A delightful brunch scene in Wilmette

Last updated: 2025-04-07

North Shore brunch enthusiasts flock to Wilmette’s cozy breakfast spots, from the legendary apple pancakes at Walker Bros to the Mediterranean-inspired fare at Convito Cafe. This lakeside village’s brunch scene perfectly balances classic American comfort food with European-influenced cuisine.

Whether it’s the homestyle cooking at Ridgeview Grill or the fresh-baked pastries at EvaDean’s, Wilmette’s brunch destinations capture the sophisticated yet relaxed vibe of Chicago’s North Shore. Local favorites like Hotcakes draw weekend crowds from across the northern suburbs.

Explore North Shore’s finest breakfast spots below!

Bar Siena (Skokie)

What to Expect

Italian street food-inspired weekend brunch

Description

Bar Siena brings vibrant Italian street food and brunch to Skokie's Old Orchard and Chicago's West Loop. Their weekend brunch features rustic Italian-inspired dishes like Ricotta Pancakes with seasonal compote and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict. The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with an expansive bar, perfect for weekend gatherings and casual dining experiences.

Where: Skokie | More Info: Bar Siena

Convito Cafe and Market

What to Expect

European-inspired gourmet market and cafe with comprehensive culinary experience

Description

Convito Cafe and Market offers an authentic Italian and French countryside brunch experience in Wilmette's Plaza del Lago. Specializing in homemade cuisine, their Sunday brunch features European-inspired dishes crafted with gourmet ingredients. Guests can enjoy intimate dining or explore their market's extensive selection of prepared foods and international culinary offerings.

Where: Wilmette | More Info: Convito Cafe and Market

Cupitol Coffee & Eatery (Evanston)

What to Expect

All-day dining concept with in-house bakery

Description

Cupitol delivers an all-day brunch experience in Evanston, featuring house-made baked goods and a diverse menu that blends cafe, restaurant, and bar concepts. Their signature Shakshuka with perfectly poached eggs and rich tomato sauce stands out, while the spacious, inviting atmosphere accommodates everything from casual coffee meetings to leisurely weekend brunches.

Where: Evanston | More Info: Cupitol Coffee & Eatery

EvaDean's Bakery and Cafe

What to Expect

Veteran-owned bakery with French-inspired brunch and artisan pastries

Description

A charming Wilmette bakery and cafe offering a delightful fusion of French-inspired brunch classics and local culinary creativity. Specializing in house-made French macarons and a standout Croque Madame, EvaDean's delivers an all-day breakfast experience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu spans from fluffy scrambled eggs to gourmet burgers, complemented by craft cocktails like their signature Bloody Mary.

Where: Wilmette | More Info: EvaDean's Bakery and Cafe

Hotcakes

What to Expect

Signature buttermilk pancakes with smoky bacon

Description

Classic American breakfast and brunch spot in Wilmette serving hearty traditional fare. Specializes in buttermilk pancakes with thick-cut smoky bacon, alongside Denver omelettes and creative specials like horchata French toast. Casual neighborhood restaurant with street parking and outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxed weekend morning meal. Cash-only establishment with friendly service and a no-frills dining experience.

Where: Wilmette | More Info: Hotcakes

Meg’s Café (Glencoe)

What to Expect

Family-owned farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal local ingredients

Description

Meg's Café offers a farm-to-table brunch experience in Temple, Texas, featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonally changing menus. Sisters Holly and Meghan craft innovative Central Texas cuisine with fresh-baked bread and goods daily. Their menu highlights seasonal local produce, creating unique dishes that celebrate the region's culinary landscape.

Where: Glencoe | More Info: Meg’s Café

Peckish Pig (Evanston)

What to Expect

Craft brewery with weekend bottomless mimosas and complimentary doughnuts

Description

Evanston's neighborhood brewery and restaurant offering weekend brunch with creative twists. Specializes in craft beer-inspired dishes like their signature house burger and weekend brunch featuring bottomless mimosas paired with complimentary doughnuts. Weekend brunch service runs 10:30am-2:30pm, with a unique transition between brunch and dinner menus.

Where: Evanston | More Info: Peckish Pig

Ridgeview Grill

What to Expect

Neighborhood-style American breakfast destination

Description

Classic American restaurant in Wilmette offering hearty brunch classics with a neighborhood feel. Specializing in traditional breakfast staples like fluffy buttermilk pancakes and savory eggs benedict, Ridgeview Grill provides a welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Their menu celebrates comfortable, straightforward American breakfast cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Where: Wilmette | More Info: Ridgeview Grill

The Hampton Social (Skokie)

What to Expect

Coastal-inspired brunch with signature rosé program

Description

The Hampton Social delivers a coastal-inspired brunch experience with a vibrant 'Rosé All Day' atmosphere. Their menu features elevated coastal cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails in a playful, modern setting. Signature brunch highlights include fresh seafood dishes and creative coastal-inspired plates that transport diners to a relaxed Hamptons-style environment.

Where: Skokie | More Info: The Hampton Social

Walker Bros Original Pancake House

What to Expect

Historic first location with stained glass interior and nationally recognized omelettes

Description

Walker Bros Original Pancake House in Wilmette offers a classic American brunch experience with legendary breakfast specialties. Known for their award-winning Bacon Cheddar Omelette featured on Food Network's 'The Best Thing I Ever Ate', this historic first location boasts charming stained glass windows and consistently draws crowds. Their menu showcases traditional pancake house favorites with a reputation for quality and consistent service.

Where: Wilmette | More Info: Walker Bros Original Pancake House

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