Brunch is next up among the subjects we're exploring for our new series on Dallas-Fort Worth's best restaurants. Dallas, in particular, strikes me as a brunch town: Do you have a favorite Sunday (or occasionally Saturday) late-morning hangout? Post a comment in the area below, or email us at dining@dallasnews.com. We'll publish some of these comments in a print version, which will appear in a future issue of Guide.
Winnowing down the critics' choices for brunch made for a fun bit of weekend research over the last few months. Our eight picks are a diverse lot, though we also throw in one restaurant that doesn't technically offer this American crossbreed meal. But we think it's appropriate to include nonetheless.
Our critics' selections are presented alphabetically, without ranking:
Blue Mesa Grill
An enormously popular brunch destination that earns our respect by serving well-crafted Tex-Mex and Southwestern dishes en masse (not an easy task) and at a reasonable price. The adobe pie and blue corn cheese enchiladas with three chile red sauce remain as good as ever. Go early or late: To say it gets crowded doesn't begin to cover it.
Bread Winners
The archetypal brunch place, with the corresponding long waits on the weekend to match. Favorites from a recent brunch: Normandy french toast (sourdough bread layered with cream cheese and raspberry jam), the Mexican casserole (chorizo, cheddar, avocado, ranchero sauce and sour cream over breakfast potatoes, with two sunny side up eggs added for an extra $2) and a scramble with andouille sausage, onions, peppers and a blend of cheeses.
Fearing's
The Sendero room at Fearing's is gorgeous at night, with its glinting chandelier that hangs in an oval shape, but its huge windows and tasteful wicker furniture make it the ultimate brunch locale. Though the three-course brunch menu changes frequently, you can count on two familial regulars: Granny Fearing's fried chicken, and "Jaxson and Campbell style pancakes," Dean Fearing's tribute to his sons.
The Grape
Chef-owner Brian Luscher throws out some different but delicious ideas for brunch: Light blueberry cornmeal griddle cakes with a hint of crunch; pan-fried trout with fried eggs and a frisee salad; cinnamon roll "pull-a-parts" with pecans and caramel; and, for folks with simple tastes, a mean bacon cheeseburger. The Grape's covered patio suits the brunch mood perfectly.
Kirin Court
Yes, yes, we're well aware that this is a Chinese restaurant with no true designated "brunch" offerings. But Kirin Court in Richardson does what we consider the best dim sum service in the area, and on Saturdays or Sundays it fulfills the same roll as brunch. Lovely dumplings and great jook (aka congee or rice porridge) with snipped pieces of Chinese crullers. Keep an eye out, too, for the wooden bucket filled with warm, silken tofu the texture of vanilla pudding served with ginger-scented syrup.
La Duni
Tough choices: the pecan sticky roll french toast or the migas cuatro quesos? The chile relleno or the rum banana nut waffles? More decisions: Which of the two locations (the third opens in NorthPark this fall) to choose? Actually, that's an easier dilemma. If you're dining solo or have started a new romance, head to the Oak Lawn location. If you're brunching with family, the McKinney outpost suits the occasion.
Mignon
This is a sophisticated spot for brunch, both in atmosphere and food. The Parisian cafe overtones may prod you to sip something more potent than a mimosa. Some lovely variations on brunch standards populate the menu, including fried oyster Benedict, vanilla bean and candied pecan pancakes and a tenderloin beef hash with poached egg and béarnaise sauce.
Reata
The western art in this sprawling downtown Fort Worth classic is a choice destination for visitors (or locals) who really want to feel like they're in Texas while they fuel up on huevos rancheros or chicken-fried steak. The short Sunday brunch menu is really more of a supplement to the lunch menu, but it covers the important basics and executes them well.
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Comments
Posted by Julie @ 5:41 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
BREADWINNERS!!!
Posted by dekland @ 8:24 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
i am partial to cindi's ny deli and john's cafe
Posted by Divya @ 8:25 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Blue Mesa Grill
Posted by InfamousQBert @ 8:39 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
The Meridian Room on Perry is pretty great for brunch. The gingerbread pancakes alone are worth it.
