The Brunch Bunch
The origins of that mid-day meal that’s not quite breakfast, and not quite lunch, but combines the best of both, are a little hazy. It’s safe to say, though, that the popularity of brunch has been growing in cities like Raleigh for at least a decade. In the South, it’s also a meal we typically associate with spring; who doesn’t love sitting on on a patio on a sunny weekend afternoon, sipping a Mimosa?
As far as food goes, you pretty much have your choice. Are you in the mood for breakfast fare, like bacon and pancakes? Or is it lunch you crave, an omelet, say, or a salad? Even if you’re just planning to hit up the Bloody Mary bar, or want something that most closely resembles a dessert, brunch is always a judgment-free zone.
Take a tour of Raleigh’s best brunch options with us in the coming pages.
Nofo
If you’ve never been to Nofo, you might find it a little quirky at first. It’s a combination café, food market and gift shop, but once you sit down for brunch, you know you’ll be back. The food and service come with a double dose of Southern hospitality… plus an amazing Bloody Mary. Most unique? Pulled Pork Hash: NC-pulled pork with potatoes, red onions, bell peppers, two poached eggs, hollandaise and biscuits. nofo.com, 2014 Fairview Road, (919) 821-1240, Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Reservations NOT accepted for brunch except on holidays.
Centro
Frida & Diego at Centro
Angela Salamanca and her Uncle Carlos opened Centro in 2007, with a plan to serve the best locally sourced Mexican and Latin American food in Raleigh. It’s a fun, colorful spot for your weekend. Most unique? Frida & Diego: Sweet potato arepa topped with queso fresco, chorizo, and huevos divorciados with a duo of jalapeño and habanera salsas. centroraleigh.com, 106 S. Wilmington Street, (919) 835-3593, Saturday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Reservations recommended
Duck Chilaquiles Verdes at so•ca
so•ca
While your first inclination for brunch might not be Latin or Caribbean food, think again. This beautiful modern restaurant offers popular dishes from more than 20 countries; it will inspire you to pack a bag for South America. Most unique? Duck Chilaquiles Verdes: Duck leg confit, queso fresco, corn tortillas, chipotle vinaigrette, avocado chimichurri and a fried local duck egg. socaraleigh.com, 2130 Clark Ave., Cameron Village, (919) 322-0440, Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations recommended
Parkside
Fried Pork Chop at Parkside
Parkside may be best known for its location at this point —it sits under the longest-running neon restaurant sign in North Carolina, at the corner of West Martin and South Dawson Streets. But don’t let that dissuade you from trying Parkside’s brunch; it has quickly become a go-to spot, offering a mixture of classics and unique Southern creations. Most unique? Fried pork chop with cheddar waffle, peach bourbon glaze, powdered sugar and maple syrup. parksideraleigh.com, 301 W. Martin Street, (984) 232-8969, Saturday & Sunday 11a.m.-3 p.m.
Wood-Fire Grilled Meatloaf at 18 Seaboard
18 Seaboard
18 Seaboard is a modern, elegant restaurant located in the repurposed, historic coastal train depot Seaboard Station— and it has long been a leader in the culinary community, winning awards for great food and philanthropic work. 18 Seaboard’s brunch menu features omelets and pancakes with salads and sandwiches. Most unique? Wood-Fire Grilled Moore Brothers Meatloaf with home fries, spinach and white pan gravy. 18restaurantgroup.com/18-seaboard, 18 Seaboard Avenue, (919) 861-4318, Sunday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Roasted oysters at St. Roch
St. Roch
St. Roch is the newest restaurant on this list and the only restaurant in Raleigh that serves oysters for brunch. Of course, if oysters aren’t your thing, there are other great choices, from BBQ’d Shrimp and Grits to the No Bullsh*t Salad, which is delicious with a champagne vinaigrette dressing. Most unique? North Carolina Oysters: Collar’d with smoked tomato, tasso ham and tobacco; BBQ’d with lemon, rosemary, cayenne and pepper; Pimento’d with smoked pimento cheese, bread crumbs, jalapeño. strochraleigh.com, 223 S. Wilmington Street, (919) 322-0359, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m-2 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Jose & Sons Bar & Kitchen
It’s truly hard to say what is best at Jose & Sons: the food, the atmosphere, or the story of five siblings inspired by their father’s love of hospitality and serving good food that inspired them to open the restaurant. The Jose & Sons menu blends the family’s Mexican roots, local southern flavors and Chef Oscar’s creativity. Brunch here is delicious and fun, with a tequila and bourbon tower set up right in the middle of the restaurant. Most unique? “Jibarito” Plantainwich: Crisp plantain, sliced ribeye, lettuce, tomato, Duke’s mayo, habanero salsa and queso fresco. joseandsons.com, 327 W. Davie Street #102, (919) 755-0556, Saturday 12 p.m.-3 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sausage Hash at Midtown Grille
Midtown Grille
If elegantly delicious sounds like your brunch cup of tea, then this is your spot. Midtown Grille’s brunch menu offers a combination of classics mixed with some surprises, such as the Crab Cake Benedict or the Smoked Salmon Omelette. Most unique? Lamb Sausage Hash: Fingerling potato, red pearl onion, spinach, roasted red pepper sauce with a sunny-side up egg. themidtowngrille.com, 4421 Six Forks Road #115, (919) 782-9463, Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chick Fried Steak at Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey
This quintessential Southern restaurant serves everyone complimentary biscuits, jam and Tupelo honey. The menu highlights southern favorites from Fried Green Tomatoes to Eggs Betty and Shoo Mercy Sweet Potato Pancakes. Most unique? Chicken Fried Steak: Savory biscuit bread pudding, milk gravy, caramelized onions, pickled okra and green beans. tupelohoneycafe.com, 425 Oberlin Road, (919) 723-9353, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Winston’s Grille
Brunch Quesadilla at Winston’s Grille
Winston’s Grille’s promise to diners is to make everyday dining experiences memorable— and they’ve been working at that mission for more than 30 years. Winston’s brunch menu is one of the largest in Raleigh, with everything from soups, salads and sandwiches. Most unique? Winston’s Brunch Quesadilla: Two flour tortillas stuffed with prime rib, sautéed peppers, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, onions and eggs, served with sour cream and salsa. winstonsgrille.com, 6401 Falls of Neuse Road, (919) 790-0700, Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Iris at NCMA
Iris is known for its artful food in an art-filled space. The menu features contemporary American fare in a sophisticated setting, and brunch features a range of salads and classic dishes, including omelets and eggs. Most unique? Wild Mushroom, Leek + Chevre Fritatta: Nova-style smoked salmon, seasonal fruit, field greens, herb-shallot vinaigrette. ncartmuseum.org/visit/dining, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, (919) 664-6838, Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & Sunday 10:30 a.m-2:30 p.m.
Extra Hungry?
If you want unlimited portions, these places offer a traditional brunch buffet:
Driftwood Southern Kitchen
Buffet items rotate each week, but staples include eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, biscuits & sausage gravy, fresh fruit, greek yogurt, macaroni & cheese, salads, desserts and specialty items like smoked meats and/or fried chicken. $16.95 adults, $9.95 children driftwoodraleigh.com, 8460 Honeycutt Rd, Suite 112, (919) 977-8360, Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
bu ku
Belgian waffle, omelet and carved meat stations; baked goods, fresh cut fruit and salads, globally-inspired hot dishes and desserts. $24.95 adults, $12.95 children bukuraleigh.com, 110 E. Davie Street, (919) 834-6963, Sunday 10 a.m-3 p.m.
