In our Where to Brunch series, we search Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods for the very best brunch offerings. Originally published in 2017, we are now refreshing, updating, and adding to this series, including new neighborhoods and destinations.
First imagined as a planned community and streetcar hub, this largely residential neighborhood has morphed into the heart of Houston. Today, Montrose‘s eccentricity shines through a mosaic of century-old bungalows and sky-scraping townhomes, offbeat bars and music dives, awe-inspiring art galleries and theaters, funky shops and local businesses, and plenty of excellent spots to brunch.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Montrose is defined by this map.
Where to Brunch in Montrose
- a’Bouzy – Sip Champagne and people-watch at this chic, bubbly-fueled party spot, which rocks sophisticated brunch plates from duck fat pommes frites & eggs and braised pork hash to salmon gravlax and French onion soup. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Common Bond – Get Instagram-worthy brunch plates and decadent pastries and desserts at this neighborhood hot spot. On weekends, you’ll likely find a line out the door, but it moves fast, and you need time to decide between Challah French toast or lox tartine, ancho pork tamale Benedict or herb-dusted soft scramble, and buttery kouign-amann or a pistachio stuffed croissant bigger than your head, anyway. Saturday and Sunday 7am to 4pm. Click here for directions.
- Cuchara – The flavors of Mexico City are bright and intoxicating at this airy, eye-catching bistro. At brunch, plates of Hidalgo-style lamb barbacoa and fiery posole sit next to cheese enchiladas and huevos divorciados (“divorced” eggs and tortillas with both green and red salsa). On nice days, the outdoor patio is the perfect spot to sip a michelada while you dine. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Click here for directions.
- Empire Café – Breakfast is served seven days a week at this local favorite, but on weekends, the hours expand. House specialties include focaccia eggs, loaded frittatas, homemade pancakes, and coffee cordials, like the Coffee Royale with Disaronno Amaretto, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Frangelico. The patio is known to get packed on nicer days and the café is counter service, so you’ll have to find your own seat. Add a giant slice of cake and any worries about that will melt away. Saturday and Sunday 7:30am to 1pm. Click here for directions.
- Hugo’s – Dining at Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant is a Houston right of passage, and while it’s excellent any time of day, the Sunday brunch buffet is pure pleasure. That’s when you’ll find a bountiful spread of Mexican eats, featuring classics like ceviche, carnitas, chilaquiles, lechon, chile relleno, and tamales, plus an indulgent dessert buffet. The feast costs $35 per person or $12 per child (12 and under). The restaurant also offers an a la carte brunch selections on Saturdays. Saturday 11am to 3pm; Sunday 10am to 2pm. Click here for directions.
- Max’s Wine Dive – Right next door to Cuchara, this second location of Max’s Wine Dive draws a hungry crowd every weekend. The dive is known for its fried chicken and champagne, so start with some mimosas and grub on things like fried chicken and honey butter benedict, wings and waffles, fried chicken and champagne salad, or truffle cream mac’ and cheese topped with fried chicken. Not feeling the bird? There are plenty of other options, from shrimp and grits to a massive fried egg sandwich. Saturday 10am to 3pm; Sunday 10am to 3:45pm. Click here for directions.
- Night Heron – Hit the tree-shaded patio at this neighborhood bistro, which offers brunch plates from honey chicken biscuits and sourdough avocado toast to stuffed conchiglie pasta and smoked gouda burgers. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3:30pm. Click here for directions.
- Postino Wine Cafe – The Montrose outpost of this wine cafe may have just opened at the end of summer 2019, but it already feels like an integral part of the neighborhood. Stop in for grilled focaccia and eggs, breakfast panini, and French toast with housemade berry preserves, alongside wines, coffees, and mimosas and bellinis. Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm. Click here for directions.
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Morning delights are served all day at this Denver import. The a.m. eatery has a line out the door every weekend thanks to its craveable offerings and great prices. Go for a pancake flight (yes, a flight), choosing from flavors like molten chocolate, blueberry danish, and pineapple upside down cake; or dig into the lineup of hollandaise-smothered eggs benedicts. Eye-opening cocktails, from kicked up mimosas to bloodys to boozy coffee drinks, are sure to wake you up. Daily 6:30am to 2pm. Click here for directions.
- UB Preserv – Brunch is done dim-sum-style at this globally-inspired kitchen. Get huaraches (masa cakes) topped with smoked trout roe, boudin siu mai, scrambled egg paratha, Thai crawfish omelets, and calamansi chicken wings, and save room for some ca phe sua da carrot cake for dessert. Sunday 10:30am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
More Great Brunch Options in Montrose
Get colossal breakfast burritos and buttermilk stacks at breakfast favorites Barnaby’s and Baby Barnaby’s; enjoy European-inspired fare with a side of culture at Bistro Menil; get a healthy, fully-satisfying breakfast at Vibrant; dig into Bananas Foster pancakes and pecan-smoked pork breakfast skillets at The Hay Merchant; enjoy brunch plates on the pleasant back patio at Brasil Cafe; look out for the reopening of the cult favorite Baba Yega; check out the new brunch menu at One Fifth; get your coffee fix and the best sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit in town at Blacksmith; and go for Mexican breakfast plates like chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, and huevos rancheros at neighborhood favorites including Cielito Cafe, La Mexicana, and La Guadalupana Bakery & Café.