Posted by Heather @ 8:39 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Dream Cafe has my vote!
Posted by Jerry @ 8:53 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
La Duni brunch Rocks. Awesome pastries, easily some of the best in North Texas, amazing egg dishes, awesome coffee or tons of coffee/espresso drink choices, very good waitstaff. What is not to like?
Posted by JB @ 9:09 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I have two recommendations: Intercontinental Hotel in Addison--great brunch. You can't get better if you're looking for a wide variety to choose from. My personal favorite: Bonnie Ruth's in Frisco. I absolutely love their food. Sadly, their service has gone way downhill. I wouldn't take someone you're trying to impress. Go for the food & the nice atmosphere, but be prepared for bad service.
Posted by Allison @ 9:29 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I love La Duni as well! Their breakfast tacos and roasted potatoes are wonderful, especially with extra salsa!
Posted by Robin @ 9:33 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
We love brunch at Toulouse on Knox. They have a dossier of champagne-fruit juice cocktails, and fancy, french brunch for me (the wife) and eggs, bacon, and toast for the husband. They let our pound puppy on the porch too, where the people watching is unparalleled, so even our dog is happy brunching there.
Posted by Tara @ 9:38 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I second Breadwinners, esp. a table on the inner patio at the McKinney location.
Posted by Jay Jerrier @ 9:40 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Mignon has a great brunch and it is never crowded - delicious pancakes and french toast. My favorite place for brunch, though, is Jasper's at Shops at Legacy. Never crowded and a great selection.
I will also say this...don't forget to check out Tin Star - great breakfast tacos, fritatta, and pancakes that are MUCH better than IHOP.
Posted by tm @ 9:43 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I'd choose Maxim's over Kirin Court. It's one of the few old-school dim sum places left and they make everything fresh on site. YUM.
Posted by Liz G. @ 10:29 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Blue Mesa is, hands down, our favorite!
Posted by king of hearts @ 11:55 AM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Al Biernat's just started brunch within the last month and I've already been twice. If anybody out there is a fan of prime rib hash or lobster and scrambled egg burritos, you should be pretty happy right about now.
Posted by LB @ 12:15 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Cafe Brazil!!!
Posted by Monica @ 1:13 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I was pretty darned happy w/ the Hangover Brunch at Kitchen 1924 in Lakewood. Of course, your "morning" has to start at noon for that one. Let them make you a Kitchen Sink Bloody Mary and it will cure all that ails you.
Posted by MP @ 4:36 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
If your on the Tarrant County side, Biscuits in Grapevine is wonderful!
Posted by Monte @ 4:44 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Grand Lux Cafe gets the vote of everyone in my family.
Posted by John @ 5:04 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I agree Toulouse is great, especially as of late. Great ambiance, delicious food and fun cocktails.
Posted by Jeff @ 5:05 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
For great-tasting, moderately priced brunch food in a hip contemporary setting, the food at the Cliff Cafe on Fort Worth Avenue beside the Belmont Hotel can't be beat. The place is packed on Sundays so go early. Even better -- those buying the townhomes on the bluff at top of the hill behind Cliff Cafe and the Belmont will be able to order from the restaurant and have it delivered to their private patio overlooking the downtown Dallas skyline.
Posted by kwedin @ 6:41 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Blue Mesa is popular, and I'll always go if invited, but the quality just doesn't hold up relative to other brunch offerings. Much rather go to their happy hour.
Same for Cafe Brazil - just not as high quality as the other brunch places, but nowhere better to go at 2 am.
Breadwinners is always a good choice. Out of town guests like it, especially the seating in the courtyard at McKinney. Good French Quarter ambience.
La Duni is up there with Breadwinners for overall quality. Breadwinners is ahead on atmosphere, La Duni on food.
Kirin Court wins the dim sum debate.
Posted by Casey @ 6:57 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Benedict's in Addison.
