There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.
Set in Chicago, IL, The Wild Goose Bar & Grill 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 The Wild Goose Bar & Grill. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- 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
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.
Their breakfast cocktails are no joke. The bloody mary comes garnished with everything but the kitchen sink, and the bottomless mimosa option has a strict 90-minute window.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Chicago, The Wild Goose Bar & Grill 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. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
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 The Wild Goose Bar & Grill.
- 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 | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
| Wed | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
| Thu | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
| Fri | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
| Sat | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
| Sun | Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does The Wild Goose Bar & Grill open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-0:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does The Wild Goose Bar & Grill 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 The Wild Goose Bar & Grill kid-friendly?
Yes — The Wild Goose Bar & Grill 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 The Wild Goose Bar & Grill serve?
It's classified under american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Chicago.
Is there outdoor seating at The Wild Goose Bar & Grill?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 4600 North Lincoln Avenue. Coordinates: 41.9650, -87.6864. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.