How to Survive Weekend Brunch
By Anna Roth, Seattle Editor
Seattle's definitely a brunch town, but waiting upwards of an hour for a table can put a damper on the whole experience. That's why we've paired some of the city's most popular brunch spots--ones we think are consistently worth the wait--with a nearby option if you're desperately hungry and just can't take it anymore.
Got a favorite that we didn't list? Have a hot brunch tip? Email us.
-
Dish
4358 Leary Way NW, Seattle, WA
The crowds line up before opening and hang around until well in the afternoon, patiently sitting in lawn chairs, sipping coffee and waiting for their chance at this breakfast spot's amazing scrambles, benedicts and pancakes. SURVIVAL TIP: If you can't live without your fix, tell your boss you have a dentist appointment and come on a weekday when the wait isn't nearly as intense. Meanwhile, head across the street to… -
Hale's Ales Brewery & Pub
4301 Leary Way NW, Seattle, WA
If you're hungry for a traditional breakfast, this Ballard brewpub's solid brunch menu will definitely satisfy. BONUS POINTS: The pub makes use of local ingredients like Essential Bakery bread, Cascioppo Brothers sausage and Zoka coffee. And you can get a beer. What else could you ask for on a Sunday morning?
-
Coastal Kitchen
429 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA
The regular "blunch" fair at this Capitol Hill favorite, including smoked salmon omelets, spicy hash browns and coffeecake the size of your head, is definitely a siren call. But milling around the tiny entryway with a bunch of hungover hipsters isn't always the way we want to kick off our weekend. SURVIVAL TIP: Head a few doors down to Ladro or Victrola and wait it out over a cup of coffee, or ditch it altogether and walk a few blocks down to… -
Monsoon
615 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA
This sexy restaurant on 19th serves a dependable, Vietnamese-influenced brunch, offering dim sum and a "colonial" menu with tasty items like brioche French toast, chantrelle mushroom scrambles and Wagyu steak and eggs. BONUS POINTS: Prices are reasonable, there's a mean green apple mimosa, and the custardy coconut-banana cake will send you into a delicious food coma for the rest of the day.
-
Hi Spot Cafe
1410 34th Ave, Seattle, WA
Pint-sized mimosas and the curry-laced "Bengal benedict" are two compelling reasons to sustain the long wait at this homespun Madrona brunch spot. SURVIVAL TIP: Grab yourself a scone and a cup of joe while you wait for a table, servers will add them to the bill. Or you can walk down 34th to... -
St. Clouds Food & Spirits
1131 34th Ave, Seattle, WA
This sleepy neighborhood hangout offers well-executed favorites like corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy and omelets. BONUS POINTS: Most breakfast entrees come with delicious, house-made sour cream coffee cake, and there are plenty of options for vegetarians.
-
Portage Bay Cafe
4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
The breakfast bar, with its bowls of organic fresh fruit, whipped cream and other delectable toppings, is the stuff of local legend--and the long weekend wait proves it. SURVIVAL TIP: Put your name on the list, then work up an appetite with a short stroll down to the scenic University Bridge, or drive a few blocks to… -
Voula's Off Shore Cafe
658 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA
Breakfast is taken seriously at this classic Portage Bay diner. Scrambles are gigantic and come stuffed with ingredients like tasty Greek sausage, feta cheese and mushrooms. BONUS POINTS: Prices are amazingly cheap, and thick Greek yogurt and fruit makes an excellent breakfast for the virtuous.
-
Sitka & Spruce
2238 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA
Chef Emily Crawford's brunch includes an extensive buffet-style spread of such delicacies as poached salmon, farro, and yogurt and honey. The Sunday-only feast is topped off with an egg cooked to your liking, often nestled on top of a bed of chickpea salad. -
14 Carrot Cafe
2305 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA
An Eastlake outpost offers up good-enough grub and soothing environs. -
Serafina
2043 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA
The fanciest of the Eastlake choices, Serafina serves up precious but not inaccessible cuisine, a favorite being the spinach and truffle omelette.
