After taking a leisurely stroll down California Avenue’s bustling Farmer’s Market on a Sunday morning, head over brunch at Pastis. Enjoy a fresh squeezed grapefruit juice with perfectly poached eggs benedict.
At Tootsies, all the breakfast items come with oven-roasted pancetta potatoes. Alternatively, try the housemade ricotta pancakes with fresh fruit, some uova alla romana, or poached eggs with brussel sprouts and prosciutto. Inside, the wooden beams and exposed brick give Tootsies a comfortable, rustic feel.
Palo Alto Creamery has been keeping it classic since it opened in 1923: chocolate malt milkshakes, red swivel stools at the counter, homemade jam, red booths, metal coat hangers, and a black-and-white tiled floor. Their Caribbean French toast and hash brown pie are not to be missed.
Peninsula Creamery (not to be confused with Palo Alto Creamery), dates back to 1923 and has been owned and operated by the same family ever since. Peninsula is one of the few places (if not the only place) you can find a breakfast sandwich for just five dollars and, though the menu is not extensive, the diner is as original as it gets.
Cafe Brioche is a charming place for a delicious brunch; enjoy a French-inspired brunch menu that features a variety of omelettes, eggs Benedict, and scrambles. They also serve unique dishes like house smoked trout, honey wheat pancakes, oatmeal rolled French toast, and homemade beignets and, of course, brioche.
From its lemon-colored walls to its gilded golden mirrors and small circular bistro tables with weathered wooden chairs, Bistro Maxine has a delightful French feel. While it doesn’t offer a lot of seating, it’s the perfect little spot for a quiet brunch with a few close friends. Their menu boasts authentic sweet and savory French crêpes, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Their French onion soup is especially satisfying on a chilly morning.
The Annex is a popular spot for a weekend brunch. If you’d rather not put your name on a long list, plan to arrive a few minutes before they open at 10 a.m. to avoid the potentially long wait. Inside, the dining area is cozy and brightly lit with white tablecloth tables. They serve a traditional brunch with a lot of great options but the French toast is particularly noteworthy.
With its industrial filament bulbs that dangle from the high ceilings, metal bistro chairs, and wall planters, Local Union 271 has a hipster interior that matches its name. By eating here you’ll also be supporting local farmers and producers and the menu proudly lists where they source their food. They offer breakfast classics with a bit of flair like their organic chicken omelette and their smoked salmon Benedict and a wide selection of house specials, salads, and soups. It’s the trendy place to be for brunch (felt floppy hat and plaid optional).
If you’re a fan of Greek food and also a fan of brunch, you’ll probably want to stop by Opa! this weekend. They serve brunch items with a Greek twist, like baklava waffle made with walnuts, cinnamon, honey, and topped with Greek yogurt, or a breakfast pita which is filled with scrambled eggs, Greek sausage, black olives, and onions.
A little bit French, a little bit American, a lot of different options. Located at the intersection of South California Avenue and Ash Street, Joanie’s Cafe is bound to satisfy your brunch craving. Sit at the bar, outside, or opt for the classic all-American booth.
