If you’re wondering where (or how) to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, we published an ever-green list last year of “Evanston’s Best: Brunches” and those remain great options. But here are a few spots to add to your potential list that have either opened since the list was published or are doing something special for Mother’s Day. And don’t forget about the Evanston History Center’s 49th annual Mother’s Day House Walk! It’s a must-do activity in my household – after we eat brunch, of course.
The Barn Steakhouse
Rear 1016 Church St. (off the alley), 847-868-8041
Only open for brunch on special holidays, The Barn knows how to do it up right. This year’s a la carte menu includes Steak & Eggs, Brioche French Toast, Classic Eggs Benedict, Crab Spaghetti and a vegetarian Spinach, Fontina & Leek Quiche. Don’t have a cow: The Mac & Cheese will be available. Peace will reign.
Belgian Chocolatier Piron
509-A Main St, 847-864-5504
If your mom of choice is obsessed with chocolate, there’s no better place in Chicagoland to buy it than Evanston’s own Piron on Main Street. The Piron brothers are at it again, creating these gorgeous dark chocolate, high-heeled shoes — available in your choice of colors, including purple, gold, yellow, coral, blue, and pink — filled with a five-truffle box. There’s also a lovely milk- or dark-chocolate heart box filled with 11 chocolates. Both are wrapped in cellophane with coordinating bow and dried flowers. Call ahead to order for pickup the week before Mother’s Day. Chocolate shoe, $48.95; Heart-shaped chocolate box, $54.25.
Double Clutch Brewing Company
2121 Ashland Ave., 224-999-6850
It’s Mamapalooza! Ivy Ford, the “Blues Kitten of Chicago,” will be performing starting at noon, and doors open for brunch reservations at 11 am. The Smoked Salmon De-Lox, Clutch Omelet, Gear House Pancakes topped with blueberry compote and toasted almonds, and Schnitzel and Gravy are all solid brunch options. Don’t forget that side of breakfast potatoes!
Evanston Corner Bistro
703 Church St., 847-492-9700
It’s Mimosa (Mom-osa?) brunch time at this downtown Evanston bôite. Options include Midwestern Breakfasts, different Benedicts on house-made biscuits, various scrambles and omelets, plus a rocking house-made pastry basket, and all sound like the breakfast of champions. Ordering is a la carte, but for $20, your mama can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited mimosas while eating her croissant sandwich and telling stories about your potty training. Moms are multi-taskers!
Evanston Stitchworks
906 Sherman Ave., 773-320-5802
Yes, I’m aware this isn’t a food situation, but it’s such a novel idea, I thought it was worth including. Evanston Stitchworks is offering a Mother’s Day Bouquet with fresh seasonal flowers and a mini-skein set (choose from three different color palates), plus you can add on a knitting or crochet pattern. I recommend this for all knitters! They will feel seen. Pair with chocolate and everyone’s happy. Orders are open now until sold out; pickup is Sunday, May 12. “Bouquets” are $65 each; additional patterns are $8 each.
Firehouse Grill
750 Chicago Ave., 847-733-1911
So much food, so little time. Why not have it all? Firehouse Grill is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrées include Pineapple-Glazed Ham, Brunch Brisket, Chicken-Fried Chicken, Brunch Lasagna, Benedict Bake, Breakfast Sliders and more. Yes, there will be scrambled eggs and bacon, Caesar salad and mac & cheese, too. A waffle bar is promised, all sorts of sweets, and a coffee bar as well. No need for Mother’s Day dinner! $35 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under.
Hewn
1733 Central St., 847-869-4396
Brunching at home? Plan ahead and order at Hewn by Wednesday, May 8, for pickup on Mother’s Day. They’re offering a delectable spring veggie quiche with asparagus and goat cheese, lemon meringue pie, house-made bagels with chive cream cheese, take-and-bake morning buns, cinnamon brioche, gougères, specialty breads and more.
Palmhouse
619 Howard St., 847-238-2848
The celebration can last all weekend! Chef Deb is hosting a special afternoon tea for moms and the people who love them on Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be live music and both savory (mini sandwiches, quiches, and tarts) and sweet (scones with strawberries and jam, cream swans, mini chocolates, and assorted pastries) treats on hand. $65 for adults, $30 for kids, plus tax and tip.
Patisserie Coralie
600 Davis St., 847-905-0491
Special for Mother’s Day — or the “Bonne Fête des Mères” as they are calling it — is this scrumptious looking Mango-Raspberry Diplomate tart with mango cremeux, raspberry coulis, crème diplomate, fresh fruit and edible décor. The 8” tart serves 6 people handily, and is available Friday, May 10, through Sunday, May 12, with 24-hour pre-order notice required. $32 for an 8” tart.
Peckish Pig
623 Howard St., 847-491-6778
This always-reliable brunch place has something special planned for Mother’s Day brunch, including live music and a free drink for mom on the house! She can choose from a Mimosa, Bellini, or a glass of cava while munching on the Lobster Cakes Hollandaise, Roasted Rosemary-Peach Pancakes, or Bacon-Wrapped Eggs. Available Sunday, May 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
1700 Central St., 847-905-0669
Just west of what’s left of the old Ryan Field, Ten Mile House is an always-dependable family meal destination. On Sunday May 12, they will be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet, which can be booked in 90-minute seatings. There will be an omelette station, a carving station serving TMH’s signature smoked brisket/pork/rib tips and chicken, French toast, pancakes, waffles, bacon, avocado toast, scrambled cheese eggs and crispy breakfast potatoes, and a cold station with fresh fruit salad, mini bagels and lox, Caesar salad, and sweet treats such as mini donuts, Rice Krispie treats, and bread pudding. Reservations highly encouraged. $39 for adults, $17 for kids ages 6-12, and kids 5 and under eat free.