Brunch isn't just for Mother's Day anymore. And while you can find delectable brunch options at restaurants across the country, for our money, splashing out on an indulgent brunch buffet is one of the best ways to go. These all-you-can-eat extravaganzas often win over even buffet skeptics with their wide array of breakfast and lunch favorites, elegant ambience, and glasses of bubbly. Ready to splurge this weekend? Here are 22 of the nation's best places to brunch in style.
Long Beach, California
All aboard for a lavish brunch on The Queen Mary, flagship of the Cunard Line from the 1930s through the 1960s. Now permanently docked in California, The Queen Mary serves as a floating hotel and home to one of the most eye-popping brunches in the country. Bountiful seafood is a given, but you'll also find prime rib and beef brisket, a street taco station, sushi and sashimi, pasta, and elegant desserts like petits fours. Endless glasses of champagne and classical music just add to the Art Deco ambience of the ship's Grand Salon. Get a first-hand look from the Travel Channel here.
Reviewer rave: "We went for a Sunday brunch and what a pleasure. The surroundings are amazing, the food was beyond dreams, and the staff were absolutely wonderful. And they keep pouring that champagne. Yes, maybe you might think that the price is a bit high — but it's worth every cent. And after the brunch you can go explore the fantastic ship." — Missbr1 on TripAdvisor
Bentonville, Arkansas
Brunch at Eleven, one of the nation's most beautiful restaurants, is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The brunch buffet is billed as "high South cuisine," and you'll find all the favorites: shrimp and grits, smoked trout, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and plenty more. Rounding out the spread is an optional bloody mary bar. Don't fill up too much: You'll also want to see the museum's impressive collection, which includes big names like Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell.
Reviewer rave: "Brunch buffets don't do much for me. They are generally mediocre, at best. Eleven just changed my mind. The items are fresh, hot, and so tasty. Shrimp and grits with a kick were the best! Homemade flaky biscuits, scrambled eggs and several southern gravies polished it off. There are fabulous salads. Worth the price." — Barbara T on TripAdvisor
Fargo, North Dakota
If you're a bloody mary fan, head to Fargo's Granite City Brewery for the Sunday brunch of a lifetime. There are more than 300 possible combos once you pick a vodka, heat level, chaser, and garnish. If mimosas are more your speed, don't worry — they're endless. As for food, that's not too shabby, either. There's a carving table with prime rib; made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict and breakfast sandwiches; brunch classics like bacon, pancakes and fruit; and rotating chef's specials. Top it all off with a stop at the doughnut creation station.
Reviewer rave: "I have been to brunch buffets that were much bigger with wider selection but I cannot think of one that had better food. There was the usual breakfast selections ... but they also had a couple of great homemade salads, prime rib and pork loin carving station, delicious pasta with sausage, assorted veggies and such. The surprise was that everything I tried was absolutely delicious." — PaxvilleBoy on TripAdvisor
Seattle, Washington
The weekend brunch at Salty's draws a reliable crowd of folks who are ready to gorge, and what a spread you'll have if you can stand the sometimes long waits. Seafood is plentiful, including Dungeness crab, chilled Alaskan snow crab legs, clams and mussels fresh from the Puget Sound, peel-and-eat shrimp, chowder, and oysters on the half shell. Other favorites are pasta, omelets, waffles and pancakes, and plentiful desserts including a chocolate fountain. What's more, you'll get a picture-postcard view of Seattle from across the harbor while you sip a bloody mary from the build-your-own bloody mary bar.
Reviewer rave: "I come here often, and I travel often, and this is by far the most amazing brunch you will ever have. Seattle skyline in the view of everyone here and the food is amazing. The service is the best you will get — they have servers who have been working here for a decade or more, and you notice it. The food is fresh and the care in which they prepare it is noticeable." — Subidos on TripAdvisor
Related: 23 Restaurants with Crazy Lines That Are Still Worth the Wait
Palm Beach, Florida
Sunday brunch at The Circle, inside The Breakers Palm Beach, doesn't come cheap. At press time, the price was a cool $120 per person, not including tax and a service charge. But if you decide to splash out on what The Daily Meal calls "the most stunning and opulent brunch in America," here's what to expect: An elegant '20s-era dining room, sweeping ocean views, limitless champagne and other alcoholic beverages, top-notch service, and the soothing sounds of a harpist. As for the food, pace yourself: Crab legs, sushi, shrimp cocktail, caviar, beef tenderloin, prime rib, smoked salmon, decadent pastas and more accompany traditional breakfast dishes and a dessert spread of at least 30 different selections.
