Kevin A. Roberts
Polite Society's Chorizo Avocado Benedict
Polite Society’s Chorizo Avocado Benedict
Almost everything’s different from the traditional Benny at the Lafayette Square hot spot. There’s chorizo and avocado, yes, as well as fresh pico de gallo and a biscuit made with masa cornmeal. Pair it with bubbles from Burgundy, a Picamelot blanc de blancs. 1923 Park, Lafayette Square
Rooster and City Coffeehouse & Crêperie's Crêpes
In a town with a rich French heritage, it’s unsurprising that you can find a quality crêpe in the city or county. Dave and Kara bailey serve up crêpes savory (the Mo. Made German Style Sausage) and sweet (the S’More). In Clayton, a colorful chalkboard touts an array of options, from the Santa Fe to the Tuscany. Our suggestion? The French Connection, naturally. Rooster: 1104 Locust, Downtown, and 3150 S. Grand, South City; City Coffeehouse: 36 N. Brentwood, Clayton
The Wheelhouse’s Bottomless Mimosa
Almost every guest at The Wheelhouse’s weekend brunch (a.k.a. “the best party brunch in town”) opts for the $15 bottomless mimosa (Classic, Rosémosa, and Frozé), a deal that transfers next door to Start Bar, where the party continues. 1000 Spruce, Downtown
It doesn’t get much more Hawaiian in St. Louis than this salty staple. Heaped in a bowl with eggs and cabbage, it’ll fuel a day’s surfing at Ho’okipa or catching the big ones on the Meramec. 4659 Lindell, Central West End
On weekends, Byrd & Barrel owner Bob Brazell’s pop-up bagel shop serves up elevated breakfast sandwiches. Ingredients are piled high between halves of New York–style bagels, hand-rolled and boiled in water and malt syrup from earthbound beer. 3422 S. Jefferson, South City
Benton Park Café’s McGrittl This
Originally a neighborhood apothecary, Benton Park Café captures a nostalgic vibe that’s hard to find these days. Another original: the inspired breakfast “sandwich,” with eggs, cheese, and sausage stuffed between two fluffy pancakes. 2901 Salena, Benton Park
The buttery, fluffy, cheesy Bosnian cornmeal breakfast porridge, topped here with melting sour cream, is pure comfort in any language. Enjoy it with Turkish coffee while sitting by the fire. 2201 Lemay Ferry, South County.
Click here for 5 next-level breakfast sandwiches in St. Louis
Billy G’s Waffles and French Toast Bake
At Billy G’s, brunch meets dessert in several indulgent items: the Baked Apple Waffle (topped with whipped cinnamon butter), the French Toast Bake (French toast bread pudding with cinnamon brown sugar), and the Strawberry Cheesecake Waffle (decked out with strawberry syrup and cream cheese crème anglaise). 131 W. Argonne, Kirkwood
Blue Duck’s Blue Duck Eggs Benedict
It’s hard to choose a favorite eggs Benny at Blue Duck, where you can pair an English muffin, poached eggs, and hollandaise with fried trout, pork belly, veggies, fried chicken, or, of course, duck. Start with the namesake. 2661 Sutton, Maplewood
Blueberry pancakes topped with lemon curd is a classic combination. The addition of ricotta and a berry balsamic glaze is inspired. 7036 Clayton, Richmond Heights
Chris’ Pancake House's Pancakes
The local institution sells a single pancake or, for a dollar more, a short stack. 5980 Southwest, South City.
The Clover and the Bee’s Breakfast in Italy
One of the best dishes on the Webster restaurant’s menu is a light veggie scramble with a sprinkling of goat cheese, nestled beside a tangle of hearty prosciutto. A strawberry Italian shortbread cookie, the occhi di bue, from the café’s bakery adds sweetness to the dish. 100 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves
Click here for 5 top spots to sip breakfast cocktails
Since a makeover by Bar Rescue several years ago, the former Van Goghz space serves up hearty bowls of potato, poached eggs, and red onion. Instead of corned beef, give your hash a spicy kick of chorizo-style ground sausage. The vibe is classy for the price, and you can’t beat $10 bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. 3200 Shenandoah, Tower Grove East.
