What to eat in Chicago? / Wildberry, a must-visit spot for breakfast or brunch.
A highly popular spot where you can enjoy every kind of pancakes, waffles, eggs, and French toast—along with an endless variety of specialty coffees.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen an essential Chicago sculpture called “The Bean.” It’s a super-sized bean with a reflective surface. Here’s the photo to jog your memory:
This sculpture is officially named Cloud Gate, but no one actually calls it that. It was designed by Anish Kapoor, a contemporary English artist. It’s part of Millennium Park, and everyone takes pictures there, trying to capture their own distorted reflection on the giant bean’s curve.
Crossing the street to the north, you’ll find Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe—or at least one of its locations. On my previous visit to Chicago, we had to wait over an hour to get a table. This time, I had to make a tremendous effort to wake up at 7 a.m. (I’m not an early riser) and get there before the rush—and trust me, the breakfast crowd packs that place!
When did it start?
Wildberry opened in 2004 (almost at the same time as Millennium Park itself) and, from what you can tell, it’s been wildly successful. Their menu is huge and, as always in the U.S., portions are extremely generous. I ordered something they call a skillet: a large plate with (in this case) ham, sausage, turkey sausage, bacon, and cheddar and Jack cheeses, plus two sunny-side-up eggs. The cheese is delicious, but honestly, you’d need several days to finish that plate.
What’s for breakfast or brunch?
Now, the stars of Wildberry (besides the skillets and the fabulous eggs Benedict) are obviously the specialty pancakes, which in Mexico we call “hot-cakes,” in the U.S. “pancakes,” and in Spain “American cakes.” They come in buttermilk, cinnamon, Oreo, banana chocolate chip, banana coconut, and the standout Signature Berry Bliss: loaded with fresh berries and vanilla cream (yes, it’s a mountain of pancakes).
There are also Belgian waffles, French toast, sandwiches, paninis, and salads. Wildberry offers every drink imaginable: vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, hazelnut, and brown sugar coffees; mocha and chocolate drinks; house-made smoothies; juices; and lemonades. An extraordinary spot for breakfast or brunch—and you’ll roll out afterward!
- What we love and you must try: Signature Berry Bliss.
- Food Police insider advice: get there early.
- Address: 130 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: breakfast and brunch.
- Payment: cash and cards.
- Accessibility: yes.
- Phone: +1 (312) 470-0590
- Reservations: none.
- Pet friendly: yes.
- Good for kids: yes.
