Natalie and I had read great things about Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in downtown Chicago, so we went on a food adventure this past Tuesday.
We arrived at Wildberry a little after noon, and waited just 10 minutes for a table for 2, which is fortunate. I know of people who have had to wait over an hour for a brunch spot on the weekends.
Because Wildberry only serves brunch, their doors close at 2:30 p.m. every day. However, every patron has to wait his or her turn for a taste of what this place has to offer, because this place doesn’t allow reservations. I can’t imagine how long people wait on the weekends…
The menu offers twists on classic brunch items, both sweet and savory, from breakfast burritos to omelettes to French toast to waffles.
It also has something for kids and seniors, and their extensive drink selection offers smoothies, lemonades, espresso drinks, mocha drinks, and more!
Next time, we’ll be back to test the lunch items like salads and sandwiches, but since this place was voted best pancakes in Chicago, we just had to try them out.
Shortly after we were seated, our waiter brought out a plate of assorted sauces: cream cheese, warm syrup, ketchup, and a delicious strawberry jam.
Even though the restaurant was very near capacity (~100), the wait time was barely 10 minutes.
*drum roll*
The “Signature Berry Bliss” pancakes ($10.95) were stacked 4 or 5 high, drizzled generously with a vanilla Anglais sauce and blackberry coulis. A scattering of fresh strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries helped cut through the richness of the pancakes, and a delightfully sweet light pink berry mascarpone was slathered generously between each pancake, tying the whole dish together. 
Our Venetian Sizzlin’ Skillet ($10.45) came with a generous portion of hash browns, which were topped with a double blend of cheeses, two eggs cooked to our liking (we ordered sunny-side up), Italian sausage crumble, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Though the dish was above average, I think that if some sort of delicious sauce had helped to tie it together, it would have been exceptional.
It came with a side of toast or pancakes. We chose white toast, though most other patrons opted for pancakes, understandably.
I also ordered coffee ($2.65) which came with a cute mini pitcher of cream, and free refills.
In the end, we paid ~$26 for two people. I was happy to pay it. I’ve paid a similar amount or even more for a meal that hasn’t been nearly as satisfying as Wildberry. Due to generous portion sizes, we were reasonably full and content when we left.
Even as two young college girls, we received the same treatment as the two adult males brunching next to us. 
The noise level in the restaurant was bearable, and most people ate in groups smaller than 6 at a table. The restaurant’s interior design was classy yet comfortable, and hosted people all sorts of people. Families, friend groups, dates, work lunches, and more!
Wildberry’s location is convenient, as it’s located right next to Millenium Park, the Loop, and Pritzker Pavilion.
You must visit Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe for brunch in downtown Chicago.
130 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL
(312) 938-9777
2 other locations, in Libertyville and Schaumburg
Cat the Critic 
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