Brunch is a glorious thing. This laid-back blend of breakfast and lunch automatically indicates that you have time to slow down a little. Whether it's because you can sleep in on the weekends or you have the even more luxurious opportunity to enjoy a leisurely meal during the week, brunch offers a moment to relax, hang out with friends or family and justify eating dessert first by calling a pile of pancakes drowning in sweet syrup and cream "breakfast."
And when it comes to the perfect spot for brunch, the Valley has every style and vibe covered. Looking for a peaceful morning on a patio underneath shade trees filled with songbirds? Or is a lively spot with plenty of mimosas more your jam? How about a charming French bistro? You can find it all here. There are so many great spots to start your morning in the Valley, we made another list of the 10 best breakfast restaurants in town.
But if you're specifically in the mood for brunch, here are the 10 best spots to start the weekend fun in Phoenix.
Alebrijes Cafe & Grill
4900 N. Litchfield Road, Building B, Litchfield Park Alebrijes Cafe & Grill holds a spot on our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix. But its standout brunch options earn it a place on this roundup as well. Located on Litchfield Road, this bright, colorful restaurant serves equally vibrant food and drinks. The menu focuses on regional Mexican eats, with many dishes pulling inspiration from Oaxaca. Start your morning with a comforting Cafe de Olla, horchata or one of the mimosas, bloody marys or bellinis. On the food side, the chilaquiles topped with mole reign supreme among a menu filled with excellent options. Pick between sweet or savory plates including waffles, a French toast concha, burritos, breakfast tortas and platters. Seasonal specials rotate, with unique creations like the pumpkin spice pancakes with pecans and dulce de leche served in the fall. Tables inside are a hot ticket, so we recommend grabbing a seat at the bar to enjoy an upbeat, fun and delicious start to your day.
Brunch & Sip
3950 E. Indian School Road, #100 Brunch & Sip hits all the right notes when it comes to a vibey brunch. Over-the-top menu items that go beyond standard breakfast bites? Check. A bevy of cocktail selections that you can linger over well into the afternoon? Check. A friendly staff and charming indoor-outdoor space that has enough energy to feel festive but wouldn't overwhelm your parents? Check. The restaurant is from Larry and Rasheedah White, venerable restaurant royalty in the Valley. The couple founded Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles, and Larry is the grandson of Elizabeth White, the owner of Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe. At Brunch & Sip, the Whites have worked Southern and Southwestern flair into their menu of sweet and savory dishes. When tucking into the Fried Chicken Biscuit, which has a wooden skewer through it to support the load, it's clear why it's on the "lifers" section of the menu. The fried chicken, sandwiched into a buttery, tender biscuit, is juicy and its flavor is reinforced by two pieces of crisp turkey bacon and zesty turkey sausage gravy. Though the owners’ other restaurant is known for its waffles, they whip up a tasty pancake, too. Keep your order simple or go for the gusto with regular features, such as tableside bananas Foster, or rotating monthly specials that are also decadent, eye-catching and delicious.
The Eleanor
3207 Hayden Road, ScottsdaleSteve Ellefson and Kent Macaulay teamed up to bring The Eleanor to Scottsdale in last fall. Their goal was to offer a neighborhood-centric breakfast and brunch spot that contrasts the party brunch scene that the city is known for. The building and dining room have the charm of a midcentury diner, with a counter, cozy booths and fridges stocked with grab-and-go items – all set up to allow customers to customize their mornings. Need to grab something quick or feel like lingering over slow pours of coffee and mimosas? The Eleanor’s got you covered. The menu offers diner classics including pancakes, hash and biscuits and gravy, along with modern staples such as a Buddha bowl, indulgent churro French toast and savory toasts topped with avocado or soft scrambled eggs. The blueberry pancakes are light and fluffy, topped with a jammy blueberry compote. While most breakfast spots serve pancakes with a walloping dollop of butter and a jug of syrup, at The Eleanor, the cakes come with a premixed maple butter to pour atop. Made in-house, the craveable condiment perfectly blends velvety richness with sweet maple.
Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe
4041 E. Thomas Road For those who don’t eat gluten, Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe is an essential Phoenix restaurant. For those that do, it's still a gem. This breakfast and brunch spot serves an entirely gluten-free menu that is somehow, magically, packed with carbs. And these doughy treats are spot-on with both flavor and texture. The doughnut holes are light and fluffy with just the right amount of spring. The waffles are sweet and sturdy enough to hold a pile of crispy, breaded chicken and spicy bacon. Burritos are wrapped in supple, stretchy tortillas and the baked goods are a must, perfect for snacking while you wait for a table, or for a snack packed to-go. The drinks menu offers locally roasted coffee, bottomless mimosas and gluten-free beer. Along with its lack of gluten, the menu also has options for those who are dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian. The secret here is that nothing tastes as though it's lacking anything. Brunch at Jewel’s is a total treat.
