Brunch is the best reason to put on pants on weekend mornings, and Chicago is full of great options. But in case you're in the market for some French toast and/or bottomless mimosas in the West Loop, we made this guide. Here are nine excellent brunch spots in the neighborhood.
THE SPOTS
Recess in the West Loop is a theme bar and restaurant that’s good at its gimmick, so it doesn’t feel forced or over-the-top. The theme is literally “City Hall,” which means menus are made to look like municipal forms and cocktails have names like the “Alderman’s Choice.” The drinks and food are fine (with bites like sliders and pigs in a blanket) and the space is huge, including an outdoor patio and plenty of tables. It’s a great place for just hanging out, or for lots of different activities, like bags or giant beer pong with trash cans.
Some food halls are worth knowing about because of a specific restaurant (i.e Italianette in the now-closed Fulton Galley), and some are great because of the sum of their parts - like the Time Out Market in Fulton Market. It has 19 restaurants and we’ve yet to find a bad one, which isn’t surprising because they’re all new locations of successful places that already exist, like Avli or Amaru. The industrial-feeling space is huge, with two levels (including three separate bars) and lots of communal tables. Basically, when the human race has to flee to outer space, this is what we want our spaceship’s food court to be like.
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Bandit is a smallish spot in the West Loop that feels like a party, but is still low-key enough for a casual get-together. The food is hit-or-miss, but the best things are small plates like the warm pretzel with Merkts cheese spread, the fried halloumi, and the charred carrots. Come here for drinks and bar snacks before a Big Night Out in the neighborhood.
Bar Takito has one of the most affordable bottomless deals in the West Loop, with $15 unlimited mimosas. The menu is made up of Mexican/Central American/South American fusion dishes, and includes things like chilaquiles and arepa benedicts. Is the food good? Yes. Can you get drunk for $15? Also yes.
Boqueria
This busy Spanish spot in Fulton Market is originally from New York. And while the food at Boqueria isn’t very memorable, their sangria is, and overall their brunch deal is pretty great. For $29, you get your choice of bottomless mimosas or red, white, or rosé sangría.
Aba is a big, trendy restaurant in the West Loop. They have a bouncer, a valet, and constant crowds - but they actually serve really good Mediterranean dishes, and their brunch includes options like whipped feta, shakshuka, and various kebabs over rice.
The Publican is like a fancy European beer hall that serves a whole lot of meat, but also shows its softer side with a quality selection of oysters and a whole section of the menu devoted to vegetables. Sit at the giant U-shaped table with friends, and make sure to order a bit of everything. Another thing you should know? This place has one of the best brunches in the city.
The food at this upscale hotel restaurant is on the bland side, but everything is prepared well, and their brunch options are inoffensive enough to appeal to a wide range of diners. Come here for a West Loop consensus option.
If you’re familiar with Siena Tavern in River North, think of Bar Siena as its younger, cooler, and not as fancy little West Loop cousin. The brunch menu here is helpfully divided between sweet and savory items, with many different options (more on the savory side).
When Avec started serving brunch, it was one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. The West Loop staple and favorite does a great job at brunch, which includes an excellent french toast. You want the french toast.
