New Southern Restaurant Brûlée Praised in South Loop
Brûlée, a new Southern-style restaurant in Chicago's South Loop, is garnering praise for its elevated and refined take on classic brunch dishes. Early reviews are highlighting the restaurant's unique offerings and quality ingredients. The positive reception positions Brûlée as a notable new entry in the city's competitive brunch scene.
- Before opening Brûlée in November 2025, chef and co-owner Emani Roberts worked as a private chef for celebrities, including an R&B group and the founder of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez. Restaurant ownership was not her initial goal, but she was encouraged to open a public space to make her popular private brunch spreads more widely available. - The restaurant is a family affair, co-owned by Roberts and her mother, Shronda Dunn, who also serves as the general manager. The chef de cuisine, Kennedy Bufford, is a longtime mentee and friend of Chef Roberts. - The menu reflects Chef Roberts' Black American heritage and nearly a decade she spent working in Atlanta with her mentor, chef Virgil Harper. This influence is seen in signature dishes like Creole Shrimp & Grits ($30.00) and Oxtail & Grits ($42.00). - True to its name, a standout dish is the Crème Brûlée French Toast, which features a caramelized sugar crust. Other inventive offerings include a Lobster Sweet Potato Waffle ($48.00) and a Brisket Grilled Cheese served with tomato bisque. - Brûlée is located at 2036 S. Michigan Ave., a location chosen to serve the residential South Loop area as well as visitors from nearby McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena. - The restaurant joins a booming and competitive brunch market in Chicago, a city with over 5,000 restaurants offering brunch. Brunch has become a significant weekend social ritual for the city's residents. - Brûlée operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. six days a week and is closed on Wednesdays, offering an all-day brunch concept. - In addition to its main dining menu, the front of the restaurant has a coffee shop feel, offering house-made pastries, fresh juice, and espresso drinks to go, including a crème brûlée latte.
