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Illinois' best

Brunch and ice cream

Made for those who believe that ice cream is a perfectly acceptable addition to a midday weekend meal.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated April 2026
01
Stork Cafe image 1
Stork Cafe image 2
Stork Cafe image 3
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Tiny space with modern design and warm, welcoming atmosphere creates a cozy vibe. Frequented for authentic Polish dishes and homemade ice cream that stand out. Clean and visually appealing, it offers a calm yet inviting experience.

Brunch features the Breakfast Stork, a hearty and flavorful dish that feels like a treat you can enjoy guilt-free. Sunday brunch offers an outstanding spread that satisfies with every bite.

Homemade ice cream stands out with butter pecan flavor and beautiful presentation. Sorbets also appear alongside the delicious ice cream options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The owner's friendly vibe makes brunch feel so welcoming."

"I found the homemade ice cream to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a variety of healthy and fresh American and Polish dishes.

2

Everything is made from scratch using quality ingredients.

3

The portions are generous, ideal for sharing.

02
The Evie image 1
American restaurant

Restaurant occupies an elegant second-floor space with amazing views of Michigan Avenue. Atmosphere feels funky and cool yet allows easy conversation without yelling. Offers masterfully made exotic cocktails and a lively bar with sports TVs.

Phenomenal brunch and dinner menu offers a relaxing experience. Reservations are common for brunch, which suits celebrations and casual visits alike.

Million dollar ice cream and cinnamon ice cream stand out here. The cinnamon ice cream pairs well with bread pudding, making a strong dessert combo.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the steak frites and lobster roll, is top notch."

"The brunch food here is delicious and amazing."

"The Millionaire Ice Cream was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual is preferred.

03
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 1

Stylish restaurant with a modern interior and festive decor creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Live Mexican music and DJ sets energize the space, drawing a crowd that enjoys vibrant entertainment. Communal seating encourages a social vibe, making the experience feel special and engaging.

Brunch features Menudo, ideal for colder days, and 24k Pancakes. The overall experience stays enjoyable across visits.

An Ice Cream Tour offers about a dozen scoops with a variety of unique flavors like Black Cherry Amaretto and Uber. Some desserts come with gold flakes and the ice cream melts smoothly as you eat it.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and beautifully plated."

"The ice cream tour offers a dozen scoops of unique flavors."

"The food during my brunch visit was excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks at low prices, typically around $8.

2

The happy hour menu features a variety of specialty tacos.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour with great food options.

04
Garden on Main image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio, fire pit, and blanket-wrapped enclosed area. Atmosphere feels cozy and fresh with a modern, Instagrammable design. Both indoor and outdoor spaces offer beautiful garden views and comfortable seating.

Cozy brunch nook offers a relaxed spot for breakfast and brunch. The menu features solid options that make for a great brunch experience.

Special ice cream features three scoops of gelato, fruits, whipped cream, and macaroons. Pumpkin Chai Gelato stands out as a unique flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try the Polish food; it's so authentic."

"The gelato here is delicious and creamy."

"This place is a sweet little gem for Brunch."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times for tables on weekends, especially for patio seating.

2

The menu includes a variety of Polish and American dishes suitable for all tastes.

3

Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it pet-friendly.

05
Kayao Restaurant image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Intimate and bustling Peruvian restaurant with soft lighting and artistic decor creates an upscale, cozy vibe. Music plays a key role, featuring a DJ-curated playlist that energizes the space. Signature pisco cocktails and standout dishes like ceviche and lucuma ice cream highlight the authentic experience.

Brunch offers a chance to try multiple menu dishes in smaller portions with a fixed price around $30. The branzino comes cooked perfectly, and parking is easy on Sundays.

Lucuma ice cream features a Peruvian fruit with a butterscotch flavor that is rare in the US. It offers a rollercoaster of flavors that makes scraping the bowl fun.

People are saying

"The ceviche here has a great balance of tartness and citrus."

"The staff here are so kind and attentive, making it a great experience."

"The food at brunch was excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available before 6:30 PM; ask to sit on the patio or bar.

2

The happy hour offers a great calamari option.

3

Kayao Restaurant has a limited brunch menu available until 4 PM.

06
Bayan Ko Diner image 1

Diner offers a cozy, homey vibe with charming decor featuring dark wood and plant motifs. Seating is close together, creating an intimate but sometimes cramped atmosphere, with an upstairs patio providing outdoor, dog-friendly space. Music leans toward fabulous R&B, enhancing the relaxed, casual mood.

Brunch offers surprisingly delicious dishes beyond typical avocado toast and French toast. Weekends get busy early but seating is available promptly.

