Reviews of Bongo Room (Restaurant)

Tamara Vazquez

I love the bongo room food is delicious. I love getting though omelette make your own I get blue cheese avocado spinach omelette.

Christopher Sonntag

been here 3 times now. food and service very average. not worth the wait for me.

Erik Hampe

One of my favorite places to have brunch/lunch in the neighborhood. Has been around forever for good reason.

Wendy Pickett

This place is so good and worth the wait. I had the lobster Benedict which was phenomenal! I also had the pear raspberry mimosa. Our was ok although I couldn't really taste the pear flavor. I would definitely return for breakfast! If your looking to avoid a wait I would go as early as possible.

Victor Ojeda Jr

The pancakes were awesome. Had pumpkin spice. Had them before. Is always crowded. Service was great. Next time will something else other than pancakes.

Alondra Smith

American food... so fresh. i look forward to going back again. the place has a cool atmosphere.

Steve Wang

Great breakfast burrito and epic white chocolate caramel pretzel pancakes...

arpita kaushik

Great ambience. The Chocolate Tower French toast is a must try for chocolate lovers.

Sadie Leman

This place never disappoints! Great food, great people, and a wonderful atmosphere. The brunch menu is superb!

juan hernandez

Great food service and pancakes 30 min wait time but worth it

Frank G

Look at these flapjacks! Look! Omg... makes my mouth water and diabetes flair up! Heaven on a plate! Oh the other dish was what I ordered. I ate that too. No fat jokes please.

Heather

Good food and larger portions. No gluten-free options at all, they won’t even do lettuce wrapped sandwiches or substitute anything for it so that sucked. Paying for bread when I can’t even eat it.

Arianna Vranas

Great breakfast in Wicker Park! I took my sister here the other day and we were full for hours after it was so great!

David Gardner

Was visiting Chicago for the weekend with my daughter. This place was amazing....gonna try to go there every time we visit now

Rich Stewart

One of my favorites.

Anthony Dickson

Don't underestimate the white chocolate pretzel Carmel pancakes

Simon Bayangos

Come for the hungover hipster watching/judging. Stay for the attentive service and heroic portions.

Joyce Lee

Love this place. Perfect breakfast food.

mlj ljm

Diner was nearly empty when we ate there so no excuses for the long wait for food to arrive. Simple eggs dish was disappointing and not as ordered. Coffee was decent.

erincinco

I do not get the hype. The food is solidly average; I've had better, more flavorful and consistently good food at any number of diners. A side of bacon is $4.25 and they were the most anemic shreds of bacon I've ever seen. Not going back.

Omar Khojah

Very creative foods

Matthias Lampe

Great place for a brunch with very generous portions. I got the omelet with three ingredients included and it was very tasty. The staff is very speedy and friendly and the recipes the hot water for my tea.

Jasmine Jones

Honestly i think this place doesn’t get enough attention like it should. I love sweets. I’m a huge fan of the red velvet pancakes but i get undecided with the pretzel pancake. HOW DID THEY DO IT? It’s small, cozy. And great for a breakfast date. mimosas are perfect. Try them out and don’t forget to ask for the breakfast potatoes and cheese please!

Anya Solotskaya

Tasty brunch and affordable. Huge portions.

Dudley Vandehei

We went to Chicago for a on vacation to visit family, and This place is a must try, we have gone for lunch and breakfast and both have been wonderful. Even the kids enjoyed it which was a surprise. Sometimes the wait can be a tad bit long but it is so worth it. My husband and I got the Salted Caramel pancakes and they were wonderful a great amount of sauce, and the presentation was great as well. My boys shared an omelette and the ingredients they put in were so fresh and lots of cheese which they loved. I was very happy with the service and the way the server treated us and the kids. Prices are moderate, but the portions are a wonderful size and so worth it.

Karla Caban

Second time around. First time I wasn't really impressed, thought the food was ok and unfortunately it was cold. So I gave it another try and unfortunately, the omelette I ordered was a spinach, mushroom and ham . Spinach and mushrooms had no flavor, they weren't even sauteed. Very blah. Seems they put raw spinach and mushrooms and then fold the omelette. I like my food with flavor, so it's my personal choice. I see more pics of their sweet items, maybe it's these food items they are good at. Next time, I will do try that. I really wanted to like it.

Jennifer Fu

With new brunch places popping up left and right, Bongo Room definitely gets left out sometimes, but it's consistently been one of my favorites. The savory brunches never disappoint, but the sweet ones will get you through the roof. Their brioche French toast is fabulous. The cinnamon sugar, warm white chocolate cream, and tangy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries blended with the buttery French toast so well I felt like I was eating a pile of sweet and tangy cloud! Absolutely delightful every time.

