The Brunch Guide // 2
IT'S BACK! More food and fun...
I guess I'm going to make this an annual thing because I've been to wayyyy too many brunches in the past year or so (but can you really have too much??). Like I said in my last post, I'll never say no to brunch, I may just delay a brunch because of schedule conflicts. BUT, REGARDLESS, brunch is the BEST.
Volume 2 is new and improved with trendy finds and old favorites. Again, these are in no particular order because it is so difficult to compare each restaurant; like Seattle, the restaurants cover a wide range of vibes, armed with their own unique flavors and atmospheres, but all are aiming for some good grub.
Plus, I've added another element to brunch...MIMOSAS! In fact, my first legal drink was a mimosa at my birthday brunch (brunch has also now gotten more expensive....ugh).
Anyway, LET'S GET TO THE FOOD!
The 5 Spot // Queen Anne
Nestled in the sweet little residential neighborhood of Queen Anne away from all of the hustle and bustle of downtown, is the 5 Spot serving up some southern breakfast/brunch cuisine. It's the corner cafe type, the one you regularly go to and the waiters and waitresses already have your coffee ready and your meal is being cooked. The southern vibes make it a perfect storm for some homestyle goodness in the morning. Definitely be prepared for large portions and lots and lots of carbs (with some fruit, gotta get that daily recommended serving!). Go for the 5 Spot Eggs Benedict to start your day off right!
Portage Bay Cafe // U District
I was reluctant to put Portage Bay in this list because it's the typical U district go to. With multiple locations around the Seattle area, the original in the U District, I realized you haven't fully experienced Seattle brunch until you've gone here. It's quintessential if your in the foodie scene. There's always the internal debate of savory or sweet solely based off the killer breakfast bar equipped with fresh whipped cream, fruit and other toppings to customize your meal.It's a classic and where I had my first mimosa. Cheers to many more, and eat like you give a damn.
Smith // Capitol Hill
Smith has been on my list for a long, long time every since I caught a glimpse of it from the sidewalk in Capitol Hill. It just looked like a swanky place to enjoy your weekend brunch. After a little digging, I realized Smith is a part of The Derschang Group, a collective of carefully curated restaurants and around Seattle founded by lady boss Linda Derschang. Also included in the group are Oddfellows and Tallulah's, some of my faves in all of area. The woman knows what she's doing! Smith is rustic and posh with dark wood floors, sepia western photographs and taxidermy animal heads mounting the walls. Enough about the interior, the food is excellent! Defintely try the chicken and waffles, this one will not disappoint!
Bacco Cafe // Pike Place Market
With the hustle and saturation of tourists at Pike, it can get pretty hectic and overwhelming. Bacco is the perfect little safe haven when you want to enjoy a nice meal and escape the madness. First come first serve, the little nook on the corner utilizes every little bit of space. The quaint little restaurant combines the best of the northwest and breakfast with creations like the Salmon Benedict and the Dungeness crab omelette. One thing I didn't get to try was their iconic juices and I'll definitely be coming back for those!
The Fat Hen // Ballard
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Early bird gets the...brunch? The Fat Hen is situated in northern part of Ballard surrounded by house. If I lived in the area, I know I'd be here at least once a week. Natural lighting and marble tables make the restaurant feel so swanky and suave, but the egg dishes make you feel right at home. The menu includes everything from avocado toast to homemade pastries, but my favorites include the Benedicts and egg bakes (plus they're super photogenic!). Go early because they don't take reservations and it's a popular spot!
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