Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

photo: Clifton Henri

Dial up a special Easter at 676 Restaurant and Bar
11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; $52 for adults, $16 or kids ages 3-12
Sure, 676 will have many of the typical Easter offerings—a breakfast buffet and a carving station for that holiday ham. But it will also have a raw bar, with items like tuna tartare and smoked salmon. For dessert, take the bunny's recommendation and go with the seasonal carrot cake.

Bowl and brunch at 10pin Bowling Lounge
Seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; $36, kids 4 and under are free
Brunch at 10pin entitles you to shoe rental, two hours of bowling with the Easter Bunny and a buffet of eats. Attendees get a chance to win prizes by knocking down the randomly added pink pins. Festive Easter drinks are available for both the children and adults. Kids can try the $2 Jelly Bean, a super-sweet combination of grenadine, ginger ale and jelly beans. For the grownups, the sugary, alcoholic drinks ring in at $9.50 each, and come garnished with sweets like chocolate eggs and pink Peeps.

Have a hard time choosing at Aigre Doux
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $38 per person; for reservations, call (312) 329-9400
Aigre Doux offers a three-course prix-fixe brunch. Round one includes Maine lobster bisque with lobster crostini; seared ahi tuna with jicama and cumin-infused citrus salad; vegetable salad or braised oxtail ravioli. Round two features entrees like roast prime rib and tandoori wild salmon with cardamom-infused yogurt. Equally eclectic round three brings on desserts like chocolate coconut layer cake with candied walnuts and sticky toffee pudding. Or, for a zippy finish, opt for the lemon parfait with lemon curd.

Have a grand brunch at Anthony's Italian Chop House
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $37.95 for adults, $15.95 kids ages 5-12
In the grand ballroom of the Doubletree Chicago Oakbrook Hotel, this Easter feast ensures that diners will get their fill: Score some crab legs at the seafood station or leg of lamb with mint jelly at the carving table. A children's buffet with everything from French toast sticks to mac and cheese makes this a good spot to take the kiddies.

Welcome in spring at aria
Lunch hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner hours: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. For reservations call (312) 444-9494.
Aria channels crisp spring flavors with specials like spring pea and mint soup ($9), rosemary garlic leg of lamb with olives, apricots, pickled ramps and chive risotto ($26); and chocolate mixed berry shortcake with a side of coconut gelato ($9). The globally influenced regular menu will also be available.

Fancy the flights at Bin 36
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $38 per adult; $19 per child under 12 years old; Free for children under the age of four.
Sip on delectable concoctions, like $12 mimosa flights and $12 bloody mary flights in flavors like horseradish and celery, balsamic syrup and parmesan cheese, pickled ginger and wasabi, and the Consuela Mary, with extra spice. Kid-friendly flights are equally exciting, featuring a variety of juices and flavored milks (both $3.50). BIN 36's buffet includes chilled shrimp cocktail, prosciutto with melon and grilled vegetable antipasto; stomach-stuffers like eggs benedict with peekey toe crab meat, citrus-glazed ham and roast beef; and finales like banana rum bread pudding and cherry brownie tart.

Find more flights at Bin Wine Cafe
10 a.m.-2p.m.; For reservations call (773) 486-2233
The same innovative drink flights from Bin 36 are on offer at its sister restaurant, but the food here skews more casual cafe fare. Special items include huckleberry-ricotta pancakes, brunch pizza with spinach, frisee salad, poached egg and Applewood smoked bacon; and smoked chicken and house made falafel sandwiches. Its 25-plus cheeses and rotating wine list are also available.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Birch River Grill
10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $32.95, $14.95 for kids 12 and under, free for kids 4 and under
In addition to its traditional brunch offerings, Birch River Grill will have some special sweets, like carrot cake, assorted mini French pastries, mini fruit tarts and a variety of tortes. For a little salty balance, try the bloody mary bar for an additional $8.95 per person. The actual brunch will have a hot buffet, as well as seafood and carving stations.

Bon appetit at Bistrot Margot
10 a.m.-4 p.m. (brunch), 4-7 p.m. (dinner); $24.95 for brunch, $32.95 for dinner
This French bistro, with a decor that channels early-19th-century Paris, will add oven-roasted leg of lamb and slow-roasted ham to its special three-course prix-fixe brunch and dinner. You can also expect to see some of the bistro's traditional brunch and dinner items on offer.

