June 16, 2015 | Food & Drink
Take it from Beyoncé: “If you like it, then you shoulda’ put an egg on it.” Or something along those lines. From burgers to toast, there are few things a perfectly runny egg can’t make better—here, the definitive list of Chicago’s best egg-topped delectables.
The standard-issue single may not come with an egg, but the fried egg upgrade elevates this cult-favorite burger from great to transcendent. Each bite explodes with griddled prime beef, American cheese, house-made pickles, and gooey fried egg sandwiched between a Dijonnaise-slathered toasted bun. 800 W. Randolph St., 312-929-4580
Alone, potato chips encrusted in sea salt and malt vinegar powder make for a polarizing snack. Vigorously shaken in a bag with a slow-cooked egg until fully coated, on the other hand? Everyone at the table will be fighting for the sticky, scrumptious crumbs. 441 N. Clark St., 312-955-1900
Big enough to split between two hungry brunch-goers, this open-faced sandwich created by chef Jimmy Papadopoulos puts other (read: lesser) breakfast sandwiches to shame. The crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside schnitzel is served atop a sizable slice of rye and laden with sauerkraut, horseradish cream, Emmentaler cheese, mustard seeds, and (of course) a cheerful fried egg. 11 W. Illinois St., 312-955-0439
Inspired by the hallmark flavors of a roast beef sandwich, executive chef Andrew Zimmerman’s dainty take on beef tartare packs a punch thanks to horseradish, tiny onion rings, multigrain toast, and a velvety egg yolk. Pair it with the frothy, egg white-based Pisco Sour #2 with apricot and citrus for a fun, egg-focused experience. 123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920
Inferior salads, eat your heart out; when it comes to leafy greens, nothing satisfies like a traditional French Lyonnaise, and with escarole, frisee, toasted brioche croutons, grilled pork belly, and a ready-to-burst soft boiled egg, Maude’s version is note perfect, and easily the best in town. 840 W. Randolph St., 312-243-9712
Take what you know about vegetarian entrees and strike it; Salero’s meat-free main is unapologetically flavorful and hearty. The dish’s components change based on seasonal availability, but you can always expect it to come topped with a perfectly runny sunny side egg; the latest iteration also includes of-the-moment morels, creamed spinach, and Queso de La Serena. 621 W. Randolph St., 312-466-1000
Tired of the usual breakfast suspects? Mix it up with Beatrix’s Middle Eastern-inspired offering, which features poached eggs nestled in a bed of spicy tomato sauce, kale, and feta, served with warm naan for dipping. 519 N. Clark St., 312-284-1377
Wood oven roasted and impossibly tender, this porcine delicacy at Stephanie Izard’s acclaimed restaurant is so mouthwatering, it will make you wonder why pig face hasn’t taken the world by storm the way bacon has. The succulent meat is teamed with tamarind, cilantro, red wine-maple sauce, potato stix, and (of course) a sunny side egg. 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262
There’s a reason A10’s carbonara is the only time-tested dish remaining from the restaurant’s original opening menu back in 2013: It’s comforting, fresh, and beautiful in its simplicity. The noodles are made in house and are tossed with salty guanciale and pecorino. The coolest part, though? A farm fresh 60-minute egg sourced from the Cook County Jail garden, which is run by inmates. Slide a fork through the egg to break it, and let the silky yolk act as a sauce for the pasta. 1462 E. 53rd St., 773-288-1010
When life hands you ultra-thick Texas toast smothered in Fontina, crowned with cooked egg yolks spiked with aromatic truffle, and paired with delicate asparagus, devour it. And then promptly order more. 30 E. Hubbard St., 312-605-5900
Avocado toast was one of 2014’s hottest food trends, and when places like Summer House Santa Monica do it justice, it’s easy to understand why (and by extension, why the trend is still going strong). This lunchtime version comes with mascarpone, Hass avocado, ramps, two poached eggs, and scallions on crusty house-made bread. 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100
photography courtesy of kailley lindman (au cheval, bottlefork, bohemian house, Maude's liquor bar); sepia; neil burger; beatrix, girl and the goat; a10; davanti enoteca
