Brunch guide

The Monday through Friday grind hardly allows time for bacon, eggs and hashbrowns in the morning. And even if there is time to whip 'em up, they're usually scarfed down in a hurry.

That's where weekend brunches come in. Forget that alarm clock, catch some ZZZs and a hardy breakfast at these Milwaukee-area restaurants when you wake up. If we've forgotten your favorite brunch spot, please add it to the list with the talkback feature.

4th Base
5117 W. National Ave., (414) 647-8509
Hit an ultimate home run Sunday brunch at 4th Base. Try the different omelets or homemade waffles. Prices range from $7 to $30.

Bayou
2050 N. Humboldt Ave. (414) 431-1511
bayoumilwaukee.com
Ah, brunch on the River. Like New Orleans, eccentric and bold, The Bayou atmosphere, cuisine and music are rooted in the embrace of the unconventional. Embracing the flavors of classic and modern Cajun and Creole cuisine with a fusion of a global cuisine twist.

Bavarian Inn
700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, (414) 964-0300
www.bavarianinnmilw.com
For $16.95, this champagne brunch includes warm cinnamon bread, made-to-order omelets, French toast, potato pancakes, small shrimp, bagels, sausage and cheese, fruit and dessert platters, carved ham and beef and plenty more. Open Sundays, Mother's Day and Easter. Reservations are recommended.

Beans and Barley
1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878
beansandbarley.com
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, brunch makes an appearance at Beans and Barley. For $4 to $9 you can pick from infinite egg items: poached, omelets, scrambled, benedict and even tofu scramblers for the vegetarians. Breakfast burritos and pancakes are also served.

Blueberries
522 S. 6th St., Racine, (414) 637-7609
Greasy, high-fat meals are an occasional treat, but certainly not the way to start your day on a regular basis. This is where Blueberries, a new breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant at 522 6th St. in downtown Racine, fills a void. Owner Lauren Bell opened her small, cash-only café in summer 2008 as a refreshing alternative to the city's usual players.

Bombay Louie's
2227 60th St., Kenosha, (262) 657-9314
www.bombaylouies.tricolirestaurants.com
This international restaurant is known for its Sunday breakfast buffet served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes all the traditional brunch items such as omelets, eggs, pancakes, sausage, biscuits and more, all for $7.95. Reservations are highly recommended.

Broadway Bistro
241 N. Broadway, (414) 431-2880
241broadway.com/broadwaybistro
This Third Ward bistro serves a weekend brunch from 8 a.m.to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. Their four-page menu includes items such as corned beef hash, a variety of crepes, omelets, pancakes, quiche, morning bun french toast and creme brulee oatmeal with fruit. All tables receive a complimentary basket of mini muffins and morning buns made in their in-house bakery, Broadway Bakery. Enjoy brunch outside sipping a Broadway Bloody Mary or a raspberry mimosa under an umbrella on their patio.

Brocach
1850 N. Water St., (414) 431-9009
www.brocach.com/Milwaukee/index.html
From what we've heard, the soda bread and orange-honey butter served at Brocach's brunch is not to be missed. The menu offers everything from the Big Irish Breakfast and Ploughman's Breakfast to corned beef hash and the Dubliner Burger. Stop in on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cafe 1505
1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, (262) 241-7076
www.cafe1505.com
Specializing in soups, salads, vegetarian fare and sandwiches, as well as weekly specials, Cafe 1505 serves up an excellent brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Cafe Centraal
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0377
www.thecafecentraal.com
Cafe Centraal brunch is home to maybe one of the most gluttonous yet delicious items to date. The Napolean Dynamite combines a tower of pancakes, four pieces of bacon, two fried eggs, cheese sauce and maple syrup. Sounds like a bit too much? Don't worry, they've got fun spins on all the classics including omelets, waffles, french toast and Benedicts. Serving brunch Saturday and Sunday, check the menu for details because the menu is slightly different depending on the day.

Cafe Corazon
3129 N. Bremen St., (414) 810-3941
It might be tough to get a table in this tiny Riverwest restaurant, but brunch is well worth the wait. Offered Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., brunch is a mixture of latin infused specialties and classic favorites. The Bloody Maria features dilly beans from Wendy's partially organic garden in Wapun, Wis. Plus, the brunch drink menu offers a "beermosa" (orange juice and Tecate beer) along with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages including the kid-friendly Abuelita hot chocolate.

