Best Brunch Restaurants in North Center
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Alexander's Restaurant
Old-school family diner where Greek classics sit alongside Chicago-style breakfast plates.
Notable Picks
8.1
Alexander’s is a family-owned Greek-influenced diner just off Lincoln Square that has been serving breakfast, gyros, and “Grecian” specials for decades. The big menu and all-day hours make it a reliable choice for everything from early-morning skillets to late brunch plates with a Hellenic lean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gyros Sandwich, Greek Omelette, Greek Salad
What Makes it Special: Old-school family diner where Greek classics sit alongside Chicago-style breakfast plates.
#2
Metric
8
A polished roastery cafe that’s strongest for coffee-first mornings with a light-but-serious food bench. Come here for dialed espresso and pastries that pair cleanly, then treat any breakfast sandwich or toast as a supporting player—not the headline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Espresso drinks, Seasonal pastry, Breakfast sandwich
What Makes it Special: Roastery-level coffee with a clean, morning-friendly cafe setup.
8
Caribbean-soul fusion with a seasonal rotation and a stated focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, built for brunch spreads, dinner service, and catered formats. The smartest move is to order in “anchors”: one rich, slow-cooked centerpiece plus a bright, spice-forward pasta or seafood dish to keep the meal from feeling heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
BJ's Oxtails, Island Rasta Pasta, Salmon Croquettes
What Makes it Special: Caribbean-soul fusion with seasonal rotation and locally sourced ingredients focus.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Savanna Restaurant in North Center is a daytime cafe where the breakfast burrito and Choriburrito anchor a wide brunch menu. It’s less a Mexican specialist than a place to get a hearty, customizable burrito in a bright, family-friendly setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Choriburrito, Breakfast Torta
What Makes it Special: Brunch-focused cafe where breakfast burritos and Choriburritos lead the savory side.
7.9
A Little Italy bakery-cafe that fits brunch best as a pastry-and-coffee stop with a strong “grab a few things and share” rhythm. Come for the case, build a mix of sweet and savory, and treat it as a quick daytime reset rather than a linger-long table brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cannoli, Italian cookies, Pastries from the bakery case
What Makes it Special: A bakery-case-driven brunch stop built for pastries, coffee, and quick joy.
7.7
A neighborhood coffee stop that works best for simple, grab-and-go breakfast rhythm—coffee, a pastry, and a quick bite. It’s a practical choice when you want calm seating and a low-fuss morning reset more than a full brunch production.
Must-Try Dishes:
House latte, Pastry of the day, Breakfast wrap
What Makes it Special: Low-key coffee studio that fits quick, everyday breakfast runs.
#7
Cobblestone
7.6
Cobblestone is a Central European-inspired bistro in North Center, known for schnitzel, pierogi, and brunch plates alongside a cider-friendly bar program. Its brick-lined room and small sidewalk patio work well for low-key birthdays, date-night dinners, and neighborhood brunch celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken schnitzel, Pierogi with caramelized onions, Weekend brunch shakshuka
What Makes it Special: Central European-inspired bistro with schnitzel, pierogi, and brunch cocktails.
7.6
A non-traditional brunch pick that works when you want speed, value, and a practical prepared-food approach over a restaurant wait. Treat it like a build-your-own brunch run—grab what looks freshest, keep it simple, and eat it immediately for best results.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prepared hot bar plate, Breakfast pastry, Fresh fruit cup
What Makes it Special: A fast, budget-friendly brunch alternative built around prepared foods.