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The Best Brunch Spots Where Even the Kids Are Welcome

by Debra Flanagan

Even the super early risers can find a spot that’s perfect for brunch

There are a few theories on when and where brunch originated. Some say it originated in England as a post-hunt celebration, others a post-church meal. Brunch became popular in the 1930s in Chicago when actors would have publicity tours via train from the East Coast to California. They would stop in Chicago for a midday meal.

At some point “going to brunch” became a real event. So much so that restaurants are constantly trying to up the ante. For example, you now have Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, All-You-Can-Eat Brunch, Musical Brunch, Trivia Brunch, and even Drag Brunch. So which ones can you take the kids to? We’ve rounded up some of the best brunch spots that are kid-friendly while equally delicious. We found a couple for the early risers too!

Andersonville

Replay
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., kids are welcome at Replay Andersonville. While you enjoy brunch favorites such as biscuits and gravy or huevos rancheros, the kids (and adults), can feel nostalgic playing classic arcade games like Asteroids, Donkey Kong, or Ms. Pac-Man. They also have pinball.

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

5358 N. Clark St.
Online: replayandersonville.com

Avondale

Chief O’Neill’s
The brunch buffet at Chief O’Neill’s has everything you could ask for: salads, fruit, cheese, smoked salmon, glazed ham, Irish Eggs Benedict, soup, assorted bread, a Taco Bar, and more. Kids will love building their own ice cream sundaes with many toppings to choose from. Adults are only $30 while kids under 6 are $23. When the weather warms up, sit in the beautiful garden and let the kids stretch their legs a little.

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

3471 N. Elston Ave.
Online: chiefoneillspub.com

Lakeview

2d Restaurant
2d Restaurant is not only one of the best donut shops in Chicago, but they also serve brunch items, including breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of chicken sandwiches (even plant-based.) What makes 2d Restaurant special is its decor. The monochrome comic-book murals make you feel like you’ve walked into a coloring book.

Thursdays – Mondays, 9 a.m.

3155 N Halsted Street
Online: 2d-restaurant.com

Crosby’s
Iron Skillet Blueberry Cornbread—need we say more? If we must, at this neighborhood family favorite, you’ll also find omelets & eggs, french toast & pancakes, burgers & salads, as well as a kids’ brunch menu.

Saturdays & Sundays, 8:30 a.m.

3455 N. Southport Ave.
Online: crosbyschicago.com

Smoke Daddy
The family-style brunch includes limitless servings of monkey bread, the most amazing hash browns, bacon, sausage, fruit, and a platter of pancakes. Don’t forget to leave room for your entree!

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

3636 N. Clark St.
Online: thesmokedaddy.com

Lincoln Park

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
Create your own feast from their selection of brunch tapas, including Jamon Serrano Benedict, bite-sized pintxos like their famous Chorizo-wrapped Date, Breakfast Paella, and a variety of traditional tapas dishes. These shareable plates are a great way to introduce kids to new foods.

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

441 N. Clark St.
Online: cafebabareeba.com

RJ Grunts
RJ Grunts is always on the ready with crayons or wiki sticks for the little diners. Couple cheesy buffalo hashbrowns with their more traditional breakfast items, or skip straight to a classic burger. Afterward, hop across the road to the Lincoln Park Zoo for the perfect family day.

Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

2056 N. Lincoln Park W.
Online: rjgruntschicago.com

Logan Square

Park & Field
Even though it is called a Boozy Brunch, Park & Field is all about family. They aim to have their 6,000-square-foot patio feel like a backyard barbeque, where the kids feel comfortable playing lawn games and running around. The rotating weekly buffet includes an omelet bar, charcuterie, fruit, eggs, meats, pancakes, waffles, and vegetarian and vegan options.

Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

3509 W. Fullerton Ave.
Online: parkandfieldchicago.com

Rogers Park

Honey Bear Cafe
The menu at Honey Bear Cafe is over-the-top. Choose from skillets that include a Chicken Fried Chicken Skillet, a Sloppy Skillet, a Paddy’s (corned beef) Skillet, and more. Or try to finish off a Stuffed Cajun Cheesesteak Biscuit. We dare you! Children will love their kids’ menu as well. You might want to join their loyalty rewards program as you will be back.

Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-2:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 7:30 am-3:30 p.m.

7036 N Clark St.
Online: honeybearrp.com

Roscoe Village

Beat Kitchen
Beat Kitchen has long been known for its Concerts for Kids on Sunday mornings. They have since pivoted and now host a Bluegrass Brunch every Saturday. Enjoy your brunch in the front room and then head back to the performance stage to listen to some of Chicago’s finest Bluegrass Ensembles. Admission is free, open to all ages, and is first come – first served.

Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

2100 W. Belmont Ave.
Online: beatkitchen.com

John’s Place
John’s Place is one of the most kid-friendly restaurants around and you will always find lots of families dining here. Their brunch includes favorites like Bananas Foster French Toast and egg combos, as well as several Mexican specialties. Of course, they also have a kids’ menu.

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

2132 W. Roscoe Ave.
Online: johnsplace.com

Kitsch’n
Kitsch’n may remind you of the kitchen you grew up eating in. The decor is ’70s-esque with tons of retro toys and games lining the walls and shelves. It is definitely a blast from the past and it’s fun to point things out to your kids and tell the stories of how you had this or that when you were little. But don’t let the retro vibe fool you, the menu is quite modern and very tasty. The chilaquiles “Levanta Los Muertos” are so good!

Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

2005 W. Roscoe Ave.
Online: kitschn.com

West Loop

Recess
The space at Recess is incredible, particularly the huge patio. It’s quite unique for Chicago. In fact, it is the largest outdoor patio in the city. While it is known as a 21+ establishment, children are welcome for weekend brunch. They even have a separate kids’ brunch menu to prove it. With giant lawn games like Jenga and Connect 4, the whole family can keep busy while you wait for your food, which by the way is also quite yummy!

Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

838 W. Kinzie Ave.
Online: chicagoinrecess.com

Wicker Park

Janik’s Cafe
The early bird catches the worm at this one. This small, casual spot serves all-day breakfast and lunch with a Mexican flare.

7 days a week, 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

2011 W. Division St.
Online: janikscafe.com

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12 Summer Casseroles the Whole Family Will Love

by Amy Bizzarri

Convenient, easy and comforting, casseroles are an easy dinner option minus the hours spent at the stovetop. Best of all, it’s easy to conceal garden-fresh veggies in a delicious casserole that the whole family will love. We’ve gathered the best casserole recipes that are light and easy to whip up, even on the hottest summer days. See them all below.

Beefy Zucchini Casserole

The Beach House Kitchen

If your backyard garden is bursting with zucchini, this is the casserole for you! “This Beefy Zucchini Casserole has made an appearance on the summer dinner menu for over 30 years in my family," says Mary Ann, the resident cook, writer and photographer behind the blog The Beach House Kitchen. “All you’ll need is some ground beef, yellow onion, garlic, zucchini, shredded Colby Jack cheese and one can of cream of mushroom soup, and in less than an hour dinner is on the table.” Get the recipe here. 

Cool Ranch Potato Casserole

Plain Chicken

What kid (or adult!) doesn’t love the tangy flavor of Cool Ranch seasoning? Entice your family to the dinner table with a potato-based casserole loaded with ranch seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles. Great for outdoor summer dinners! Get the recipe here. 

Creamy Margherita Quinoa Bake

A Love Letter to Food

“This initially unassuming quinoa bake is consummately delicious comfort food,” said Sarah, the writer/cook/photo-taker behind A Love Letter to Food. “With stretchy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes bursting with flavor, and strips of basil, it’s pretty much all the things you love about a Margherita pizza in creamy casserole form.” Get the recipe here. 

Greek Pastitsio

The Mediterranean Dish

Pastitsio is Greek comfort food at its finest. This lightened-up recipe for the flavor-packed baked pasta can even be prepared the night before—just cover tightly and refrigerate and bake the next day when you’re ready for dinner. Get the recipe here. 

Skillet Eggplant Lasagna

The Vintage Fork Blog

No-boil lasagna noodles make this casserole come together with hardly any cleanup efforts. Though this recipe is vegetarian, you can always replace the eggplant with Italian sausage. Get everything you need to make this casserole by clicking here. 

