After 40 days of self-restraint, you've got a right to overindulge. Whether it's chocolate, booze or fried fare you're craving, these restaurants have just the thing to soothe your sacrificial woes on Easter Sunday (April 4).
10pin Bowling Lounge
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. seatings; $39 including food and bowling, kids under 4 free
Enjoy a full brunch then take to the lanes at this River North spot. If you knock down one of the special pink pins, you'll win a prize (kids will get an Easter egg filled with goodies). Specialty drinks include the Jelly Bean and the Yellow Peep (for kids) and the Chocolate Bunny martini for adults.
Abbington Distinctive Banquets
$34.95
The elegant brunch buffet here will include a breakfast station with favorites like eggs benedict and cooked-to-order omelets; an appetizer and salad bar; a cooked-to-order past station; entrees like honey-baked ham, lamb and prime rib; and a dessert table with a chocolate fondue fountain. Kids 5-12 eat for $15.95.
Ann Sather
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
In lieu of its typical Swedish and American specialties, the Belmont and Andersonville locations of Ann Sather will serve up holiday dinners ($17.95, $10 for kids 12 and under) including your choice of roasted leg of lamb with mint jelly and mashed potatoes; baked ham with fruit glaze and sweet potatoes; broiled salmon with mustard dill sauce and mashed potatoes; roast turkey with grilled mushrooms and mashed potatoes; beef tenderloin with grilled mushrooms and mashed potatoes; or spinach lasagna. All meals include homemade breads, vegetable soup, asparagus and apple or cherry pie.
Balsan
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
In addition to its regular brunch menu, this Elysian Hotel restaurant will offers specials like broche French toast with rhubarb and lime; ricotta gnudi with English peas, mint and lemon; fettuccine with asparagus, morel mushrooms and garlic; Alaskan halibut with artichokes, fava beans and chervil; and lamb with flageolet beants, spring onions and black olives. Cocktail specials include the Spring Mimosa with champagne and apricot puree, the Pink Lady with gin, rhubarb and egg white, and the Belleville with vodka, cucumber, mint and St. Germain elderflower liqueur.
Bin 36
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $38 per adult, $19 for kids under 12
In addition to the lavish buffet featuring items like eggs benedict, blueberry ricotta pancakes and roast beef with horseradish cream, this River North favorite offers special beverage flights for kids and adults, each featuring four three-ounce variations. Adults can choose between bloody mary (including an Asian Mary with pickled ginger, soy sauce and wasabi) and mimosa (including a pomegranate variety) flights for $12.50 each, while kids can decide between juice and milk flights for $3.50.
Bistrot Margot
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $24.95
If you can't get up early enough for the takeaway crepes and beignets this Old Town French restaurant offers (or maybe you'll be in church), stop by for a special three-course brunch menu.
Brasserie Jo
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy traditional French brunch selections as well as a special kids brunch menu. There will also be complimentary kids entertainment and activities - games, crafts, DVDs, etc. - in the Salon.
C-House
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Special seasonal brunch offerings include buckwheat crepes, pan-seared trout, bacon and roasted-apple omelet, and a whitefish boudin eggs benedict. If you've got a sweet tooth, try some sweet potato donuts, homemade biscuits with raw honey and jam or Meyer lemon pudding cake.
Cafe des Architectes
10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; $55
Chef Martial Noguier's four-course menu includes choices like smoked Nueske ham crepes, lamb tournedos and a chocolate pistachio "dome." Children 5-12 can eat for $25, while kids younger than five eat free (a children's menu is also available); the Easter Bunny will make an appearance and each children will get a special Easter gift.
Carnivale
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chef Mark Mendez's unique Easter brunch creations include huevos motulenos with poached organic eggs, black beans, crispy tortillas and habanero salsa ($12) and french toast with vanilla butter, local honey and fresh fruit ($10).
CityGate Grille
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $28 for adults, $12 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and under
Get your photo taken with some real baby bunnies, courtesy of Jill's Portraits, between 10 a.m. and noon at this restaurant in Naperville's Hotel Arista. The brunch will include a carving station, made-to-order omelets, a seafood bar and more.
Courtright's
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; $49-$55
Guests will have a choice between a three-course ($49) or four-course ($55) holiday meal here, with selections including Scott salmon tartare, honey-glazed ham with sweet potato gratin, brussels sprouts fricassee and pineapple-pork sauce, and Madagascar vanilla and mascarpone panna cotta with pomegranate-rhubarb puree. A three-course children's menu will be available for $30.
Custom House Tavern
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $38, $15 for kids 12 and under
Chef Aaron Deal's three-course menu includes choices like Carolina Coast blue crab bisque, wild mushroom benedict and elderflower sorbet with rhubarb and candied kasha.
