Your mom may say all she needs this Mother’s Day is to know you’re thinking about her and that you’re doing well, but she’d probably appreciate being taken out to brunch too. Luckily there are plenty of options to enjoy with the mother figure in your life, from elaborate buffets to playful afternoon teas to family-friendly celebrations where the little ones have their own menus and entertainment. Check out our list of 75 places to share a family meal this Mother’s Day and be sure to make a reservation soon.
All events take place on May 12 unless otherwise specified.
The Loop and Near North Side
Aba
Try labneh and berries and a Kalimera cocktail made with sparkling rosé, peach and thyme during brunch, or come for dinner for ahi tuna and shishito kebab. The specials are available May 11-12. 302 N. Green St., 773-645-1400, abarestaurants.com
Adorn
Moms will be welcomed with flowers, bubbly and live jazz music at brunch including breakfast bites and pastries. $255. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 120 E. Delaware Place, 312-280-8800, adornrestaurant.com
The Albert
A buffet of Italian American fare includes roasted garlic potatoes, cheese and charcuterie boards, prime rib, short rib gnocchi and tiramisu. Add on drinks from a roving bellini cart. $60. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com
Alla Vita
Enjoy drinks from a tableside mimosa cart, plus brunch dishes served alongside the lunch menu such as a smoked salmon plate and porchetta breakfast sandwich. 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. 564 W. Randolph St., 312-667-0104, allavitachicago.com
Bar Pendry
Share a high tea that includes a tower of eight bites such as chicken katsu with maple mustard, a strawberry tart and angel food cake. $65 plus $45 for bottomless mimosas. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 81 E. Wacker Place, 312-777-9000, pendry.com
Bazaar Meat
Wagyu and Spanish octopus are the stars of a four-course tasting menu at José Andrés’ restaurant. $145 plus $125 for wine pairings. 2-8 p.m. 120 N. Wacker Drive, 312-820-6601, thebazaar.com
Bistronomic
A three-course brunch includes spring saffron carrot veloute, brioche French toast with Grand Marnier syrup and a lemon tart. $49; $28 for kids under 10; add 1.5 hours of mimosas for $20. 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net
The Café at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Nibble bites from executive pastry chef Toni Roberts, including smoked salmon sandwiches, asparagus and ham quiche, scones and macarons, accompanied by tea and a glass of Champagne or nonalcoholic bubbly. $85. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 11-12. 160 E. Pearson St., toralichicago.com
Carnivale
A brunch buffet includes shrimp cocktail, lamb shank barbacoa, braised short rib, sweet plantains, waffles, buttermilk fried chicken, seafood paella, churros, cotton candy and a kids station. $60; $25 for kids. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005, carnivalechicago.com
Chef Art Smith’s Reunion
Stop by Navy Pier for a three-course brunch, including a mimosa, deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, and beignets for the table. $45. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-224-1415, reunionrestaurants.com
Cherry Circle Room
Executive Chef Mari Katsumura offers a buffet brunch, including scrambled eggs, crepes, avocado toast, pastries and smoked salmon and spinach florentine benedicts. $70; free for kids ages 3 and under. Add bottomless mimosas for $35. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3515, lsdatcaa.com/cherry-circle-room
Eataly
Celebrate early with a Mother’s Day Festa walk around tasting, including baked three-cheese pasta, limoncello tiramisu, chocolate almond focaccia and a glass of prosecco. $45. 1 and 2 p.m. May 11. 43 E. Ohio St. 312-521-8700, eataly.com
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Sip tea from Rishi Tea and Botanicals and a mimosa, bellini or glass of prosecco accompanied by finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. $69. Noon, 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. May 11-12. 221 N. Columbus Drive, 312-477-0234, firelakechicago.com
Francesca’s on Chestnut
The Gold Coast restaurant offers made-to-order breakfast during brunch and a risotto station during dinner along with a carving station, raw bar, chocolate fountain and s’mores bar. $83; $17 for kids 12 and under. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 200 E. Chestnut St. 312-482-8800, miafrancesca.com
Girl & the Goat
Share favorites from Stephanie Izard’s menu along with some new spring dishes during a family-style brunch. $75. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262, girlandthegoat.com/chicago
Grill on 21
