When it comes to killer brunch options, this Neapolitan-certified pizza joint in Deep Ellum has it covered. Served on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the menu features everything from a pizza made on a bagel crust to a breakfast taco pizza that comes loaded up with smoked brisket, house made mozzarella, tater tots, candied jalapeños and scrambled eggs. And the offerings don't stop at pizza. There are also lemon ricotta waffles, smoked brisket skillet hash, and Josh's Big Biscuit sandwich, which comes stuffed with fried chicken, bacon marmalade and a fried egg. Another reason to come? $2 mimosas. Don't sleep on the zeppoles.
Recommended for Brunch because: If you're a pizza connoisseur, Cane Rosso will be your happy place.
Ilene's expert tip: The regular menu is also available during brunch. Note that Cane Rosso has several DFW locations.
All too often, a meat-free brunch means settling for an omelet. However, that's not the case at V-Eats in Trinity Groves, where the impressive all-vegan spread comes filled with a host of soul-satisfying options. Here, breakfast purists can opt for things like vegan sausage chimichangas or chicken & waffles (made with deep fried, battered oyster mushrooms), while lunch items include everything from country fried faux steak plates to Impossible burgers topped with chili, house made queso and pickled onions. Also on offer are various brunch cocktails, including a spicy bloody Mary (aka- Bloody Larry) that comes topped with a skewer of fried olives, fried pickle, an onion ring and a brisket slider.
Recommended for Brunch because: V-Eats offers enough selection that even non-vegans will be satisfied.
Ilene's expert tip: Most of V-Eats menu items are also gluten, nut and soy-free.
If a pile of fried chicken and bacon stacked on top of Belgium waffles sounds to you like the ideal way to kick start your brunch, then Maple Leaf Diner will be your happy place. Not only will you find a smorgasbord of Canadian comfort food favorites, ranging from poutine to fish & chips, you can also dig into everything from Greek omelets to smoked salmon eggs Benedict. As for those chicken-bacon-and-waffles, expect to see this mile-high dish arrive to the table topped with strawberries, whipped cream and cream puffs. And because you can never have too much of a good thing, the breakfast menu is available all day, every day.
Recommended for Brunch because: Maple Leaf Diner is an ideal place for families with younger children in tow.
Ilene's expert tip: Maple Leaf Diner doesn't take reservations. So, show up early to put your name on the list and be prepared to wait for a table.
Recently resurrected after being closed since 2013, this iconic Uptown restaurant is always a hit for its stellar enchiladas, tacos and table-side fajitas. And Primo's recently rolled out brunch menu (offered until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) only reinforces its reputation as a destination for Tex-Mex food lovers. Look for items like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, migas plates, and tres leches pancakes topped with churros and caramelized bananas. Wash it all down with brunch cocktails such as mimosas, bloody Marys, blueberry bellinis, and of course, margaritas. Be warned: This place fills up in a hurry, so best to reserve before you come.
Recommended for Brunch because: Primo's is a good place to go for Tex-Mex in a lively setting.
Ilene's expert tip: Valet parking is not complimentary; however, you can receive 40% off the fee by having your ticket validated at the restaurant. Note that the patio is dog friendly.
Brunch in Dallas isn't always about eggs and waffles. Case in point, Kirin Court, a perennially popular all-day dim sum destination that consistently draws a crowd during weekend brunch. Expect to find an endless parade of pushcarts yielding all the usual suspects, from assorted dumplings to BBQ pork buns, white radish cakes, chicken feet and steamed tripe. Menu specialties like braised grouper belly hot pot and Beijing duck are also worth considering. Service is courteous, and even better, prices are affordable. Don't overlook the long counter in front showcasing in-demand items and daily specials.
Recommended for Brunch because: Kirin Court is one of the area's best places for dim sum.
Ilene's expert tip: Be prepared to wait for a table if you come after 11 a.m. on weekends. If the parking lot is full, find additional parking on the street along the side of the restaurant.
