Frances Deli · Great since '38

Stop In For A Bite
Monday – Sunday : 9:00am – 3:00pm
Closed on Thanksgiving And Christmas Day
The Beginning...
Frances’ Deli has been a landmark in Lincoln Park for 80 years this year – serving diners breakfast, lunch, and brunch (before it was even a thing)! Their delivery and carry-out game has always been strong too, “We’ve held down the Gold Coast for quite some time,” starting on the east side of Clark as a legit, old-school deli, then, after 50 years, moving across the street.
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"Brunchery"
Frances’s has always been known for its comfort food and generations-old family recipes, and sandwiches too big to finish in one sitting. But the story doesn’t end there. Enter Chicago-famous chef and personality, Derek Rylon — with his original team — ready to take over and transform this diner/deli into what he calls a “Brunchery.” “Dinner on eggs,” he jokes, while promising an “Upscale Breakfast Experience.”
Chef Rylon
Chef Rylon has been perfecting his culinary skills and recipes for over 30 years and his iconic following is a testament to his gift for creating unbelievable dishes. His resume is nothing short of spectacular and reads something like this: Shaw’s Crab House, Wild Fire, Maggiano’s, Ruth Chris Steak House, Gibsons, Capital Grill, The Wyndham Hotel, The Westin, The Embassy Suites, the Crown Plaza Hotel, Batter and Berries, and most recently: Frances’s Deli & Brunchery at 2552 N. Clark in Lincoln Park.
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“People eat with their eyes”
“People eat with their eyes,” he exclaims, as he carefully lines up rainbow peppers on a crawfish omelet, a dish that came from the fathoms of his imagination. In fact, Derek met his wife, Angie, working as the executive chef in a hotel and she was hostess, truly making his kitchen a family affair.
When asked what separates him from the rest, Derek will tell you that he approaches every dish he creates with love. “Everything I make is to taste, and if you have to season one of my entrees, it’s a borderline insult.” He says with a smile.
The culinary arts is a pursuit of passion, for the ONLY African American, Executive Chef in all of Chicago. Let that sink in. Derek came from truly humble beginnings, learning his way around the kitchen as a sous chef and working his way up to one of the most respected Chef de Cuisines on the Chicago Brunch scene.
“everything happens for a reason”
Derek earned a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his avante-guarde breakfast menu that is constantly revolving. He lets people fall in love with a dish and then he switches it out for something new, only to receive death threats and threatening Facebook messages, to put it back on the menu “or else…”
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“May The Best Food Win”
Derek’s mantra is: “May the Best Food Win.” With his arrival on the scene, every brunch spot in LP is on notice, so let the #BrunchWars begin. “If you’re scared, go to church,” Chef says with a smirk. He’s kidding, but he means it.
Derek has a lot of potential with double the seating, and an amazing location, conveniently located in beautiful East Lincoln Park.
For the People, By The People
I had been studying their menu for weeks in anticipation for brunch, during our Chicago trip. I had it all planned that I would get French toast. But that all changed! They had a lobster omelet as their weekly special,... read moreI had been studying their menu for weeks in anticipation for brunch, during our Chicago trip. I had it all planned that I would get French toast. But that all changed! They had a lobster omelet as their weekly special, it was not listed on the main menu, but instead posted on the wall! Thank God the waitress told me about it! It was great! I was scared thinking they may skimp on the lobster or the lobster would be over cooked! Nope! Everything was cooked perfectly! My friend and I also got the mimosa flight, I think it was 4 different flavors. All very tasty!Will definitely be returning next time in Chicago! And I wish I could remember our waitress name she was so kind and patient with us! read less
I love Frances' deli and am so happy to have it in my neighborhood. The staff is usually pleasant and the food doesn't disappoint (though I've only tried the brunch items.) Last time I went was a few weeks ago... read moreI love Frances' deli and am so happy to have it in my neighborhood. The staff is usually pleasant and the food doesn't disappoint (though I've only tried the brunch items.) Last time I went was a few weeks ago with a friend. We split the french toast flight and the grits. Both were so delicious! The waitress said the grits were heavy but we were pleasantly surprised that there weren't at all! I love finding good grits! I have a friend visiting Chicago for the first time this weekend and plan to take him to Frances for brunch one of the days he's here. read less
I just moved to the area and my first morning I decided to walk around the corner and I found this place.I forgot what we ordered but I took pictures and it was all very fresh, warm and delicious! It... read moreI just moved to the area and my first morning I decided to walk around the corner and I found this place.I forgot what we ordered but I took pictures and it was all very fresh, warm and delicious! It was bit pricey. The place seemed well kept and sanitized. The sandwich though.. the meat was so soft it was falling apart and the flavors all together just made the sandwich very impressive. Definitely a must have! The French toast too! Everything was amazing together! read less
This was the first brunch I ever had in Chicago and is still one of my favorite spots! I love the laid back, non-fussy atmosphere, and the menu has all of the classic brunch staples. They're usually a little busy... read moreThis was the first brunch I ever had in Chicago and is still one of my favorite spots! I love the laid back, non-fussy atmosphere, and the menu has all of the classic brunch staples. They're usually a little busy and overwhelmed on the weekends, so just make sure you're not in any sort of rush. read less
A Google User 8/18/2020Tasty menu, friendly staff, great location~
Christina Conroy 8/07/2020
I went to breakfast on a Friday morning with a friend and we ordered based on the waitstaff's recommendation. The portions are massive, the staff is very familiar with the menu, and the food... read moreTasty menu, friendly staff, great location~
I went to breakfast on a Friday morning with a friend and we ordered based on the waitstaff's recommendation. The portions are massive, the staff is very familiar with the menu, and the food tastes great. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible both inside and outdoors. The coffee and boozy drinks are delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant for a morning breakfast or brunch. read lessTasty menu, friendly staff, great location~
A Google User 8/07/2020
I went to breakfast on a Friday morning with a friend and we ordered based on the waitstaff's recommendation. The portions are massive, the staff is very familiar with the menu, and the food... read moreTasty menu, friendly staff, great location~
I went to breakfast on a Friday morning with a friend and we ordered based on the waitstaff's recommendation. The portions are massive, the staff is very familiar with the menu, and the food tastes great. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible both inside and outdoors. The coffee and boozy drinks are delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant for a morning breakfast or brunch. read lessFrance's is a wonderful, can't-miss staple in Lincoln Park. Their brunch is unique, offering a range of options from cinnamon role pancakes, jerk chicken omelet, sweet potato chicken and waffles, to the famous French toast flight and bacon flight. I... read moreFrance's is a wonderful, can't-miss staple in Lincoln Park. Their brunch is unique, offering a range of options from cinnamon role pancakes, jerk chicken omelet, sweet potato chicken and waffles, to the famous French toast flight and bacon flight. I personally love all the waffles, the skillets, and the cheesy hash browns. Plus, their mimosas are delicious and always coming in new flavors. Brunch is always packed, but so worth the wait. Not to be outdone, their lunch menu is amazing! The sandwiches are HUGE and absolutely delicious. The onion rings are to die for. The soup is outstanding. This is deli comfort food at its finest. Seating is limited to the small patio during the COVID pandemic, but their take out service is quick and just as delicious. read less