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Local picks in Chicago

Shrimp and grits for brunch

You believe shrimp and grits is the only way to start a proper brunch.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chalet image 1
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American restaurant

Small, tight space with celebrity paintings and an upstairs bar vibe creates a unique setting. Energy shifts from great music and DJ performances to a late-night bottle service party after kitchen closes. Staff wear provocative attire, adding to the distinctive atmosphere.

Shrimp and grits come in a huge bowl of cheesy grits topped with andouille sausage. The dish is spicy and well seasoned, creamy and flavorful.

Brunch features a crab cake benedict, caramel french toast, and a breakfast charcuterie spread. The menu offers a variety of delicious options that suit group gatherings well.

People are saying

"The brunch board was a stunner, hot and delicious."

"The service during Happy Hour is amazing and the staff is so friendly."

"The shrimp and grits were creamy, flavorful, and really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off drinks on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

2

Happy hour lasts for only 60 minutes, not the advertised 90 minutes.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy nights.

02
Perfect Brunch Bros image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cozy space with authentic tile floors and natural sunlight creates a chill diner vibe. Atmosphere stays casual and inviting, often quiet despite affordability. Music ranges from country to classic rock, adding a fun soundtrack to the experience.

Shrimp and grits here stand out as phenomenal and unforgettable dishes. They consistently receive praise for their quality and flavor.

Great brunch dishes with unique flavors stand out here. The perfect brunch burger offers a balanced, memorable taste without being overstated.

People are saying

"The American Food here, like the country fried chicken, is cooked to perfection."

"The brunch food here is delicious and expertly prepared."

"I thought the Shrimp And Grits were the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens early at 7:45 AM on Sundays.

2

Cocktails will be added to the menu this summer.

3

Kids' meals cost $12 each, which may be considered high for the portion size.

03
Sun Rey Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small, cozy cafe with warm, bright decor and a family-run, welcoming atmosphere. Space feels crowded but inviting, with great music and some outdoor seating. Offers a hidden gem vibe away from busy streets, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Shrimp and grits feature shell-on shrimp that can be messy. Some find them overpriced and lacking flavor, while others describe them as especially good and awesome.

Brunch offers a great variety of dishes with solid flavors. The atmosphere suits a casual morning meal or a relaxed weekend brunch.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is incredible, especially the garlic fried rice."

"The brunch here is phenomenal, with juicy, crunchy fried chicken."

"I ate the best Shrimp And Grits I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the monthly Kamayan Filipino dinners.

2

Sun Rey Cafe is BYOB on Sundays, making it family-friendly.

3

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes before placing your order.

04
Brûlée image 1
Restaurant

Warm, modern space with thoughtful decor and a spacious bar and waiting area creates a welcoming atmosphere. Music ranges from R&B at moderate volume to occasionally loud, influencing the energy. Tables are closely arranged, balancing elegance with a busy, lively vibe.

Shrimp and grits come with pieces of chicken sausage that add a savory touch. The dish is consistently great and well-prepared.

Brunch here features impeccable flavor and flawless presentation. It stands out as a top choice for breakfast and brunch in the area.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The shrimp and grits at brunch were some of the best I've ever had."

"The Shrimp And Grits were great, especially the chicken sausage."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups or after 10 PM on weekends.

2

Expect a wait for tables, especially during peak brunch hours.

3

Brûlée enforces a strict 90-minute table limit for diners.

05
The Lawn Breakfast Bar image 1

Cozy, intimate space with bright, cheerful decor and fresh flowers on tables creates a warm, family-like atmosphere. Music plays softly, adding to the super chill vibe without overwhelming conversation. Small size limits large groups but offers ample seating for breakfast and brunch crowds.

Shrimp and grits come with extremely flavorful shrimp and are paired with mini cornbread muffins. The dish is consistently fantastic and well complemented.

No wait for tables makes brunch easy here. The Grits Flight stands out as a very good option. It closes early, at 2:30 PM, focusing solely on breakfast and brunch.

People are saying

"You have to try the Grit Flight for breakfast; the pot roast grits were amazing."

"I thought the shrimp and grits were extremely flavorful."

"You have to try the grit flight for brunch."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 2:30 PM, making it a breakfast and brunch spot.

2

The restaurant only accepts card payments, no cash.

3

Expect a wait if visiting with more than two people, as the kitchen may get overwhelmed.

