Best brunches in America? These restaurants are worth a road trip

Our USA TODAY Network food writers love spotlighting the country’s top restaurants, and they've eaten a lot of dinners out to be able to recommend the best.

But what about brunch? Even with our food writer hats on, we still love lazy a weekend morning lingering over a stack of pancakes and really strong coffee or a fizzy mimosa paired with avocado toast with everything bagel spice.

The perfect combination of breakfast and lunch, brunch been refined, refreshed and elevated over the years by chefs across the country who realize the value of of sweet pasties, savory carving stations and everything in between.

From the fanciest of fancy (The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida) to the little known but well worth seeking out (Graze Brunch Kitchen in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey) these restaurants are worth setting your alarm for.

Here are standout American brunches worth the detour — or the pilgrimage.

Requinto | Phoenix, Arizona

Details: 6522 N. 16th St. #6, Phoenix. @requinto_phx on Instagram

Requinto is a true hidden gem. Chef Erick Pineda serves Mexican brunch, inspired by his mother’s recipes, inside Linger Longer Lounge. This is a place to bring your out-of-town foodie friends. The menu changes often, updated via Instagram. It doesn't matter. Pineda is a flavor master. You can’t go wrong no matter what you order. I’m a fan of his flautas ahogadas con fideo. The broth the flautas are served in is magic, sipped straight from the bowl. If he has a sandwich served on a biscuit available on your visit, don't think twice — order it. —Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic

Wilma & Frieda’s | Palm Springs, California

Details: 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California; and 73-575 El Paseo, Palm Desert, California, wilmafrieda.com

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If that’s a philosophy you abide by, then visit Wilma and Frieda’s the next time you’re in the Palm Springs area. It is much loved by both locals and visitors, with locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Both spots have above four stars on Yelp, which anyone that avidly checks the platform knows is a sign of good food when you’ve got reviewers who would ding a place for not telepathically knowing they think cilantro tastes like soap. Its popularity does mean there might be a long line to get a seat depending on the time of day, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made for a good brunch. Menu highlights include a churro waffle, short rib eggs benedict and a build-your-own scramble. There are also non-breakfast items like a BBQ chicken salad, hamburger and French onion grilled roast beef melt. — Ani Gasparyan, The Desert Sun

Lucile’s Creole Cafe | Fort Collins, Colorado

Details: 400 S. Meldrum St., Fort Collins, Colorado, luciles.com

For a Cajun-style breakfast, Lucile’s Creole Cafe is where you’ll want to go. Located in the downtown area and easily recognized by its yellow house, you've probably heard people rave about its traditional New Orleans beignets dusted in powdered sugar. The lineup of breakfast options is also unique, with dishes that often feature fish or come with classic Southern-style sides. Menu items that stand out are eggs Pontchartrain — pan-fried mountain trout with poached eggs and bearnaise sauce, served with a buttermilk biscuit and your choice of grits or potatoes — and pain perdu, a New Orleans-style French toast served with fruit, an egg, hot Louisiana sausage and buttery syrup. — Abigail Flores-Johnson, The Coloradoan

The Circle at The Breakers | Palm Beach, Florida

Details: 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach, Florida, 561-290-0104, thebreakers.com

Sunday brunch at The Breakers Palm Beach — a Florida icon with a century of history — is less a meal than a ritual, staged inside the resort’s storied Circle dining room beneath a frescoed ceiling. As Champagne flows throughout the afternoon, the experience unfolds as a meticulously run buffet built on scale and restraint. Seafood towers anchor the room, with unlimited seasonal stone crab claws and chilled lobster setting a high bar. A dedicated caviar station, a rarity even among luxury brunches, further distinguishes the lineup. Elsewhere, chefs prepare made-to-order omelets and Eggs Benedict, carving stations rotate seasonally, and the impressive pastry lineup invites lingering. What elevates the experience is control. Dishes are replenished constantly, service moves smoothly, and nothing feels rushed or overwhelming. At $195 per person, plus tax and service charge, it is indulgent by design. For travelers seeking a classic Florida brunch defined by abundance, polish and tradition, The Breakers remains in a league of its own. — Diana Biederman, The Palm Beach Post

Love Handle | Indianapolis, Indiana

Details: 877 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 317-384-1102, facebook.com/LoveHandleIndy

