Chicago Breakfast and/or coffee shops?
 

Hi all - we're headed to Chicago for the first time next weekend. We're staying in the Loop on N Wacker around the corner from N. Michigan Ave.

Any recommendations nearby there to go for coffee & a muffin or bagel in the morning or other good breakfast spot?

Something casual...just somewhere to get a bite and perhaps people watch for a little bit...

thanks!

I have never been to this place, but since we're going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks, I've been reading up, and it seems like the place to go is Lew Mitchell's diner, which I believe is in the Loop.

West Egg Cafe. Nobody does it better.

You're on N. Wacker, near N. Michigan? Are you sure?

If you are east of State Street, near Michigan Avenue, then you are on East Wacker. If you are west of State Street, then you are on West Wacker.

If you are on North Wacker, you are over by the Civic Opera Building, and you are about a mile away from N. Michigan Avenue. If you are near the Sears Tower, you are on South Wacker, a little more than a mile from N. Michigan Ave.

I suspect you are staying on East Wacker.

Would you please confirm exactly where you are staying and I'll be happy to give you directions to better breakfast places.

Oops, you're right! We're staying on East Wacker in the Club Quarters hotel.

thanks!

Go to Tempo on North State Street for breakfast. Angelina went there last week with her kids while in town to film a movie.

There are lots of Corner Bakeries around and one should be close to your hotel. Great oatmeal!

iluv, there's a Corner Bakery almost at the corner of Michigan and Wacker. The cost will run you about $7-12 pp, depending on what you get. In fact, I just was at this particular location about a month ago and had a Sunrise Scrambler. It was good. Good also to sit outside, if you can - interesting to see what's going on at the Trump International Tower across the River. BIG P.S. If you are taking the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise (highly, highly recommended!!!), you are only 1 block away from the boarding area.

Fox and Obel Gourmet Market on E. Illinois (by Navy Pier) also has some good options, such as the Truffled Eggs Benedict for $10. Pricier than the above.

If you'd like your breakfast spicy, Heaven on Seven (original location) is at 111 N. Wabash, on the 7th floor.

If you wanted something even better, recommend Orange on Harrison or The Bongo Room in the South Loop. Will run you anywhere from $12-30 pp, depending on what you get. If you go to Orange on Harrison, recommend the Pancake Flight option or the pan-seared oatmeal. If you were interested in the fresh-squeezed juices, it can get a little pricey quickly, but if you've ever had the urge to try an unusual combination, here's your chance.

If you are going to the Museum Campus for any reason, Yolk (on S. Michigan) is also a great choice.

If you wanted something special, though, recommend going to North Pond for brunch (weekends only).

For arguably the best coffee in Chicago, though, you need to go to Intelligentsia. There are several locations (the original is in Lakeview on Broadway, just south of Belmont) but the closest one to you would be on N. Randolph, just west of the Chicago Cultural Center. There is another in the Monadnock Building on Jackson, if you are out that way.

If you like tea, however, there are several Argo Teas around town now. The closest one is on Randolph, just west of the Borders at the corner of State/Randolph.

Hope this gives you food for thought. :)

<i>Angelina went there last week with her kids while in town to film a movie.</i>

As good a reason as any to avoid the place - LOL!

thanks everyone for the suggestions!

My recommendation would be the Eleven City Diner. It is a cool mix of Jewish Deli and Diner. We had a great brunch there when we were in Chicago last year.

http://www.elevencitydiner.com/

11 city dinner sounds good, but not near the hotel.

i enjoyed cafe duluxe, right on michigan avenue, both mornings we were there!

I've been trying for months to remember the name of a coffee shop where we enjoyed breakfast. It was across the street from the Best Western on Ohio Street--the one nearest the lake and just a block off Michigan Avenue. Anyone know?

I believe you refer to The Cambridge House, which, alas, is no more. It was demolished to make way for yet another condo building.

The greasy spoon has gone the way of the dive bar here in downtown Chicago...

Racy, just like most other parts of town. Cannot afford the rents and taxes.