The Dearborn

A Convenient River North Brunch Spot

My fiancé’s work has an office in the heart of River North, just down the street from The Dearborn. Having tried their amazing cocktails before, we knew we had to explore their brunch menu as well.

 The Dearborn is conveniently located beneath the Block 37 mall, making it easy to combine shopping and brunch in one trip. While I usually review more classic breakfast joints, the modern, upscale vibe of this restaurant made it a perfect brunch destination.

Signature Brunch Cocktails

We started with cocktails, which were especially festive during March for Women’s History Month. My cocktail was a mix of blackberries, blueberries, and rum—strong enough that I could only manage two, but honestly, it was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had.

The balance of fresh fruit and smooth rum made it refreshing yet perfectly boozy, setting the tone for an unforgettable brunch experience.

Beignets: Light, Fluffy, and Perfectly Warm

Next, we ordered beignets, since my fiancé had never tried them before. These were everything you could hope for—light, fluffy, and served warm.

The beignets came with two sauces of our choice, and we went with Nutella and raspberry. Both complemented the beignets beautifully, adding just the right amount of sweetness and flavor.

If you’re looking for a must-try brunch dessert in Chicago, these beignets are a showstopper.

Pork Carnitas Chilaquiles: A Flavor Explosion

For my main course, I ordered the pork carnitas chilaquiles. Fresh tortilla chips were topped with tender pork, queso fresco, salsa, avocado, crema, cilantro, and over-easy eggs.

From the first bite, the flavors were incredible. The creamy richness of the queso, crema, eggs, and avocado balanced perfectly with the punch of the salsa. This dish was so satisfying and complex—I would come back to The Dearborn just for it.

My fiancé ordered a cheese pizza, which he initially hesitated to stray from his comfort zone. I tried a bite, and it was surprisingly flavorful, with unique seasonings that elevated the dish. Eventually, he couldn’t resist stealing bites of my chilaquiles, proving just how irresistible it was.

Final Thoughts: A Chicago Brunch You Can’t Miss

Overall, The Dearborn left me completely speechless. The brunch menu is one of the best I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to return to try lunch and dinner.

If you live in or are visiting Chicago, this is a must-visit River North brunch spot. From expertly crafted cocktails to indulgent beignets and flavorful chilaquiles, it’s a dining experience you won’t regret.