ZipPicks Awards
Best Brunch in River North
Best Happy Hour in River North
Master Critic Review
Storyville
8.0
Storyville turns brunch into a New Orleans-inspired party with beignets, shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, and bottomless mimosas in a dark, theatrical room. It skews louder and more social than traditional brunch spots, especially when live music or weekend programming kicks in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic New Orleans Beignets, Blackened Shrimp & Grits, Bananas Foster French Toast or Chicken & Waffles
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cajun-Creole brunch with beignets, bottomless mimosas, and a nightlife-adjacent atmosphere.
Who should go: Friends prioritizing fun, music, and drinks over quiet conversation.
When to visit: Late-morning weekend slots if you want full band energy.
What to order: Beignets to start, shrimp & grits, bananas foster French toast.
Insider tip: Plan around the bottomless mimosa window and book ahead; ask for seating away from speakers if you’re sensitive to volume.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect to use nearby paid garages or rideshare on weekends. No regular valet service reported.
Dress code: Dressy-casual, leaning party-brunch attire — jeans are fine but many guests go stylish for photos and group outings.
Noise level: Loud during peak brunch with music and programming — conversation can be difficult near speakers.
Weekend wait: Not a primary dinner destination; waits are uncommon unless there is a special event.
Weekday lunch: No typical weekday lunch service — check hours if visiting outside weekend brunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — several brunch dishes and sides can be ordered meat-free, but the menu is not vegetarian-focused.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be adaptable; ask staff about modifications and ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-conscious (e.g., grits, egg plates), but cross-contact is likely in a busy brunch kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Usually no — the room is loud and social, better suited to groups and celebration brunches than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but weekend peak hours often book out — walk-ins may face waits, so reservations are recommended for groups and bottomless packages.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally, but it skews adult-oriented — the volume, drinks-forward vibe, and party atmosphere are better for older teens and adults than young children.
Best For
Better for: Party-style brunch, live-music energy, themed programming, and Instagram-friendly plates and cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional brunch, stroller-friendly seating, or a menu with broad vegan and gluten-free depth.