Last updated: 2025-04-07
Between Six Flags thrills and Lake County adventures, Gurnee’s brunch scene offers satisfying mid-morning fuel. Timothy O’Toole’s Pub serves up hearty American classics, while nearby spots like The Shanty in Wadsworth deliver rustic charm with their weekend offerings.
Local favorites extend beyond Gurnee’s borders to gems like Lambs Farm Café in Libertyville, where farm-fresh ingredients shine, and Jaxx Bistro in Deerfield, known for its creative takes on breakfast classics.
Explore Lake County’s best brunch spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Gurnee
- The Shanty (Wadsworth)
- Timothy O'Toole's Pub Gurnee
- Jaxx Bistro (Deerfield)
- Pizzeria DeVille (Libertyville)
- Lambs Farm Café (Libertyville)
- Essential Kitchen
Essential Kitchen
What to Expect
Ayurveda-inspired whole food plant-based meal preparation
Description
Essential Kitchen offers a whole food plant-based culinary experience located inside Centre Club at Advocate Condell Fitness Center. Specializing in Ayurvedic-inspired grab & go meals, this prep kitchen crafts nutritious snacks, smoothies, and entrées using fresh seasonal ingredients. Their menu focuses on health-conscious, plant-based options that cater to wellness-minded diners seeking convenient, nutritious meals.
Where: Gurnee | More Info: Essential Kitchen
Jaxx Bistro (Deerfield)
What to Expect
Seafood-focused American brunch with extensive menu variety
Description
Jaxx Bistro offers a diverse American-style brunch experience in Deerfield, specializing in seafood favorites like shrimp scampi, crab cakes, and fresh salmon. The restaurant provides a casual dining atmosphere with friendly service, wheelchair accessibility, and convenient takeaway options. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet alongside an extensive menu featuring seafood, salads, sandwiches, and classic meat dishes.
Where: Deerfield | More Info: Jaxx Bistro
Lambs Farm Café (Libertyville)
What to Expect
Community nonprofit cafe with interactive dining experience
Description
Lambs Farm Café offers a charming family-friendly brunch experience at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery in Libertyville. This unique dining destination combines a community-focused nonprofit setting with delightful buffet-style brunch options. Visitors can enjoy a special Easter-themed brunch featuring a buffet meal followed by interactive activities like crafts and a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny.
Where: Libertyville | More Info: Lambs Farm Café
Pizzeria DeVille (Libertyville)
What to Expect
Three-day fermented dough wood-fired pizzas
Description
Libertyville's wood-fired pizza destination crafts exceptional pies with three-day risen dough, featuring house-made Italian sausage and innovative flavor combinations. Their artisan approach transforms classic pizzas into culinary experiences, complemented by a full-service bar with curated wines and craft beers. The downtown restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates traditional Italian pizza-making techniques with modern creativity.
Where: Libertyville | More Info: Pizzeria DeVille
The Shanty (Wadsworth)
What to Expect
Historic restaurant reconstructed with local reclaimed barn wood
Description
A historic Wadsworth restaurant offering Sunday breakfast from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM, The Shanty blends traditional community dining with locally sourced ingredients. Rooted in over 100 years of neighborhood history, this venue reconstructed its original space using reclaimed barn wood, creating a rustic dining experience that celebrates local culinary heritage.
Where: Wadsworth | More Info: The Shanty
Timothy O'Toole's Pub Gurnee
What to Expect
Pub-style weekend lunch menu with Irish-American comfort dishes
Description
Timothy O'Toole's Pub offers a casual pub-style brunch experience in Gurnee, featuring hearty American comfort dishes. While primarily known as a neighborhood bar, they provide weekend lunch options with classic pub fare like loaded breakfast nachos, Irish-inspired breakfast skillets, and traditional pub sandwiches. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for laid-back weekend dining with friends.
Where: Gurnee | More Info: Timothy O'Toole's Pub Gurnee
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