The 5 Best Brunch Spots in Lincoln Park: Where Fluffy Pancakes & Mimosas Flow Freely
February 26, 2025, by Jessica
Brunch in Lincoln Park isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifestyle. A sacred time where eggs are fluffy, mimosas are bottomless, and you pretend that pancakes count as a well-balanced diet. If you’re looking for the best places to fuel up after a long night out (or just a long night of binge-watching Netflix), we’ve got you covered. Grab your appetite and a solid excuse for being late to your next event because these brunch spots are worth the wait.
1. Batter & Berries – The French Toast Holy Grail
📍 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Batter & Berries isn’t just a brunch spot—it’s a movement. Their French Toast Flight is what happens when pure joy meets carbs. Each thick, custardy slice has a different flavor so good it’ll have you contemplating leaving your family for a plate of it. Oh, and let’s talk about the homemade syrup. It’s the kind of syrup that makes you question everything you thought you knew about brunch. Pro tip: get the chicken and waffles, too. Your taste buds will thank you.
2. Summer House Santa Monica – A Little Bit of Cali in Chicago
📍 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Walk into Summer House Santa Monica, and suddenly, you’re not in Chicago anymore. The bright, airy décor and retractable glass ceiling make it feel like you accidentally walked into a West Coast brunch dream. Their brunch menu is what happens when avocados, farm-fresh eggs, and laid-back vibes get together for a party—and trust me, you want an invite. Order the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes or Breakfast Tostadas, sip on a fresh-squeezed juice (or a cocktail, we don’t judge), and pretend like you don’t have responsibilities.
3. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! – Tapas-Style Brunch That’ll Test Your Friendships
📍 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
If sharing food isn’t your thing, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! will either change you or destroy your friendships. This Lincoln Park staple serves Spanish-style brunch tapas, which basically means you get to try everything—if your brunch buddies don’t steal your Patatas Bravas first. The Chorizo-Wrapped Dates? Life-changing. The Brussels Sprouts Salad? Shockingly addictive. And don’t even think about skipping the Sangria Pitcher unless you hate happiness.
4. Nookies – The No-Frills, All-Flavor Classic
📍 1746 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
Nookies is that old-school, no-fuss brunch spot that serves up comfort food with zero judgment. You want pancakes the size of your head? Done. A skillet so hearty you won’t eat again until tomorrow? They got you. The Pumpkin Pancakes are legendary, and their omelets could probably win an award for “Most Reliable Hangover Cure.” It’s the type of place where the servers treat you like family, and let’s be honest—sometimes you just need a brunch spot that keeps it real.
5. The Brunchery – Lincoln Park’s Hidden Gem
📍 2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Formerly known as Frances’ Deli, The Brunchery is a Lincoln Park legend. They’ve been serving up breakfast and brunch since 1938, and if a spot sticks around that long, you know they’re doing something right. Their Short Rib Hash is the stuff of dreams, and the Brioche French Toast should come with a warning label—because once you try it, regular toast will never satisfy you again.
Final Thoughts: Where Are We Brunching First?
If you take brunch as seriously as we do, Lincoln Park is basically a brunch lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in the mood for French toast that’ll make you emotional, a sun-soaked California-inspired vibe, or classic comfort food that won’t let you down, this neighborhood has it all. So grab your brunch squad, clear your afternoon schedule (because brunch always runs long), and go make some fluffy, syrup-drenched memories.
🍽️ Ready to brunch in Lincoln Park? Which spot is your favorite? Drop a comment or tag us in your brunch pics! #BrunchGoals #LincolnParkEats