Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in East Chicago

"Frequently recognized as one of Chicago’s best brunch spots, the family-owned Nana in Bridgeport has just reopened in May 2021. Boasting a delicious brunch menu made with sustainably and ethically sourced organic ingredients from local farmers, Nana offers a unique array of Mexican-American food. There are some extraordinary Latin-influenced brunch options that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the Windy City."

"This organic, sustainable Bridgeport eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They feature everything from a fresh veggie burger to a cubano pulled pork sandwich to pan-seared salmon and BBQ braised pork. Their food is sourced directly from farmers and orchards in the Midwest, including 9 in the greater Chicago area."

"With a heavy emphasis on local and organic products, Nana is a Bridgeport favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Avocado fries served with chipotle-lime aioli are a (slightly) healthier alternative to fried potatoes."

"This cafeteria-style establishment is known for their comfortable atmosphere and even more comforting food: mashed potatoes and gravy, patty melts, barbecue chicken, meatloaf, short rib, and more, all scooped up and piled high on your tray. You can also order one of President Obama’s favorites, like the steak and eggs with hashbrowns. Expect to stand in line with neighborhood regulars, students from the nearby university, and visitors who flock to this Hyde Park institution."

"President Obama cites Valois, a cafeteria-style restaurant, as one of his favorite spots in the city. He likes their breakfast, specifically the eggs and turkey sausage. Open since 1921 (making its home in a few locations over the years), the open kitchen churns out daily specials like prime rib, corned beef and cabbage, patty melts, rice pudding, and peach cobbler."

"It's counter-service only but Hyde Park’s beloved institution has all the makings of a greasy spoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served cafeteria-style and customers should look forward to reliable omelets, a mean plate of steak and eggs, and daily specials like lamb shank spaghetti. Need more convincing?"

"Breakfast: Monday – Friday 7 – 10:30 am, Saturday 7 – 11:30 am, Sunday 8 – 11:30 am Lunch: Monday – Friday 10:30 am – 3:30 pm, Saturday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm Dinner: Monday – Wednesday, Saturday 3:30 – 8 pm, Tuesday – Friday 3:30 – 9 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm. Hold up… a soul food buffet?. Does this list get any better!?"

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael Coghlan used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Classic brunch buffet food with a genuine Southern twist is what you’ll uncover at Pearl’s Place."

"A South Side breakfast staple has been reborn have a two-year hiatus. Ms. Biscuit has an illustrious history that started in Woodlawn before moving to Washington Park. Ms. Biscuit reopened in early March and while Chicago isn’t known for its biscuits, this neighborhood stalwart serves biscuits that would make a southerner blush."

"After a two-year hiatus, this popular South Side eatery has returned. Now run by the family of the original owners, Bob and Juanita Johnson, Ms. Biscuit serves terrific buttery biscuits and a host of breakfast staples like skillets, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and more. View this post on Instagram"

"Salpicon is not only, the best Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood but also very well may be the best in the entire city. Born and raised in Colonia San Angel, Mexico City, Chef Priscilla Satkoff and her husband created Salpicon in 1995. They have been showered deservedly in accolades ever since."

"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"

"Though Chicago might be a major population center and port of call, it’s still hip deep in midwest agrarian culture. Homestead has a rooftop garden that reflects both the pastoral and the civilized, with drinks and food that clearly have taproots in natural flavoring and healthy living."

"The Burnham Wildlife Corridor is a 100-acre area of urban wilderness running through Burnham Park. There is a bird sanctuary, a bioretention basin, nature paths, and a centennial prairie. Native prairie grasses, savanna, and woodland ecosystems create the largest natural area along the lakefront, according to the park district."

"If you’re looking for a different sweet treat this summer, then head down to Ohana Ice & Treats. The concept here is simple – simply grab a pot, fill it with shaved ice, and choose your flavor!. This is one of the best desserts in Chicago for those intensely hot days, as the fresh ice will cool you down like nothing else can."