Dick's Last Resort
10 a.m.
The Cavern Beat, a Beatles cover band, will provide entertainment for those who partake in the all-you-can-eat buffet here including shrimp, biscuits and gravy, custom waffles and omelets, ham, fried chicken, mac 'n' cheese and more. Kids entertainment includes egg-dying, crafts, an egg hunt and, of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Dunlays on the Square
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
There are some major benefits to going to church on Easter Sunday, and not just with the man upstairs. Bring in your church bulletin to Dunlays and you'll get 15 percent off your bill. That'll really add up when you see the Easter specials on the menu, including quiche with roasted peppers, goat cheese, onions and mushrooms or sausage, onions and bacon ($10), crab cake benedict ($13) and bottomless mimosas ($10).
Eve
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. seatings; $32
The three-course brunch menu at Eve includes choices like smoked salmon with green beans and Grana Padano; chervil pistou with green garlic potato-puree; and green eggs and ham. All-you-can-drink mimosas are included with the deal.
Fuego Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar
9 a.m.-3 p.m.; $29.95 adults, $15.95 kids 5-12
Switch things up with a Mexican brunch buffet at this Logan Square eatery. The feast includes marinated ham in achote verde, pork loin in prune mole, pozole de camaron (shrimp stew), tamale, chilaquiles and more. Mimosas are included.
Gage
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
In addition to its regular brunch menu, this Michigan Avenue restaurant will offer special spring-inspired dishes including a puree of carrot soup with ginger-cured scallop, pink pepper and cilantro ($9), an Alaskan salmon Benedict with focaccia, poached eggs and smoked Hollandaise ($16) and, of course, wood-grilled lamb T-bone with English peas and smoked walnuts ($28). Dessert options include a mascarpone cheesecake with rhubarb, pistachio and honey ($10).
Harry Caray's (Lombard)
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $39.95 adults, $19.95 kids 6-12
The champagne brunch here includes an omelet and scramble station, a Belgian waffle station, a carving station, a full selection of salads, entrees, desserts, children's favorites and more. The Easter Bunny will be circulating throughout. Or head to the Rosemont location, where the brunch lasts from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and costs a dollar less.
Hearty
Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 4
It's all about Easter sweets at this Boystown spot, where you'll find a purple jelly bean cocktail (sambuca, creme de violette, Catdaddy Carolina moonshine) and a s'mores dessert with housemade chewy graham crackers, chocolate-chile sauce and torched Peeps. The specials will be available for dinner Friday and Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday (until 4 p.m.). The restaurant will be closed for dinner on Sunday.
HUB 51
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $30, $15 for kids 12 and under
Brioche french toast, short ribs benedict and a full sushi bar (as well as brunch staples) will fill the tables at this buffet-style feast. There will also be dessert stations complete with mini Martha's Carrot Cakes, brownies and butterscotch spoons.
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House (Naperville)
9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. seatings; $35 adults, $14 kids 4-12
The festive champagne brnch here including a carving station, an omelet station, a buffet line and a sweets station, as well as a complimentary glass of champagne for adults (soft drinks are included for everyone). Specialties like shrimp cocktail, sushi and filet medallions in red wine sauce will be featured.
Italiasia
11 a.m.-8 p.m.; $18.95, $11.95 for kids 12 and under
The all-day Easter buffet at the downtown Holiday Inn restaurant features items like white bean with escarole and sausage soup, risotto with crab and shrimp and maple-glazed sweet potatoes.
Le Titi de Paris
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $36-$39
Choose a three- or four-course menu at this Arlingon Heights French restaurant. Options include a "Lorraine" tart, a nut-crusted pork tenderloin, a warm orchard fruit cobbler and more.
Longman & Eagle
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It's not necessarily an Easter brunch, but this Logan Square hotspot does launch its brunch menu on an auspicious day, and the menu is cause for celebration. Try a pork-belly omelet with piquillo peppers and manchego cheese, sunnyside-up duck egg over duck confit with green onions, roasted shallots and black truffle vinaigrette, and smoked catfish cakes with slow-cooked hen eggs, collard greens, dehydrated bacon and truffle mousseline. Also of note: the PBR breakfast, with two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, potato hash and a can of PBR.
Luxbar
9 a.m.-3 p.m.,br> Bring the kids to this child-centric brunch featuring a specail appearance by the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt and dishes like a fried egg sandwich with bacon, tomato, onion and cheddar served with hash browns.
Markethouse
11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $45 adults, $20 kids under 10
The buffet at this Doubletree Hotel restaurant will feature lobster eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets, country ham, legs of lamb, butterscotch bread pudding and much more.
