Cute place. Nice menu. Bad experience. When I walked in the person kept asking for my phone number had to say no three times and explained I don't live here. she sat me in the middle in a low seat in between two high tops (?) with plate return stuff at head level on one of the high tops, despite there being several empty two seats by the window. Why?? I walked out read more

When I saw Brulee opening I was pretty excited as I felt the south loop/near southside lacks in good, non-chain places. Came by on a recent Saturday with a friend and had a good overall experience. Staff is quite attentive and always looking to give you water, refill coffee and take care of you in any way they can. We had a server by the name of Ivory who was fantastic! She very nice and just good people! My friend ordered the very delicious Virgil Special. This dish includes 3 wings with hot honey sauce (can substitute with catfish), candied yams and braised collard greens. I thought this would be too heavy for 9:30am but she said it wasnt. We shared the very delicious Brulee french toast..best I've had in quite awhile! Vanilla bean soaked brioche, vanilla cream, caramel and honey butter made it all work...so good. The only blemish was the chicken & biscuits that came heavily recommended. Very big portion of 2 and it looked like it would be very good as I looked at other plates around the restaurant. Topped off with hot honey sauce, I was so excited to bite into this lovely meal. Once I did, it lacked flavor, like there wasn't any seasoning at all. Its a chicken breast so already pretty dry and goes down rough. I finished one and took the other home and doused in honey and habenero sauce later that evening. Decor is nice and the place has a vibe. I would definitely return as I here the shrimp and grits are very good! Check out Brulee when you get the chance. read more

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Not impressed. Came here to celebrate my son's graduation because the food looked great and it was a special day. We ordered two grilled cheese bbq brisket w tomato soup, catfish and grits and a burger with fries. The grilled cheese bbq brisket came out first - it was good but there was NO cheese on either sandwich. Brisket only. 20 minutes later after we'd finished the sandwiches the catfish and burger came out. Not a word or a care by any staff that we basically didn't eat together. Fries were terrible. Burger & catfish were both mid. When we went to pay the server didn't mention they add 20% tip to the check automatically regardless of party size - luckily we noticed in advance otherwise would have paid double the tip. Would not return. They provided poor service, sub-par food for high prices and don't really care to do better. And the tipping incident was sketchy! read more

I sat at the bar and was given excellent service. I ordered something that's not suppose to be on the menu but the chef made it for me fresh. I wouldn't order the mocktail again only because of the price. Everything I ate was pretty tasty, except the macaroni and yams. I think the price for the portion size of mac was small. The yams tasted better than they looked 6.5/10. The fried chicken had a hot honey sauce that was AMAZING. I would definitely go back and try more things. The menu is reasonably priced. The ambiance of the restaurant is bright and the music is just the right volume to where you can still talk to those sitting around you. I was a little skeptical because it's a new restaurant but I will be back. read more

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I went to brunch this weekend and was very pleased with Brulee. The ambiance, service, and food were all great. We started with the avocado toast which was so fresh with the arugula and the flavor was outstanding. I forgot to add the smoke salmon but will make sure I do next time. Next we had the catfish and grits. The catfish was fried perfectly and the crawfish cream sauce on the grits really set it off. And last but not least we had the French toast which was lovely. The bread was not too thick and it was savory without being overwhelming. The service was also great. Our server and every staff person there were very welcoming. Overall great experienced and I can't wait to come back! read more

Brulee - Catfish and grits, avocado toast, and French toast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

10 out of 10 RECOMMEND!!!! The catfish and grits, the lobster and waffles and turkey club...and the SERVICE!!!??? DARIUS!!!! I mean this place is PHENOMENAL!!! read more

Brulee - Sweet potato waffles and fried lobster!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time at Brûlée and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is friendly and warm. We are from the south and these were the best grits we have ever had. The shrimp was cooked perfectly. The pancakes were light and fluffy. Noel was our waiter and was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Will definitely be back read more

Brulee - Shrimp and grits, pancakes and best breakfast potatoes in town - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is so good!!! I've had the chicken and waffles and the shrimp and grits. The decor is so cute. The drinks are strong to me. I do like the goddess and it's cute for Instagram pics. I've had a reservation both times, there is a 90 minute limit. The actual seating space is tight. read more

