Dining Guide | 6 Spots for the Best Brunch in Phoenix

After rising early all week long and keeping to your hectic schedule, the weekend is a time to sleep in and take things a little slower. A great way to reward yourself for crossing off all those tasks on your to-do list during the week and making it to the gym every day that you said you would is with the darling of meals: Brunch. Whether you choose to go old school with table after table of options or new school with a select menu list of items, you’ll surely find yourself fully satiated by the time you leave. Put visiting one of these hot brunch spots on your to-do list.

6 Restaurants to Find the Best Brunch in Phoenix

Bink’s Midtown
2320 E. Osborn Road| Phoenix| 602.388.4874
Some have said that this location is in a somewhat questionable neighborhood, but I assure you there is no need for a flak jacket or even brass knuckles. Owners Chef Kevin Binkley and his wife Amy will attest that the only danger you are in is not knowing which items to select off of their Sunday Brunch menu. With starters like foie gras, sweetbread nuggets, and their Green Chile Pork Papusa it’s easy to see that ordering here is going to be a feat! If those options sound to be a little out of your comfort zone there are “tamer” options as well. Choose from their locally sourced Cold section features items like their date salad which is complete with arugula, chevre, pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette.  Their more breakfast focused items range from Skillet French Toast to a breakfast sandwich featuring sage sausage, soft scramble eggs, hash brown and apple-maple butter. Sunday Brunch is waiting for you from 10am to 2:30pm.

photograph by David Zickl

Chelsea’s Kitchen
5040 N. 40^th St.| Phoenix| 602.957.2555
You already know that patio at Chelsea’s Kitchen is top notch, but did you know that that patio combined with their brunch menu makes for mid-morning greatness? Here you’ll find breakfast delights such as their Chelsea’s Hotcakes, chilaquiles and their ample crab cake benedict; all pretty standard breakfast fare. To add to your brunch options you can choose from their house made chicken posole (topped with a fried egg, of course), their highly lauded green chile burger as well as short ribs and rotisserie prime rib. Complement your brunch feast with a White Sangria a French press coffee. They even have a kids menu featuring monkey pancakes and PB&J sushi rolls proving that this is a great pick for families. Brunch is available on weekend mornings.

Crudo
3603 E. Indian School Road| Phoenix| 602.358.8666
Known for its modern take on classic Italian fare, Crudo also manages to offer a varied and eclectic brunch menu on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. The brunch menu, much like their lunch and dinner menu is separated into clever categories; Egg and Not Eggs. If you’re looking for something unexpected, try the Spinach and Iitois Scramble which is served with crème Fraiche and avocado toast or the Pork Belly Poutine accompanied by fingerling potatoes, gravy, and fonduta. More familiar options include the Country Loaf French Toast with streusel and berries or the Potato Croquettes with poached eggs, crispy pork and dressed with hollandaise. This menu also features a few starters guaranteed to get your meal moving in the right direction.

Essence Bakery Café
3830 E. Indian School Road| Phoenix| 602.296.4958
This adorable and kitschy eatery is run by a husband and wife team, Chef Eugenia Theodospoules and Gilles Combs who together have created a respite for diners looking for next level breakfast fare. The menu is influenced by European flavors and techniques which result in the sweetest and most delightful croissant you may have ever tasted. The individual Quiche Lorraine is savory and full of bacon, spinach and gruyere goodness in every single bite. A menu superstar would have to be the Huevos Frenchos, and melding of French style scrambled eggs with a touch of the southwest brought about by avocado and fresh tomato salsa. Never have the two distant lands seemed so right for each other. While you can enjoy Essence Bakery Café’s breakfast Tuesday through Sunday, why not head in a little late and linger a little longer on the weekend?

Geordie’s
2501 E. Telewa Trl.| Phoenix| 602.955.4079
Geordie’s is located in the historical Wrigley Mansion which has long been known in the Valley to be synonymous with culture, class and old school style. Their Sunday Champagne Brunch (served between 10am and 2pm) celebrates the opulence their long standing reputation. You’ll be drawn in by the live jazz band providing a delightful backdrop for your visit. Here you’ll find bottomless mimosas and an array of stations and offerings all for one price. Settle in and indulge in omelets on demand, as you wish sliced prime rib. You’ll also find mountains of fresh shellfish, pasta, fish, chicken, quiche among additional seemingly endless options. To keep in tune with the best ingredients the Executive Chef Robert Nixon is constantly updating the brunch menu.

North Italia
4925 N. 40^th St.| Phoenix| 602.324.5600
You know that their pizzas and pasta are phenomenal, but did you know that if you show up anytime between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday you can delight and indulge North’s outstanding brunch menu? They truly have it all; breakfast pastries, Irish Oats, short rib hash and even the expected fried egg sandwich. One thing you should remember here is the Ricotta Gnocchi. Can you get this for dinner? Sure, but the extraordinary thing about brunch is that you can savor this delicate combination of light gnocchi with melt-in-your-mouth braised beef short ribs and a tangy horseradish cream. This simple yet sinful dish will likely have you back to North again and again.

This article was originally featured in the April 2014 issue of Uptown Magazine.