Don’t be intimidated by the line around the corner when you pull up, this well-prepared Southwestern-style breakfast and lunch spot is worth the wait. Put your name on the list and grab a breakfast cocktail or a complimentary cup of Kaldi’s coffee on the road runner bus, situated next to the diner, while you decide between the huevos rancheros or Jonathan’s fiery scramble. You could split a burrito with a family of four and still leave full—be prepared for your eyes to be bigger than your stomach. You’ll also find plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes for your non-carnivore friends.
KNOWN FOR
Buttermilk-cornmeal pancakes that hardly require syrup and the aforementioned fiery scramble.
THE VIBE
Eclectic and carefully curated Southwestern themed décor combined with a bustling dining room and hip music provides a perfect spot to enjoy one of the best brunches you’ve ever had.
- 6803 Southwest Ave.
- Saint Louis, MO 63143
Half & Half
There’s a reason the line is so darn long on weekends. This top-notch brunch spot is among the best in the city, with an excellent variety of breakfast options, in addition to coffee, tea, and brunch cocktails. This isn’t exactly a hidden gem, so make use of that NoWait app or prepare for a 45+ minute wait on weekend mornings. It doesn’t hurt that each dish is also so beautifully prepared. Weekend brunch features seasonal dishes like pumpkin custard pancakes in the fall, so there’s always something new to try. This is not a diner breakfast and the prices reflect that, but we think it’s worth it.
THE VIBE
Clean and modern-rustic, with a touch of hipster. Pretty much permanently packed with a blend of students, young professionals, and families, so remember that NoWait app!
KNOWN FOR
The veggie hash if you’re going in the savory route, “Clara Cakes” (pancakes with raspberry and mascarpone) if you’re indulging your sweet tooth.
Multiple Locations
Brasserie by Niche
Central West End
French cuisine, romantic string lights, outdoor café-style seating just like what you’d see in Paris…. Brasserie is perfect for a special occasion dinner or Sunday morning brunch with friends. Wear clothes that stretch, though, because you aren’t going to be leaving without feeling a bit guilty. With acclaimed chef Gerard Craft at the helm, you know you can’t go wrong.
THE VIBE
Classy and romantic.
KNOWN FOR
The French classic “croque madame”–ham sandwich with fried egg on top—and some incredible eggs Benedict.
- 4580 Laclede Ave
- Saint Louis, MO 63108
Cafe Osage
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of the Central West End you’ll find an urban oasis known as Bowood Farms, where an outdoor garden, home and gift store, and café are brought together to create a Pinterest-perfect dream world of potted perennials and steaming cups of coffees. With a setting this beautiful, it’d be easy to forget about the food, but the brunch and lunch options at Café Osage are delightful. Fuel up on dishes made with fresh organic veggies and herbs grown on-site, and then head to the attached store and garden for some relaxing post-meal browsing.
THE VIBE
The perfect place to live out some Secret Garden fantasies. Whether you sit indoors in the light, bright café or become one with nature in the lush garden courtyard, you really can’t go wrong.
KNOWN FOR
Fresher-than-fresh ingredients and the gorgeous garden setting.
- 4605 Olive St
- Saint Louis, MO 63108
Katie's Pizza & Pasta
Family-owned and operated, Katie’s offers a modern take on Italian classics, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Good wine, beer, cocktails, and Neapolitan-style pizza in a fun, eclectic atmosphere. For brunch, don’t miss out on dishes like their cacio e pepe scrambled egg toast, biscuits and gravy, and smoked salmon pizza.
THE VIBE
The decor brings charm and quirkiness to the strip-mall location, whether you’re indoors or at a picnic table outside. The Town and Country location is a little more refined and bright.
KNOWN FOR
Their Arrabiatta eggs and lemon ricotta pancakes.
Multiple Locations.
Sardella
James Beard award-winning Chef Gerard Craft’s newest dive into modern Italian cuisine: Sardella. This trendy and colorful spot next door to Craft's well-loved Pastaria serves up innovative seasonal dishes with "a nod to Italy", like cacio e pepe eggs.
THE VIBE
Trendy and photogenic, with Mediterranean-style blue tile walls. Only half the tables are set aside for reservations so drop-ins are always welcome but expect a wait on weekend nights.
KNOWN FOR
Either get the eggs benedict raviolo with brown butter hollandaise or the fried chicken with nduja french toast.
- 7734 Forsyth Blvd
- St. Louis, MO 63105
Grace Meat + Three
Expect all your favorite Southern "meat and three" dishes with a chef's touch. This family-friendly spot in The Grove is already a St. Louis classic. While they don’t offer a specific brunch menu, Rick Lewis’ food is all brunch-friendly. Imagine nursing a hangover while eating a fried bologna sandwich (with an egg on it!) or a biscuit and some sweet, tender pork ribs.
THE VIBE
With huge windows on nearly every wall, Grace feels bright and welcoming, no matter where you sit. It's modern and comfortable, all at once.
KNOWN FOR
Hot chicken, a gargantuan sweet tea-brined turkey leg, and what are maybe the best ribs in STL.
- 4270 Manchester
- St. Louis, MO 63110
The Mud House
One of the quintessential staples of Cherokee Street’s array of eclectic food and drink joints, The Mud House is a charming coffeeshop praised equally for their coffee and their cuisine. With plenty of sandwich and breakfast food options, it’s easy to fuel up here at the same time as you get your caffeine fix.
THE VIBE
Decorated from a variety of the street's antique shops, this cozy stop is conducive to reading and working.
KNOWN FOR
Being a foodie’s coffee shop. Try their take on the classic Slinger.
- 2101 Cherokee St
- Saint Louis, MO 63118
