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The Bongo Room
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Bongo Room
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
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Longtime brunch hub with over-the-top pancakes and French toast.
Who should go: Dinors craving playful, rich brunch plates and coffee.
When to visit: Early weekend openings to beat peak line and waits.
What to order: Chocolate Tower French Toast, eggs benedict, breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Expect a wait; grab coffee nearby and join the list early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and limited residential side streets; allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — relaxed brunch attire is common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch hours; conversation is possible but energetic.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — brunch-focused spot.
Weekday lunch: Usually shorter waits, though late mornings can still see mild delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pancake, French toast, and egg dishes can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — modifications may help but expect only a few true vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Some flexible options, though not a fully gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a fun daytime date with playful dishes and a lively vibe rather than something quiet or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits on weekends. Arrive early or off-peak if you want to be seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the upbeat setting and sweet dishes work well for families, though peak hours can feel crowded and noisy for little ones.
Best For
Better for: Creative, dessert-leaning brunch plates and seasonal specials in a buzzy room.
Skip if: You prefer quiet brunches, light/healthy fare, or dislike waiting for a table.
The Bongo Room
8.5
The Bongo Room is a Wicker Park brunch fixture known for dessert-level French toast, seasonal pancakes, and benedicts in a lively, modern space. Crowds treat it as a special-occasion brunch stop when they want towering plates more than a quick weekday breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Tower French Toast, Seasonal Specialty Pancakes, Eggs Benedict
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Over-the-top pancakes and French toast that feel closer to plated desserts.
Who should go: Brunch crews chasing indulgent, photogenic plates and coffee.
When to visit: Earlier weekend slots or off-peak weekdays to skip long waits.
What to order: Chocolate Tower French Toast, a seasonal pancake, classic benedict.
Insider tip: Split a sweet plate and a savory plate to avoid sugar overload.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park; metered spots nearby but can be limited during peak brunch hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, brunch outfits, and relaxed attire all common
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible but the room buzzes during peak brunch
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a breakfast and brunch destination
Weekday lunch: Usually shorter waits; sometimes seated immediately outside peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including sweet plates and some savories
Vegan options: Limited — a few possible modifications but not a core focus
Gluten-free options: Some items can be adapted — confirm with staff for specifics
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a fun, energetic brunch spot — less ideal if you prefer quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but expect weekend waits. Arrive early for the best chance at quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, but expect crowds and limited stroller space during peak brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Creative, dessert-level brunch plates and a lively, social atmosphere
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, ultra-healthy options, or a fast, no-wait breakfast
The Bongo Room
8.5
The Bongo Room’s Wicker Park location is a brunch fixture famous for over-the-top pancakes and Benedicts in a lively, family-tolerant room. Kids lock onto chocolate-stacked French toast while adults balance things out with savory plates and strong coffee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Tower French Toast, Crab or lobster Benedict, Seasonal pancake specials
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Decadent brunch plates that feel celebratory without being formal.
Who should go: Families who treat brunch like a special outing.
When to visit: Weekdays or early weekend slots to dodge the line.
What to order: Chocolate Tower French Toast, crab Benedict, seasonal pancakes.
Insider tip: Consider sharing rich dishes so kids can sample sweets and savories.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be competitive, especially weekends. Allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — comfortable brunch attire is totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is a brunch-focused spot.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, though late mornings can still be busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple sweet and savory vegetarian brunch dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Select dishes may be gluten-free or adaptable; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and upbeat — it’s casual and fun rather than intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — but expect a possible wait on weekends. Arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — kids are common here, high-energy noise is normal, and the sweet brunch menu is a hit with younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Playful, indulgent brunch plates in a lively, family-welcoming setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering brunch or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Hours
Monday8:30am - 2pm
Tuesday8:30am - 2pm
Wednesday8:30am - 2pm
Thursday8:30am - 2pm
Friday8:30am - 2pm
Saturday9am - 2pm
Sunday9am - 2pm