Brunch Bites: Unite Urban Grill, Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse, and The Publican

In this week's batch of brunch bites, Unite Urban Grill and Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse join the local brunch brigade and The Publican starts brunch even earlier.

(Reuben at Unite Urban Grill)

The latest entrant to Chicago's ceaseless brunch gamut is Unite Urban Grill, an apropos addition considering this West Town restaurant pretty much personifies the vibe of a neighborhood standby, which is what you want in a cozy brunch excursion. With a brunch menu focused on modernized American comforts, Unite Urban Grill is now serving a.m. fare on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Expect steak & eggs, brioche French toast with roasted apples, croque Monsieur, quiche, a Reuben, and pineapple sticky buns, among others. Drinks are just as classic, with Bloody Marys, mimosas, and coffee all present and accounted for, plus Chicago neighborhood-inspired cocktails.

Another newcomer to the weekend repast is Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse. Basically the opposite of the American comfort food template at Unite Urban Grill, this Lakeview spot offers a unique riff on brunch with emphasis on south of the border recipes. Traditional Mexican favorites such as chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are joined by innovative additions such as scrambled egg-filled huaraches, blueberry margarita pancakes, and huevos Benedictos comprised of serrano corn cakes and chipotle hollandaise. Cocktails are just as invigorating, including the Abuelita Float, a dessert-y libation featuring Negra Modelo, dark chocolate sorbet, and Abuelita chocolate rim.

As any fan of The Publican's famed brunch will attest, every hour counts. The more brunch hours, the more opportunities for Pub Bacon. So here's something to rejoice about: beginning May 4, The Publican opens an hour earlier for brunch on Sundays, starting at 9:00 a.m.

- Matt Kirouac