Posted 5 years ago
5 MIN READ - If you’re looking to impress a client, get to know a new colleague, or just add a little spice to your morning meeting, consider a breakfast spot where you can get right down to business. There’s no shortage of options in the Chicago Loop, but we’ve narrowed down our favorite picks to help you choose.
About Last Knife
About Last Knife (ALK), the modern steak bar on North Michigan Avenue, raises the bar for breakfast meetings with its bold brunch menu available seven days a week starting at 7 a.m. The menu features a wide variety of dishes from sweet to savory and healthy to hearty. The most playful dish on the menu is no doubt the Braised Short Rib Frito-Quiles. Inspired by the walking taco, the dish whisks guests away to the days of their youth with Fritos, tomato-jalapeño sauce, chili braised short rib, and a sunny-side up egg. Other brunch standouts include Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast with pickled onions, dill, and a quail egg; Prime Rib thinly sliced and served in a pita with au jus, house giardiniera, and horseradish tzatziki; and Poached Shrimp & Chickpea Salad with fried capers and sumac vinaigrette.
The Albert
The Albert in Hotel EMC2 is a contemporary restaurant with seasonal, globally inspired dishes. The innovative menus, created by Executive Chef Larry Feldmeier, focuses on a classic, yet bold approach to create rich and flavorful dishes. The comprehensive beverage program at the Albert, curated by General Manager Aislyn Plath, features an array of fresh, ingredient-focused cocktails, mocktails or “Drivers," along with wine and beer offerings. Open Monday - Friday for breakfast and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Atwood
With an abundance of delicious breakfast options and an intimate atmosphere, Atwood is the perfect place to mix business and breakfast. The menu is full of morning favorites ranging from Greek yogurt and granola to Atwood’s signature benedict featuring bacon, brie, and caramelized onions. To accompany each meal is a thoughtful staff who will be present when needed and in the background when not.
If you require a bit more privacy than the four top by the window, Atwood also has the Burnham Room, a mezzanine level private dining room that overlooks the main restaurant. The Burnham Room can host up to 40 people and comes with an event manager to help make your meeting as seamless (and tasty) as possible.
Cochon Volant Brasserie
Cochon Volant is centrally located in Chicago's Loop, right in the heart of the business hustle and bustle. Cochon offers a weekday breakfast menu from 6:30-10:15 a.m. for those looking to dine and check a meeting off their list first thing in the morning. They also offer a weekend brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays for those who find that there simply isn't enough time to get work done during the week. Guests can enjoy an array of "Big French Pancakes," house benedicts, fruits and cereal, and savory options like Le Cheeseburger Royale.
Commons Club
Since November 1, Commons Club has been serving up delicious breakfast. Designed to feel like a modern social club experience minus the fees of members-only status, Commons Club equally embraces food, beverage, culture, entertainment, and community all under one inviting space. For breakfast, Chef Moosah offers diners a number of delectable items to choose from, including a Breakfast Table ($19) filled with a selection of local and international breakfast favorites. A la carte items include Steel-cut Oatmeal Soufflé ($11) with pumpkin crème and fall spices; Broken Benedict ($12) features torn English muffin, fresh asparagus and Duroc ham topped with hollandaise sauce. For guests looking to enhance their morning, consider The Energizer ($15) mixed grains, coconut milk, goji berries, coconut, white tea and elderflower. Patrons with a sweet tooth can cure their craving by opting for the Churros French Toast ($12) topped with apple compote and honey crisp apples.
Francois Frankie
Loop newcomer Francois Frankie offers weekday breakfast Monday-Friday with a variety of sweet and savory options by Chef Mike Sheerin. For more formal meetings over breakfast, guests are encouraged to dine within Frankie's elegant dining room. For those looking to enjoy a casual, yet delicious breakfast, Frankie's rotating Carousel Bar or seating near the window are perfect for people-watching and preparing for the day.
Goddess and the Baker
Goddess and the Baker is a fast-casual, fun cafe with three locations in the heart of the Chicago Loop and more locations planned to open in the Winter of 2020. They serve breakfast, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and, of course the best coffee around all day, every day. Their food is seriously good, the coffee is creative and delicious, and the culture is fun with a welcoming vibe. They are passionate about great food and service.
Grant Park Bistro
Grant Park Bistro, located on the ground floor of the newly remodeled Hotel Essex, is the ideal spot for a business breakfast along Michigan Ave. The French grill opens daily for breakfast at 7 a.m., and diners can enjoy their meal in the cozy dining room which is offset from the more lively bar area. Tables are spaced out allowing room for conversation, and the restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast items ranging from omelettes, benedicts, scrambles, and house-made baked goods. A full menu of coffee items is available as well through the attached Petite Vanille café, which also offers grab and go breakfast favorites like croissants, pain au chocolat, and scones.
Specialty’s
For over 30 years, Specialty’s mission has been to nourish customers with fresh, wholesome food that’s made from scratch daily in our cafes. They offer made-to-order breakfast favorites featuring real eggs, oven-baked fresh ciabatta bread, premium Greek yogurt, and fresh fruit. From hearty breakfast sandwiches to blended real fruit and yogurt smoothies to hand-prepared baked goods and pastries, you will definitely find a favorite. Or try one of their newest creations – an artisanal avocado toast topped with olive oil, egg, or bacon – or an indulgent double-chocolate butter croissant baked with premium quality chocolate. Each location also offers Peet’s coffee and espresso beverages for a perfect pairing to our breakfast offerings. Visit to experience a difference you can taste.
Taureaux Tavern
Taureaux Tavern, located within close proximity to the Financial District and the Chicago Board of Trade, offers guests a simple and satisfying breakfast menu Monday-Friday. With selections like "Healthy Stuff," "From the Griddle," and "Farm Fresh Eggs," there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Taureaux guests have the choice of dining in their all-weather pergola or in the dining room, with plenty of space for groups enjoying breakfast meetings.
Weber Grill
Wake up with Weber Grill Restaurant; they aren’t just open for lunch and dinner! Open 365 days a year, the extensive buffet allows guests to enjoy a meal tailored to them while on the go. Made to order omelets, pancakes, and French toast is included in the price. Brisket breakfast potatoes are a fan favorite, the brisket is smoked in-house for 12 hours. Build your own yogurt bar, assorted cereals, pastries, oatmeal, and breakfast meats will keep you coming back for more. Private dining spaces are an ideal setting for corporate meetings, showers, or bachelorette brunches.
