I love Chicago mornings beause I can actually get excited about the breakfast options here. One of my favorite things to do is pick up fresh pastries and coffee to walk around peaceful neighborhoods and enjoy easy mornings in this very walkable city. There are so many early- and late-morning spots to hit up, and it’s quickly becoming our favorite time of day in Chicago. Check out my list of the best breakfast spots in Chicago, including pastries, coffee, and heavier breakfast restaurants.
1. Kasama (breakfast & pastries, East Village)
Kasama’s incredible French pastries deserve their own section. We’ve been to this Michelin-starred restaurant for lunch and dinner service, and for pastries, you really need to reserve a separate day for it so you can try more offerings. They’re that good!
We’ve tried many items here, including the ube and huckleberry Basque cake ($8.50, also served at dinner service), black truffle croissant ($15), foie gras Danish ($15, comes in other flavor varieties), banana tart ($12), and more.
The puff pastry in their lineup is delicious—a great balance of fluffy, flaky, and rich, rivaling the best I’ve had which happens to be in Paris and San Francisco. Everything is upscale and refined without being pretentious. I would say the pastries are very rich and sweet, so if it was just me going alone, one or two would be plenty, but luckily we usually travel in groups, so we order more to share everything. They sell more familiar sweets like chocolate chip cookies and brownies, all of which are delicious. Pricing is a bit more than a regular shop but well worth it.
We also order Kasama’s Filipino-style breakfast sandwich every time we go–it’s incredible! It’s served on a warm homemade bun with fluffy scrambled eggs, hash brown patty, longanisa (a sweet, garlicky Filipino sausage), and cheese. There’s no chew in the bun like an English muffin, and there’s no huge pops of contrast with pickles or crunch. It’s somehow one tame and amazing warm note all the way through that keeps me coming back.
Chef Genie Kwon co-owns and leads Kasama’s pastry team to a packed shop. They’re open 9 am to 3 pm Weds-Sun and every time we’re there in the afternoon we’re met with a line out the door. You can place an order online for same-day pickup to avoid the lines, but items often sell out and sometimes specific items aren’t available online.
Type of food: Filipino American
Price: $ ($10-20 pp)
What to order: croissant, Danish, ube and huckleberry Basque cake
Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (East Village)
Website | Yelp
2. Del Sur Bakery (Ravenswood)
Del Sur Bakery is a new Filipino-inspired viennoiserie in Lincoln Square. As an avid Kasama-lover, I wanted to try out new pastries with Filipino flavors. We ordered their well-known turon danish, pandan basque cake, toasted rice croissant, and adobo brownie.
My favorite among the set was the pandan basque cake because the texture was perfectly chewy and soft, and the guava jam on top was fresh and ripe. I would skip the croissant because the texture was too chewy and less flaky than I’d like. The turon Danish is a crowd favorite; however, they ran out, and I accepted an imperfect leftover piece, so I couldn’t honestly critique it properly (I wouldn’t order it again because I’d want more texture and a stronger jackfruit flavor).
I loved that Del Sur Bakery is just steps away from the Brown Line Metro station, making it very accessible. Lines are known to form outside, so arrive early to grab some pastries before they sell out.
Type of food: Filipino-inspired bakery
Price: $ ($20 pp)
What to order: pandan basque cake
Address: 4639 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (Ravenswood)
Website | Yelp
3. Schneider’s Deli (River North)
A great local Jewish deli just outside the Loop, seating only about 15-20 people. Schneider’s has an authentic, old-school diner charm. We had the ¼-pound corned beef Reuben, served with thick-cut meat, toasted bread, and a bag of chips. I’ve had my fair share of deli sandwiches, and this one hit the spot, although I would have opted for a ½-pound next time to get more meat.
We also tried the matzo ball soup, which was very disappointing–the matzo ball itself had an unappealing texture, and the soup was overall lacking fat and flavor. We don’t recommend the soup, but the sandwich was excellent.
Type of food: deli sandwiches
Price: $ ($20 pp)
What to order: corned beef reuben style
Address: 600 N La Salle Dr., Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)
Website | Yelp
4. Metric Coffee (Westside)
We placed an online order for pastries at the famous Kasama on Winchester and needed coffee to pair with them. Kasama sells coffee too, but we’d have to get in another line to order, then take it to go. What I need is a hot cortado in a glass or ceramic cup, so hot coffee in a paper takeout cup is a non-starter.
