Your Guide to Houston’s Best Brunch

Who doesn’t love a solid weekend brunch? In fact, there isn’t much we love more. Whether it’s filled with your best girlfriends and bottomless mimosas or your significant other and a bloody mary that is to die for, we are big fans of brunch. And lucky for all of us in Houston, there isn’t a shortage of great options.

What makes a good spot for brunch?

Now, when it comes to thinking of our top brunch spots in town, the ones that come to mind include delicious food (of course!), fantastic drinks, and a relaxed, yet cool ambiance. Turns out, it was a bit difficult to narrow down this list because there are far too many good options, but we did it, so keep on reading!

Our 17 Favorite Brunch Spots in Houston

We know there are many more amazing options for brunch here in Houston, but we’ve narrowed our list down to 17. Below you’ll find them in alphabetical order.

1. Adair Kitchen

5161 San Felipe Street, Houston, Texas 77056

Minutes from the Galleria, Adair Kitchen is home to delicious breakfast staples that take on an elevated feel. Casual and cool in atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for anything from their avocado mash (personal favorite!) to breakfast tacos and crispy chicken + waffles.

2. Backstreet Cafe

1103 Shepherd Drive, Houston, Texas 77019

Backstreet Cafe has been around for over 30 years, and for good reason. This one is known for their brunch (and we highly recommend a reservation!). It is an American bistro that sits in an old home with the most incredible outdoor patio. When you’re at Backstreet, you feel like your worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And their Brioche French Toast? Worth every last calorie.

3. Benjy’s 

2424 Dunstan Road, Houston, Texas 77005 and 5922 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007

We love both Benjy’s locations equally, and while their menus are different, they are both delicious. It’s a modern American dining experience, and you can enjoy farm to table foods and delicious drinks. One is in the heart of Rice Village, while the other is in the heart of the Upper Washington area.

4. Brasil Cafe

2604 Dunlavy Street, Houston, Texas 77006

Also a spot in our Houston’s Best Coffee Guide, Brasil Cafe is a Montrose go-to spot. It’s large enough, that even if there is a line (which there very well might be on the weekends), there is always a place to sit. Their pastries are divine, and their menu has everything on it that one would want for brunch. Parking can be tricky, but it’s worth driving in circles to find a spot for, guaranteed!

5. Brasserie 19

1962 West Gray Street, Houston, Texas 77019

If you like French food while dining in a crisp white, modern, exceptionally stylish environment, Brasserie 19 should be on your list of brunch spots. It’s my neighborhood cafe, and we love to dine outdoors and sit on the patio. We even take our dog Spy who loves their truffle fries. If you’re craving something sweet, don’t miss their Brioche Pain Perdu, which is the most delicious french toast. And with it being in the center of River Oaks Shopping Center, it’s a great area to walk around after you indulge.

6. Canopy

3939 Montrose Boulevard, #C, Houston, Texas 77006

We adore the mid-century modern meets contemporary vibe of Canopy, and their pitcher of mimosas is everything you could want on a Sunday morning. Their in house baked pastries and extensive list of egg dishes is something we keep going back for. Their Migas are certainly a fan favorite, too.

7. Cedar Creek Cafe Bar & Grill

1034 West 20th Street, Houston, Texas 77008

You might be familiar with the other ‘Creek’ restaurants (Onion Creek, Canyon Creek), but our favorite is Cedar Creek, which is right in the Heights. From the frozen mimosas to fried egg ‘sammich’ and their filling breakfast bowl, there are a lot of great items on this menu to choose from. It’s casual, it’s fun, and we’re big fans.

8. Down House

1801 Yale Street, Houston, Texas 77008

Down House is located in the historic Heights district, and we love its cozy, warm, dark wooded atmosphere. Yes, the wait can sometimes be a tad long, but grab some great coffee (or a bloody mary) and hang out or go for a stroll down 19th Street, as they’ll text you once your table is ready.

