The Brunch Bliss Series: 5 Must-Try Spots New York City & Chicago

With Easter just a few weeks away, we're serving up a little inspiration for your weekend plans! This week, we’re highlighting 5 of the best brunch spots across Baltimore, Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, and Atlanta—whether you're planning a festive gathering, a cozy catch-up with friends, or just craving really good waffles!

Cheryl's Global Soul is a cozy eatery located at 236 Underhill Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. Helmed by celebrity chef Cheryl Smith, former star of the Food Network's "Melting Pot," the restaurant offers a menu that blends traditional soul food with global culinary influences. Signature dishes include Sake Glazed Salmon, Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Tagine, and Creole BBQ Jumbo Shrimp. Cheryl's Global Soul is also known for its popular weekend brunch, featuring items like Buttermilk Pancakes with Mixed Berries and Chantilly Cream, and Poached Eggs over Salmon Hash with Hollandaise Sauce. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating and is conveniently situated near cultural landmarks such as the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park.

Rustik Tavern is a beloved neighborhood spot located in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant/Clinton Hill area. Established in 2008, it offers a cozy, living room-style atmosphere with a menu serving up a delicious fusion of Midwestern and Southern-inspired comfort food, paired with a lively bar scene. Brunch is a standout, featuring a popular "Boozy Brunch" option with unlimited Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Bellinis for 90 minutes with the purchase of an entrée. Whether you're craving soulful eats, handcrafted cocktails, or a warm place to gather with friends, Rustik Tavern delivers Brooklyn hospitality at its best.

Peaches Prime is an upscale restaurant located at 590 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York. As part of the B+C Restaurant Group’s Peaches brand, it offers a refined take on Southern-inspired cuisine in a warm, stylish setting. Weekend brunch is inviting, with standout options like the Jim Cade Breakfast—eggs any style, French toast, bacon, and grits—and a flavorful take on Shrimp and Grits with roasted garlic butter, kale, mushrooms, and white wine.

​Brown Butter Craft Bar & Kitchen is a cozy café located at 413 Tompkins Avenue in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, the café offers a menu featuring inventive breakfast and brunch items, including their signature house-made brown butter biscuits. Patrons can enjoy dishes such as the Breakfast Egg Sandwich with scrambled eggs and New York cheddar, and the Belgian Waffles served with a choice of bacon or house-made sausage. Complementing the food offerings is a selection of craft specialty coffee drinks, including options like the Golden Latte and Matcha Sunrise. Brown Butter provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking quality fare and beverages in a relaxed setting.

Pig & Butter is a vibrant craft cocktail bar and brunch restaurant located at 42 Avenue B in New York City's East Village. Known for its all-day brunch offerings, the menu features an array of breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, French toast, and coffee. The establishment also offers a variety of specialty cocktails and hosts happy hour sessions from 4 PM to 7 PM and 9 PM to close on select days. The interior boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both brunch enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados. Pig & Butter operates with walk-in seating, and reservations are accepted for parties of ten or more.

​Truth Italian Restaurant is a culinary gem nestled in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood. This inviting eatery offers a soulful take on breakfast, brunch, and lunch, blending classic Italian dishes with creative twists. Guests can enjoy all-day breakfast options such as omelets and French toast, while the lunch menu, available from noon, features a variety of flavorful selections. Whether dining on the charming patio, at the cozy bar, or in the welcoming dining room, patrons are treated to warm hospitality and a memorable dining experience.

​The L Station is a family-owned restaurant located at 186 N Wells St in Chicago, Illinois. Known for its soulful dining experience, the establishment offers a variety of menus, including brunch, dinner, and cocktails. ​Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring a selection of dishes that blend classic and innovative flavors. ​For parties of 10 or more, reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant directly. Smaller groups are accommodated on a walk-in basis.

Dawn A.M. Eatery is a Southern-inspired all-day brunch spot located at 1642 E 56th St in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. The menu showcases a variety of comfort food dishes influenced by various regions of the South. Patrons can enjoy creative reinterpretations of classic Southern cuisine, complemented by a selection of classic and signature cocktails from the full-service bar. Dawn A.M. Eatery offers both delivery and pick-up services through their online ordering system. Reservations are available, with walk-ins also welcome. The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with Grab & Go Coffee & Pastry service starting at 7:00 AM on weekdays.

Flavor Brunch & Bar is a Southern-inspired kitchen and bar located at 17575 S Kedzie Ave in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Established in 2002 by Chef Rochelle Kemp, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that blends Jamaican, Creole, Cajun, American, and Italian cuisines. Signature dishes include Rochelle’s Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, Mini Croquettes, Fried Collard Greens, and Waffle Flights. The restaurant operates Monday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

is a Black-owned restaurant and bar located at 3137 W. Logan Blvd. in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. The establishment offers an innovative dining experience by partnering with new chefs every six months, allowing for a rotating menu that reflects the diverse flavors of Chicago's unique neighborhoods. This approach provides a platform for emerging culinary talents to showcase their skills. ​The Duplex serves brunch on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The brunch menu features a variety of dishes, including: Crab Dip, Chilaquiles, Cannoli French Toast, and Shrimp & Grits. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable.