This South Loop spin-off satiates the need for a hearty brunch just as deliciously as the original in Wicker Park. The pancakes at the Bongo Room are the stuff of legends, and may single-cakedly be the cause of long hour-long lines on the weekend. Just reading the menu's Pumpkin Carrot Cheesecake Flapjacks and Banana, White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Pancakes has been known to elicit groans from hungry eaters. The hearty portions and ample saucing will leave you feeling stuffed, but spiritually satisfied.

Specialty: Coffee house, breakfast
Location: South Loop
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Sunday Brunch; no reservations required
Ala Carte Entrées $4.95 - $12.95

Average Dinner Cost: $8.00 to $15.00
Credit Cards: American Express, Visa, Master Card, Discover
Parking: Street parking can be difficult
ADA: Wheelchair accessible

The egg dishes win rave reviews, and some claim the eggs benedict to be the best in town. Or go dressed up with the Roasted Red Pepper Feta Benedict and the BLT Benedict, topped with applewood smoked bacon, baby spinach, tomato and basil-pesto hollandaise.

The lunch options are just as inventive and delicious. While a chicken sandwich can be found on any lunch menu, the Smoked Chicken & Apple Club, with melted brie, bacon, sprouts, sliced apples and shallot butter on a toasted bolo roll, is a fabulous invention. Salads, like the Roasted Tenderloin of Beef Nicoise, are large and whopping full of vegetables.

Though my vegetarian friend lamented there were no meatless options for her on the entire brunch menu, a quick chitchat with the server revealed that any dish on the menu can be served without meat.