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WICKER PARK — A popular downstate breakfast restaurant celebrated for its late-night hours and breakfast sandwiches is now open in Wicker Park.
Located at 1359 N. Milwaukee Ave., Cracked: The Egg Came First opened Tuesday inside the former home of Le Duck Food & Sweet Café.
The concept for Cracked was born during Wilmette native Daniel Krause’s sophomore year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Krause told Block Club in August.
Before opening Cracked in Chicago, Krause opened Cracked on Green in Champaign.
RELATED: Downstate Breakfast Staple ‘Cracked’ Bringing Breakfast Sandwiches To Wicker Park
On the right side of the restaurant, an entire wall has been devoted to a mural of the Chicago skyline — with breakfast items replacing buildings and landmarks.
Two identical stacks of pancakes represent the Marina Towers. On what is North Avenue Beach, tiny mushrooms represent beach umbrellas.
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club ChicagoKrause designed the mural with his friend Samantha Mann, a special education teacher in Chicago.
Cracked’s hours of operation are 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Cracked is closed Mondays.
Follow the restaurant on Facebook. Learn more about the restaurant’s history here.
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Hannah Alani/Block Club ChicagoKatie Pyzyk’s reporting contributed to this story.
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