Baked Tomato Casserole

Grits and Pinecones

Gather tomatoes from your garden and bake them up into a  delicious and healthy casserole. “A handful of panko bread crumbs added to the parmesan cheese topping would be an excellent addition,” recommends Sharon Rigsby of Grits and Pinecones. Get the recipe by clicking here. 

Corn Soufflé

My Forking Life

This classic corn casserole is the perfect addition to your summer table, either as a main or a side. Top with finely chopped herbs from the garden. Get the recipe here. 

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Grandbaby Cakes

A creamy, decadent sauce made with four kinds of cheese and tender chunks of lobster are baked together into this indulgent casserole for every season. “Investing in fresh meat that comes from your local fish market will make for the best result possible,” recommends  Jocelyn Delk Adams, the tastemaker behind the foodie blog Grandbaby Cakes. Find out all the ingredients you'll need to make this dish by clicking here. 

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Jessica in the Kitchen

Transform this classic casserole into a healthy dinner dish the whole family with love by following the recipe for this creamy, completely delicious version—it’s vegan and gluten-free, too! Even better if you can use the fresh green beans from your garden! Get the recipe here. 

Six-Ingredient Plant-Based Enchiladas

Hungry Blonde

Just six ingredients fall together in these enchiladas,  which are baked for just 25 minutes. Serve with a side of homemade guacamole and chips (plus margaritas for moms and dads!) for a summer dinner to remember. This recipe calls for Loma Linda Taco Filling, but you can use any faux meat you like, seasoned with a dash of chili powder, cumin and paprika. Get the recipe here. 

Hawaiian Chicken and Rice Casserole

Mom on Timeout

The flavors of the islands meld in this easy weeknight casserole that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry: pineapple, chicken, sliced almonds, water chestnuts, green onions and rice cooked in coconut milk. 

Egg Casserole with Salmon & Tomato

Amy Gorin

This healthy casserole works for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. “Call it a salmon casserole recipe or a gluten-free crustless quiche,” said dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Amy Gorin. “Whatever its name, it’s guaranteed to be one of the most delicious egg recipes you’ll ever eat. Get the recipe here. 

—Amy Bizzarri

 

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10 Awesome Brunch Spots Perfect for Mother’s Day

by Gabby Cullen

If there’s one day a year that a really good brunch is in order, it’s Mother’s Day. From the extra perks (hello, free mimosa!) to being able to choose from all from classics like eggs benedict, waffles and biscuits and gravy, it’s a win-win for everyone in your group. We rounded up 9 of our favorite spots to treat mom on May 9, and while there will definitely be some crowds, it’s totally worth the effort. Keep reading to see the best brunch in Dallas and elsewhere in DFW.

The Biscuit Bar in five DFW Locations 

This fast-casual spot is perfect for a low-key Mother’s Day Brunch. The spot in Plano is especially fun, as it’s got a great outdoor patio and there are Adirondack chairs nearby. They have biscuit sandwiches that range from classic Bacon, Egg + Cheese to fun combos like the Monte Cristo and the Hoss. They serve tots with all types of toppings, there’s a fun kids’ menu and brunch drinks are served up all weekend. 

Find a location nearest you here. 

Online: thebiscuitbar

 

Maple Leaf Diner in Dallas 

This very popular restaurant never disappoints. It’s a kid-friendly place with yummy menu items like chicken and waffles, lox benedict & latkes, and of course, plenty of pancakes. You can get a bloody mary and the kids will love the milkshakes from the dairy bar. Be warned this place is always busy, so be sure to add your name to the waitlist ahead of time by clicking here. 

12817 Preston Rd., Suite 129 
Dallas, TX 75230 

Online: mldiner.com

 

The Lazy Dog in Four DFW Locations

Our mouths are watering that the thought of having to choose between bananas foster french toast, a breakfast burrito, a breakfast club or cheesy eggs and avocado toast. There are even french toast dippers for the kids! This is brunch menu perfection! 

Find a location near you here.

Online: lazydogrestaurants.com

B&B Butchers in Fort Worth

There’s a special Mother’s Day brunch event happening at B&B Butchers, and you won’t want to miss the fun! You’ll get to choose from all the brunch options like monkey bread, five types of egg Benedict, morning favorites like pancakes and waffles; there will be two Texas longhorns for photo ops out front and a balloon artist! Even better Mom receives a complimentary mimosa, too! Reservations are required, you can make one by clicking here. 

