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
Robin Lynn
Morgan Ransom 
Sonya C.
Super cute brunch place. Stopped in randomly when in town. Their mimosa selection is great!! Cute decor and fun atmosphere! 
Kylie A.
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 more 
Tiffany R.
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 more 
Amy K.
Love Frances! Have yet to have a bad thing here. Wait staff is always great. Expect a wait though! It's very popular I would say average wait is between 30-45 minutes when busy. So worth it! 
Marshaun M.
Delicious! And great service. We sat on the patio it was busy but we were a safe distance from everyone. And the food... Chef Rylon never disappoints 
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Christina Conroy 
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Daniel montgomery 
Kendra M.
France'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 more 
Miriam R.
The French toast are to die for! Delicious breakfast food and a cute spot in Lincoln Park. I would recommend the French toast flight- it is truly delicious! 
Jeremy B.
Ordered delivery via Caviar...was not aware they have their own delivery service but they do, so will order direct next time. The food came super quick! 19 minutes from ordering in the app to my door - that's... read more 
Billy M.
Stumbled upon this place while walking in Lincoln Park and was so happy I found it. They had outdoor seating as well as indoor. Our waitress was super nice and checked up on us frequently. I got a cold brew... read more 
Ken B.
Very friendly service and the food is excellent. We had a flight of waffles and the fajitas omelette, came out on time and was cooked perfectly. Each type of waffle has varying degrees of sweetness, the strawberry being the sweetest... read more 
Alvin H
