If you’re in the mood for brunch but have no idea where to go, we’ve got two words for you: Lincoln Square. We don’t know why the vicinity of Lincoln and Wilson Avenues has such a high density of great brunch options, but just walking down one of these streets on a weekend morning could spike your cholesterol level. How to choose once you’re there? Here’s our take on some of the best.
For the spring feverish: Fiddlehead Cafe
’Tis the season for ramp omelets ($11) and organic carrot-orange juice ($4) at this Saturday and Sunday brunch. Be on the lookout for—what else?—fiddlehead ferns, coming soon. Twist on tradition: Cap’n Crunch French toast ($9): brioche dipped in peanut butter and coated in cereal.
Drinking your brunch? Try the mimosa flight ($10) with peach, orange and pomegranate-blueberry cocktail samplers.
Outdoor seating: Yes!
For the soccer snob: The Grafton
Rise and shine by 7 a.m. to catch beamed-in English Premier and Champions League matches with your Irish breakfast ($10.95). (Check thegrafton.com for soccer schedule.) Twist on tradition: The Croque Mná is a Croque Madame with a brogue—Irish bacon instead of plain ham—and an egg on top ($6.95).
Drinking your brunch? What’s more Irish than mojito ($5.50)? You know ... mint? Work with us here.
Outdoor seating: Not yet
For the stylish: Tallulah
The dining room’s palette of sexy creams adds a touch of class to the eclectic offerings, which range from a to-die-for duck confit omelet ($11) to light and lively grapefruit-cured salmon ($8). Twist on tradition: Blueberry and chocolate in one pancake ($8)? Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?
Drinking your brunch? A simple glass of prosecco ($9) is perfect here.
Outdoor seating: Yes!
For the foodie: Bistro Campagne
Chef de cuisine Daniel Jacobs will go all out when Sunday brunch makes a comeback here on April 27. Come hungry for highlights from the dinner menu (steak frites for brunch?), plus items such as—fasten your seatbelts—a sausage flight ($6). Twist on tradition: Poached eggs Florentine ($10) made with a parmesan and spinach bechamel sauce instead of hollandaise.
Drinking your brunch? The house bloody ($9) is garnished with a crisp chip of Serrano ham.
Outdoor seating: One of the best gardens in town, open weather permitting
Chris LaMorte is the metromix dining producer. clamorte@tribune.com