Do your memories of Easter Sundays past involve itchy Easter finery and long waits for a table next to the drippy ice sculpture? We shudder to think of it. Luckily, you don’t have to go down that path ever again. Check out these low-key brunch spots that won’t keep you in line all day—no bonnet required.
Flying Saucer (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: An eclectic mix of young and old from Humboldt Park and beyond
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: Less than 20 minutes
Don’t miss: Two eggs, cheesy grits and homemade buttermilk biscuits ($11.50). Flying Saucer is BYOB. Bring champagne to mix with fresh-squeezed OJ ($3.50).
Corosh (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: West Town hipsters, with and without kids
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: 15-20 minutes
Don’t miss: The all-you-can-eat buffet ($14) stacked with carved ham, made-to-order omelets, pancakes and salads
Broadway Cellars (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: Uptown neighbors, hungry churchgoers
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: About 20 minutes
Don’t miss: The signature eggs Benedicts. We like the Grump: two poached eggs over a crab cake with shrimp-flavored Hollandaise ($11.95).
S & G Restaurant (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: Young families, old-timers from ’hood and everyone in between
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: Less than 30 minutes, depending on party size
Don’t miss: The 26 egg casserole options—try the Popeye, a skillet filled with hash browns, sauteed fresh spinach with sour cream, and two eggs, any style ($7.95).
Union Park (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: Young West Loop condo-dwellers
Usual wait: None
Anticipated Easter wait: None
Don’t miss: The Signature Bloody Mary, served in a pint glass with a chunk of salami, cheese and a pickle ($5). The brunch menu is also cheap, with a $6 build-your-own-omelet option.
Chief O’Neill’s Pub (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: Families, neighborhood folks and others who want to keep the Irish spirit alive post-St. Patty’s Day
Usual wait: Less than 15 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: About 20 minutes, but reservations are highly recommended
Don’t miss: The all-you-can-eat buffet ($21.95 on Easter, regularly $13.95). Indulge in Easter lamb and ham, peel-and-eat shrimp and Irish brown bread; an entire corner of the room is devoted to desserts, including a chocolate fountain.
CJ’s Eatery (hours | maps | Reader Reviews)
Who: A blend of all humanity joined by a common love of comfort food
Usual wait: Less than 10 minutes
Anticipated Easter wait: Less than 10 minutes
Don’t miss: Shrimp and grits ($9) or the chicken and waffles ($8). CJ’s is BYOB; bring champagne to mix with a pitcher of OJ ($10.99) and you’ve got mimosas for the whole table.
[ Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor. ] metromix@tribune.com