9. Drexel House

3974 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77027

Located in the heart of Highland Village, Drexel House is a cool little spot, with a great outdoor patio. From their crepes to lemon blueberry scones, breakfast pizzas and beyond, there is something for everyone (including lots of coffee options!). This is also a spot that is great for weekday breakfasts, but their Sunday brunch we run to time and time again.

10. Empire Café

1732 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77098

Another one that made its way into our Houston’s Best Coffee Guide, Empire Café isn’t just a coffee destination, but a scrumptious brunch one, too. While it can get very busy on the weekends, it’s certainly worth it. It’s a casual atmosphere with a neighborhood feel, and whether you’re in the mood for fruit and oatmeal or pancakes and waffles, there’s plenty to choose from here.

11. Hugo’s

1600 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77006

While you might typically think of Hugo’s solely for its modern Mexican fare for dinner (which is certainly a favorite of ours), their weekend brunch is one of the very best. On Saturday’s you can order off their brunch menu, and on Sunday’s it’s a full fledged buffet. Both are great, and you’ll get a taste of Mexico right here in Houston.

12. Snooze an A.M. Eatery

3217 Montrose Boulevard, #100, Houston, Texas 77006

You may be familiar with Snooze from Colorado or another place out west, but Houston was lucky enough to have a Snooze open its door this past year. As you enter, you’ll walk into what feels like an upscale diner, and everything on the menu is truly spectacular. Their pancakes may be a favorite of most (chocolate chip, please!), but truly you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. This place is another one that can get very busy, but another that is more than worth the wait.

13. The Dunlavy

3422 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019

Immediately upon entering The Dunlavy, you’ll notice the chandeliers. Yes, the chandeliers! They are stunning. They fill the ceiling, and truly set the mood in this shabby chic meets rustic, modern spot that sits in the trees. When you’re out on the patio, you feel like you’re in a glass tree house, and their food is just as wonderful. From smoothies to breakfast bowls, biscuits, and beyond, it’s a spot worth checking out.

14. Tiny Boxwoods

3614 West Alabama Street, Houston, Texas 77027

This is, by far, one of our first choices, as Tiny Boxwoods delivers delicious food and service every single time. It started as just a nursery, and now it’s one of the top breakfast (and lunch and dinner) destinations in the city. The food is of the freshest and best quality, and every single meal (no matter the time of day) HAS to end with their famous chocolate chip cookies. It just has to.

15. Tiny’s No. 5

3636 Rice Boulevard, West University Place, Texas, 77005

Sitting right on the outskirts of Rice Village, Tiny’s No. 5 is the sister restaurant to Tiny Boxwoods (above). You’ll find just as exceptional of service and food here (although with a different menu), and it provides a different, but equally cool, vibe. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and again, all meals MUST end with the cookie.

16. Tout Suite

2001 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002

As mentioned in our coffee guide, it’s certainly a destination you want to go to for coffee, but Tout Suite’s food is JUST as good (and we’re big fans of their ginger pear bellini). In particular, their avocado toast is what brunch dreams are made of. As mentioned before, we love the big windows and bright natural light all throughout the space.

17. Weights + Measures

2808 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas 77004

Located in an old warehouse, Weights + Measures is casual and relaxed and a great place to start the day. Stop for brunch then head to the bakeshop and pick up some pastries to take home (cinnamon roll, please!). This is one you’ll run back to time and time again, as well. It also made its way into our coffee guide!

In Closing…

And there you have it! Those are our top 17 brunch spots here in Houston. Again, we know there are many that could have made their way onto this list, but we wanted you to have the best of the best. However, we’d love to hear in the comments below where you love to go for weekend brunch, so let us know! As well, be sure to check out our other articles from the past few days: Giving Lip Service to Designer Markus Lupfer / Houston’s Top 3 Nail Salons / Alice + Olivia Floral Embroidered Flare Dress / This Vivetta Heart Dress is Perfect for Valentine’s Day and Beyond