0 Followers
Brûlée
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Brûlée
8.3
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Brulee is a modern, Black-owned brunch spot on South Michigan where shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a signature brûléed French toast lean indulgent. Reservations and a 90-minute seating window keep the lively, high-volume dining room moving through weekend breakfast service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp and Grits, Brulee French Toast, Lobster Tail with Sweet Potato Waffle
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A high-energy South Michigan brunch room focused on soulful, plated breakfasts.
Who should go: Brunch crews wanting lively, indulgent Southern-leaning plates.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings with a reservation for smoother pacing.
What to order: Shrimp and grits, Brulee French toast, lobster sweet potato waffle.
Insider tip: Book early slots for birthdays so you can linger close to the 90-minute mark without feeling rushed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along S. Michigan and nearby side streets; can be competitive during peak brunch hours — plan a few extra minutes to find a spot.
Dress code: Smart casual — brunch-dressy is common (jeans are fine, many guests lean stylish for celebrations).
Noise level: Lively and energetic during weekend brunch; conversation is possible but expect elevated background music and crowd noise.
Weekend wait: N/A — this is a brunch-focused restaurant and typically does not operate as a dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or none on non-peak weekdays; busiest periods cluster around late-morning brunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate coverage — several brunch plates can be ordered meatless or are naturally vegetarian, but the menu leans savory and indulgent.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be adaptable, but this is not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified (e.g., grits or protein-centric plates), but many signatures involve breaded or batter-based components — ask staff about safe substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to celebratory or social brunches than quiet one-on-one dates — the room is lively and energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during slower weekday periods, but weekends often book up; walk-ins should expect a wait and are safer earlier in the day.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids or teens used to busy brunch rooms; space and pacing are geared more toward groups and celebrations than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Lively, celebratory brunch gatherings with indulgent Southern-leaning plates, birthday outings, and groups that value energy and presentation.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist brunch, extensive vegan or gluten-free menus, or a spot where lingering beyond a timed seating is essential.
Brûlée
7.9
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
New all-day brunch restaurant on Michigan Avenue focusing on Southern-influenced comfort plates with upscale touches and cocktails. Guests build longer brunches around shrimp and grits, lobster sweet potato waffles, and the namesake brûlée French toast in a stylish, photo-friendly room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Creole shrimp and grits, Lobster sweet potato waffle, Brûlée French toast
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 6.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: New-school Southern brunch spot with cocktail-friendly plates and polished design.
Who should go: Brunch groups wanting indulgent plates and a chic room.
When to visit: Late morning reservations on weekends to avoid long waits.
What to order: Shrimp and grits, lobster waffle, brûlée French toast.
Insider tip: Plan for a full sit-down meal; portions and prices favor lingering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Michigan Ave can be limited during peak brunch hours; most guests rely on nearby paid garages within a short walk. No consistent valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most groups lean dressy for photos and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch; conversation is possible at smaller tables but large groups may find it louder.
Weekend wait: Not a primary dinner destination — hours and demand are brunch-focused; expect limited or no service during typical dinner periods.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait outside peak midday brunch rush, but small spikes around noon on Fridays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several brunch plates and sides can be made or ordered vegetarian, though the menu leans protein-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of modifiable items; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-leaning or can be adjusted, but cross-contact is possible — ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a stylish daytime date — the polished room and plated brunch dishes feel celebratory, but the energy can be loud during peak weekends, so it’s better for social dates than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally accommodated, but weekend late-morning and early-afternoon periods often see waits. Reservations are recommended for groups or celebrations.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and families celebrating brunch, though the space skews adult and social. High-energy peak hours and pricing are better suited to teens and up than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Upscale, photo-ready brunch plates with Southern-leaning comfort flavors, cocktails, and a celebratory atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly brunch, a vegan-forward menu, or a quick in-and-out meal without lingering.