American

Abundant breakfast choices beckon at this Wicker Park restaurant, where the seasonally changing menu relies on creative takes on French toast and pancakes. Look for options like three-apple brioche French toast and Black Forest pancakes. Egg dishes, in massive portions, are also popular choices. Weekend brunch offers even more choices, like eggs Benedict and chocolate tower French toast.

This South Loop spin-off satiates the need for a hearty brunch just as deliciously as the original in Wicker Park. The pancakes at the Bongo Room are the stuff of legends, and may single-cakedly be the cause of long hour-long lines on the weekend. Just reading the menu's Pumpkin Carrot Cheesecake Flapjacks and Banana, White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Pancakes has been known to elicit groans from hungry eaters. The hearty portions and ample saucing will leave you feeling stuffed, but spiritually satisfied.

This upscale eatery and bar in the former Iggy's space is from the group that brought you the revamped Hunt Club, HC. Chef Isaac Holzwarth, formerly of RL, creates a seasonal American menu with International flair; house-marinated olives and Torino breadsticks are on each table for snacking while you sit. A pastel palette, mirrors and flowing fabrics create a sophisticated atmosphere; candlelit tables make for a great date spot.

The seasonal rooftop deck and patio seating are huge draws, but don't worry if you can't snag a seat outside--two sides of the dining room feature garage-style doors and floor to ceiling windows that open up to the Bucktown street scene. While the streetlevel patio boasts dining tables, the roof deck features canopied booths and ottoman-style lounge seating that's ideal for groups; reservations are taken for bottle service or private parties, so take note if you're just going for drinks--tables may not always be available.

Started in a filling station along U.S. Route 66 at mile marker 274, the Chicken Basket has been serving the hungry, road weary traveler since 1938. The Rhea family became owners of the Chicken Basket in 1963 and has carried on the tradition of family home cooking at a great value ever since.
Featured on the Food Networks "Diner's Drive-In's and Dive's"

Breakfast is served all day, something you will be incredibly thankful for after you have enjoyed one of their skillets. Sandwiches are Chicago standards, but overcome in deliciousness what they lack in originality. No one is going to lose 10 pounds eating here.......  

Attention "stuffy folks": please don't come to Dick's Last Resort. The raucous bar and grill caters only to those ready to laugh, relax, and get a little bit crazy. This isn't "fine dining" this is FUN DINING.

Time stands still in this replica of a 1950's roadside diner with sassy, fast talking waitresses who flit around taking orders and giving guest something to talk about. The menu includes old-fashioned favorites like burgers, hot dogs milkshakes and sundaes.