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Best Restaurants For Easter Brunch 2013 In Chicago

By Elizabeth SanFilippo

Gather your family together for Easter brunch and head out for a tasty treat at a local Chicago restaurant. From the more unusual, like a breakfast cruise and taco plates, to the more traditional French toast and omelets, there's something for everyone. As all of these places will be hopping, reservations are recommended.

Markethouse
(Credit: markethousechicago.com)

Markethouse Restaurant
611 N. Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 224-2200
www.markethousechicago.com

This American contemporary restaurant in River North is offering an upscale Easter brunch packed with locally sourced ingredients and foods. Nosh on a decidedly sweet treat like ricotta, Meyer lemon waffles with minted mixed berry compote, to some more savory dishes, such as a spring onion tart and mushroom tart. As all the dishes are part of a breakfast buffet, don't forget to stop by the chef's station for some Swan Creek omelets made to order. This menu is available for $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for children 10 and under.

Mercadito Chicago
108 W. Kinzie St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-9555
www.mercaditochicago.com

Head to Mercadito for a shareable family brunch menu that includes both traditional Mexican dishes as well as Chef Patricio Sandoval's take on American brunch favorites. Some highlights include a sweet butternut squash omelette that comes with bacon, manchego cheese and creamy poblano sauce, as well as "mini skillets," including carnitas hash, which includes crispy potato, braised pork, sauteed onion and fried egg. Tacos are also on the menu for those looking for something a bit more like lunch. Choose any three items for $13.50; to get a cocktail with your meal, the price goes up to a reasonable $19.50.

South Water Kitchen
(Credit: southwaterkitchen.com)

South Water Kitchen
225 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 236-9300
www.southwaterkitchen.com

Chef Roger Waysok's creations in this Loop restaurant are hearty and delicious, so come with an appetite for his $35 per person three-course prix fixe menu. Start your meal with either a bacon and egg salad, mixed fruit salad or white bean soup. As for the second course, choices range from egg-based dishes like short rib hash and smoked salmon omelet to other dishes, such as crab cakes and stuffed chicken breast. The dessert course offers two delectable options, either salted caramel doughnuts with bacon jam or black forest parfait, which includes vanilla yogurt, chocolate cake and cherries.

Related: Best Brunch in Chicago

Allium
(Credit: alliumchicago.com)

Allium American Restaurant & Bar
120 E. Delaware Place
Chicago, IL  60611
(312) 799-4900
www.alliumchicago.com

If the Easter brunch at Four Seasons' Allium Restaurant is anything like last year's, it's going to be both huge and delicious. Everything is seasonally inspired but that's about all these dishes have in common. Nosh on such tasty treats as an appetizer of grilled calamari to a seafood-packed "shepherd's pie." More traditional brunch items, such as French toast, will be available as well.

Spirit Cruise
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
www.spiritofchicago.com

The most unique option for Easter brunch this year is a cruise on Lake Michigan with Spirit Cruise. After boarding at Navy Pier, enjoy a big buffet packed with with American brunch classics. When you're not eating, dance and celebrate to some DJ music. The cruise runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is priced at $54.90 for each adult, and $32.95 for each child age three to 12 (not including taxes). An Easter dinner is also available.

Related: 5 Picks for Outdoor Brunch

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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