In my pre-kid days. brunch meant sleeping in on a Saturday or Sunday and going out for a gluttonous, marathon breakfast at lunchtime, complete with libations. These days, with kids, that scenario looks a lot different. Regardless, I still enjoy a good brunch, and it’s always a treat to eat waffles in the middle of the day.
From upscale, champagne brunch buffets to old school, short order diners, there is no shortage of establishments serving up brunch in Lake County. For a special occasion, I love Ad-lib Geocafe and Johnny’s Chophouse for brunch. For a relaxed, lazy Sunday meal, The Vegas Cafe is my go-to. We’ve polled our readers, and these are their favorites.
Reservation only, Sunday Brunch from 11:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.; three courses plus a basket of beignets.
475 S. Route 45, Lindenhurst | 847-245-7328
Deer Path Inn – The English Room
255 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest | 847-234-2280
Elly’s Pancake House
435 Townline Rd., Mundelein | 847-837-8100
The Grille on Laurel
Brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest | 847-234-9660
“The Grille on Laurel in Lake Forest – a little bit of everything but no too much!” Olga Z.
Johnny’s Chophouse
Sunday brunch served 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1500 Main St., Antioch | 847-838-2015
Mickey Finn’s Brewery
Saturday breakfast specials until 4:00 p.m., and Sunday $6 Bloody Mickeys
345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | 847-362-6688
Milwalky Trace
603 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | 847-530-7172
Prairie Grass Cafe
Brunch served Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook | 847-205-4433
Sunday brunch served 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; kids under 5 eat free.
1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook | 847-480-2323
100 W. Higgins Rd., South Barrington | 847-844-9300
Saranello’s
Champagne brunch served Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Located inside the Westin Hotel, 601 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling | 847-777-6878
The Shanty
Brunch served Sundays, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
38985 N. Route 41, Wadsworth | 847-336-0262
The Vegas Cafe
914 Main St., Antioch | 847-395-6363
767 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich | 847-550-0006
200 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire | 847-634-2220
“Walker Bros. Pancakes in Lincolnshire. The buttermilk pancakes are the best, and their menu is huge.” Jennifer J.
Wildberry
1783 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | 847-247-7777
What’s your favorite brunch spot in Lake County? Tell us in the comments section.
Taste of Paris in Mundelein is amazing! They have the best croissants and a phenomenal eggs Benedict on Weekends. Their waffles are also fabulous!!
Now I’m hungry.