And when it comes to the perfect spot for brunch, the Valley has every style and vibe covered. Looking for a peaceful morning on a patio underneath shade trees filled with songbirds? Or is a lively spot with plenty of mimosas more your jam? How about a charming French bistro? You can find it all here. There are so many great spots to start your morning in the Valley, we made another list of the 10 best breakfast restaurants in town.
But if you're specifically in the mood for brunch, here are the 10 best spots to start the weekend fun in Phoenix.
The Chilaquiles Divorciados is one of the signature dishes at Alebrijes. It includes a choice of steak and two eggs along with chilaquiles made with mole and homemade tortilla chips.
Tirion Boan
Alebrijes Cafe & Grill
4900 N. Litchfield Road, Building B, Litchfield Park Alebrijes Cafe & Grill holds a spot on our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix. But its standout brunch options earn it a place on this roundup as well. Located on Litchfield Road, this bright, colorful restaurant serves equally vibrant food and drinks. The menu focuses on regional Mexican eats, with many dishes pulling inspiration from Oaxaca. Start your morning with a comforting Cafe de Olla, horchata or one of the mimosas, bloody marys or bellinis. On the food side, the chilaquiles topped with mole reign supreme among a menu filled with excellent options. Pick between sweet or savory plates including waffles, a French toast concha, burritos, breakfast tortas and platters. Seasonal specials rotate, with unique creations like the pumpkin spice pancakes with pecans and dulce de leche served in the fall. Tables inside are a hot ticket, so we recommend grabbing a seat at the bar to enjoy an upbeat, fun and delicious start to your day.
If you can't choose between fried chicken or biscuits and gravy, the Fried Chicken Biscuit at Brunch & Sip includes both brunch staples in one.
Sara Crocker
Brunch & Sip
3950 E. Indian School Road, #100 Brunch & Sip hits all the right notes when it comes to a vibey brunch. Over-the-top menu items that go beyond standard breakfast bites? Check. A bevy of cocktail selections that you can linger over well into the afternoon? Check. A friendly staff and charming indoor-outdoor space that has enough energy to feel festive but wouldn't overwhelm your parents? Check. The restaurant is from Larry and Rasheedah White, venerable restaurant royalty in the Valley. The couple founded Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles, and Larry is the grandson of Elizabeth White, the owner of Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe. At Brunch & Sip, the Whites have worked Southern and Southwestern flair into their menu of sweet and savory dishes. When tucking into the Fried Chicken Biscuit, which has a wooden skewer through it to support the load, it's clear why it's on the "lifers" section of the menu. The fried chicken, sandwiched into a buttery, tender biscuit, is juicy and its flavor is reinforced by two pieces of crisp turkey bacon and zesty turkey sausage gravy. Though the owners’ other restaurant is known for its waffles, they whip up a tasty pancake, too. Keep your order simple or go for the gusto with regular features, such as tableside bananas Foster, or rotating monthly specials that are also decadent, eye-catching and delicious.
The Eleanor
3207 Hayden Road, ScottsdaleSteve Ellefson and Kent Macaulay teamed up to bring The Eleanor to Scottsdale in last fall. Their goal was to offer a neighborhood-centric breakfast and brunch spot that contrasts the party brunch scene that the city is known for. The building and dining room have the charm of a midcentury diner, with a counter, cozy booths and fridges stocked with grab-and-go items – all set up to allow customers to customize their mornings. Need to grab something quick or feel like lingering over slow pours of coffee and mimosas? The Eleanor’s got you covered. The menu offers diner classics including pancakes, hash and biscuits and gravy, along with modern staples such as a Buddha bowl, indulgent churro French toast and savory toasts topped with avocado or soft scrambled eggs. The blueberry pancakes are light and fluffy, topped with a jammy blueberry compote. While most breakfast spots serve pancakes with a walloping dollop of butter and a jug of syrup, at The Eleanor, the cakes come with a premixed maple butter to pour atop. Made in-house, the craveable condiment perfectly blends velvety richness with sweet maple.
4700 N. Central Ave.
The line of customers waiting to get into Fàme Caffe often snakes down the block — and for very good reason. The hungry diners know something about great brunch food, and at counter-service joint Fàme, they can peruse the menu of coffee drinks and cocktails while deciding to go sweet or savory with their food selection. Place your order and find a table inside the contemporary farmhouse-chic space, or snag a seat on the tiny patio and soak up some sunshine. Menu highlights include the Parisian Omelette with button mushrooms and baby spinach and the Breakfast Sandwich with cheddar, tomato and thick-cut bacon. But the star of the show here is the Monte Cristo. A breakfast bomb that will fill you up for hours, this decadent dish starts with thick slices of French toast filled with Gruyere cheese and ham, topped with an egg, all sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with jam. It's sweet, savory, massive and well worth the wait in line.
