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Let's Do Brunch: 35+ Eats and Drinks to Fuel the Day

We think brunch is the best meal of the day. Why? Because it combines the best of both worlds, of course! Whether you’re looking for bountiful breakfasts or a light lunch to quell those mid-day hunger pangs, you’re bound to find something here to satisfy any and all cravings.

Relish Burger Bar; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

If you’re a late riser, Relish Burger Bar will be a welcoming oasis. We suggest patio seating and ordering their Peanut Butter Bacon Burger. And yes, you read that right. Atop a burger sits applewood-smoked bacon, creamy peanut butter, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg. The only thing to outshine this indulgence is their Bloody Mary with the most extravagant of garnishes. You might want to wear your stretchy pants for this one.
1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar.com

Chant’el Café; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Fairly new to town is Chant’el Café that, in addition to its Instagram-worthy pink floral wall, features photo-ready baked goods and coffees. Their Salmon Spinach Quiche is freshly baked and golden brown and pairs well with any of their gourmet coffee drinks. You’ll have a delicious meal in gorgeous environs—we pink-y promise.
1750 Prairie City Road, Suite 150, Folsom, 916-790-8395, chantelcafe.com

Land Ocean; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Local favorite Land Ocean serves a weekend brunch on par with their upscale evening service but parents rejoice as they also have a children’s menu to keep the little ones satisfied (hello, Crème Brûlée French Toast!). Their Crab Cake Benedict is just too good to pass up as it features jumbo lump crab cakes, mango hollandaise, poached eggs, and sweet pepper relish, served alongside country potatoes.
2720 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-7000; 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 241, Roseville, 916-407-5640, landoceanrestaurants.com

Goose Port Public House serves up brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and even has a designated kids’ menu just for the occasion. But for the adults, try their Boston Style Bacon & Egg Sandwich (two eggs, bacon, sliced cheddar, tomato, and mayo stuffed between two slices of sourdough toast and served with a side of signature GP loaded tots) alongside a Public House Paloma (Don Julio, grapefruit and lime juices, and agave). And to top it off, order a Flat Top Cinnamon Bun for the table which is aptly described as “hot, sweet, sticky, and delicious!”
316 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-886-5080, gooseport.com

Pottery World Café

 

While perusing home decor at Pottery World’s Rocklin location, grab a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch at Pottery World Café. Their Asparagus Frittata also packs in cherry tomatoes, green onions, and goat cheese, and is topped with Sriracha hollandaise, all served alongside a generous portion of grilled potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. You’ll find yourself walking out with a full stomach and some beautiful pottery.
4419 Granite Drive, Rocklin, 916-624-8080, potteryworld.com

If you’re interested in a breakfast south-of-the-border, visit Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine where they serve a pizza-like Tlayuda Breakfast. A large homemade tortilla is topped with bacon spread, black bean paste, quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), eggs any style, guajillo chili sauce, heirloom tomatoes, cabbage, radish, spinach, tasajo (thinly sliced tri-tip), and cecina (adobo-marinated pork). We’re certain you’ll want more than one slice.
5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-701-4772, mezcalitocuisine.com

Locally owned since 1981, Brookfields Restaurant continues to greet customers with the smell of fresh baked muffins, biscuits, and more, just as they did when they first opened. Stop in for breakfast, and although you might have a hard time choosing, we suggest their Western Skillet which tops their Brookfields breakfast potatoes with bacon, bell peppers, green onion, cheddar cheese, and two eggs. Served with the aforementioned freshly baked biscuit and a smile, of course.
11135 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, 916-638-2046; 1817 Taylor Road, Roseville, 916-784-3399, brookrest.com

A pho restaurant might not be the first thing you think of when contemplating breakfast but we highly recommend that you do. Pho Mimi serves up a bánh mì, Mimi’s Signature Breakfast, that features beef, eggs, sausages, meatballs, pâté, and cilantro. Round out your new breakfast favorite with a Vietnamese Ice Condensed Milk Coffee and you’ll have a unique brunch suggestion for your next out-of-town guests.
25004 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 121, Folsom, 916-542-7913, phomimi.com

Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market ; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market serves up a brunch fit for breakfast and lunch lovers alike. Satiate your sweet tooth with Stuffed French Toast (packed with orange marmalade and cream cheese, and topped with powdered sugar and sweetened cream) or chow down on their classic Bennett’s Cheeseburger (handcrafted chuck with house dressing on an acme roll). Either way, there’s no better accompaniment than their Bloody Mary featuring Bennett’s vodka, spicy house mix, antipasto garnish, and candied bacon. Be sure to visit for brunch only on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150, bennettskitchen.com

La Provence Restaurant & Terrace; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Authentic French cuisine is right around the corner at La Provence Restaurant & Terrace. You simply cannot pass up the Macerated Berry Crêpes that are perfectly balanced by ricotta cheese and Estate Meyer lemon; or indulge in the Ultimate Club which comes with your choice of two meats, lettuce, tomatoes, provolone cheese, Dijon aioli, and avocado spread on sliced brioche. Don’t miss out on these delectable dishes, among others, as brunch is only served on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com

Karen’s Bakery Café

 

Folsom favorite Karen’s Bakery Café is always bustling and for good reason: Homemade and delicious dishes abound. We suggest The Sunny Tart (puff pastry tart with Gruyère cheese and crème fraîche, bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, and fresh chives) plus an Orange Oatmeal Scone for a perfectly balanced sweet and savory breakfast. Make sure to get in early as breakfast is served from 7-11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
705 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, 916-985-2665, karensbakery.com

Calling all millennials: Oak Leaf Café not only has avocado toast on the menu but six different varieties to boot. Their Seafood Avocado Toast has shrimp, salmon, and crabmeat cooked in a light garlic sauce sitting generously atop mashed avocado on grilled sourdough. With the warm weather you’ll definitely want to enjoy it out on one of their two covered patios.
5540 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 110, Granite Bay, 916-771-2579, oakleaf.cafe

Sienna is always a good locale for that special family gathering and there’s no better way to bond with the fam than over brunch. While they’ve got all the requisite staples (burritos, benedicts, bottomless mimosas, and bloody marys) they’ve also got the most delightful little appetizers—Mini Beignets that are cinnamon- and sugar-coated, and served with sautéed berries and a delicate crème anglaise. You’ll be amazed at how easily you clear the plate with this one. Stop by on weekends from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for this and much more.
3909 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9694; 1480 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-4700, siennarestaurants.com

Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse

 

It’s a seafood extravaganza at Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse. From Oysters Rockefeller and caviar to a spicy crab bisque and Dungeness crab cocktails, they’ve got all things seafood—even for brunch! We particularly like their Seafood Tower as it truly takes you on a culinary tour of the oceans with fresh oysters, prawns, North Atlantic lobster claws, Dungeness crab, sashimi, and ahi poke. Cancel all your weekend plans and head there on Saturdays or Sundays from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
824 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-989-6711, scottsseafoodroundhouse.com

105 Noshery has a menu fit for all appetites but the star of their brunch menu is their Bacon Steak Breakfast Sandwich: Grilled sourdough is topped with a fried green tomato, fried egg, avocado, cheddar cheese, and roasted pepper sauce. It pairs perfectly alongside a cup of their in-house brew, Blend of the Opera, from Vaneli’s Handcrafted Coffee.
105 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-784-6674, 105noshery.com

Home-style recipes abound at Granite Rock Grill, but they’ve also put a tasty spin on some classic dishes, like Clevelyn’s Phenomenal Benedict. An English muffin is topped with turkey, tomato, sprouts, and two poached eggs, and generously covered with hollandaise sauce. And good news: You can order half-orders of benedicts and they also have low-carb and vegetarian sections on their menu.
5140 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-625-9252, graniterockgrill.net

