Before the corporate chains homogenize every suburban corridor into identical ‘family dining concepts,’ we’ll celebrate Schaumburg’s morning gems. Thankfully, the breakfast scene here has stayed authentic, satisfying, and the most probable place in all of Chicagoland to overhear a debate about pancake flips. We hope that spirit endures, and for now, here are our top picks for starting the day right in Schaumburg.
IHOP
$ | (847) 278-7494 | WEBSITE
Schaumburg isn’t exactly synonymous with late-night dining. But breakfast? Yes indeed. So when we want to enjoy a meal at any hour, we head to IHOP at the end of a long day to grab a plate from their extensive breakfast menu and watch families gather in the clean, cozy dining area that feels welcoming at all times. The standout here is the Bourbon Bacon Jam Eggs Benedict, prepared expertly by the chefs at this location–and we’re suckers for some well-executed eggs benedict.
IHOP’s food is reasonably priced breakfast fare, but they do offer attentive and respectful service, in which orders are fulfilled as desired and arrive quickly even during busy times.
Egg Harbor Cafe
$ | (847) 610-3940 | WEBSITE
A breakfast spot that nails both flavor and service isn’t something you find every day, so we love this family-friendly cafe for giving us a place to dig into great morning meals with amazing staff. Try out their Habanero Hash and Eggs, which is a spicy twist to the classic breakfast hash with perfectly cooked eggs and just the right kick. If spicy isn’t your thing, grab a classic breakfast plate, sit at one of the cozy tables, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere humming from the clean space.
But don’t let the occasional busy times fool you, Egg Harbor Cafe keeps the vibe quick and efficient with polite staff and wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
$ | (847) 517-4000 | WEBSITE
We’ve found the perfect go-to for a quick, satisfying breakfast in Schaumburg—Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, which continuously churns out hella creative pancakes, hella fast. It’s pretty simple: order berry pancakes, creative omelettes, or skillets. And it’s not an exaggeration—when you order the mushroom omelette, you get Swiss cheese and avocado piled high. Each meal comes with generous portions, plenty of natural light, and a vibrant environment.
Their breakfast special rotates but usually features some type of pancake dish, a few sides, and coffee for around $18. Make sure to order the veggie skillet since its hearty, flavorful goodness is the perfect start to your day. Their outdoor seating is a pleasant place to relax on your morning break, just know that when the sun is shining, you won’t be the only one there.
First Watch
$ | (847) 908-4367 | WEBSITE
As one of the top breakfast spots in Schaumburg near Humbolt Park, First Watch is clutch when the morning hunger hits. You won’t find a friendlier atmosphere with quicker service than what First Watch offers (sorry other spots, we still appreciate you). You’ll often see families with kids and groups of friends because the place is so welcoming.
To avoid the morning rush entirely, go a bit later and get a hot coffee and the Farmhouse skillet, which comes with lots of fresh avocado and sweet, fresh tomatoes. It feels painfully obvious, but if you’re going to First Watch for breakfast, you should get the avocado toast or the pumpkin pancakes. It just makes sense. We recommend the farmers skillet or the all grain banana pancake for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Rising Early Cafe
$ | (224) 353-6324 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or just need your morning caffeine fix, Rising Early Cafe is a cozy little neighborhood spot where you can get a reliably great meal. Stop by for an early bite or a mid-morning break, and you’ll be one of only a handful of regulars sitting at the counter watching commuters hurry by outside.
It’s bold to call your own pancakes amazing, but the fluffy stacks truly live up to the hype, perfectly balancing classic breakfast comfort with just the right touch of sweetness. Things pick up on weekends, when it’s not unusual to see families spilling out of the fresh, remodeled interior and chatting on the sidewalk.
If you can’t snag a table, grab a seat at the coffee bar, which offers a view of the open kitchen and friendly staff, and order the steak skillet or stuffed French toast from the breakfast menu.
Sweet Orange Pancake House & Cafe
$ | (847) 466-5189 | WEBSITE
Sweet Orange Pancake House & Cafe has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a local breakfast spot. Stepping through the door of their Schaumburg location feels like a portal into a cheerful morning, with staff in bright orange aprons and friendly smiles, brewing coffee fresh (try the creative latte and add a shot of matcha). The whole place is very welcoming, with a clean counter that looks like polished maple, and cheerful lighting that brightens the entire dining area.
There’s a variety of pancakes, waffles, and breakfast plates, so grab one of their signatures like the Belgian waffle with its nice malty flavor or create your own with their variety of fresh ingredients like chicken noodle soup or Atlantic salmon salad.
Maxfield’s Pancake House
$ | (847) 781-0300 | WEBSITE
Generous pancakes, bright morning light streaming through clean windows, cheerful yellow walls that warm the dining room, and a counter lined with regulars make Maxfield’s the coziest spot in Schaumburg. And dishes like the Greek Skillet with perfectly cooked eggs will make you forget you’re just grabbing a weekday breakfast. It all adds up to being the ideal place if you’re planning a leisurely family brunch or catching up with old friends.
Plus, how many other breakfast joints have the same married couple running things for years and serve pie and coffee until late without rushing you out? Chain restaurants could neva.
