Original Article Published by Locale
by TAYLOR GORSKI AND JORDAN NISHKIAN
Brunch: It’s What Sundays Are For
Sunny Southern California skies are a perfect backdrop to everyone’s favorite weekend warrior activity: brunching. Whether enjoying bottomless mimosas, savory benedicts or piles of pancakes, there are plenty of places in Orange County to gather with friends for day-drinking and whiling away the afternoon. Here are a few of our favorite places to get our brunch on. ORANGE COUNTY BRUNCH GUIDE
ORANGE COUNTY BRUNCH GUIDE
Rancho Capistrano Winery
Before you begin sippin’ wine on your weekend off, you’re first going to want to start the day with a decadent brunch. Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Juan Capistrano offers both breakfast and lunch classics on Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The mimosa flights are a must, and the French toast bites, Italian Benedict and BBQ chicken flatbread are all great options to share with your table! Hang out all day on the serene, shaded patio complete as you transition from rosé to red wine. The winery is even pup-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home!
Rancho Capistrano Winery
Locations: San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente
@ranchocapistranowinery
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Searching for a local’s favorite spot that delivers on a perfect weekend brunch? Look no further than Muldoon’s Irish Pub. Spend your weekend morning in the charming, shaded courtyard while indulging in fan favorites like fluffy pancakes, jam-packed breakfast burritos and a good ‘ol classic eggs Benedict. Sip a Bloody Mary (the bloody mary mix is made in-house!), ice-cold beer or fizzy mimosa as you watch your favorite team play on the big screens around the restaurant. The brown brick walls and touches of four-leaf clover green give this Southern California Irish Pub an authentic European vibe.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Location: Newport Beach
@muldoonsnb
EXP 12/8
Billy’s at the Beach
New to the Newport brunch scene, local favorite Billy’s at the Beach is offering island-inspired breakfast items on Sunday mornings. Devour sweet, fluffy banana and macadamia nut pancakes, traditional steak and eggs or opt for a Hawaiian classic with Billy’s Moco Loco. Cheers your bloody marys and World Famous Mai Tais (no, it’s never too early!) at this waterfront, tiki-themed restaurant. Catch your favorite football team on the TVs thanks to NFL SUNDAY TICKET, and let those Sunday scaries wash away. Where do you aloha?
Billy’s at the Beach
Location: Newport Beach
@billysatthebeach
Exp 1/1
Tavern House
Get ready for some amazing eats and a jaw-dropping view of the water—Tavern House’s Bayside Brunch is a local staple for a good reason. Menu classics, such as chicken and waffles and huevos rancheros and over-the-top bloody marys, are joined by new favorites like prime rib Benedict and a platter of barbecue chipotle bourbon oysters. “Our goal is for Tavern House to become Newport Beach’s go-to gathering place for drinking, dining, socializing and life celebrations,” says Chef David Wilhelm. We’ll raise a Tavern Mary to that!
Tavern House
Location: Newport Beach
@tavernhousekb
Mozambique
Sultry jazz floats on the ocean air from Mozambique’s second-floor Shebeen Lounge every Sunday at this brunch hotspot. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the indoor and outdoor spaces welcome hungry guests. The popular Breakfast Tower is piled high with crabmeat, egg-battered tomato, spinach and melted Swiss topped with cilantro lime aioli. Whether enjoying the compositions of Coltrane or the panoramic rooftop ocean views, Mozambique is primed for brunch.
Mozambique
Location: Laguna Beach
@mozambiqueoc
Rendez Vous French Bakery and Cafe
Whether you’re craving a pastry and coffee pairing or you’re ready to indulge in a hardy weekend brunch, Rendez Vous French Bakery and Cafe in Corona del Mar is the perfect place to start your day. This authentic French bakery and cafe features an assortment of sweet and savory crêpes, fresh-baked pastries, artisanal breads, tasty omelettes and egg dishes. Dig into the rich ratatouille and goat cheese omelette or opt for the traditional French Croque Grand Pere, which is served with a side of sauteed peppers, onions and potatoes.
Local Insight: You can now order online for pickup! Visit www.rendezvouscdm.com to place your order.
Rendez Vous French Bakery and Cafe
Location: Corona del Mar
@rendezvous.cdm
Ramos House Cafe
After enjoying your time at the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano, take a 2-minute walk down Camino Capistrano to the fabulous Ramos House for a mouthwateringly indulgent two-course brunch. This rustic cafe transports you to simpler, quieter times (paying homage to its historic 1881 construction), but the menu is modern in all the best ways. Sink your teeth into plates like huevos rancheros, crab hash or truffle mac ’n’ cheese. These portions are Southern-style, so come hungry!
Ramos House Cafe
Location: San Juan Capistrano
@ramoshousecafe
RAYA
Floor-to-ceiling windows greet guests at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel’s RAYA, where Chef Richard Sandoval takes brunchers on a culinary journey through Latin America on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An a la carte champagne brunch, the three courses include choices of ceviche, omelets, chalupas and churros, just to name a few. Try the kimchi bloody mary, made with Grey Goose, kimchi, pickled garlic root and bacon.
Local Insight: Make a reservation in advance for a window seat by the sea!
RAYA
Location: Dana Point
@ritzcarltonlagunaniguel
The Country Club
You’ll come for the cocktails and stay for the food! Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Country Club offers an extensive brunch menu. Dig into dishes like buttermilk pancakes, chilaquiles and avocado toast. The Country Club bloody mary, bottomless mimosas, espresso martini and seasonal margarita are all great cocktail options.
