There’s never a shortage of breakfast spots to try throughout the city—it is, after all, the most important meal of the day. From the North Side to the South Side, breakfast dishes range from healthy and nutritious to downright heavenly and decadent. Whether you’re ready to start the day on the right foot or you’re nursing a hangover from the night before, here are a few of the city’s best neighborhoods to visit for their delicious breakfast and brunch spots.

Andersonville

Photo courtesy of Big Jones

Clark Street in Andersonville really has got it all. Among the vintage shops and restaurants that dot the stretch are several of the city’s best breakfast spots. Big Jones offers coastal Southern cuisine and their biscuits are divine. This spot only serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday. M. Henry serves true breakfast throughout the week, and basically everything on the menu is amazing. Roasted asparagus and prosciutto benedict and the blackberry bliss cakes are to die for. Speaking of sweets, The Bongo Room, which also has locations in Wicker Park and South Loop, is known for its crazy concoctions like white chocolate and caramel pretzel pancakes and apple churros french toast. A Taste of Heaven is down the street, offering the classic diner-style breakfast and a whole case of freshly made scones, pies, and cakes.

Logan Square

Photo courtesy of Bang Bang Pie

Bang Bang Pie, which also has a location in Ravenswood, is not only a great place for a pie, but a hot spot for breakfast. Using their famed biscuits, Bang Bang Pie crafts sandwiches, “avocado toast,” and — of course — biscuits and gravy. The menu is small, but really it’s all you need. Lula Cafe, located on the neighborhood’s namesake square, is casual but always popping on the weekends. A neighborhood staple since 1999, Lula serves their own spin on traditional breakfast dishes using fresh farm eggs and porridges ground from a local mill. Longman and Eagle is another well-regarded spot that opened in 2010. Be sure to get the sausage and preserves, both of which are made in-house. Hangovers welcome here, and the ultimate cure can be found in the PBR breakfast, which is a standard plate of eggs, sausage or bacon, house potatoes, and a can of PBR. Right next door is Same Day Cafe, which is known for its grilled cheese and fried egg sandwiches. They make all breads in-house and are BYOB.

Pilsen / Little Italy

Photo courtesy of Pleasant House Pub

Pleasant House Pub serves British-inspired Royal Pies using only locally sourced ingredients. Originally just a bakery, this spot earned a place on Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand list after rolling out a full menu and brunch on Sundays. Try the Royal English Breakfast with a Royal Banger sausage. 

Sweet Maple Cafe is tiny and the wait can be long on the weekends, but the old-fashioned cooking is worth the wait. This spot along Taylor Street in Little Italy opened in 1999 and owner Laurene Hynson has been serving up family recipes ever since, including the decadent french toast. Another great local brunch spot is Dusek’s in Pilsen inside Thalia Hall. New to the brunch scene (they just started offering weekend brunch in December), Dusek’s has biscuits and duck gravy, oyster hash, and coffee crumble. 

Hyde Park

Photo courtesy of Valois

Valois is a Hyde Park staple, serving classic breakfast dishes in a cafeteria-style setting. This no-fuss spot is even a favorite of President Barack Obama. Valois has been in business since 1921. Another classic breakfast spot is Medici on 57th, which serves both breakfast and brunch at a reasonable price. It’s a cozy spot where you get to write on the tables while you wait for the food. Like most places in Hyde Park, it’s often filled with college students. Located on the campus of the University of Chicago near the historic Robie House is Plein Air Cafe and Eatery. It’s open and airy and a great place for a cup of coffee or a full breakfast. Go lighter with the house-made granola, or don’t hold back with the mascarpone stuffed brioche french toast.

Lakeview

Photo courtesy of Mortar and Pestle

Mortar and Pestle takes inspiration from around the globe, so the menu is wide-reaching but focused with items like foie gras and eggs, Alaskan king crab benedict, breakfast fried rice, and vanilla bean pancakes. Maison Parisienne makes all its bakery goods in house in true French fashion. The croissants are decadent, as are their quiches. Try the combos where you get a drink, pastries, desserts, sides, and a main dish. Those in the mood for coma-inducing sweets cannot miss the Lakeview stalwart Ann Sather, where the massive cinnamon roll is really all you need.