WHAT TO WEAR TO THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN CHICAGO
After what seemed like an “eternity,” it is finally spring in Chicago. You can put away your Canada Goose and break out your bomber jacket. Before school winds down and we all go back to where we came from, everyone should try to get into the city and enjoy the weather. One of the best parts about Northwestern is its proximity to Chicago. Chicago has everything a college student could dream of, starting with amazing restaurants, especially brunch. It may seem like a trek to get there, but Chicago is extremely accessible through the El and the Intercampus Loop (time to break out the dreaded double maps app).
Here is a guide for the best brunch places in Chicago, what you should wear and the best way to get there!
1. Summer House Santa Monica
You might be rolling your eyes because every weekend this place overtakes your Instagram feed, but I have been and let me tell you, it is worth the hype. Not only is the food (especially the treats at the entrance) amazing, but the brightness and warm from the glass roof makes for a great brunch experience.
HOW TO GET THERE: The EL - take the purple line to Howard, switch to Red and get off at North/Clybourn, from there it will be a 10 minute walk (when walking, check out all the other amazing restaurants on North Halsted like Balena, my personal favorite).
WHAT TO WEAR: If this place were truly in California it would be the stomping ground of boho chic women such as Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe, so break out those circle sunnies for brunch!
2. Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good piece of avocado toast topped with a poached egg as much as the next girl, but sometimes you just want something that is bit more low key and classic— that is where Honey Butter Fried Chicken comes in. Besides the amazing fried chicken, they are known for their out of this world side dishes such as, the pimento mac and cheese and the kale and cabbage slaw.
HOW TO GET THERE: Start off on the purple line and head to Howard, where you will switch onto the Red Line. From the Red Line get off at Jackson, then switch the Blue Line until you reach Belmont and walk about 10-15 minutes to the restaurant. This is one of the trickier EL routes to take, so splitting an Uber with friends could be a great way to go!
WHAT TO WEAR: I would recommend keeping the white jeans in the closet and throwing on your favorite pair of boyfriend or cropped jeans. Top off your outfit with a baseball cap so you can enjoy the patio seating without having to squint from the sun in your eyes.
3. Yolk.
Ever just want a really good omelette with ingredients you know and love, or seriously ever crave the chocolate chip pancakes of your childhood? Yolk in Streeterville, the Chicago neighborhood where the Navy Pier is, is the place to go.
HOW TO GET THERE: Conveniently, Streeterville is where Northwestern’s Graduate School is, and it’s the last stop of the Intercampus Loop. So flash those Wildcards and take a free trip down into Chicago on the Intercampus Loop.
WHAT TO WEAR: This place feels like home immediately when you walk in, which makes it a tempting idea to stay in your pajamas. Keep that comfortability but make it more socially acceptable with a t-shirt dress and your Adidas Superstars.
4. Uncommon Ground
The recommendation for this outdoor brunch places comes directly from our co-Editor-In-Chief, Lizzey, so it is definitely a place worth checking out. Uncommon Ground is focused on providing seasonal and organic dishes all year long. They even have a rooftop farm which, during Spring, is a must-see as the flowers begin to bloom.
HOW TO GET THERE: Hop on the El and take the Purple Line to Howard. Transfer to the Red Line and get off on the unforgettable Sheridan stop and walk about 5 minutes to Uncommon Ground in Lakeview. (There is also a location in Edgewater)
WHAT TO WEAR: In the spirit of the organic rooftop farm, break out a pair of your favorite overalls and slide on your Arizona Birkenstocks!
5. The Publican
Yes, there are times when all one wants is a Skillet from Clarke’s but there are also times where one wants to expand their palate and become the foodie they were always meant to be. The Publican in the West Loop is the best place for that—with stand outs on their menu being the Smoked Brisket and Meyer Lemon Old Fashioned Doughnut.
HOW TO GET THERE: This one has the most switching on the EL, but it is so worth it. Begin on the purple line and switch at Howard to the Red Line, get off at Jackson walk about 2 minutes to Van Buren to get on the Pink Line. Once on the Pink Line get off at Morgan and after a 5 minute walk you are there! It may seem like a lot of steps, but once you’re in the West Loop, brunch will be the perfect way to start your day in the city!
WHAT TO WEAR: This quintessential American Fare restaurant is the perfect place to blend trendy and classic--think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s but add that modern twist.
No more excuses! Spring quarter is coming to a close. Dillo Day will be here before you know it! Go to Chicago before it’s too late--it is definitely worth it!