Posted by Nichole @ 7:17 PM Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Fearing's gets my vote by a long shot.
Posted by Sheryll @ 12:16 AM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
It isn't really true brunch, but the Sunday brunch at I Fratelli on MacArthur is one heck of a great lunch spread at a discounted price. They have the best bread pudding I've ever eaten - and that includes at five-star restaurants.
IMO - Cafe Brazil isn't what it used to be. Yes, they still have good entrees (the French Toast with fruit ROCKS!) but they need to dump the Sara Lee coffee and go back to good custom roasts.
Posted by GiGi @ 11:51 AM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
Dream Cafe has amazing food and a great patio!
Posted by luniz @ 12:22 PM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
give Trece a try sometime, especially the chili relleno.
Posted by Jenny @ 12:49 PM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
Mattito's in Uptown is the place to go for Sunday Brunch. If you want a place where you don't have to worry about dressing in your sunday best. Tons of food from Tex Mex to traditonal and complimentary champange and mimosas! they have a yummy chocolate fountain too! it gets really busy so we try and get there before the noon crowd.
Posted by Lee @ 3:17 PM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
I'll go with Parigi. It's nice, but also casual and comfortable. The food is perfect every time. The service is great. And the coffee is th best in town.
Posted by Monica @ 9:14 PM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
cindy's ny deli is a classic. very popular with the after-church crown but sure to please every palate!
Posted by Lynda @ 11:24 PM Sat, Jun 21, 2008
Cafe on the Green at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas has the best brunch and perfect ambiance! They have a room full of desserts! And of course, service is exceptional.
Posted by Mary @ 8:06 AM Sun, Jun 22, 2008
Robin-
Be careful at Toulouse. I love it there also, but when a friend and I took his dog there a couple of weeks ago, some of the other patron's reactions almost scared us away. It made for a very uncomfortable meal, but I think the people watching and food can't be beat.
Posted by Micah @ 8:55 AM Sun, Jun 22, 2008
Parigi on Oak Lawn is our regular brunch spot. The space is intimate, service is top notch and the food is fresh and delicious. Another new favorite is brunch on the patio at Villa O on Travis.
Posted by Marci @ 10:00 AM Sun, Jun 22, 2008
I like the lesser crowded places with quality food. A group of us often go to Amados in Addison (Beltline and Montfort)...$10 all you can eat brunch with bottomless mimosas and GREAT bloody mary's. Also...Dos Charros in Richardson on Plano Rd/Beltline has a great brunch...very family friendly.
Cru has a great brunch on Sundays as well (Cru Legacy does anyway..not sure of the other locations.)
Posted by MetroplexJim @ 11:07 AM Sun, Jun 22, 2008
All good: Bonnie Ruth's Cafe in Frisco, Benedict's in Addison, Main Street in Legacy, and Breadwinners on Lovers.
Posted by Andrea Alvarez @ 4:07 PM Sun, Jun 22, 2008
Flavors Indian Restaurant. Quality food, freshly prepared, excellent service and attention to detail.
Posted by Amy @ 9:12 AM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
John's Cafe on Lower Greenville takes the cake for me. It's simple, always good and they remember your name. Can't beat that!
Posted by DJ @ 9:47 AM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
State & Allen by far is THE place for a good brunch. Awesome food -- the chicken & waffles are to die for! Dog friendly patio, too and mimosa and screwdriver specials. Every Sunday -- that's where I can be found.
Posted by la @ 11:09 AM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch can't be beat: enrichment for the body and the soul. Great place to take out of town guests.
Posted by LT @ 12:27 PM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
I love State and Allen brunch - always a solid choice. I have to disagree with Kitchen 1924 for brunch however. While I love the restaurant for dinner, their brunch buffet seems like an after thought with sausage that looks like it is from McDonalds and re-heated waffles. The only thing I really enjoyed were the grits.
If you want bottomless mimosas or bellinis - head to Taverna!!