La Duni's decadent desserts and Latin-inspired cuisine are always on point, and its weekend brunch is no exception. Served on Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m., the menu features everything from huevos finos (a sliced pop-over filled with ham, Gruyere, eggs, and hollandaise) to molletes (a toasted split baguette topped with re-fried black beans, cheese and eggs). You can also tuck into pecan sticky buns, guava rolls, butter brioche French toast, banana-berry-nut waffles and more. Drinking options include a 22-item espresso list along with fresh pressed juices, a mimosa bar and creative brunch time cocktails.
Recommended for Brunch because: La Duni is the best place to go for unique Latin-inspired brunch offerings and phenomenal pastries.
Ilene's expert tip: La Duni offers Happy Hour from 4-6:30 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until close, Monday-Sunday.
While it may be best known as a private dining club on the 17th floor of the Hotel Crescent Court in Uptown, the Crescent Club transforms into a go-to brunch destination that's open to the public on Sundays. Befitting of its swanky interiors, the club offers a lavish seafood-centric buffet that not only includes all-you-can-eat fresh lobster, crab claws, shrimp and oysters, but also everything from made-to-order omelets to eggs Benedict, waffles and roast sirloin. All of which is paired with bubbly mimosas and epic bird's-eye views of the downtown Dallas skyline. Don't even get us started on the dessert spread.
Recommended for Brunch because: The Crescent Club brunch buffet is ideal for a special occasion.
Ilene's expert tip: Seating is from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Prices are $75 for adults (includes a complimentary mimosa) and $55 for children 12 and under. Free valet parking is available for up to three hours at the entrance. Just make sure to have the ticket validated at the concierge desk. Complimentary self-parking is also available in the garage.
This bustling French-inspired café does a roaring trade during lunch and dinner, so it should come as no surprise that it's also a popular hotspot for weekend brunch. Served Saturdays and Sundays until 2:30 p.m., the hyper-local line-up roams from omelets and eggs benedict to polenta pancakes and croque monsieur French toast. Alternatively, diners can go all in on lunch favorites that include things like a deconstructed California roll, a lobster knuckle sandwich and a grilled or pan-seared fish of the day. Either way, the Chocolate Glob, a mainstay on the menu since it opened, is the best way to wrap up your meal.
Recommended for Brunch because: Parigi is where to go for a Parisian cafe experience.
Ilene's expert tip: Be sure to request the complimentary breadbasket it's worth coming for on its own. Complimentary valet parking is available behind the restaurant.
Always one of the hottest weekend brunch tickets in town, Jonathon's even had to open a second location down the road to accommodate the overflow. Housed in a restored 1930s bungalow in Oak Cliff, the eatery is best known for home-spun comfort food, which for brunch translates into breakfast tacos, pork chops & eggs, waffles and more. Must-haves on the wide-ranging menu include Danger Dogs (pancake battered, deep-fried turkey sausage links), and the diner's legendary fried chicken & waffle. Don't overlook the Nooner Burger or bread custard with citrus, banana syrup either. Also on offer is a build-your-own bloody Mary bar. Best part? Jonathon's churns out most of its brunch options all day throughout the week.
Recommended for Brunch because: Jonathon's is a Dallas institution for chicken and waffles.
Ilene's expert tip: For parties of 5 or larger, hit Jonathon's second location at 1619 North Beckley.
This family-run Deep Ellum taqueria with counter service ordering and communal seating is no doubt one of the best spots in town for taco connoisseurs. Here, corn tortillas are handmade, grilled to order, and topped with everything from seared duck breast to roasted baby goat. But perhaps less widely known is that Revolver boasts an incredible all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet as well. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., guests can tuck into an array of Michoacán specialties which include items such as guisados (stews), menudo, chilaquiles, breakfast tacos and quesadillas for only around $35 per person. If you're looking for a deliciously authentic Mexican food experience, this is the place.
Recommended for Brunch because: Revolver Taco Lounge is the only brunch spot in Dallas offering an all-you-can-eat Michoacán-style feast.
Ilene's expert tip: This place is small, so don't expect to find enough seating for large groups. Also note that metered street parking is free until 6 p.m.