Natives and weekend visitors alike mingle on Saturdays and Sundays at the Queen City’s tastiest brunch spots. Whatever your vibe — classic French bistro, art gallery-filled café, or funky brewery — you’ll want to check out this list of a dozen top brunch spots in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Artisan’s Palate
Neighborhood: NoDa • More Info: TheArtisanPalate.com
This restaurant-meets-art-gallery concept in NoDa serves craft cocktails, locally roasted coffee, and specialty dishes by chef and owner Christa Csoka. The famous grilled cheese with a triple threat of gooey cheddar, mozzarella, and manchego is a standout brunch pick. Top off your meal with some live music and a mimosa flight!
A warm-you-right-up grits bowl and live music? Sign us up for this weekend brunch. Image: The Artisan’s Palate via Facebook
Haberdish
Neighborhood: NoDa • More Info: Haberdish.com
Make a $3-per-person reservation for Haberdish’s brunch, and they MORE than make up for it with the free cornbread and sweet tea butter. This always-packed hot spot serves Carolina-inspired cuisine and unique cocktails. Try a homemade cinnamon roll, a quiche slice, and an espresso martini.
The fried chicken sandwich is one of many mouthwatering options on the brunch menu. Image: Haberdish
300 East
Neighborhood: Dilworth • More Info: 300East.net
300 East is one of Charlotte’s quirkiest and coolest eateries for any occasion, but brunch is especially magical at this East Boulevard spot. Assuage your sweet tooth with the cast iron sweet roll, or go big with the melt-in-your-mouth crab cake benny stack.
Check out 300 East’s full weekend brunch menu here. Image: 300 East via Facebook
Fern
Neighborhood: Dilworth • More Info: FernFlavors.com
Proud to be “the only vegan restaurant in Charlotte that your carnivorous friends suggest,” don’t rule out Fern even if you’re with meat eaters! This vegan oasis is packed to the gills with locally sourced flavors and creative dishes. Saturdays and Sundays, they serve homemade cinnamon rolls and fried shiitake chicken & waffles.
Just peek at their daytime menu to see what we’re talking about. The Zo Boy has fried oyster mushrooms, remoulade, lettuce, tomato, and cocktail sauce. Image: Fern, Flavors from the Garden via Facebook
The Crunkleton
Neighborhood: Dilworth • More Info: TheCrunkleton.com
Known for their inventive cocktails and friendly atmosphere, Crunkleton’s brunch menu has standout items like oysters on the half-shell, beignets with coffee icing, a spicy chicken breakfast sandwich, and ALL the best sides.
Check out the full brunch menu here. Image: The Crunkleton via Facebook
littleSpoon Eatery
Neighborhood: Myers Park • More Info: littleSpoonEatery.com
Everything from the soundtrack to the menu flavors changes regularly at littleSpoon. Only open around lunchtime, this spot specializes in midday feasts and imbibing. Start with a giant cup of local coffee, then pick from healthy to hearty dishes like the green egg’wich on sourdough, crispy Korean Brussels, and homemade cinnamon-dusted donuts.
Discover the full brunch menu here. Image: littleSpoon via Facebook
Zada Jane’s
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood • More Info: ZadaJanes.net
Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe has been serving up unique dishes and eclectic vibes on Central Avenue since 2008. There are always interesting rotating specials, but you cannot go wrong with the brunch favorites like the Bunny Rancheros, GF chocolate chip pancakes, and a side of piping hot habañero grits.
Bunny Rancheros is one happy addition to Zada Jane’s breakfast menu, which you can view here. Image: Zada Jane’s
The Workman’s Friend
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood • More Info: TheWorkmansFriend.com
You know Plaza Midwood’s favorite Irish pub by its great beer list and the old-school bike parked out front. But The Workman’s Friend is a great brunch friend, too. Cozy up with a plate of blueberry waffles and a pint or cocktail in their European tavern-like dining room or out in the beer garden if it’s nice.
The Workman’s Friend is open for lunch on Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Image: The Workman’s Friend
Easy Like Sunday
Neighborhood: Montford/Park Road • More Info: EasyLikeSundayCLT.com
Easy Like Sunday is located in ParkTowne Village shopping center and specializes in midday indulgences like all-American classics, globally inspired dishes, gourmet coffees and cocktails, and relaxed vibes. Order something sweet, eggy, or fried, plus a peach lavender, passion fruit, and Hawaiian mimosa sampler.
Click here to peruse the breakfast and brunch menu. Image: Easy Like Sunday
Barcelona
Neighborhood: South End • More Info: BarcelonaWineBar.com
This lively and delicious Spanish tapas bar is always a good idea, but their weekend brunch is a true South End treat. We’re drooling over the mushroom and manchego omelet, olive oil pancakes, and Brunch Fideos with crispy pork belly and garlic aioli. And the al fresco patio is as expansive as the wine list.
Check out the brunch menu. Image: Barcelona via Facebook
Reid’s
Neighborhood: SouthPark • More Info: Reids.com
Reid’s is Charlotte’s go-to shop for gourmet groceries and grab-n-go meals, but the SouthPark location beckons you to stay awhile for Sunday brunch. (And maybe, some ill-advised post-brunch shopping?) Pick from dishes like fried Gulf oysters, caprese bruschetta, Charleston crab cake, and Nashville chicken ‘n’ waffles.
Check out the whole Sunday Brunch menu here. Image: Reid’s via Facebook
Cafe Monte
Neighborhood: SouthPark • More Info: CafeMonte.net
A casual-yet-gourmet Charlotte staple since 2007, Cafe Monte’s brunch is truly unbeatable. You’ll be transported to Old World charm and flavors, from the delectable pastries to the French bistro decor. Order from an extensive lunch menu daily (think quiche Lorraine, crab cake Benedict, golden crêpes, and Belgian waffles).
Get a head start on Cafe Monte’s full menu here. Image: Cafe Monte
Happy brunching, Charlotte!
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