Reviewer rave: "The room is exquisite, the food is delectable, and the servers are on top of mimosas (careful though, you'll have no idea how many you've had because they are always refilling them for you)! ... They will not leave you wanting. One word of caution, if you have a dinner reservation for the same night, cancel it ... you won't need it, you'll be too full." — Snalps77 on TripAdvisor
Related: 30 All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Restaurants Reviewers Love
Tucson, Arizona
For a brunch with a more relaxed feel, look no further than the Blues, Brews & BBQ Sunday Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon. Kick back poolside with unlimited beer or mimosas, listen to the live band, and nosh on everything from breakfast favorites like eggs and pancakes to seafood, ribs, burgers, grilled fish and roasted veggies. Recently spotted at the dessert station: S'mores, churros, apple crisp, and a dizzying array of other sweet treats.
Reviewer rave: "My husband and I arrived for vacation in Tucson early just to have brunch here after reading the reviews. First the great ... the service was exemplary! Every single waitstaff who walked by our table asked if we needed anything ... Now the greatest ... the food! So fresh, so plentiful and so delicious." — CentralValleyFull on TripAdvisor
Washington, D.C.
Long considered the pinnacle of D.C.'s thriving brunch scene, Sunday's buffet brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown is definitely worthy of a splurge for special occasions, with service that inspires reviewer accolades usually not associated with a buffet. The spread is nothing to sneeze at, either, with everything from crab cakes, grilled lamb, oysters and scallops to breakfast favorites, creative salads, and even a taco station. Better still, you may even rub elbows with some of the Washington's power players.
Reviewer rave: "From the front of the house staff to the servers, the service is wonderful. Everyone is attentive and your champagne glass is filled before it is even empty! Come on ... unlimited mimosas! Plates are removed promptly and the food is replenished constantly so it is always fresh!" — Lori D, TripAdvisor
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
This notable seaside resort goes all out for Sunday Brunch, where patrons can choose a plated main course like eggs benedict, sweet potato pancakes or a brunch burger to round out their selections from a crepe station, seafood-packed raw bar, cheese and charcuterie table, and dessert display. Unlimited sparkling wine, ocean views, and entertainment from an experienced jazz, blues and soul musician come standard.
Reviewer rave: "The raw bar is outstanding. Order a crepe made especially to your wants. Champagne pouring as much as you need by excellent servers. Salads, charcuterie, desserts and then an array of entrees to choose from. Never rushed to leave, we stayed for a couple of hours then just hung in the lobby for couple of more." — 408frankk on TripAdvisor
Austin, Texas
If you're craving brunch with a south-of-the-border twist, longtime Austin mainstay Fonda San Miguel should be high atop your list. Staple dishes have included quail, cochinita pibil, ceviche, huevos rancheros, different moles, tamales, enchiladas, ribs, shrimp, and fish. Sweet treats include favorites like tres leches, flan, and chocolate cake. While repeat visitors warn to expect crowds, they say the charming ambience and top-notch food are worth a little elbowing.
Reviewer rave: "The food was extremely well seasoned and the recipes fairly unique. The huitlacoche tamales were delicious. Living in Dallas, we eat Mexican and Central American food often, but Fonda San Miguel presented each dish with flavors that we had not experienced. I highly recommend this place for a Sunday brunch so that you can taste everything on the buffet. The wait staff was very professional and efficient." — DudesAdrift on TripAdvisor
Coronado, California
A visit to the Hotel del Coronado is a must just to take in the gorgeous beach and exquisite Victorian architecture at one of the nation's most historic hotels, so the indulgent Crown Room Brunch is just icing on the cake. The spread includes a seafood bar packed with local fish, poke, crab legs and shrimp; carving stations with pork belly and prime rib; gooey cinnamon rolls; omelets; tacos; dim sum; and even a ramen station. A half-dozen flavors of gelato and tons of toppings are the stars of the extensive dessert selection. Wash it all down with a bloody mary or bottomless mimosas.
Reviewer rave: "This is our favorite San Diego area brunch. Not only is everything fresh and plentiful, but the choices are so expansive it's almost overwhelming. There are tons of savory and sweet options. Breakfast and lunch favorites. I love the handmade donut bar and the custom Bloody Marys and mimosas!" — WeAtTheSea on TripAdvisor
Freeport, Maine
Just down the street from L.L.Bean headquarters, cozy Harraseeket Inn serves a daily breakfast and lunch buffet. We recommend you save your visit for a Sunday, though, when the indulgent brunch buffet is available. A recent menu was packed with mouth-watering selections like lobster halves, organic prime rib, roasted chicken, lobster fritters, baked brie, short rib mac and cheese, and braised beef and egg quesadillas.