Dive into an Easter meal at Blue Water Grill
11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; specials from $30 and under
Blue Water Grill will add six special dishes (two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts) to its menu on Easter. Diners can start things off with a warm spring asparagus and morel mushroom salad ($10) or the peekytoe crab parfait ($14). The special main courses include roasted lamb loin ($30) and sauteed wild halibut ($28), while crepes and lemon-thyme pound cake are on offer for dessert. The restaurant's full menu will also be available.

Add some Spanish flare at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; for reservations, call (773) 935-5000
Hate horseradish in your Bloody Mary? Can only drink it with a fat celery stick and three busty olives? No problem; this tapas spot offer a build-your-own bloody mary bar. Have brunch with a Spanish twist by choosing from over 12 breakfast tapas, like baked eggs with chorizo hash, goat cheese and quince crepes, and smoked salmon with lentil salad. If you've spent one too many mornings with Mary, let cava cocktails make you blush, mixed with your choice of juice, like blood orange or peach nectar. All diners will receive an Easter egg filled with a gift certificate for tapas, paella or dessert inside.

Make the kids smile at Carlucci (Downers Grove)
11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; all items cost $16.95 and less
Tell the kids about Carlucci's face painting, treat bags and a visit from the Easter Bunny, and you won't hear any whining about having to get dressed up for this Easter brunch. Instead of offering a buffet-style brunch, Carlucci has prepared a special Easter menu to order from, with items like baked egg frittatas ($10), eggs benedetto ($11) (eggs bene with prosciutto) and agnello arrostito, otherwise known as roasted leg of lamb ($17).

Spice up your Easter at Carnivale
Noon-9 p.m.
A few festive options will be added to the regular menu at the lively, Latin-inspired Carnivale on Easter. Start your holiday morning off right with a $9 Carnivale Bellini, made with mango puree and pomegranate juice. Chef Mark Mendez's other Easter specials include Gunthorp Farms Cured Ham ($10), beer braised lamb shank ($22) and the $8 chocolate tres leches cake, with roasted banana and blood orange ice cream, for dessert. Reservations are recommended.

Find fine dining at Custom House
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $32 per adult; $15 per child under 13 years old ;for reservations, call (312)523-0200
The phrase "fine dining" is meant to describe places like Custom House, which calls itself "an artisanal meat-focused restaurant with bold-yet-minimalist decor." Not to mention its American vineyard-focused wine menu. The three-course, prix-fixe menu includes poached farm egg with house-made bacon and buttermilk biscuit, as well as spring lamb cassoulet and chocolate brioche French toast. Save room for its signature sugar donuts with coffee cocoa ice cream for dessert.

Nosh like a Frenchman at Deleece
9 a.m.-3 p.m.; for reservations, call (773) 325-1710
You'll find a crepe- and egg-packed special menu at Deleece, with items like strawberry and mascarpone crepes ($10), ham and mushroom crepes with Gruyere bechamel sauce ($10), and lobster and spinach quiche ($14). You could get a cavity just thinking about how many cinnamon rolls you can eat for $3, or how quickly you can chow down the $6 beignets with cinnamon-caramel sauce. On Easter only, score $8 drinks like cucumber bloody mary and blood orange and coconut shochu cocktail.

Ham it up at Dine
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; $44.95, $18.95 for kids 12 and under
This buffet-style brunch has a station for just about everything. Ham and beef will be carved at one table, while salads and appetizers will be available at another. Breakfast lovers can set up shop at the station dedicated to eggs, waffles and other morning goodies. There's also a station just for the kids.

Dine in style at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Seatings at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; $105 for adults, $25 for kids ages 4 to 12
More than 125 seasonal items will be available at Seasons restaurant's ample and popular brunch. From 10-11 a.m., the family friendly event will feature a puppet performance of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and a photo session with the Easter Bunny and Chickie (not to be confused with Chucky from "Child's Play"). It will also host kid-focused storytelling tea times ($65) at 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Try Italian takes on breakfast classics at Gioco
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
You may be tempted to order the French toast stuffed with bananas and topped with marscapone off of Gioco's regular brunch menu, but you've got only one day a year to try its Easter specialties. So why not dig into a plate of Buffala ricotta lemon pancakes or a baby artichoke frittata? If you're not liking the a.m. eats, try the penne with meatballs or a four-ounce filet. Prices range from $9-$21

