Best Brunch Restaurants in Wicker Park
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Handlebar
Neighborhood vegetarian bar turning out from-scratch comfort food and strong drinks since 2003.
Notable Picks
#1
Handlebar
8.8
Handlebar is a longtime vegetarian and vegan comfort-food bar in Wicker Park, serving from-scratch plates, cocktails, and brunch on a busy back patio. Since 2003 it’s been a go-to for seitan “chicken,” scrambles, and fried snacks that work for both vegans and omnivores.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepita Scramble, Nashville Hot Mushroom Sandwich, Fried Pickles
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood vegetarian bar turning out from-scratch comfort food and strong drinks since 2003.
8.4
Mindy’s Bakery is an award-winning Wicker Park bakery from James Beard–recognized pastry chef Mindy Segal, known for bagels, croissants, cakes, and rotating pastries with clearly labeled gluten-free options. It’s a grab-and-go operation more than a cafe, but celiac-aware guests find one of the city’s densest selections of gluten-free sweets and morning breads here.
Must-Try Dishes:
Twice-baked almond croissant, Cinnamon roll, Banana Butterscotch Au Lait
What Makes it Special: High-profile bakery where a deep pastry case includes multiple gluten-free options from a James Beard–level pastry team.
8.3
The Bongo Room is a Wicker Park brunch standby famed for dessert-level French toast, benedicts, and coffee-centric breakfasts. Crowds come for towering plates and seasonal specials in a lively room that leans indulgent more than everyday diner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Tower French Toast, Classic Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Longtime brunch hub with over-the-top pancakes and French toast.
8.2
Since 2018, this four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has brought authentic NOLA soul to Wicker Park through Chef Brian Jupiter's family recipes—the catfish po'boy, Nashville fried chicken, and housemade biscuits draw consistent praise. Live jazz on the second-floor stage and frozen daiquiris at the bustling bar complete the Big Easy transplant experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville Fried Chicken, Catfish Po'Boy, Gumbo Ya-Ya
What Makes it Special: Four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand with a James Beard-nominated chef cooking his New Orleans great-grandmother's recipes
#5
Sun Rey Cafe
8.1
Sun Rey Cafe is a compact Western Avenue breakfast spot where Filipino touches meet classic diner plates. Ube pancakes, Manila-style breakfasts, and all-day eggs make it a quietly strong option for casual mornings just off the main Wicker Park drags.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ube Pancakes, Manila Breakfast Plate with Longanisa, Breakfast Tacos
What Makes it Special: Filipino-leaning corner cafe with ube pancakes and Manila breakfasts.
Kanela Breakfast Club’s Wicker Park location brings a Greek-accented brunch menu of scrambles, benedicts, and sweet plates to a polished, buzzy room. It’s a reliable choice when you want a slightly upscale sit-down brunch with cocktails and a broad menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Cheese Omelette, California Benedict, Fried Chicken & Waffles
What Makes it Special: Greek-leaning brunch classics and big sweet plates in a polished neighborhood room.
8.1
Letizia's Natural Bakery is a long-running Italian bakery-café on Division Street known for espresso, Roman-style pizza, and classic European pastries. Neighborhood regulars use it as an all-day hangout for coffee, light breakfasts, and casual, affordable slices and sweets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roman-style pizza slices, Tiramisu, Cannoli
What Makes it Special: Italian-style neighborhood bakery pairing espresso drinks with pizzas and pastries under $10.
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
The Perch Kitchen & Tap is a brewpub on Division Street with a sculpture garden-style patio, Finch beers, and wood-fired cooking. It works as a flexible outdoor spot for brunch, burgers, and rotisserie meats when you want something a step up from a bar patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-grilled steak, Rotisserie chicken, Rotisserie cauliflower
What Makes it Special: Brewpub with a sculpture garden patio and live-fire menu.
8
Nellie’s channels Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican roots into a coconut-oatmeal-forward brunch destination. Diners mix plates of pernil, plantains, and eggs with the famous avena de coco and, on certain days, a buffet that turns breakfast into a family-style spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avena de Coco (Coconut Oatmeal), Puerto Rican Brunch Buffet Plate, Breakfast Jibarito
What Makes it Special: Puerto Rican brunch staple known for coconut oatmeal and buffets.
Worthy Picks
#10
Gallery Cafe
7.8
Gallery Cafe is a long-running Wicker Park coffee shop and art space (around since the mid-2000s) that roasts its own beans and quietly turns out plenty of vegetarian-friendly breakfasts and sandwiches. It’s the neighborhood move when you want a meatless morning plate, a veggie sandwich, or smoothies without spending much.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Bob Ross Breakfast Sandwich (without bacon), Kahlo Breakfast, Power Monkey Smoothie
What Makes it Special: Independent cafe-gallery roasting its own coffee with many veg-friendly plates.
#11
Bru Chicago
7.6
Bru Chicago is a Wicker Park coffeehouse where halal, gluten-free rice crepes anchor a menu of savory and sweet options. Guests can work, study, or catch up over drinks while ordering crepes built on gluten-free batter, with only a few sauces and toppings off-limits. It’s a flexible gluten-free-friendly hangout for those who want more than just pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
English Breakfast rice crepe, Wild Berry Mascarpone rice crepe, Vegan Banana Nutella crepe
What Makes it Special: Cafe built around gluten-free rice crepes plus coffee and smoothies.