Why I Rarely Attempt Brunch After 9 am

...Unless It's a Weekday

05/09/2010 8:18 PM

By Blagica Bottigliero

5 Comments - Add Your Comment


Image c/o CLTV

It's a standard occurrence. It's Saturday or Sunday and friends/family visit us in the South Loop and would like to enjoy brunch. Whether it's Yolk, Bongo Room or Eleven City Diner (note: I haven't been to Eleven since the owner yelled at his staff in front of my friends), I don't attempt a brunch outing after 9 am. Don't get me wrong, each establishment has their own share of efficient waiting list processes, but I won't walk into those places unless I know we'll get seated in about ten minutes. With close proximity to Soldier Field, Museum Campus and multiple universities, we have a multitude of dwellers in the South Loop. I respect the fact that students need to see their parents, suburbanites need to get to their game on time and parents need to show their kids the fishies. For those reasons, I gladly give up my post 9 am brunch seat. With a new baby and visitors to the neighborhood, I can't afford the wait. I also don't like being one of those gals that is always looking at the sign-in sheet and stalking the party of four in front of her:).

When do I go to brunch in the South Loop? Usually before 9 am. My favorite 'quiet time' is Yolk, 7:30 am, on a weekday. The sun is shining through the windows, the staff is waking up and you may see a cop or Alderman roll in with a newspaper. Perhaps it's because my grandmother owned a diner back in the day, but Yolk makes me feel at home every time I step in the doors.

If it's after 10 am, we typically head west and visit our favorite University Village place, Hashbrowns. My husband and I began going there when we were engaged and it's become a mini tradition for us. Once our daughter came along and was old enough, we whisked her baby seat over to Hashbrowns quicker than you can say 'brunch'. From Bridgeport mainstays to UIC students, Hashbrowns blends a neighborhood feeling with a twist on something as simple as hashbrowns (you can choose from house, Idaho potato, 'killer' and rosemary).

Busy weekends aside, seeing the lines outside of our local restaurants is promising. More people are moving into the South Loop, however, I can't help but to wonder if we need even more brunch spots. I've been to Gioco, Grace O'Malley's and White Palace. Have I missed any other places? What's your favorite South Loop brunch joint? Do you think we need more?

Let me know what you think in the comments!



5 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Bonnie McGrath from South Loop
Posted: 05/14/2010 2:35 PM

was at bongo room this morning before 9, and by the time i left an hour or so later, it was packed. on a friday! it was a great feeling to see that. my breakfast companion said she thought it was a groupon coupon that brought everyone out; i said i thought it was columbia's manifest(ival) that was just about to kick off. whatever it was, it was good to see the crowd!


By Marc C from South Loop
Posted: 05/12/2010 5:17 PM

I agree with Jeanette, Little Branch Cafe is another good option in the South Loop. If you are willing to travel a little bit farther, Meli Cafe in the West Loop, Sweet Maple Cafe in Little Italy and Nana in Bridgeport are other excellent options. Sadly they all have lines too, but are worth the wait. We need more options in the Near South and West Sides! Hint, hint, prospective entrepreneurs out there...


By Krista from South Loop
Posted: 05/10/2010 9:47 AM

We went to Yolk on Mother's Day since it's our favorite. We got there right at 9am and still had a 15 minute wait. It's not a brunch spot, but we are big fans of Jason's Deli on Roosevelt for an early lunch. We usually go around 11am and they have really fresh food and free ice cream! Very kid friendly too.


By Leticia Gomes from South Loop
Posted: 05/09/2010 10:23 PM

My husband and I are big fans of brunch. Since we moved to the South Loop last year we've been to the Bongo Room, Yolk, White Palace, Orange (currently closed) and Bar Louie (Sundays). As you mention, all but Bar Louie have big lines and long wait. (continued)


By Jeanette from South Loop
Posted: 05/09/2010 9:14 PM

You must try Little Branch in Museum Park (13th east of Indiana). They have Metropolis coffee, WIFI, and creative dishes.