You may or may not believe the old saying that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, but either way, it sure is tasty!
A solid breakfast/brunch can be the perfect venue for good conversation, it can prepare you for a busy day, and it can perk you up after a big night out. Luckily, in Park Ridge, you’ll find many options to fulfill all of your breakfast hopes and dreams.
Check them out below!
1. Cream of the Crepe
This place has over 3 dozen varieties of crepes on its menu. Need I say more?! At Cream of the Crepe, you’ll find breakfast and lunch, sweet and savory, meat-eater, and vegetarian-friendly. My favorite combo? A savory, veggie-filled crepe, paired with a sweet, s’mores crepe.
Cream of the Crepe, 8 S Northwest Hwy – (847) 720-4246
2. Dolcetti Patisserie & Cafe
Need a good, strong coffee on the run? Or maybe a cup of tea and a pastry while you meet a friend for breakfast or a morning treat? This is the place. Dolcetti serves the ever-popular Intelligentsia coffee, and a wide array of mouth-watering, European-style pastries.
Dolcetti Patisserie & Cafe, 133 Vine Ave – (847) 653-6939
3. Einstein Bros. Bagels
This breakfast option may not be unique to Park Ridge, but we love having it anyway. Einstein offers a large variety of bagels and shmears, plus specialty sandwiches served on their yummy bagels. Located in the heart of Uptown Park Ridge, this is the perfect spot for a casual meet-up or breakfast on the run.
Einstein Bros. Bagels, 23 S Prospect Ave – (847) 823-9892
4. Eggsperience Cafe
If you’re looking for a place to go with friends with a variety of tastes, this is your spot. Eggsperience has plenty of seating, a huge menu, and a bright atmosphere. Enjoy crepes, eggs in every style, pancakes, fresh juices, and lunch items too… though we don’t have time to go there in this post!
Eggsperience Cafe, 90 N Northwest Hwy – (847) 939-3976
5. Holt’s
You have already read about Holt’s on my Park Ridge restaurants or bars posts… but what can I say? It’s a well-rounded, Park Ridge favorite. You can’t expect to grab your breakfast here just any day, but their weekend brunch menu is sure to have your mouth watering. Cinnamon roll? Crab Eggs Benedict? Ok, let me go workout real quick so I can grab one of those goodies!
Holt’s, 43 S Prospect Ave – (847) 720-4484
6. IT Crepes
Yes, that’s right — Park Ridge has TWO amazing crepe places. IT crepes has a menu that expands far beyond just the crepes… but they’re a good place to start! This tops our list for a brunch hotspot, as the opening time is later, and the lunch options are the bomb. Be sure not to leave without a specialty drink!
IT Crepes, 114 Main St – (847) 653-6786
7. Lola’s Diner
Lola’s wins for the most fun decor. This ’50s-style diner is known for its friendly staff and welcoming environment. Of course, we really come for the food! Find your classic favorites alongside some out-of-the-box dishes, like a banana split waffle, or veggie-stuffed Swedish pancakes.
Lola’s Diner, 920 Busse Hwy – (847) 518-5226
8. Mac’s Restaurant
Mac’s has been a Park Ridge staple for decades. As their website says, “they don’t make them like this anymore.” With an open-kitchen concept, the food is made right there where you can see it, and it’s served to you piping hot. Rumor has it, it’s the best cure after a night out.
Mac’s Restaurant, 812 Higgins Rd – (847) 696-2950
9. Off the Wall Cafe
A Park Ridge hotspot, Beer on the Wall, has taken over the storefront next door to open Off the Wall. Off the Wall offers a full-service coffee bar (proudly serving Dark Matter coffee), loose-leaf tea (from nearby TeaLula), sweet bites, and small plates.
Off the Wall Cafe, 104 Main St – (847) 989-1458
10. Pennyville Station
Pennyville is a newer spot on our list, but it’s quickly become a staple in the Park Ridge community. People love the taste of the food and the quality of the carefully picked ingredients. The weekend brunch menu includes some of the dinner menu favorites like Fish Tacos and Chopped Salad, and it throws in some brunch-time exclusives, like Chilaquiles and Nutella French Toast.
Pennyville Station, 112 Main St – (847) 720-4841
11. The Original Pancake House
Yes, The Pancake House has all the pancakes, from chocolate chip to potato—and most importantly, their giant, delicious apple pancake. It’s totally worth getting one for the table! But worry not if pancakes aren’t your thing. Find plenty of egg, meat, and veggie options to suit your palate.
The Original Pancake House, 106 S Northwest Hwy – (847) 696-1381
12. Panera Bread
Ok, I think we’re all familiar with Panera, where you’re greeted with warm smells, and the ever-popular “pick two” menu. But have you been here for breakfast? Indulge in the pastries, showcased right by the cashier, or go for something more substantial (and maybe a little healthier), like a breakfast sandwich, wrap, or oatmeal.
Panera Bread, 39 S Northwest Hwy – (847) 696-1880
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So instead of pouring that bowl of cereal this weekend, treat yourself to a Park Ridge breakfast at one of these great establishments! You can’t make a bad choice, so I recommend starting at the top of the list and trying them all.
I promise you’ll be happy you did!
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