5212 Marathon Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76109

Online: bbbutchers.com

 

 

CBD Provisions in Dallas

Always a good choice when it comes to dining in Dallas, CBD has an impressive brunch menu that includes avocado toast, sourdough french toast, green chili Migas and a veggie frittata. This place will be bustling for Mother’s Day, so get ahead of the crowds and make your reservation by clicking here.

1530 Main St.
Dallas, TX 75201

Online: cbdprovisions.com

 

 

Hannah’s Off the Square in Denton

From brunch breads to quiche and shrimp and grits, there’s not much on the menu at Hannah’s that doesn’t look good. Pair your order with a drink off their impressive bar menu. 

111 West Mulberry St. 
Denton, TX 76201

Online: hannahsoffthesquare.com

 

Tulepo Honey in Frisco

This southern food restaurant has a fab brunch that’s turned up just a notch with offerings like heirloom grits with goat cheese, avocado eggs benedict, mountain blueberry pancakes and an “Old Skool” breakfast bowl. 

6725 Winning Dr.
Frisco, TX 75034

Online: tupelohoneycafe.com

Blue Mesa Grill in three DFW Locations

If a Tex-Mex brunch is more your thing, be sure to make a reservation at Blue Mesa Grill. Their mimosa brunch is served buffet style and includes items like made-to-order omelets, a carving and street taco station, black beans and sweet corn cake. Kids ages six to 11 can join in on the fun for $7, and kids five and under eat for free! 

Find a location near you here. 

Online: bluemesagrill.com

 

Seasons 52 in Plano or NorthPark Center 

Splurge on mom with a brunch at Seasons 52. This upscale grill has a special menu for Mother’s Day 2021, and it’s filled with sophisticated menu items such as lobster bisque, apricot-glazed spiral ham and upright french toast. You can even order a Mother’s Day meal to go! 

7300 Lone Star Dr. 
Plano, TX 75024

Online: seasons52.com

 

The Fatted Calf in Rockwall

This well-known brunch spot on the square in downtown Rockwall brings folks from all over the area with its tasty menu items. There’s a special buffet brunch menu for Mother’s Day, and reservations are highly recommended. 

112 E Rusk St. 
Rockwall, TX 75087

Online: thefattedcalfrestaurant.com

 

—Gabby Cullen

Featured image: iStock 

 

RELATED STORIES: 

10 Awesome Outdoor Dining Spots in DFW

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Easy Irish Recipes to Make for St. Patrick’s Day

by Gabby Cullen

Want to try your luck and get your kids to eat like the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day? From a warm, savory stew to sweet, soft snack bars, we found eight easy Irish food recipes you can enjoy with your little leprechauns. Sláinte!

Traditional Irish Potato Boxty

Grits & Pinecones

The perfect recipe for St. Patrick's Day breakfast, Grits & Pinecones Irish Potato Boxty will become a family fave. The savory breakfast is made from a combo of mashed potatoes, raw grated potatoes, eggs, milk, flour and baking powder and enjoyed piping hot. Don't forget the green onions! Get the recipe here.

Dublin Coddle

Bound by Food

Though not a St. Patrick's Day-specific recipe, Dublin Coddle is still a tasty way to celebrate the day. The one-pot dish involves sausage, potatoes and onions and is a hearty meal for the entire fam. Get the recipe here.

Irish Lemon Pudding

Meg's Everyday Indulgence

A twist on what we Americans normally think of as pudding, Irish Lemon Pudding is a bit more like cake and baked custard––but no less delicious. Made with ingredients you probably have on hand, this citrus-flavored dessert is the perfect way to top off your St. Patrick's Day feast. Get the receipe here.

Colcannon

Eating Richly

There's no need to skip the potatoes this St. Patrick's Day! Colcannon is an Irish mashed potato recipe that involves cooked cabbage and onion and is a great way to squeeze in some veggies while the kids aren't looking. Check out Eating Richly for an easy and tasty recipe.

 

Irish Soda Bread

Pixabay

St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be quite the same without Irish Soda Bread, and lucky for you, blogger Alexandra Hedin makes hers in the form of a super yummy scone. Serve one to your little leprechaun for breakfast, or do a batch up proper for an after-school tea party. Either way, these will be a favorite with your whole crew. Get the recipe here.