Go vegetarian at Green Zebra
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; for reservations, call (312)243-7100
Anti-bacon activists should head here for dainty, vegetarian dishes. Light options include frisee salad with a poached egg, potatoes, pickled onions and mustard dressing. A baked cheese fondue come served with Granny Smith apples and sourdough bread. Fill up without the guilt (we're still looking at you, bacon) with caramelized vegetable hash, German-style pancakes and Challah French toast with black pepper and strawberries. Cocktails like Buck's Fizz, made with blood orange and cava ($8), deliver a bubbly punch.

Say 'Holy Cow!' to the dinner at Harry Caray's
4-9 p.m.; $49.95, $69.95 (wine pairings)
To celebrate Easter, Harry Caray's is offering a special four-course prix-fixe dinner consisting of (1) carrot and sweet potato bisque, (2) a spinach salad with apple cider vinaigrette, (3) the choice of lamb rib medallions or a honey balsamic glazed pork chop and (4) a Bartlett pear and mascarpone tart. For those looking to celebrate with one of the restaurant's juicy steaks, they'll also be available. Reservations are recommended.

Hit a homer at the suburban Harry Caray's champagne brunches
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Harry Caray's (Rosemont); $35.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids ages 6 to 12 (free for kids 5 and under); 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Harry Caray's (Lombard); $36.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids ages 6 to 12 (free for kids 5 and under
Both the Rosemont and Lombard branches of Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse are offering bountiful champagne brunches. Diners can bounce around to various stations, which sling out omelettes and scrambles, Belgian waffles and freshly carved meats. A host of entrees, side dishes and desserts will also be available. A visit from the Easter Bunny is sure to keep tots entertained. Kids in Lombard will get a chance to hunt for eggs, while adults in Rosemont can enter a raffle to win a $50 gift card.

Celebrate Easter with an Asian twist at Karma
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $24.95, $12.95 for kids, free for kids under 5
Start your Easter off right with a complimentary champagne toast at Karma in Mundelein. A nice selection of salads, imported cheeses and Italian meats will be served at this Pan Asian restaurant. Patrons can also choose from eats, like carved prime rib, jumbo shrimp, poached salmon and a whole slew of breakfast nibbles.

Dine with a diva at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
11 a.m.-3p.m.; $29.95 per person
Kit Kat's Madame X will entertain with music and impersonations, as visitors partake in free-flowing mimosas and a four-course, prix-fixe brunch. For the main course, diners will have to choose from crab cake benedict, steak and eggs, peaches and cream French toast or huevos rancheros. The chocolate lover's dream dessert may just be the perfect way to celebrate the end of Lent. Reservations are recommended.

Get free drinks at Lockwood
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $65 per adult; $25 per child under 12 years old; free for children under the age of five; for reservations, call (312) 917-3404
If you're tired of complementary water being the first thing to greet you at your table, Lockwood starts you off with a free glass of champagne, a mimosa or bloody mary at its Easter brunch. Just when you think the day can't get any better, direct your attention to the sophisticated buffet-style feast: Starters include spring pea soup with diced ham and an assortment of domestic and international cheeses. Main dishes, like chicken fricassee, are good enough on their own, but don't forget to visit the various chef stations with sauteed pastas and carved ham and prime rib.

Grab some ham at Lux Bar
9 a.m.-3 p.m.; $24.50 for adults, $14.95 for kids under 10
For a comparatively affordable Easter brunch, visit Luxbar's second floor for a holiday feast. Grownups can go after the traditional Easter meats—ham and turkey—at the carving stations, while the kiddies will appreciate the chicken fingers and grilled cheese. You can expect a large selection of breakfast foods, juice and coffee.

Brunch with the bunny at Macy's Walnut Room
9-10:30 a.m.; $25 per person, $19 for kids ages 2 to 10
That rascally rabbit will be the main focus of the Bunny Brunch in Macy's legendary Walnut Room. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture all the memorable moments that Junior will have with his furry friend. The whole fam can fill up at the buffet stocked with breakfast meats, eggs, cereals, waffles, fruits and pastries. An omelet station will also be offered. For tickets, call (800) 206-1995.