Love the decor of the place. It's very spacious with a beautiful bar. Only problem I can say I really had was it was a bit cold in the building. I went on 2 separate occasions because I wanted to try so much. I went right when they opened but I recommend reservations for large groups or anytime after 10 on the weekend. I sat at the bar both times and Darrion was the bartender/waiter. He was very pleasant and made great recommendations. I had the brisket grilled cheese with gumbo but they don't do substitutions so I took the tomato soup it comes with home. The brisket was mouth watering with great flavor and the gumbo was the taste I've been looking for within Chicago! What caught me by surprised was the tomato soup which was more like a bisque. I recommend the soup. The Virgil special comes with 3 wings, collard greens, and Sweet potatoes. Let's just say I left nothing on the plate! My friend ordered their catfish and it was too salty to both of us. But overall I will be back. read more

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This is such a cute black owned restaurant. It feels clean and luxurious. Street was easy, and we found parking near the door and across the street. They also have valet parking at the front door. The food is tasty, and they're popular, so I recommend making reservations via their website. Our table was ready for us as soon as we checked in for our reservation. The drinks were served promptly, and our waiter Noel was patience, attentive, and fun spirited. The crème brûlée French toast and the fried chicken wings were our favorite. The fried lobster was seasoned well, but note: the sweet potato waffle just has a hint of sweet potato, so if you're expecting a heavy sweet potato taste (or an orange-ish color). I definitely recommend trying this restaurant. read more

Brulee - 5 Cheese Mac (asked to take it to go) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Listen, the food wasn't bad. I got the sense this is a new establishment, and they just need to iron out operations. Went for breakfast, and our coffee took at least 15+ minutes to be brought to the table. The order was also mixed up with the vanilla syrup in the wrong drink. They also brought out the main entrees in different times, so some of us had to wait until we all had our food, which made for an awkward experience. Also forgot to bring the side salad. read more

Sitting here now as i wouldn't send my enemy here. The sheer lack of professionalism and janky management in this establishment is reason enough to never come. Squeezing tables in between tables, separating parties, asking people to get up after they've been serviced so you can squeeze another lawn chair and table in between the real seating is atrocious. Half of our party is sitting in the bathroom hallway after the manager asked part of our large party to get up so they can sit another party with a reservation after ours. No one has answers. Everyone is looking awkward read more

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Brûlée in the South Loop is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere sets the tone--stylish, welcoming, and perfect whether you're out for brunch or a relaxed meal. The service was excellent--attentive, friendly, and genuinely focused on making sure everything was just right without feeling overbearing. And the food definitely delivered. The chicken and waffles were outstanding--flavorful chicken paired perfectly with a soft, fluffy waffle. It's one of those dishes you keep thinking about after you leave. Overall, a great experience all around. Highly recommend if you're in the area and looking for great food, great service, and a great vibe. read more

My wife and I are usually very critical especially with restaurants. From the moment we walked in the atmosphere was great. The staff was very welcoming all smiles seating was fast. Our server Noel was great. Food was fabulous. After we finished eating we went to the bar. JP was a true mixologist. First time having an old fashioned (smoked) WOW! Honestly I was expecting not to like it. It was fabulous. Next he made a whiskey mule 3rd was the whiskey sour (with whipped egg whites). In all I give a 10/10. Can't wait to go back for live jazz Sunday. read more

Brulee - Whiskey sour (w/egg whites) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came during restaurant week so it was kinda of crowed but they were still moving to get you seated. Now let's talk about my server you could tell from the moment she came to our table she was already over it but she tried to play it off and still take our orders. She could have done a better job at bring out the water and the lemon for a table of 8. The food was good but the only down side is they didn't bring it out in order meaning appetizers first then meal we had to keep reminding the waitress of the food she not good but everything else was amazing read more

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I came for brunch and she did not disappoint. Brulee is soulful, upscale, clean and sheek. I love that all the servers are dressed in black and just have that old southern hospitality. We sat down and ordered the French toast, shrimp and grits, water, coffees. Our server was a bit odd--seemed a bit off with being attentive but we made the best out of it. Drinks should come before food, including coffee. Ah well. The food was great! Shrimp and grits was rich, decadent and flavorful. French toast was so rich, and very sweet but delightful. Although I think we got a half order and for sure paid for a full order to split. Please note that they charge a 15 percent gratuity on the bill. While it's nothing, servers should tell people instead of not saying anything and having customers give more thinking it's not included. We didn't have time to even look at our bill before our server shoved the pay tab at us to pay. My motto is 20 percent so it wasn't a big deal but still. I didn't like that. Also one tip is to make sure food comes hot on the table. It was just warm. I'd still come back. read more