Hearty Irish Stew

Lori Lange via The Recipe Girl

Chock-full of carrots, potatoes, and tender meat: You really can't go wrong with a good Irish stew. Super satisfying no matter the weather, Recipe Girl has an easy version you can re-create at home.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Swampkitty via Flickr

When you think food on St. Patrick’s Day, you think corned beef and cabbage. This version is perfect for your busy life, because all you have to do is place the brisket in the slow cooker, top with the veggies and walk away. Bonus: this version swaps out carb-loaded potatoes for extra veggies! Here’s where you’ll find the ingredients.

Fine Fettle Flapjacks

Imen McDonnell via Farmette

In Ireland, flapjacks don’t come served with maple syrup and strawberries. Instead, they come in the form of a tasty, crunchy-yet-chewy oat bar. You can use any sort of oat or grain, from millet to chia seeds, and if you want to go dairy-free, opt for coconut oil instead of butter. We are drooling over the version Imen McDonnell features on her blog, Farmette, and in her Irish cookbook, The Farmette Cookbook.

Green Macaroni & Cheese

Weelicious

So, your picky eater won’t touch corned beef and cabbage with a four leaf clover. Well, whip up a batch of green mac ‘n’ cheese for a little St. Patrick’s Day cheer, instead. Filled with good stuff like spinach, peas and lots of cheese, when you serve up this dish, there’s still a chance to say Erin go Bragh! Get the recipe here.

—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

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Parent’s Guide to the National Museum of African American History and Culture

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Whether you’ve been lucky enough to get a peek inside the gorgeous new (opened to the public in Sept. of 2016) National Museum of African American History and Culture or not, you’re likely privy to the fact that it’s the kind of institution that will take most visitors on an emotional roller coaster. The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience. It’s a must-visit for the entire family, but here’s a cheat sheet on the exhibits and features that will resonate most with your kids (FYI: Most of these are located on the museum’s top floors).

Photo: NMAAHC

Stop #1: “Cultural Expressions” (fourth floor)
The perfect jump off point, this exhibit introduces the concept of African American and African diaspora in a way that kids can understand. It touches on style (clothes, dress, hair, and jewelry), food, social dance, and language.

Photo: NMAAHC

Stop #2: “Musical Crossroads” (fourth floor)
Even your littles music lover will enjoy wandering through this exhibit that tells the story of African American music from hundreds of years ago to today’s hip-hop. This gallery is organized by musical genre rather than chronologically, covering classical, sacred, rock ’n’ roll, hip-hop and more. If you don’t have time to see (er, hear) it all, go to your families favorite music style first. Some of the must see artifacts in this area include Chuck Berry’s red Cadillac and Louis Armstrong’s brass-and-gold trumpet circa 1946.


Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Stop #3: “Taking the Stage” (fourth floor)
Mini theater buffs will learn a thing or two about the history of African Americans on stage, film and television, and how these performers paved the way for social change. A couple of the many stories told in this gallery include Paul Robeson’s role in Othello and the Black Stuntmen’s Association in Hollywood.

Photo: NMAAHC

Stop #4: “Sports Gallery” (third floor)
The sporty set in your crew won’t want to leave without swinging by this exhibit, which looks at all of the contributions from African American athletes on and off the court. Some of the coolest  Types of artifacts on display include sports equipment; awards, trophies and photos; training logs and playbooks; and posters and flyers. A grip bag and uneven-bar grips used by African American gymnast Gabby Douglas in the 2012 Olympics, a white terrycloth robe worn by Muhammad Ali and the track shoes and gold medals of Carl Lewis are just a few of the items on display.


Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Stop #5: Sweet Home Café (basement level)
When tummies start to rumble, head to the museum’s on-site eatery, showcasing the culture of African American people through food. The café features four regional stations: Agricultural South (think: Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Cornmeal Waffles), Creole Coast (think: Gulf Shrimp & Anson Mills Stone Ground Grits), North States (think: New York City Oyster Pan Roast), and Western Range (think: Pan Roast Rainbow Trout). Hungry yet?

Have you been to this museum with kids? Tell us about your visit in the comments below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

 

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