Lula Cafe

Chef-owner Jason Hammel's inventive restaurant has become a Logan Square staple since it opened in 1999. Lula Cafe's farm-to-table fare has earned it national acclaim, and the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is known for serving one of Chicago's best breakfast dishes: the classic Lula breakfast burrito. 

The vibe: Located in the heart of Logan Square on Kedzie Boulevard, the dining room at Lula Cafe is warm, inviting and usually always filled with diners. During the warmer months, the intimate front patio is the perfect place to people-watch over brunch.

The food: Fresh, seasonal ingredients are key to Lula's menu. Breakfast plates like the smoked trout scramble and the flavorful nut and date granola complement dinner offerings like baked French feta with jalapeno basil, and the chickpea and fennel tagine with green harissa, golden raisin, lemon and arugula. And, of course, if you're here for brunch, the breakfast burrito is a must-try.

The drinks: During the day, tea, coffee and soft drinks (or a Bloody Mary) pair well with brunch dishes. At night, seasonal cocktails like Possessed by the Proper Spirit (scotch, honey and thyme-infused olive oil) and Northern Exposure (Aalbord aquavit, L’ermitage St. Valbert yellow, lime juice and pineapple juice) are delightfully refreshing.

Time Out tip: On days when the wait for brunch is long (they don't take brunch reservations), the online-exclusive (and aptly named) The Line is Too Long bundle always comes through.