Posted by Jenny @ 1:39 PM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
I definitely second the opinion on Kitchen 1924- the buffet is good and you rarely have to wait for a table or hot food. (buffets can sometimes disappoint in that aspect, but this one does not) I consider myself an eggs benedict expert- and beleive it or not, the best I've had in a while came from Capital Pub. Give it a try!
Posted by Sally @ 1:50 PM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
My favorite is Breadwinner's on McKinney. Not only is the food appealing, the French Quarter ambiance and cheerful service make for a delightful experience.
Posted by Christy Robinson @ 1:52 PM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
Yep, Blue Mesa is the best.
Posted by Vegas @ 4:08 PM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
St. Martin's in lower greenville will always have a plce in our hearts and stomachs. Great blueberry muffins, nice menu and live piano.
Posted by Stephanie @ 5:10 PM Mon, Jun 23, 2008
I ate at Fearing's yesterday. First time. I was blown away. The atmosphere, service, and especially food were excellent.
Posted by Margie @ 11:28 AM Tue, Jun 24, 2008
We visited The Grape last weekend for brunch and it was quite pleasant. In fact, the oxtail dish may be the best thing I've ever eaten from a brunch menu. Fabulous!
We also enjoy the eggs benedict at Capitol Pub.
Alo is also a great brunch spot. Their food is just as good as La Duni.
Posted by Kim Kass @ 7:35 PM Tue, Jun 24, 2008
COACH JOE'S in Frisco - NW corner of Preston & Main has just started a new all you can eat "Homestyle Buffet" Sunday brunch, 9-2:00. It's fabulous and kid friendly. Great tasty food for adults and all the little things kids love. We're all happy dining there with the huge outdoor patio on a beautiful spring day!! Best food and selection I've found in a long time!
Try it & I'm sure you'll agree!
Posted by Lisa @ 8:31 AM Wed, Jun 25, 2008
Breadwinners is our favorite. It may not be the fanciest but the ambiance and the food are great. My kids love the hot chocolate and pancakes, and we love the mimosas and the many dishes we have tried there. We also always try to get our favorite waiter Gar on Sundays. He makes our dining experience so enjoyable.
Posted by Kelley @ 7:40 PM Wed, Jun 25, 2008
I don't love the Blue Mesa Grill brunch. It's always crowded and the mimosas are free, but they aren't great. BREADWINNERS is the BEST place for brunch! My husband and I love eating here on Sundays. The portions are large enough that we can share and they have the BEST mimosas!
Posted by Dallas Foodie Girl @ 9:09 AM Thu, Jun 26, 2008
Oooh!
St. Martin's by far! It's really elegant without being stuffy, and for $16.00 you get a two-course meal with free Champagne, AND live music...you can't beat that!
Posted by Katie @ 9:11 AM Thu, Jun 26, 2008
I enjoy Brunch at Champps in Las Colinas. Aside from their brunch menu, they offer a "Build Your Own" omelette bar, which offers more toppings than you can think of. Pair that with a bottomless mimosa and your favorite sport on tv and you've "built" yourself a great Sunday afternoon.
Posted by Charles @ 10:31 AM Thu, Jun 26, 2008
String Bean in Richardson. Many years in the business. Great selection of breakfast and lunch
Posted by Jerimy Sanford @ 11:44 PM Thu, Jun 26, 2008
Champps is the place. Make your own Bloody mary, any vodka one price. Build your own Omelette Bar w/ themes like Soutwestern, Tuscan and Seafood are just a few options. A place for everybody in the family. Great sports, great food and even a magician for the kids. There is always something going on at Champps.
Posted by DJ @ 2:51 PM Fri, Jun 27, 2008
I recommend Ziziki's for brunch. The food is wonderful; both traditional breakfast and Greek. The bottomless champagne or mimosas make it even better!
Posted by jim @ 3:30 PM Fri, Jun 27, 2008
hanover brunch at Kitchen 1924 - the best in Dallas.. Great food and all you can eat for $10, pluas they even have complimentary sunglasses.