The restaurant on the 21st floor of The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection offers a brunch buffet featuring roasted ham and lamb, made-to-order omelets, oysters, potato salad, grilled salmon and an ice cream station. $125; $25 for kids under 12. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000 ext. 3, grillon21.com
Hard Rock Cafe
Graze on a brunch buffet and build your own bouquet to take home for an extra $45. You can also add on a trip to a mimosa bar for $20. $23; $12 for kids. 10 a.m. to noon. 63 W. Ontario St., 312-943-2252, cafe.hardrock.com/chicago
I|O Godfrey
Take in the rooftop views between visits to a brunch buffet offering eggs Benedict, French toast, pancakes, carved prime rib, gnocchi pomodoro, sushi and chocolate-covered strawberries. $65; $15 for kids. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, iogodfrey.com
Jaleo by José Andrés
Get a taste of Spain with a four-course brunch, including chicken croquettes, grilled steak with confit piquillo peppers and fried heirloom tomatoes with saffron aioli. $39. 500 N. Clark St., 312-820-7771, jaleo.com
Kinzie Chophouse
Pile your plate at a brunch buffet featuring East Coast oysters, bacon-wrapped asparagus, Caesar salad, gnocchi with wild mushrooms, carved prime rib, roasted vegetables and apple cobbler. $100; $20 for kids 10 and younger. 400 N. Wells St., 312-822-0191, kinziechophouse.com
Leña Brava
A Mexican-inspired buffet brunch on the West Loop restaurant’s second floor includes wood-fired chilaquiles, breakfast tacos and a guacamole bar. $45. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 900 W. Randolph St., 312-733-1975, lenabrava.com
Maple & Ash
Brunch includes lobster soft scramble with black truffle, a roasted seafood tower, kaluga caviar, maple-glazed bacon and coconut cream pie. $120; $65 for kids. 8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888, mapleandash.com
Mercat a la Planxa
A Catalonian-inspired brunch buffet features carved prime rib, grilled chicken breast with wild mushroom ragout, smoked salmon and tres leches cake. $85; $25 for kids; free for kids under age 6. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 638 S. Michigan Ave., 312-765-0524, mercatchicago.com
Momotaro
A four-course Japanese-inspired brunch includes miso soup, sashimi, spicy tuna dip, and steak and eggs. $75; $25 for kids ages 3-10. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 820 W. Lake St., 312-733-4818, momotarochicago.com
Native Foods
A vegan brunch created in collaboration with Ste Martaen features horchata pancakes ($10), shrimp and grits ($14) and nachos loaded with black beans and scrambled tofu ($12). 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 218 S. Clark St., 312-332-6332, nativefoods.com
Nobu
The West Loop restaurant offers luxurious brunch specials, including chicken and waffle with spicy truffle honey ($28), salmon poke with black garlic soy glaze ($38) and a chocolate passionfruit parfait ($16). 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 854 W. Randolph St., 312-779-8800, noburestaurants.com
NoMI
The restaurant on the seventh floor of Park Hyatt Chicago serves a four-course brunch with dishes including leek and parmesan quiche, grilled asparagus salad, smoked ham with pineapple mostarda and macarons. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $165; $55 for kids. 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030, nomichicago.com
Osteria Via Stato
Pile your plate with a made-to-order omelet station, carved dry-aged ribeye, antipasti and dishes including ciabatta French toast. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $70; $35 for kids ages 6-10; free for kids ages 5 and under. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com
Pippin’s Tavern
Join a live piano singalong show during a brunch featuring $30 bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 39 E. Chicago Ave., 312-982-2752, pippinstavern.com
Prime & Provisions
The steakhouse’s annual grand buffet brunch features cinnamon French toast and eggs Benedict, carving stations serving maple-glazed ham and slow-roasted prime rib, a raw bar with shrimp, oysters and crab legs, made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles, and plenty of sweets. $95; $35 for kids ages 7-12. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com
River Roast
Take in the views of the Chicago River during a brunch buffet featuring waffles, carved meats, spring frittata, and biscuits and gravy. For an extra fee you can add on a bloody mary and mimosa bar or have a bouquet from Flowers for Dreams waiting at the table. $75; $35 for kids 10 and under. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 315 N. LaSalle St., 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Co.
