Look, we know you visit Chicago Diner for your vegan milkshakes, Wormhole for your coffee, and Stan’s for those heavy donuts that serve as a meal each, but we urge you to give some of that hard-earned brunch money to explore Uptown’s offerings of delightful food, caffeine, and pastries. You won’t be disappointed.

Kal’ish Vegan
Burgers tasting better than the real deal, a spin on chicken and waffles on an “All Day Breakfast” menu, AND they make their own baked goods ranging from cupcakes, brownies, to cookies… what are you waiting for?! Head to 1313 W Wilson, and watch as Ka’lish leaves dedicated meat eaters happily scratching their heads.

Longacre
Owners of Kal’ish opened rookie Longacre at 1303 W Wilson, a brunch and lunch restaurant serving up a variety of grub, such as gigantic “Frankfort skillet cakes” reminiscent of those jiggly pancakes on your Facebook feed. Hours are limited, though dropping by for a bagel and latte while running errands during the weekend can easily fit into your schedule.

Emerald City Coffee
This cozy coffee shop is a great spot for your daily dose of caffeine. One sip of their Cafe Medici (espresso, chocolate, orange peel, and whipped cream) will have you scoffing at Starbucks. The endless beverage options are accompanied by quick, yummy bites, and local artwork decorates the walls for customers to purchase. Drop by 1224 W Wilson for good vibes and even better coffee.

Ridman’s Coffee
Dark Matter Coffee? Check. Locally-owned? Yes. Drool-worthy pastries? You got it. This cafe at 4758 N Clark St has it all. Ridman’s also occasionally has local vendors set up a table to sell their best goods. Work on those projects you’ve procrastinated on with Netflix while sipping an iced mocha (made with Vosges Haut-Chocolat) in this welcoming coffee shop.

Uptown Donuts
Donuts seem to be taking over the spot cupcakes once held in Chicago, and we’re okay with that! Everyone wants to feel like a kid again, and the best children’s cereals on donuts in this cozy little shop on a Sunday morning could definitely cure (or at least help) your hangover from Saturday night. This new donut shop at 1122 W Wilson has unlimited coffee refills while you indulge in a half-dozen, or (let’s get real) a dozen, of their dessert-like donuts.

Sun Wah Bar-B-Que
Home of one of the city’s arguably best egg rolls, appetizing Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue can be found at this restaurant. Their delectable menu is served on a table with a rotating center for optimal quick eating and sharing (if you’re feeling nice). Order the peking duck, then watch as it’s carved table side at 5041 N Broadway while you wait in anticipation. You’ll then tell yourself you don’t have to eat for the next 3 days… until you return for seconds.

Fat Cat
Everyone loves a fluffy, chubby cat. Though there are no felines at this bar, there’s plenty of daily specials, excellent bar food, and crafted cocktails for you to feel just as warm and fuzzy as if you had a cat in your lap. Mondays serve amazing $5 burgers, which is a total steal for how tasty they are, and Thursdays have a select menu of $5 cocktails. The specials are enough to lure you in to 4840 N Broadway, but if you need a bit more convincing, the live music and Tuesday Trivia is fun for everyone in your crew.