Houstonians take brunch very seriously. It isn’t just another meal or a time of day to eat. It’s an event, a social gathering and a time to kick off or send off the weekend with good food and drinks. Houston has its fair share of brunch options, including family friendly spots, upscale affairs, and lively and boozy fun, so choosing a restaurant can get a little overwhelming. We’ve put together a list to help you decide where to go on your next weekend outing. 

Downtown

Bungalow Downtown Dining, 407 Main: This stunning downtown seafood and steakhouse offers a luxurious brunch experience Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The menu features decadent sweet offerings, including Stuffed Brulee French Toast and a cinnamon roll with brown butter cream cheese icing. Those looking for savory brunch items can choose from dishes such as Wild Mushroom Avocado Toast or the ribeye and eggs, featuring an 8-ounce Cajun spice-marinated ribeye with poached eggs, charred jalapeño, and papas bravas (crispy fried potatoes). Add a signature cocktail or a glass of wine from Bungalow’s extensive global collection to complete your indulgent brunch. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website.

Garden Oaks

Upside Pub, 3402 North Shepherd: Do brunch, but make it casual at this laid-back neighborhood pub in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area. Served on Saturday and Sunday from open to 3 p.m., the menu features hearty offerings such as the Lumberjack Breakfast Taco, a pancake ‘tortilla’ with cheesy scrambled eggs, candied bacon, crispy hashbrowns and cayenne maple butter or the Chimichanga Carne Asada with scrambled eggs, deep fried tortilla, queso, salsa verde, pico de gallo and sour cream. To add to the fun, on the first Sunday of every month, Upside hosts its Bumpers and Brunch event, a custom and classic car and motorcycle meetup. Bring your rig and enjoy brunch and cold beers with other enthusiasts. Reservations and prior registration for the event are not required. 

Greenway/Upper Kirby

Eunice, 3737 Buffalo Speedway: This Creole-Cajun restaurant in Upper Kirby is serving a flavorful menu of brunch classics such as steak and eggs with salsa verde and béarnaise and buttermilk pancakes with local berries, pork sausage and Steen’s cane syrup. Seafood is always a good bet here, even during brunch, with dishes such as Soft-Shell Crab Benedict served with bacon, poached egg and hollandaise and the Day Boat Tuna, served with warmed spinach, crushed olives and charred lemon. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on the website. 

PS-21, 2712 Richmond: Chef Philippe Schmit’s casual-yet-sophisticated restaurant and bar in Upper Kirby offers a festive weekend brunch with live entertainment every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. The seasonal menu will feature both classic brunch and French fare including eggs Benedict with toasted brioche and hollandaise sauce, an Egg Cocotte, baked eggs with lobster meat served with lobster bisque, and a traditional Salade Nicoise with tuna, fennel, olives, egg, string beans, peppers and mixed greens. Those looking for something indulgent and filling will want the Le Burger, a wagyu patty topped with Brie cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and BBQ sauce and served with (French) fries. During the next couple of months when the weather is sunny and cool, the outdoor patio will be the go-to spot for a classic Kir Royale, Mathilde creme de cassis with Champagne, while dining. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable.com. 

Heights

Better Luck Tomorrow, 544 Yale: Justin Yu and Bobby Huegel’s cozy and cool spot in the Heights may be known as a bar, but with Yu involved, it doesn’t just do your average bar food and that goes for brunch as well. You won’t find  run of the mill brunch fare but rather dishes such as Hot Chicken and Eggs, fried chicken thighs dipped in spicy duck fat, paired with collard greens,  the Spaghetti Sandwich with burrata and crispy parmesan or the hearty Pork Steak and Eggs with roasted garlic and Comte cheese. Creative cocktails are available but the go to for brunch should be BLT’s version of a green michelada made salted tomatillo and pineapple. The tart, sour and spiciness pairs well with any of the dishes. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reservations are not taken. 

Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella:  One of the best brunches can be found at one of Houston’s most beautiful restaurants. Rainbow Lodge is housed in a historic log cabin that’s more than 100 years old and overlooks White Oak Bayou. The brunch menu includes rustic classics with a spin, with most dishes incorporating wild game such as elk, bison, venison, antelope, duck and quail. Must orders include braised bison short rib benedict with poached eggs, baby arugula, Texas toast and jalapeno hollandaise, Chicken-fried Venison Steak with black pepper gravy and Duck Chilaquiles with fried farm egg, pulled duck confit and tomatillo salsa. Round out a great Sunday with $2 mimosas. Brunch service runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Katy

Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand West: Baseball and brunch may be the new power duo. The high-tech indoor social baseball experience in Katy offers something interactive and fun for brunch. Bring out your inner athlete and step up to the plate, then feast on brunch offerings such as avocado toast topped with tomato and pepita relish or chilaquiles tossed with sautéed onions and ranchero sauce, then topped with queso fresco and a sunny-side-up egg. Brunch isn’t brunch without beverages, and options include flights of mimosas or Bloody Marys, espresso martinis, Micheladas and peach bellinis. Reservations are required for the batting bay and can be made on the website.

Brennan’s of Houston, 300 Smith: The executive chef team of Carl Walker, José Arevalo and John Salazar at this Houston classic serve up Texas Creole dishes. During brunch, that means options such as Smoked Fish Cake and Eggs, Sautéed Andouille Sausage with ravigote sauce (butter cream sauce) and Crawfish Enchilada with tomatillo sauce, chayote pico de gallo, jalapeno cheese and mezcal crema. A meal at Brennan’s is not complete without a bowl of the famous snapping turtle soup. Brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but Sunday gets kicked up a notch with a live New Orleans-style jazz band. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Montrose

Ocean 12, 1212 Waugh: In the space that was formerly Gatsby Prime Seafood, chef Erick Anaya is still helming the kitchen and offering signature seafood and steak dishes. The weekend brunch menu served from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday includes such dishes as the Lobster & Waffles, fried lobster tail paired with vanilla Belgian waffles, crab cake Benedict topped with poached egg and Hollandaise sauce, and Lollipop Lamb & Eggs served with potatoes. Brunch is a party here, and guests will stay entertained with DJs and live music throughout the day. Enjoy the festivities while sharing an 88-ounce mimosa tower with the table. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable.  

Ostia, 2032 Dunlavy: Chef Travis McShane’s farm-to-table Mediterranean restaurant is the ideal getaway for brunch. The bright-and-airy space sets the mood for a delicious meal. The Sunday brunch menu is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a rotating list of pastas and pizzas with seasonal ingredients. Diners looking for something unique and savory can opt for dishes such as Chicken Liver Pate with banana pepper and toast or white wine mussels with cauliflower, pistachio, golden raisins and toast. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the pancakes with salted butter, maple syrup and lemon zest. Pair your meal with a glass of wine for a relaxing Sunday treat. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on Resy.com.

Pastore, 1180 Dunlavy: Underbelly Hospitality’s new Coastal Italian concept in Regent Square debuted its brunch service in late September. Available on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can opt for dishes such as Eggs in Purgatory with tomato sugo on focaccia served with new potatoes or a frittata with guanciale, potatoes, taleggio, tomato fondue and garnished with fresh basil. For something sweet, there’s lemon ricotta pancakes with braised figs and almonds. Mimosas are an integral part of any proper brunch, and Pastore’s brunch drink menu features a selection of bubbles to go with a carafe of juice (orange, grapefruit or peach). Cocktails such as bellinis and espresso martinis are also options to round out the perfect boozy brunch. Reservations are not required but are recommended and can be made on Resy.com. 

The Chelsea Bistro + Bar, 888 Westheimer: This sleek eatery at the Montrose Collective is a chic setting for a weekend brunch. Guests can expect a menu of signature dishes like Lobster and Waffles, with tempura lobster, lobster butter, stone fruit preserve and spicy maple, French Toast Sticks, made of fried brioche, spiced maple cajeta (Mexican caramel) and sweet potato, and the Chelsea Brasserie Burger on a house brioche bun with dijonaise. Brunch beverage options range from the expected mimosas and martinis to unique and almost-too-pretty-to-drink cocktails like the Sea Goddess, a concoction of Townes Vodka, lychee juice and vanilla topped with ube-ginger foam. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on the website. 