Luckily, located 1 mile south, was Metric Coffee, here to save the day. This spot checks all the boxes I need for coffee: a simple menu that focuses on espresso and pour-over, and a shop philosophy that highlights the beans’ flavors instead of added flavors. It’s a bonus that Metric Coffee is a certified B-Corp! This is a single-location shop that roasts its own beans, sells them both retail and wholesale, and offers coffee workshops for pour-over, espresso, and milk steaming.
It’s a small shop with a nice outdoor seating area featuring about eight tables, where we enjoyed our coffee on a great summer day. I got my usual oat milk cortado, and it was excellent. Paired with a cute shop, friendly staff, and no upcharge for alternative milks, it’s a spot I’ll revisit.
Type of food: coffee
Price: $ ($7 pp)
What to order: oat cortado
Address: 2021 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 (Westside)
Website | Yelp
5. Cafe Cremerie (North Side)
I wasn’t expecting to visit Cafe Cremerie at all, but I just happened to stumble into this cute, Parisian-inspired coffee shop while walking on State Street. Let me tell you, I was so happy to stop by because the owner knew exactly how I wanted my coffee when I explained my adjustments–and it was one of the best cups of coffee I had the entire trip. She even asked if I needed any other adjustments after making me an iced flat white.
Cafe Cremerie also offers food options like tiramisu and savory dishes like pizza. There are tables and chairs towards the back of the shop, where there’s a cute window view of a lush courtyard. This cafe was a little expensive at about $6 per coffee, but being used to California’s specialty coffee scene, we’re used to seeing these prices. Cafe Cremerie is next door to one of my favorite souvenir shops in Chicago called P.O.S.H., so make sure you stop by if you need cute household boutique items to take home.
Type of food: Cafe
Price: $ ($10 pp)
What to order: iced latte, pastries
Address: 615 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 (North Side)
Website | Yelp
6. Aba (Fulton Market)
Aba features Mediterranean tapas for brunch and dinner. They have locations in Miami, Austin, and Chicago. I would definitely recommend making reservations because they book out many weeks in advance. I was able to book a brunch reservation for Chicago a month ahead, and I was so glad I did because we got better seats on a sunny day on the roof. For the Chicago location, you get to choose indoor or outdoor seating, and I recommend outdoor since it’s a rooftop restaurant if the weather permits.
When you arrive at the building, you’ll need to take an elevator to the roof, and you’re instantly assaulted by a heavily perfumed lobby. The decor is really pretty, filled with rustic wood and greens throughout the restaurant – even live trees in the middle of the restaurant–it’s a great place for celebrations.
Come in groups so you can share more dishes because each of them is rather filling, like the crispy short rib hummus, (Chinatown), and other spreads. There’s plenty of pita bread to go around, but don’t make the mistake like we did and fill up on bread before the main entree of basmati rice and kebabs. For three people, we shared five dishes, and we still had leftovers. We stayed full for hours and didn’t eat until dinner because this meal was so delicious.
Type of food: Mediterranean, tapas
Price: $$ ($55 pp)
What to order: crispy short rib hummus, house-made stracciatella, khachapuri, and avocado & sweet pea spread
Address: 302 N Green St, Fl 3, Chicago, IL 60607 (Fulton Market)
Website | Yelp
7. Mirra (Bucktown)
If you want to try a new combination of brunch flavors, try Mirra in Bucktown. This Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant combines the spices of South Asia with the vibrant heat of salsa and peppers in Mexican cuisine.
For an appetizer, we ordered the mirra mezza, which included a collection of housemade achar, tatemado (charred green salsa), sikil pak (creamy toasted pumpkin seed salsa), and fresh guacamole, and both fried tortillas and papad (crispy Indian wafers made from bean flour) for dipping. I loved having all four different dips to try, and the combination really showed how diverse and similar these cuisines could be.
