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Kanela Breakfast Club: A Millennial Pastime

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Northwestern chapter.

If there’s anything that millennials like more than avocados, expensive workout gear and poorly-timed sex, it’s brunch. Brunch, the only meal consumed on the weekend, ideally takes place sometime between breakfast and lunch. Ask any college student, and they’ll tell you that brunch is the cure to any hangover and the perfect Instagram opportunity. 

This is where Kanela Breakfast Club comes into play. Chicagoland peeps, this is the ideal brunch. Bonus: There are six locations around the city. Get your brunch on at either the Lakeview, Old Town, Wicker Park, Andersonville, Streeterville or the Ukrainian Village location. 

About Kanela Breakfast Club

With a Greek-inspired vibe to its menu, Kanela cooks everything from scratch. Did I mention the restaurant attempts to make its food with as many local, organic ingredients as possible?

Sleek and casual, this restaurant is a millennial’s dream with its Edison bulbs and exposed brick. This place makes for a perfect Sunday morning date (if that’s what you call breakfast with your one-night stand) or a laid-back meal with friends. Trust me, you’ll love the breezy outdoor seating and spacious farmhouse-style tables inside.

Let’s Talk About Booze

Kanela Breakfast Club
Alex Schwartz

Hydrating after a night out is a must. Luckily, Kanela offers a ton of fresh juices, smoothies, coffee and several morning cocktails to keep the weekend rolling. The drink menu features the ever-so-classic mimosa and Bloody Mary (which is served with a mini grilled cheese). 

If you’re wanting to spice things up, order the Sofiemosa (made with a Goose Island brew) or the Cinnamon Toast Brunch, which is a combination of vodka, RumChata and Kahlua. With its additional seasonal cocktails and variety of Chicago-based brews, Kanela will cure your hangover with the best cure: more booze. 

Sweet and Savory

Kanela Breakfast Club
Alex Schwartz

Now onto the main focus: the grub. An impressive and expansive, the menu at Kanela Breakfast Club features both a wide variety of traditional American favorites and Greek-inspired dishes. For those who are looking for more of a lunch than brunch, Kanela sells wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads.

The avocado toast (pictured above) is a millennial favorite. The dish, which is one of several vegetarian and vegan options, is a tart take on the popular brunch item. It features five pieces of soft toast topped with a combination of smashed avocados, delicate avocado roses, sea salt, black sesame seeds and red pepper flakes. 

Kanela Breakfast Club
Alex Schwartz

In the mood for something sweeter? You have to try the Red Velvet French Toast. This dish replaces a classic French toast’s normal bread beginnings with moist red velvet cake. Topped with creme cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, whipped cream and a cream anglaise, this is the perfect fix for those carb-cravings.

#SpoonTip: Head over to Kanela during the month of October because a percentage of Red Velvet French Toast sales will go to the Lynn Sage Foundation, a local non-profit that puts funds toward breast cancer research.

Final Thoughts

Chicago, often referred to as “the city of neighborhoods,” is known for its many trendy areas all located within the city limits. With locations in six different neighborhoods, Kanela Breakfast Club is a breakfast staple and an easy find on a morning in the city.

Next time you’re looking to invoke your favorite millennial pastime (and let a delicious brunch ease the poorer memories of your Friday or Saturday night), check out your closest Kanela. 

Brock Colyar

Northwestern '20