Cafe Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366
7677 W. State St., (414) 475-6771
www.cafehollander.com
Café Hollander, a creation of the Diablos Rojos group, maintained the integrity of the cream city brick Gil's building, and throws the East Side crowd a few memory bones in the form of coffee drinks, hearty breakfasts and for our more mature dining audience, a tribute to the Coffee Trader Potato Noshers ($8.50). The new Wauwatosa location offers the same great east side menu.

Cafe Lulu
2261 S. Howell Ave., (414) 294-LULU
www.lulubayview.com
New to the line-up in 2009, Lulu's delicious menu added brunch to the repertoire every Sunday. You canl order a limited variety of their popular sandwiches or opt for Bourbon Almond French Toast, one of many scrambles or your basic eggs and toast.

Cafe at the Plaza
1007 N. Cass St., (414) 272-2494
There's old school brunch and breakfast goodness at the Plaza's cafe. The Scrambler is a great mildly greasy treat and tastes even better at the counter or on the patio in the summer months.

Carleton Grange Pub
3807 S. Packard Ave., St. Francis, (414) 747-9669
www.carletongrange.com
Brunch, along with on-air soccer, starts at 10 a.m. Sundays. Check out the Full English Breakfast, Belgian waffles or fish n' chips. Don't forget to order a side of traditional bangers!

Casablanca
728 E. Brady St., (414) 271-6000
casablancaonbrady.com
Monday through Saturday Casablanca offers a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday a brunch buffet is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The buffet offers a wide variety of meats (lamb, chicken and beef) as well as vegetarian options. Hummus, grape leaves and falafil are all included. Price is $12.95.

Chez Jacques
1022 S. 1st St., (414) 672-1040
http://chezjacq.ipower.com
Probably one of the only places in town to fold authentic crepes, you can have "brunch" at Chez Jacques Tuesday through Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Fresh baked crossaints compliment sweet or savory crepes and a list of quiches.

China Gourmet
117 E. Wells St., (414) 272-1688
china-gourmet.com
Bountiful buffet meals are offered for weekday lunches and weekend evenings as well as a Sunday brunch for $9.95 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Comet Cafe
1947 N. Farwell Ave, (414)273-7677
thecometcafe.com
Comet is an area favorite and since its remodeling in 2005 it has been pulling in crowds for brunch. Serving brunch from 10a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Comet's menu includes brunch classics as well as many vegetarian and vegan options. Bloody Mary's are their specialty and make sure to try some of the vegan baked goods. Prices range from $6-$10.

Cool Water
2247 E. St. Francis Ave., St. Francis, (414) 810-3975
www.mycoolwaterbarandgrill.com
Tucked away on the south end of Bay View, Cool Water serves up a comforting brunch. Menu items include quiche lorraine, omelets, crepes and morning bun french toast. Served Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eagan's on Water
1030 N. Water St., (414) 271-6900
eagansonwater.com
Eagan's is a Milwaukee mainstay and its Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. is a solid mix of the classics and seafood specials.

Golden Mast
W349 N5293 Lacy's Ln., Okauchee, (262) 567-7047
www.weissgerbers.com
A bit of a drive from downtown, Golden Mast is known as one of the old-school formal and full brunch purveyors. For $19.95, you get a four course all-you-can-eat buffett with all the trimmings.

The Grove
890 Elm Grove Rd., Elm Grove, (262) 814-1890
The Grove is a casual and reasonably priced place to feast. Sunday brunch items range from $8.95 to $12.95 and are served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Harry's Bar and Grill
3549 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 964-6800
harrysbarandgrillmilwaukee.com
Harry's brunch is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Items such as breakfast pasta, breakfast crab cakes and eggs benedict range from $6.95 to $10.95.

Hi-Hat Lounge
1701 N. Arlington Pl., (414) 225-9330
hi-hat.com
The Sunday brunch menu features eggs benedict, French toast with fresh fruit and a breakfast burrito, and items range from $6.50 to $13. Come between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Holy Hill Cafe
1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, (262) 628-4295
Come see what Betty's cookin'. The Sunday brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is $10.95. Pick from six entrees, a salad bar, bakery table and over a dozen desserts.

