Carriage House

1700 W. Division St., 773-384-9700, carriagehousechicago.com
Best new: The folksy, laid-back vibe at this Wicker Park charmer is a welcome vacation from the turn-’em-and-burn-’em brunches around town. As both the hung-over revelers and the stroller-pushing moms in the room will attest, Mark Steuer’s low-country-themed menu is an ode to Southern mornings well lived: a plate-size cornmeal johnnycake, a crisp malted waffle topped with a fried chicken thigh, and a brilliant mimosa spiked with Miller High Life and bourbon.

Lula Cafe

2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-489-9554, lulacafe.com
Best overall: The elder statesman of the Logan Square dining scene still rules with inventive egg dishes and creative pastries you’ll dream about later.