If you find yourself on the Illinois side of the river on a Saturday or Sunday morning, there’s no shortage of great spots to grab brunch. From Edwardsville to Waterloo, you’ll find dishes ranging from breakfast burritos to biscuits and gravy to breakfast pizza. Here are five picks for a tasty way to start the weekend in Illinois.
Clara B’s Kitchen Table
Clara B’s – a Feast 2022 Best New Restaurant – has become a beloved regional favorite for its elevated comfort food, and it just reopened its doors last weekend in a new, larger location. Chef-owner Jodie Ferguson prides herself on making everything she can from scratch. One of the spot’s most popular dishes is the loaded breakfast burrito with chorizo, bacon, egg, cheese, potato, avocado and ranchero sauce. Pro tip? Don’t sleep on the Texas cinnamon roll.
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732 S. Illinois St., Belleville, Illinois, 618-416-1812, clarabs.com
The Fat Elvis French Toast.
During the week, Pie Hard slings tasty pies with inventive toppings, and that creativity carries over to its indulgent, all-day Saturday brunch. Try the Fat Elvis: churro cornflake French toast with peanut butter, banana stout bacon, graham cracker streusel and grape jelly. It also offers an upgraded version of a Midwestern classic – breakfast pizza. Its take includes sausage gravy, cheddar, scrambled duck egg, candied bacon, green onion and hot honey.
122 W. Mill St., Waterloo, Illinois, 618-939-4273, piehardpizza.com
Since opening in 2011, Cleveland-Heath has become an Edwardsville staple for seasonal dining. This emphasis on fresh ingredients carries over to its brunch menu, which is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don’t miss the pork burger, with a Rensing pork patty, bacon, American cheese, shaved red onions and smoked maple mayo on a potato bun. The quiche with seasonal veggies is notable as well, and always a reliable standby.
106 N. Main St., Edwardsville, Illinois, 618-307-4830, clevelandheath.com
June’s Breakfast + Patio
If you enjoy an al fresco-style brunch, head to June’s in Shiloh, Illinois, where you can dine in its picturesque patio’s ample seating. On the lunch side of the menu, don’t miss the butternut squash risotto topped with butter-braised leeks and sautéed kale. Its drink menu features Blueprint Coffee and a variety of blends from Big Heart Tea Co.
430 S. Main St., Shiloh, Illinois, junesinshiloh.com
This casual eatery prides itself on using organic and locally sourced ingredients. In addition to classics like bagel breakfast sandwiches, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Try the eggplant panini with mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, provolone, cheddar and pesto. Be sure to sneak a peak at the pastry case for some sweet treats.
233 N. Main St., Edwardsville, Illinois, 618-692-4150, sacredgroundscafe.net