Originally opened as a counter-service sandwich shop in Milwaukee in 2013, Love Handle migrated to Indianapolis in 2015 and has charmed diners with an eclectic jumble of daytime eats ever since. Smothered biscuits, cheesy jalapeño grits, pork belly and beef tongue are all menu mainstays, but don't count out the occasional aspic-jellied egg or piled-high fried chicken sandwich smeared with beer-infused honey. Diners dig in surrounded by a dizzying mishmash of décor, like a rotating roster of VHS tapes that play on a projector screen or artwork sourced from longtime customers and Indiana's finest Goodwill stores. Under the guidance of owners Chris and Ally Benedyk and Dominic Senibaldi, Love Handle has become something of a cult favorite that's as wonderful as it is weird. And, indeed, it is weird. — Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star

Highland Morning | Louisville, Kentucky

Details: 1416 Bardstown Road, 111 St. Matthews Ave., Louisville, Kentucky, highlandmorningky.com

If you're seeking the ultimate neighborhood brunch spot, look no further than Highland Morning in Louisville. This casual family-owned staple with two locations serves a wide-ranging brunch menu that includes both classic breakfast plates and Louisville-inspired twists. Can't-miss dishes include biscuits and gravy, Dreamsicle or key lime pancakes, and Belgian waffles filled with candied pecans or spiced apples. As operating partner Michael Coe told the Courier Journal, “Highland Morning is about bringing people together over brunch.” The unassuming Highlands location has greeted patrons with its signature green awning since 2011. Inside, you’ll find framed black-and-white photos of Louisville legends such as Jack Harlow and Muhammad Ali, along with a park-inspired mural. Amanda Hancock, The Courier Journal

The Breakfast Club | Des Moines, Iowa

Details: 1465 S.W. Park Square Drive, Ankeny, Iowa, 515-414-8133; 212 E. Third St., Des Moines, Iowa, 515-280-5251; 525 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines, Iowa, 515-224-7030; thebreakfastclubusa.com.

The Breakfast Club is brunch turned up to 11 — big flavors, playful plates and a bar program that treats daytime drinking like a feature, not an accident. Think banana-fueled French toast excess, breakfast corn dogs and other “sure, why not” dishes, such as s'mores pancakes that make the table laugh before the food hits. Drinks lean fun: mimosa flights, coffee cocktails and Bloody Mary riffs. The dining rooms lean hard into an ’80s-meets-diner aesthetic with neon accents, colorful murals, throwback playlists and a playful irreverence that matches its menu. This is as close to a party brunch as Des Moines gets. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register

Sugah Please! | Detroit, Michigan

Details: Sugah Please!, 150 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Michigan, 313-502-5873; sugahplease.com

At Sugah Please, a brunch, breakfast and coffeehouse in downtown Detroit, all they do is brunch. Wendy Ringo, who recently opened another location in Grand Rapids and has plans to open more, serves scratch-made, Bayou-inspired dishes and classic breakfasts of egg dishes, French toast and omelets. There are catfish bites and Louisiana-style Cajun fried green tomatoes, beignets and seafood gumbo. The crab cake Benedict is topped with a Cajun sauce. Enjoy mimosas, specialty cocktails like the Creole Marie Bloody Mary, wines and mocktails in the airy, modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows . ― Susan Selasky, The Detroit Free-Press

Lavo Italian Restaurant | Las Vegas, Nevada

Details: Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-791-1800; taogroup.com/venues/lavo-italian-restaurant-las-vegas.

Endless is the operative word at Lavo Italian Restaurant’s weekend brunch, where the traditional sit-down meal gives way to a high‑energy, indulgent experience that feels unmistakably Vegas. There's an endless à la carte menu, sending a steady parade of signature Italian-inspired dishes from the kitchen to the table, encouraging lingering, sharing and second — or third — rounds. Seasonal farmer’s market specials rotate weekly, highlighting fresh produce and bright flavors that keep the menu feeling new even for repeat visitors. The dining room hums with music, cocktails flow freely and the buzz builds as the morning turns into afternoon, hinting at Lavo’s reputation as the Strip’s original party brunch destination. It’s polished but playful, equal parts feast and scene, where brunch is less about pacing yourself and more about surrendering to the rhythm of the room. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register

Atlas Eats | Irondequoit, New York

Details: 2185 N. Clinton Ave., Irondequoit, New York; 585-544-1300, atlas-eats.com.

