Yolk’s Test Kitchen

Yolk’s Test Kitchen was established to be an innovative space for Yolk to create new brunch dishes and allow the community to leave constructive feedback… in turn directly shaping the future of Yolk’s national menu.

Highlighting an elevated, multi-roaster coffee bar, coffee enthusiasts will be able to choose from a variety of beans from Metropolis Coffee Roasters and a rotating local roaster for their morning or afternoon coffee. Our coffee program will feature classic espresso drinks as well as seasonal beverages, all brewed with methods that are both classic and cutting-edge.

Yolk’s Test Kitchen will also feature a new seasonally rotated dining menu centered around breakfast and lunch. The menu will have inventive dishes using only the highest quality ingredients, while providing the comforting experience that customers have come to love and identify with at Yolk for over a decade. Together, the elevated coffee bar and seasonal menu will set Yolk’s Test Kitchen apart from any of the competition.

Patrons of the Test Kitchen can also find some of Yolk’s staple dishes on the menu such as the All Star Combo, Red Velvet French Toast, and Eggs Benedict w/ our house made hollandaise sauce.

Our Award Winning K.F.B. Bites

Chicago’s home for brunch and delicious gourmet coffee, Yolk, won the coveted Bacon Fest 2019 “Most Creative Use of Bacon” Golden Rasher Award, the top prize voted by five secret judges each night of the festival, on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Up against 45 other local restaurants that participated in the event, Yolk’s winning dish was a Yolk Test Kitchen creation, Kentucky Fried Bacon (K.F.B.), a smoked pork belly in panko breadcrumb crust, served with a bourbon glaze and blueberry barbecue sauce. Currently served exclusively at the Yolk Test Kitchen location in Bucktown, the dish is now set to become a regularly featured item at each of the Yolk locations soon.

Chicken & Waffle Station

We’re excited to announce our new Chicken & Waffle menu at Yolk’s Test Kitchen: Classic Chicken & Waffles, The Yolk Special, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Buffalo Mac & Cheese! Sold exclusively through the Yolk App, DoorDash, and UberEats.

Test Kitchen Testimonials

Great food and service. Breakfast mac 'cheese and avocado toast were awesome! Free street parking a bonus. Food seemed better than the average Yolk, but they never let you down either. Great idea to do the "test kitchen”

Stewart G. (Google review)
Soooooo good! Always loved Yolk, but this is next level yummy. I had fried chicken over biscuits and gravy with a sunny side egg. My guy had killer Korean fried chicken with mini waffles. Fresh beet/orange juice was delicious and not something you can get everywhere. I had THE hardest time choosing what to eat because it all looked so good. Cant wait to come back and try more.

Kelly H. (Google review)
My go-to breakfast/brunch spot. The normal Yolk restaurants are solid, but the Test Kitchen is a step up in my opinion. I love the casual atmosphere & large selection. I'm always trying something new here, although I'd say the Kentucky Fried Bacon bites and Chilaquiles are a must! It's also right next to the 606, which is a plus if you're looking to walk off all the food you just ate.

Lush Depths (Google review)
Been a big fan of Yolk for the better part of a decade. It's the kind of place that you know is going to do a great job no matter the location. The Test Kitchen is a fresh, novel experience within the well-oiled machine that is Yolk. New flavors on the menu, executed exactly as well as you'd expect from Yolk.

Jacob S. (Google review)
If you love yolk you’ll love the yolk test kitchen! The menu included all the tasty items on the Yolk menu with bonus additions they are testing to see if patrons will enjoy! Oh but we enjoyed them! There were so many things to taste and try. Noteworthy is that the test kitchen has an innovative coffee bar staffed with Amazing Baristas!

Manieshia H. (Google review)
OMG! I love this test kitchen! I love their creative food! Their gluten free bread is phenomenal!!! Their cold brew coffee is wonderful! And the wait staff is attentive and as bright as the space itself!!! This casual, fine-dining experience is good for groups, kids, and even for a quick solo meal! I've even run in for a coffee at the coffee bar! I love this new addition!!!

Mary H. (Google review)