Museum District

Le Jardinier at MFAH, 5500 Main: Make brunch an elegant affair at this breathtaking restaurant inside the Museum of Fine Arts. The Bastion Collection’s Le Jardiner serves a pre-fixe brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu is seasonal, but guests can expect such dishes as Black Tartine with crawfish, deviled egg, avocado, and vegetables or an organic egg omelet with taleggio cheese, spinach, and mushrooms. The menu is priced at $76 per person. For an extra-special touch, add an ounce of Royal Kaluga Caviar for $130. Reservations are required and can be made on Resy.com.

Rice Village

Navy Blue, 2445 Times: Aaron Bludorn’s sustainable seafood haven in the Rice Village offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Navy Blue does brunch the right way, combining midmorning favorites with the creative seafood dishes for which it’s known. Diners can opt for an omelet with raclette and frisée, a crab benedict with bib lettuce, tomato jam and hollandaise, or cold smoked salmon with asparagus, poached egg and sauce Béarnaise. The bar menu does not disappoint with classic cocktails, high balls, martinis and even tiki drinks. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website.

River Oaks

Lulu’s River Oaks, 2518 Kirby: This casual-yet-refined Italian eatery is helmed by Cinda Murphy-Palacios and Armando Palacios, the husband-and-wife team of long-running Tex-Mex restaurant Armandos. The cozy River Oaks spot is fit for any occasion, but brunch here is a lively affair for family and friends. The dishes include tortilla española, a Spanish potato omelet with garlic aioli, crab benedict on toasted brioche, and a classic breakfast plate with scrambled eggs and thick cut bacon.  Brunch isn’t complete without a drink or two. The sparkling Aperol Spritz is the go-to here or share a mimosa carafe with the table. The brunch menu is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on the website.  

Ojo de Agua, 4444 Westheimer: If you can’t make it to Mexico City, head over to this all-day café and juice bar in the River Oaks District. The menu is extensive and includes breakfast options, sandwiches, salads, ceviche, tacos, super juices and protein smoothies. The signature açaí bowl is a must-order for a light, refreshing start to the day. Frozen açaí pulp is topped with fresh fruit, shredded coconut, and organic honey. For something more substantial, opt for the chilaquiles rojos or verdes filled with shredded panela cheese and topped with tomatoes, onions, avocado slices, sour cream and your choice of chicken, egg, cochinita pibil (Yucatan-style barbecued pork) or ribeye steak. Ojo de Agua also features a selection of wine-based cocktails, such as a Dragon Fruit Margarita with rosé, dragon fruit and lime, and a mojito made with Cabernet Sauvignon, mint, raw sugar and sparkling water. When the weather cooperates, a seat on the patio with a drink in hand will transport you to Tulum. Ojo de Agua is open Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are not required.  

San Leon

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th Street, San Leon: Make brunch a day trip and head to the coast to enjoy the view from this San Leon seafood spot’s patio. Chef Joe Cervantez’s weekend brunch menu selections include the Hot Chicken Donut, crispy fried chicken breast served with a honey glazed donut and a fried egg, Lobster Benedict, and a Seafood Croissant, stuffed with shrimp, lobster and crab meat tossed in remoulade sauce. Making the trip worth it means trying the fresh seafood, and the cold seafood platter offers plenty, including oysters, shrimp, lobster tail and an octopus ceviche. Go all out during brunch and order the Baller Bloody Mary, piled high with pickled accoutrements, shrimp and an oyster. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on Resy.com.

Sharpstown

Fung’s Kitchen, 7320 Southwest Fwy: Dim sum may well be the original brunch. It’s a traditional Chinese meal made up of Cantonese “snacks” meant to be shared that dates back thousands of years. Fung’s Kitchen, the staple in Southwest Houston, was forced to close due to a fire in 2021 but came back better than ever late last year. Houstonians continue to queue up during brunch hours to get their fill of dumplings, steamed buns and noodle rolls. Point to what you want as the pushcarts roll past your table. There’s now also a small buffet of specialty items such as garlicky sautéed green beans and salt-and-pepper chicken wings. Must-order items include har gow (shrimp dumplings), shu mai (pork dumplings) and steamed BBQ pork buns. Dim Sum is offered daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are taken.

