Read more: The Definitive Guide to Breakfast in Chicago
Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading
The place: The Original Pancake House (multiple locations)
His order: Western omelet and off-menu smothered hash browns (with bacon bits and cheddar cheese)
Why here: “I’m a dad, so I love that the food comes out super fast and they’re really nice to the kids. They have bear-shaped pancakes, and the menu is huge. And they have a great coffee mug.”
Cuschieri, Leach, and Mauro (Joel Kimmel/for Chicago Magazine)
Aaron Cuschieri, The Dearborn
The place: The Breakfast Club and Grill (1381 W. Hubbard St., West Town)
His order: Biscuits and gravy with over-easy eggs and a side of corned beef hash
Why here: “This has been my go-to ever since moving here 15 years ago. It has that cool neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of place that’s always a little crowded, but in the best way, with a friendly, laid-back energy.”
Dominique Leach, Lexington Betty Smokehouse
The place: Dawn A.M. Eatery (1642 E. 56th St., East Hyde Park)
Her order: Biscuit basket
Why here: “Even though it gets busy, it still feels quaint and homey. The customer service is great.”
Jeff Mauro, Mauro Provisions
The place: Al’s Grill (1100 Madison St., Oak Park)
His order: Corned beef hash (extra crispy), two eggs (over easy), bacon (crispy), and an English muffin (almost burnt and slathered in butter)
Why here: “I’m a sucker for Greek-run greasy-spoon family joints. Al’s is locked in time and nails the basics.”
Robbins, Dela Cruz, and Koehn (Joel Kimmel/for Chicago Magazine)
Max Robbins, Lettuce Entertain You
The place: Wing Yip Breakfast (537 W. 26th St., Bridgeport)
His order: Shrimp rice crêpes
Why here: “Good breakfast for me is simple food, done well. I’m all for a trip to a new hip spot for dinner, but for breakfast I want the comfort of a classic, casual restaurant that’s been around for a while.”
Jacob Dela Cruz; Muhājir, Bobo, and Sarima Cafe
The place: Uncle Mike’s Place (1700 W. Grand Ave., West Town)
His order: Big Bangus, with two over-easy eggs and sides of longanisa and garlic fried rice
Why here: “Breakfast is all about variety and combinations of flavor. With this dish from the Filipino breakfast menu, the tomato, onion, and vinegar sauce complement the sweet longanisa. The champurrado complements the fried fish. And the garlic rice brings all the flavors together.”
David Koehn, Mon Ami Gabi
The place: Irene’s (2012 W. Irving Park Rd., North Center)
His order: Classic eggs Benedict
Why here: “Irene’s has what all good breakfast restaurants have: a sense of home and identity. And of course, they have good potatoes. You can’t be a good breakfast restaurant without good potatoes.”
Amy Cavanaugh is the dining editor for Chicago magazine
From: The Definitive Guide to Breakfast in Chicago
Dining and Cooking