Orange on Harrison
The new Printer’s Row location of the popular Lakeview breakfast and lunch spot is set to open Saturday. Expect the same offbeat breakfast and lunch dishes found at the original location, including pancake flights and Guinness-braised beef hash. The citrus-colored interior features live orange trees and a “frushi” (fruit sushi) bar with green tea and various coffees (including the restaurant’s signature, orange-infused brew). Entrees range from $5 to $11. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. 75 W. Harrison St. 312-447-1000.
Perez Restaurant
On Saturday mornings, when the rest of the mostly upscale Randolph Street restaurant row is sleeping off its hangover, Perez is busy churning out some of the tastiest and most affordable chorizo tacos and chilaquiles in the city. And for those who like a little “sauce” with their salsa, this Mexican standby offers its full margarita menu at breakfast. Entrees range from $5 to $9. Breakfast is offered 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 865 W. Randolph St. 312-421-2488.
Samuel’s Deli
Links of sausage hang from the ceiling, and jars of pickles marinate in brine, but what this authentic family-owned and -operated Jewish deli does best is bagels and bialys, with lox, herring or ham and eggs. Or grab some kugel and a seat at the window counter for prime Boystown people-watching. Entrees range from $3 to $7. Opens at 8 a.m. daily. 3463 N. Broadway, 773-525-7018.
SoPo
Brunch at SoPo is such a great deal, it draws customers who wouldn’t otherwise be caught dead in its loungy confines. Weekend specials include $2 breakfast burritos and $2 Bloody Marys. No skimping here: The burritos–scrambled eggs, tomatoes, sweet peppers and Monterey Jack cheese in a whole-wheat wrap–come with a generous portion of sauteed potatoes; the Bloodys are made with Finlandia vodka and come in tall beer glasses. The regular menu offers items such as mimosas, Texas toast and a vegetarian omelet. Not in your neighborhood? You can get the same deal at sister lounge Matisse. Entrees range from $2 to $5. Brunch served 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 3418 N. Southport Ave. 773-348-0100.
The Cafe at Hearty Boys
Formerly a catering-only spot, this cafe now serves full meals. Although there’s a tempting breakfast menu during the week, it’s the Louisiana-style weekend brunch that really gets our blood thumping. Try the Eggs in a Basket (two eggs served with options such as spicy crawfish and scallions or andouille sausage and smoked cheddar), Cajun crab cake eggs Benedict and piping-hot beignets dusted with powdered sugar. Entrees range from $5 to $8. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 3404 N. Halsted St. 773-244-9866.
Chiu Quon
If you’re ready to pass out from hunger by the time you finally get a table at Phoenix, where hour-plus waits are the norm, check out some of Chinatown’s lesser known dim sum places. Chiu Quon looks like an unassuming bakery from the front. But step to the small back room for some excellent dim sum at dirt-cheap prices (on a recent visit, two of us left stuffed, and the bill only came to $8). You must be willing to trade ambience for great prices–the surroundings are sparse, the clientele is almost exclusively old men and the place gets a little smoky, but the barbecue pork buns alone are worth it. Also recommended are the shrimp dumplings, egg custard tarts, taro root cakes, egg and pork buns and, for something a little sweet, sesame seed-covered black bean balls. Entrees range from $1 to $2. Open daily at 7 a.m. 2242 S. Wentworth Ave. 773-927-2288.
Post-brunch party
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey at the Chinese New Year Parade, kicking off at 1 p.m. Sunday at the corner of Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue in Chinatown. Find more New Year events, including theme dinners and parties, on metromix.com.