Reviewer rave: "I was blown away by the total experience. First the food: lobster, game pates, fresh cinnamon rolls, salads galore, five-star prime rib, fresh crepes, and lots more. The desserts were imaginative and delicious (I had to sample several). The staff, to a person, were extremely concerned that we enjoy ourselves. The location is convenient and the ambiance is first class." — Gary C on TripAdvisor
New Orleans
What could be more N'awlins than brunching in a French Quarter courtyard while a jazz trio provides even more ambience? The Court of Two Sisters' Jazz Brunch, held daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the spot to kick back and enjoy a Southern feast for the senses. Selections include gumbo and other soups, eggs and omelets, Cajun and crawfish pastas, hand-carved roast beef, shrimp etouffee, jambalaya, pork ribs, homemade biscuits, fresh fruit, and desserts like bananas foster and pecan pie.
Reviewer rave: "Wonderful experience. The courtyard table with the jazz playing in the background was inviting and pleasant. Service was outstanding and left nothing to desire. Brunch was excellent with the bread pudding to die for. The historic surroundings, music, helpful staff and fantastic food makes this restaurant a place you don't want to pass up." — John C on TripAdvisor
San Francisco
The Sunday Champagne Brunch at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins' Top of the Mark is surely among the most extravagant on the West Coast. The spread is equal to the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline that patrons can enjoy while sipping endless glasses of bubbly, too. A recent menu featured a seafood-packed raw bar with caviar, mussels, clams, crab, prawns and oysters; smoked fish; prime rib; dim sum; beef tenderloin medallions; made-to-order omelets; French toast with wild berry syrup; and much more. Get a feel for the bounty in this video.
Reviewer rave: "We were looking at the Golden Gate Bridge along with half the city from our table! The food?! Not one thing was less than fabulous. Every single bite of anything we tried was delicious!!! The service?! You couldn't drink a swallow of your champagne and set your glass down without it being topped back off! I swear that's not an exaggeration!! The service was excellent." — shaylae2017 on TripAdvisor
Chicago
If the idea of a swanky hotel brunch is a bit of a snooze fest, try out the well-known Saturday and Sunday "boozy brunch" at the massive Freemont in River North, which the restaurant review site The Infatuation describes as "the downtown Chicago equivalent of a Vegas pool party on the weekends." No, there's not actually a pool, but there is a retractable roof, a DJ, and plenty of over-the-top flourishes like a doughnut wall, seafood tower and bloody mary bar. Unlimited mimosas are available for an additional fee, too.
Reviewer rave: "The food options in the brunch were incredible — from oysters and shrimp to beef sliders and mac and cheese, there were plenty of food options. ... The refills on our drinks were immediate and plenty. Round off this experience with an amazing DJ and a great rooftop lounge after brunch — I don't think you can get better than this as far as weekend brunches go." — Chantini D on TripAdvisor
Newark, Delaware
Calling all brunch fanatics: The Sunday brunch buffet at Deerfield Golf Club is your nirvana. Served most Sundays late October through early May, it's billed as "Delaware's ultimate brunch experience" and features plenty of locally caught seafood, made-to-order omelets and eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, brown sugar bacon, fresh biscuits, and even a doughnut wall. Of course, there's also $5 mimosas, so drink up.
Reviewer rave: "The amount of time, effort, care, and attention that goes into this brunch boggles the mind. Every staff person is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Managers make the rounds seeking input and suggestions on what is working (everything) and what could be improved (not a single thing)." — GHartley on TripAdvisor
Independence, Missouri
If you'd rather load up on carbs than the seafood often featured at other brunch buffets, V's, just outside Kansas City, has your back. At its Sunday Champagne Brunch, the usual eggs, bacon and French toast are accompanied by a pasta station where you can choose your own pastas, sauces and toppings; stuffed shells, chicken pomodori, salmon, carved ham and beef, and garlic breadsticks are also on offer. Rum cake, cinnamon rolls, pecan pie and more offer a sweet ending.
Reviewer rave: "The food is carefully prepared, fresh, and attractively presented. A pasta station with plenty of options is a feature although there were wonderful eggs benedict, fresh vegetables, and meats. The dessert table featured lots of fruit and two baked desserts — bread pudding and chocolate cake. As always, the service was excellent with frequent refills on mimosas, coffee, and juice." — Baldy47 on TripAdvisor
Las Vegas
Bally's Steakhouse becomes a legendary brunch wonderland every Sunday morning, noted first and foremost for its unlimited champagne and mimosas. A buffet line includes high-dollar items like prime rib, crab legs, lobster tails and sushi, but you'll also find more creative dishes like truffle mashed potatoes and banana bread pudding French toast. Waiters are happy to bring other dishes right to your table once those glasses of bubbly start going to your head, too. Pro tip: Don't fill up on the Gruyere popovers you'll get when you sit down.