Honeypie Cafe
2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 489-PIES
www.honeypiecafe.com
Despite rave reviews for lunch and dinner, when Honeypie opened in 2009, fans claimed, if you really want the goods, you've got to go for brunch. Expanding on sister restaurant Comet's infamous brunch menu, you can load up with specialities like apple-gouda sausage, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, pecan french toast or a hefty breakfast burrito. Best part? You'll find the brunch menu Saturday AND Sunday.

Hotch-a-doo
1813 E. Kenilworth Pl., (414) 727-2122
hotch-a-do.com
Served on Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m., Hotch-a-doo serves up similar fare to neighborhing Beans & Barley. Recommendations include blueberry and banana pancakes, Hotch Hash, Sunrise Sandwich or zuchini bread french toast.

Hubbard Park Lodge
3565 N. Morris Blvd., (414) 332-4207
www.hubbardlodge.com
Hubbard Park Lodge used to offer only two brunch seatings each Sunday. Now under new management, you can help yourself to an all-you-can-eat pancake brunch every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to pancakes, enjoy doughnuts and scrambled eggs. The cost is $10.95 for adults, $4.95 for kids 12 and under and free for those two and younger.

Kil@wat
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 291-4793
kilawatcuisine.com
Located on the second floor of the Intercontinental Hotel, Kil@wat is making a name for itself with both travelers and locals. Stop in for brunch starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday to try 10 different egg favorites or small twists on classic waffles, french toast and pancakes.

The Knick
1030 E. Juneau Ave., (414) 272-0011
theknickrestaurant.com
Sunday brunch is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and items range from $4 to $10.

Lake Park Bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd., (414) 962-6300
lakeparkbistro.com
A commanding view of Lake Michigan makes this the perfect Sunday champagne brunch spot. Items range from $18.50 to $26.95 and are served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Louise's
801 N. Jefferson St., (414) 273-4224
louiseswisconsin.com
With weekend brunches from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Louise's pulls out pastas, foccacia breads and more all in the shadows of beautiful Cathedral Square. Items range from $6.95 to $9.95.

Mader's Restaurant
1037 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 271-3377
maders.com
Mader's serves German dishes and continental specialties. Their Sunday brunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $19.95 and offers an open buffet with authentic German food and traditional breakfast items with a medley of desserts and fruits.

Metro Bar and Cafe
411 E. Mason St., (414) 225-3270
www.hotelmetro.com
Inside Hotel Metro on the corner of Milwaukee and Mason downtown, Metro Bar and Cafe offers wonderful breakfast and brunches. The oatmeal, brulee style, is amazing.

Milwaukee River Cruise Line
1110 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 276-7447
edelweissboats.com
Sunday Brunch Cruise (12-2 p.m.) on the Edelweiss Boats features a two-hour, gourmet four-course brunch including orange juice, champagne, coffee, a fresh fruit plate, assorted muffins and pastries, egg strata, sausage, salmon locks, roasted potatoes and a veggie, followed by a cherry strudel for dessert. Prices with required advanced reservations: $40 for adults, $20 for children under 10 and free for children 4 and under.

Il Mito Enoteca
6913 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 443-1414
ilmito.com
Who says a delicious, hearty breakfast can't be classy and well-presented, too? Served from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Chef Michael Feker's brunch is the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, plating up heaping helpings of eggs and waffles, braised fish and ribs, and more.

Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern
1110 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 831-TUNA
mollycools.com/milwaukee
Molly Cool's offers a little bit of everything including an "All-You-Can-Eat Family Style" brunch. The menu carries salads, pasta, speciality breads, a daily fresh catch, omletes and Eggs Benedict. Brunch starts Sunday at 11 a.m.

Mo's Irish Pub
10842 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, (414) 774-9782
mosirishpub.com
Only at the Wauwatosa location, Mo's offers a breakfast menu including a traditional Irish breakfast, various omelets, Belgian waffles and a signature item of the day. For that extra leprachaun touch, you can even order a bowl of Lucky Charms. Brunch is on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The National
839 W. National Ave., (414) 431-6551
nationaleats.com
The National is probably one of the best hidden cafes in this town. Offering brunch daily, along with lunch and dinner, order classic Milwaukee favorites like a breakfast burrito, french toast, omelet or tofu scramble. Perfect for everyday eating, they have healthier options too. Honey and ginger infused yogurt, house-made granola and fresh fruit bowls come highly recommended plus all organic juices and Metropolis coffees and Rishi Teas.