Posted by JimB @ 7:23 PM Fri, Jun 27, 2008
The Greenville Bar & Grill (yes, it's still open) is nice and quiet when it opens at 11 on Sunday mornings. Leisurely read the paper while enjoying it's terrific brunch items (great fresh biscuits and a knockout eggs benedict). They make a great coffee w/Baileys, Frangelico and whipped cream too. Mmm.
Also, the warm cinnamon buns at Bonnie Ruths in Casa Linda are a justifiable legend. Go just for them.
Posted by Ann @ 8:49 AM Sat, Jun 28, 2008
Isabella's in Frisco. A little hard to find, but definitely worth it! Wonderful Italian toast (their version of French toast). My husband likes the crab cakes. Great coffee. The desserts are divine!
Posted by Mark @ 10:17 AM Sat, Jun 28, 2008
Jasper's at Legacy Center is a great restaurant that serves a great brunch menu on Sunday's. The Crab Cake Benedict is amazing and the service is first class.
Posted by Julie @ 2:40 PM Sat, Jun 28, 2008
Tillman's in the Bishop Arts District has the best BLUNCH!
Posted by Dianne Theel @ 4:34 PM Sat, Jun 28, 2008
Coach Joe's in Frisco is my new find for brunch.
Posted by LuRuth Crawford Taylor @ 7:13 AM Thu, Jul 03, 2008
Rathbun's Jasper's is wonderful. The brunch I was treated to for Mother's Day made me want to go back AGAIN, AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Posted by Casey @ 8:46 AM Sat, Jul 05, 2008
Tupinamba's has a great Sunday brunch. They have a few breakfast offerings and everything from their menu as well as complimentary mimosas and desserts!
Posted by Nikki @ 4:54 PM Sat, Jul 05, 2008
Taverna is my favorite! The best thing-Pay $5 and get bottomless Mimosas and Bellinis! They keep pouring until you tell them to stop! Excellent Risotto but brunch items such as frittata specials are wonderful as well. Awesome Patio. Just get there early or make reservations- seating is tight.
Posted by CRL @ 10:29 PM Mon, Jul 07, 2008
Benedict's in Addison is great...but I love The French bakery on Main Street in Grapevine. The crossaints are the BEST!!
Posted by Yvette Gilberto @ 3:49 PM Tue, Jul 08, 2008
Kathleens Sky Diner formerly Kathleens Art Cafe is my family favorite.the food and ingredients are flavorful and fresh.
Posted by Mary-k Ashley Wilson @ 12:35 PM Wed, Jul 09, 2008
For us, it's the Landmark at the Melrose Hotel.
Sunny, elegant room, friendly service,
unusually good food, mimosas with freshly
squeezed orange juice (so they say). Perfect
for special occasions.
Posted by Lisa @ 10:08 AM Thu, Jul 10, 2008
Mercury Grill has a fantastic brunch!
Posted by Cheryl @ 12:30 AM Fri, Jul 11, 2008
We love the Sunday brunch buffet at Dos Charros in Richardson. It's never too crowded, the price is right and the food is good, like-your-mom-made-it Tex-Mex.
Posted by Dank @ 10:27 AM Fri, Jul 11, 2008
Fearing's and Kathleen's Sky Diner on Lovers... if you feel like waiting an hour, then go to Breadwinner's on McKinney.
Posted by Dennis @ 11:26 AM Fri, Jul 11, 2008
Best brunch goes to La Duni. Great people, service, food and drinks!
Posted by Becca @ 12:29 PM Fri, Jul 11, 2008
Blue Mesa - Yuk!
Bonnie Ruth's! YEAH! I agree with the service going downhill as well. Bonnie needs to revamp that part if she's going to make it over there!
Posted by JD @ 11:56 AM Mon, Jul 14, 2008
If you're looking for a great breakfast and bakery. Try this place in Plano off the tollway:
Abundance Cafe and Bakery
http://www.abundancecafedallas.com/
Probably the best omelet I've ever had.