Chic-ago Eats: Where to Brunch in the Windy City Part II
Last week I covered 3 Arts Cafe - the stunning open air cafe in a Restoration Hardware - as one of the best brunch places in Chicago. Today I present another brunch spot that is both a visitor and local favorite - The Allis at Soho House in the West Loop.
Being an elite 'urban country club' for the creative kind, Soho House normally only accepts members on its premise and prohibits anyone (even members) from taking pictures while in the club. The Allis is different - it's not only open to the public (since it's technically part of the Soho House hotel in the same building) but allows pictures for those who want to document the interiors of a Soho House establishment.
The upholstered seating with gold and black accents and continuous sets of chandeliers in the double (or possibly even triple) height space gives an aura of old school cigar lounge mixed with industrialist motifs.
The plethora of seating options - at the bar, individual ottomans, sofas - really makes it fit for any kind of visitors. I saw an Asian guy who seemed like a regular sipping on a cup of coffee in the Allis signature tea set while reading the newspaper, and wished that was me every single day because I could live in this lounge if I were able to.
The food and drinks also did not disappoint - we ordered house granola with fresh berries, a breakfast burger, and tea and cappuccino. The yogurt was fresh, the burger was rich and flavorful, and the drinks came in the prettiest tea ware. Check out their menu here.
Our brunch experience prompted me to think of applying for a Soho House membership -- anyone down to recommend me? ;)
I would definitely revisit the Allis every time I'm in Chicago - there's also an upstairs restaurant and the cowshed spa adjacent to the cafe to explore on future visits.
Feel free to drop me a comment below or email if you have any questions on the Allis or 3 Arts Cafe!