Chicago’s breakfast‑obsessed crowd has a not‑so‑secret crush on a tiny spot called Breakfast House.
What started in 2012 as a modest West Town neighborhood joint has snowballed into a full‑blown morning phenomenon, with seven locations across the city and more on the way.
Chicago Breakfast Lovers Are Losing Their Minds Over This Spot
Breakfast House looks like the kind of unassuming corner cafe you might walk past on your way to somewhere “cooler”—until you notice the steady stream of people lining up at 7 a.m. for chorizo hash and fluffy pancakes.
Since opening its first West Town location in 2012, chef‑owner Jaime Jara has quietly built a mini empire, growing to seven Chicago locations while keeping the vibe deeply neighborhood‑friendly.
The kitchen leans into Latin‑inspired twists on classic American breakfast — think chorizo, guajillo sauce, and house‑made tortillas alongside buttermilk pancakes and waffles.
Reviewers gush that the coffee is “to die for,” the orange juice is fresh‑squeezed, and the menu is packed with dishes that feel familiar but somehow better than you remember them anywhere else.
Regulars brag about eating there almost every weekend for years, bringing every out‑of‑town guest to prove that this is the Chicago breakfast experience.
If you’re building an itinerary from guides to the best breakfast in Chicago or scanning Chicago brunch guides for your next morning feast, this spot deserves to be right alongside the heavy hitters. 🥞
Food Highlights
- Chorizo Hash: This signature best‑seller piles crispy house potatoes, fresh corn, red peppers, onions, and two over‑easy eggs under a drizzle of chipotle aioli and guacamole for a smoky, hearty plate that feels like a full‑on comfort‑food experience with a Latin kick.
- Breakfast House Hash: A super‑satisfying skillet of poached eggs, chicken, Andouille sausage, roasted potatoes, onions, and red peppers with Dijon aioli, this dish delivers a rich, savory, slightly smoky experience that feels tailor‑made for lingering over coffee on a slow Chicago morning.
- Special Oven Baked French Toast: Made with challah French toast baked in the oven and topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries, plus optional dulce de leche or Nutella, this order gives you an ultra‑indulgent, dessert‑for‑breakfast experience that’s perfect for sharing (or unapologetically keeping to yourself) and rivals anything in broader Chicago breakfast and brunch roundups.
- Vanilla Waffle: This vanilla‑infused waffle arrives crisp on the outside, soft inside, and piled with fresh berries and bananas, offering a light yet satisfying experience that feels ideal before a day exploring brunch‑loving neighborhoods like Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
- Chef Special Crepes: Delicate crepes stuffed with fresh blueberries and strawberries and finished with dulce de leche sauce create a luxe, dessert‑leaning experience that’s visually impressive, sweet without being cloying, and perfect for guests who want something a bit more “special occasion” than standard eggs and toast.
- Breakfast Burrito: Packed with scrambled eggs, bacon, onions, tomatoes, avocado, pepper jack cheese, sour cream, and guajillo sauce in a flour tortilla, this monster burrito delivers a bold, spicy‑savory, “I might not need lunch” experience on par with the city’s favorites in best breakfast sandwich and burrito lists.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: These classic fluffy buttermilk pancakes, often paired with eggs and bacon, give you a nostalgic, diner‑style experience that’s elevated by their tender texture and balanced sweetness, making them a go‑to option for anyone chasing that “perfect stack” celebrated in many “best breakfast in Chicago” shortlists.
Atmosphere
The vibe at Breakfast House is cozy, casual, and genuinely welcoming, with a true neighborhood feel that regulars compare to a family‑run cafe.
Staff are often praised as friendly and attentive, happy to accommodate substitutions and special requests with a smile, much like the warm service highlighted in broader Chicago breakfast guides.
The space is bright and relaxed, ideal for lingering over a second coffee or fresh juice before exploring the city or tackling a busy work day.
On busy weekends, expect a bit of a wait — but guests insist the food and hospitality make it absolutely worth it, especially if you’re ticking off your own Chicago brunch bucket list. ☕✨
Bottom Line
Warm service, made‑from‑scratch favorites, and a legendary chorizo hash.
Huge portions that justify any wait.
Fresh coffee, vibrant Latin‑inspired flavors, and sweet plates that feel like dessert.
Multiple Chicago locations make it easy to visit.
Come hungry, leave plotting your next brunch. 🍳
Address:
1800 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
📞 +1 312-997-2400
🕔 Open daily, Mon-Sun, 7 AM–2:30 PM