Uncle Mike's Place

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, Uncle Mike's Place offers an authentic Filipino dining experience that delights from the very first bite. Specializing in Filipino and Asian-inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch, this cozy diner-style restaurant is famed for serving hearty, soul-satisfying dishes that transport you straight to the Philippines.

From the moment you step inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere sets a comforting tone, much like sharing a meal with family. The menu is a treasure trove of richly flavored Filipino classics, crafted with care and generous portions that ensure you leave fully satisfied. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Lugaw Rice Porridge, a velvety, nutrient-dense dish that embodies comfort in every spoonful — perfect for mornings when you crave something both hearty and soothing.

For those seeking a protein-packed start, the breakfast combos offer exceptional value and flavor. Try the Longanisa and Tocino Combo, featuring grilled anise wine-cured sweet chorizo sausage paired with juicy pork shoulder, or the Tocino and Skirt Steak Combo, which balances tender skirt steak with the signature sweet-savory pork. Each combo arrives with delightful accompaniments like garlic fried rice and a rich chocolate rice pudding that rounds out the meal with a touch of sweetness. Diners rave that these combos are thoughtfully composed, never feeling like filler but rather hearty, satisfying feasts.

If you're in the mood for something more casual, the breakfast sandwiches here are a real delight. The Spam and Egg Sandwich and the Bacon and Egg Sandwich are served perfectly hot, the eggs prepared just the way you like them, nestled in soft bread that holds everything together in delicious harmony. Side orders like hash browns, corned beef hash, and garlic fried rice complement the mains and elevate your meal to a fulfilling brunch experience.

Customer voices echo the restaurant’s inviting charm and flavorful fare. James Reid highlights the “big portions and comforting dishes” complemented by warm, welcoming service — giving the place a genuinely homey vibe. Sameet Sapra praises the nutrient-dense porridge and savory longanisa sausage as well worth the wait, while Dominic Ray admires how the skirt steak and tocino combo come together beautifully with the dessert rice pudding, making the meal feel balanced and complete.

The atmosphere is casual and friendly, though the tables tend to be close together, enhancing a communal dining experience that may remind you of family meals back home. Attentive service ensures you feel cared for throughout your visit, with some customers noting that staff go out of their way to make sure everyone feels like a guest of honor — just as Uncle Mike himself would have wanted.

Whether you’re indulging in the classic pork chop with sunny-side-up eggs or savoring a bowl of warm, healing lugaw on a chilly day, Uncle Mike's Place stands out as a cherished destination for Filipino food lovers and anyone eager to discover authentic flavors in a heartfelt setting. It’s a place to fill your stomach and your soul, making every visit a nourishing ritual of taste and tradition.