9 Bucket List Southern Brunches
There's nothing like dining in a restaurant with rich history and delicious food. Explore our curated selection of iconic brunch spots across the South for your ultimate culinary bucket list.
Brunch is more than just a leisurely weekend meal — it’s an experience. Whether you’re craving a fluffy stack of pancakes, shrimp and grits, or a quick hangover cure, we’ve searched the South for the best brunch restaurants around. Read below about nine iconic Southern eateries we think should be on every culinary enthusiast’s brunch bucket list.
Big Bad Breakfast
Location: Oxford, MS
More info: bigbadbreakfast.com
Though there are a few locations around the South, Big Bad Breakfast remains an Ole Miss institution. Chef John Currence opened the OG Oxford location in 2008 to bring chef-driven breakfast dishes to the public. First-timers should order one of the delicious signature cocktails and the Breakfast “Crumble,” which is Chef Currence’s take on the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich: a crumbled buttermilk biscuit topped with grits, tomato gravy, crumbled bacon, poached eggs, and green onions.
Commander’s Palace
Location: New Orleans, LA
More info: commanderspalace.com
Practically synonymous with New Orleans itself, Commander’s Palace has resided in its iconic turquoise and white building in the Garden District neighborhood since 1893. Owned by the Brennan family, Commander’s Palace is a restaurant where you’ll recognize the waitstaff year after year, and regulars seem to know every name in the place. The lauded Jazz Brunch is a can’t-miss with its joyful atmosphere and table-side tunes. Order the Turtle Soup and a bloody Mary to embrace the full Commander’s Palace experience of “Haute Creole.”
Fearing’s
Location: Dallas, TX
More info: fearingsrestaurant.com
In contrast to its counterparts, the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas takes a unique approach on Sundays, allowing its chef, Dean Fearing, to showcase his culinary expertise beyond the typical buffet spread. Brunch is the one time of the week he prepares Granny Fearing’s “Paper Bag Shook” Fried Chicken with whipped potatoes, bacon-studded green beans, and smoked tomato gravy. Other Texas specialties include The Rattlesnake ‘Breakfast’ Burger and Carmella’s Truck Stop Buffalo Enchiladas.
The General Muir
Location: Atlanta, GA
More info: thegeneralmuir.com
Michelin-recommended General Muir feels like stepping into an upscale Jewish deli in New York City, with everything from the bagels to the pastrami prepared in-house. Open since 2013, the weekend brunch boasts cocktail options not on the weekday breakfast or lunch menus, such as a Gin Fizz with rosemary fig syrup and a spicy bloody Mary made with green chili vodka and a special house mix. Dine on flavorful entrées like the breakfast sandwich with crispy pastrami and fried egg on griddled rye bread.
Loveless Cafe
Location: Nashville, TN
More info: lovelesscafe.com
Nashville’s famed Loveless Cafe still uses the same biscuit recipe from when it opened its doors 70+ years ago. These days, countless customers visit annually, hungry for traditional, scratch-made Southern food. Plates of melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are accompanied by housemade preserves, thick slices of country ham, fried pork chops, or the legendary fried chicken, the recipe for which has remained untouched since 1951.
Magnolias
Location: Charleston, SC
More info: magnoliascharleston.com
When Magnolias opened in 1990, it was one of the first Charleston restaurants to elevate the classic flavors of the South to upscale cuisine. Led by Culinary Arts Director Donald Drake, the celebrated brunch menu is offered on Sundays and features Lowcountry fine dining fare, such as sautéed shrimp and sea scallops over creamy white grits, banana pudding-stuffed French toast, and the famous Down South Egg Rolls with collards and ham.
Martin’s Tavern
Location: Washington, D.C.
More info: martinstavern.com
Since 1933, family-owned Martin’s Tavern has welcomed presidents, politicians, locals, and tourists to enjoy a meal at its legendary bar or in one of its cozy booths. JFK proposed to Jackie here, and you can even book a reservation in the same booth where it happened! For the ultimate brunch experience, order the Welsh Rarebit as a starter and the traditional Eggs Benedict for your main affair. We recommend visiting at Christmas when Martin’s Tavern is decked out in festive decor.
Merrick Inn
Location: Lexington, KY
More info: themerrickinn.com
This 19th-century mansion and farm was once the home of some of Kentucky’s most prized horses. One of the most famous equines was a thoroughbred named Merrick, who won 62 races. Today, at Merrick’s namesake restaurant, you’ll find elegant brunch cuisine made from quality ingredients as well as white tablecloth service, run by a family who’s been at the helm of this classic restaurant since it opened in the 1970s. Indulge in dishes like filet and eggs or chicken and waffles accompanied by freshly ground coffee and a mimosa made with fresh-squeezed orange juice.
The Pancake Shop
Location: Hot Springs, AR
More info: pancakeshop.com
The Pancake Shop has been serving breakfast exclusively since 1940. Though wait times are often long, the host will send you off to the Savory Pantry next door, where you can peruse with a cup of coffee and sample items like banana jam with whole bean vanilla or sweet and spicy pecans. Once seated, order the buckwheat cakes with blueberries, warm maple syrup, and a side of the homemade sausage.
Enjoy your brunch endeavors!
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Anne Henley Walker
Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.