Despite all the terrible things happening in the world this week (i.e. below freezing temperatures, mindless criminal activity, Tiger Woods’ fall from grace), there are still some delicious Chicago brunch spots out there to lift your spirits. It may not put glass back in your car window, but it will at least fill your stomach.

Breakfast Sandwich at Birchwood Kitchen (Photo: Carly Fisher)

And I hope that when I come home from brunch this weekend in a hazy food coma, that the frightening noises coming from my hundred-year-old radiators won’t result in a tragic explosion and several third degree burns.

Birchwood Kitchen
(2211 W. North Ave., 312.276.2100)
Fun fact: I am hopelessly addicted to Birchwood’s brunch. Birchwood definitely does not receive as much love as they deserve. In addition to being Jedis of the Sandwich Order, the staff is prone to leading “aw”-inducing bouts of philanthropic work such as making school lunches for Drummond Elementary School’s Science Fair.  Brunch served Sat.-Sun. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Goose Island Clybourn
(1800 N. Clybourn Ave., 312.915.0071)
Consistently missing the Goose Island beer tour due to a leisurely brunch? Goose Island has heard your cries of morning sorrow and is now launching a brand new brunch menu this weekend. Keeping things simple, the menu is limited to four entrees with quality ingredients such as a breakfast sandwich with Nueske’s bacon and braised pork enchiladas using Swan Creek Farm pork. Naturally, there is plenty of beer for those who subscribe to the hair of the dog hangover cure. Brunch served Sundays 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Mundial Cocina Mestiza
(1640 W. 18th St., 312.491.9908)
In celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mundial Cocina Mestiza will be featuring  a special brunch menu with a special discount: come in between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and receive 10% off your bill with a minimum $35 purchase. Brunch served Sat.-Sun. 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Horizon Cafe
(3805 N. Broadway Ave., 773.883.1565)
If you absolutely cannot leave the house this weekend (understandably at these temperatures), Horizon Cafe grabs the nomination of Delivery of the Week. Grab a hot skillet and tip the delivery guy well; it’s going to be a long 13-hours of back-to-back movies. Breakfast and lunch served daily starting at 7:00 a.m. 

— Carly Fisher