Brûlée restaurant is a wonderful experience! The interior design is unique with a creative decor which reflects a beautiful ambiance. The owners are Chicago's own and they are inviting and very personable. The menu is concise and includes great brunch options. The shrimp and grits reflect a taste from the Big Easy and the chicken is read more

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Can I say from beginning to end I was truly serviced in this place. I was actually greeted when I walked in and when I left out. Our server was on point. He was professional and everyone was working hard. I saw no one ignoring customers joking around nor on cell phones as I see in so many establishments. I had a minor issue that my server apologized for which was actually the kitchen mistake but he rectified the issue right away with a smile. I loved all my food! I had also ordered the veggie omelette with potatoes. Those smothered potatoes was the bomb. Forgot to snap a pic though, however See pics of the other food. Definitely coming back. I wish I remembered my waiter, the guy who cleared the table and the beautiful hostess names so I could give them a personal shout out. Next time... read more

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Highly recommend the food as it is delicious but the drinks were not good or strong enough for $20 and they do need to iron out kinks on the waiting period even though the staff was kind and respectful there still was a long wait period other than that I would recommend this place for brunch just maybe during the week when it's not as packed. read more

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I came on a Saturday around 1:30 pm on a solo brunch mission. Brulee popped up on yelp when I was searching for a Black owned restaurant. I arrived and put my name on a waitlist. The place was packed and I was determined to see why and hopefully enjoy some good food. The waitstaff were polite, professional, and friendly. It feels like a family owned restaurant. I waited about 10 minutes and I was seated at the bar. That was much quicker than I anticipated considering the crowd. I may have been icky considering I was solo. I sat at the bar and placed my order. My food arrived fresh, hot, and looked amazing within 10-15 minutes. There was a guy sitting next to me who appeared to either be a regular or the owner. He made a comment about the catfish suggesting he's heard great things. I asked if he'd tried it or was a frequent customer and he responded no lol which I thought was strange. The catfish was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The omelette was fresh and not overcooked. The food and service were great! At the end of my visit as I was tabbing out the guy next to me ask how was everything and I told him it was excellent. At this point I had a feeling he was the owner of one of the owners so I asked and he just smoked and said thank you. He introduced himself and told me to come back. I'm taking my sister there tomorrow for brunch! read more

Brulee - Catfish, veggie omelette, and potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food was great, seating and service was on point. The decor in the place was extremely relaxing read more

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Strongly recommend making a reservation as it is getting busier and busier and we love this for them! The ambiance is cute, vibrant, and simple. It's the standard ambiance of some of the south side Black owned locations. The extra bonus is their "waiting" area. You won't have to stand and linger near the door waiting to be seated or wait for your party. There is a comfortable sitting area available. Let's get to why you are reading my review... the food! In one word: FLAVORFUL. Parking: metered read more

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10/10 for BRULEE. I loved the ambience, the music, the food, and the drinks!!!! I would definitely go back here. read more

Hey! This used to be Crab Bucket, remember that! This is from a well known private Chef Imani Roberts. I had the Five Cheese Mac & Cheese. The staff and service are bruleeriffic. read more

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Came for the TikTok hype... should've checked the reviews instead!!! Let's start with the positives: the entrance is cute, the vibe is there, and the drinks did what they needed to do. Now let's talk about everything else. The grits came out warm. Not hot. Not steaming. Warm. And before you think it was just me multiple people at my table had the same issue. Sent it back... and somehow it STILL came back warm. At that point, what are we doing?? For a bill pushing $300, why am I begging for hot food? And the craziest part? No real apology, no urgency, just vibes. If I say my food is cold, that should matter. Now the sides... baby. The yams were burnt, hard, and giving "bottom of the pan that should've been thrown out." The greens? Tasted like Glory Greens out the can. Respectfully, I can stay home for that. I shouldn't have to send food back multiple times. Most restaurants get it right the first time especially at this price point. This place is definitely built for aesthetics and TikTok, but the kitchen is not keeping up at all. Cute for pictures, disappointing on the plate. Save your money or just go for drinks. I won't be back. Normally I take pictures but not this time. I had to eat else where. Because this didn't do it and it was my birthday brunch so that was a flop. 1 star was only for ambiance and I couldn't choose less.... read more