We ordered the lamb breakfast kati roll, which included minced lamb curry scramble, fried potatoes, smoky morita crema, and tangy pickles, all wrapped in a handmade tortilla. This was super filling, and we definitely shared. It felt similar to a breakfast burrito with lots and lots of spice. I also ordered a hot masala chai that was piping hot when I received it, and full of rich, robust, earthy flavor. It had the most creamy texture I’ve ever had for masala chai.
Type of food: Mexican and Indian fusion
Price: $$ ($40 pp)
What to order: mirra mezze, lamb breakfast kati roll, masala chai
Address: 1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Website | Yelp
8. Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum (Chinatown)
Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum is known for its dim sum and has a long-running gallery wall of famous politicians and celebrities who have eaten at this shop for decades. We couldn’t miss this opportunity and came back to Chinatown right before our flight. They’re known for their melon buns and pork BBQ buns, so of course, we ordered a LOT of these and many more things.
Our favorites were the BBQ pork buns, BBQ pork melon buns (basically similar to the baked buns, but they have a sweet crackly coating on top), red bean mini mooncakes, and turnip cakes. Each item was priced very affordably, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great place to eat. It’s open from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. too.
This spot is a no-nonsense place without any tables, chairs, or bathrooms, but you can prop up and eat on the standing counter to eat your food immediately. It’s also cash only, so make sure you bring some with you; otherwise, you’ll need to use the ATM inside. We brought about $30, and that was enough for three people and more.
Type of food: Dim Sum, Chinese
Price: $ ($5 pp)
What to order: BBQ pork buns, BBQ pork melon buns, moon cakes, turnip cakes
Address: 2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 (Chinatown)
Website | Yelp
9. Milli by Metric (Avondale)
Milli by Metric is another location in Avondale that specializes in housemade pastries and seasonal savory foods, and it expands its beverage menu to include wine and beer. They also roast beans at this location.
We first visited Metric Coffee’s smaller shop in Westside, but this larger location is much more spacious and beautifully designed. As if window seating and a long communal table weren’t enough, they have a full-on massive back room filled with smaller personal seating for studying or working, with free Wi-Fi, of course.
We ordered a hot oat cortado and an iced flat white, and left with a Milli by Metric-branded T-shirt as a souvenir. This spot was closing early the day we visited because they were hosting a local latte art competition. Milli was a beautiful space, pumping with AC, which was the perfect, peaceful spot to stop by for a drink. We’ll definitely be returning.
Type of food: coffee, cafe, bar
Price: $ ($7 pp)
What to order: oat cortado, pastries
Address: 3110 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website | Yelp
10. Sugar Moon Bakery (Logan Square)
In a city with infinite bakery options, it’s hard not to go to our favorite spots when we visit, so when we do veer away, it’s for a good reason. And that is where Sugar Moon Bakery comes in. This popular bakery is in Logan Square, and we recommend visiting on Friday mornings to avoid long lines and empty pastry displays.
Sugar Moon Bakery creates fun and seasonal desserts, like their espresso cornflake crunch cookie–a treat that combines the deeply roasted flavors of coffee, caramelized cornflakes, and sea salt into one. They’re also known for their gigantic chai cinnamon rolls filled with a subtle blend of herby cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. It’s a small shop with a few stools by the window counters, so expect to take your orders to go and walk around the neighborhood!
Type of food: bakery, pastries
Price: $ ($10 pp)
What to order: espresso cornflake crunch cookie, cinnamon roll
Address: 3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Website | Yelp
11. Tary (River North)
Tary is a Kazakh cafe in River North, and it’s named after the unique golden millet grown only in Kazakhstan. They even include a tary porridge on their menu featuring the superfood grain. Tary offers a full breakfast menu with traditional Kazakh dishes, such as baursak (fried donuts), as well as Western dishes like crepes and smoked salmon Benedict. Tary also offers signature espresso drinks, like a latte Irimshik, which features a special Kazakh delicacy of slow-cooked milk that gives the drink a deeply caramelized, rich flavor.
Type of food: cafe, coffee
Price: $ ($7 pp)
What to order: oat cortado
Address: 111 W Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)
Website | Yelp
12. Magnifico Coffee Roasters (Avondale)
Magnifico Coffee Roasters is run by the wife-and-husband team Angelica and Adam, who specialize in single-origin Colombian and Latin American coffee beans. I didn’t expect to feel at home when we stepped into Magnifico Coffee Roasters, but Adam made us feel like regulars as he chatted us up and gave recommendations for places to visit in the city.