New Port Shores
407 E. Jackson St., Port Washington, (262) 284-6838
Located on the shore, you can gaze out over the lovely Lake Michigan while you treat yourself to the Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The buffet-style meal is $8.95. Reservations are suggested.

The Original Pancake House
2625 N. Downer Ave., (414) 431-5055
originalpancakehouse.com
Everything from eggs to omelets to cereals and waffles make an appearance on the menu but don't miss the specialty pancakes. Pick from buttermilk, buckwheat or potatoe; Swedish, dollar size or traditional plus every topping you can imagine: pecans, strawberrys, blueberries and yes, bacon.

Osteria Del Mondo
1028 E. Juneau Ave., (414) 291-3770
osteria.com
On special occasions, such as Easter, Mother's Day and private parties, Osteria offers a brunch menu filled with Italian dishes, including delectable omelets and tasty frittata for the first course, followed by authentic Italian dishes featuring fresh seafood, perfect poultry or pasta. Finish the feast with a delicious scoop of gelato for dessert.

The Packing House
900 E. Layton Ave., (414) 483-5054
For just three and a half hours every Sunday, The Packing House fills guests with an all-you-can-eat buffet style brunch. Everything you can imagine includes four weekly changing entrees, meat stations, fresh made omelets and fresh bakery. The price for adults is $16.95 and for kids it's $8.95.

The Palms
221 N. Broadway (414) 291-3000
www.palmsbistrobar.com
Monkey business it is not, but you gotta love the monkeys on the walls at the Palms. The Third Ward hot spot dishes up brunch on the weekend with the City Market kickin' in the baked goods.

Palomino
2491 S. Superior St., (414) 747-1007
Just as tasty, veggie and deep-fried as the regular menu, Palomino serves a great hangover brunch with plenty of meat-free options; Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pfister
424 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 273-8222
pfisterhotel.com
Experience one of the city's ultimate buffet-style brunches in the historic Pfister Hotel from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $39.99. The hotel's Cafe at the Pfister also serves a great breakfast and brunch items daily.

Red Dot
2498 N. Bartlett Ave., (414) 964-5720
reddotmilwaukee.com
Cheap and greasy but oh, so good? That's Red Dot's brunch for you. Choose from eggs Benedict, various scramblers or straight up eggs and toast.

Rip Tide Seafood Bar and Grill
649 E. Erie St., (414) 271-8433
www.getriptide.com
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rip Tide offers a Sunday brunch buffet complete with everything seafood. For $22.95, chowdown on crab, shrimp and oysters plus french toast, eggs and Chef carved meats.

Riverwest Co-op and Cafe
733 E. Clarke St., (414) 264-7933
riverwestcoop.org
The Riverwest Cafe serves breakfast seven days a week with extended brunch hours on Saturday and Sunday. Using local and organic produce and goods as often as possible, the cafe offers brunch staples like pancakes, french toast and breakfast burritos. Most entrees can be made vegan. Prices range from $5-$8.

Riviera Maya
2258 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 294-4848
milwaukeemaya.com/Riviera
The menu is short and simple, but oh, so sweet. Choose from a list of authentic Mexican breakfasts including egg scrambles, omelettes or specialties. Oh, and don't miss the margaritas.

Roots
1818 N. Hubbard Ave, (414) 374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com
Located in Brewer's Hill, Roots menu changes seasonally and incorporates local produce into almost every dish. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the city as you dine. Entree items include the Waffle Monte Cristo, weekly changing crepes, Roots Benedict and a tofu scrambler. Prices range from $8-12.

Rustico
223 N. Water St., (414) 220-9933
rusticopizzeria.com
You might wonder, pizza for brunch? Yep, that's the idea at Rustico. On Saturday and Sunday, Rustico flips the menu and offers specialty breakfast pizzas along with standard fare like eggs, fritattas and french toast. The favorite? Try the Breakfast Calzone stuffed with sausage, mozzarella, egg, basil, onion and pomodoro sauce.