Atlas Eats Kitchen & Bake Shop is a cozy, charming restaurant tucked in a residential neighborhood. By night, it highlights a different cuisine from around the world every two weeks. On Fridays and Saturdays it serves an internationally inspired brunch menu that remains consistent over time. The most buzzed-about staple is its savory whole wheat pancakes laced with kimchi; they are drizzled with spicy dragon sauce and topped with a poached egg. Wash brunch down with coffee, cold brew or a mimosa. You'll most likely head home with a loaf of bread or a bag of goodies from its in-house bakery. — Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

The Tasty Table | Ossining, New York

Details: 21 Campwoods Road, Ossining, New York; 914-762-4000, thetastytableny.com

At The Tasty Table, brunch isn’t just a meal — it’s a playground for your senses. You'll want to see, taste, touch and take photos of everything, starting with the cinnamon roll flight, iced coffee creations, whimsical cotton candy mimosa, and trio of Benedicts with eggs, smoked salmon, or Creole shrimp. Loaded hash browns, a show-stopping martini tree, and brunch pizza round out the creative list of options. With new and seasonal menu options a constant, every visit feels fun, fresh and indulgent. Plus, the place is big on flexibility so whether you’re gluten-free, health-conscious, or just craving a latte, there’s something with your name on it. Bonus: brunch is offered all day, Wednesday through Sunday. — Jeanne Muchnick, The Journal News/lohud.com

Cafe Alma | Cincinnati, Ohio

Details: 6111 Montgomery Road; 513-620-8526, cafealmacincy.com

Chocolate chip tahini pancakes, sun-dried tomato Benedict and a build-your-own-bagel option make this Pleasant Ridge neighborhood spot a great choice for breakfast and brunch. Husband-and-wife team Lainey and Yair Richler opened Cafe Alma as an antidote to the heavy meat-centric restaurants that dominate this town. Try the shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern dish where eggs are poached in spicy tomato sauce (it comes in four varieties). Or try eggs (cooked any style) served with toasty zaatar or colorful beetroot tahini. On the more decadent side, Alma offers sweet halva and banana pancakes with chocolate chips, and challah French toast gussied up with pomegranate whipped cream. — Keith Pandolfi, The Cincinnati Enquirer

Starliner Diner | Hilliard, Ohio

Details: 4121 Main St.; 614-529-1198; starlinerdiner.com

Starliner Diner is the type of bustling place that's perfect for Sunday brunch with a big group — unless your Saturday night with a big group makes a bustling place hard to endure. If that's the case, though, the food will cure what ails you. Starliner's breakfast menu, served daily until 2 p.m., is a mix of Latin and American dishes, sometimes fused together. The mofongo omelet is based on the Caribbean mashed-plantain staple and includes bacon, ham, jack cheese, and a smoked chili sauce. There's also huevos rancheros and chilaquiles — Bob Vitale, The Columbus Dispatch

RiverTide Brewing | Morrisville, Pennsylvania

Details: 58B E. Bridge St.,; 267-717-7618, Morrisville, Pennsylvania; rivertidebrewing.com

Hoping to put itself on the map, RiverTide came out of the brewpup gate strong by pairing its craft beer with a diverse selection of shareables, handhelds, salads and seasonal main plates. Its brunch menu features a variety of fun bites, sides and mains, such as Avocado Toast Flights; Wake and Gravy Poutine; and the Trenton Porkroll Benny made with two poached eggs, cracked pepper and melted cheddar over potato pancakes. Top off your meal with a specialty drink, like the Fra Diavlo Bloody Mary or a Morning Tide Brunch Cocktail. — Michele Haddon, phillyburbs.com

Perch | Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Details: 100 S. Grange Ave., Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 605-271-1652, eatatperch.com.

It feels like stepping into a quaint New York-style bistro or maybe a chic Parisian café, with its checkered floors and snug booth seating, but this little breakfast nook in a historic neighborhood is a newfound Sioux Falls must-try in South Dakota. Perch opened in 2024 with only its high-end breakfast menu, including bratwurst gravy atop scratch buttermilk biscuits and a barbecued pork fried rice omelet with gochujang drizzle. Try a THC mimosa seltzer or salted caramel cider and choose from a guajillo steak torta or maybe a fried tofu bowl for lunch. The covered patio, which triples indoor seating and has its own espresso bar, is darling: The “it” place to be on a shiny summer morning. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Beerline Cafe | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Details: 2076 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 414-265-5644, beerlinecafe.com.

