Wake N’ Bacon

Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my fiancé’s close friends from Iowa and his wife for brunch in Chicago. They were in town for an anniversary trip, and we decided to meet up for a casual weekend meal. This spot in the Lakeview neighborhood has been on our radar for a while—we’ve driven past it multiple times—but it’s always been busy, which honestly made us even more curious to try it.

The restaurant itself has a unique setup. It’s a casual sit-down brunch spot where you order through your phone, but the atmosphere feels almost upscale in contrast. Hanging floral arrangements and decorative fixtures from the ceiling give it a stylish, slightly elevated vibe that sets it apart from your typical quick brunch café. It strikes a really interesting balance between laid-back and visually polished.

If you’re looking for a brunch restaurant in Lakeview Chicago that feels both relaxed and trendy, this place definitely fits that description.

The Phatty Burrito – One of the Best Breakfast Burritos in Chicago

I ordered The Phatty, a loaded breakfast burrito packed with rice, black beans, potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. At first, the combination of rice and black beans in a breakfast burrito caught my attention—it’s not something you see every day—but that uniqueness is exactly what made me want to try it.

This ended up being one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had.

Every bite had a bold, layered flavor thanks to the mix of textures and ingredients. The rice and beans added a hearty, almost comforting base, while the potatoes and scrambled eggs made it feel classic and familiar. The bacon stood out the most—it was thick, flavorful, and cooked perfectly crisp without being dry.

Overall, The Phatty is a must-try if you’re searching for a breakfast burrito in Chicago that’s packed with flavor and creativity. It’s filling, satisfying, and memorable in every bite.

The Cheez and Chong – Elevated Grilled Cheese with Bold Flavor

My fiancé ordered The Cheez and Chong, a grilled cheese sandwich layered with caramelized onions, bacon jam, and chipotle mayo. Anything with caramelized onions immediately gets my attention, so I already knew this was going to be good.

And it absolutely delivered.

The combination of flavors was rich, savory, and slightly sweet from the bacon jam, while the chipotle mayo added just enough smoky heat to balance everything out. The bread was perfectly toasted—crispy on the outside but soft enough to hold all the melted filling inside without falling apart.

Each bite practically melted in your mouth. If I didn’t have mild lactose intolerance, I probably would have eaten the whole thing myself.

If you’re looking for a gourmet grilled cheese in Chicago, this is a standout option that takes a classic comfort food and gives it a creative twist.

Atmosphere – Casual Meets Upscale Brunch Vibes

What really makes this brunch spot stand out is its atmosphere. It manages to feel casual and approachable while still having a slightly upscale, thoughtfully designed interior. The phone-ordering system keeps things relaxed and modern, making it a great option for groups, weekend brunch, or even spontaneous meetups.

It also gives off a “no pressure” vibe when it comes to dressing up, which makes it especially appealing for lazy weekends or slightly hungover brunch plans.

Final Thoughts – A Must-Visit Brunch Spot in Lakeview, Chicago

Overall, this brunch spot was exactly what we needed. It’s casual yet elevated, with a creative menu full of fun twists on classic breakfast and brunch dishes.

From the bold, flavorful Phatty breakfast burrito to the rich and indulgent Cheez and Chong grilled cheese, everything we tried felt thoughtfully crafted and memorable.