We picked our usual orders of an iced flat white and a hot oat cortado, and they were made perfectly. We enjoyed our drinks as we studied the pamphlets Adam gave us, which were a little city guide on where to visit, shop, and eat locally. He genuinely wanted us to experience Avondale, Wicker Park, and the whole of Chicago through a local’s eyes.
Magnifico looks like a true tinkerer’s workshop, with half of the back of the space being filled with roasting equipment, computers, bikes, and notes strewn about. And any empty spaces seem to be filled with built and in-progress builds of coffee-related “Legos” like espresso machines.
They also had some baked goods, such as traditional Colombian guava bread and typical butter croissants, to please any visitor. If you’re ever visiting, make sure to check out their events page because they regularly host markets and DJs for nighttime activities inside the cafe.
Type of food: coffee roaster
Price: $ ($10 pp)
What to order: flat white, cortado
Address: 3063 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
Website | Yelp
13. The Understudy Coffee and Books (Andersonville)
Andersonville is a bit of a hike up north of the city, but we were visiting the annual Midsommarfest and needed caffeine. Luckily for us, The Understudy Coffee and Books was just at the entrance of the festival. Half the store is a cafe with ample spots to read, drink coffee or tea, or just hang out, and the other half is a bookstore. It’s a third space we all yearn for these days because it feels homey and comfortable.
We found this shop on Yelp, and it seemed like it’s more of a half-empty, chill spot to grab a drink, but the day we visited was absolutely packed and rowdy, probably from the ongoing festival.
The menu offers espresso drinks, tea, drip coffee, and light pastries. They source their beans from Chicago local Metric Coffee, which I appreciate. And I love that they hand-make their syrups and cordials, like passionfruit and strawberry, to make any drink custom. I ordered my regular hot oat cortado, which I enjoyed, as I watched some activists hand out pamphlets from their booth outside my window.
What makes The Understudy so unique, besides its obvious literary-and-cafe combination, is that it specializes in and celebrates theater, with a section of the bookstore dedicated to plays and all aspects of live art. The Understudy also hosts events throughout the year, like open mics, plays, and other events.
Type of food: coffee shop, bookstore
Price: $ ($7 pp)
What to order:
Address: 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Website | Yelp
14. Lula Cafe (Logan Square)
Lula Cafe in Logan Square is a breakfast and brunch favorite for many since it opened in 1999. We were able to drop in on a busy Saturday and get a table for two, only needed to wait about 15 minutes (a miracle!), and were seated on the outdoor patio. Even if you do need to wait a bit, there’s a small farmer’s market across the street!
We loved the Royale, which is their famous rotating breakfast sandwich. During our meal, the current Royale featured brisket, caraway slaw, melted tangy gouda, pepper jam, and a jammy egg on rye. We also picked up a very filling breakfast burrito that was stuffed with scrambled egg, tomatoes, potatoes, cheddar, and green chile soffritto. Both of these dishes were very filling, and we’d definitely stop by again!
Type of food: new American, brunch
Price: $$ ($40 pp)
What to order: breakfast burrito
Address: 2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Website | Yelp
15. Sawada Coffee (West Loop)
World Latte Art champion Hiroshi Sawada started Sawada Coffee. It’s in an industrial-style cafe connected to a small food hall with ample seating. If I lived in Chicago, this would be my main coffee joint to work in during the week. The two times I got coffee here during the weekend, the line was packed and snaked toward the door.
As a matcha lover, I really liked Sawada Coffee, especially their Military latte, which combines matcha, espresso, and vanilla. They use their blend of matcha that gives you a strong flavor and doesn’t disappear with the bolder flavor of coffee. Another popular drink is the black camo latte with roasted matcha (or hojicha) and espresso. If you end up falling in love with their drinks, you can also order their matcha blends and roasted espresso beans in-store or online.
Type of food: coffee & tea
Price: $ ($10 pp)
What to order: military latte, latte
Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop)
Website | Yelp
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