Read more: The Definitive Guide to Breakfast in Chicago
No. 1: Sausage, egg, and cheese at Loaf Lounge
It’s not that Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader are the first people to reimagine the classic McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin. It’s just that theirs is the best. It helps that they make the key components in-house: the juicy maple-garlic sausage patty, the squishy English muffin, the gooey egg. With a melted slice of American and a swipe of herb-garlic mayo to tie it all together, it’s no wonder this one has become an instant classic. $11. 2934 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
No. 2: Longanisa, egg, cheese, and a hash brown at Kasama
There’s a reason Sydney ate this sandwich as part of her culinary education on The Bear: By tapping Filipino longanisa, Tim Flores gives the sammie a salty-sweet flavor profile that sings. Don’t sleep on adding a hash brown, which should be nonnegotiable for its epic crunch. $16.55. 1001 N. Winchester Ave., East Ukrainian Village
No. 3: Breakfast sandwich at Café Kumiko
Bar Kumiko’s high standards are matched in its weekend café. And that’s certainly true of this novel offering, which features duck confit for luxurious savoriness and a shokupan muffin so fluffy it’s like eating a cloud. $17. 630 W. Lake St., West Loop
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No. 4: Breakfast sando at Allez Café
With the sweet heat from the jalapeño jam bringing the Gouda, crispy hash brown, and bacon into sync, this one hits the ideal spot between balanced and indulgent. $13. 2239 N. Western Ave., Bucktown
No. 5: Torta de chilaquil at Santa Masa Tamaleria
A plate of chilaquiles in sandwich form, this is Mexican comfort food. Saucy tortilla chips add crispy texture to the soft scrambled eggs and refried bean spread. $13. 7544 W. Addison St., Belmont Heights
No. 6: The Fulanito at Omarcito’s Latin Cafe
Chef Omar Cadena offers an on-the-go Latin version of steak and eggs with this scallion and cheese omelet on pressed French bread. The sweet vinegar steamed onions and vibrant green garlic sauce elevate it. $14. 3801 W. Fullerton Ave., Logan Square
No. 7: Bfast Sandy at Txa Txa Club
This funky all-day café takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. And you can see both in this offering: The tart, salty Japanese plum aïoli and the salmoriglio, a lemony sauce from Sicily, cut through the rich pork sausage. $14. 3268 W. Fullerton Ave., Logan Square
No. 8: Porchetta and egg panino at Mano a Mano
Porchetta isn’t standard breakfast meat, but the hand-rolled herby pork works
at this Italian spot. Served with fiery Calabrian chile butter, this sandwich is for heat fans only. $11. 2534 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
No. 9: Bun omelet at Superkhana International
This packs a ton of flavor and texture, thanks to an omelet loaded with diced tomato, jalapeño, green pepper, and tangy Amul cheese. It all comes wrapped in the buttery shell of griddled bread. $14. 3059 W. Diversey Ave., Logan Square
No. 10: Pastrami, egg, and cheese at Schneider Deli
The pastrami at this counter spot is great no matter how you order it. But it’s best on a breakfast sandwich, where the smoky, peppery slices meld nicely with the seasoning of an everything bagel. $16. 600 N. La Salle Dr., River North; 1733 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
Titus Ruscitti is a freelance writer for Chicago magazine.
From: The Definitive Guide to Breakfast in Chicago