The Best Chicago Spots To Start Your Day Off Right

via Gotham Bagels

Why start your morning off on the wrong foot when you can start it off right?! If you’re like us, the first thing that comes to mind when waking up is “What’s for breakfast” or “Where’s the coffee?”. Lucky for you, we can help answer both these important questions with this list of amazing Chicagoland restaurants to start your morning off RIGHT!

Gotham Bagels {Multiple Locations}

A bagel for breakfast is a sure way to satisfy early morning hunger. Enter Gotham Bagels. Priding themselves in perfecting the “New York Bagel”, Gotham has been in the bagel business for almost 20 years and they know their stuff! Their Chicagoland locations, including Gold Coast, Lakeview, South Loop & Mag Mile, offer over 10 different hand-rolled bagels as well as specialty bagel sandwiches to enjoy in-house or on the go.

Beatrix {Multiple Locations}

Beatrix restaurants have been a Chicago favorite since they opened their doors. And, their numerous locations throughout the city (and suburbs) make it an easily accessible stop no matter where your morning takes you! Not only do they offer fresh + seasonal baked goods and pastries, but they also brew their own signature & seasonal coffee roasts that are featured on the market menu and available to purchase as whole bean or ground coffee bags. Don’t worry they have it all!

via Stax Cafe

Stax Cafe {Multiple Locations}

Stacks on stacks of morning delights await at the acclaimed breakfast-eatery, Stax Cafe. Stax is a family owned business with owner Spiro Tsaldaris on-site everyday alongside his wife Heather who creates all the cafe’s specials from scratch! The menus at their River West and Little Italy locations feature an enormous array of breakfast and brunch offerings that are sure to satisfy that big morning appetite. Their relaxed, inviting atmosphere also makes it perfect for a family outing.

Canal Street Eatery & Market {314 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL; 312.967.6060}

Located in Chicago’s Loop, Canal Street Market is your one stop shop for fresh pastries, specialty coffees, breakfast sandwiches and more. With its central location and early opening time of 7am Monday-Friday, Canal Street is ideal for both grab & go breakfasts on your way to the office as well as for a relaxing sunlit spot to work remotely.

Good Ambler {216 North Peoria Street, Chicago, IL; 312.872.7165}

Your morning decadence awaits at Fulton Market’s Good Ambler. Equal parts cafe, bakery and chocolatier, Good Ambler boasts an expansive array of gourmet + artisanally crafted treats to indulge in daily. While the entire cafe space is open to all from Friday-Sunday it’s important to note that they close part of the cafe for carry-out orders from 11am-1pm every Monday-Thursday, so seating space may be limited during that time!

Yolk {Multiple Locations}  

With a name like Yolk, you know you are in for some egg-cellent breakfast offerings to start your morning off right. This bright & cheery Chicago breakfast spot has locations in most neighborhoods around the city and has been a diner favorite for almost 20 years. Yolk’s menu includes all your typical breakfast favorites, but what they’re known for are their seasonal innovative twists on classic dishes. 

Lost Larson {Multiple Locations}

Originating in Andersonville and now with a second location in Wicker Park, Lost Larson is an upscale bakery that focuses on the traditional and sometimes “lost” ways of baking. In true old school bakery fashion, both locations open early, at 7am, and close early to mid afternoon. Their baked goods can change daily depending on availability of fresh ingredients and their seasonal pastries highlight fruits at peak ripeness. And if that’s not reason enough to stop in, Lost Larson also hand rolls their own cinnamon rolls…

via Sassy Biscuits

Sassy Biscuits {112 North Main Street, Wheaton, IL]

Calling all West suburban residents or commuters, Sassy Biscuits in Wheaton should be your next morning stop! If its name didn’t give it away, biscuits are the main menu focus, including some knock-out biscuit sandwich offerings. Sassy Biscuits also knows no breakfast meal is complete without some accompanying caffeine, so after you get your biscuit bliss, head through their connecting doors to Five & Hoek coffee roasters for all your beverage needs.

KIUBO Cultural Center {2901 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL; 773.236.2783}

The newly opened Kiubo Cultural Center in Chicago’s Little Village is a cultural collective dedicated to showcasing and empowering the unique perspective of coffee, flowers, art & design inspired by Mexico. Bueno Days coffee company resides inside Kiubo’s space and offers deliciously creative morning beverages influenced by the flavors and ingredients of Mexico. Enjoy your drink on-the go or while you explore the other shops within Kiubo!

Milk & Honey Cafe {1920 West Division Street, Chicago, IL; 773.395.9434}

Milk & Honey is a beloved Wicker Park staple with over 20 years of experience in the breakfast scene. Not only do they offer house baked pastries, but they also feature a full breakfast and lunch menu including gourmet sandwiches and scratch soups. Enjoy your morning spread on Milk & Honey’s spacious outdoor patio at any time of year, thanks to their cozy fireplace keeping you warm all winter long!

By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager