photo: courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel offers a sweet ending to Easter brunch with its strawberry-rhubarb panna cotta.
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.
Try green eggs and lamb at sola
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
In addition to sola's regular weekend brunch menu, guest can indulge in Easter specials like green eggs and lamb, lobster and asparagus quiche. Reservations can be made at (773) 327-3868.
Satisfy your sweet-tooth at David Burke's Primehouse
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $48 per person, $20 for children 12 and under
Easter brunch at David Burke's Primehouse means plenty of sweet treats like "killer" French toast muffins, cans of creme brulee and whimsical molten chocolate eggs. Of course, there's plenty of savory stuff, too, like lobster scrambled eggs, veal meatballs, grilled dry-aged lamb chops and peppered dry-aged beef brisket. The family-style meal also includes all-you-can drink champagne, mimosas, boody marys and screwdrivers for just $10. David Burke's Primehouse will continue its regular Sunday supper from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Share small plates at Tapas Valencia
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; $29.95 per person, $12.95 for children ages 6-12
This recently opened restaurant will offer a brunch buffet featuring made-to-order omelets, prime rib, seasonal cocktails and a selection of homemade desserts.
Get back to basics at Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge
April 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Between will serve its newly launched Back-to-Basics Sunday Brunch featuring sustainable ingredients and organic produce in items like duck confit eggs benedict, French Toast (brown sugar Texas toast, cinnamon maple syrup, vanilla whipped cream), ginger pancakes and apple bread pudding.
Dine in luxury at Sixteen
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $115 per person; $25 for children under 8
Sixteen, located in the Trump Hotel, will offer plenty of Easter festivities for the whole family. Children will be greeted by the Easter bunny and receive their own basket to fill with eggs and homemade candy during scheduled Easter egg hunts at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. As for food, Executive Chef Frank Brunacci will offer made-to-order sushi, omelets, salad, carving and children's stations. Guests can also pick from specialty items like artichoke and bacon soup, seared sea bass, veal loin with sweet Vidalia onion jam and soba noodle salad with poached salmon. To finish, each family will receive a house-made chocolate bunny from Pastry Chef Hichem Lahreche. Sixteen will also be open for dinner on Easter evening from 6-9:30 p.m. Reservations can be made at (312) 588-8030.
Have a side of scenic views at Fulton's on the River
10 a.m.-7 p.m.; $42.95 per person, $15.95 for children ages 7-12
Next to its complimentary scenic views, Fulton’s on the River will offer a variety of specialty chef's tables in honor of Easter. To start, guests can choose from house made soups like clam and grilled corn chowder, carving stations with garlic-studded beef and pineapple-glazed ham and an omelet station featuring fresh breads, cheeses and traditional breakfast sides (read: hash browns and veggies). Fulton's will also offer a pasta station with classic pappardelle and penne dishes, a crab cake station with jumbo lump cakes and a decadent dessert selection including the restaurant's award-winning banana cream pie. Fulton's "Kids' Corner" will keep the little ones pleased with simple choices like chicken tenders, pizza and mac n' cheese.
Keep it classic at Bistro 110
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bistro 110 will offer Easter classics like shrimp cocktail, scrambled eggs with andouille sausage and lamb stew with veggies and a pastry top. For dessert, the restaurant will serve up festive Easter sundaes. Bistro 110's regular brunch menu will also be available.
Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at Dunlays on Clark
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
In addition to its regular menu, Dunlays will offer traditional Easter brunch items including French toast, fruit pancakes, fried egg sandwiches, Wrightwood salads and triple-decker BLTs, among others. Children can order from a list of special mini-meals, including one pancake, single-order eggs and English muffins. Beginning at 2 p.m., the restaurant will offer an Easter egg hunt for the little ones, complete with candy-filled eggs, toys and trinkets.
Have an Asian-inspired Easter at Le Colonial
11 a.m.-3 p.m; $22
Le Colonial Executive Chef Chan Le will offer a non-traditional three-course prix-fixe menu for those looking to branch out this Easter. Highlights include banh coun (steamed Vietnamese chicken ravioli with mushrooms and chili-lime garlic sauce), goi bun so (grilled sea scallop salad with garlic noodles and lime vinaigrette) and mi xao don chay (stir-fried mixed vegetables and tofu with crispy egg noodles in a light oyster sauce). Call (312) 255-0088 for reservations.
Feast on Lamb at Arrowhead
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $35 Adults and $15 Children ages 5-12
Chef Alan will feature unique culinary creations like a carving station featuring leg of lamb, ham and roast beef. Guests can also choose from made-to-order options at Arrowhead's omelet or seafood stations.
Have a family-style brunch at Birch River Grill
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $32.95 per person, $14.95 for children 12 and under
The warm, rustic atmosphere at Birch River provides the perfect setting for a family-style Easter brunch. The restaurant's holiday buffet will feature dishes like smoked king salmon and trout, fresh shucked oysters, herb-roasted prime rib, maple-roasted turkey breast and three-cheese au gratin potatoes. Desserts include an assortment of mini fruit tarts, tortes, cakes and Birch River Grille's signature carrot cake.
Don't skip the red velvet cupcakes at Dine
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; $39 per person, $15 for children 12 and under; free for children under 5
Dine's Easter buffet will feature carved honey ham, made-to-order omelets and a ceviche bar with shrimp, tuna and vegetarian offerings. The restaurant will also offer a selection of festive desserts including red velvet cupcakes, petite pastries, gourmet cookies, brownies and tortes. Mimosas and sparkling sparkling cider will be available for $5.
Feast like a farmer at Glen Prairie
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $27 per person; $12 for children 12 and under, free for children under 4
If it's farm fresh foods you seek on Easter, head over to Glen Prairie for plenty of home-style favorites. Highlights include asparagus salad, bagels and artisan rolls, made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict, rustic skillet potatoes and glazed ham. Glen Prairie will also offer a "kid's corner" with silver dollar pancakes, Amish chicken nuggets, mac n' cheese, French bread pizzas and fruit cups.
Try a little bit of everything at Karma
10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $26.95 per person, $12.95 for children
This suburban spot is pulling out all the stops for its Easter brunch buffet. First, there's the salad station, complete with mixed greens and pasta salads, followed by the seafood station, where you'll find citrus-poached King salmon, and shrimp with plum tomato and horseradish sauce. Next up is the omelet station with all the proper fixin's including chives, pepper-cured bacon and country sausage links. Of course, you could skip all that and head straight for the carving station stacked with herb- and garlic-crusted prime rib and oven-roasted turkey breast. Whichever you choose, be sure to save room for Karma's selection of mini French pastries, fresh tortes and pies.
Indulge in endless options at Maxwell's at The Club
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $45 per person, $15 for children 10 and under
If you're really looking to indulge after all that fasting, head to Maxwell's at the Club, where you'll find an overwhelmingly large Easter buffet. The options are quite literally endless, with choices like shrimp cocktail, poached salmon with mustard sauce, curried chicken salad with apples, Applewood-smoked bacon and sausage, toasted cinnamon brioche and three-cheese tortellini with spicy tomato sauce. And that's not even including the spread of seasonal fruits, berries and pastries. Oh, and did we mention the omelet and waffle bar, or the carving station with roast prime rib, lamb and honey-glazed spiral ham?
Take a tropical escape at Trader Vic's
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $37.95; $20 for children ages 5-12, free for children 4 and under
The infamous mai tai lounge and restaurant, located in Chicago's Gold Coast, will offer a lineup of Easter favorites in addition to its signature menu. The holiday fare will include a traditional carving station, an omelet station and a display of tropical fruit. Keeping in line with Trader Vic's festive atmosphere, each guest will also enjoy island retro music and a complimentary mai tai or mimosa. Reservations can be made at (312) 642-6500.
Enjoy a live piano performance at Chez Colette
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; $48 per person, $24 for children 12 and under, children under age 6 eat free
Executive Chef Christian Gaborit will prepare an Easter brunch, complete with a special performance by pianist John O'Keefe. Menu highlights include a gourmet crepe bar, Montana smoked trout, eggs benedict, braised ham with honey maple sauce and an assortment of French cheeses. The little ones can take advantage of a special children's buffet. Each meal includes one complimentary glass of champagne. Reservations should be made at (847) 678-4488, ext. 6951.
Spend the weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
11 a.m.; $105 per person; $25 for children ages 5-12
Chicago's popular Four Seasons Hotel is offering numerous Easter festivities for families this year. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 10, the little ones can enjoy Storytelling Teas, featuring storyteller Betsy Means and "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" in the hotel's State Room (located on the 8th floor), $55. The weekend will commence on Sunday, April 12 with a 10 a.m. puppet performance in the LaSalle Room and a traditional Easter brunch in the Seasons Restaurant and Lounge. Menu highlights include Spring lamb with mint pesto, glazed ham with honey and made-to-order omelets and crepes. For reservations, call (312) 649-2349.
Eat like a Frenchman at Le Titi de Paris
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $38 per person, children's menus start at $15
Chefs Michael and Susan Maddox have crafted a special Easter prix-fixe menu featuring upscale appetizers like chilled spring rolls with Maine lobster and warm seafood crepes with Black Tiger shrimp and sea scallops. Easter entrees offer eight different choices including slow braised lamb shank, grilled Alaskan halibut, roasted pork tenderloin and quiche Lorraine. For dessert, you can have your pick of Chef Michael's "symphony of chocolate," the Tahitian scented creme brulee, classic Meyer lemon tart or a trio of apricot, raspberry and coconut sorbets. Call (847) 506-0222 for reservations.
Save room for dessert at one sixtyblue
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $35 per person
This family-friendly restaurant will keep the kids entertained with its interactive waffle station, featuring Belgian waffles ready to decorate with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles. Meanwhile, sophisticated palates will enjoy Easter-inspired dishes like tropical fruit salad with angel food croutons, slow-cooked pork belly with buttermilk biscuits and spicy sausage gravy, omelets with king crab and farfalle pasta with morels. For dessert, pastry chef Stephanie Prida will whip a selection of seasonal desserts, including her popular chocolate panna cotta with chocolate-peanut butter fudge.
Try something new at Markethouse
$45 per person, half-price for children 12 and under
The recently opened MarketHouse Restaurant, located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, will celebrate its first Easter brunch with favorites like eggs benedict and made-to-order omelets. Additionally, the adjacent Doubletree Hotel will offer overnight accommodations and Sunday brunch for two, rates start at $129.
Dine like a diva at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $29.95
Kit Kat's annual Easter brunch will feature free-flowing mimosas, a four-course menu by Executive Chef Matt Stovey and performances by the legendary Kit Kat Diva, Madame X. Menu highlights include family-style beignets, baked oatmeal with strawberry preserves, slow-roasted corned beef hash, grilled petite sirloin steak and a mini cupcake duo for dessert.
Say hello to Spring at Va Pensiero
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. brunch, 4-8 p.m. dinner; $38-$42
Chef and Owner Jeff Muldrow will feature elegant brunch dishes like housemade chicken liver pate with crisp flat bread, pancetta risotto with heirloom tomatoes, grilled lamb loin and cinnamon raisin bread French toast with orange-honey mascarpone maple syrup. Va Pensiero's Easter dinner makes room for even more indulgent choices, including tagliatelle with exotic mushrooms, rosemary pappardelle with pancetta and saffron couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette. Additionally, Muldrow will offer a special children's menu featuring scaled-down portions of seasonal favorites, $15-$18.
Have a moveable feast aboard the Spirit of Chicago
12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.; $49.50 per person, half-price for children ages 3-11
Celebrate Spring with a midday cruise and Easter brunch buffet on the Spirit of Chicago. Along with scenic skyline views, guests will enjoy live entertainment, complimentary goodie bags for children and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Reservations are required and can be made at (866) 211-3804 or here.
Celebrate Easter with a jaunt on Odyssey Cruises
11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $67.90 per person, half price for children ages 3-11
The Odyssey will offer a gourmet Easter brunch buffet, live entertainment, appearances from the Easter Bunny, goodie bags for the little ones and complimentary champagne for Mom and Dad. Reservations are required and can be made at (888) 957-2322 or here.
Hop over to Ann Sather (Belmont)
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $17.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 12 and under
The Swedish restaurant will serve a selection of homestyle Easter dinners in place of its regular menu on Sunday, April 12. The special menu will feature traditional Easter items like roasted leg of lamb with mint jelly and mashed potatoes, baked ham with fruit glaze and sweet potatoes, broiled salmon with mustard dill sauce, roasted turkey with celery-sage stuffing, beef tenderloin with grilled mushrooms and fresh spinach lasagna. Each meal also includes a selection of Ann Sather's homemade breads, vegetable soup, fresh asparagus and apple or cherry pie for dessert. Additionally, a limited menu of popular breakfast items (including those famous cinnamon rolls, we hope) will be available throughout the day beginning at 7 a.m.
Meet the bunny at Petterino's Easter Brunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $29.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 12 and under
Located in the heart of Chicago's theater district, Petterino's will dazzle guests with a special prix-fixe Easter brunch menu from executive chef Francis Brennan. To start, sip on a champagne bellini or mimosa and then choose from a variety of carvery items including ham, lamb or prime rib. Better yet, try something breakfast-inspired from the Hen House like the fresh lump-crab omelet, classic eggs benedict or an egg white and vegetable omelet with fresh fruit and tomato salsa. Petterino's will also offer special brunch items just for the little ones, featuring an Easter bunny breakfast with egg-shaped pancakes, fruit and bunny-shaped bacon, complete with a tableside visit from the Easter bunny himself.
Listen to live jazz at Old Town Brasserie
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $29 per person
Old Town Brasserie's Easter brunch couldn't be any classier with its mix of live jazz and upscale cuisine from executive chef Andy Motto. The three-course prix-fixe menu will feature dishes like roasted beet and goat cheese salad, grilled salmon, herb-roasted chicken and a duo of roasted lamb leg and rack. Dessert poses an even bigger challenge with selections like pistachio souffle with white chocolate-orange sauce, dark chocolate terine with passion fruit mousse and an assortment of sorbets.
Try an Easter-inspired empanada at Carnivale
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Carnivale's Easter brunch menu will feature festive dishes like asparagus and Parmesan-stuffed empanadas, huevos en cazuela with eggs, chorizo and manchego cheese, French toast with vanilla butter, honey and fresh fruit and pineapple-coconut bread pudding with rum anglaise for dessert. Prices range from $6-$10, Carnivale's regular menu will be available from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Brunch with the bunny at The Restaurant at Conrad
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $42-$52 for adults, $17.50 for children 12 and under, children 4 and under eat free
The Restaurant at Conrad will celebrate Easter with a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny during brunch. The special menu will include an appetizer buffet, one entrée selection of breakfast or brunch, a dessert table and a glass of champagne and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Eat to your heart's content at O'Donovan's
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $15.95 for adults, $6.95 for children ages 3-11
Head over to this North Center pub for an all-you-can-eat Easter brunch buffet. Highlights include tilapia with roasted shiitake mushrooms, assorted mini-quiches (mushroom and gorgonzola, grilled veggies with Parmesan cheese, four-cheese and smoked bacon) and scrambled eggs with bacon and cheddar cheese in potato baskets. Additionally, O'Donovan's will feature its regular Sunday buffet items like made-to-order omelets, a waffle station, biscuits and gravy, French toast, carved meats and an assortment of muffins and pastries. And don't forget to wash it all down with a jumbo screwdriver or a "white trash" mimosa.
Say Oui Oui to Easter brunch at Brasserie Jo
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Head over to Brasserie Jo for a traditional French brunch this Easter. The festive menu includes dishes like cream of asparagus soup, French-style brie omelets, brioche crab cakes, smoked pork chops, grilled salmon and bananas foster French toast; prices range from $6.95-$21.95. The restaurant will also offer a special kids menu, featuring pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, scrambled eggs with peas and "kids" chicken, $7.95 each. The little ones can also enjoy games, crafts and other kid-friendly activities in the restaurant's salon. Brasserie Jo's main dining room will be open for dinner service from 4-9 p.m.
Brush up on your Italian at Gioco
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Skip the traditional ham and mashed potatoes this year and try something a little more exotic with Gioco's Italian Easter brunch. The restaurant's holiday menu will include sweet breakfast selections like macadamia nut pancakes with orange zest and morel frittatas with sweet peas, and savory lunch options like roasted pork paninis with spicy salami and braised rabbit leg with procuitto and polenta. Prices range from $10-$17. Gioco will be closed for dinner.
Brush up on your buffet etiquette at Shaw's Crab House (both locations)
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $49.99 for adults, $19.99 children
Shaw's Chicago and Schaumburg locations both offer lavish spreads of food on Easter Sunday, from the make-your-own omelet and waffle station to the cold seafood bar featuring sushi, oysters and Alaskan king crab bites. Ever looked at a dessert menu and wanted a little bit of everything? The Sweet table allows you to do just that, with bite-size portions of all the classics. If you're really looking to celebrate, add an extra $5 for the bloody mary and mimosa bars.
Get tipsy on Bunny-Tinis at The Leg Room
7 p.m.; $10 for men, ladies get in free
Once you've had your fill of meat and potatoes, head over to The Leg Room's Babes & Bunnies Martini Mixer. The charitable event, held in honor of the Red Door Animal Shelter, will feature a signature Bunny-Tini cocktail, a charity raffle and photo ops with a large bunny. You'll also have a chance to win prizes including Cubs and Sox tickets, a beer pong table, an adult gift basket from Lover's Playground, numerous gift certificates and DVDs. In addition to the signature drink, The Leg Room will offer a number of half-price drinks and liquor bottles.
Dye-ing for more Easter fun?
Ethnic Easter Eats
Ham Alternatives
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Dessert Recipes
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