knife and fork. Mild Spanish rice with corn and bits of onion works well as a side dish.
Cinnamon apple cobbler would have been outstanding were it not oozing butter. I prefer the luxurious, dome-shaped cheesecake with raspberry coulis and fresh mixed berries.
Service reflects the Ritz-Carlton reputation. We were greeted and directed as we stepped off the elevator at the lobby. Plates were whisked away promptly and silverware replaced. Coffee was not poured until we returned to our seats from the dessert table.
Absolutely lovely.
Signature Room at the 95th
875 N. Michigan Ave.
(312) 787-9596
Buffet price, $18
The scenery alone is worth the price of admission to the Signature Room, with its breathtaking views of the lake, shoreline and city.
Try to avoid being seated in the narrow dining area adjacent to the buffet table. The view is fabulous, but this area is cramped, and on a sunny day it is uncomfortably hot.
Buffet selections were familiar favorites with a little twist the day I visited, expertly prepared and generally very good. Options change regularly but include several salads, a homemade soup and several entrees.
Shrimp and tomato salad in sun-dried tomato vinaigrette is a winner, while marinated broccoli and cauliflower was pedestrian. I prefer the cucumber and bell pepper salad with black sesame seeds in a refreshing, sweet marinade.
Orange-ginger dressing for the build-your-own tossed salad sparkles with a touch of sweetness, a welcome contrast to savory toppings like red beans and black olives.
Delicate and earthy, mushroom soup blends four varieties of mushrooms flavored with Madeira and pureed to a silky texture.
Pepper steak in rich gravy melts in your mouth, leaving behind some heat. This is comfort food with a kick, but I would have liked some egg noodles or plain rice for a base.
Firm, pan-seared perch benefits from tangy citrus vinaigrette, while smoked, roasted turkey breast is surprisingly good, moist and infused with sage from overnight brining. But where are the mashed potatoes?
Someone should tell the kitchen the no-carb diet is dead. The only starch offered with all three entrees was buttery Spanish rice, and while flavorful and well-prepared, it is not the right partner for pepper steak or sage gravy.
It's disappointing that a small selection of desserts is not included with the buffet, even at a higher price. But the multilayered carrot cake ($5.50) is superb moist and spicy, with caramel sauce and heavenly vanilla gelato, all homemade.
Jan 28, 2006 | 11:13 am
#8
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Originally Posted by Sweet Willie
Rick Baylesss Frontera Grill serves brunch: http://www.fronterakitchens.com/rest...ra_brunch.html
--
Feb 1, 2006 | 7:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SFO
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Posts: 4,590
Originally Posted by Sweet Willie
Two tempting choices on the Magnificent Mile are the Greenhouse in the Ritz-Carlton Chicago and the Signature Room at the 95th.
The Signature Room has drop-dead lake and city views, but the Greenhouse comes out on top for its opulent setting, more creative food and superior service.
Greenhouse at the Ritz-Carlton
160 E. Pearson St.
(312) 573-5154
Buffet price, $25
The hotel's lofty 12th-floor dining room with its massive glass wall and ceiling is as opulent a setting for lunch as any in the city. Located just beyond the hotel's elegant lobby fountain, the Greenhouse faces northeast, startlingly close to the John Hancock Center.
Choose from traditional tables or settle into brightly colored sofas and chairs arranged around coffee tables. All are well-spaced for privacy.
Buffet selections change daily and typically include several salads, made-to-order Caesar salad, homemade soup, hot entree and three to four desserts.
Chicken salad with crisp vegetables is a standout with slivers of red onion, cabbage and red, yellow and green peppers in light vinaigrette, a stimulating mixture of textures and flavors. Veal, tomato and fennel salad is an attention-getter; the tender meat plays well against juicy tomatoes, crisp fennel and oregano dressing.
Vegetarian couscous with dried fruit combines savory with sweet, an interesting change of pace from vinaigrette-based salads.
Creamy baba ghanouj, lightly flavored with garlic, is delicious on seasoned pita triangles.
Salmon with fresh herbs is carefully cooked, moist and firm. Beef fajitas, served with guacamole, salsa and sour cream, are just spicy enough. Tender, flavorful chunks of meat and abundant strips of bell peppers and onions make a zesty main course, but tackle this messy dish with knife and fork. Mild Spanish rice with corn and bits of onion works well as a side dish.
Cinnamon apple cobbler would have been outstanding were it not oozing butter. I prefer the luxurious, dome-shaped cheesecake with raspberry coulis and fresh mixed berries.
