Houston's offerings for brunch include everything from wild game and fresh seafood to Tex-Mex and the traditional. by Katharine Branham & Sandra Starr
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is a meal to be shared with loved ones or eaten in isolation as one contemplates the beginning of the day. Brunch, however, is a social event and as any Houstonian will tell you, "We know how to do social events right!" Houston's offerings for brunch include everything from wild game and fresh seafood to Tex-Mex and the traditional. No matter what the selection, you are sure to enjoy yourself!
ADAM'S MARK HOTEL Deco Restaurant 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 (713) 978-3326 Hours: (Sun) 6:30 am - 10 pm and Brunch 10:30 am - 2 pm; (Mon-Fri) 6 am - 10 pm; (Sat) 6:30 am - 10 pm Houston's original and only Champagne Jazz Brunch is the smooth way to ease into a new week. Powered by Houston's finest jazz musicians, a vast array of food, and chilled champagne, you will feel refreshed and ready to begin anew. The menu changes weekly but rest assured the delicious homemade pastries, made-to-order omelets, pasta specialties, and fresh seafood will always be abundant. Salads, soups, and numerous mouth-watering entrees are also available. Deco is a truly rejuvenating way to begin your week.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $35 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
BASIL'S CAFE 2811 Bammell, Houston, TX 77098 (713) 529-1314 Hours: (Sun) 11 am - 2 pm; (Mon-Sat) 11 am - 2 pm & 5:30 pm - 10 pm Located in the trendy River Oaks district, brunch at Basil's is lunch with a social flair. The entrees range from lighter fare of salads and soups to the satiating entrees of Grilled Fresh Rainbow Trout, Veal Scallopini with Portabello Mushrooms, and Grilled Boar Kabobs. A mouth watering must try is the Shrimp and Asparagus in a Puff Pastry served with roasted bell peppers burrè blanc. The Fresh Stuffed Snapper with Crab Meat sautéed in lemon butter with capers is a feast for the palate. Basil's Fried Green Tomatoes with roasted red pepper burrè blanc is an appetizer that shouldn't be missed. Not your traditional brunch, Basil's is an upscale alternative to eggs and bacon.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $10 - $20 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $14 - $23
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BENJY'S 2424 Dunstan, Houston, TX 77005 (713) 522-7602 Hours: Closed Mondays (Tue-Thu) 11 am -2 pm & 5:45 pm -10 pm; (Fri) 11 am - 2 pm & 5:45 pm - 11 pm; (Sat) 5:45 pm - 11 pm; (Sun) 11 am - 2:30 pm & 5:45 pm - 9 pm Brunch in this chic gathering place is an event not to be missed. The simple elegance of the décor is equally matched by the superb cuisine. A must try is Benjy's Crunchy French Toast with three fruit coulis; hand-cut, batter dipped, sprinkled with sugar and pecans this French toast is a breakfast lover's dream. It also comes stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs and apple chicken sausage for the hardier appetite. Benjy's also offers salads, omelets, wraps, and a variety of specialties including a Grilled Buffalo Burger topped with cheese, herbed aioli, and caramelized onions served with french fries. The seafood, such as the Ginger Crusted Salmon and the Crab Cakes, is exceptional. Benjy's, tucked away in Rice Village, offers modern American cuisine with style and grace. Reservations are always recommended.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $10 - $20 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $12 - $28
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BLUE AGAVE 1340 West Gray @ Waugh, Houston, TX 77019 (713) 520-9696 Hours: (Sun) 11 am - 3 pm; (Mon-Thu) 11 am - 2 pm & 5 pm - 9 pm; (Sat) 11 am - 10:30 pm As you walk through the hand-tiled arches into rooms of photos from years gone by, you are transported into a turn of the century Mexican fiesta. At the Blue Agave, traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines blend to form an amazing adventure in dining. Brunch is buffet style with over 20 selections from traditional and specialty entrees including sautéed catfish, pork chops ranchero, trout, and Mexican hash browns. Freshly squeezed juices including orange and watermelon are a trademark of this brunch. Diners may choose to enjoy their meal indoors or on the patio; both are a relaxing way to start your day. The Blue Agave is a Sunday Brunch treat.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $15 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $13 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
COSMOS CAFÉ 69 Heights Boulevard @ Washington, Houston, TX 77007 (713) 802-2144 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30 am - 12 am; (Fri) 11:30 am - 12 pm; (Sat) 12 pm - 2 am; (Sun) 11 am - 12 am; NOTE: The kitchen closes 2 hours prior to the listed closing time. Located in the center of the Heights, Cosmos offers a brief yet delightful menu. The Three Egg Omelet comes with a choice of two fillings and is served with herbed potatoes, fresh fruit, and muffins. The Huevos Rancheros is served in true southwestern style with green chilies and refried beans. The Eggs Benedict is a yummy choice served with ham, muffins, herbed potatoes, and fresh fruit. Seemingly dwarfed by other area eateries, brunch at Cosmos is a relaxing, pleasant experience not to be overlooked.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $10 - $16 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $9 - $21
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
The Food here is superior with many choices. As one of the most popular brunch places in Houston, the closer to 10:00 on Sunday you can get there the better. The mimosas are incredible. If you are a steak and egg lover, you have got to try the Mango Chipotle Marinated Peppered Steak & Egg Tacos. I just want more of Mr. Clarks Belgium Waffles that come topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Ruggles is one of those places that will make a lasting memory.