Decided to give this place a chance because it was so close to our hotel. It was amazing! Good ambiance and friendly staff, with amazing food. I highly recommend the shrimp and grits. It was the perfect start to a long work day. read more

Brulee - Shrimp and grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice experience, we made reservations so we were seated quickly. It is tight seating if you have winter coats, but it's a very laid back environment. Food was served quickly and hot, my Mom thoroughly enjoyed her meal. Will return. read more

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Went to Chicago indoor a conference and had a business meeting at Brulee. The vibe was great and the food was delicious. I had the shrimp and grits and it didn't feel heavy. I had to add on the biscuit. Great taste. Lovely staff. I would definitely go again. read more

Such an amazing breakfast!! Service was fantastic and the setting was great!!! Hope to be back!!

JP was the nicest server I've had ! Very kind, accommodating ! Please give him a raise brûlée! He is amazing and we will be back just because of him read more

Brulee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Walked into brûlée on Michigan Ave in the south loop. The atmosphere was great for an early Sunday morning. Couple tv by the bar and good amount of bears fans anticipating the game. Seated very quickly and scanned the menu. All the choices looked amazing. Landed up on the chicken and waffles and side of French toast. I must say fantastic, the flavor on the chicken was delicious and the French toast was so good wish it was a full order. I cannot wait to go back and try everything else on the menu. The perfect breakfast/brunch spot in the south loop! read more

Brulee - Side of French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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YES YES AND YES! This is IT! EVERYTHING was perfect. Literally every single thing we ate was great. The service was spot on. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The decor, AMAZING! Well put thought out and put together. I highly recommend. But before I go, let's talk about the dishes. The shrimp and grits were PERFECT. Love the pieces of chicken sausage. The fried catfish- fried to perfection. The avocado croast the perfect quick bite. The French toast were good- get a full order chile. Now let me pivot to the damn fried chicken.... Babbbyyyyyyyy... fried to perfection. I mean, thee perfect crunch. Listen, check them out for yourself. I'll be back without a doubt! read more

The food was delicious!!! Everything was top notch! We were greeted promptly and warmly by the host and sat immediately for our reservation. My cocktail was great but the star was NOEL! Great service, anticipated our needs and did everything with a smile! Make sure you go and ask for Noel! read more

This place is a hidden gem. We went there for a middle of the day brunch and we were so amazed. First, there was great music. Second, the drinks were amazing. Third the service and the food were incredible. The French toast was the best that I've had. The combo breakfast was plentiful and delicious. There was attention to every detail. I wish I could've stayed longer. We are going back again tomorrow. read more

I went during lunch on a Monday. The food was good and the space was bright and lively. I do wish the service was more attentive.

I don't know how I'm seeing all these good reviews? This place was terrible and everyone in the restaurant agreed. I had a reservation at 11 didn't get seated until 11:20, Didn't even meet my waitress until almost 12, and didn't get water until 12:10. I must seem crazy for keeping track of the time but when you're hungry and waiting for food you start becoming annoyed. Took our order after 45 minutes didn't get our food until almost 2 or 3. Food was nothing special. It was just normal food. It wasn't bad or amazing just ok. We saw many people around us complaining too. Saw a party of 5 who had reservations wait for 3 hours before they even got seated. I still don't know if they got there water or not. The waitress was so rude too. Kept ignoring me. So no I would not recommend this place nor would I go back. I'm not trying to sound rude I'm just saying my experience. read more

Food and service were excellent! Easy on street parking! I will recommend and return.

Even though I am a traditional breakfast guy, I liked this restaurant but it fell short on some of the traditional breakfast dishes I like. Prices were reasonable, service was excellent. If you go on a weekend call and make a reservation. They are very busy on Saturday and Sundays. I will go back again when I am in the area. They should add a salmon dish on their menu. The grits were good. Check out this new restaurant. It is worth it. I like the decor. They need to stop so much sunlight. That was the only negative thing I can say about this place. read more

Brulee is a wonderful addition to the South Loop. We went for breakfast and were not disappointed. The omelet was light and airy and full of veggies. The biscuit was fluffy and covered in a delicious honey butter. My husband said that he finally found a place that cooks his fried eggs correctly (over medium). The staff is super friendly. We will be back soon. We want to try their restaurant week menu which looks amazing. read more

A group of ladies wanted to try out a different brunch place. This place came highly recommended and everything was amazing (food and vibe) and the staff was wonderful. read more