The Gold Coast settlement of this old-school chain is a neighborhood favorite with a faithful following who, of course, love pancakes. The long lines that form outside the white building (with a blue door, blue fence, and crisscross windows) on the weekends are indicative of the delicious variety of pancakes, waffles, omelets, and crepes that are served up. Since 1976, this location has offered classic, flavorful pancakes, made from their homemade batter with a sourdough base. Pancakes come in all kinds of flavors, but the signature dishes are not to be missed. One of the most popular is the apple-and-cinnamon pancake, and while it may take a while to prepare, that’s because this German breakfast is oven-baked, and you’ll probably find it big enough to share with a friend. You’ll probably find me behind a stack of chocolate-chip-banana flapjacks though. Mmm…

In the Ukrainian Village and just down the street from Goldilocks and Gremlins, Milk & Honey Café has a bit of an “indie” feel to it. Completely casual, there is no table service here. Customers place their orders at the counter for items like orange brioche French toast, smoked salmon on a toasted bagel, and an egg, bacon, tomato, and cheddar panini. Their homemade granola has actually become so popular, it is now packaged and sold in 40 different stores across the city. The lunch menu is always fresh and new, including several salads and sandwiches. There are also plenty of vegetarian options and sweets available. The outdoor seating is charming, and during the cold winter months, you can enjoy your meal next to the fireplace indoors.

Did you know that the pizza puff was invented here in Chicago? They are produced at Iltaco Foods in the Wicker Park neighborhood. Now, while I don’t think I’d ever have a pizza puff for breakfast, there is an adorable house with pink awnings just across the street from Iltaco called The Breakfast Club. The owner of Iltaco decided the neighborhood needed a breakfast place, so she opened this comfy, cozy restaurant that’s hard to miss. Not only are the awnings pink, but the walls inside are pink also! Everything from the blueberry pancakes to the hash browns to the biscuits and gravy is made from scratch. You can even try a breakfast cocktail like a mimosa or cranberry sunrise. The space is homey and small, so tables and customers are packed in tightly. The restaurant gets pretty busy during the peak breakfast hours, so arrive early to secure a seat.

When Kim Dalton and William Kasser decided to open their own eatery, they named it after their loved ones. Both of them coincidentally had a relative nicknamed “Dodo.” Featuring all kinds of paintings and sculptures of the extinct bird, this kitschy, cozy place only seats about 25 people, serving breakfast all day, including traditional eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, a fluffy herb omelet, and a unique Japanese pancake with okonomiyaki sauce. Dodo also serves lunch and, on weekends, “breakunch,” the restaurant’s version of brunch. The small restaurant has also just started serving dinner as well. Bring your cash though; credit cards are not accepted. Once you’ve finished your meal, you can actually stroll over to the attached gallery and check out the work of local artists.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) rhosoi

The Original Pancake House ($): 22 E Bellevue Pl; 312-642-7917
Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sat – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; pay lot available
Public Trans: Bus # 36, 70, 151 or Red Line train (Clark/Division)
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/

Milk & Honey Café ($): 1920 W Division St; 773-395-9434
Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sat: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sun: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Street parking available
Public Trans: Bus # 9, X9, 50, 56, 70 or Blue Line train (Division)
http://www.milkandhoneycafe.com/

The Breakfast Club ($): 1381 W Hubbard St; 312-666-2372
Mon – Fri: 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sat – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Street parking available
Public Trans: Bus # 9, X9, 65 or Green/Pink Line train (Ashland)

Dodo ($): 935 N Damen Ave; 773-772-DODO (3636)
Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sat – Sun: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public Trans: Bus # 50, 66, 70
http://www.dodochicago.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler