In our Where to Brunch series, we search Greater Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods and communities 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.
Open since the end of 2015, the River Oaks District is a mixed-use development that spans 650,000 square feet complete with tree-lined streets and walkways, boutiques, sidewalk cafes and more. The district has become one of Houston’s most beloved destinations, offering luxury shopping, entertainment, and dining (including brunch) all in one.
Where to Brunch in the River Oaks District
- Bisou – This chic spot is the place to see and be seen, with a weekend brunch that brings the party. Nosh on small bites like tuna tartare, lump crab beignets, grilled Gulf oysters, and roasted beets with goat cheese mousse; and enjoy egg mains and such from filet tip omelets, smoked salmon avocado toast, and bananas foster French toast to brunch sliders and shrimp & grits. Saturday 10am to 3pm; Sunday 10am to noon (with a Sunday Brunch Party from noon to 4pm). Click here for directions.
- Toulouse Cafe and Bar – People watch and get a Parisian-inspired brunch at this cozy French café. Start with les fruits de mer or petite gougeres drizzled with truffle oil, nosh on moules marinière or NY strip with pommes frites, get brunch with plates like smoked salmon benedict and duck confit hash, and save room for beignets with cappuccino sauce. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3:30pm. Click here for directions.
- Loch Bar – Rocking one of the area’s largest raw bars and a wide selection of craft beer, cocktails, and whiskey, this posh seafood tavern is the new “it” place in town. Brunch brings eats from nduja hash and chicken-fried ribeye and eggs with queso gravy to crab cakes benedict fried chicken & beignets. Of course, you can also dig into impressive seafood towers featuring a chef’s selection of East Coast oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp cocktail, Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, and crudos. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Ouzo Bay – This hot new spot (and sister concept to Loch Bar) offers a breezy taste of the Mediterranean right in the middle of Houston, offering a light and refreshing menu on weekend late-mornings and early afternoons. Share classic mezedes spreads from hummus and tzatziki to tirokafteri, a roasted red pepper and feta number; then dig into plates like the lamb kofta burger, sweet and delicate Aegean bronzino, and a Mediterranean fisherman’s stew plump with sea scallop, crab claw, and blue mussels in a saffron broth. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
More Great Brunch Options in River Oaks District
Wake up to the Breakfast Burger at Hopoddy Burger Bar, a bodacious burger made with a sausage, ham, & beef grind patty, egg patty, smoked bacon, American cheese, potato hay, and herb mayo, or add a fried egg to any burger on the menu; treat yourself to a Vietnamese feast at Le Colonial; go for lobster rolls and fried chicken sammies at East Hampton Sandwich Company; or dig into brioche-crusted crab cakes, buttermilk fried chicken with spicy bacon maple syrup, and mac and cheese “fries” at The Tuck Room inside iPic Houston.