Friends with Benedicts; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Friends with Benedicts may bring you in with their extensive mimosa menu but you’ll stay for their diverse food menu. Their Elotero Avocado Toast is a south-of-the-border spin on the classic avo toast we all know and love. Grilled wheat bread is topped with mashed avocado, grilled corn, cilantro, pickled red onions, queso fresco, lime, and black pepper, and drizzled with mayo. For a lighter meal, opt for the Rainbow Fruit Parfait: Vanilla yogurt and granola layered with strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and blackberries.
2201 Francisco Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-936-4830; 310 Palladio Parkway, Suite 713, Folsom, 916-618-4331, friendswithbenedictsinc.com

Auburn Alehouse; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

If you abide by the old “hair of the dog” rule, then you’ll want to swing by Auburn Alehouse after one of those nights. Start with a Man-Mosa: Gold Digger IPA with just a splash of fresh grapefruit juice, and chow down on the Mother Flipper: Angus beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a fried egg on an English muffin. Oh, and it’s served with a side of tater tots for good measure. Don’t miss this menu that’s served only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
289 Washington Street, Auburn, 530-885-2537, auburnalehouse.com

Zest Kitchen; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Zest Kitchen will change the way you view vegan food. Their menu is full of fresh, worldly flavors including their Just “Egg” Burrito. It features mung bean-based vegan eggs, green bell peppers, and onions all wrapped up in a whole-wheat tortilla (a gluten-free option is also available) and served alongside potato-beet hash browns. This pairs well with their Iced Golden Warrior (pecan milk, turmeric, cardamom, and raw coconut sugar blended and served over ice), making for a great start to the day.
2620 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1, Rocklin, 916-824-1688, zestvegankitchen.com

Nixtaco; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Nixtaco serves up authentic Northeast-Mexican cuisine and was even given a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2021, so it’s no wonder they serve up a notable brunch. Try out their Chilaquiles Verde with Chicharrón: Fried corn tortillas (made in-house) are topped with pork belly, salsa verde, crema Mexicana, pickled onions, avocado, and micro cilantro. This dish alone deserves an award!
1805 Cirby Way, Suite 12, Roseville, 916-771-4165, nixta.co

Mimosa House screams brunch with their endless list of mimosas and a food menu that also goes for miles. After you’ve perused the extensive menu and picked your savory dish (omelets, skillets, benedicts, burritos, crêpes—they’ve got ‘em all!) we recommend diving into the Maui French Toast with its flambéed bananas, macadamia nuts, coconut, and caramel sauce. Amp up the tropical vibes with their Maui Mango Mimosa and you’ve got yourself a one-way ticket to paradise.
2023 Vine Street, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-0965; 761 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, 916-784-1313; 25075 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-293-9442, mimosahouseca.com

The Purple Place ; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

The Purple Place is a laidback locale where you can enjoy American comfort food, weekend live music, and even a couple of games. Join their weekend brunch (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) for some wholesome grub of smothered biscuits and gravy, chicken and (heart-shaped) waffles, specialty egg plates, filling sandwiches, and piping hot ooey gooey coffee cake. And don’t miss the bodacious El Dorado Omelet that’s packed with flavor from bacon, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a local favorite—and not just for its name.
363 Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-2313, thepurp.com

Mexquite; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, the question is often “red or green?” That problem is solved with Huevos Divorciados (Divorced Eggs) at Mexquite. Featuring two over-medium eggs—one topped with house red sauce, and queso fresco, and the other topped with green tomatillo salsa, cilantro, and onions—it’s up to you to decide which one is best. We think you’ll be pleased with both—especially when paired with a boozy beverage. Try the Los Altos Paloma: Meastro Dobel Silver Tequila, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, Squirt, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

Julian’s Pâtisserie and Café; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Julian’s Pâtisserie and Café opens bright and early (8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday) so you can get your fix of all things French first thing in the morning. Although Julian’s offers dishes to satisfy every European café craving, a trip here is incomplete without a taste of their perfectly-crafted crêpes. Whether it’s a savory Turkey and Pesto Crêpe or a sweet Lemon Blueberry Crêpe, you’ve got to give this French delicacy a try. And don’t forget to top off your meal with a Frozen Hot Chocolate—they’re to die for!
6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 7, Folsom, 916-936-4735, julianscafe.com