Design a bloody mary or two at Mon Ami Gabi
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; menu prices
The brunch menu at Mon Ami Gabi includes eggs benedict with Canadian bacon, smoked salmon or London broil; apple French toast with vanilla brioche and cinnamon apples; and a seasonal fruit salad. A la carte items and the under-12 "Little Frites" menu will also be available, as will a build-you-own bloody mary bar, with seven top-shelf Vodkas, ten varieties of hot sauce, fresh radishes, horseradish and pickled jalapenos.

Something for everyone at Moretti's (Schaumburg)
11 a.m.-7 p.m.; all specials cost less than $18.99
Not in the mood for a buffet? Well, you can order from a menu of Easter specials at Moretti's in Schaumburg. Roast leg of lamb, spiral-cut honey baked ham, roast prime rib of beef and chicken gorgonzola crostini are among the items available. There's also a children's menu for the little ones.

Top of the morning to you at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $16.95 per person
Make it back-to-back Irish holidays by spending your Easter at this large restaurant with a rich-wood bar. Mrs. Murphy's brunch buffet will feature Irish favorites, like beef and Guinness stew, but it'll also have a chocolate fountain and traditional brunch fare. And don't forget, this place is Irish, so be prepared to cap off your meal by gulping some Guinness and/or Harp.

Go for a chic and stylish Easter at NoMI
11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $105 for adults, $35 for kids ages 6-12
Enjoy views of Lake Michigan and the historic Water Tower as you brunch at NoMI, located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago. Instead of typical names like the carving station, NoMI's brunch offerings will be labeled 'from the ocean,' 'from the bakery,' 'from the garden,' 'from the kitchen' and 'from the patisserie.' Guests will also get to choose an entree prepared a la minute (cooked to order), and an a la carte menu will be available as well.

Keep it casual at O'Donovan's
10-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. seatings; $15.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids ages 3-11
For a relatively inexpensive Easter breakfast, try the buffet at O'Donovans. In addition to the pub's regular Sunday brunch items, you'll find mahi mahi with roasted shiitake mushrooms, a variety of quiches and potato baskets filled with scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese. Wash it all down with a jumbo screwdriver, Fat Mary (comes with a beer chaser) or a White Trash mimosa—all the fizzy, citrusy goodness served up in a pint glass.

Hunt for Easter eggs at Osteria di Tramonto
10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $34.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids 12 and under
A surprise-filed Easter egg hunt for kids and their parents highlights the Easter celebration at this Wheeling restaurant. But there's also the food: From honey-glazed ham to pizza margherita and lasagna, the menu here will satisfy anyone's taste buds.

Eat then play at Pheasant Run Resort and Spa
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $35.95, $12.95 for kids 12 and under
Brunch schmunch. This suburban resort has the Easter Bunny, free crafts, live jazz, a photographer to take family portraits and a petting zoo with Easter critters (think bunnies, chicken, ducks, geese, sheep and more). The brunch buffet will have all the traditional Easter trimmings. On Saturday, the resort will host some early family fun, with egg hunts and the Cottontail Parade, when the kiddies follow the Easter Bunny to collect candy.

Get a meat- and seafood-focused meal at Powerhouse Restaurant and Bar
2 p.m.-9 p.m. For reservations, call (312) 928-0800
The rumble in your stomach is no match for the special menu at Powerhouse. It may put up a fight with swanky appetizers, like sweet onion soup with pickled pearl onions and a baguette, and Gulf Maine sea scallops with beluga lentils, but the meat and seafood entrees are sure to knock you out. Try the 18-ounce prime rib eye, rack of Colorado lamb or wild king salmon.

Go high-class at the Pump Room
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $65 per person
Grilled leg of spring lamb, Jonah crab claws and exotic mushrooms are just a few of the items you'll find at the Pump Room's elaborate gourmet brunch. Fancy foods abound at the raw bar, carving station and cold and hot buffets. But don't get too full; there's also a dessert display with plenty of seasonal treats like fruit tarts and cheesecake.

Say 'aloha' to spring at Roy's
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $30 for adults, $12 for kids
If you're sick and tired of the typical Easter brunch, then Roy's is the place for you. The Hawaiian-inspired restaurant is offering three-course prix-fixe meals for adults and their keikis (kids). Grown-ups can pick from choices like tender curry-braised short rib, Roy's original crab cakes benedict, Yama Mama's meatloaf and Kathy's warm banana cake. Occupy the keikis with a meal of tropical fruit, cinnamon French toast, eggs and bacon and a sundae for dessert.