All moms receive a complimentary glass of prosecco during brunch, when specials including a wild mushroom omelet ($23) and smoked salmon plate ($26) are available in addition to the regular menu. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 465 N. McClurg Court, 312-265-1328, robertspizzacompany.com
Rose Mary
A three-course menu from chef Joe Flamm includes braised lamb hash, burek and chocolate budino with coffee gelato. $55. 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. 932 W. Fulton Market, 872-260-3921, rosemarychicago.com
Sepia
Start with prosciutto tartine, smoked whitefish salad and cinnamon raisin babka, then choose from entrees including grilled short rib and ricotta agnolotti with black truffle. End the meal by sharing roasted vanilla pavlova. $84; $40 for kids under 12. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com
Shula’s Steakhouse at Sheraton Grand Riverwalk Hotel
Enjoy views of the Chicago River along with a brunch buffet featuring monkey bread pudding, made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib with horseradish cream and shrimp cocktail. $79. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 301 E. North Water St., 312-670-0778, shulassteakhouse.com
Somerset
The restaurant within the Viceroy Chicago hosts a brunch buffet including short rib shakshuka, brioche French toast and quiche florentine. $85; $25 for kids; add on bottomless mimosas for $35. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1112 N. State St., 312-586-2000, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/chicago/somerset
State and Lake Chicago Tavern
Executive chef Michael Taus offers a brunch buffet including steel-cut oatmeal, Caesar salad, pork and chicken sausage, macaroni and cheese, and chocolate mousse plus a bloody mary or mimosa. $65; $15 for kids ages 5-12. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 201 N. State St., 312-239-9400, stateandlakechicago.com
Sushi | Bar
An extra luxurious version of the 17-course omakase includes a strawberry lavender spritz, caviar, truffles and a souffle pancake for dessert. $255. 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 405 N. Wabash Ave., 312-498-4442, sushibarhospitality.com
Tanta
Choose an entree such as French toast with bruleed bananas or ribeye with fried egg and chimichurri as part of a brunch featuring family-style dishes including ceviche, empanadas and tres leches cake. $80. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com
Tapas Valencia
Come for a three-course brunch featuring garlic potato salad, grilled sea scallops and a chocolate tulip filled with vanilla mascarpone custard or a four-course dinner where you’ll get both a hot and cold tapas option such as yellowfin tuna tartar or bacon-wrapped dates. $60 or $70. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. 1530 S. State St., 312-842-4444, tapasvalencia.com
Untitled Supper Club
Catch a performance from Alysha Monique & the Family Divine during a family-style brunch including burrata with whiskey-roasted grapes and caramel apple French toast. $48; $25 for kids. 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. 111 W. Kinzie St., 312-880-1511, untitledsupperclub.com
Travelle at The Langham, Chicago
An acoustic duo performs during a luxurious brunch including Champagne, mimosas, bellinis, smoked fish, caviar, sushi, carving stations, pastries and a chocolate waterfall. $275; $75 for kids. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com
Yardbird
The River North restaurant offers a $52 three-course menu including deviled eggs with smoked trout roe, creme brulee waffles and deep fried Oreos plus a mimosa for mom and biscuits for the table. 530 N. Wabash Ave., 312-999-9760, runchickenrun.com/chicago
North Side & Northwest Side
Argot
Opt for the regular a la carte menu or a $38 brunch including French onion soup, buckwheat pancakes and bacon. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2349 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-770-3571, argotchicago.com
Avenue Tap & Kitchen
Share a relaxing afternoon with two hours of mimosas and aperol spritzes plus an appetizer of your choice for $25. 3407 N. Paulina Ave., 773-858-7679, avenuetapchicago.com
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar
Moms receive a complimentary glass of Champagne they can enjoy along with brunch specials such as a lobster Benedict ($35) or salmon croquettes with cheesy red grits ($27). 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3235 W. Addison St., 773-754-8523, chesasbistro.com
