This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!
Essex
If you are looking for something different from the usual brunch fare, cozy and classy Essex is the spot for you. Located Uptown, Essex has dishes that span the globe, like the Georgian cheese bread khachapuri, which is a delicious boat-shaped piece of bread filled with melty cheese, two sunny side up eggs, drizzled with a touch of olive oil. Or the Korean steak and eggs with beef, fried egg, pork belly and a kimchi glaze. There is no shortage of traditional brunch fare, like a bagel platter (with a house-made bagel) or french toast.
Vivace
Image courtesy of Charlotte Agenda
Vivace’s brunch game is so on point. Start with the bottomless mimosa and bloody mary bar--ideal for getting that ever-elusive extra-spicy bloody or the perfect ratio of champagne to orange juice (80/20, duh). For only $30, you can get the adult beverage of your choice plus two courses--one appetizer and one main course. The options for both courses are ample, and standouts include mussels, meatballs, and braised short rib hash. The high ceilings and large windows that overlook the Little Sugar Creek Greenway make Vivace a bright and cheery place to spend your weekend morning.
littleSpoon
Would you like a side of gangster rap with your brunch? What about giant coffee mugs that are essentially bowls? And instead of bacon, how about crispy pork belly? If any or all of these appeal to you, then littleSpoon will be your jam. Menu highlights include the #BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich), Korean brussels sprouts,cinnamon toast brulee, and oh dear lord--don’t neglect to order the bacon (LS Slab Bacon). Expect a wait on the weekends during prime brunch time, and servers with just a touch of hipster attitude, but fret not--the food is worth the wait.
The Asbury
Photo courtesy of Charlotte's Got a Lot
The Asbury is inside of The Dunhill Hotel, which was opened in 1929. The Asbury itself has a reputation as an old-school Uptown dining spot, but the clientele spans all age ranges. This is a popular spot for a boozy brunch before a Sunday morning Panthers game, or to meet with friends to catch up over Maw Maw’s Cast Iron Biscuits with bacon jam (divine), or the Fried Chicken Sammy (a Southern classic). There is parking validation (up to two hours) if you park in the garage attached to the hotel.
Cafe Monte
Image courtesy of Charlotte Magazine
If you are staying in the South Park area, Cafe Monte is the top choice for brunch. The menu offers accessible French cuisine like a croque monsieur or mussels and frites. For an appetizer, the brie en croute is a favorite. If you are looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of options: omelettes, eggs benedict, and belgian waffles. Wash it all down with a cappuccino or mimosa. PS--Charlotte recently passed the “brunch bill,” which means that you can order booze as early as 10 am on Sunday (it used to be noon). Travelers and locals alike: rejoice!
The Workman’s Friend
Bar by night, The Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood is an unlikely--and amazing-- spot for brunch. This is an Irish joint, so their menu offers some nods to the Emerald Isle, like grilled cheese made with Kerrygold cheddar, bangers and mash, and rasher egg toast. There is also a “Caffeinated Libations” menu with cocktails made with a local iced coffee available on draft. You have your choice of mood lighting here, too--the indoor seating is dim and intimate, and there is a large patio in the back if you want to catch some sun while you brunch.
