Weekend brunch’s popularity continues to surge in urban areas around the country. For real estate agents, it’s an excellent way to show clients a good time while demonstrating local lifestyle knowledge. Or, it gives clients who are new to the region a taste of local food culture and energy.
Here are some brunch restaurants in select location with great food and service, plus a heaping portion of the city’s vibe. All offer a variety of classic and creative dishes, guaranteeing something for everyone. Just remember, popularity often comes with a wait for a table; make reservations if possible.
Brunch Destinations Around California
Photo credit: Courtesy of Eat This Cafe
Eat This Cafe Los Angeles, Calif.
The name is good advice. This Hollywood establishment is known first and foremost as a sandwich place, and there are a number of delicious panini on the brunch menu for patrons leaning toward something lunch oriented. In more of a breakfast mood? Explore options from the omelet bar, or if you’re craving some Mexican cuisine, you can’t go wrong with the corned beef hash or the chilaquiles. Then there’s a breakfast burger if you’re torn between the two meals. The bottomless mimosas are not only bottomless, they’re also strong – so tread carefully when partaking in the company of a client. EatThisCafe.com
The Mission San Diego, Calif.
Pancakes, ensembles built around soy chorizo, and Mexican-inspired fare are star brunch attractions at this eatery’s three locations in Mission Beach, North Park, and East Village. TheMissionSD.com
The New Spot on Polk
San Francisco, Calif.
Simultaneously rustic and urban, you get hearty portions at unbeatable prices for the locale. Biscuits and gravy or something from the customizable Benedict options are reliable picks at this Russian Hill restaurant. TheNewSpotOnPolk.com
Bacon & Butter
Sacramento, Calif.
Be prepared for an indulgent experience at this Tahoe Park staple. Consider the unique grilled cheese Benedict, and enjoy the rich, aromatic locally produced Old Soul coffee. BaconAndButterSac.com
Some Fantastic Florida Brunch Options
Photo credit: Courtesy of 904 Happy Hour
Biscotti
Jacksonville, Fla.
Sweets are a big draw at this favorite eatery in the trendy Avondale neighborhood, which holds true at brunch, when the crème brûlée French toast makes its highly anticipated menu appearance. Biscottis.net
Peacock Garden Bistro
Miami, Fla.
Dine al fresco in the vibrant garden courtyard of this beloved Coconut Grove restaurant. Order the steak and eggs for a satisfying classic, or the spicy egg casserole for something a little different. PeacockSpot.JaguarHG.com
Datz
Tampa, Fla.
This local institution in the Palma Ceia neighborhood is mainly known as a gastropub, but its Benedict dishes, egg sandwiches, and sweet breakfast foods make it a stellar brunch pick, too. DatzTampa.com
Santiago’s Bodega
Orlando, Fla.
A Spanish tapas restaurant may not be your first thought for brunch, but it would be a winning thought if it meant heading to Santiago’s Bodega in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village district. The combination of a prix fixe all-you-can-eat brunch buffet (complete with omelet station) and à la carte options from the regular menu offer lots of food and variety. Load up on the candied bacon. Plus, bottomless mimosas and sangria are included, but again, you’ll probably want to approach with caution during a business brunch. At the very least, make sure your client is staying well ahead of you. SantiagosBodega.com
Next-Level New York Brunch Spots
Photo credit: Courtesy of Petite Abeille
Petite Abeille
New York City, N.Y.
The Chelsea/Flatiron area is home to this French and Belgian-driven brunch, which naturally includes a mouthwatering selection of decadent Belgian waffles. Try the eggs in Purgatory for something less common, or a perfectly executed, fluffy omelet for a more traditional pick. As an added bonus, while this place is plenty popular, wait times are often impressively short by weekend brunch standards — especially in NYC. There’s also another location not too far away in the Gramercy/Stuyvesant Town area. PetiteAbeille.com
Betty’s
Buffalo, N.Y.
Simple, fresh, expertly executed brunch food reigns supreme here, while the historic building in the eclectic, artsy Allentown neighborhood is a perfect setting for talking real estate. BettysBuffalo.com
Café Madison
Albany, N.Y.
Here they’ve mastered the egg, as evidenced by the elevated omelets and frittatas. The unusual pancakes — including the raspberry oatmeal ones — are also tasty choices at this local favorite. CafeMadisonAlbany.com
The Mad Hatter
Rochester, N.Y.
Show off the Park Avenue district at this charming spot offering more than half a dozen Benedict dishes, tempting pancake and French toast options, great red roasted potato dishes, and more. MadHatterRochester.com
Brunch Restaurants Across Texas
Photo credit: Courtesy of Deborah Smail
Dish Society
Houston, Texas
This is a standout restaurant in Houston’s major shopping and dining destination, Uptown’s Galleria area. There’s a strong emphasis on sustainable local sourcing and a decidedly Southern influence on the food. The brisket and eggs, Nutella French toast, pork belly hash, and chicken and biscuits are some of the most popular brunch dishes, and for good reason. The indoor ambiance is clean and chic, and there’s also ample patio seating outside in a pleasant atmosphere. Know going in that it’s a counter service operation for brunch; order at the counter, take a seat, and they’ll bring the food to you. DishSociety.com
The Magnolia Pancake Hau
San Antonio, Texas
You’d do well to order pancakes at a pancake haus. And where else do you find house-made syrups? The corned beef hash and omelets are also highly recommended if you prefer savory to sweet. MagnoliaPancakeHaus.com
Ellen’s
Dallas, Texas
In the West End district, this eatery serves its brunch menu during all operating hours. Choose from traditional dishes or fun twists like the pancake pot pie, egg tacos, or BLTEA (BLT with eggs and avocado). GritsRule.com
Arturo’s Underground Cafe
Austin, Texas
Caribbean French toast and several Benedict variations — especially the Diablo — are highlights at this downtown establishment. So is the locally roasted coffee and espresso from Texas Coffee Traders. ArturosUndergroundCafe.com
