Brunch: that curious meal bridging the gap between breakfast and lunch, a meal often accompanied by mimosas and the faint, yet persistent, feeling that one ought to be doing something more productive. Fear not, dear reader, for though the world is a confusing and often disappointing place, the question of where to find the absolute best brunch in Raleigh need not be another source of despair.
Best Brunch Restaurants in Raleigh
Whether you crave fluffy pancakes drenched in maple syrup or something altogether more… adventurous (let’s just say, some of these places offer grits), this guide will steer you clear of culinary disappointment and, hopefully, towards a thoroughly satisfactory mid-morning to mid-afternoon meal.
Hummingbird
1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd STE 111, Raleigh, NC 27604
Hummingbird is a New American eatery with a dash of New Orleans panache. Hummingbird hums with gentle murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the tantalizing aroma of honey wafting through the air. Picture a haven of tranquility, a tapestry woven from warmth and intimacy, where patio seating beckons you to bask in the Carolina sunshine. Their craft cocktails, mixed with the utmost care and a dash of whimsy, are voodoo potions of joy that will transport you to a state of pure bliss. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday but their weekday breakfast menu also offers several of the same options.
Try:
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles
- Sticky Bun
- Gravlax Toast
- Shrimp & Grits
St. Roch
223 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
St. Roch is just a delightful establishment where one can acquire oysters and New Orleans-inspired dishes. The restaurant has a full bar, and it offers a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine. St. Roch is a place where families gather to enjoy a pleasant meal, friends meet to share a laugh, and couples… well, couples do whatever couples do in restaurants. They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Try:
- Gumbo or Bolo ‘n Grits
Flavor Hills
319 Fayetteville St Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27601
Flavor Hills is a modern southern restaurant offering soulful classics with a twist. They serve their brunch on Saturday and Sunday featuring Mimosa flights and a menu of Mimosa cocktails.
Try:
- Hennessy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
- Catfish and Grits
- Build your own meal with a combination of southern sides.
Big Ed’s
220 Wolfe St, Raleigh, NC 27601
5009 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Big Ed’s is a family friendly southern breakfast and lunch restaurant with funky vintage decor covering the walls and ceiling. Their full breakfast and lunch menu is served all day, every day. The biscuits are to die for, or eat three giant hot cakes in 45 minutes to go home with a brand new t-shirt. They do not serve alcohol and you should expect to wait for a table.
Try:
- Anything on the menu, but make sure it involves at least one biscuit
Press Coffee, Cocktails & Crepes
400 Hillsborough St suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27603
Press is a full service cafe offering sweet and savory crepes and an extensive coffee and cocktail menu. My culinary experience at Press was not one I would describe as delightful, but I must acknowledge that my experience seems to be at odds with the prevailing public opinion. The establishment is quite popular so you can expect to wait in line if you go for brunch on a Saturday or Sunday.
Try:
- Berries & Cream Crepes
- Stuffed French Toast.
- Hashbrown Waffles
Want more options? Here are 50+ brunch spots in Raleigh.
What’s your favorite brunch spot in Raleigh?
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