Buttercup Pantry; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Buttercup Pantry offers country-style comfort food that never goes out of style. You can’t go wrong with their Buttercup benedicts, skillet scrambles and omelets, or even their pancakes and waffles. They’ve even got a smörgåsbord of sandwiches—a long-standing favorite being the magnificent Monte Cristo: Thick, sliced sourdough packed with Jack cheese, ham, and turkey, then egg battered and grilled, is finished off with powdered sugar. And the pièce de résistance? Their famous raspberry habanero sauce to bathe that sinful sandwich in.
222 Main Street, Placerville, 530-621-1320

The Waffle Experience

 

Early birds should flock to Bella Bru Café because it opens at 6:30 a.m. daily, ensuring some serious fuel for the day. Bagels, avocado toast, omelets, and even a quinoa bowl are on the menu. Try their Roasted Vegetable Quiche that’s packed with broccoli, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and Swiss cheese, all nestled in a buttery crust. It's got everything you need to power through the day.
3941 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-5454, bellabrucafe.com 

Waffle lovers have lots to relish at The Waffle Experience. Their fresh-made waffles are the perfect vessel for a multitude of creative toppings. Think dolmades, braised pork belly, country fried steak, and lots more. There are even some seriously sweet dessert waffles. Our favorite is the Bananarama with its fresh bananas, house-made vanilla pudding, fresh whipped crème, walnuts, and agave syrup, on a liege waffle. Dessert for breakfast never sounded so good!
13405 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 950, Folsom, 916-805-5938, thewaffleexperience.com

When the clock strikes 7 (a.m.), you’ll find that Greenhouse Café is ready to serve—and please. They’ve got all the breakfast staples (scrambles, omelets, burritos) as well as lighter lunch items (sandwiches, salads). We’re smitten by their melts—especially the Patty Melt that boasts marbled rye, lots of Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and a burger patty. It’s wholesome and wholly delicious.
2864 Ray Lawyer Drive, Suite 106, Placerville, 530-626-4081

Wally’s Pizza Bar ; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Wally’s Pizza Bar is a sports bar junkie’s delight. Featuring gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads, and more, they’re constantly keeping spirits up with their fun and tasty offerings. Attend their weekend brunch (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) for an equally fun assortment of waffles, eggs, and sandwiches. Most crave-worthy, though, is their Breakfast Pizza: A promising pie of house-made salsa verde, aged lunguiça, a signature four-cheese blend, red onions, roma tomatoes, three baked eggs, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Pizza for breakfast? Say no more.
4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com

 

Classic breakfasts, freshly-baked goods, and a welcoming and homey vibe can be experienced at Sweetie Pie’s. You can expect plenty of egg dishes here (a breakfast favorite is their Chile Relleno Casserole that’s a delicate soufflé with cheddar and Jack cheeses, Ortega chilies, and mild salsa) but also look out for unique items like their tofu scramble, famous olallieberry pancakes, and cheese blintz.
577 Main Street, Placerville, 530-642-0128, sweetiepiesrestaurant.com

CT European Café and Grill cooks up some deadly European dishes. Take for instance, the Bosnian dish Ćevapčići that consists of skinless sausage links made with a lightly seasoned ground beef served with fresh Bosnian lepina (pita) bread, or the more common plates of goulash, schnitzel, and paprikash. Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong. Even their crêpes are stellar (Chicken Rosemary Crêpe, anyone?) with savory and sweet options alike. (We’re eyeing you Crêpe Suzette, with your orange liqueur sauce and whipped cream!)
4064 Mother Lode Drive, Shingle Springs, 530-677-5993, crepetowncafe.com

Flee to France—or Allez!—for the finest French café classics like baguette sandwiches, crêpes, and traditional French stews like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. Their vegetarian, chicken Florentine, and Seafood Crêpes are highly coveted, but their seafood one gets our extra vote. Salmon, cod, and shrimp are served in the finest of crêpes and topped with an elegant cream sauce that’ll leave you intoxicated and in love.
4242 Fowler Lane, Suite 101, Diamond Springs, 530-621-1160, allezeldorado.com 

