Football season has ended, which means millions of Americans have been deprived of games to watch on Saturdays and Sundays. The time could be occupied in any number of productive ways, but those new year's resolutions to exercise or explore museums have probably started to fade by now.
People could try to catch up on Netflix — we recommend tearing through David Chang's new series Ugly Delicious or sci-fi noir Altered Carbon — but even that gets old eventually. Instead of living life solely on the couch, why not embrace brunch? The midday weekend repast can get a little lost in the shuffle of fall activities, but Houston restaurants are offering a number of tempting new options.
This options runs the gamut from new dishes at one of Houston's best restaurants to bars stretching their culinary muscles to two different French options. Whether gathering with a group of friends for a special occasion or just trying to ease the pain of last night's bad decisions, these establishments should have something for just about every occasion.
Better Luck Tomorrow
The kitchen at Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu’s bar in The Heights really shines on the weekends. Highlights include the light, airy yeast doughnuts, the spicy matzo ball soup, and the hangover hashbrowns that are topped with beef gravy, cheese, and shallots. Cocktail options are extensive, but the tomatillo bloody mary is particularly can’t miss. The imminent return of patio weather makes the prospect of staying for another bottle of rose seem particularly pleasant. Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3:30 pm.
544 Yale St.
Night Heron
Agricole Hospitality’s newly opened Montrose hotspot takes a global approach to its brunch offerings. Keep things Southern with the black pepper honey biscuits — so peppery they’re reminiscent of Coltivare’s celebrated black pepper spaghetti — eat globally with Middle Eastern shakshuka, Chinese-inspired jasmine rice congee, or roasted pepper taquitos with tomatillo salsa, or satisfy Bennigan’s nostalgia with a monte cristo (stuffed with Revival Market ham, natch). A Bloody Mary is available, of course, but the Vampiro — a tequila, beet, and carrot combo inspired by beloved Montrose cafe La Guadalupana — will start any weekend right. Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3:30 pm.
1601 W. Main St.; 713-527-8010
Willie G’s
The recently-relocated seafood institution offers a plethora of choices on its brunch menu: four Benedicts, four omelets, and breakfast favorites like pancakes, French toast, and a croque monsieur. That’s in addition to whole fish, shellfish, and shareable plates that make up a majority of its lunch and dinner offerings. Cocktail options include staples like a bloody Mary and a mimosa as well as both a kir and a kir royale (the royale swaps pinot grigio for sparkling wine). Now that the winter chill seems to have ebbed, Willie G’s spacious patio should make for a pleasant place to linger over every bite. Served Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
1640 West Loop South; 713-840-7190
Maison Pucha Bistro
Experience chef Manuel Pucha’s flair for all things eggs at this recently-opened Heights bistro. Egg lovers have options like the quiche of the day, free range frittata, and eggs Benedict, while the ovaphobic may opt for mussels and fries, French toast (duh), or a crab cake. A few items from the lunch and dinner show up, too, including Pucha’s signature Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche. Mimosas, three different bellinis, and a bloody mary offer boozy supplements to the extensive wine list. Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
1001 Studewood St.; 713-637-4976
The Pass & Provisions
It may have taken five years, but chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan have finally started serving brunch on Sundays. Most of Provisions weekday lunch is available — don’t miss the pizza with red wine-fennel salumi and mushroom — along with brunch specific items like biscuits and gravy, smoked chicken and Swiss chard omelette, and short rib hash with sunny side up eggs.
For those in search of something different, try the venison and egg dosa, which offers a thin, crispy batter and creamy yogurt topping. Whichever day one dines, the restaurant offers a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Served Saturday from 11 am to 2:30 pm and Sunday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
807 Taft St.; 713-628-9020
Leeland House
This Southern-inspired neighborhood bistro keeps things classic. Choose from options like shrimp and grits, creme brulee French toast, and brisket hash with cheddar cheese and a fried egg. Sandwiches and salads are also available for those who want a more lunch-style option. Sip wine, beer, or mimosas before continuing the day next door at Around the Corner. Served Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.
2119 Leeland St.; 713-505-1538
Lucienne
Celebrate the weekend at this stylish restaurant in downtown’s recently-opened Hotel Alessandra. Chef Jose Hernandez offers all the familiar egg dishes — two omelets, two Benedicts, and even a savory cheese souffle — as well as French toast, a vanilla bean waffle, and steak and eggs. Items from the lunch and dinner menu like lamb tartare, Cobb salad, and paella are also available. Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2:30 pm.
1070 Dallas St.; 713-242-8555
Hay Merchant
The Montrose craft beer staple rolled out a new brunch menu that's a collaboration between chef-owner Chris Shepherd, One Fifth chef de cuisine Nick Fine, and Underbelly sous chef Greg Peters. Bananas Foster pancakes and the Korean fried chicken bowl are both tempting options, but the BLT — made with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese — has emerged as a new signature item. While the tap wall remains one of Houston's best, the recent introduction of cocktails gives the beverage options even more diversity. Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
1100 Westheimer Rd.; 713-528-9805
Helen in the Heights
The Heights spinoff of the acclaimed Rice Village restaurant puts a Greek spin on traditional brunch dishes. That means options like shrimp and grits seasoned with caper-scented tomato sauce and feta, semolina pancakes with spiced honey syrup and Greek yogurt, and a Benedict served over crispy phyllo. Milk punch, made with the Greek spirit Metaxa and rye whiskey, ensures a tasty start to the meal. Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
1111 Studewood St.; 832-582-7146
Relish Restaurant and Bar
The River Oaks neighborhood restaurant introduced a brunch menu in November. Options skew classic — think chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict — but chef/owner Dustin Teague’s crew ensures the execution is consistently solid. Those looking for something a little lighter may opt for a couple of breakfast tacos or one of three salads. Mimosa bottle service, which is a choice of one of three champagnes paired with carafes of orange juice, strawberry basil juice, and blood orange lime juice, round out the experience. Served Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm.
2810 Westheimer Rd.; 713-599-1960
Goodnight Charlie’s
This Montrose honky tonk doesn’t technically serve brunch, but it does offer “High Noon” every Sunday. Food options include three of its popular dinner tacos (cheesesteak, cochinita pibil, and chicken mole verde) alongside two breakfast tacos (egg with radish and butter or egg with chorizo, potato, and salsa), all of which are served on their housemade corn tortillas. Pair them with beer, spirits, or any of the bar’s highball-style cocktails.
2531 Kuester St.; 832-986-5151
Lucienne offers a variety of French favorites.
