Best Places for Brunch in St. Louis

“What are you doing?”; “Brunching.”

One of our favorite nouns has evolved into a verb. This weekend tradition is widely practiced by young and old. Whether you’re looking for boozy brunch or just breakfast in the afternoon, St. Louis has several restaurants who accommodate both. Below we will highlight our favorite three places in the city to enjoy eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes throughout a weekend morning or afternoon.

1. Retreat Gastropub. This popular brunch spot is our absolute favorite. The vibe is simple, modern, and rustic, implementing reclaimed wood and a stained concrete floor. The lanterns and different lightbulbs dangling from the ceiling offer a pleasant ambiance that all can enjoy. Beyond the environment, the food and drinks are out of this world. By creating uncomplicated dishes, you can bring the pickiest of eaters with you to Retreat Gastropub. They also offer a slew of house cocktails that will please any palate. We suggest the Fried Chicken Biscuit, Biscuits and Gravy, and the Farmhouse Burger.

2. Soulard Coffee Garden. This quiet spot located on Geyer in the historic Soulard neighborhood offers a place to meet with friends to enjoy everything brunch. If you love omelets, Soulard Coffee Garden is a must-try. They have several options that are excellent, but if you don’t find one that suits your taste you can always create your own! With sweet and savory items, Soulard Coffee Garden is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We suggest the Brie Veggie Omelet, Breakfast Burrito, and Eggs California. If the weather is nice, make sure to get a table in the courtyard out back!

3. Southwest Diner. If you are always looking for something spicy, the Southwest Diner is going to be your go-to for brunch. Just outside of Maplewood, this spot showcases diner food integrated with a Tex-Mex style. The diner doesn’t have as many tables as you would hope, so it can take some time to get seated. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find immediate seating right at the bar! Southwest Diner does offer an array of options that fit both breakfast and lunch, making it a great spot to go if you have friends who don’t necessarily love breakfast. (What is wrong with them?) We suggest the Breakfast Burrito with Bacon, Green Chile Cheeseburger, and Desayuno Skillet.

Have you been to any of these places before? What is your favorite place for brunch in St. Louis?

This article was inspired by Feast Magazine. For more restaurant advice in St. Louis, check out their site!