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The Breakfast Club and Grill
$$ · American

1381 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60642
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ZipPicks Awards

Best American in Goose Island & River West

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The Breakfast Club and Grill 7.8
West Town
Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A long-running neighborhood breakfast house in a cozy, cottage-like space where the draw is classic comfort and big-portion reliability. Stick to the signature sweet French toast plays or straightforward egg plates, and you’ll get the best version of what they do.
Must-Try Dishes: Stuffed French toast, Corned beef hash, Sausage, egg, and cheese on brioche
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 6.2 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Old-school Chicago breakfast comfort in a charming, homey setting.
Who should go: Brunch traditionalists and families who want classics.
When to visit: Weekday morning for the shortest wait.
What to order: Stuffed French toast; corned beef hash; sausage-egg-cheese brioche.
Insider tip: Order one sweet plate for the table—then go savory for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in River West (metered and residential mix). Weekends fill up fast—plan a few extra minutes to loop the block or park 1–2 streets over.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and brunch basics fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively breakfast chatter, but you can still hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: N/A — primarily a breakfast/brunch spot (expect peak waits weekend mornings instead).
Weekday lunch: N/A — breakfast-focused; midday is usually calmer than weekend brunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — solid options like omelets, pancakes/French toast, oatmeal, and breakfast sides (easy to customize).
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications (ask about dairy/egg-free adjustments), but not a vegan-first menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some egg-and-side combinations can work, but expect cross-contact risk in a classic griddle kitchen.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chicago breakfast comfort done reliably—big portions, sweet French toast plays, and straightforward egg plates in a warm, homey setting.
Consider Alternatives If: Choose somewhere else if you want trend-driven brunch, specialty coffee culture, or a more “modern” menu—this is a traditional, comfort-first breakfast house.