Harlem/Lake: The brunch stop

You could wait an hour or more to get into the latest buzzworthy brunch spot in the city—or hop on the Green Line to Oak Park, a family-friendly suburb home to terrific brunch without the lines. It begins with Marion Street Cheese Market (100 S Marion St, Oak Park, 708-725-7200). Most winos are well acquainted with the wine rack and cheese case in this artisanal market, but the adjoining bistro hosts a lovely weekend brunch with wine and cheese flights—the perfect way to try a few samples before you buy something to take home. Want straightforward diner food done just right? Delia’s Kitchen (1034 Lake St, Oak Park, 708-358-1300) is the place to find homey, no-frills classics like fluffy omelettes, golden stacks of pancakes and piping-hot coffee. Meanwhile, the vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free among us will appreciate Munch (104 N Marion St, Oak Park, 708-848-4226), where ingredients like red quinoa and avocado abound. But hair-of-the-dog brunchers be warned: At any of these places, the plethora of kiddies in the dining room may only make your hangover worse.