Mom wants breakfast, dad wants lunch, kids do not know what they want. The solution to this age old problem: brunch! While the options and locations have changed throughout time for brunch in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, there are still a wide variety of restaurants that offer the culinary combination to satisfy everyone’s needs. Here is a shortlist of notable brunch establishments that patrons can venture to fill up on and enjoy the company of family and friends.
Egg Headz in Tinley Park
In the heart of historic downtown Tinley Park, at 16952 Oak Park Ave., is Egg Headz Cafe. This is a favorite due to the extensive variety of their menu. As the name suggests, eggs are their specialty, with a variety of egg entrees, omelets, and skillets. For breakfast, they don’t stop at eggs, but offer an assortment of pancakes, crepes and Belgian waffles. Their freshly pressed juices and smoothies combine a variety of fruits and are a great way to start the day. They also pride themselves in their specialty coffee flavors that can kick start your morning/afternoon. For lunch, Egg Headz Café offers a wide selection of fresh salads, cold plates, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, homemade soups as well as many other entrees. The comfortable and friendly environment makes this establishment a must for those who love the brunch combination.
Maple House in Mokena
Is a friendly atmosphere what your heart desires? Look no further then Maple House Café located at 11400 W. Lincoln Hwy. in Mokena. Maple House prides itself in creating an experience that does not just rely on great food. Formerly known as the Double Yolk Pancake House, Maple House opened its doors in June of 2020, headed by entrepreneur Ace Dzabiri and chef Frankie Sen. Maple House Café offers an endless amount of breakfast options and a strong variety of choices for those that favor foods traditionally served later in the day. For breakfast, Maple House provides an assortment of eggs, omelets, skillets, scramblers, benedicts, waffles, pancakes, crepes, and oatmeal. They allow you to mix and match and build your own breakfast for those that are overwhelmed by the vast amount of choices. Their lunch menu offers wraps, paninis, clubs, burgers, steak sandwiches, and a variety of sandwich favorites that makes is nearly impossible to not find something that meets every patrons’ needs. They also offer a kids menu that features Mickey Mouse pancakes to keep the little ones entertained.
The Southern in Crest Hill
If a southern country-style atmosphere is what you crave to get your day going, then go over yonder to The Southern Café. With a top rating on trip advisor, The Southern Café is located at 1819 Knapp Dr. in Crest Hill. Founded in 2008, The Southern Café has received high ratings due to it’s high quality of ingredients, while also providing an environment that is welcoming and relaxed with southern charm. They offer a vast menu providing brunch essentials including omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, and a specialization in a variety of biscuit dishes. Their lunch menu provides plenty of protein-rich options including steak, char-burgers, and of course fried chicken (grilled options available too). Have a craving for a spicy dish to kick off your day? Checkout the Catfish Gumbo-Laya that is rich, tangy, and full of flavors. Not in the mood to venture out from your home? The Southern Café is conveniently accessible for delivery on Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Doordash.
Niko’s in Romeoville and Oak Lawn
With sister locations in Romeoville (38 S. Weber Rd.) and Oak Lawn (4002 West 111 St.), Niko’s Breakfast Club offers another large menu for those that are looking for variety on their brunch menu. Known for their “homestyle cooking”, Niko’s Breakfast Club offers very generous food portions. Their self-proclaimed “famous omelets” offer seventeen different combinations that are bound to capture a taste for everyone’s unique palate. Niko’s offers plenty of egg dishes including egg benedicts, burritos, tacos, skillets, scramblers, and sandwiches. There are also some unique pancake dishes such as their Oreo Pancakes, Chocolate Strawberry, Orchard, and Award Winning Potato Pancakes. Their lunch menu provides plenty of wraps and burger options as well. Coffee lover? Check out their Hawaiian Blend Coffee with beans from Kauai.
Honey-Jam in Bolingbrook and Plainfield
Honey-Jam Cafe also offers two locations for brunch in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. First at 120 E Boughton Rd in Bolingbrook, and a new separate location opening in Plainfield at 12618 Rte. 59. Founded in 2010, Honey-Jam merged with local favorite Butterfields to create a better menu with improved ingredients and cooking methods. Their large and diverse menu offers options for everyone – from adventure seekers to health seekers to traditional palettes. If you are in a celebratory kind of mood or just feeling the need to indulge yourself, check out the Confetti Waffle. Their signature waffle is infused with Fruity Pebbles, topped with a house-made cream cheese frosting, graham cracker crumbles, crunchy Fruity Pebbles, fresh berries and powdered sugar. You can also chose from a variety of fruity mimosas to add to any celebration.
“Brunch – Eggs, Carrots & Bacon” by Geoff Livingston is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
