Brunch, its not just another meal, it's the meal. Some even say it's the most important meal of the day. Studies show, a good brunch provides you with the necessary energy and nutrients to keep you focused all day long, not to mention the rejuvenating properties of a strong Bloody Mary. That's why we take our brunch very seriously, down to the avocado toast and bottomless mimosas. We've highlighted some of the best spots to get your brunch on in Berkeley.
Brunch Daily, 8am-2:30pm
This is the classic Berkeley hotspot and a brunch lovers dream come true. Some favorites include the simple egg plate, the heavenly challah french toast, and the cheesy potato, broccoli boat. However, nothing compares to the red flannel hash. This is a must try. Fresh red beets, sweet potatoes, new
potatoes, red onion, and bacon served
with two eggs any style and choice of toast, muffin or scone.
Cafe M (1799 Fourth St)
Brunch Daily, 8am-4pm
You can't beat the French toast with cinnamon bread stuffed with
homemade strawberry jalapeno jam and mascarpone cheese. If that is a bit too intimidating for your taste
buds, go for the banana pancakes and wash it all down with $15 bottomless mimosas. Pro tip: they are not stingy with the champagne.
La Note (2377 Shattuck Ave)
Weekend Brunch, 8am-3pm
This Berkeley staple makes you feel like your in a quant cottage in the South of France with a beret and a bottle of French wine. Might we recommend the lemon gingerbread pancakes
with poached pears or the Les Oeufs Lucas- scrambled eggs with goat cheese and roasted tomatoes.
Venus (2327 Shattuck Ave)
Brunch Daily, 8am-2:15pm
Farm to table dining with affordable prices, Venus serve classics like French toast and eggs Benedict, but also gets crafty with twists like the dark chocolate and raspberry. Feeling extra hungry? Go for the 2 x 2 x 2 - banana pancakes x chicken sausage x scrambled eggs.
Gather (2200 Oxford St)
Weekend Brunch, 10am-2:30pm
Locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly practices, and plenty of vegan options makes this spot a locavore favorite. Gather plans their
menu around seasonal ingredients, so it's always changing. Their walnut bread French toast is truly mouthwatering and their pizzas are to die for.
Brunch Daily, 7am-9pm
A line out the door is a constant sight at this Berkeley favorite, but it is well worth the wait. The cinnamon current toast with house made cream cheese and rhubarb jam is unprecedented, and rumor has it, their hot cocoa is the Best in the Bay.
Sunny Side Cafe (1499 Solano Ave or 2136 Oxford Street)
Brunch daily, 8am-3pm // Sat + Sun 8:30am-3pm
Your classic all american breakfast diner with local ingredients and wild portions. You can choose from massive omelettes, scrambles, and eggs Benedict coming in whatever style your heart desires. You will not be leaving this place hungry.
Brunch Daily, 7am-7pm
House
roasted coffee, great prices, plenty of seating indoor and out, multiple
outlets, free wifi, and $10 bottomless mimosas served all day long. Make
yourself right at home and get comfy at this cozy cafe.
Saturday Brunch, 8am-2pm
No matter how tough the break up was or how many drinks you
consumed the night prior, Grayson's famous chicken and waffles smothered in gravy and syrup are
sure to do the trick. Sometimes that’s all we really need.
Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm // Sunday, 8am-6pm
Seriously, their toast options are
out of this world. Yes, they have your savory avocado toast with a poached egg on top. But they
also have a sweet house made almond cashew butter with your choice of jam or chocolate Nutella
to go with.
Townie (1799 University Ave)
Sun-Tues, 7am-10pm // Wed-Sat 7am-12am
Less foot traffic than most spots so you are sure to find a seat and eat your brunch relaxed with no stress. Some of the staples at Townie include breakfast burgers, biscuits and gravy, a vegetarian flatbread, and a braised pork belly Benedict. They also have plenty of crafty cocktails to turn up the AM. The Morning Blush combines Meyers white rum, grapefruit, lime, simple syrup, and fever tree tonic into a divine mix.
Written by Melissa Russi
Check out our complete Guide to Brunch for recommendations beyond Berkeley.