Aneesh Mathur

Had the chorizo omelette with avocados and potatoes stuffed inside. Was okay but not an outstanding omelette. Brunch was extremely busy so be prepared for a wait.

David L. Morin

Excellent food and service! Prices commensurate with quality and quantity. Very loud like many places so it's not a place for quiet conversation. First time diner, will definitely go back! P. S. Excellent chorizo!

Jenny Wilson

Service was top notch and amazing, food and drinks wonderful as well. 10/10 would go back when I come back to town.

Saul Duarte

Their lobster eggs benedict is a must try! The service is always good and their dulce de leche pancakes are even better! Also had their chai latte, and let me just say, blows Starbucks out of the water!

Paa A

Food is always amazing at bongo room

John Jones

This is where I take friends and we've never been disappointed!

Heath Adrian

Great place for brunch. Creative menu options. Pancakes are legit.

David Lamma

My visit was wonderful, we were seated immediately and our service was excellent. Employees were generous and knowledgeable about what they served in the menu. The food was excellent and was served in a timely manner. It was a little busy but overall, I had a wonderful and satisfactory visit.

David Livermore

The savory food is very good but the sweet breakfast options like pancakes and French toast are on another level. I honestly can't think of any other restaurant that even comes close to how tasty the pancakes are here. I don't get to come here often since I live in Detroit but whenever I'm in Chicago, I always get breakfast here and always end up ordering an extra meal to take back home.

Matthew Gibson

Just the best breakfast in town. Pancakes are outta sight as well as super good breakfast burritos.

Jordan Roberts

Went here for lunch yesterday. Such a wonderful spot! They serve intelligentsia coffee and the food is delicious. My friend got the breakfast burrito and I got the chicken salad sandwich. Both meals are highly recommendable. The staff is super welcoming and helpful. Definitely a favorite spot.

Akanksha Parmar

Loved the place. The queue starts at 7 am and the place opens at 8, I think. But it's worth the wait. If you don't wait in the queue, it'll take about 20 minutes to get a table. The food is just great! And so, is the coffee.

Stephanie Clark

I LOVE this little spot!The space itself is extremely inviting and well-put-together -- the music, ambience and aesthetics are all amazing. I had a cup of some of the richest, highest-quality coffee I've tasted in a long time, coupled with an unforgettable blueberry muffin...both were so good, in fact, that I bought a second round of each to take home to my roommate!

Alvin H

Ordered the Blueberry and Almond pancakes, two scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. My waitress Jessica was really nice. This place is on a busy street so it's hard to find a park, you also have to pay for parking 2hr max = $4. Keep that in mind when it's the weekend. This place was busy and loud, luckily I came solo. I was able to be seated immediately.

Brianna Simon

Best brunch and mimosas

Gayle Hutchings

It's definitely worth the hype. Breakfast was excellent and can't wait to go back to Chicago to go there again. Wait staff was very friendly and I'm a stickler for good coffee and they passed the test. We got there right before the long wait for a table and sat at the window..it was tight but cozy on a cold day.

Abby Rodgers

Great for brunch!

Francesca Schneider

Yummy food long wait

Patrick Stycos

One of the best breakfast places in Chicago. The pancakes are a bit sweet, but delishious.

Terry Spearman

I was visiting from Texas and enjoyed very much. The ingredients for fresh the pizza was great and not greasy

Hilary M

Delicious brunch foods with loose leaf tea.

Tonie Evers

I love the food. I live in Indiana so when I come to visit my family it's one of my fav breakfast spots

John Hartofillis

After getting brunch here multiple times, I have yet to be even remotely disappointed. The food is absolutely delicious and priced very fairly (especially for being in the heart of Wicker Park). Be aware that there is most always a wait during brunch hours. The wait is 100% worth it. If you have a sweet tooth I highly recommend the White Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Pancakes!

Matthew Gall

Great French style omelettes. Good service. Must try the Sweet pancakes next time I go.

Brandon Sampson

Good food, extensive menu, and we only had to wait 25 minutes for a table!

Christopher Thomas

Wow. Wow. Wow. Oh my God wow. You want decadent pancakes? You want savory breakfast Staples? You've got it here. The pancakes are definitely like nothing you've ever had and are a must for any breakfast order.

Min A Cho

Pancakes are the best. Kind and nice people.

K G

Great service and the food was quite tasty.

Tim Wilkin

Noisy, crowded, expensive, long wait...but good coffee.

