Does anyone else feel like brunch is an enigma? It’s like a quiet rebellion—a bite that allows us to break away from our everyday life in a socially acceptable way.
When we brunch, we’re saying goodbye to our usual schedules and routines.
As we slowly get back to “normal” life, when you think of it that way, it’s a no-brainer that Buffalo is continuing to rise with exceptional places and dishes for every type of bruncher and brunching.
The new brunch rules
The one person I knew could help me in my search for great brunch: Adrianne Salmon, head bruncher and founder of @buffalobrunch Instagram. What do we both agree “brunching” is now?
It can be anything (except dinner). Alcohol is optional. And it’s all about eating some real, good food with people you like.
It’s 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. somewhere
This Sunday brunch in East Aurora is one not to be missed. Seated indoors or on the veranda, your group can enjoy complimentary mimosas and bloody marys as you select your ultimate meal from the curated buffet stations: carving, entree, salad, inn-smoked salmon, omelets made to order, French toast, pancakes, waffles and desserts. Plus, there’s a string quartet to serenade you as you eat.
2. Cafe Godot
On any given Thursday to Saturday morning, you could be eating one of the best sandwiches of your life at Cafe Godot. This cozy West Side spot serves up thoughtful and locally sourced food you’ll be thinking about all week long. Try the Godot Lox made with a Dopest Dough bagel, house-cured salmon, Godot cream cheese, herbs, radish and cucumber.
If you’ve never been to this modern restaurant in Black Rock, its Saturday Market Brunch is a place to enjoy all possibilities. The inventive, local and seasonal menu features dishes you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a place that expands everything you thought you knew about brunch—with cava mimosas and a cute patio on the side.
4. Marble & Rye
The eclectic yet refreshing atmosphere makes Sunday brunch here a downtown destination. The menu, featuring thoughtful, seasonal ingredients, is a crowd-pleaser with popular dishes like the Cabarana: fettuccine with pecorino, egg, bacon, garlic and black pepper. Chef’s kiss.
5. Toutant
This Sunday brunch is the perfect opportunity to savor some Southern comfort food, like buttermilk fried chicken and biscuits with gravy, with your crew. Add an incredible selection of cocktails and drinks, and it’ll be hard for anyone who goes there not to leave feeling satisfied.
6. Billy Club
If you’re looking for an upscale brunch with a casual vibe, then consider checking out this Allentown Sunday brunch. The food here is refined and pairs perfectly with its hand-crafted cocktails. Might we suggest the oysters to start?
This cheery cafe with wholesome vibes, inside and out, features house-made bread and pastries and serves some of the best small plates, sandwiches, coffees and teas. It’s also home to Buffalo’s largest fig tree. Brunch in the summer here outdoors on picnic tables with live music.
8. Betty’s
Who doesn’t love Betty’s? Open during brunch hours every day of the week except Monday, this institution on Virginia St. has a warm and welcoming dining room, patio and eclectic cuisine that is fresh and simple yet interesting. Pro-tip: The brunch menu is technically only offered Saturday and Sunday.
9. Lago 210
Brunch by the water sounds nice, doesn’t it? From May to October, Lago 210 in Hamburg opens for brunch on the last Sunday of the month. So you can enjoy contemporary small plates with a view, bloody mary in hand.
10. Casa Azul
Casa Azul has moved to Allentown (in the former Cantina Loco spot) and we can’t wait for a taste of its highly anticipated brunch service. With Mexican breakfast favorites like huevos rancheros and that back patio—it’s sure to be a summer hot spot.
Serving up views of Hoyt Lake and a tasty brunch all weekend, The Terrace is an easy choice for brunchers looking for boozy coffees, cocktails and live jazz bands on Sundays.
12. Ditondo
If pasta and a glass of rose is your version of the perfect afternoon, then Ditondo on Seneca Street is the right place for your brunch mood. Open 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ish) Monday through Friday, enjoy some of the best regional Italian dishes around, and call it your brunch.
All the Euro-vibes right on Elmwood, the Cafe Bar is a new favorite place to brunch and chill. With a local, seasonal menu featuring meats from its butchery next door, it’s an awesome spot to grab an espresso and small plates Wednesday through Saturday.
Any day of the week (except Wednesdays) you can totally get the #8 burger—an applewood smoked bacon, sunny-side-up organic egg, with American cheese—and the cider mimosa at Allen Burger Venture and call it brunch. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did.
15. Thin Man Brewery
Did someone say day drinking? Swing by the Thin Man on Elmwood or Chandler Street any Saturday or Sunday for some good food, yea, but also a good time trying its latest craft beer selection.
16. Remedy House
Find one of the best Euro-casual brunches in town here—any day of the week. The cafe in the Five Points neighborhood serves up everything from Butter Block pastries (now its neighbor across the street) to coffee and drinks to gourmet sandwiches. Trust us and get the Egg on a Roll. (A second location is coming at 23 Allen St., lucky us!)
17. Public Espresso
At the downtown location or in South Buffalo, enjoy house-made Bagel Jar bagels, coffee, donuts and breakfast foods from Public Espresso until 2 p.m. In my opinion, it’s only right to try the avocado toast.
Sister to The Grange Community Kitchen and West Rose, the Outpost in Orchard Park may be Buffalo’s new favorite window—because you order brunch from it. This grab-and-go-style cafe is super laid back with awesome house-made pastries, breakfast sandwiches, coffee drinks and more. Plus, patio seating is coming soon.
There’s now an amazing breakfast sandwich at the Thorpes Market in East Aurora Friday and Saturday mornings. Hot and ready for patrons by 9 a.m., it’s made with homemade potato buns, nitrate-free bacon, organic eggs and good cheddar cheese. You can call ahead and reserve yours. Be sure to grab some freshly squeezed quarts of orange juice and a hot coffee while you’re there.
20. Swan St. Diner
An icon in the Larkinville district, the breakfast-lunch menu at Swan St. Diner is a luxury available any day of the week. Pancakes, hotcakes, flapjacks and waffles? Yes, please.
Another cozy East Aurora brunch spot, you can’t go wrong at Elm Street Bakery. Tuesday through Saturday, stop by for a taste of its house-made bread, pastries, fresh coffee, drinks and small plates.
Sip On This
Break out of your usual with a new brunch drink.
John Stamos | Billy Club
Change up your mimosa with this Campari, fresh OJ and prosecco drink.
Mint Lemonade | Cafe Godot
House-made lemonade is always a treat.
Espresso Tonic | Remedy House
Regular espresso is so 2021. Try this double shot, topped with tonic water and served over ice. Fancy.
Orange Wine | Marble & Rye
Give rose wine a break and try an orange instead: it’s aromatic, refreshing and has syrupy notes.
Virgin Bloody Mary | Casa Azul
Bar manager Danny Lecker and team mix up an excellent mocktail version of the classic by request.
