Restaurant Review: Celebrate 2025 in your jammies at Roscoe Village’s Kitsch’n
As legend has it, Roscoe Village’s original ‘hangover brunch’ (come in your pajamas!) began at Kitsch’n, and for 26 years, Chicago families have welcomed the new year here, with Kitsch’n’s award-winning comfort food and brunch menu.
I’m all for a place that describes itself as a casual neighborhood spot, where you’ll find “a hip 70’s “funk-ploitation theme & too many tongue-in-cheek cultural decor references to mention.”
Year-round outdoor dining is another cool feature here. Kitsch’n ‘s backyard garden is heated and tented for inclement weather.
And pajamas are encouraged on New Year’s Day, where they’re open from 10am-3pm and serving, as noted by Chicago Parent, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Huevos Locos (Spicy Crazy Eggs) which are scrambled eggs, spicy chorizo, pepper-jack cheese, mango-mojito salsa; and warm tortillas. Most appropriately, you could also try The Hangover Breakfast Wrap.
Sam, I Am…and Other Delights
Not to get ‘Suessical,’ but I’m partial to Green Eggs n’ Ham, which mixes scrambled eggs with nut-free basil pesto, smoked ham, scallions, and spinach, and served with rosemary hash browns. Pesto Eggs In A Basket features Texas toast griddled with eggs cooked over-easy inside, cherry tomato, and nut-free pesto, served with their signature rosemary hashbrowns. Chilaquiles “Levanta Los Muertos” (raise the dead)– is a mix of scrambled eggs with fried tortillas, smoky chipotle salsa, pepper-jack cheese, served with with bacon and lime crema garnish.
Chalino’s Basket has country Farm Bread (2) griddled with butter and eggs cooked inside (over-medium), and topped with fried black beans, chorizo & pico de gallo. On the sweeter side is Coconut French Toast, with rich egg/cream batter dipped in challah bread, then butter-griddled with fresh coconut shreds and tangy/sweet raspberry sauce.
Those seeking a new life in 2025 may well try Mario’s Huevos Divorciados (literally, ‘divorced eggs.’) Two fried tortillas are topped with your choice of eggs, and paired with salsa verde on one side and smokey chipotle on the other. The taste demands that it be shared as community property!
Lunch specials share equal time here, and Kitsch’ n sandwiches, burgers and paninis include your choice of french fries or mixed greens & dressing. Try their Kitsch’n Tuna Melt, served open-faced with caramelized pepper-jack cheese. Or their Tennessee Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich, coming witha golden crispy thigh, a brioche bun, sweet & spicy pickles, creamy coleslaw, and spicy mayo. Chicken Pesto Panini hasgrilled chicken, basil pesto, and mozzarella inside thick panini bread with olive oil and grilled on the press, while Fish Tacos are made with batter-dipped cod, chipotle aioli, mango mojito salsa, red onion and cilantro slaw, and served with tortilla chips, pico de gallo and lime.
For a combination breakfast/lunch, try the Breakfast Burger, served with fried egg, chorizo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and secret sauce.
Resolved to eat lighter in 2025? Chicken Cesar Salad is a bowl of crisp romaine, topped with parmesan cheese, croutons and cesar dressing. Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad has crisp romaine lettuce, topped with grilled chicken breast, chopped bacon, hard-boiled egg, tomato, and avocado with blue cheese dressing.
Wash it all down with specialty drinks like Purple-Haze Vodka Lemonade, which pairs vodka and fresh-squeezed purple lemonade. The Original Tang-Tini has vodka, TangTM, orange, and amaraschino cherry. Kung-Fu Tiki Mai Tai pairs dark rum with pineapple, orange, lime juice, and a cherry.
Google reviews were exemplary:
“I’ve eaten here many times and every time its exceptional! The owners are so nice, the service is always amazing, and the food is so tasty! I’ve tried a lot of different things on the menu but every time I’m impressed. My favorites are the Pesto Eggs in a Basket or the Chicken Pesto Panini, and anything that comes with the Rosemary Hashbrowns. I also recommend the mimosas! If you want an affordable, delicious brunch I’d recommend coming here.”
Kitsch’n is located at 2005 W. Roscoe Street. They are open Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-2pm, Friday from 7:30am-2pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30am-3pm. Reservations are available. Click here for details and information.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
