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
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
Chicago BYOB 
Chicago BYOB 
Ashleigh Mavros 
Brad Baum 
Suxel G.
Loved the food and interior. Such a great atmosphere to be in. Definitely coming back for more chicken and waffles (and mimosas)
Rusty T.
This is my old school favorite deli in Lincoln Park. Not a traditional jewish deli, but great sandwiches, good for a casual meal and a lot of nostalgia. I always come back. 
Greg G.
I love this place. When we're not all quarantined I usually come here with friends for brunch on the weekends. Occasionally I would pop in during the week solo for a meal. Service is always fast and friendly, portions are... read more 
Elizabeth Castellanos 
Kelsey G.
Such a fun spot for brunch! My friend and I decided to give Frances' Deli a try after noticing how cute and quaint it was. The mimosa flights looked out of this world but we settled on a nitro cold... read more 
Scotty W.
Very family friendly, staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and on their game. Food is great...haven't had anything I dont care for. The country breakfast with the biscuits and gravy are my favorite.....could use a little more gravy. Clean! 
Phil Munoz
Annie L.
Favorite brunch place in Lakeview. Everything is amazing and service is incredible too. We have also gotten to-go orders and have not been disappointed. 
C Rowe 
Sherri H.
We rented an apartment in this neighborhood and went for a walk to find brunch. This place was full but we only had to wait 10 minutes for a table! We decided on sandwiches and I was thrilled that... read more 
Kim Gehring 
Madeline Grodek
