New Chicago-area brunch spots for Mother's Day

Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up, making it a perfect time to start making brunch reservations .

Why it matters: Several innovative brunch services have launched in the past year, and we've done the legwork to figure out which ones are worth a visit.

Mott Street

Dig in: Funky pan-Asian-influenced brunch, served from 10am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday.

• Dishes include $16 coconut pancakes with hibiscus butter and coconut maple syrup; $18 pork belly eggs benedict with an onsen egg, oyster mushrooms and miso butter; and $24 kalbi steak and eggs.

Standout: Crisp, deeply flavored kimchi hash ($6).

Manchamanteles

Dig in: Upscale Mexican eatery in Bucktown, serving brunch 11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday.

• Offerings include $10 pancake pops, $13 tres leches hotcakes, and Yucatan-style huevos motuleños ($14) with roasted tomatoes, country bacon, peas, sweet plantains, queso fresco and black beans.

Standout: Chilaquiles in chef Geno Bahena's breathtaking black mole ($14).

Dawn

Dig in: Upscale Southern comfort food spot in Hyde Park serving brunch Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 8pm.

• Dishes include $16 salmon croquettes with rice, eggs and toast; chicken and cornbread French toast ($19); and pot roast and jalepeño cheese grits ($26).

Standouts: Fried green tomatoes ($11), fried chicken skins ($10) and smoked salmon deviled eggs ($16).

Matt Bakes

Dig in: This Hong Kong-style counter in River West's Gangnam Market serves Asian-inspired breakfast all day for brunchers who dig a fun food court vibe.

• Bites include an amazing breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese on a pineapple bun ($9.88) and the nostalgic "554" featuring Chinese barbecue pork, two eggs and rice ($14.88).

Standout: The Spamwich ($12.88) with fried egg, Spam and cheese on Japanese milk bread.

Soloway Coffee

Dig in: This Ukrainian cafe chain arrived in Lincoln Park this year, serving coffee, pastries and breakfast daily until 3pm.

• Bites include Ukrainian farmer cheese pancakes ($14), shakshuka ($13), hummus ($12) and white chocolate-dipped pistachio croissants ($7.50).

Standout: Avocado-burrata toast with eggs, arugula, cucumber and spicy cherries ($16).

Miru

Dig in: Find Japanese-inspired cuisine on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Hotel in Streeterville, which serves brunch 9am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday.

• Expect buttermilk pancakes with whipped yuzu, ricotta and blueberries ($19), crispy pork fried rice with eggs ($22) and savory chawanmushi egg custard ($14).

Big bites: Miru's Tokyo brunch featuring a rolled omelet, miso soup, ginger rice and king salmon ($44) is served every day on the breakfast menu.

Ummo

Dig in: This modern Italian eatery in River North serves brunch 10am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday.

• Dishes range from a $17 lentil salad to $26 shakshuka and $44 wagyu steak and eggs.

What we're hearing: Ummo's fried zeppole with prosciutto ($26) is the talk of the brunch circuit.

Flight Club

Dig in: This darts club and eclectic restaurant serves brunch weekends from 11am to 3pm for people who book darts-playing time.

• Dishes include avocado toast ($12), pork belly breakfast sliders ($17) and smoked salmon flatbread with capers, chive crème fraîche and dill ($22).

Big bites: Flight Club offers bottomless flatbreads and mimosas along with 90 minutes of darts for $59 per person.

Smoque Steak

Dig in: This seasonal American restaurant in Avondale introduced smoked sous vide beef to Chicago and launched its 11am to 3pm brunch last summer.

• Dishes range from lemon berry or banana brittle French toast ($18) to lobster biscuit Benedict ($26) and shrimp and grits ($25).

What we're hearing: Smoque's signature offering is steak and eggs ($24), featuring certified Angus beef with a choice of eggs, chipotle brunch potatoes and challah toast.

Marina's Bistro

Dig in: This young Puerto Rican eatery in Uptown is launching its brunch on Mother's Day with service from 10 am to 3pm.

• Dishes will include ham and cheese, or mushroom and cheese croquetas; fried pastelillo turnovers with eggs and sausage; as well as coconut waffles with chicken thighs and guava sauce.

Mirella's Tavern

Dig in: This eclectic Wicker Park spot recently starting serving weekend brunch.

• Expect breakfast quesadillas with duck confit ($11), shakshuka ($12), eggs Florentine ($13) and Philly Benedict ($14) with prime rib.

Big bites: On Mother's Day, they'll offer a $35 buffet with fruit trays, lox, Caesar salad, charcuterie platters, French toast, bacon, sausage, eggs Benedict and a selection of pastries.

Aboyer

Dig in: This French brasserie in Winnetka is not often open for brunch but is offering a special three-course menu ($79-$89) on Mother's Day.

• Dishes will include house-cured smoked salmon with a warm chive omelet and potato-caper pancake; pan-roasted chicken chasseur; salade Lyonnaise; soft-shell crabs; lamb shank; whitefish with fresh morels; and steak frites.

What's next: These are all newbie brunch spots, but we want hear about your tried and true brunch favorites for an upcoming ultimate Axios brunch list.

• Tell us by emailing chicago@axios.com .

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