Take a walk through downtown Lake Forest and you’ll see dozens of food places, some small businesses, and some well-known chains. We narrowed down our top five picks for the best brunch spots across the North Shore.

Hometown Coffee and Juice:

First, we have a classic that came to Lake Forest in the spring of 2023, Hometown Coffee & Juice. Hometown has been a huge hit in places such as Winnetka and Glencoe, and is now located in downtown Lake Forest! Whether you want to grab and go or have a sit-down brunch, Hometown offers both of these options. They have a variety of brunch foods such as wraps, and bagels, and are known for their amazing beverages including smoothies and coffee. It’s a great place to eat with family or friends and is known for its reliable customer service.

Beatrix:

Another classic brunch site is Beatrix- located right near Navy Pier in Chicago. This aesthetic and pleasant spot also serves dinner, but if you are looking for an adorable restaurant to eat out for a special occasion, Beatrix opens at 7 a.m. Their menu hosts a variety of dishes, ranging from fresh-squeezed juice, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches, to coffee. Even better,  everything there is made fresh.

Beatrix also includes a large selection of gluten-free foods, which makes this menu more accessible to a wider crowd. If you’re heading down to the city in the morning, this is definitely a place worth checking out.

Bluffington’s:

Bluffington’s in downtown Lake Bluff has been around for many years,  and yet never gets old. While this cafe is most famously known for delicious breakfast sandwiches, Bluffington’s also serves a variety of smoothies, salads, and muffins. The spot is great for a quick yet delicious bite to eat. The staff provides your wants and needs in record time with their welcoming atmosphere. Bluffington’s interior is cute and cozy providing a comfortable place for consumers to sit and eat. Overall, this cafe is worth the talk and you should definitely stop by for a bite to eat.

The Deer Path Inn:

Another great place to consider for a special occasion is the English Room at the Deer Path Inn. Although it sits on the pricier side, the English Room serves amazing gourmet food. It also provides many cute photo opportunities with its clean and artsy plate presentations and floral arrangements inside and outside. This spot is the perfect place to go for a birthday, an anniversary, or even just a girls’ brunch. Common favorites from their menu are the Berry Bliss Belgium Waffle and the Healthy Start Skillet, but realistically, there is nothing bad to be said about the English Room! The Deer Path Inn also serves dinner, which is famous throughout the town. 

Foodstuffs:

Saving the best for last, we have Foodstuffs! Foodstuffs is not only located in Lake Forest town but has many locations across the North Shore including one in Glencoe. If you are a picky eater then Foodstuffs is the place for you. They have a build-your-own salad bar, soups, bakery items and so much more. A popular part of this brunch spot is the sandwich bar. This part is completely customizable and has so many options to make the perfect sandwich for you! You can walk in and out in under five minutes due to their fast service and hospitality. They have such a variety of types of food you can purchase, there’s no way to get sick of it!

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