Best Breakfasts in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of the most vibrant, interesting cities in contemporary America. One thing that makes that so is the stunning array of culinary offerings that one can find in the city. For instance, Chicago serves up some of the better breakfasts in the entire Midwest. Here are some of the best breakfasts you'll find in the metropolitan area:

-Oak Tree Restaurant-

900 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611-1542
Phone: (312) 751-1988

The Oak Tree Restaurant opens at 7:30 am every day, right on the dot. Although the breakfast is relatively upscale, and the fare definitely tends to be a bit on the fancier side of things, everything is absolutely delicious. Also, it's worth noting that, while the food does tend to be upscale, and the décor is obviously expensively furnished, the prices don't follow suit. So, if you're looking for a nicer, more refined sort of establishment, look no further than the Oak Tree Restaurant.

-Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen-

1141 S Jefferson St
Chicago, IL 60607-4425
Phone: (312) 939-2855

On the opposite side of the formality scale from the Oak Tree Restaurant, you'll find Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen. This Chicago establishment, which opens daily at 5:00 am, but is closed entirely on Sundays, serves up traditional deli-style breakfasts that are enormous and well worth the lack of décor. Everything is amazingly reasonable in terms of price. Also, if you like corned beef, you have to try their corned beef hash. It's one of the best you'll ever taste.

-Walker Bros Original Pancake House-

153 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091-3303
Phone: (847) 251-6000

The Walker Bros Original Pancake House opens every day of the week at 6:30 am and serves up some of the best breakfast food in the nation, and that's all that they serve, all day long. The food is inexpensive, classical in theme, and utterly delicious. This place serves the best apple pancakes I've ever tasted, and also serves some wonderful egg dishes and anything else you can think of in terms of classical, American breakfast fare. Likewise, the ambiance is remarkable and is comprised of a sort of hand-woven, down-home Americana theme. A word to the wise, though: This place is tremendously busy at breakfast time, so you might consider coming later in the day to enjoy breakfast for lunch or dinner.

-Letizia's Natural Bakery-

2144 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 342-1011

Chicago's Letizia's Natural Bakery is a hip, trendy little restaurant that serves a surprisingly great breakfast. It opens at 6:00 am on weekdays and at 6:30 am on Saturday and Sunday. The breakfast offerings are unique and inspired, but you won't have to pay an inflated amount, which is nice. If you're not into classical breakfast items, as well, this is the place for you. You can have pizza for breakfast. Also, this is a great place to come for breakfast in the summer. Try sitting out on the back patio and enjoying one of their signature cups of delicious java and you'll see why.

-Lou Mitchell's Restaurant-

565 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60661-5701
Phone: (312) 939-3111

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant is a classic Chicago icon which opens at 5:30 am on workdays and at 7:00 am on the weekends. Their breakfasts are just simple, pure, American food without any frills or upscale elements. Why do they make the list, then? When it comes to simple breakfast items like scrambled eggs or a ham and cheese omelet, Lou Mitchell's is the hands-down best place in the city. Beware the fact, though, that they don't take credit cards. Luckily, for those who forget to bring cash, there's an ATM.

-Flo-

1434 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 243-0477

Flo is one of Chicago's better upscale restaurants which serve breakfast. If for no other reason, visitors should see this place because of its gorgeous interior and décor. The other reason to go, of course, is the spectacular culinary offerings. For breakfast, the egg sandwich is particularly good, as are the strawberry pancakes. Flo is definitely a must-see. Unfortunately, it isn't open on Mondays at all and doesn't open until 8:30 am on the rest of the weekdays, or until 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. It gets especially busy on the weekends, so plan to come during the week if at all possible.

-Victory's Banner-

2100 W Roscoe Village
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 665-0227

Victory's Banner opens at 8:00 am and is one of the best breakfast establishments in the Chicago area. It serves delicious food and its staff greet guests with aplomb and good cheer. For those readers with more carnivorous inclinations, though, it is worth noting that Victory's Banner is a vegetarian restaurant and doesn't serve any meat whatsoever. Their spectacular French toast will, however, repair any damaged feelings about the fact that you can't have any bacon or sausage. Likewise, it bears mentioning that this is an extremely affordable breakfast option and one which offers many healthier items for those concerned with their health or with losing excess weight.