Le Peep Chicago, Mt. Prospect

For the chefs at Le Peep, breakfast is an art form. Pancakes, waffles, omelets, and dozens of other morning meals become a showcase for their culinary creativity. They dip french toast in a rich custard batter and stuff it with cream cheese, and they transform blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries into a sweet-and-tart topping for the Berry Explosion Waffle. Breakfast is certainly the star at Le Peep, at least on days when Meryl Streep isn't moonlighting as a hostess, but the lunch offerings hold their own. Tender chunks of chicken add a savory bite to crepes, and crab-cake hoagies marry the sweetness of seafood with the smokiness of bacon. An impressive collection of gluten-free and vegetarian items are also available for diners with dietary restrictions.