Daisies
A family-style brunch features a pastry board plus a choice of three entrees, including French toast, eggs Benedict, and biscuits and gravy. Add on sides for $8 such as crispy breakfast potatoes and bacon. $49; $15 for kids 10 and under. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-697-9443, daisieschicago.com
Homeslice
Moms receive a complimentary aperol spritz taster and can make mini flower bouquets and bracelets during brunch at the Lincoln Park restaurant. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 938 W. Webster Ave., 312-789-4600, happycamper.pizza/homeslice
Le Sud
The Roscoe Village restaurant serves its brunch menu all day along with specials, including eggs shawarma ($18) and pan-seared salmon with honey-mustard glaze ($18). 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, lesudchicago.com
Maman Zari
The Albany Park Persian restaurant serves a four-course brunch featuring sweet cakes, tomato stew, lamb chops with saffron rice, and saffron and pistachio ice cream. $55. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 4639 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-961-7866, mamanzari.com
Rizzo’s Bar & Inn
Moms receive a free mimosa and roses with their meal at the Wrigleyville bar. 3658 N. Clark St., 773-799-8161, rizzosbarandinn.com
Verzenay
Sip Palais Des Thés teas from Paris during a Mother’s Day tea including French desserts and savory bites such as cucumber sandwiches, crab cake samosas, mixed fruit tarts and Madagascar vanilla financiers. $78; $60 for kids ages 4-9. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 8-10 and 12-13. 2507 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-799-8312, verzenaychicago.com
Vinci
The Lincoln Park restaurant’s annual Mother’s Day brunch includes a choice of entrees such as grilled salmon with quinoa or banana-stuffed French toast along with appetizer and dessert buffets loaded with prosciutto, meatballs, panna cotta and tiramisu. 1732 N. Halsted St., 312-266-1199, vinci.davinci-group.com
West Side & Near West Side
Cafe Robey
All moms who come for brunch will receive a flower and a complimentary mimosa. A photographer will be onsite to capture some memories. 1616 N. Milwaukee Ave., 872-315-3084, caferobey.com
Cira
Toast mom with a glass of prosecco included in a three-course brunch along with baked challah French toast and short rib hash. $59. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 200 N. Green St., 312-761-1777, cirachicago.com
Delightful Pastries
Treat mom to a box of truffles ($14), a trio of gateaux ($24) or a Mother’s Day gift basket ($40), including blood orange marmalade, vanilla strawberry jam, chocolate orange tea bread and vanilla beans. 5927 W. Lawrence Ave., 773-545-7215, delightfulpastries.com
Duck Duck Goat
Share dim sum and other dishes during a family-style brunch. $65. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com
Fora
Share afternoon tea featuring tarragon chicken salad, cucumber and yuzu cream sandwiches, scones with cream and housemade marmalade and chocolate mousse. For $25, you can add on a bellini flight. $49. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 311 N. Morgan St. 312-764-1933, forachicago.com
Frontier
Moms are welcomed with flowers and a drink at a brunch including an entree, pastry and mimosa. $39. Noon to 5 p.m. 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-4322, thefrontierchicago.com
Ina Mae Tavern
Moms receive a complimentary mimosa and beignet with the purchase of any brunch entree. The New Orleans-inspired restaurant hosts live music from noon to 3 p.m. 1415 N. Wood St., 773-360-8320, inamaetavern.com
Roister
Choose an entree such as eggs Benedict or a smoked ricotta omelet to enjoy along with family-style dishes including deviled eggs, fried potato wedges, and cookies and milk ice cream. $65. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 951 W. Fulton Market, roisterrestaurant.com
Swift & Sons
Choose from corn flake French toast, lobster pierogi, and steak and eggs during a family-style brunch that includes bacon, paprika fried potatoes, biscuits and a berry parfait plus a bloody mary or mimosa for adults. $89; $20 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids 4 and under. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420, swiftandsonschicago.com
South Side & Near South Side
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
