Getting a large group up and going in the morning is hard work. But it’s even harder still to cook for them. If you are hosting a gathering that sometimes feels like a television comedy during the holidays, brunch is your friend!
Whether your crowd is a Party of Five or Eight is Enough, local restaurants are standing by to help in these Family Matters.
George’s Family Restaurant, 145 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, is a mainstay. The menu is hearty, and there is room for everyone. Owner George Konstantos keeps it simple.
“Everybody likes the menu. The service is good. That’s what the sign says: George’s Family Restaurant, right?” said Konstantos.
Across the street, Maya del Sol, 144 S. Oak Park Ave., offers up not only a special Sunday brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but your Modern Family can order off the dinner menu too.
“It is common for guests to order off of the brunch menu and compliment with some of our favorites from the dinner menu such as guacamole, nachos or margaritas!” Chris Ramirez, managing partner, said. “Our most popular brunch item is definitely our huevos rancheros.”
Further down the street, 800 S. Oak Park Ave., Kettlestrings Tavern has enough room for your Brady Bunch. Through the end of the year weekend brunch service includes $7 Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. Menu favorites morning through mid-day are chilaquiles, crispy feta Avocado toast and biscuits with gravy.
Caffe DeLuca, 7427 Madison St, Forest Park, can fill up The Walton, Addams, Gilmore or Lopez families with brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The full DeLuca breakfast is a fan favorite, as is breakfast pizza and the perennial winner, French toast. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s will only set you back $7 here, too.
If your group is a chosen family, The Onion Roll, 6935 W. North Ave., will give you Seinfeld vibes. This Jewish-style deli was completely remodeled a few years ago and now bakes their own bagels.
“We altered the PH of the water using a complex filtration system and use a 3-day proofing process to churn out NY bagels,” said co-owner Ryan Rosenthal.
The menu is extensive, so choosing between the Denver omelet with Corned Beef Hash, matzo ball soup, or a bagel with hand-sliced lox is a task. There’s no alcohol, but Julius Meinl coffee pours smoothly out of their carafes.
This holiday season, if you’ve got a Full House that is straining Family Ties, pile everyone in the car or an old truck, like the Clampetts of Beverly Hills, and head out. Once satiated, everyone will hopefully come home and take a nap. You can tune out. Your work here is done.