Crispy Edge’s Breakfast Potstickers
Whether you try the egg–and–goat cheese filling wrapped in chive dough (quiche au chevre) or embrace the potstickerization of biscuits and gravy, consider ordering in portions of three so you can try more flavors. They also offer one of the best espressos in town. 4168 Juniata, Tower Grove South
EdgeWild Bistro & Tap’s Aloha Benedict
We’ve all heard of topping a pizza with grilled pineapple and Canadian bacon. EdgeWild Bistro proves that the combo works equally well atop a Benedict, kicked up by a little Sriracha in the hollandaise. 12316 Olive, Creve Coeur
Who needs an English muffin? A slice of semisweet cornbread is the perfect sponge for a slab of smoked pork belly, poached eggs, and hollandaise. Prefer a more veggie-friendly take? There’s also a sautéed spinach–and–avocado option. 2200 Gravois, South City
The Foundry Bakery’s Fruit Teas
The fruit teas here are exceptionally delicious, not only the ripe, sweet, fruit purées made in house but also from the fine loose-leaf teas imported from Japan, Taiwan, and China. 11424 Dorsett, Maryland Heights
Click here for some of St. Louis' best pancake spots
Grace Meat + Three’s Egg Rick Muffin
Chef/owner Rick Lewis takes the humble breakfast sandwich to new heights. A toasted English muffin sets the stage for a sunny side–up farm egg, two sausage patties, white American cheese, and pepper jelly—a major step up from the drive-thru version. 4270 Manchester, The Grove
If you thought Grand Tavern’s signature clothesline candied bacon dish was outrageous, get a load of the $70 46-ounce Warhol-themed Bloody Mary, holding a filet mignon, an 8-ounce burger, a shrimp cocktail, a meal’s worth of garnish, and the aforementioned bacon. 626 N. Grand, Grand Center
A forkable pancake sandwich of sorts, Clara Cakes are stuffed with raspberry compote and mascarpone, then topped with crunchy granola.
Iron & Rye’s Goat in the Grove Waffle
A Liège waffle (like the ones served on the streets in Belgium) needs no adornment, but Iron & Rye tempts the uninitiated in a dozen different sweet and savory ways. Perhaps the most tempting is topped with goat cheese, avocado, and two sous vide eggs. It can be ordered all day long and late at night on weekends. 4353 Manchester, The Grove
Juniper and Milque Toast Bar's Avocado Toast (tie)
Juniper’s rendition is no spa dish: a thick slab of Union Loafers sourdough is buttered and topped with super- chunky avocado, seasonal pickles, and fresh herbs. At Milque Toast Bar, creamy avocado is spread on thick-cut Companion bread and topped with rotating daily creations. The “sprinkles” include such house-made topping combos as bamboo-smoked toasted sesame seeds, honey powder, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy your toast with a hot chai cider. 4101 Laclede, Central West End; 2212 S. Jefferson, South City
Click here for 5 of the best eggs Benedict in St. Louis
Kingside Diner’s Cheddar Drop Biscuits
Take an old-fashioned Southern biscuit, crumbly and dense, devoid of pretension. Sprinkle in pungent chives and sharp cheddar. Ladle on a rich, gentle sausage gravy with just enough spice. You’ll never be hungry again, Scarlett (until tomorrow). 4651 Maryland, Central West End; 8025 Bonhomme, Clayton
Kevin A. Roberts
Kitchen Kulture's Classic Breakfast Sandwich
Kitchen Kulture’s Classic Breakfast Sandwich
On summer weekends, a line forms at the Tower Grove farmers’ market for this breakfast mainstay. Order it with all the fixins: a fried farm egg, bacon, cheddar, sea salt, and honey on sourdough bread. Where to find it during the holidays? At Kounter Kulture’s South City storefront, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. 3825 Watson, South City
Morning Glory’s Bread Pudding French Toast
Three thick slices of bread pudding make this riff on French toast even more indulgent. If it feels too much like dessert for your taste, add a patty of herby house-made sausage on the side. Then lightly dip the sausage in the syrup. 2609 Cherokee, Benton Park
A supportive base crust and fluffy egg body provide a foundation for a rotation of flavors, including bacon, cheddar, and onion. The quiches aren’t baked every day, so go on a weekend—and go early. (they often sell out by 1 p.m.) 2101 Cherokee, Benton Park
Click here for 3 spots with more than just a bite to eat
The Original Pancake House's Pancakes
OPH offers a dizzying 17 varieties, including buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, and several oven-baked options.