A three-course meal includes lobster bisque, black truffle risotto and a sweets platter for the table. Add on family-style sides such as creamed spinach ($14) or whipped potatoes with roasted garlic ($12). $75. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com
The Duck Inn
The seventh annual Mother of All Brunches celebration includes a choice of entree such as duck hash with preserved ramp hollandaise, or eggs Benedict with short rib, plus plenty of dishes to share, including deviled eggs with wasabi tobiko, duck fat potatoes and coconut mango tartlets. $83. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com
VU Rooftop Bar
Bring the whole family for a photo booth, face painting, card and bouquet making and a brunch buffet featuring a waffle bar, roasted garlic chili chicken, breakfast pastries, macaroni and cheese, and a mimosa. $83; $32 for kids. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 133 E. Cermak Road, 312-256-2990, vurooftop.com
Suburban and multiple locations
Aboyer
Feast on a three-course meal featuring spring pea soup with shiitake mushrooms, eggs Benedict with smoked pork loin and creme brulee. $79 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or $89 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; georgetroisgroup.com/aboyer
Antico Posto
Specials available for dine-in, carryout or delivery from May 10-12 include scallop risotto with asparagus and white chocolate cheesecake. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630-586-9200; antico-posto.com
Eddie Merlot’s
The steakhouse hosts a brunch buffet including eggs Benedict, chopped salad, shrimp cocktail, made-to-order omelets, carved filet mignon, mashed potatoes and chocolate-covered strawberries. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $74; $19 for kids 10 and under. Multiple locations, eddiemerlots.com
The Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
Executive chef Leonard Ventura serves up a buffet featuring Rioja-braised short rib, made-to-order omelets, carved honey-glazed ham, lobster rolls, smoked salmon with mini bagels, cheese and charcuterie, and a sweets table. A Champagne toast is included. $120; $35 for kids ages 4 to 10; free for kids 3 and under. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, 630-568-1234; hyatt.com
LAGO by Fabio Viviani
The Top Chef alum’s new restaurant offers a buffet brunch including brioche French toast, carved maple-glazed ham, made-to-order omelets, shrimp cocktail and Key lime tarts. $75; $25 for kids ages 6-12; free for kids under 6; add on bottomless mimosas for $25. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 350 N. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, 224-833-0939, lagolakezurich.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
All of the restaurant’s locations open early, decorating tables with rose petals and serving bloody marys, mimosas and rosé sangria ($13) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a 10-ounce filet-stuffed roast and three-course pork chop supper ($49) from 4-9 p.m. Multiple locations, perryssteakhouse.com
Prairie Grass Cafe
Feast on a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring grilled asparagus, sliced smoked salmon, omelet and crepe stations, ancho-marinated skirt steak and marbled bread pudding. The meal is $85, or $54 for kids. You can also place an order by May 9 to pick up Mother’s Day dinner for two from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The take-home meal includes balsamic-glazed salmon, mashed potatoes and asparagus soup for $144. 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-205-4433; prairiegrasscafe.com
Prairie Moon
A brunch buffet includes scrambled eggs, glazed sliced ham, shrimp cocktail and blueberry streusel coffee cake plus prosecco or a mimosa. $36; $15 for kids 5-10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1635 Chicago Ave., Evanston; 847-864-8328; prairiemoonrestaurant.com
Three Embers
The restaurant at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort hosts a buffet featuring salads, seafood, a carving station, breakfast dishes and desserts. $58; $24 for kids age 12 and under. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire; 847-634-0100, threeembersrestaurant.com
Timothy O’Toole’s
Find all your favorites on a brunch buffet including carved turkey, roasted potatoes, bagels and lox, biscuits and gravy, and doughnuts. $45; $20 for kids. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-984-2599, timothyotooles.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
