It’s freezing out, yet people are still willing to wait on the slushy, cold Wicker Park sidewalks for a seat at a crowded brunch joint. Skip that scene and head to Thyme Cafe’s Brazilian Sunday Jazz Brunch. Not only is there plenty of room at the chic spot, there’s no screaming babies or world-weary, gum-snapping service. A live jazz combo classes up the joint with a Sergio Mendes vibe, transporting you to Brazil circa ’66. Sure, you pay a couple of bucks more than at other spots, but this is one hell of a value. The $18.95 all-you-can-eat buffet even has a carving station slicing beef, pork or lamb, plus eggs Florentine, bacon, braised salmon, a to-die-for spinach-and-goat cheese ravioli, French toast, not-to-be missed crumb cakes–and a ton more. A retro-cocktail selection includes Harvey Wallbangers and Brass Monkeys ($4). Another $6.05 gets you a bottomless peach, guava or mango mimosa. We’ll toast to that! 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-1400.
