Kanela Breakfast Club is a charming spot in Old Town with sidewalk seating. We moved to Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood earlier this summer, and have enjoyed exploring the eateries in our new neighborhood. We love a great brunch and I think that Kanela might become one of our regular brunch spots. The sidewalk patio is sunny and surrounded by plants and flowers, while the inside of the restaurant is bright and has a cozy mix of high tops and dining tables, and there is a bar in the back with televisions set to sports channels. There is a little something of everyone.
We grabbed at table on the sidewalk patio and then started things off with an order of Monkey Bread. I am always torn between ordering a sweet or savory brunch, and the option of a sweet starter made this an easy decision to make. The monkey bread was soft and moist and the cinnamon sugar topping was sweet without being overly sweet.
You know that I am obsessed with eggs benedict, and I was happy to see that Kanela offers a unique twist on the classic that involves thick cut pork belly and shaved brussels sprouts. It is fun how the restaurant pulled two of the trendiest foods – pork belly and brussels sprouts into this dish. The pork belly was crispy on the outside, but still tender, and it made this breakfast really filling. I loved the generous side of hashbrowns which had a great amount of rosemary and seasoning.
Charles ordered a classic BTL with a side salad. He told me that he was trying to eat healthy – I don’t quite see how a dish whose main ingredient is bacon is “healthy” but it was a great sandwich. This BLT had the additional ingredient of turkey and swapped out lettuce for spinach. I supposed you could argue this is more of a turkey club.
Kanela serves only breakfast and lunch. They currently have two locations – one in Old Town on Wells Street and another in Lakeview on Clark Street. They are opening a third location in Streeterville soon.