Walk in on a Saturday around 10 and you will find regulars at the counter, families clustered around tables, and a host quietly working the wait list.
Set in Chicago, IL, Sarima Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Sarima Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
- Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
- Two eggs any style with thick-cut bacon and crispy hash
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Chicago, Sarima Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.
Tips from the regulars
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Sarima Cafe.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
Hours
| Mon | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
| Wed | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
| Thu | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
| Fri | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
| Sat | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
| Sun | We-Su 09:00-14:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Sarima Cafe open for brunch?
Posted hours are: We-Su 09:00-14:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Sarima Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Chicago are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Sarima Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Sarima Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Sarima Cafe serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Chicago.
Is there outdoor seating at Sarima Cafe?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1924 West North Avenue. Coordinates: 41.9106, -87.6761. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.