Ube ice cream offers a sweet finish, paired well with fried banana. Three Filipino ice cream flavors include pandan, which adds a unique taste.

People are saying

"I thought the brunch here was amazing, especially the Cubano burrito."

"The Cuban-Filipino fusion dishes here are amazing."

"You have to try the ube ice cream; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekends.

2

The diner is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

3

Brunch is served daily from 9am to 3pm, except on Tuesdays.

07
AMP Social (All Meal Prep) | Restaurant | Cafe | Bar image 1

Restaurant combines elegant setting with warm, inviting atmosphere and pleasant music. Seating includes oversized chairs and accessible bench seats, creating a comfortable and inclusive space. The vibe balances calmness with uplifting energy, making it suitable for relaxed dining.

Brunch features amazing options and a cute setting that draws people in. Food quality stands out, making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

Complimentary desserts often include ice cream paired with cheesecake or cake. Staff sometimes bring out ice cream with celebratory sparklers for birthdays. Homemade cheesecake comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and well-made."

"I loved the food at brunch; it was delicious and healthy."

"They brought out ice cream with sparklers for my dad's birthday."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night starting at 9pm.

2

They have their own parking lot with easy access.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with meals averaging around $20.

08
Bistro Monadnock image 1
French restaurant

Historic building hosts a French bistro with European charm and elegant design. Live jazz music creates a relaxing atmosphere complemented by a skilled bar offering standout cocktails. The space feels cozy and stylish, attracting those seeking a refined dining experience.

Saturday brunch offers a quiet and nice atmosphere with an incredible menu. It draws interest for post-Mass gatherings but is not open on Sundays.

Profiteroles come with dulce de leche gelato or pistachio ice cream fillings. Ice creams serve as a solid dessert option alongside other sweets.

People are saying

"The escargot here is outstanding and alone worth the visit."

"I found the brunch here to be incredible."

"The dulce de leche gelato filling in the profiteroles is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect a $10 charge for each cheese on the charcuterie board.

09
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style interior with thoughtful decor creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Loud Mexican and Latin music fills the space, making conversation challenging amid the busy service environment. Tables often sit close to kitchen activity, adding to the lively, energetic vibe.

Brunch features a recently launched menu with a variety of selections and incredible pastries. Every dish tastes delicious and offers a fantastic experience.

Housemade ice cream stands out with a creamy and sweet coconut flavor that lingers until the last bite. The dessert menu also offers paletas and six other desserts, including an otherworldly flan.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The brunch sando's soft shell crab with squid ink was amazing."

"The coconut ice cream is creamy, sweet, and tastes like roasted coconut."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

10
mร na image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers live Greek music and traditional dance performances that create a lively atmosphere. The space features elegant decor with close seating arrangements and an inviting outdoor setup. Guests experience a high-end vibe with attentive staff engaging diners in cultural traditions.

Brunch dishes come packed with full flavor and a variety of delicious choices. Every meal offers a satisfying taste experience that invites a return visit.

Rich, creamy pistachio gelato stands out, topped with black volcanic salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The gelato offers a unique, flavorful finish to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here tastes like you're back in Greece."

"The brunch food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The pistachio ice cream is life-changing and a perfect ending."

Good to know

1

On Thursday nights, Mรกna offers cocktail specials and live music.

2

On weekends, mร na features fire dancers and live music.

3

A reservation might be needed at night or for larger groups.

11
Cafe Libra image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio offers colorful umbrellas and comfy seating, creating a cozy, peaceful vibe ideal for relaxing or working. Upbeat music and games like Jenga add to the friendly, inviting atmosphere. The space suits both small gatherings and larger groups, with a layout that minimizes street noise.

Brunch features a diverse menu with authentic Balkan dishes like Babaโ€™s Eggs with Cevapi. Service runs late into the afternoon, and the spot offers a unique ambiance alongside delicious food.

Creamy gelato and ice cream come in super unique flavors with dairy-free options available. The waffle cones are crisp and pair well with the delicious ice cream.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be well made."

"They have super unique ice cream and gelato flavors."

"The patio is lovely and perfect for Brunch."

Good to know

1

Cafe Libra offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with authentic Balkan cuisine all day.

2

The cafe stays open pretty late for a cafe.

3

Cafe Libra offers non-dairy options for their gelato and ice cream.

12
Okini Buffet - Sushi & Hibachi image 1

Bright, modern interior with clean, well-maintained spaces creates a welcoming atmosphere. Seating is close together, encouraging a communal dining experience suited for families and groups. Energy stays calm and relaxed, with a focus on enjoying food in a comfortable setting.

Full brunches bring families together here. The spot suits family gatherings and celebrations well.