Miki Deen

We come here often, my husband always gets the lobster Benedict! I on the other hand have tried a few things but am intimidated by the portions. I don’t order some of the more popular item for fear that half of it I’ll end up in the trash; I wish they had half portions.

Lu L

Server was slow and inattentive, got our food before our drinks, food came out borderline cold... I'm sure it would have tasted great if it arrived hot

julie quick

Horrible. I don't get the hype. Every time I come here I'm always disappointed in the food and the prices. Why do you serve house potatoes with a potato and chorizo omelette,??? The avocado was non existent they comped my breakfast because it was horrible but I was so hungry. Husband had pear and churro French toast. Sure...I love having a full cup of sugar mush poured down my throat at 9 am. Save your money and your time...go to Windy City cafe or cornerstone cafe. You'll be a lot happier

Brian Cummings

My new favorite brunch spot. Everything was perfectly made.

Brandon Murray

Awesome spot for breakfast

Dingus Khan

Service was fast and attentive. Food was on the bland side but portions were generous. Some of the potatos were overcooked and inedible.

Tiffany Zdunic

We have visited here three times in one year. Each trip to the city we try to go. It’s good food! Staff seems stressed and not excellent because of that. But, we will still go back.

Joe Kirchner

Great service and great food! Will definitely go back again.

Mary Grace Rodgers

The food was good as was the service

Rui Zhong

Best brunch I’ve had in the city!

Kathryn Cervantes

Cute cafe with traditional breakfast options. Spacious bar counter and variety of table sizes. Was worried that such a prime location would draw lines but moved quickly. The sweet options slightly outweighed the savory and most were meat heavy aside from build your own omelet or traditional eggs any style.

Nate Rock

Service was fast and accurate. Egg white Reuben omelet + salad for breakfast. Friends had croissant sandwiches. The croissants were HUGE like Godzilla sized (maybe) to big? Fairly decent food but pretty bland and pedestrian.

J Adams

This place was hoping, we were able to get a seat in about 20 minutes. The breakfast was good, the deserts were served over bread and while they tasted good. They would have been better suited over a pancake instead of a piece of non toasted bread. Eggs benedict was good, wish it was served warmer.

Samuel Lopes

Delicious food with lots of brunch options - there might be a wait, though

Liz Crothers

Different infused food

Brandi Barnett

The food is great and so was the pomegranate pear mimosa. We waited about 20 minutes for a party of 2. Not a big deal. The service was great until I paid the bill and left a tip. I still had about a quarter of my mimosa left and it was clear we weren't welcomed anymore. It was about 12:30 at this point and very few, if any, people waiting. Don't think I'll be returning to this location...

Charly Manok

Stopped in here for breakfast with a friend. We both ordered the vegetarian croissant with a side of bacon. It was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Highly recommend! This is a hip spot to grab a great breakfast in wicker park.

Cassidy Byrd

The Bongo Room gets me every time. The egg was ordered and delivered over-medium, which is hard to perfect. Croissant light and flaky as it should be. But come on, you came here for the pancakes, let's be real. I usually get the white chocolate caramel diabetes monstrosity, but this time I tried something with lemon. This gives you a refreshing step back from the heavy sugar and allows for flavorful and fluffy pancakes with actual fruit. At least that's what I told myself. This place is an institution to Chicago.

Marco Ramirez

Loved it! Cheap and the food is great. The waitresses are also and extremely chill and attentive; same goes for the busboy's.

angela vanoppens

The atmosphere was nice, the pancakes and french toast was good, but the chocolate sauce on top made it a little to much. The experience was nice but its not a place I would go to alot.

edmund gray

If you're a hipster looking to take your parents to a more expensive, crowded IHOP - then this is the place for you. For the rest of us, we'll stick to Lulu. Some of the pics you'll see in this listing are as fake as what you'll find on a Burger King advertisement. Truly disappointing.

Laura Spooner

I had been looking forward to trying this place out for some time now. After waiting about 35-40 min to be seated (which is no problem) my friend and I sat and perused the menu. We really wanted to try some pancakes but were unsure if we would have room so ordered our normal savory fair first. My eggs Benedict was very delicious..that’s for sure. After finishing our plates we saw the table next to us receive a single pretzel pancake and we decided we had to try it. We asked the waitress for one and she replied that she thought there was an hour wait and needed to check if we could order that. My friend and I looked at each other with confusion. When she returned to the table she stated...”actually it’s an hour and a half wait and the kitchen is behind so I will not be able to put that in for you.” It was the weirdest thing that ever happened. To be a customer in a restaurant...seated at a table and be denied something for any reason other than the ingredients being unavailable was insane. Wait aside, guests should always be served. One star because the eggs Benedict was good. I certainly will not return.

