BRUNCH within 1 hour of Chicago

Is anyone familiar with some really good brunches either in Chicago or within 1 hours drive north? I am looking to possibly cut costs and combine a brunch, possibly at a hotel, with a family function rather than do private catering. I have seen only one posting for brunches and it was in the amount of $55 a person which is beyond my means. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Hi,

Since your criteria includes going 1 hour north, then I suggest checking out the brunch at the hotel at Illinois Beach Park in Zion. I was there for a 40th wedding anniversary celebration. You have the beautiful, wind swept dunes to look over which look terrific on a miserable day.

The food was decent with several stations preparing food to order. I don't know the cost per person. As my experience was 3-4 years ago, you may want to try it out before committing.

You can also be imaginative ... I recently had an occasion where we had 22 people for dinner at Papa's Pollo Chon in Humboldt Park area, BYOB (wines selected by a Chowist friend), flowers from my garden, votive candles in jelly jars (think mini hurricane lamp) and two cakes from BomBon. Everything came to less than $20 per person for outstanding food carefully selected from my experiences drawn on this board.

Do report back what you ultimately do and how the occasion went.

Regards,

Chicago had a lot of great Brunch places, some of which can handle a larger family group for a very reasonable price.

A few that come to mind as being particularly notable, as well as somewhat special.

Hilary's Urban Eatery - on Division, just east of Milwaukee & Ashland. They have a great brunch buffet on the second floor, as well as a large outside seating area in the back. About $14-15/person with a very wide range of items on the buffet (and a very good menu downstairs if the buffet is not of interest)

Home Cafe - only open on the weekends, just north of the Francisco Brown line El stop. A smaller space, so with a large group you may want to talk with them in advance. The food is seasonal and extremely good. Traditional dishes, but with a bit of a soul food kick, and very well seasoned and expertly prepared and seasoned. During the week catering businesses are run out of the space, so that is another option as well for you.

Around Chicago are many other restaurants with weekend brunches, depending on the size of your group I would suggest that you look for a restaurant with the style of food that you like and talk with them about making arrangements for a group of your size. Most likely you should be able to find a place that for $20 (or less) per person can provide a really excellent weekend brunch.

Shannon