Reviewer rave: "The service is always right on point — you're treated like royalty. Lobster tails were replenished constantly — cooked perfectly. Shrimp — large and fantastic. Filet mignon — mouth-watering. The champagne glasses were always full. Plates disappeared while you were at the buffet. Sterling has choices you cannot get anywhere else on other buffets. It's worth the price for a special day." — cathyeden702 on TripAdvisor
Hampton, New Hampshire
The buffet-style Sunday brunch spread at The Old Salt, the restaurant at historic Lamie's Inn, will inspire even the sleepiest souls to get out of bed. They'll find eye-popping fruit arrangements, cheese platters, muffins, pastries, sausage, bacon, eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles. If brunch is closer to lunch, there's also poached salmon, pastas, hand-carved turkey, roast beef, and other heartier fare. A chocolate fountain and dessert table offer a sweet ending.
Reviewer rave: "All the food trays were full with fresh food. Everything was excellent from the gouda mac and cheese to the haddock in lobster sauce. The waitstaff kept the plates cleared and the glasses full. The keyboard player entertained us with his humor and played 'Our Funny Valentine' and Happy Birthday requests. The chocolate fountain and our special birthday dessert were great." — The R on TripAdvisor
Miami
The Biltmore battles it out with The Breakers for South Florida brunch supremacy. The ambience inside is undeniably elegant, but for a truly special experience, try to snag a spot in the lush fountain courtyard. The first-class food may even blast away your stereotypes of buffets, with selections including herb-rubbed leg of lamb with mint sauce, eggs benedict with black truffle hollandaise, Peruvian white fish and lime ceviche, chocolate bonbons and homemade marshmallows. Of course, endless champagne or bellinis and live music round out the experience.
Reviewer rave: "This is our fifth time there and love it each time more and more. The food is excellent, the service is excellent. The place is so beautiful, we always eat outside because the charm the music just makes your day. It's a must to see, the champagne is poured freely all you can drink and the food never stops. It is hard to say what is the best because each section was better than the last." — SATRAT2013 on TripAdvisor
Las Vegas
Bacchanal at Caesars Palace is "the standard against which all Las Vegas buffets are judged," according to Thrillist. With brunch hours every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a meal here should be on the agenda of every Vegas visitor, and the price is a lot easier on the wallet than Bally's fancier Sterling Sunday brunch. That doesn't mean you'll go hungry, though: This might be one of the biggest brunch spreads in the nation. Reviewers rave about the insane variety, and a recent video tour showcases what you might expect. Specialties noted on the website include truffle deviled eggs, lump crab avocado toast and red velvet pancakes.
Reviewer rave: "If you are hesitant, just go. You will not regret it. Also every food and cuisine imaginable is here. There are so many different things to try. If you don't like one thing that's okay because there are 50 others to try from. Our server was very nice. We did have mimosas at brunch, which was fun. It held us over for pretty much the whole day. It was excellent. We cannot recommend this enough." — DisneyTraveler21 on TripAdvisor
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Soak in all the ambience of a first-class Sunday brunch at The Broadmoor's Lake Terrace Dining Room, where chefs decked out in tall white hats will happily help serve you more than 150 selections as diverse as smoked salmon and crab claws; prime rib; sushi; berry-smothered French toast; and made-to-order bananas foster. Champagne, ice carvings, and live piano music nudge the experience over the top. And if you're not done splurging, the hotel also hosts the five-star Penrose Room, one of the nation's top fine dining restaurants.
Reviewer rave: "Sunday Brunch here is one of the best that I have ever experienced, and it is definitely the very best that I have experienced in Colorado Springs! The food spread is quite extensive, the service is first-rate, where the waitstaff knows when to be present and when not to hover at one's table. The food choices have something for everyone, from vegan to the far other end of the food chain; no one should leave without having a great gustatory experience!" — Bruce H on TripAdvisor
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
The menu at Bavarian Inn's European Sunday Brunch Buffet includes plenty of nods to nations across the pond, but German food is the highlight. Choices include spaetzle, sauerbraten, various sausages, sauerkraut, and even Black Forest cake. Of course, you'll also find brunch stalwarts like eggs and waffles, oysters, shrimp, salmon, prime rib, and ham. Kiddos get their own table of goodies featuring PB&J, chicken fingers, and soft pretzels. For a small fee, you can also make as many visits as you please to a bloody mary and mimosa station.
Reviewer rave: "The food was amazing, with a wide variety of choices both American and German. You could tell that everything was made from scratch, including the wild game sausages and terrines, and the care that went into the food resulted in an excellent quality." — Pyrusticia on TripAdvisor