Furama's Dim Sum menu, courtesy of Chicago Foodies

It's early, you're hungry, your stomach says "Steak and eggs," but your wallet says "Stale toast." What to do? Tell your wallet to shut up and head to one of these spots for a breakfast that will start your day off right!

• Best breakfast deals:
  $5 breakfast burritos (Sun.) at Union Park (228 S. Racine Ave)
  Top it off with a $3 16oz. Bloody Mary and  you've got yourself brunch!
  $2-$3.60 dim sum (Sun.-Tues. and Thurs.-Sat., cart service on weekends) at Furama (4936 N Broadway)
  Furama might not be in Chinatown, but the overwhelming number of Chinese patrons practically guarantees authenticity. Dim sum is the perfect solution for those who love to sample a variety of flavors--think of it as Chinese tapas--and this is the best deal you'll find.  
  60¢ and up pastries and buns (Daily) at Chiu Quon Bakery (1127 W Argyle St)
  Is it wrong for me to crown two Uptown Chinese locations the "best" in this category? Stop in just once and you'll find it's definitely warranted. For less than you'd spend on a single entree elsewhere, you can fill up on steamed buns stuffed with bbq pork, egg, chinese steamed sausage, pineapple or or any variety of other fillings, lotus seed and red bean paste cakes, or sesame balls, and wash it all down with homemade soymilk. (Psst...there's also a Chiu Quon in Chinatown)
   
• Best brunch deals:
  "5 buck brunch" (Sat./Sun.) at Juicy Wine Co. (694 N. Milwaukee Ave)
  Every brunch item and hand-crafted cocktail is only $5 from 11am-3pm, with complimentary Intelligentsia coffee. The menu promises "The freshest local produce and the finest ingredients, organic when possible," as well as pastries by Hot Chocolate's amazing Mindy Segal. So take that, Bongo Room!
  $5 Mexican brunch (Sat./Sun.) at Zapatista (1307 S. Wabash Ave)
  From 10am-2pm, you have your choice of five menu items, each for $5, with your choice of five different salsas. However, if you want chicken, chorizo, pastor (pork) or steak, you'll have to fork over an additional $3-4. 

Disclaimer: Deals can change at a restaurant's whim, so your best bet is to call before heading out!