Do your memories of Easter Sundays past involve itchy Easter finery and long waits for a table next to the drippy ice sculpture? We shudder to think of it. Luckily, you don’t have to go down that path ever again. Check out these low-key brunch spots that won’t keep you in line all day — no bonnet required.
Flying Saucer
1123 N. CALIFORNIA AVE.
773-342-9076
Who: An eclectic mix of young and old from Humboldt Park and beyond
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: Less than 20 minutes
Don’t miss: Two eggs, cheesy grits and homemade buttermilk biscuits ($11.50). Flying Saucer is BYOB. Bring champagne to mix with fresh-squeezed OJ ($3.50).
Corosh
1072 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.
773-235-0600
Who: West Town hipsters, with and without kids
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: 15-20 minutes
Don’t miss: The all-you-can-eat buffet ($14) stacked with carved ham, made-to-order omelets, pancakes and salads
Broadway Cellars
5900 N. BROADWAY
773-944-1208
Who: Uptown neighbors, hungry churchgoers
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: About 20 minutes
Don’t miss: The signature eggs Benedict. We like the Grump: two poached eggs over a crab cake with shrimp-flavored Hollandaise ($11.95).
S & G Restaurant
3000 N. LINCOLN AVE.
773-935-4025
Who: Young families, old-timers from ‘hood and everyone in between
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: Less than 30 minutes, depending on party size
Don’t miss: The 26 egg casserole options — try the Popeye, a skillet filled with hash browns, sauteed fresh spinach with sour cream, and two eggs, any style ($7.95).
Union Park
228 S. RACINE AVE. 312-243-9002
Who: Young West Loop condo-dwellers
Usual wait: None
Anticipated Easter wait: None
Don’t miss: The Signature Bloody Mary, served in a pint glass with a chunk of salami, cheese and a pickle ($5). The brunch menu is also cheap, with a $6 build-your-own-omelet option.
Chief O’Neill’s Pub
3471 N. ELSTON AVE.
773-473-5263
Who: Families, neighborhood folks and others who want to keep the Irish spirit alive post-St. Patty’s Day
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: About 20 minutes, but reservations are highly recommended
Don’t miss: The all-you-can-eat buffet ($21.95 on Easter, regularly $13.95). Indulge in Easter lamb and ham, peel-and-eat shrimp and Irish brown bread; an entire corner of the room is devoted to desserts, including a chocolate fountain.
CJ’s Eatery
3839 W. GRAND AVE.
773-292-0990
Who: A blend of all humanity joined by a common love of comfort food
Usual wait: Less than 10 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: Less than 10 minutes
Don’t miss: Shrimp and grits ($9) or the chicken and waffles ($8). CJ’s is BYOB; bring champagne to mix with a pitcher of OJ ($10.99) and you’ve got mimosas for the whole table.
GREAT BYOB BRUNCHES
What’s Easter brunch without a cocktail? Keep costs down at these BYOBs, all open on Easter Sunday.
Bite Cafe
1039 N. WESTERN AVE. 773-395-2483
Bring: Champagne to mix with fresh squeezed OJ (small $1.50, large $3)
Cafe Too
4715 N. SHERIDAN RD. 773-275-0626
Bring: Vodka for the bloody mary mix ($2)
Mundial Cocina Meztisa
1640 W. 18TH ST. 312-491-9908
Bring: Rioja to mix with virgin sangria (glass $3.50, pitcher $10)
Over Easy Cafe
4943 N. DAMEN AVE. 773-506-2605
Bring: Champagne to mix with OJ ($3)
Treat
1616 N. KEDZIE AVE. 773-772-1201
Bring: Vodka to mix with honey-ginger limeade ($2.25)
Vella Cafe
1912 N. WESTERN AVE. 773-489-7777
Bring: Vodka for the homemade bloody mary mix ($5), which comes with a celery stick and a shrimp, poblano pepper, mushroom and chorizo skewer
Violet
3819 N. SOUTHPORT AVE. 773-327-0234
Bring: Vodka for the house-made bloody mary mix ($2.75)
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