Russ Gould

Food and service was great , prices a tad rough but worth it !

Crystal Rose

The service was great! we loved the spot and it’s location. We sat in the little windows seats which was a great vibe for breakfast. We ordered the omelette, croissant sandwich, and the half order of churros French toast. The omelette was pretty bland but the French toast was amazing! And the sand which was okay. They charged us for more than half for the French toast which I didn’t really appreciate it. But overall - good spot but they could step up in the food category. Couldve Been an off day.

Brian Ferdman

This is your place for some excellent breakfast options, including some rather crazy spins on pancakes.

Roger LaFlamme

Love the food here.

Eleni Leventopoulos

Brunch on the weekends is amazing but super busy, get there early! During the week is definately more calm and you can still get the best blackberry and lemon pancakes (this season)

Theresa Humanicki

Never had a bad breakfast. Love all the pancakes!

Amal Hussain

Very crowded breakfast/brunch place. The food was good but not anything extraordinary.

Sara Zalek

Just ok. Too expensive and a rush to get us out and on to the next.

Jeff Duren

Had the charizo omlete with fried potatoes english muffin and bacon. Super yummy. It was a full house and they don't take reservations or seat you till everyone is there.

Carle V

Drove 3 hours from Indiana to eat their delicious pancakes and egg benedict. Totally worth the trip lol. The staff were nice and attentive.

Lawrence Piekarz

Great food

Teddie Goldenberg

I'm not sure why, but they have the best breakfast potatoes of all.

Caleb Guyton

Great food, great staff! Must do!

Raquel Galvan

Love their white chocolate caramel pretzel pancakes

Alec Parks

Some of the wildest pancake creations I've seen! Amazing food and great ambiance. Worth the wait, but be prepared for it!

Hannah Yeiser

Prepare for a wait time, but it's 100% worth it. The best brunch I've had in chicago by far. And lots of interesting sweet breakfast options for the pancake lovers.

Grant Watkins

Awesome food, nice atmosphere. My wife and I came here from a recommendation, definitely glad we did! We shared the white chocolate and mixed berry french toast, it was amazing!

Angela Giacchetti

Well worth the wait for weekend brunch! The weekday menu isn't bad, but you really have to get in on a weekend to try their Benedict menu! The lobster Benedict is my favorite, and you can't go wrong with their mimosa menu.

Frances Angell

Walked 2.5 miles and a little over an hour wait for this. The owner waits in the front and greets you. He educates you on the menu a bit. How awesome the owner interacts with all his customers.

Kenneth Crooks

Awesome food... atmosphere is a complete win

Francis Chan

A very unique Tiki bar in the middle of Downtown Chicago. Not the kind of place you expect when you enter!

Katherine Menzies

There was a beard hair on the food and didn’t have time to wait for another to be made. Didn’t offer to take off a drink and was very rude about the situation.

Lj Lj

Hit or miss. Lately miss. Stale croissant. Eggs like McDonald's. Overpriced af. Long waits. Hipster hype.

Ed Leer

Good service, good food.

Jay Cvik

Reliably consistent & delicious - sweet or savory, but I think their sweet items are significantly better than anywhere else. Multiple different drink options. Recommend the potatoes with white cheddar as a side & any pancake with their homemade sauces

Shelley Hook

BEST french toast I have ever had!! Be sure not to miss out and order the Churro Pear French Toast

Dan Gocek

Great brunch spot with an interesting combination of very sweet and very savory options. There is always a wait, but you can put your name in and have them text you (unfortunately you have to go in person to put your name in). The dishes don't always seem like a huge amount of food, but I always walk away very full.

helena constanzo

Haven't been there in a couple of years. Food is still amazing. My favorite brunch place to go to. My mouth always has a orgasim.

Maximus Morrison

This spot constantly delivers. They have good food for fair rates, there no long wait even when they are packed.

Sam Menke

Nothing overly special. Pretty long wait for brunch for two. The menu didn’t strike me as being very fantastic or interesting and there was nothing memorable about the atmosphere. They did meet the basic requirements of being clean enough and friendly staff and decent food.

JT Jeanry

Used to be a good breakfast place, but I think they've gotten pretty sloppy the last 10 months

Miguel Balderas

Great food! Sometimes the wait is too long but it's worth it.

Bonnie Erickson

Terrific staff. Good food and prices. Super family friendly. Go early. Best advice. We don't sleep anymore as parents so we can get there at 9- no wait and super fast. Otherwise it gets packed fast and that intersection sucks.

cam metcalf

Best breakfast burrito of my life... Get the chorizo!

