Brunch is often synonymous with overcharging, but restaurants in St. Louis avoid this phenomenon. Diners can find delicious spins on classic dishes for a bargain price. Whether you’re looking for a riff on eggs Benedict or pancakes with Asian flair, St. Louis’s finest dining establishments deliver. Here are some of our top picks for affordable brunch dishes.
1. Stone Ground Grits at The Clover and The Bee
There are your standard grits, and then there are the grits at The Clover and The Bee (pictured above). The Webster Groves hotspot serves some of the creamiest, cheesiest ones in town, with white cheddar, herbed tomato ragu, and poached farm eggs on top. Grits are served with a side of hearty bread, which is perfect for mopping up extra sauce and yolk. The dish is $10, a bit on the pricy side but worth every penny.
2. Breakfast Crêpe at Rooster
I'd be remiss to mention St. Louis brunch without including the breakfast crêpes at Rooster. The South Grand and downtown locations of the restaurant offer different versions of the classic French dish, most with a savory bent. One of my favorites is the “Goat Cheese #2” with mushrooms, spinach, and tomato jam. The crêpe comes to $9.50, a bargain for its massive size and the quality of ingredients.
3. Morning Buns at Café Osage
Brunch enthusiasts with a sweet tooth should try the morning buns at Café Osage. Served in a pair, the buns include buttery layers of pastry and a sweet, blueberry orange filling. A dusting of cinnamon and sugar gives the breakfast treat a little extra sweetness. At only $4 for two buns, the dish is one of the best brunch deals in town.
4. Matcha Pancakes at Vista Ramen
Why settle for regular pancakes when you could have the matcha version at Vista Ramen? The Cherokee Street ramen joint only serves brunch on Sunday, and its matcha pancakes are a standout dish. The vibrant green cakes are light and fluffy and are topped with sweet condensed milk, tangy blueberries, and chopped peanuts and mint. Vista’s pancakes cost $8, less tax and tip.
5. Benny’s Eggs at Living Room
Brunch fare can get boring, but Living Room keeps diners entertained. The Maplewood gathering place offers a riff on traditional eggs Benedict, “Benny’s Eggs,” made up of two soft boiled eggs and crispy slices of bacon on house-made baguette that's topped with a faux hollandaise sauce and served with a side of fresh greens. Paired with a cup of the house coffee, the dish is an excellent way to start the day. It comes to $9 before tax and tip.
