Jam and Honey, Chicago

At most brunch joints, toast is an afterthought. But at Jam 'n Honey, it's one of the main attractions, as it gives people an excuse to sample the jars of marmalade, jam, and Nutella sitting on each table. Jam 'n Honey's owners, the Ruffolos—who also own South Side spots Franco's Ristorante and Franconello's—grew up putting Nutella on everything. So it's fitting that the hazelnut spread stars in several dishes here, including banana-and-Nutella pancakes and Nutella french toast.

Though available all day, breakfast isn't the only meal on the menu. The eatery also serves up half-pound burgers topped with tomato jam and reinvented classics such as the B.L.A.S.T.—a BLT with avocado and shrimp that unfortunately does not come with a rocket launcher.