X/O
3441 N. Halsted St. 773-348-9696
“We came early on Sunday, about 11 a.m., for the Drag Queen brunch. Were we in the wrong place? We saw two tables with kids! . . . But the outdoor patio was awesome with a tiki hut bar and cute boys. Great bloody marys. Really liked the frittata but not the side of fries. Would be good if they added a few more lower-priced options–and put the beignets as an entree. Loved ’em.” –RTG
Hot Chocolate
1747 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-1747
“I have given this place more than enough chances (I live around the corner). Tried the brunch, lunch and dinner. A few of the desserts are good, but everything else is boring and uninspired. Presentation is lacking. The hot chocolate is good, at least.” –Bucktown Babe
“My wife and I went for brunch. Overpriced at this point. Maybe as they work out their kinks and improve service the value will go up. Cheaply decorated yet stylish room. Overall, not bad. I just don’t see going back.” –JoJo
Thyme Cafe
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-1400
“Brunch needs to be kicked up a notch. We were seated at 1:30 p.m. as requested. The food stations were generally half-full or almost gone–in some cases, gone completely. The staff is too laidback and should pay more attention to the brunch selections being served, replenishing them more quickly.” –Carol C.
“This is the best brunch in Bucktown. They have a great variety of food and the addition of live jazz. Great, comfortable space.” –C.F.
The Hot Spot
2824 W. Armitage Ave. 773-770-3838
“We tried this place for Sunday brunch. We love it: upbeat place, fun staff. I thought the corned beef hash was amazing. I’ve never had homemade [corned] beef hash. Now how could I eat the stuff out of the can? I really liked how the entire place is bright and warm. My friends ordered huevos rancheros with chorizo. I think the chorizo was homemade too. The waffle with real whipped cream was yummy! Can’t wait to go back!”
–Chicago Diner
“Pretty average, boring menu for a place that specializes in brunch/lunch. Nice, friendly server; lame food. Won’t go back.” –B.
Lula Cafe
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. 773-489-9554
“Lula is a very polished brunch and dinner spot. The wait at the door (no reservations for brunch) is worth every minute. . . . Every dish I tried at Lula is amazing. Even the simplest things like French toast and pancakes have the most amazing taste (for a reasonable price). Staff is very attentive and friendly. The whole place is like a long-awaited vacation for your senses.” –Kaput Ink
42 Degrees N. Latitude
4500 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-907-2226
“I have been to this place twice for brunch. The first time was when they first opened, and I was not impressed. The food was pretty basic. I decided to give them one more chance last week, and I was not disappointed this time. The food was a lot better than I expected. I guess they finally realized that brunch competition is tough in Lincoln Square. I will be back for brunch again!” –Jeff
“I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant; both service and food are excellent. The brunch is amazing, to say the least, and the menu offers a great variety. I had the chocolate hazelnut French toast, which was by far one of the tastiest dishes I have ever had. Dinner here is also wonderful. … This place is a must-go!” –Janet