Talk about tucked away. This pretty east-side cafe lies just below the Humboldt Bridge, with not much else nearby but some apartments and the Milwaukee River. But what a sweet retreat. It’s a peppy and polished place, with dramatic greenery cascading from the ceiling, soaking in the rays streaming through wall-to-wall windows. Folks stop in after strolling the RiverWalk or a bike ride along the Beerline Trail for fresh coffee, hot Rishi tea and super smart vegetarian and vegan spins on traditional brunch favorites. The savory crepes are fun and filling (try the Spartichoke if you’ve ever tried to justify downing spinach-artichoke dip for breakfast), the sandwiches and wraps aren’t afterthoughts (the vegan tzatziki on the deeply spiced Ethiopian lentil wrap is pure magic), and the entrees prove healthful food can be comfort. —Rachel Bernhard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Egg | Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Details: 510 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; 302-227-3447, eggrehoboth.com

Eat like a president at Egg on Rehoboth Avenue, where Joe and Jill Biden once dined during his term. Whether you choise Sausage Apple Cheddar Balls, Pumpkin Pie Praline French Toast to Eggs Norway (Eggs scrambled with smoked salmon, goat cheese on top of rye toast with fresh fruit), everything is exceptional. You'll also find Croque Madame, bennies, breakfast burritos, shrimp and grits, and much more. — Shannon Marvel McNaught, Delaware News Journal

Blu Pointe | Poughkeepsie, New York

Feel the open air and natural light when you walk in to the vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling window-doors that open to the water. The brunch buffet, providing has just about everything, from a breakfast station with all the staples to a pasta station featuring penne alla vodka and rigatoni pomodoro. Try made-to-order items such as a traditional eggs Benedict, omelets and pancakes, get a hot entrée such as pan-roasted chicken or Atlantic salmon, or check out the breakfast nook with a waffle station and fried chicken. But the stars might just be the carving station, serving up USDA prime rib and roasted ham, and the raw bar with all the classics. — Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal

Graze Brunch Kitchen | Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey

Details: 611 N. Maple Ave.; 201-543-0144, grazehhk.com

Classic brunch dishes are given grownup spins and served in bougie digs at Graze Brunch Kitchen in Ho-Ho-Kus. An elevated breakfast spot known for its upscale takes on decadent comfort food, the two-year-old hangout has a menu loaded with Grand Marnier pancakes, brioche eggs Benedict and more. Order anything: the truffled scramble roll (like a lobster roll, but with eggs instead of shellfish); a poached egg-topped harvest bowl (with hen of the woods mushrooms and sweet potato hash). Regulars swear by both, as well as the Black Angus steak and eggs, Monte Cristo bites and various seasonal lattes. To discuss the spot without mentioning the salted caramel French toast, however, would nearly be a sin, because with whipped caramel over thick, egg-battered challah bread, it is an absolute must-try. — Kara VanDooijeweert, NorthJersey.com

Terzo | Metuchen, New Jersey

Details: 12 New St.; 732-549-2500, terzonj.com

For more than two decades, Torino 2 on New Street in Metuchen was a classic Italian red sauce restaurant, outfitted with white tablecloths and chicken parm as an offshoot of the original Torino in Warren. But these days, you won’t find a white tablecloth — or a tired dish — at the rebranded Terzo, which, as an ode to Torino 2's past, translates as “third” in Italian. Co-owner and executive chef Sergio Moutela puts an inventive spin on Italian cuisine on the BYOB restaurant's everchanging menus, including brunch. That includes dishes like tiramisu pancakes with maple mascarpone whip; "uova in paradiso" (eggs in paradise) with poached eggs, broccoli rabe pesto, balsamic ketchup, kale chips and toast; and chicken parmesan on Belgian waffles with Calabrian maple drizzle. But don’t wait too long to try anything tantalizing at Terzo. At least one to three items are rotated onto the menu every week, and most of Terzo’s small, focused menu changes every two or three weeks. — Sarah Griesemer, Asbury Park Press