From in-room spa experiences to mouthwatering brunch menus and (why not?) Whirlyball, these Chicago staples are dishing up the best menus and activities for Mother’s Day on May 9.
Andros Taverna
A brunch spread, pastries and an array of cakes await for a take-home Mother’s Day celebration at this Greek-inflected newcomer. Choose from tahini chiffon cake with honey cream and chocolate frappé cake with coffee ganache—or order them both for a very sweet meal. Missed brunch? Head to the restaurant for a dinner of roasted leg of lamb. 2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773.365.1900, androstaverna.com
BLVD Steakhouse
The Old Hollywood-inspired steakhouse has reopened and is offering a three-course shared brunch menu. Think cured salmon toast, pain perdu brioche French toast, shakshuka, chicken and waffles and more. For sips, bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and other specialty cocktails perfectly complement luxe dishes like seafood towers and a caviar service. 817 W. Lake St., 312.526.3116, blvdchicago.com
Funkenhausen
In addition to its usual menu faves (think big garlicky pretzels, deviled eggs and steamed mussels), this German-inspired West Town fave is celebrating Mother’s Day with free mimosas all day. 1709 W. Chicago Ave., 312.929.4727, funkenhausen.com
Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar
Beef Wellington, roasted halibut and strawberry shortcake comprise the menu at Heritage. Pick between the Pamper Package ($225)—think roasted halibut, wood roasted beef wellington, beet salad and bottles of NV Aubry and Jus de Joie— or really show mom how special she is with the Super Pamper Package ($325). Featuring mouth watering options like one ounce of Polanco Siberian Reserve caviar, crab and shrimp louie cocktail in avocado, baked tortilla de espanola and more, it’s hard to beat. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773.611.9577, Heritage-chicago.com
Kimpton Gray Hotel
A spa-inspired stay awaits at the Kimpton Gray Hotel. Treat mom to a 60- or 90-minute in-room massage, as well as a good read from the hotel’s Literary Hub—best enjoyed while relaxing in a deep soaking tub. 122 W. Monroe St., 312.750.9012, grayhotelchicago.com
Maple & Ash
For $100 per person, choose between a hearth smoked salmon platter and Alaskan king crab benedict. Add the mimosa service to your experience, or go big with the large format cocktails that serve up to six. Our suggestion? The aperol rosé spritz made with strawberry infused aperol, rosé bubbles and topo chico. 8 W. Maple St., 312.944.8888, mapleandash.com
Nobu Hotel Chicago
For the wellness-focused mom, Nobu Hotel Chicago has planned a perfect program. Called “Say Namaste to a Mind & Body Refresh,” the program treats mothers to 20% off in-studio or virtual classes at The Lab, a vital proteins sleep collagen shot, vital proteins water and a plush evening in one of the hotel’s new rooms. For even more of an escape, the hotel also has a 40-foot indoor tranquility pool perfect for an evening soak. 155 N. Peoria St., 312.779.8888, chicago.nobuhotels.com
Prairie Grass Cafe
Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris will delight taste buds with a prix fixe menu of spring salad, asparagus soup, mashed potatoes, warm pesto green bean salad and two entrees. Finish the meal with a slice of the strawberry rhubarb pie. 601 Skokie Blvd., 847.205.4433, prairiegrasscafe.com
Prime & Provisions
Prime & Provisions—known as one of Chicago’s top steakhouses—is serving a full service buffet brunch including savory dishes like eggs Benedict and slow roasted prime rib. Don’t miss the raw bar, with shrimp, oysters and crab legs galore. 222 N. LaSalle St., 312.726.7777, primeandprovisions.com
Sepia
Surprise mom with a picnic thanks to Sepia’s Mother’s Day meal kit. Prepped to feed two, it includes toasted almond bostock, blueberry lemon muffins, vanilla yogurt, arugula salad and buttermilk biscuit sandwiches. Looking for even more? Add on pimento cheese with lavash crackers, smoked salmon rillettes and strawberry rhubarb pie. 123 N. Jefferson St., 312.441.1920, sepiachicago.com
SugarGoat
In lieu of the usual floral bouquet, treat mom to buttercream flowers on one of the cakes from this new sweets destination from Stephanie Izard. Pick from flavors like cereal, tahini chocolate, pancake, carrot, citrus and more. 820 W. Randolph St., 312.667.0108, sugargoatsweets.com
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar
Between 10:30 and 12:30pm, head to this restaurant for plates piled with bacon brioche French toast, lobster cake benedict, carrot and zucchini pancakes, nutella croissants and more. Just don’t forget to order one of the wine and cheese baskets to go—the’are filled with rosé, cava, assorted cheeses, artisanal crackers, nuts and a trio of Twidley Bits fruit butter and compote. 5553 N. Clark St., 773.654.1432, uvaechicago.com
Vanille Patisserie
Order mom this extra sweet gift filled with four flavors of petit gateaux: rich milk and white chocolate mousse, vanilla cream, tropical and seasonal fruits. And for brunch? Go a la française with take-and-bake croissants, a nine-inch roasted vegetable quiche, seasonal fruit salad and a dozen mini desserts. 2108 N. Clark St., 773.868.4574, vanillepatisserie.com
Whirlyball
For those looking to amp up the energy this Mother’s Day weekend, look to WhirlyBall. Thanks to their BOGO special, you and your family can bowl, play LaserTag, WhirlyBall, ping pong, giant Connect Four and giant Jenga for over an hour. Take a break between activities and head to The Pivot Room for bites and refreshments. 1825 W. Webster Ave., 773.486.7777, whirlyball.com/chicago/
Photography by: Evangelina Silina on Unsplash