06
Luella's Southern Kitchen image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Small, packed space with cramped seating and a sunny outdoor patio creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Vinyl records spin soulful tunes, adding a funky, friendly atmosphere that feels like dining with family. Loud environment fills with energy as guests enjoy classic Southern soul food.

Shrimp and grits come with perfectly seasoned, creamy grits and tender, flavorful shrimp. The dish features a velvety smooth, buttery texture that stands out.

Brunch offers a very casual and relaxed vibe with delicious Southern dishes. Meals feel like a special treat with consistently high-quality flavors.

People are saying

"The Southern American food, especially the shrimp and grits, is outstanding."

"The buttermilk pancakes and fried chicken at brunch are life-changing."

"The crab-stuffed shrimp and grits were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.

2

Brunch is served from 10 AM to 3 PM on Sundays.

3

Dinner service starts at 5 PM and runs until close.

07
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy décor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy.

Shrimp come out tasty and well seasoned, paired with creamy grits. The dish stands out alongside other well-seasoned Southern classics like collard green dip and hot chicken.

Brunch here features a fun atmosphere with attentive service from staff like Ashley and manager Candice. The spot hosts memorable celebrations and invites guests back for special occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The Shrimp And Grits here were seasoned really well."

"The brunch service was attentive and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

08
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.

Shrimp and grits come with a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Some servings are notably greasy while others are simply scrumptious.

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

People are saying

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

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

"The Shrimp and Grits were scrumptious, a taste of sweet and savory."

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.

09
The Soul Food Lounge image 1
American restaurant

Small, contemporary space combines live jazz saxophone with beautiful decor to create an inviting atmosphere. The vibe feels intimate and soulful, drawing a crowd that appreciates well-crafted soul food and a relaxed setting.

Creamy grits come with plump shrimp, crispy bacon, and garlic butter. The dish offers a flavorful Carolina style that stands out among other Southern classics.

Brunch offers a friendly atmosphere with attentive service, including frequent check-ins to keep drinks full. The menu delivers a memorable experience that invites repeat visits.

People are saying

"The American Food here is phenomenal, especially the perfectly seasoned yams."

"The brunch here has amazing food and generous portions."

"The Creamy Carolina Shrimp & Grits were so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Restaurant Week 2024 offers a $59 deal for three entrees of your choice.

2

The lounge does not serve liquor, but customers can BYOB with a corkage fee.

3

Reservations are recommended, but tables are often available without one.

10
Truth Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with intimate seating and a covered patio offers a chill vibe filled with live soul and jazz music. Atmosphere feels like a close-knit family gathering with diverse, pleasant energy. Outdoor space provides a unique setting for eating and relaxing under music.

Jerk shrimp and grits feature tender melt-in-your-mouth shrimp with a well-balanced sauce. Portions are generous enough to take some home.

Offers a late brunch option with a menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Celebrated for its consistent quality and favored by many for special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The brunch here is amazing, especially the French toast."

"The jerk shrimp and grits were exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the space is limited and gets packed quickly.

2

Truth Chicago is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes at reasonable prices.

11
Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge image 1

Upscale American restaurant with classy ambiance and modern fireplace creates a cozy, elegant atmosphere. Live music and a DJ playing Old School R&B add to the vibrant yet relaxed vibe. Decor emphasizes black excellence and culture, enhancing the distinctive setting.

Shrimp and grits feature New Orleans staple flavors with a delicious, satisfying taste. The dish pairs well with light buttermilk pancakes and complements drinks nicely.

Brunch offers delicious dishes served with attentive service that makes guests feel special. The spot handles brunch and dinner with equal skill, creating a wonderful dining experience.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are amazing and on point."

"The brunch food here is amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the Shrimp And Grits were a must-have."

Good to know

1

On Wednesdays, Mesler Kitchen has a DJ playing house music.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekends.

3

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early to find a spot.

12
The L Station image 1
Restaurant

Small, beautifully decorated restaurant offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere with an intimate feel. Live DJ spins strictly R&B music, creating an upbeat and fun vibe that keeps energy lively. Known for spectacular lamb chops, perfect margarita flights, and a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Shrimp and grits come with small shrimp, usually three or four per serving. Some dishes include sausage not listed on the menu. The dish is generally described as good to great in flavor.

Menu mixes brunch and dinner options, which can be tricky, but staff provide clear explanations to help with choices. Food quality stands out with good flavors for brunch.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"Our bartender Jada was amazing and so nice."

"I thought the shrimp and grits were good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.

2

Expect a two-hour wait without a reservation.

3

The kitchen closes at 7pm, so arrive early.

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