There’s no nice way to write this. So, here it goes: the promise of Sunday brunch gets my family to church on time. But I can’t point the finger at them for loving the incentive. I’m guilty, too. Toward the end of the service, I’m thinking about “together time,” complete with a meal that I don’t have to prepare or clean up.

Luckily, the downtown area lends itself nicely to a brunch scene that’s worth checking out. With close proximity to numerous places of worship, theaters, museums and shopping, downtown restaurants can be a perfect spot for a weekend meal before a matinee, exhibit or even before your much-needed nap.

Join Midtown Magazine for a look at the atmosphere and food inside some of Raleigh’s favorite brunch spots.

The Oxford (Sundays 10am-3pm)

For diners who are hungry or simply looking for a little taste of many flavors, a gastropub may be the order of the day. Think: The Oxford on scenic Fayetteville Street.

The restaurant’s Sunday brunch is a buffet complete with stations for custom omelets, pancakes and waffles. “There are tons of mix-in options,” says The Oxford’s Tara Zechini. “So our guests can have anything from chocolate chip pancakes to a feta and spinach omelet.” And, really, who doesn’t love the sizzle and aroma of a Belgian waffle baking?

Beyond the stations (which include a prime rib carving station), the restaurant serves up heaping bowls of green salad, fruit plates, desserts and unique menu items such as shepherd’s pie. It’s all about choosing what you like inside this British-inspired eatery. And children may select their brunch favorites at a special rate. (The buffet is free for children five and younger, with a paying adult; it’s $7.50 for six- to ten-year-olds.)

Now that the holiday rush is over, January brings downtime. Brunch at The Oxford fol- lowed by a short walk to Winterfest for outdoor ice-skating? Sounds like the making of a wonderful Sunday afternoon. 

Irregardless Cafe (Saturdays 9am-3pm Sundays 10am-2pm)

Arthur Gordon knows what his restaurant’s call- ing card is. And after 35 years in the business,he can explain it in a heartbeat. “It’s like you’re coming home instead of going out to eat…no freezer, nothing pre-processed…and the staying power is from taking dishes from around the world and adapting them to the Raleigh palate,” says Gordon. 

Examples of this food fusion: Leos, an egg- and-salmon dish served with a toasted bagel and apple sauce, which is a nod to his father’s upbringing in New York’s Lower East Side; and cheese blintzes (crepes filled with orange zest and fresh farmer’s cheese) like his Russian-born grandmother used to make. 

Other tasty favorites include banana walnut pancakes, eggs Benedict with crab cake, shrimp and grits and the Cape Charles omelet with back fin crabmeat and sea scallops in a light béchamel sauce. It’s important to Gordon that patrons have an easy experience, so each meal comes with fresh squeezed orange juice and choice of coffee, iced tea or milk. (Children’s portions are also available.)

There’s a certain calm inside Irregardless Café. It may come from the live guitar music at brunch, morning sunlight pouring in the front windows of the building on West Morgan Street or the owner’s simple “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” attitude.

Humble PIe (Sundays 11am-2pm)

Situated downtown on South Harrington Street, Humble Pie is known for its comfortable atmosphere and delectable eats. For more than 20 years, it has served up brunch from its warehouse- style restaurant where colorful paper lanterns dot the tall ceilings and the outdoor patio can seat up to 60 people when the weather’s right.

Patrons love the complimentary, pre- meal biscuits, which are made from scratch and served hot with flour dusting across the top and a crunchy texture on the bottom. The younger set will delight in the pancakes and French toast with strawberries. (Kids’ portions are available for about $5.) And when it comes to a Southern favorite – shrimp and grits – Humble Pie does not disappoint, with the entrée’s flavorful broth and creamy grits. Egg dishes, such as the popular huevos rancheros and classic steak and eggs, don’t disappoint either. Forget cold eggs, Humble Pie diners can see the steam flying off of the food.

The old standby beverages – juices and coffee – are available. And Humble Pie also serves up a delicious Bloody Mary, as well as peach-flavored Bellinis, says owner Joe Farmer, who recommends reservations.

NOFO At The PIg Cafe (Saturday & Sunday, 10am-3pm)

It’s a little difficult even for owner Jean Martin to describe her restaurant. Located in Raleigh’s Five Points area, NOFO at the Pig is many things, from colorful and upbeat to quirky and unpretentious. 

More than a restaurant, it’s an experience. NOFO is housed inside a renovated Piggly Wiggly building, which holds the cafe as well as a food market and gift shop, where activity is constant with trunk shows, author appearances and tastings. All that action can be a good thing since it’s not uncommon to wait for a table dur- ing the popular brunch hours.

Celebrated brunch entrees include eggs Benedict, the Ashe County omelet (made with country ham, sharp cheddar and Granny Smith apples), shrimp and grits (which are served over cheese grits), pulled pork hash (think: green chili hollandaise sauce) and big bear scramble. For those who like a sweet breakfast, the French toast is a must-try. NOFO delights with its famous Bloody Mary, which is made from the café’s own mix and served with dilly bean, says Martin. 

Hibernian (Sundays 11am-2:30pm)

If you happen to drive through Glenwood South on a Sunday afternoon, there’s no mistaking the hustle and bustle spilling out of Hibernian, a comfortable Irish pub that serves up a Sunday brunch buffet. On a cold day, Hibernian has the warmth patrons are looking for, and it comes from the atmosphere as well as the comfort foods. On a warm day, diners may sit outside near flower-filled hanging baskets and enjoy the traditional fare.

Patrons rave about the shepherd’s pie, which is loaded with potatoes, carrots, other veggies, meat and melted cheese. Also tops are the array of desserts, fruit, corned beef, potato dishes and famous maple syrup bacon. It’s worth a trip just for the melt-in-your-mouth bacon and brunch drink specials.

 

This article was written by Kate Turgeon for the Midtown Magazine, and was featured in their January/February edition.  The Midtown Magazine is now online!  Visit them at www.midtownmag.com.