Mother’s Day in Lakeview East: Brunch, Blooms, Things to Do & Sweet Treats

Let’s be honest, there’s no one quite like Mom. Whether she’s the brunch-loving matriarch of your family, the mom of the friend group, or a mother figure who always knows just what to say, she deserves a little extra sparkle this Mother’s Day. And lucky for you, Lakeview East is pulling out all the stops.

This weekend, the neighborhood’s bursting with ways to show your appreciation, from elegant teas and drag performances to dessert giveaways and DIY flower bars. Here’s your go-to guide for giving Mom (or anyone you love like one) a day to remember.

Mothers Day Mercado at Cesar's

Saturday, May 10 | 1–4PM | 2924 N Broadway
This isn't your average pop-up. The crew behind Killer Margaritas is hosting a mini open-air market where you can shop for handmade gifts, self-care treats, and locally crafted goods—all while sipping a strawberry marg. If your mom loves discovering little treasures and chatting with vendors, this Mercado is her happy place.

The Trashy Earth Market

Saturday, May 10 | 11AM–4PM | Gallagher Way
This one's for the creative, eco-minded mom who composts, thrifts, and knows how to turn a tin can into a flower pot. Think artsy flea market meets street fair: live music, hands-on upcycling stations, and a community weaving project using literal trash. Plus: snacks, drinks, recycled art, and a whole lot of heart.

Sake & Sool Tasting at Konbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville

Saturday, May 10 | 12–3PM | 3443 N Sheffield
A perfect midday sip-and-stroll. Sample a curated lineup of Japanese sake and Korean sool while learning about the history and culture behind each pour. It's free, it's flavorful, and a portion of proceeds go to AAPI advocacy. You'll leave buzzed and inspired.

Owens Famous Flower Pick-Up

Sunday, May 11 | 9AM–12PM | 2945 N Broadway
If your mom has impeccable taste (or you want to look like you do), Owens has you covered. Choose a color story—soft neutrals or vibrant Monet vibes—and pick up a thoughtfully arranged bouquet, or drop off a vase ahead of time for a custom arrangement. These aren't your grocery store flowers. They're "Mom gasped" flowers.

Mother's Day at Mia Francesca

Sunday, May 11 | 3311 N Clark
Take mom to Italy without leaving Lakeview. This special prix fixe menu features blue cheese-strawberry salads, spicy prawns, cod in a cherry tomato-caper sauce, and a filet that melts in your mouth. End with a Nutella budino so rich, she might not want to share.

Bittersweet's Elegant Afternoon Tea

Sunday, May 11 | 11AM & 1:30PM | 1114 W Belmont
An afternoon tea that's equal parts classy and cozy. Dine on scones, tea sandwiches, and petite desserts curated by Top Chef's Katsuji Tanabe. Each seating includes Rare Tea Cellar blends and unlimited mimosas, because Mother's Day calls for champagne and chamomile.

Mother's Day Tea at Alma, Hotel Zachary

Sunday, May 11 | 1–3PM | 3630 N Clark
Tea with a modern twist—Alma's elegant service comes with floral teas, dainty pastries, and even a flower bar by Goldie's where you can build your own bouquet. Each guest gets a stem on arrival. It's Pinterest-perfect and deeply relaxing, like springtime in a teacup.

Celebrate Mother's Day at Swift Tavern!

Sunday, May 11 | 9AM–1:30PM | 3600 N Clark
Join us on Sunday, May 11, for a special Mother's Day Brunch at Swift Tavern. Guests will enjoy a $49 prix fixe menu for adults ($20 for kids; under 3 eat free), featuring a Roasted Salmon Plate, pastries for the table, a choice of brunch entrée, and plentiful shared sides. Highlights include indulgent picks like Birria Breakfast, Lox Benedict, Cornflake French Toast, and Tri Tip Steak Hash.

Free Dessert at Brazilian Bowl

Sunday, May 11 | All Day | 3204 N Broadway
A sweet little surprise for Mom? Yes please. Dine in, mention their recent instagram post, and mom gets a dessert on the house. It's the kind of low-effort, high-reward move that makes you look like a genius.

Custom Cakes at Klein's Bakery

Order in Advance | Pickup or Delivery
Mom loves cake. You love being the hero. Order ahead from Klein's and choose from tropical fruit tarts, pastel-layered beauties, and classic chocolate. Just don't wait—these cakes are popular, and you don't want to end up bringing a half-melted grocery sheet cake instead.

Mamma Mia! Drag Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge

Saturday & Sunday, May 10–11 | Multiple Seatings | 3700 N Halsted
If your mom's a dancing queen (or just loves bottomless brunch and high-energy entertainment), this is the spot. ABBA hits, flashy queens, and a three-course brunch with all the boozy bells and whistles. Bring the whole family and let loose.

Mother's Day Drag Dinner at Kit Kat Lounge

Sunday, May 11 | 6–10PM | 3700 N Halsted
You've done the brunch thing—now do dinner with sequins. Kit Kat's evening show includes appetizers, entrées, two martinis, and performances that will have Mom snapping selfies with drag royalty by dessert.