Spring

Plane and Level, 203 Midway: The vibrant tapas and wine bar in Old Town Spring may be the closest thing you’ll get to Northern Spain without hopping on a flight. The brunch menu infuses Spanish flavors into classic brunch fare. Options include Cured Salmon Toast with avocado mousse, sous vide egg, capers, pickled onions, Huevos Estrellados with fried potatoes, chorizo and organic, free-range fried egg, and Torrejas Catalanas con Bananas, Spanish French toast with caramelized bananas. Pair the tapas with any of the wines from the well-thought-out list, and enjoy live jazz music on the patio. The brunch menu is available starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Tomball

Olio e Farina, 24230 Kuykendahl: Pizza lovers finally have a spot for brunch at this unique concept in Tomball from the group behind Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen. For the fixed price of $24.95 per person, diners can pick from a selection of pizzas brought to their table and eat as much as they’d like. Brunch pizzas include The Farmhouse with Italian sausage-infused white gravy and mozzarella cheese, the Salmon Lox with Ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, pickled red onions, capers and smoked salmon, and the Migas topped with jalepeños, white onions, tomatoes and eggs. Dessert pizzas, including a Nutella sweet pie and blueberry ricotta,  are also on the menu. Brunch cocktails include the Italian Bellini and White Sangria which are both made with fresh fruit juices. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on the website. 

Westside

Paccha Nikkei, 10001 Westheimer: Discerning diners looking for something a little out of the box will find it on Sundays at this Westchase restaurant — one of the few featuring Peru’s Nikkei cuisine and culture. Start off the week with live music from El Combito de Calle Swing and happy hour specials from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Chef Masaru Fukuda’s regular menu of Peruvian dishes such as lomo saltado and aroroz negro con mariscos (rice with seafood) are available alongside specials of small plates like the anticuchos de corazon (beef heart skewers), pulpoyaki (crispy dough balls with octopus) and $2 east coast oysters. Drink specials include mimosas and Nikkei Bloody Marys as well as the Peruvian specialty Pisco Sour. Reservations are not required but recommended and can be made on the website. 

Multiple Locations

Adair Kitchen: There are two locations of this low-key family-friendly spot. The weekend brunch menu features something for everyone and makes it an easy spot to gather. The menu includes Crispy Chicken and Waffles and the Farmer’s Market Skillet made with 2 eggs any style, andouille sausage, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, purple onion and goat cheese. Pair any dish with a house bloody Mary for a casual start or end to the weekend. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are not required. 

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina: Tex-Mex and brunch are synonymous in Houston, and all three locations of this local chain offer both on the weekend. The brunch menu includes homey and hearty chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, pancakes and breakfast taco plates. The drink menu includes specialty Mexican coffee and seasonal agua frescas (add tequila or vodka and you’ve got a Sunday Funday). Brunch hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations not required but recommended and can be made on the website. 

The Original Ninfa’s, 2704 Navigation and 1700 Post Oak: Iconic is the only appropriate word to describe this East Downtown destination, famous for its tacos al carbon and potent margaritas. Ninfa’s does a proper Tex-Mex brunch with options such as breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, with cochinita pibil (Yucatan-style barbecued pork), avocado and black beans and a traditional red chile-pork posole (known as the Mexican “hangover soup). Order a classic margarita or opt for the Bloody Maria, a Mexican twist on the standard made with Tequila Blanco. A second location in Uptown opened in 2019 serving all the same classics. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, at both locations, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are not required but can be made on the website. 

Zanti Cucina Italiana, 1958 West Gray and 10000 Research Forest, The Woodlands:  The upscale Italian restaurant offers brunch at both locations, which are in Westgate Crossing in The Woodlands and in the River Oaks Shopping Center. The menu features several signature entreés, handmade pastas and pizza, but brunch-specific highlights include Braised Beef Chipotle Benedict, and Piemonte Truffle Bread and the Baked French Toast. Guests who want to indulge a little more will appreciate the Seafood Tower, consisting of king crab, whole lobster, colossal shrimp, blue point oyster, stone crab, shrimp ceviche and tuna tartar. The patio at the River Oaks location is a beautiful spot for a luxurious brunch and enjoying a specialty brunch cocktail such as the Guava Twist with Don Julio Blanco, ginger liqueur and guava puree. The brunch menu is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music starting at noon. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website.