Meson Sabika (Naperville)
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $38.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids 7-14, free for kids under 6
The brunch buffet at this Naperville Spanish restaurant includes a carving station, made-to-order omelets, desserts and a special children's section. An Easter egg hunt is planned, weather permitting.
Odyssey Cruises
11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; $64.90-$79.90
Enjoy beautiful views and impressive cuisine aboard this Lake Michigan cruise, which offers brunch ($64.90) and dinner ($79.90) options. The early trip includes a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa, a buffet and a visit with the Easter Bunny. In the evening, expect a plated dinner with a dessert station and live entertainment. Kids 3-12 cruise for half-price, while kids two and under are free.
one sixtyblue
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $39 ($12 waffle bar for kids under 12)
Chef Michael McDonald's three-course Easter brunch menu features choices like slow-cooked pork belly with buttermilk biscuits and spicy sausage gravy; ricotta-English pea ravioli with Parmesan gratin; and peanut butter panna cotta with caramelized banana, raspberries and chocolate cream. Special a la carte cocktails will be available.
Prairie Grass Cafe
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Before you even get up to go to the buffet at this Northbrook favorite, you'll enjoy the signature PGC Benedict with poached eggs, spinach and roasted tomato hollandaise sauce. Then you'll be able to feast on all the made-to-order omelets and waffles, honey-glazed ham, moussaka, herb-roasted chicken, crab cakes, new potatoes, Greek salad, spring asparagus salad and deviled eggs you desire. A full table of desserts will be available, too.
Sam & Harry's Steakhouse
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $39, $15 for kids 6-11
The special brunch at this Schaumburg favorite includes both a full buffet with breakfast, lunch and dessert items and plated entrees like grilled lamb chops, pan-roasted Scottish salmon, garlic peppercorn-crusted prime rib and Duroc pork two ways.
Signature Room at the 95th
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; $65 adults, $25 kids
The lavish brunch buffet at this high-flying restaurant will feature a raw bar, slow-roasted lamb, made-to-order omelets, challah french toast and more. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance to hand out candy and pose for photos.
Sixteen
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $115, $25 for kids under 8
Go upscale this Easter with a lavish brunch in this Trump Hotel restaurant, including made-to-order sushi; seared sea bass with blood orange salad and wilted mustard greens; veal loin with sweet Vidalia onion jam and fava bean and ham ragout; and lamb roulade with mint pesto, pine nuts and roasted red pepper. Kids will get a special treat, as the Easter bunny will make an appearance and there will be an egg hunts beginning at 11:30 a.m.
The Southern
Chef Cary Taylor offers interpretations of two Easter classics on Sunday, including Brunswick stew with rabbit, stewed tomatoes, preserved corn and Judion beans, and seared lamb heart with sweet-pea hummus, cucumber-dill relish, glazed baby carrots and goat's milk feta cheese.
Spirit of Chicago
noon and 3:30 p.m.; $49.90-$69.90
Brunch ($49.90) and dinner ($69.90 buffets are available for those who want to celebrate Easter on Lake Michigan. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance during the early cruise, while live DJs will perform later on. Kids 3-12 cruise for half-price, while kids two and under are free.
The Spot
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The popular Diva Brunch returns with a vengeance on Easter Sunday, with special performances from Vallery Dolls, Esta-Bunny and Miss Caledonia Olivares. Miss Scooty hosts the drag-tastic event; call (773)728-8934 or email brian@spotchicago.com to RSVP.
Tapas Valencia
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $29.95, $12.95 for kids 6-12, free for kids under six
The South Loop Spanish restaurant offers up a brunch buffet featuring a carving station, made-to-order omelets and desserts.
Trader Vic's
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $34.95, $13.95 for kids 12 and under
You'll be tempted to pair a Mai Tai with this buffet feast including grass-fed Wisconsin lamb and ham, chilled shrimp, an omelet station, pecan french toast, desserts and more.
Va Pensiero
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; $38, $15 per child
The brunch menu at this Evanston Italian favorite includes items like eggs benedict on a focaccia crostini with prosciutto di parma and mascarpone hollandaise, pork scallopini with roasted root vegetables, bittersweet chocolate crepes and more.
Wave
Special additions to the brunch menu at this W Hotel restaurant include brioche French toast with lemon curd, strawberries and bananas, Goose Island beer-brined fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits, and huevos rancheros with housemade queso fresco, corn tortiallas and roasted tomato salsa.
Zest
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $49, $20 per child
Not only will you enjoy a full brunch buffet with a carving station, entrees, desserts and a kids' table, but Jimmy Kim (founder of Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering) will be preparing sushi and sashimi to order.
Dye-ing for more Easter fun?
Ethnic Easter Eats
Ham Alternatives
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Dessert Recipes
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