One of the finer things in life, brunch is unequivocally the highlight of my mornings. The divine blend between breakfast and lunch is possibly the most genius creation to have graced our presence here on earth.
So what is it about this delicacy that can make our mouths delightfully water and our hearts beat a gazillion times faster as we see our plates approach our tables? I honestly couldn’t give you a single reason. There’s a plethora of reasons why brunch can leave you feeling so warm and so good inside.
As a college student, you’ve probably felt a little less than yourself in the mornings more than once or twice, whether it be due to a reckless rager or cramming for your midterms till sunrise. What better way to rejuvenate your body than getting brunch near campus? With these restaurants, you won’t have to trek far to get a delicious local fix for that “headache” of yours.
1. Portage Bay Café
Photo courtesy of @portagebaycafe on Instagram
This one’s pretty much a campus classic.
Without knowing of its rave reputation, Portage Bay was the brunch café I stumbled across on my first visit to UW. I instantly fell in love with it.
What’s so special about its brunch is probably the breakfast bar. There is an abundance of delicious goodies to top your meal with – fruit, nuts, maple syrup, whipped cream, you name it. Not only do you get to treat yourself to a brunch favorite, but also you get a mountain of toppings for free. That’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask me.
2. Costas on the Ave
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Did someone say bottomless mimosas? You better believe what they say about the best cure for a hangover, because this Greek restaurant’s got you covered. This is probably one of the more underrated brunch restaurants near campus. Similar to a diner, this restaurant offers seemingly home-cooked meals that I have wholeheartedly devoured, as I’m sure you will too in due time.
3. Morsel
Photo courtesy of @brunchwithus_ on Instagram
If you’re a fan of biscuits and coffee for brunch, look no further. Morsel is a must-try to fulfill all your cravings.
Customers can choose between plain biscuits or a breakfast biscuit sandwich. First timers should try Morsel’s “biscuit sammies,” which are legendary around campus. Don’t overlook their simple menu, because these biscuit babies will give you that jump start to feeling good in no time.
4. Barrio
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Barrio’s Mexican brunch will definitely spice up your morning if you’re looking for that extra kick. Aside from serving unlimited chips and salsa, this charming restaurant caters to everyone’s needs, whether vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian.
Barrio is conveniently located in Capitol Hill and serves huge portions for a low price. What more could you want in a perfect hangover brunch?
5. Beth’s Café
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
I’m a sucker for the familiar. And when it comes to food, old-fashioned is timeless. This feel-good diner promises to bring you back to your childhood with crayon colored drawings painting the walls. If that’s not enough to bring you to Beth’s, I guarantee their omelets or all you can eat hash browns will leave you feeling warm and tingly all over.
6. The Fat Hen
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
With an hour-long wait, this cozy café is definitely one of the more popular and well-known places in Ballard. However, the wait is most definitely worth it, because this neighborhood-friendly joint serves fan favorites from unique egg bakes and savory eggs Benedict to simple, yet exceptional, avocado toasts that will satisfy all your brunch needs.
7. Tallulah’s
Photo courtesy of @tallulahseattle on Instagram
Tallulah’s takes the classics and puts a healthy organic twist on them. This American café has a cozy outdoor patio, where you can enjoy the warm summer breeze while feasting on all the diverse meals they offer. If you’re vegan, Tallulah’s is the place to be.
8. The Dish
Photo courtesy of @secretaardvark on Instagram
A small, cozy retro diner located in Green Lake, The Dish is perfect for when you want to feel at home eating your brunch favorites while sipping on a steaming cup of coffee. This family-owned restaurant uses fresh, high quality, local produce and ingredients to make its appetizing meals.
9. Toulouse Petit
Photo courtesy of @toulousepetit on Instagram
Serving the finest seafood brunch in Seattle, this restaurant won’t disappoint. Similar to Tallulah’s, Toulouse Petit puts a fresh twist on our breakfast classics, such as the Fried Oysters & Bacon Benedict or the Dungeness Crab & Asparagus Scramble.
If you aren’t convinced by the array of delectable options, perhaps the heaps of praise that Toulouse Petit receives from the press will sway you.
10. Ivar’s Salmon House
Photo courtesy of @tray_jay_ on Instagram
Another famous seafood brunch location—and this time it comes with a stunning view of the waterfront—is Ivar’s Salmon House.
This Wallingford favorite is decorated with beautiful Native Northwestern art. So not only will you be able to enjoy your delicious seafood meal with a remarkable view of the restaurant’s interior, but also with a breathtaking view of Lake Union.
11. Coastal Kitchen
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Following the seafood trend, Coastal Kitchen is Capitol Hill’s very own Fish House and Oyster Bar. If you’re feeling adventurous, their current featured coastal region is Barcelona, which means that their brunch menu is influenced by an Spanish palette of flavors. You can ‘tour’ Barcelona by tasting their hispanic palette, which includes Botifarra & Beans and Pork Chop & Eggs. Of course if you choose to opt out of this, Coastal Kitchen is still serving its scrumptious traditional seafood menu.