Service reflects the Ritz-Carlton reputation. We were greeted and directed as we stepped off the elevator at the lobby. Plates were whisked away promptly and silverware replaced. Coffee was not poured until we returned to our seats from the dessert table.
Absolutely lovely.
The Signature Room has drop-dead lake and city views, but the Greenhouse comes out on top for its opulent setting, more creative food and superior service.
Greenhouse at the Ritz-Carlton
160 E. Pearson St.
(312) 573-5154
Buffet price, $25
The hotel's lofty 12th-floor dining room with its massive glass wall and ceiling is as opulent a setting for lunch as any in the city. Located just beyond the hotel's elegant lobby fountain, the Greenhouse faces northeast, startlingly close to the John Hancock Center.
Choose from traditional tables or settle into brightly colored sofas and chairs arranged around coffee tables. All are well-spaced for privacy.
Buffet selections change daily and typically include several salads, made-to-order Caesar salad, homemade soup, hot entree and three to four desserts.
Chicken salad with crisp vegetables is a standout with slivers of red onion, cabbage and red, yellow and green peppers in light vinaigrette, a stimulating mixture of textures and flavors. Veal, tomato and fennel salad is an attention-getter; the tender meat plays well against juicy tomatoes, crisp fennel and oregano dressing.
Vegetarian couscous with dried fruit combines savory with sweet, an interesting change of pace from vinaigrette-based salads.
Creamy baba ghanouj, lightly flavored with garlic, is delicious on seasoned pita triangles.
Salmon with fresh herbs is carefully cooked, moist and firm. Beef fajitas, served with guacamole, salsa and sour cream, are just spicy enough. Tender, flavorful chunks of meat and abundant strips of bell peppers and onions make a zesty main course, but tackle this messy dish with knife and fork. Mild Spanish rice with corn and bits of onion works well as a side dish.
Cinnamon apple cobbler would have been outstanding were it not oozing butter. I prefer the luxurious, dome-shaped cheesecake with raspberry coulis and fresh mixed berries.
Service reflects the Ritz-Carlton reputation. We were greeted and directed as we stepped off the elevator at the lobby. Plates were whisked away promptly and silverware replaced. Coffee was not poured until we returned to our seats from the dessert table.
Absolutely lovely.
http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs...lounge_36.html
Feb 3, 2006 | 6:06 pm
#10
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HOB Gospel Sunday brunch is good AND fun. Hearty Boys=awesome food
This isn't in the loop, it's a cab ride away but I love Stanleys Kitchen & Tap
1970 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 312/642-0007 It's great comfort food, and you can make your own Bloody Mary's! It's not fancy and a very "locals" type place. Worth the wait in line.
On Saturday and Sunday there's an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet for $10.95.
www.stanleysrestaurant.com
Stanleys is accessible by CTA buses (11-Lincoln, 37 Sedgwick/Ogden, 73-Armitage), cabs are plentiful and street parking is difficult
This isn't in the loop, it's a cab ride away but I love Stanleys Kitchen & Tap
1970 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 312/642-0007 It's great comfort food, and you can make your own Bloody Mary's! It's not fancy and a very "locals" type place. Worth the wait in line.
On Saturday and Sunday there's an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet for $10.95.
www.stanleysrestaurant.com
Stanleys is accessible by CTA buses (11-Lincoln, 37 Sedgwick/Ogden, 73-Armitage), cabs are plentiful and street parking is difficult
Feb 3, 2006 | 9:09 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AA 3 MM, IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,590
Originally Posted by Flybride
On Saturday and Sunday there's an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet for $10.95.
www.stanleysrestaurant.com
Stanleys is accessible by CTA buses (11-Lincoln, 37 Sedgwick/Ogden, 73-Armitage), cabs are plentiful and street parking is difficult
Feb 4, 2006 | 11:56 am
#12
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In the latest edition of Time Out Magazine, they discussed places that serve a good brunch but w/o the crowds. Some of these dishes made me drool !!!
Wicker Park/Bucktown:
They panned Bongo Room (1470 N Milwaukee, 773.489.0690) stating they love the stuffed French toast but not enough to put up with the wait and surly service.
They like:
Fancescas Forno (1576 N Milwaukee, 773.770.0184). panettone French toast topped with mascarpone cream, fresh berries.
Hot Chocolate (1747 N Damen Ave, 773.489.1747) duck confit and fried egg sandwich or Wagyu skirt steak with soft scrambled eggs
Andersonville:
They panned the wait at m. henrys (5707 N Clark, 773.561.1600)
They liked:
La Tache (1475 W Balmoral Ave, 773.334.7168) the Sunday only brunch menu had brioche French toast, skirt steak & eggs, croque madame oozing with white cheddar and topped with two fried eggs.
