Brunch/Lunch Suggestions: Looking to take customers out Pre-Bears Sunday Game

[zozo20]

Hi, I am looking for a good place to take about 8 customers (IT folk) for brunch or lunch before a Bears game. It would be great to be somewhat near stadium but since the group will be driving together we can manage a place that is within ~15mile driving distance. I am out of state and would really appreciate the help!!

[nsxtasy]

I think you need to take a close look at your timeline. Is this for a game that starts at noon, or at 3 pm? Then work your way backward. For example, let's say you absolutely want to be there for the opening kickoff at noon. If you're driving from brunch, you probably want to get to the vicinity of the stadium by around 11:15-11:30, to allow for the traffic delays entering the nearby parking lots. So you will probably be leaving the restaurant 11:00-11:15, which means you will probably want to be seated no later than 10:00, and let them know you need to be finished by 11:00. That rules out places like deca (at the Ritz Carlton), where they don't start until 10:30, which isn't going to work. Same for Cafe des Architectes, which doesn't serve their brunch menu until 11:30, although you can get breakfast items earlier than that. If this is for a 3:00 start, then you have a lot more flexibility, although you'll want to do the same exercise in figuring out what reservation time works best.

Nightwood, recommended by danimalarkey above, is a great suggestion if you want an a la carte brunch at a contemporary neighborhood bistro type place. I like their brunch a lot. They accept reservations starting at 9:00.

If your customers like to eat - meaning, if they like to eat a lot of food - you might want to also consider Shaw's Crab House, in River North, a ten-minute drive from Soldier Field. They do an all-you-can-eat buffet for brunch, and it is terrific. It includes breakfast specialties like benedicts and terrific thick-cut caramelized bacon, seafood specialties like crabcakes and shrimp cocktail, a carving station with beef tenderloin, a custom omelet station, and a dessert buffet with the best creme brulee and chocolate pot de creme in Chicago. Not cheap - it was $48 earlier this year - but worth it, especially if you want to impress your customers. They open at 10:00 so you'd want to be there then. And make a reservation in advance, because they do sometimes fill up. www.shawscrabhouse.com

Nothing against the places that don't accept reservations, like Bongo Room or Meli Cafe, but waiting an hour for a table could be a problem, especially if you have to make a game. And most such places won't seat you until everyone is there, which could also be a problem if someone is running late. And for a group of 8 or more, you might have to wait a loooong time for adjacent tables to open up. They're great places to go during the week when the crowds aren't an issue, but for a large group on a Sunday with a game to make afterwards, not a good choice.

[danimalarkey]

I'd consider Nightwood, in the Pilsen neighborhood. Google maps shows it as a 7 minute drive to Solider Field (though I'm sure game-day traffic will impact that time). Creative, contemporary American -- and they accept reservations.

[Succotash]

Hands down best brunch in Chicago is at Bongo Room. It is really close to the stadium too. I have only eaten at the one in wicker park, I imagine there won't be that great of a difference. Another good option nearby would be Yolk. The problem for both is going to be the wait. It will be about an hour wait for sat or sun brunch, but you will impress your clients. I would recommend showing up 45 minutes before you tell them to meet you there (put your name on the list), so they won't have to wait as long. For quality brunch you will have to wait, sat and sun brunch is just a part of Chicago culture, but they do it up and it is worth waiting for.

[jbontario]

So none of the places recommended take reservations, and I have to disagree with those that don't like Wishbone. You can get such interesting and tasty items there such as, chicken andouille sausage hash and a biscuit (yumm, i eat this at least once a month), the salmon or black bean cakes with a couple eggs are great, and the crunchy french toast at Wishbone are all much better than anything you get at Yolk or Ina's. I really like Meli, but it's at least 45 mins wait after 9:30 AM.

I don't think any of your customers "will be impressed" by anything recomended so far. If you want impressive brunches/breakfast my three favorites are: 1) Ritz Carlton (champagne included), 2) Cafe de Architechts (at Sofitel Water Tower) for some of the best breads and pastries, and 3) Publican.

[camusman]

I would be wary of a place close to the stadium, as lots of people meet for breakfast before Bears games.
A place convenient to the expressways is Wishbone. Not the very best breakfast, but good and solid.

[zozo20]

thanks! I will check out wishbone

[ferret]

Three good spots are:

Meli Cafe in Greektown (less than a 10-minute drive). This is a more upscale version of a Greek diner but the food is great.

Ina's, which is about a mile or so from Meli. This is a very homey place with excellent breakfast options.

Sweet Maple on Taylor Street (also about a 10-minute drive from the game) - great breakfasts with a Southern touch.

(As an FYI, Meli and Ina's are both near Wishbone but far better, Sweet Maple is also a better option and not all that far).

[jbw]

You might want to give Gioco a try, but call first. They usually have Sunday brunch during Bear season and have taken reservations in the past. Since this has been a seasonal thing for them, they may be a bit inconsistent, but you should do ok if you focus on the Italian stuff.
http://www.giocorestaurant.com/index....