For as brunch-crazy as Chicago is, the lack of Saturday options has always left us dismayed. Happily, this is no longer the case, thanks to a spate of new, Saturday-savvy restaurants:

Prairie Fire At this newly opened West Loop spot, brunch channels a diner--in an indulgent, local-leaning way. Plates--like the space itself--are largely unadorned, but a crispy waffle laced with meaty bits of Nueske's bacon needs nothing more than a drizzle of warm maple syrup, anyway. It's kept company by Prairie Grass Café classics, like eggs Benedict with vibrant tomato hollandaise. 215 N. Clinton St.; 312-382-8300

Mercadito Eggs and chiles are the pillars of brunch at this splashy River North restaurant, which recently started Saturday service. Try the chiles rellenos, made breakfast-appropriate with a filling of scrambled eggs, caramelized onions and bacon ($12), and nutty pozole verde soup with Berkshire pork carnitas and a poached egg ($14). Pile the meat on a tostada, swig a Michelada (Worcestershire-spiked beer; $6) and greet the weekend. Feeling lazy? Get it delivered. 108 W. Kinzie St.; 312-329-9555 or mercaditorestaurants.com

Balsan The Elysian's sleek dining room makes a charming place to while away the Saturday hours. Start with a house-made almond croissant ($4), then steer toward savory with an open-face breakfast sandwich of subtly spiced chorizo, piquillo peppers and a fried egg ($14). A dinnertime standby--Uplands Cheese tarte flambée--comes dressed for the morning with three sunny-side-up eggs ($16). 11 E. Walton St. (at State St.); 312-646-1400