Retreat Gastropub’s Fried Chicken French Toast
It doesn’t get much more decadent than the cocktail bar’s standout brunch dish. Fried chicken breast rests atop brioche and arugula, topped with a healthy pour of maple-pecan syrup for sweetness. Pair the French toast with one of retreat’s famous cocktails, such as the Cold Fashioned, made with cold-brew coffee, simple syrup, bitters, and orange peel. 6 N. Sarah, Central West End
Click here for 10 favorite brunch buffets
You already know what the B.L.T. stands for. The A and E? Avocado and egg, brilliant additions to the classic sandwich. On weekends, enjoy your B.L.A.T.E. on the beautiful lower patio at the original Macklind location in Southampton. (And check out nearby Lola Jean’s Giveback Coffee.) 5400 Murdoch, South City
Sardella’s Eggs Benedict Raviolo
Egg yolk–stuffed ricotta ravioli? Brilliant. A stunning browned-butter hollandaise? Even better. And new potatoes, served crash-style, to help wipe up every last bit of the sauce? Genius. 7734 Forsyth, Clayton
Kevin A. Roberts
The Scottish Arms' Highland Hangover
The Scottish Arms’ Highland Hangover
You don’t have to be wearing a kilt to enjoy this dish, which combines a sausage-wrapped, fried scotch egg, smoked salmon, home fries, and forfar bridies (a hand pie–like Scottish meat pastry). Extend the Scottish brunch theme with a Smokin’ Mary, a brunch cocktail of Benromach peat-smoked single-malt and house-made peat-smoked Bloody Mary mix. 8 S. Sarah, Central West End
Seed Sprout Spoon’s Mushroom & Baby Kale Scramble
The storefront, situated just south of Tower Grove Park, opens each for brunch. The standout mushroom–and–baby kale scramble, made with eggs from local pastured chickens and served with a slice of toast from Companion Bakery, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal farm-to-table cooking and organic ingredients. 3137 Morgan Ford, South City
A 12-inch banana–and–chocolate chip pancake, topped with more chips, bacon crumbles, and a peanut butter sauce, is aptly named: The King Lives.
A veggie version of the St. Louis breakfast staple, Small Batch’s Slinger boasts hearty smoked mushrooms and a spicy black pepper gravy that’s so luscious, you’ll put this dish on repeat. Pair it with the Wind Jammer, an herbal gin cocktail topped with cava and an olive oil drizzle. 3001 Locust, Midtown
Southwest Diner’s Breakfast Burrito
Take your cue from the Southwest-inspired theme by ordering the breakfast burrito, filled with eggs, cheese, and green chilis. Fork over another $2 for a protein (we prefer the chorizo) or calabacitas. Order it “Christmas-style,” smothered with both red and green sauce, and top that side of home fries with hot sauce. 6803 Southwest, South City
SqWires’ Famous Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
For $15, you get triple-distilled vodka, house-made Bloody Mary mix, and garnishes ranging from the traditional (celery, stuffed olives, bacon) to the quirky (sauerkraut, pico de gallo, tater tots). It’s like playing bartender with a vast boozy buffet at your disposal. 1415 S. 18th, Lafayette Square
Kevin A. Roberts
Taco Circus' Breakfast Tacos
Taco Buddha and Taco Circus' Breakfast Tacos
At Taco Buddha, fluffy eggs and cheese are served in a flour tortilla with your choice of chorizo, potato, or spinach and potato. Get a side of fried avocado and cut through the rich breakfast with a Mexican beer or bright grapefruit Paloma. At Taco Circus, good things—specifically, breakfast tacos—come in fours. Carnivores delight in chorizo, bacon, or sausage; creative vegetarian options include migas and a delicious Match Meat picadillo. Pair the platter with a Purple Margarita (Taco Circus says it’s the world’s strongest), and call it a day. 7405 Pershing, University City; 4940 Southwest, The Hill
Kevin A. Roberts
Turn's Biscuit Flight
No trip to David Kirkland’s Grand Center is complete without a biscuit flight, which includes four of the chef’s famous biscuits served with a seasonal house-made jam, honey, and butter. Looking for something more savory? Opt for the biscuits and gravy, with sage gravy and turkey sausage. 3224 Locust, Midtown
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House's Pancakes
The decadent Chocolate Alaska starts with four pancakes and ups the ante with ice cream, fudge, and whipped topping. 14196 Manchester, Ballwin; 3427 S. Kingshighway, South City
Now in its 15th year, the Ellisville staple serves up an imaginative array of Southern-infused brunch dishes (shrimp and grits, brioche French toast, chicken and waffles) with BOGO cocktails (mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Palomas) every Saturday and Sunday. 15860 Fountain Plaza, Ellisville
As beautiful as it is delicious, the West End Mojito is a mainstay at this beloved CWE eatery. Fresh strawberries, basil, and lime make the bright, fruity drink the perfect companion to any brunch dish and for people-watching on the expansive patio. 4590 Laclede, Central West End
For a peaceful start to your morning, consider the cozy lodge-like confines of The Wolf. Breakfast bowls range from the healthy (the Açai Bowl, with fresh fruit, chia, pumpkin seeds, and coconut) to the hearty (the not-so-originally named Breakfast Bowl, with spinach and a choice of nitrate-free bacon). 15480 Clayton, Ballwin
“To love is like tea. To be loved is like sugar,” goes the Turkish proverb. Live it here with cay, the black tea that’s a splendid accompaniment to the brunch special, an egg- and meat-laden skillet. 6671 Chippewa, South City
Tucked into an unassuming Crestwood strip mall, the family-friendly restaurant turns out affordable classics. Take, for instance, the Mary B.E.A.R., co-owner Mary Bogacki’s brie, egg, arugula, and red onion sandwich on a ciabatta bun, finished with apple butter. 8958 Watson, Crestwood
