Shamrock Shuffle 2009: Best post-race breakfast spots

March 26, 12:30 PMChicago Neighborhood ExaminerDana Kavan

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Lou Mitchell's traditional breakfast eats

My tastebuds died a little when I heard that Orange on Harrison closed. For years, the fresh-juice joint was my go-to South Loop brunch spot, especially after I finished a race that ended in Grant Park. With the 30th anniversary of the Shamrock Shuffle taking place on Sunday, March 29, I had to devise a new post-8K grub plan. I've narrowed it down to two nearby breakfast spots, along with a few more recommendations for everyone else who pounds the pavement just so they have an excuse to pig out afterward.

Eleven City Diner, 1112 S Wabash Ave (map), elevencitydiner.com

OK, I've heard the complaints about this place being overpriced and saw the luke-warm reviews it received on "Check, Please!," but two things make this throwback eatery worth the trip: massive portions and a typically shorter wait than neighboring egg stops, like Yolk. After running around the Loop for five miles, you won't have to feel guilty about ordering the Tom Waits Breakfast: two eggs, two pancakes, two types of pork, hashbrowns and toast. It also boasts traditional deli sandwiches stuffed with brisket and corned beef, perfect for the people in your crew who've moved on to lunch. Enjoy it all in Eleven City's Art Deco-esque digs, with oversized booths, a vaulted ceiling, retro tchotchkies and a soda jerk.

Bongo Room, 1152 S Wabash, (map)

At the original Wicker Park outpost of this popular a.m. eatery, you'll always find a line of hipsters out the door and an hour-plus wait. The sleek, modern South Loop locale keeps things a little less chaotic and just as scrumptious. I usually opt for savory breakfast plates, but when I hit up Bongo Room, I can't help but order a plate of french toast for the table to share. Normally, fighting over a mound of brown sugar-encrusted brioche as an appetizer can only be defined as an over-indulgence, but think of all those calories you just burned! The latest iteration comes topped with apple, pear and dried cherry compote. My favorite main course: the veggie croissant sandwich, with muenster, spinach, tomato, mushrooms, alfalfa sprouts, scallions and a fried egg, a somewhat healthy end to your meal.

Other post-race options:

Gioco, 1312 S Wabash, (map), gioco-chicago.com

South of Roosevelt, Gioco is a bit of a trek from the race, but since you're already warmed up, why not go the distance for Italian-inspired eats like frittatas and eggs benedict with pancetta?

Lou Mitchell's, 565 W Jackson, (map), loumitchellsrestaurant.com

This 85-year-old West Loop institution slings no-fuss food, like Denver omelets and eggs-your-way. And, regardless of how you placed in the Shuffle, the fresh donut holes handed out while you wait at Mitchell's will really make you feel like a winner.