Edouard Dorval

Big portions. Great food. Great service

Hannes du Randt

This place had some of the best breakfast I have ever had. Their sweet and savory options are both fantastic. We were seated right away and the service was fantastic. Very friendly staff. The food wad prepared promptly and deliciously. 10/10

Daniela Salazar

Really good food. Kinda pricey but their portions dont skimp!! And the pancakes are so very good!!

Lynn Kunesh

What a fun place. The wait staff are so friendly!! Choices are many and very delicious!!!

mc smarto

The variety of pancakes they have are delicious. I love the key lime pie! You can order just one if you only want a taste. The breakfast burrito is always a good choice too. This place can get crowded and they tend to rush you out the door quickly so take your time ordering, etc if you want to enjoy a nice breakfast.

Stephanie Belk

It was busy but definitely worth the wait. Wonderful breakfast. The carmelized pear french toast was heaven! We'll definitely eat there again when we visit Chicago.

Jerin Thenayan

We had one of the best brunch experiences here! We shared sweet and savory dishes. My favorite was the deconstructed lobster eggs Benedict. Highly recommend this to anyone!!

Daniel Vega

Great coffee but just OK food.

ッKyle

I had the Chorizo Potato & Guacamole Omelette. The home fries were perfectly cooked. A bit crispy on the outside but still soft inside. Seasoned well with a hint of dill. The omelette was really well made. They we're generous with the ingredients! The chorizo was great. The included salsa had a nice kick and really complimented the dish. The staff were very accommodating and attentive. Before we sat down the gentleman behind the bar had our waters. Our glasses were always refilled before empty, and we never felt rushed by our server. Overall a great breakfast experience.

Janet Le

I went there on Wednesday, It was about hour and 45 minutes Waite. We order Omelet, Benedict and also French toast. They all was OK. Nothing especial about this place. I think it is over Rate. I'll never come back again and I would not recommend to anyone to wait that much for nothing especial.

MR. JASON HARDEN

Great food... Always crowded... Get there early and enjoy!!!...

lina suarez

Food was good, not too expensive and the service was good. The place is rather narrow and tends to get packed during the weekend brunch hour.

Shaley Sogan

Huge portions, nice service

Dave Lobeck

The shrimp scampi benedict here was great! Highly recommend for all breakfast foods.

Kaleb Nygaard

My wife and I love Bongo Room! We come a few times a year. Today I had the best pancakes I’ve ever had!! The pumpkin spice pancakes are a 12 out of 10!!! The wait is normally pretty long, but today we were able to walk right in. I highly recommend the bongo room to all the locals and tourists.

Kyle Holtzman

Delicious brunch! Usually a bit of a wait but if you add your name in and then go shop in the area, time flies. The eggs benny are always my go to!

Esther Han

Amazing food, great service, correct quoted wait time. Wormhole next door is a great place to drink coffee and wait, Bongo Room will text you when your place in line is up! Couldn’t ask for a better deal.

Jehan Hinds

Delicious french toast and hot cakes. Love the variety of mimosas.

Gloria Scott

Great spot, very popular, not tons of healthy options but really fun brunch drinks and sweets

Megan Gabbard

The portions are gigantic and everything is as fresh as can be. The service is decent, they get really busy so I cut them a little slack. Anytime I find myself in Chicago I make sure to get brunch at Bongo Room.

Christie Cepero

I loved the coffee. The food was delicious and there was a lot of it. Overall it's a great place to hang out and grab a good meal.

Lisa Maldonado

I absolutely love this place. Expect to wait at least 45 minutes. Everytime I've come I've always waited but the wait is well worth it. I usually get the dungeness crab Benedict. But I also recommend the monte cristo. Mama's French toast sampler is also very tasty. I do recommend coming really early of you don't want to wait but if you do it is well worth it.

Klara Renteria

After all these years the food is still great. Chocolate French toast never disappoints. Waited a bit as expected on a Sunday morning but it was well worth it.

Cory Bishop

My second time here! Love this place and will come back every time I'm in Chicago. Great food and courteous staff. The creative menu items are delicious. Gingerbread and pear pancakes were so unique! I can't wait to try the pumpkin flapjacks!

Brielle Seitelman

We showed up right at 9 on a Sunday and got a table no problem. The omelette was great but the almond pancakes did not live up to the hype.

Michele Lee Sparks

Bongo room is always a stop we make when visiting the Chicago area their new pancake options on the menu are amazing we first of course got our go to which is the white chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel pancakes and then an order of their new pancakes lemon and black raspberries which was refreshing and for our Savory side we ordered the bacon egg and cheese croissant.