Sala da Pranzo
2613 E. Hampshire St., (414) 964-2611
sala-dapranzo.com
Trading out the Italian menu, Sala offers a traditional brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu includes Italian Benedict, waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, scramblers and the breakfast burrito.

Saz's
5539 W. State St., (414) 256-8778
www.sazs.com/Restaurant/index.html
You'll get a healthy portion of everything meaty at Saz's. Served all-you-can-eat style, pick from a long list of entrees, omelets, desserts and a Chef Carved Baron of Beef. Eat every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sheridan's
5133 S. Lake Dr., Cudahy, (414) 747-9800
sheridanhouseandcafe.com
This hidden cafe serves up delicious healthier fare in a quaint and cozy setting. They serve plenty of classic comforts but don't miss the oatmeal pancakes served with sauteed apples or lingonberries. In true brunch form, you can also order from a selection of sandwiches, salads and burgers. Served Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Smyth
500 W. Florida St., (414) 831-4615
theironhorsehotel.com/smyth.php
New to the Iron Horse Hotel, Smyth's food combines American comfort with seasonal touches-- perfect for brunch, no? For a slightly pricier brunch, try the Cured Meat Plate, Scottish Salmon Lox, Candy Apple Pork Loin or Pan Roasted Swordfish. Brunch is served Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stack'd
170 S. 1st St., (414) 273-7800
stackedbar.com
You know you're in for an indulgent brunch at a burger bar. Serving their daily menu, "Sunday Funday" at Stack'd calls for deals on Bloody Mary's, Hangover Burgers and pulled pork nachos. Not too into the meat scene? Don't worry, they've got loads of veggie options too.

Tess
2499 N. Bartlett Ave., (414) 964-8377
The atmosphere alone is worth the drive or walk to the East Side's Tess. World cuisine works early mornings too as Tess makes brunch classy and cozy.

Trinity Three Irish Pubs
125 E. Juneau Ave., (414) 278-7033
trinitythreeirishpubs.com
Choose from just nine traditional Irish entrees like corned beef hash, Bailey's Irish Cream dipped french toast or the Irish breakfast. In bartender form, the brunch drink menu encourages guests to cure hangovers with fruit infused cocktails.

Trocadero
1758 N. Water St., (414) 272-0205
ztrocadero.com
Trocadero is one of the best places in town for brunch with its choice of settings. Nothing beats brunch on the patio (heated in winter) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Of course, there's lots to choose from, but how can you ignore the crepes stuffed with mushrooms or spinach or the classic jambon et gruyere? Items range from $5 to $15.

Tulip
364 E. Erie St., (414) 273-5252
tulipmilwaukee.com
Tulip recently added brunch to their dining hours. A combination of Mediterranean and American favorites, Tulip serves an egg and spinach souffle, eggs Benedict, banana and almond pancakes as well as several Turkish specialities. They offer a substantial breakfast drink menu. Prices range from $6-$10.

Twisted Fork
2238 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 431-1080
twisted-fork.com
Twisted Fork is a comfortable eatery with a range of options that will please most diners and most pocketbooks. Saturday and Sunday brunches run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and items range from $7.95 to $10.

Water Street Brewery
1101 N. Water St., (414) 272-1195
waterstreetbrewery.com
Beer for breakfast? Why not. Water Street Brewery does the brunch thing on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. with French toast, omelets and of course seasonal, specialty beers!

Weissgerber's Seven Seas
1807 Nagawicka Rd., Hartland, (262) 367-3903
weissgerbers.com
The Seven Seas is lakeside dining at its best, with an outstanding reputation for fine seafood and continental selections. Sunday champagne brunches, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., are $18.95 and welcome all for a delicious delight.

The Wicked Hop
345 N. Broadway, (414) 223-0345
thewickedhop.com
The Wicked Hop has an interesting menu which includes names like Eggs Benedict XVI and Sierra Padre. Plus if you're in the mood for a drink, there are seven brunch drinks on the menu including the expensive and large The Glass Slipper ($24 with a $50 deposit) which is the house Bloody Mary served in a 67.628 German Boot. Brunch is served Sunday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with prices ranging from $2 (a la carte items) to $11.95.

If we've left out your favorite brunch spot, please add it by using the Talkback feature below.