Looking to treat Mom to brunch on Mother’s Day (May 11), but don’t have the cash for a four-star splurge? These spots will please her (and you) without busting your wallet—plus they serve luxe libations to help keep everyone happy.
David Burke’s Primehouse (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
So you love the idea of dim sum, but Mom hates the sight of chicken feet. This River North steakhouse offers an "American dim sum" brunch featuring breakfast faves such as stuffed French toast alongside Asian goodies like lobster spring rolls. All moms get a doughnut with a "fortune" tucked inside, and 12 lucky ladies score certificates for massages, facials and more.
Helpers: The petite bloody mary, mango bellini and ruby red salty dog (pictured) make a blissful threesome ($8).
Details: $35 per person; reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fiddlehead Cafe (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
This Lincoln Square spot, which focuses on modern American cuisine, will make wine-loving moms happy with an easy-to-navigate list and tasting flights for the indecisive. Plus, you can sate Mom’s spring fever with brunch on the sidewalk cafe. The buffet includes house-smoked beef brisket and made-to-order omelets and waffles.
Helpers: The brunch flight features a mimosa, a bellini and a pomegranate- and blueberry-spiked Pomosa ($10).
Details: $19 per person; reservations not accepted. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
10 Pin Bowling Lounge (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
If your mom’s sporty, take her to this River North spot for a two-hour brunch buffet with unlimited bowling—the deal even includes free shoe rental. And 10 Pin won’t be showing any cheesy chick flicks on the oversized HD TVs. Instead, expect plenty of sports. Eats include vanilla ice cream-battered French toast stuffed with Baileys cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill cream, and carved roast turkey.
Helpers: A "Momtini" list includes the Ma Kettle, laced with vodka and blue Curacao ($9.50).
Details: $36 per person; reservations recommended. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Chalkboard (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
In lieu of the usual brunch, fussy moms will appreciate the civilized afternoon tea service at this cute North Center spot. Plus, the sidewalk cafe should debut in time for you to take your spot of tea outdoors. There’s a selection of premium loose leaf and bagged teas, and tea tiers come stocked with savories and sweets such as duck and apple-mustard finger sandwiches and black currant scones with clotted cream and lemon curd. All mamas get a rose, and chef-owner Gilbert Langlois is prepping special Mom’s Day treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Helpers: The peachy bellini gets a dash of Chambord mixed with rosé ($15).
Details: $19 per person; reservations recommended. Noon-4 p.m.
Citizen Bar (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
If the weather warms up, this River North spot is a Mom’s Day no-brainer—there’s a spacious rooftop deck and a patio, plus all moms dine for half-price on Mother’s Day. The prix-fixe menu features three-egg Italian-style omelets and herb-crusted beef tenderloin with eggs and basil pesto.
Helpers: The brunch deal includes mimosas (limit three)—’nuff said.
Details: $10-$20; reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tallulah (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
If Ma craves that new restaurant smell, take her to this pretty Lincoln Square spot, which just opened in February, for a three-course, prix-fixe holiday brunch. Chef Troy Graves’ menu offers choices such as woodland mushroom crepes with ramps, gorgonzola, spiced walnuts and nettle brown butter; and soft shell crab Benedict with asparagus and Meyer lemon hollandaise.
Helpers: A free glass of champagne
Details: $30 per person; reservations required. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
[ Terri Mooney is a Metromix special contributor. ] metromix@metromix.com