[Photograph: Anna Deem]

When you have a brunch column to write, one of the hardest things to avoid on a weekly basis are long waits at restaurants. It seems the entire Chicago population lives for brunch on Sunday mornings (duh, so do I), but that makes doing my Serious Eats duty a bit challenging sometimes. Case in point: my original plans to try Wicker Park's Bongo Room were recently thwarted due to the 10+ people waiting outside. Luckily I had a solid plan B: Las Palmas, located just around the corner in Bucktown. Most people know Las Palmas for their upscale Mexican cuisine, but they actually have an amazing brunch that is very under-appreciated. In fact, my brunch companion and I were the only ones in the restaurant the entire time we dined.

Despite the empty tables, my egg white frittata ($8) was excellent. Coated in perfectly melted chayote and Chihuhua cheeses, with asparagus, wild mushrooms, and roasted potatoes piled high atop the dish, it was a great balance of traditional Mexican flavors (with the cheeses and the salsa I added to it) and standard American brunch fare. Next time I stop inside Las Palmas for brunch, I hope my table isn't the only one that is occupied.

Las Palmas

1835 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
773-289-4991
laspalmaschicago.com‎