Estimated cost per person for brunch=$10-$20
Holiday Schedule: Closed all except Valentines Day
OUISIE’S TABLE 3939 San Felipe Street, Houston, TX (713)528-2264 Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:00-10:00, Fri & Sat 11:00-11:00, Sun 10:00-10:00
This is one of the most beautiful brunches in Houston. The servers are friendly, helpful and conversational. Sunday brunch is spectacular with a real southern selection to choose from. Ouisie’s exceeds expectations in flavor, appearance, and quality. Beautiful indoor and outdoor dining makes for a wide range of possibilities. The Eggs Benedict is among the best in town. Reservations recommended.
Estimated cost per person for brunch=$10-$30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve & Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
KALDI CAFÉ 250 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 (713) 802-2246 Hours: (Sun) 9 am-9:30 pm; (Mon) Closed; (Tue-Thu) 8 am-10 pm; (Sat) 9 am - 9:30 pm The Kaldi Café offers double the pleasure with brunch on both Saturday and Sunday! Their famous Kaldi Waffle is a coffee waffle with your choice of toppings but the warm fruit compote is a winner. Migas are fabuloso served with corn tortillas, fresh veggies and flour tortillas with fresh fruit. A must try is the Oatmeal Custard. It's creamy, sweet, and so wonderful you'll wonder why your mother never made it this way! Other standard brunch fare includes omelets, a lox plate, cereal, and of course, eggs. For the health conscious, they also offer Egg Beaters as a substitute. The Kaldi Café has something for every type of breakfast aficionado.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $10 - $15 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $11 - $15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Brunch only (9 am - 3 pm), Valentines Day - Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
RAINBOW LODGE 2011 East@ TC Jester, Houston TX (713) 861-8666 Hours: (Sun) Brunch 10:30 am - 3 pm & Dinner 5 pm - 9 pm; (Mon) Closed; (Tue-Fri) 11 am - 3 pm & 5 pm - 10 pm; (Sat) 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm The Rainbow Lodge is a journey into wonderland complemented by exceptional cuisine. Sunday Champagne Brunch at this lodge includes the Gulf Coast's freshest catch and wild game entrees. The Mixed Grill and Eggs includes breast of quail, venison medallions and southwest duck sausage with two eggs. The Fresh Berry Crepes melt in your mouth; these cinnamon crepes are filled with cream cheese and topped with a warm berry compote. The Vegetable Frittata is an open face omelet covered with shredded vegetables. They also offer a wide selection of salads, pastas, seafood, and chicken. The Rainbow Lodge offers a rare dining experience in a lush verdant setting. It is a perfect way to begin a new week.
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $13 - $27 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
ZIGGY'S HEALTHY GRILL 2320 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77098 (713) 527-8588 Hours: (Sat -Sun) Brunch 9 am - 1pm & Lunch/Dinner 11:30 am - 9 pm; (Mon-Fri) 11 am - 9 pm Ziggy's offers a nice alternative to the traditional cholesterol-filled breakfast. Ziggy's uses only low fat cheeses, turkey bacon, sausage, and chorizo. They also substitute Egg Beaters or egg whites upon request. Their menu offers spinach quiche; three egg omelets, burritos, and several vegetarian selections. The Vegetable Hash and Eggs is a tasty blend of fresh veggies and potatoes topped with two eggs and cheese sauce. Light fluffy pancakes come in five varieties including sweet potato and are topped with cinnamon apples. The Belgian Waffle is multigrain and the French Toast may be ordered either Texas white or bran crusted. Ziggy's not only caters to the health conscience diner but to the more discriminating as well. Never has healthy tasted so good!
Estimated cost per person for brunch = $9 - $12 Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Limited hours (call), Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open