Smith Flat House; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Dining at Smith Flat House can be an indulgent affair. Sophisticated American and Tuscan-inspired eats await you every day, and on Sundays (opens at 10 a.m.) you can be assured of an equally indulgent brunch. Take for instance their Hay Stack, that’s stacked high with seasoned red potatoes, peppers, onions, house-made biscuit country gravy, and bacon or sausage over two eggs; or the Waffle Benedict with its freshly baked waffle, arugula, bacon, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce served alongside seasoned red potatoes, peppers, and onions. Whatever you get, it’s always done right and aims to satisfy.
2021 Smith Flat Road, Placerville, 530-621-1003, smithflathouse.com

Annie’s Mimosas specializes in all things breakfast so it comes as no surprise then, that all of their menu items are on point. What we love is the extensive Mexican breakfast menu consisting of huevos rancheros, chile verde, chile relleno, and carnitas omelets, chilaquiles, and al pastor burgers that are nothing short of mouthwatering. We also love their Brunch Burger that contains everything brunch—cheese, hash browns, bacon, ham, two fried eggs, and a burger patty served with a chipotle aioli on sourdough.
384 Placerville Drive, Suite A, Placerville, 530-344-7402

Wake up to a fresh brew from Totem Coffee Co. that boasts the finest coffees from around the world and an eclectic mix of breakfast bites. Especially noteworthy are their toasts. Whether it’s the sweet Vava’s Conserve (toast with a spread made of seasonal fruit, berries and walnuts; also topped with cream cheese and feta), or the savory Marinated Tofu Toast (tofu slabs marinated in a smokey soy sauce with avocado, and Japanese shiso) your tastebuds and senses are bound to leave perky and pleased.
312 Main Street, Suite 104, Placerville, 530-903-3280, totemcoffeeroasters.com

Train Station Coffee Shop; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group

 

Train Station Coffee Shop greets you with the freshest cup of joe and an all-day breakfast menu that’s brimming with all your favorites—and then some. Here is where you hunker down for a hearty breakfast that’ll serve as fuel for a day—or two. Speaking of fuel, try their Chicken Fried Steak with two eggs. Get the country potatoes, grits, cottage cheese or fresh fruit alongside and be prepared to be in a worthwhile food coma thereafter.
4274 Mother Lode Drive, Shingle Springs, 530-677-6287

The Farm Table offers farm-fresh fare that’s especially curated and crafted, and aims to please every type of palate. Try their more sophisticated take on a lox and bagel with their Smoked Salmon and Pumpernickel. Gina Marie cream cheese is smeared on freshly-baked pumpernickel and topped with salmon, red onions, capers, cucumbers, and fragrant, fresh herbs. This delicate plate is a simple, yet, ample indulgence.
311 Main Street, Placerville, 530-295-8140, ourfarmtable.com


We Asked, You Answered:

We put a poll on Instagram asking: “When you go out for Brunch do you lean more toward breakfast or lunch?” The overwhelming response was breakfast—79% of you preferred pancakes and eggs to sandwiches and burgers! Follow us on @stylemags and @stylemediagroup for more fun polls.

 


Brunch Booze Brief

Brunch is great, but it’s boring without the booze. If you’re unfamiliar with what to drink in the morning, we’ve got you covered with this list of cocktails typically offered alongside everyone’s favorite weekend meal. Don’t just take our word for it, though, go out there and try some for yourself as variations of these drinks are often served depending on the restaurant.

Mimosa: orange juice and sparkling wine
Bellini: peach purée and Prosecco
Screwdriver: orange juice and vodka
Greyhound: grapefruit juice, gin or vodka (a salted rim makes it a Salty Dog)
Bloody Mary: tomato juice, vodka, and an array of spices and garnishes
Paloma: grapefruit soda, tequila, and lime
Irish Coffee: coffee and Irish whiskey
Michelada: tomato juice, lime juice, beer, and various sauces and spices


by Tara Mendanha & Emily Peter-Corey

Photos by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media Group—please don’t steal our copyrighted photos. For more information about our editorial photos, please click here to contact us https://www.stylemg.com/pages/contact-us