Mother's Day Drag Brunch at Lark

Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11 | 11:30AM & 1PM | 3441 N Halsted
Hosted by the iconic Venus Carangi, Lark's Mother's Day Drag Brunch includes a full menu, a breakfast starter, bottomless drinks, and fierce queens bringing it to the stage. It's festive, fabulous, and 100% unforgettable.

TALK YO SH*T Comedy Show – Mother's Day Edition

Sunday, May 11 | 6:30–11PM | 1113 W Belmont
This show is raw, hilarious, and perfect for moms who love their comedy with a little spice. Expect bold jokes, real talk, and some "did they really just say that?" moments. Maybe leave the delicate types at home—but bring the cool aunt.

Namaste & Drink Wine Yoga Class at BottlesUp!

Saturday, May 10 | 10:30AM | $40

If your mom's idea of the perfect morning involves deep breaths and a deep pour, this is the move. Join instructor Drue Larkin for an hour-long vinyasa flow designed to stretch, strengthen, and center—followed by a post-savasana flight of Spring wines. After class, browse the Love U Collective's wellness-focused pop-up and maybe snag a crystal, candle, or self-love treat. Yoga pants optional, wine highly encouraged. RSVP Here

Espresso Martini Day at Kirkwood

Sunday, May 11 | All Day | 2934 N Sheffield
$10 espresso martinis all day long? Now that's how you celebrate. Bring mom, bring your brunch crew, or bring your most tired friend and caffeinate the day away.

Pastries & Sweets

If your mom’s love language is dessert, a locally made treat is a guaranteed win. Bittersweet makes elegant cakes, buttery croissants, and delicate pastries that feel straight out of a European café. Chicago Sugar Daddy turns sugar into art with themed cakes and wildly creative sweets—perfect for a mom with flair.
Jennivee’s is beloved for its Filipino-inspired flavors and vibrant cakes that taste like celebration in every bite. Klein’s Bakery does stunning fruit tarts and soft, cloud-like layer cakes that look as good as they taste. If you’re going the cookie route, Crave Cookies offers rotating oversized flavors with a gooey center, while Crumbl Cookies delivers pink-box perfection in classic and creative combos. And for the mom who still loves the magic of a corner candy shop, Windy City Sweets has hand-dipped chocolates, nostalgic favorites, and fun gift tins ready to go.

Coffee & Tea

Whether she’s a die-hard dark roast devotee or prefers a floral chamomile blend, these spots have just the thing to keep her cup full. The Coffee & Tea Exchange has been roasting beans since 1975 and carries one of the most impressive collections of loose-leaf tea in the city. Owens Famous Coffee & Provisions is newer to the neighborhood, but already a favorite for beautifully packaged small-batch beans and gift-ready drinkware.
Dark Matter’s Osmium delivers bold flavor and bold vibes—this spot’s perfect for the cool, artsy mom who drinks her coffee black and listens to vinyl. Pedestrian Coffee is sleek and minimalist, offering beans and gear for the pour-over purist. If she loves a tried-and-true classic, Intelligentsia never fails, and The Lanzaga offers their own house roasted beans that pair perfectly with breakfast in bed.

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a classic for a reason, and these neighborhood florists make it easy to wow. Goldie’s Flowers crafts whimsical, garden-style bouquets that feel like a breath of spring. Whether you’re picking up a ready-to-go bundle or building a custom arrangement, you’ll end up with something that sparks joy.
Wicked Plants leans into the funky and unexpected, offering edgy stems and sculptural greens that feel like a modern art piece. Plant Stand Collective is your go-to for stylish houseplants, with plenty of leafy beauties perfect for a plant-loving mom who has every vase already filled.
Halsted Flowers makes romantic, full-bodied arrangements ideal for special occasions, and Luna Flowers balances bright, happy colors with delicate features so you are sure to find something that truly wow’s mom this year!

Little Gifts

Need a thoughtful something to pair with brunch or tuck into a gift bag? These shops are full of “ooh, this is so her” moments. Foursided is a treasure chest of clever prints, curated greeting cards, and handmade finds that feel personal and unexpected. Lola and Bowie has pet themed aesthetic accessories, candles, and for that mom that might have been your mom first, but the pets might as well be your sibblings.
Inkling is where whimsy meets design, stocked with pins, paper goods, puzzles, and pop culture gems. Goldplaited: The Boutique offers a curated mix fashionable finds that feel indulgent without being over-the-top (think cute sweaters, delicate accessories, and that perfect little statement piece.
Skincare-obsessed? Choc Choc Cosmetics has all the Korean beauty must-haves and fun packaging to boot. Bookworms will love browsing Unabridged Bookstore, an indie mainstay packed with great reads and unexpected picks that are sure to help mom find her new favorite read. And The Colette Collection rounds things out with giftable jewelry, bags, and wearables that look boutique-y without the splurge.

However You Celebrate, Make It Personal

At the end of the day, Mother’s Day isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up with love, thoughtfulness, and maybe a mimosa (or two). Whether you’re taking Mom to a fabulous drag brunch, surprising her with flowers and pastries, or simply carving out time for tea and good conversation, what matters most is that she feels celebrated.

Lakeview East is full of ways to make her day unforgettable, whether she’s loud and sparkly, soft and sentimental, or somewhere beautifully in between. So grab the flowers, book the brunch, write the card, and most importantly, tell her just how much she means to you.