Weekday "Brunch" on the Northside

Tried looking around a bit without luck and I'm sure there are threads out there on this so if someone can refer me to one or make a recommendation, that would be terrific.

I need a spot for a lunch on a Tuesday (a day a lot of places are closed unfortunately), on the north/near north side (boundaries of say Irving, Damen, Chicago and Broadway) open for lunch/brunch on a weekday by 11:00. Most regular lunch places don't seem to open til 11:30 so was hoping to avoid having to google every place I could think of and also maybe get some good suggestions to add to my "go to" places list. Don't need anything fancy but prefer table service to counter. Places I thought of immediately were Flo (best of the lot), Wishbone (bleh) and Nookies (eh)--hoping to come up with something a bit more creative. Thanks for any help in advance

Are you willing to stretch your boundary a bit?
Lutz Café & Pastry Shop
2458 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
http://www.lutzcafe.com/cafe.asp

First thought was Over Easy Cafe, then I read your boundaries. Jane's on Cortland might also fit the bill. They open at 11. I had breakfast once at the Riverside Cafe right across from Jane's and enjoyed the breakfast sandwich, the coffee and the restaurant.

Over Easy Cafe
4943 N. Damen Ave
(773) 506-2605
http://www.overeasycafechicago.com

Jane's
1655 W. Cortland St.
(773) 862-5263‎
http://www.janesrestaurant.com

Riverside Deli
1656 W. Cortland St.
(773) 278-3354‎

Dave148--Lutz is probably a bit far out (I think at least two of the diners are coming from downtown). I've not tried it though so I'll float the option in case they're willing to travel a bit more since that's fine for me coming from W. Lakeview. thanks!

GP--Jane's is a great suggestion--I always forget about that place!! thanks!

boudreaulicious wrote:Don't need anything fancy but prefer table service to counter.

Cornerstone Cafe, not fancy, good food, both table and counter service. Whenever anyone mentions Flo my reflex is to recommend Cafe Central, right across the street. Full flavored inexpensive Puerto Rican fare.

Cornerstone Cafe
2753 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
773-235-1155

Cafe Central
1437 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
312-243-6776

bakin & eggs on lincoln.

G Wiv wrote:Cornerstone Cafe, not fancy, good food, both table and counter service.

You beat me to it. Short of going to Patty's (which is outside of the designated zone), Cornerstone was going to be my recommendation as well.

Okay -- I know nothing about this place but I will say that I always want to know about new breakfast places.

Elly's Pancake House is apparently in the spot where Michael's -- a Greek Diner -- used to be on North Avenue and Clark Street. The menu looks tasty -- it might be a great new place. There were only 6 reviews on Metromix and they were mixed but it didn't seem to be about the food so much as the service. It's 24 hours -- and it would be so great to have a decent 24 hours place in that hood.

101 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60610 312-643-2300

http://www.ellyspancakehouse.com

Another option might be Feast in Bucktown or in the Gold Coast. The one in the Gold Coast is open at 8 but the one in Bucktown is open at 11. That restaurant I've been too several times in each location and it's a pretty good brunch joint. Lots options -- some healthier than others. If it's nice out -- they have a lovely patio as well -- at least in Bucktown.

http://feastrestaurant.com/html/locations/locations.php

There's always Tempo in the Gold Coast. It's a great Greek Diner on State near Chestnut.

Thanks to those who have chimed in so far!

We're probably looking to go more "cafe" than "diner" and definitely hoping to stay out of the downtown/gold coast area due to parking costs. The Feast suggestion is a good one--I haven't been in many years and don't remember it being a standout, but maybe it's time for a re-visit. That would definitely be more of the vibe of place that the group would desire. Of course, not like parking in that area is great but mid-day on a weekday should be ok...

what about uncommon ground on clark? i have only been to the one on devon but always really enjoy it!

if you happen to want to go out of your bounds, i am a big fan of tweet and m. henry (both north of irving park) and south of your boundaries is sweet maple cafe. all three of those places are great treats on weekdays, as the lines are not nearly as long as weekends

scratch tweet...closed tuesdays!

Definitely north of your zone, but easy to get to off of Lake Shore Drive:

M Henry
www.mhenry.net
5707 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60660-4026
(773) 561-1600

I never go on the weekends due to the line, but during the week it's easy to get in to and serves probably my favorite brunch in the city. They also have fantastic vegetarian options, if that's something that's important. Unfortunately the official brunch menu is only served on Sunday, but the breakfast menu (which is still quite impressive) is served all-day, Tues-Sun.

-Dan

Thank ecs and dansch--loved all of your suggestions--I always forget about uncommon ground and have never been to M.Henry--both are perfect for this group. I also remembered Glenn's Diner which I also think they'd like. Two are farther north than my "boundaries" but due to easy parking and the fact that our only goldcoast dweller can't attend anyway, it shouldn't be a problem.

thanks everyone for your contributions

jen

Delightful Pastries, 1710 N Wells. It's my new favorite .

pairs4life wrote:Delightful Pastries, 1710 N Wells. It's my new favorite .

Almost stopped in there after the farmer's market a couple of weeks ago--will have to try it next time I'm over there.

The group has decided on M.Henry which I'm looking forward to since I've never been. Will report back!