CHIGuide
The Best Places For BYOB Brunch
photo credit: Christina Slaton
There are a lot of different ways to brunch: You can go out, cook at home, or eat leftover cold pizza from the night before. Assuming you have the day off, you should spend the day however you damn well please. Want a cocktail or five with brunch? You deserve it. But odds are you don't want to spend a fortune on drinks either, which is why we want to help you get around that problem.
There are plenty of great brunch spots that are BYOB, and that's exactly what you need for a casual, mimosa-filled morning or afternoon that doesn't rack up a big bill. Here's where to go for BYOB brunch.
Bistro Dré is going for the Parisian bistro vibes in Lakeview, which they achieve. You might be thinking, wait a second, the French only eat a croissant for breakfast and that's not going to cut it. The good news is you'll find way more than that here, including a waffle sandwich with smoked bacon, bacon syrup, cheddar, and a fried egg between bacon waffles because AMERICA.
The top five things at Ann Sather come in this order: 1. Cinnamon Rolls, 2. Cinnamon Rolls, 3. BYOB Policy, 4. Cinnamon Rolls, and 5. BYOB Policy. Stick to the basics like a breakfast burrito or omelette, but mainly because they come with sides. And cinnamon rolls are a side option.
Don't be dumb and make the mistake of sleeping on HB Home Bistro. The menu always has enough classics mixed with creativity to keep you coming back for more. Brunch burrito with braised short rib? Yup. Bread pudding french toast? You know we're in.
This spot is Permanently Closed.
Hash usually comes up any time we talk breakfast and brunch, and for good reason. It's cheap, it's easy, and they serve great food. And guess what? It's also BYOB, which makes it all the more fitting for a weekend daytime meal.
photo credit: Susie Lacocque
This cozy neighborhood spot has everything from bacon wrapped baked eggs with polenta to a roasted asparagus and prosciutto benedict. Combined with the BYOB policy, M. Henry says it wants to be formal, but they're here to party. They serve brunch seven days a week, too, and can accommodate any kind of schedule.
There's "let's have one mimosa" with brunch and then there's "we serve mojito mix for you." Guess which one 90 miles is? Yup, it's the latter, which means you can say f*ck it, let's get drunk at brunch. And just like dinner, brunch at 90 Miles Cuban Cafe is laid-back, relaxed, and always a good time for a group to gather.
There are three different Nookies that are BYOB. The original Nookies in Old Town, Nookies Too in Lincoln Park, and Nookies Tree, which is not only BYOB, but open 24 hours on the weekends. No wonder Fred Durst was so into it.
Irazu has a limited breakfast menu, but it exists, and that's all that matters. It's the perfect BYOB spot in the summer when you're basically sitting outside, and the Costa Rican cuisine is something a little different. Try the classic gallo pinto dish that involves rice and beans, plus eggs, plantains, and avocado.
Grandma J's is a cash-only, family owned and operated spot in Humboldt Park, and it looks and feels like your grandmas living room. We're not sure how you would feel about bringing booze to your own grandma's spot, but here it's allowed. One thing is for sure, we're going to be drunk all the time when we're old.
