If you like Broadway shows and deep dish pizza, then Chicago is a must for your bucket list. This charming urban destination is home to a theatre district and the captivating Chicago River flowing between skyscrapers. It’s also got tons of gems for foodies, and if you like the idea of brunch any day of the week, you may want to check these spots out the next time you find yourself in Chicago.
Prime & Provisions
The Offerings: This top-notch steakhouse located in the downtown Chicago area turns into a spectacular brunch buffet on weekends, featuring Belgian waffles, scones, sausages, tender prime rib, oysters and even a table filled with desserts. If you can’t make it for brunch, you may want to check it out for dinner. They’ve got a butcher shop with the finest cuts of steak, a great list of premium and specialty wines and an outdoor cigar lounge that is covered and heated. Prime and Provisions is for you if you enjoy dressing up, because to eat here, there is a sophisticated-casual dress code.
The Space: Inspired by supper clubs of the mid 1900’s, this sophisticated restaurant is nothing short of glamour and style. It is equipped with a marble bar, chic booths with tufted leather seating and plenty of low-height tables that can be easily accessed. Located on ground level, it has a flat entrance and interior that is equal parts accessible and stunning.
Wake ‘n Bacon
The Offerings: If you’re into the hottest instagrammable spots, Wake ‘n Bacon is sure to fire up your feed. The internationally inspired brunch menu includes spiced maple chicken and waffles, classic pancakes, quesadillas and even salmon and couscous. Apart from a versatile menu that has something for everyone, the names given to the menu items will have you smiling like a kid. Try the BAEgoal bagels or the Send Noodz Salad.
The Space: This spacious interior feels like a colourful indoor garden with an industrial touch. There are steel chairs and wooden tables with plenty of space between them that can accommodate mobility devices and are at a low height. There is also bar-style seating in the window and several booths available for those with larger parties. Small round chandeliers hang above each table to provide light, but the most stunning feature is the turquoise ceiling with white and purple flowers hanging, making guests feel like they’re having brunch in a secret futuristic garden.
The Bongo Room
The Offerings: For those with a sweet tooth, The Bongo Room specializes in decadent brunch foods that will make them feel like Buddy the Elf. The sinfully delicious menu includes the chocolate tower French toast and the white chocolate and caramel pretzel pancakes. Delivery is also available if you feel like staying in and enjoying a spectacular brunch from home.
The Space: The cafe-like interior has standard-height tables with removable chairs, as well as booths and high tables available for those who wish to switch it up. Located on ground level, The Bongo Room has a flat entrance that allows guests to roll in comfortably and a large window that looks out to the streets.
Cira
The Offerings: If you’ve ever wanted to brunch at a critically acclaimed spot, this Michelin Star restaurant will have you feeling elite in the realm of the foodie world. The Mediterranean influenced menu offers Shakshuka and Falafel Burgers, but also has American classics like Belgian waffles and avocado and toast. An impressive coffee menu will have you energized for the day, and there is a great collection of cocktails like mimosas and bellinis.
The Space: Located in an old warehouse, the interior of Cira feels like a lounge in a glamorous hotel straight from The Great Gatsby. With a mix of bar seating and smaller tables with removable armchairs, guests are surrounded by gorgeous chandeliers and green plants that further heighten the space. Fully accessible and spacious, Cira is committed to creating an accessible experience for all guests and regularly updates their website to ensure everyone can comfortably use it.
Beatrix
The Offerings: This coffeehouse has a menu that focuses on health-conscious options from their fresh juices and energizing smoothies to the organic turkey bacon and whole grain toast. Beatrix offers an extensive gluten-free menu, a kids menu, coffee bar, happy hour, and a takeout menu if you can’t stay to enjoy the soothing atmosphere.
The Space: This stylish coffee house is a great spot to have your morning caffeine and catch up with your thoughts before starting the day. It features low-height tables, lots of soothing lighting and greenery and an overall modern vibe with neat artwork on the walls. There are several locations across Chicago and they are accessible.
Beatnik on the River
The Offerings: If you’d like to experience the charm and splendor of a Mediterranean farmhouse with the view of the Chicago River and the skyscrapers surrounding it, Beatnik on the River is a brunch experience unlike any other. Apart from terrific food and a stunning design inspired by the Golden Age, this restaurant goes above and beyond to keep guests entertained. A DJ is often present, playing pleasant and eclectic tunes that range from Reggae to French and Turkish pop, Brazilian disco and Afrobeat, all of which complement the menu’s diverse offerings.
The Space: With both indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks the river, this spot is a visual treat where guests will feel like they are on a five-star resort in Bali or South America. There are no stairs to get inside, so people with mobility devices can navigate the flat space, and a variety of different types of tables make it easy to pull up or transfer, depending on individual preference. Beatnik on the River merges Chicago’s urban skyline with old world charm and glamour. This is a popular space to host weddings and private events, and after viewing the online gallery, it is not hard to see why.
Little Goat Diner
The Offerings: For a diner style brunch, Little Goat Diner has all the classics, from chocolate chip pancakes to spring veggie omelettes and hashbrowns. The attached Sugargoat Bakery is also equipped to bake customized cakes for special events, along with cupcakes, pies, cookies, ice cream and gluten free options. The Little Goat Diner opened its doors in 2012 and is a popular spot for families on weekends.
The Space: The interior feels like a diner with a modern touch, and has a mix of booth style seating along with standard height tables and a diner-style bar with stools attached to the floor.
The Little Goat Diner is on ground level and accessible to enter. The cute goat above the main entrance is sure to make it stand out.
What are some of your accessible brunch spots in your city? Let us know on AccessNow.
About the Author
Nikoletta Erdelyi is a writer and poet from Toronto, fascinated by how we make meaning for absurdity. She is a philosophy nerd who loves to cook, collect fragrances and write poems about the unique bits of consciousness.
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