Lincoln Park:
They panned Toast (746 W Webster Ave, 773.9355600) for having a monopoly on mascarpone and chocolate stuffed varieties of French toast
They liked:
Gracies (1119 W Webster Ave, 773.528.1788) Death by Chocolate French toast, tenderloin beef Benedict, a filet mignon sandwich with grilled tomatoes and barnaise sauce.
Caf Ba-ba-reeba (2024 N Halsted St, 773.935.5000) Spanish style eggs Benedict is two thick slices of corn bread topped with poached eggs, Canadian Bacon and aioli and the make your own Bloody Mary bar.
Little Italy/Near West Side:
Panned the wait and ask to sit at strangers tables for Sweet Maple Cafs (1339 Taylor St, 312.243.8908) soul food inspired brunch of sweet mile biscuits, vegetable hash and bone-in ham.
They liked:
Demitasse (1066 W Taylor St, 312.226.7669 amaretto pancakes topped with almond shavings or the egg while frittata
Caf Penelope (234 S Ashland Ave, 312.243.6655) lots of healthy breakfast options but also crabcake Benedict or cranberry pancakes.
Lakeview:
Panned the wait at Orange (3231 N Clark, 773.549.4400) even though the frushi and make your own juice are good
They liked:
Erwin (2925 N Halsted, 773.528.7200) flank steak n eggs, lox platters, banana-cinnamon French toast, house made basil sausage
Harmony Grill (3159 N Southport Ave, 773.525.2528) Tropicalia French toast, cheddar corn cakes, fluffy beignets.
--
Wicker Park/Bucktown:
They panned Bongo Room (1470 N Milwaukee, 773.489.0690) stating they love the stuffed French toast but not enough to put up with the wait and surly service.
They like:
Fancescas Forno (1576 N Milwaukee, 773.770.0184). panettone French toast topped with mascarpone cream, fresh berries.
Hot Chocolate (1747 N Damen Ave, 773.489.1747) duck confit and fried egg sandwich or Wagyu skirt steak with soft scrambled eggs
Andersonville:
They panned the wait at m. henrys (5707 N Clark, 773.561.1600)
They liked:
La Tache (1475 W Balmoral Ave, 773.334.7168) the Sunday only brunch menu had brioche French toast, skirt steak & eggs, croque madame oozing with white cheddar and topped with two fried eggs.
Lincoln Park:
They panned Toast (746 W Webster Ave, 773.9355600) for having a monopoly on mascarpone and chocolate stuffed varieties of French toast
They liked:
Gracies (1119 W Webster Ave, 773.528.1788) Death by Chocolate French toast, tenderloin beef Benedict, a filet mignon sandwich with grilled tomatoes and barnaise sauce.
Caf Ba-ba-reeba (2024 N Halsted St, 773.935.5000) Spanish style eggs Benedict is two thick slices of corn bread topped with poached eggs, Canadian Bacon and aioli and the make your own Bloody Mary bar.
Little Italy/Near West Side:
Panned the wait and ask to sit at strangers tables for Sweet Maple Cafs (1339 Taylor St, 312.243.8908) soul food inspired brunch of sweet mile biscuits, vegetable hash and bone-in ham.
They liked:
Demitasse (1066 W Taylor St, 312.226.7669 amaretto pancakes topped with almond shavings or the egg while frittata
Caf Penelope (234 S Ashland Ave, 312.243.6655) lots of healthy breakfast options but also crabcake Benedict or cranberry pancakes.
Lakeview:
Panned the wait at Orange (3231 N Clark, 773.549.4400) even though the frushi and make your own juice are good
They liked:
Erwin (2925 N Halsted, 773.528.7200) flank steak n eggs, lox platters, banana-cinnamon French toast, house made basil sausage
Harmony Grill (3159 N Southport Ave, 773.525.2528) Tropicalia French toast, cheddar corn cakes, fluffy beignets.
--
Feb 7, 2006 | 2:30 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 62
Stanleys is always a good choice. Can't beat the Bloody Marys.
May also want to check out 'Horseshoe' on Lincoln near the Irving Park brown line stop. Its Texas BBQ for Sunday brunch but has one of the most creative brunch menus I've seen.
May also want to check out 'Horseshoe' on Lincoln near the Irving Park brown line stop. Its Texas BBQ for Sunday brunch but has one of the most creative brunch menus I've seen.