Buffet ice cream comes with fresh-cut fruits and a self-serve machine. The ice cream tastes sweet and delicious but melts quickly.

People are saying

"The buffet has so many delicious choices and everything tasted fresh."

"The brunch here is so clean and well-maintained."

"I thought the ice cream was excellent and sweet."

Good to know

1

The hibachi grill features a taco special every week.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are around $45 for two people, which is considered affordable.

13
Minyoli image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Space blends simple decor with Taiwanese cultural references and a welcoming outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays cozy and peaceful, evoking a small Taiwanese restaurant feel. Cocktails show creative twists on classics, complementing authentic dishes like handmade noodles and fried chicken.

Sunday brunch offers a variety of vegan options and includes specials like the brunch egg wrap and fantuan. The menu focuses on Taiwanese flavors and provides a solid brunch experience.

Homemade ice creams stand out with a creamy texture and strong black sesame flavor. Desserts like tiramisu and black sesame ice cream are exceptional and worth returning for.

People are saying

"The food here is soulful, authentic, and incredibly flavorful."

"The fried chicken is so juicy and crispy, you'll dream about it."

"Robert added coconut ice cream to our dessert."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1, $2, and $3 off for beer, wine, and cocktails.

2

Brunch service is only available on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

14
Fluffy Fluffy Cafe image 1
Pancake restaurant

Small space with cozy, modern vibe and comfortable seating fills quickly, creating a packed atmosphere. Soft, super fluffy pancakes stand out as the main attraction. Music adds to the friendly, quiet ambiance suitable for casual dessert or coffee.

Pancakes and a variety of brunch options stand out here. The salmon brunch offers a notable choice among the breakfast and brunch dishes.

Creamy texture stands out in the ice cream offerings. Chocolate ice cream appears frequently and pairs well with desserts like cheesecake and souffle pancakes.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted amazing and looked beautifully presented."

"The fluffy pancakes here are so light and delicious."

"The ice cream staff are so nice and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for drinks during peak hours.

2

The cafe has limited seating, which can lead to longer wait times.

3

Pancakes are priced at $19, which some find expensive.

15
The Walnut Room image 1
American restaurant

Dining room showcases historic decor and a stunning Christmas tree that creates a magical atmosphere. Fairy princesses visit tables, adding a whimsical touch to the experience. Space feels spacious and elegant with white tablecloths and a sense of Chicago history.

Brunch features drag queen events with themes like Rocky Horror and the Grinch, creating a lively atmosphere. Weekend brunch offers an all-you-can-eat spread for $29, with attentive service from servers like Nyla.

Frango ice cream pie stands out as a rich, decadent dessert option. Snowman builder ice cream offers a playful choice, especially for younger diners.

People are saying

"The holiday atmosphere and the Great Tree are just stunningly gorgeous."

"The salads here are a cherished part of Chicago's history."

"You have to try the Frango ice cream pie; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for holiday dining at least two months in advance.

2

The Walnut Room hosts a popular drag brunch every Sunday at 11 AM.

3

Parking costs $28 for three hours, so plan accordingly.

16
JoJo's Shake Bar - Naperville image 1

Whimsical setting includes a treehouse patio and rooftop swings, creating a playful vibe. Entertainment features free retro arcade games and an interactive mixology class. Drinks stand out with creative alcoholic shakes and unique shots.

Shakes add a sweet twist to brunch here. The spot feels fun and casual, great for a birthday or hanging out with friends.

Boozy ice cream and original flavors stand out here. The spot pairs good music with a cool vibe, making it a hit for both kids and adults who love milkshakes and ice cream.

People are saying

"The shakes here are amazing and visually appealing."

"The ice cream here is original and excellent."

"It's a really fun place for brunch with an adorable atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Mix It Monday event occurs every Monday, allowing guests to create two popular drinks.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using nearby garages.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during weekend evenings and special events.

17
Chemistry Chicago image 1

Restaurant features live music and staff in lab coats creating a chemistry-themed atmosphere with stylish decor. Energy runs high with a loud, chaotic vibe and a crowded space. Food includes standout dishes like wagyu fettuccine and lamb chops, while cocktails are notably overpriced.

Sunday brunch offers a memorable experience with a lively atmosphere. It stands out as a must-do for weekend dining.

Warm butter cake comes with a crisp outside and moist inside, topped with fresh berries and ice cream. The ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm dessert.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The drinks and live music make this a great spot."

"The warm butter cake with ice cream is the best item."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch ends at 3:00 PM, so arrive early.

2

A 20% gratuity and a 5% entertainment fee are automatically added to bills.

3

Reservations are for 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly.

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