The Country Club
Location: Costa Mesa
@countryclubcm
ORANGE COUNTY BRUNCH GUIDE
Playa Mesa
Margaritas for brunch? No one is stopping you! Playa Mesa’s brunch menu, served weekends until 2 p.m., shines with dishes like the chile verde Benedict, tres leches waffle and the chorizo con papas! Pair your fiesta brunch with a refreshing cocktail; treat yourself to a La Pasión Del Patron (Patron Silver, passion fruit, coconut water, pineapple, apricot and lime), a mango michelada (mango Hefeweizen, house-made michelada mix, lime, fresh mango, chamoy and Tajin rim) or their Insta-famous spicy cucumber margarita (fresh cucumber juice, lime, cilantro and house spicy bitters). This family-friendly local favorite has a menu for the kiddos, featuring options like buttermilk pancakes, mini burritos and junior taco salads.
Playa Mesa
Location: Costa Mesa
@playamesa
EXP 12/29
Tanner’s
For those looking for a prime perch for brunch, look no further than Tanner’s. Located at the Paséa Hotel and Spa, the unique treehouse bar design overlooks the property and the beach beyond. Serving seasonal fare and cocktails, the lounge areas and vibe are as impeccable as the oceanside wood-fired fare.
Local Insight: Make an afternoon of it by booking a treatment at the luxurious Aarna Spa at the hotel after your brunch.
Tanner’s
Location: Huntington Beach
@tannershb
Coliseum Pool & Grill
Nothing beats the brunch view at Coliseum Pool & Grill at Pelican Hill. Between the infinity pool, luxurious architecture and crystal clear views of the ocean, you will without a doubt feel like you’re on vacation. The food at Coliseum Pool & Grill ranges from dishes like an acai smoothie bowl to flaxseed blueberry pancakes.
Coliseum Pool & Grill
Location: Newport Coast
@pelicanhillresort
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Creative concoctions give brunch an even more lighthearted flair; such is the case at Bosscat where you can order Nutella s’mores pancakes, Fruity Pebbles French toast and a donut burger. Wash it all down with their extensive whiskey, bourbon and scotch selections or try a Breakfast in Bed shot—maple bourbon, orange juice and bacon. For die-hard fans of the locale, whiskey lockers are available for your favorite batch to keep on-hand.
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Location: Newport Beach, Orange
@bosscatkitchen
ORANGE COUNTY BRUNCH GUIDE
Chaak Kitchen
This gorgeous Mexican restaurant serves brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dig into beautifully plated dishes and sip refreshing cocktails like the guava mimosa or tropical sangria. If you’re stumped on what to order, we recommend the ceviche campeche and tacos de cochinita pibil.
Chaak Kitchen
Location: Tustin
@chaak_kitchen
Oliver’s Osteria
Whether you’re a breakfast/brunch person or a lunch/brunch person, Oliver’s has you covered. Brunch options include their signature bombolini (traditional Italian donut style pastry filled with custard and chocolate), fresh crepes and eggs Benedict. Oh, and you can’t leave brunch without satisfying your sweet tooth. Treat yourself to the panna cotta or tiramisu—you won’t regret it!
Oliver’s Osteria
Location: Laguna Beach
@oliversosteria
Cafe Sevilla
Cafe Sevilla’s “Brunch From the Other South” is an experience not to miss. On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., indulge in brunch with a twist. From Spanish eggs Benedict to the short rib hash, each dish is packed with flavor. Pair your meal with bottomless mimosas for only $18. During your dining experience, enjoy tunes from their live resident DJ, and make the most of your weekend with brunch at Cafe Sevilla!
Cafe Sevilla
Location: Costa Mesa
@sevillaoc
AhbA
Looking for a new spot to enjoy weekend brunch with the gals or a midday date? Head over to AhbA in Laguna Beach, the sweetest beachside cottage you’ve ever seen! Cozy, rustic and totally romantic, AhbA is serving up truly tasty eats thanks to LA-transplant Chef Nick Bennett. AhbA is also pouring amazing craft cocktails out of the patio bar called Helen’s. We recommend the shakshuka with poached egg and labneh—YUM!
AhbA
Location: Laguna Beach
@eatahba
Kitchen in the Canyon
With its fresh ingredients and stunning views of the San Joaquin Hills, Kitchen in the Canyon is known for its bangin’ breakfast and finger-lickin’-good sandwiches. If you’re a breakfast lover, try The Burrito—eggs, potatoes, avocado spread, cheese and choice of meat—or go classic with the chicken and waffle topped with jalapeno maple syrup. Rolling out of bed a little later? We hear the grilled chicken pesto panini calling your name.
Kitchen in the Canyon
Location: Laguna Beach
@kitcheninthecanyon
Breakfast Republic
A San Diego staple since 2015, Breakfast Republic now has 11 locations, two of which are in Orange County! No matter which location you visit, you’ll find the same amazing selection of American breakfast classics. There’s something on this menu for everyone: purists will crave the shrimp and grits breakfast, and sweet tooths will love the cinnamon roll pancakes. Breakfast Republic even offers a vegan section with items like a veggie and pesto frittata.
Breakfast Republic
Locations: Costa Mesa, Irvine
@breakfastrepublic
Outpost Kitchen
Born from owner Jay Lewis’ dream of opening an Aussie-style eatery in SoCal, Outpost Kitchen opened its doors in 2015 and has since become a favorite among Costa Mesa locals. The menu features delicious bites, such as the Brekkie Toasted Sandwich and the Outpost Tacos, fresh juices, smoothies and—of course—specialty cocktails (our favorite is the Butterfly Effect). Outpost Kitchen is available at two different Costa Mesa locations: one on Monrovia Ave and one at South Coast Plaza!
Outpost Kitchen
Location: Costa Mesa
@outpostkitchen
