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
glennis grant
Paige G.
Sunday morning, we got to the restaurant at 8:55 wondering how busy it may be when it opened at 9a. It was just us and a woman with her 3 kids. So getting outdoor seating wasn't a problem at all.... read more 
Ashley Rizzo 
Shinar Newson 
Katie M.
Best Brunch place in town! Food is unique and delicious! Atmosphere is lovely and service is wonderful! 
Isaac Mack 
R K 
Norah G.
The food and atmosphere here are really hard to beat, it's me and my partner's restaurant of choice for a while now. If only it was easier to get a table! 
Mike L 
Robert Garnett 
Gustav Anderson 
Gustav Anderson 
Jennifer D.
This is cutest spot! Great brunch ambiance and the food is GREAT! We all got the breakfast burrito and we're in love. Service was great as well. This is definitely a hidden gem in Lincoln park. 
Danielle G.
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 more 
LaToya Marshall 
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!
