5 Best Brunch Spots in Central Phoenix

What was once known as a “hunt breakfast” back in the late 1800’s, has now become one of the most looked forward to events of the week. The original brunch would feature the day’s catch after a hunting party returned and later evolved into a “varsity meal” for hungover college students. In more recent years brunch has evolved to a lingering feast of varied flavors, cuisines, and the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family to reflect on the week passed and what lies ahead in the coming week.

Brunches range from a bountiful buffet in which you can help yourself over and over again to a sort of prix fixe menu in which you’ll find your final choice difficult based on the decadent selections. We’ve compiled a list of some of the 5 best brunch spots to enjoy a great meal along with our great Arizona Spring weather.

5 Best Brunch Spots in Central Phoenix

Central Bistro
3160 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 480.646.8560
Central Bistro invites their guests to “Drink, Dine & Unwind” in their casually elegant environment. This neighborhood eatery is so welcoming and inviting that it will likely be in your restaurant rotation in no time. Their brunch menu is extensive and pretty much covers all the bases. You’ll find your standard omelets (which are anything but standard, the smoked salmon version is delightful) along with chilaquiles, 5 different Benedict versions, and a few breakfast pizzas. You can also opt for a sweet start with their sweet corn pancake, stuffed French toast and chicken and waffles. If you need a little detox you can enjoy their kale or superfood salad. If you are looking to re-tox they also offer bottomless bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

Corduroy
2601 N. Central Ave.| Phoenix| 602.374.7585
The space that Corduroy inhabits previously housed a grocery market built in 1928, and they have worked hard to preserve as many of the original details and elements as possible. You’ll easily get that feeling of a time-gone-by, and the service and value follow the same principles. Their open patio looks out onto Central Avenue, ensuring the best in people watching. Their brunch menu includes all of your comforting favorites like their crab cake benedict, biscuits and redeye gravy and the indulgent croquet madame. You can also enjoy their shredded pork enchiladas, good morning tacos and a variety of waffles. The little diners in your party can also enjoy brunch with choices like krispy katsu chicken strips, a ham n’ cheese Sammy or parmesan butter pasta. Corduroy also offers a variety of breakfast cocktail carafes; the elderflower grapefruit mimosa is a lovely floral alternative to your traditional mimosa.

Jewel’s Bakery & Café
4041 E. Thomas Road| Phoenix| 602.714.5243
Jewel’s Bakery & Café came about out of a need to create gluten-free meals for her family that would please everyone’s palate (which included 6 children). This was not an easy feat, but owner Julie Moreno makes it look incredibly easy. Her extensive menu is now reaching the Valley with high praise, from those with gluten allergies or sensitivities and those without. You’ll find that some of her gluten-free items are better than their gluten-y counterparts. From quiche to waffles and pancakes and even a warm-your-belly-and-your-soul biscuits and gravy, you’d be hard-pressed to make out or even notice what’s missing. Jewel’s also offers ridiculously healthy breakfast bowls and filling sandwiches perfect to cover any brunch craving you might have. Have a seat on the patio and enjoy some Cartel coffee along with your meal, knowing that you’re having the best start to your day.

Nami
2014 N. 7^th St.| Phoenix| 602.258.6264
Nami has quickly evolved from the go-to spot for vegan soft serve treats to a full-service restaurant, receiving high praise from diners. Their decadent pastries are a no-brainer, but they also have unique items like their A-maiz-ing Grits, which come dressed with a spicy lemon garlic cream sauce that is so indulgent you’ll all but forget you’re having a healthy dish. Their chilaquiles are so flavorful and complex that you’ll want to steal the recipe and their wing ding dang (spicy “wings” special) will have you asking for proof that there was not chicken involved. Make sure you leave some room for their sticky buns or an assortment of vegan donuts that are as playful as they are delicious.

Vincent Market Bistro
3930 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 602.224.3727
There is no debating that Vincent on Camelback is a treasured staple in the Arcadia area, known for their timeless French cuisine. Vincent Market Bistro offers a more casual alternative to the fine dining restaurant and serves up a truly indulgent brunch every Saturday morning. Settle in on their quaint patio and rejoice in the welcoming croissants; warm, flaky, buttery goodness. Their ratatouille omelet has everything you need to start your day out right; the perfect blend of fluffy eggs and a variety of hearty vegetables. If you are looking to splurge, look no further that the brioche French toast with fresh fruit. This decadent breakfast dessert’s sweetness is balanced by the tartness of the fresh fruit.

This article originally appeared in the March  2016 issue of Uptown Magazine.