Fluffy waffles come topped with doughnut holes, fried chicken and spicy bacon at Jewel's.
Tirion Boan
Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe
4041 E. Thomas Road For those who don’t eat gluten, Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe is an essential Phoenix restaurant. For those that do, it's still a gem. This breakfast and brunch spot serves an entirely gluten-free menu that is somehow, magically, packed with carbs. And these doughy treats are spot-on with both flavor and texture. The doughnut holes are light and fluffy with just the right amount of spring. The waffles are sweet and sturdy enough to hold a pile of crispy, breaded chicken and spicy bacon. Burritos are wrapped in supple, stretchy tortillas and the baked goods are a must, perfect for snacking while you wait for a table, or for a snack packed to-go. The drinks menu offers locally roasted coffee, bottomless mimosas and gluten-free beer. Along with its lack of gluten, the menu also has options for those who are dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian. The secret here is that nothing tastes as though it's lacking anything. Brunch at Jewel’s is a total treat.
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley
If sitting in the dappled shade while listening to a gently rippling fountain and singing birds sounds like an ideal way to start your day, head to Lon's at the Hermosa Inn for a relaxing and serene brunch. There is plenty of seating inside the Old West-style restaurant, but the peaceful patio, filled with giant cactuses, towering olive trees and tables filled with friends and families, is the spot to be on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Follow your server to a shady spot with cream umbrellas and tablecloths and order a blood orange or peach mimosa to kick things off. Appetizers aren't always a given at brunch, but they shouldn't be missed at Lon's. Try the sticky, sweet monkey bread or an order of oysters on the half shell. Main dishes include Southwest staples such as chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and pozole. A hint of the coast comes into play with lobster or salmon Benedicts and shrimp tacos. Bright and fresh, the food matches the colors and feel of the gorgeous patio environment.
Merci French Cafe
7620 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale The French may not have started brunch, but the cooking techniques from across the pond are cemented in classic dishes like quiche, omelets, crepes, the hollandaise sauce that tops Benedicts and, of course, innumerable breakfast pastries. Merci French Cafe, helmed by French emigres Duc and Noelle Liao since 2014, offers all that and more from its chic yet casual Scottsdale spot. The counter-service bistro is a quiet, comfortable spot that works well when starting your day solo or with a group. Many guests pop in for a coffee and croissant to take away or enjoy on the patio while pouring over a book. But, the cafe offers a full menu all day long that’s worth exploring, too. The mushroom truffle quiche is packed with umami and is served with a side salad with a creamy, tangy house dressing that is so good Merci bottles and sells it. When plates dropped at a nearby table, the guests said they were remiss to dig in because everything they received was so beautiful. Luckily, your phone can always help memorialize the occasion, but the punch of flavor in each dish is one you won’t soon forget.
Otro Cafe
6035 N. Seventh St.
While the menu is packed with greats, two items leave us drooling at Otro Cafe. We could write poems about the thick cut, crackly papas fritas. And the cajeta flapjacks? Well, you absolutely must order them. Regardless of what else you have for brunch, these pancakes topped with sliced banana, creme fraiche, caramel and candied peanuts should be on the ticket. Otro Cafe is a colorful, modern-yet-homey spot in uptown Phoenix with loyal fans. On weekends, tables are a hot commodity and the wait can be long. If you need a pick-me-up, head next door to Otro Cafecito and grab a cup of coffee or a fresh pastry to tide you over. Once your name is called, settle into a booth or a bistro table by the window for a delectable feast. The menu was created by Mexico City-born chef Doug Robson, who's also known for his downtown restaurant Gallo Blanco. Warning, the salsas are spicy, but they add an oh-so-satisfying zip to the savory offerings.
The team at SugarJam pays attention to every detail, from the spiced butter to warm pecan-filled syrup. Don't miss the French toast.
Tirion Boan
SugarJam The Southern Kitchen
15111 N. Hayden Rd. #170, Scottsdale
On a recent visit to SugarJam, our server mentioned that the Southern Kitchen is known for its French toast. By that point, we'd already settled on ordering chicken and waffles and catfish and grits, but luckily, a side order of the aforementioned delicacy was available. And, oh man, was that recommendation right. Fluffy, thick-cut challah bread is marinated in Grand Marnier before it's griddled to perfection with a crispy crust of sugar glazing the outside like the top of a creme brulee. And at SugarJam, attention is paid to every detail. The French toast doesn't come with standard butter and syrup but instead with a whipped cinnamon butter and warm, rum-spiked and pecan-filled syrup for dipping and drizzling. Buttery grits sop up golden yolks of the two eggs that turn catfish or shrimp into breakfast. Chicken, heavy on flavor but light on batter, is the perfect topping to a lighter-than-air waffle that's as bubbly as the mimosas on each table. On your way out, stop by the bakery and pick up some cookies or one of SugarJam's famous mini pies to go.