Don't be crabby at Shaw's Crab House
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $49.99 for adults, $19.99 for kids (children under 5 eat free)
Forget the typical breakfast fare (unless that's your bag). For $50 a pop, we recommend filling up on the Alaskan king crab legs, assorted maki, lobster brie penne pasta and roasted beef tenderloin on offer at Shaw's. But save enough room to take advantage of the dessert station: a line-up of key lime pie, lemon cheesecake and chocolate-covered strawberries. Mimosas and a bloody mary bar are a nice way to cap off the Easter brunch.

Eat like a billionaire at Sixteen
11 a.m.-3 p.m ; $110 per adult; $25 per child under 11 years old; free for children under the age of four; for reservations, please call (312) 588-8000
You don't have to be a billionaire to eat here, but you will feel like one if you stop by the new Trump International Hotel & Tower. Luxury is the only thing on the menu: An elegant buffet includes Main lobster soup and Illinois sweet corn bisque; Waldorf and buffalo mozzarella salads; a deli with prosciutto, smoked salmon, pates and grilled vegetables; a raw bar stocked with oysters, crab legs and a selection of sushi and sashimi; and breakfast items like smoked Atlantic salmon benedict and pain perdue with Vermont maple syrup. Carving and dessert stations round out the offerings.

Hunt for a fancy feast at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $95 per adult, $35 per child Sofitel's Grand Ballroom becomes an Easter playground on Sunday, with activities for kids including a balloon artist, a magician, movies, games, an egg hunt and coloring books. It's a good thing, too; the little ones will have a lot of energy to burn after chowing down on mac 'n' cheese, hot dogs, chicken parmigiana, Caesar salad, and, yes, the milkshake and ice cream bar. While they're occupied, load up your plate with a variety of foods, from the traditional (omelettes, waffles, New York strip) to the unexpected (sushi, grilled Asian eggplant salad, lemongrass-marinated salmon). Don't worry, you can hit the ice cream bar, too.

Eat fashioned-forward fare at Uncommon Ground and Uncommon Ground on Devon
8 a.m.-3 p.m (Clark Street) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Devon)
Uncommon Ground dresses up classic brunch dishes for its affordable Easter menu: Roast leg of lamb benedict with tomatoes, red onion and rosemary hollandaise ($12); lemon poppy seed and mascarpone-stuffed French toast with candied ginger syrup ($10); and a scramble with spinach, mushrooms, asparagus and Swiss cheese 8.50). Easter drink specials include the Vernal Equinox, made with violet liquor, rose nectar, St. Germain liqueur, sparkling wine and christened with an edible flower petal ($10).

Fuhgeddaboutit! Have an Italian Easter at Va Pensiero
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $40 for adults, $15 for kids
It's unusual for Evanston's Va Pensiero to open its doors before 5 p.m., so take advantage of it and try the three-course prix-fixe brunch. The meal will be a little breakfast and a lot of Italian. From appetizer to entree to dessert, the menu offers plenty of plates to choose from. Examples include grilled tiger prawns (primi), Easter lamb and artichoke stew (secondi) and Frangelico-infused creme brulee (dolci).

Try some pie at Viand
11 a.m.-7 p.m.; $24 per adult; $10 per child under 13 years old; for reservations, call (312) 255-8505
The high-end, low-brow menu at Viand offers elegantly prepared comfort food for its multi-course, family friendly meal. An antipasto buffet is the rainbow that leads to a pot of meaty gold, featuring garlic and rosemary roasted leg of lamb, honey mustard-glazed ham, stuffed pork loin and more. The Family-Style Pie Sampler is equally indulgent, creating a fork frenzy with six different types of pie to try. The Easter egg basket that greets you at your table will come in handy during a special Easter egg hunt for kids.

Add some zest to your holiday at Zest
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $49.50 for adults, $20 for kids
Located inside the InterContinental Chicago, this contemporary American restaurant with a formal feel will have five stations for its Easter buffet-style brunch. Diners can fill their plates with breakfast foods, meats from the carving station and sweets from the dessert buffet.