St. Louis Sundays: BRUNCH

Brunch should be offered everyday, right? 

Southwest Diner 

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Every Tuesday, since class always started at 1pm, I would make sure to go to Southwest Diner (located so fittingly on Southwest Ave). I have to be honest, I have never been open minded about their menu. I order the same thing every time and that is because it is so good. I get the Grande ($10) with my eggs scrambled, well done turkey bacon and instead of potatoes I get avocado. I also never fail to ask for my pancakes sin butter, and that is not for health reasons… its because the butter causes a crater in my perfect pancakes and the crater causes the area to be inedible. Also, order the Bits iced coffee… its extremely pricy ($4), but it is the best most velvety, chocolaty diluted cold brew coffee I’ve ever had. I will miss southwest the most!

Half & Half

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My Introduction to Half&Half started during my freshman year. I went for lunch it was good, but after going for brunch food… lets just say I’ve never ordered lunch ever again. First and for most, the family that owns Half & Half, they also own two other restaurants Randolph’s and Publico, are amazing and really caring people. It is clear that they want what is best for their customers. Next time your in look for Liz she’s always there :).  But as far as brunch goes Half & Half never lets me down. The pancakes are fluffy and sometimes the specials are irresistible. Everyone loves the Veggie Hash (I guess if you’re into Brussels sprouts, spinach and onions for breakfast).

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breakfast sushi 

My favorite breakfast there is their Avocado Toast (basic I know). I get it with just a single egg on top and its the perfect size. Obviously, I order a pancake or doughnuts to go with so I get something sweet. What would brunch be if there wasn’t something savory paired with something sweet. I don’t know nor do I ever want to think about a partial brunch. Yikes would be terrible.

 

Russell’s on Macklind
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I am still so unsure how I ever found this place, but I have zero regrets! Russell’s is beyond, really beyond, delicious. Their breakfast grilled cheese… yum and they have this chicken gouda sandwich. I should mention that you’re able to have both! Halves of each!!! It’s incredible. But, even though they kill the sandwich game, they’re most well known for their baked goods, especially their gooey butter bars. While, you may be thinking STL is famous for gooey butter bars I can bet you haven’t had one as good as theirs.

Pastaria 
Screen Shot 2016-05-08 at 8.35.24 PMMediocre. I’ll be honest. I think this is one of those brunch spots you go to because you’re a big party and you’re looking for some good drinks and a diverse menu. The fact that there is a breakfast pizza may be the coolest bit. The shakshuka is very saucy so if you like sauce its perfect. The potatoes are a must order and the oatmeal is a must miss. I think by far if you’re going to go, go on a Saturday where breakfast turns into optional lunch at 11am… Keep those options open

 

Winslow Home
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Talk about Farm to table. Winslows, despite how slow it could be (haha winSLOWs) is one of my favorite everyday breakfast and lunch spots. They are constantly changing their menu, based on seasons and they’re always adding new tastes. I love getting the basic breakfast (2 eggs any style, with potatoes, toast and breakfast meat) I get it with avocado and make my own avocado toast. If I’m more in the mood for lunch food I always go for the brisket, I get it off the bun and no topping with the side salad. Again, not for health reasons but rather because the brisket is so good it doesn’t need anything else. Winslows used to carry an egg white frittata with broccoli, onions and cheddar cheese… It was my favorite egg dish… ever! They took it away :(. Also I suggest you get an Arnold Palmer when you’re there (especially if they have their mint lemonade)

Whitebox Eatery 

Just a good place to know about. Their iced coffee is good. They also have a few good salads.

The Shack 

Really Fun! You get to draw on their walls. They are also known for their variety of egg skillets. I got one with hashbrowns and eggs over easy. Honestly, the french toast was the best part of the meal (as always). I was clearly too busy eating it rather than taking a picture of it… oops.

Rooster  

Screen Shot 2016-05-08 at 8.34.12 PM Rooster, one of the first of these brunch spots to join the no wait app (the best way to put your name down for a table without being physically at the restaurant). They have amazing options. Omelets, crepes, pancakes and french toast is what they’re best known for, but let me take a minute to stop and drool over their “king” smoothie: banana, peanut butter, granola, greek yogurt, chai and honey! It’s delicious and can easily keep you full for a while. I also have to give them props on their toast, it’s Texas style and delicious.

Sunday brunch only… thats a bummer (but usually worth the week long wait) 

Scape American Bistro
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This picture is from my first time at Scape for brunch (You know when iPhones, were by far not good enough to replace SLRs). I still dream about these pancakes, they’re farmers cheese pancakes with lemon curd and blueberries. They are so good! They now have an apple pie pancake, yes single pancake, which has a sweet caramelized outside but then has lots of chunks of apples on its fluffy inside. It is one of those pancakes you’ll never forget. Further, they have great egg options and potatoes! I highly suggest Scape on good weather Sundays when you can sit outside!

Cafe Osage 

Imagine sitting in a greenhouse eating some of the freshest food. That is Cafe Osage. The food is so fresh and light, and the environment is nothing less than romantic. If you don’t get there in time for brunch I advise you do the grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. Yes. Dreams can come true.

The Tavern (CWE)

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Donuts. Always a brunch must have. Although, I absolutely hate when they don’t have enough flavor, or they are too oily. I can say The Tavern’s donuts are so amazing (YOU HAVE TO ORDER THE HALF BAKED COOKIE THOUGH). The donuts are a great appetizer because they come out quickly, and come with raspberry preserves and lemon curd so a crowd pleaser. Tavern’s eggs and pancakes are great too! Also a nice place to bring the family, especially on a nice day.

Brasserie 

Do it for the French Fries. Thats about all I care about… I like having my eggs with a side of fries.

801 Fish 

Very curious about this one. They seem to have a good menu, and I love their dinner food so, how could it be bad? I plan to check it out very soon!

The Boundary 

Dinner was delicious, brunch is a must have. I plan to try this one also before I graduate. If you get there before me… let me know how it is PLEASE!

Noteworthy names: Mudhouse, Milque Toast Bar, First Watch (default), Original Pancake House, Sqwires, Soulard Coffee Garden, Pastaria, Companion, The Creperie, Colleen’s Cookies (they have brunch), Nadoz, Kaldi’s, Kayaks, Seedz Cafe, Cielo, Small Batch, Blueprint, Stone Spiral Coffee (oatmeal there is bomb)

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