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.
Replete with oak, pecan, and pine trees, vintage bungalows and ranches from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, as well as top-rated schools, this duo of neighborhoods has drawn in a steady crowd of young families–but this nearby ‘burb still has cool factor, as these stellar brunch options prove.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest are defined as the area covered by this map.
Where to Brunch in Garden Oaks & Oak Forest
- Cottonwood – We’re sure you know about the 40-plus taps of suds and lineup of live music, corn hole, and fire pits by night, but did you know this constantly packed patio bar also rocks a killer brunch? Get breakfast panini with bacon, eggs, cheese, and chipotle aioli; go for green migas with salsa verde, poblano cheesy grits, and sausage; load up on biscuits and gravy, or hit the sweet spot with tres leches French toast. Those looking for lunchier items can dig into boudin burgers, braised brisket sloppy “JoJos,” and fish tacos. Pair it all with a pepper, garlic, and onion-infused Bloody Mary or the excellent roster of cherry-picked, hard-to-score brews. Sunday 11am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Shepherd Park Draught House – Hit this modern pub (which boasts a wrap-around patio for nice days) to grub on satisfying brunch plates at $12 a pop. Get everything from eggs benny and a bacon-egg-and-potato-loaded breakfast burrito, to a Shipley glazed donut waffle. Looking for something light? The breakfast scramble, stacked with feta, sun-dried tomato, spinach, and shrooms will do. Tack on bloodys, bellinis, and mimosas by the pint. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Slowpokes– Molletes, salmon bagels, breakfast tacos, and ham & brie croissants are all the breakfast menu at this feel-good coffee shop (there’s also a donut grilled cheese perfect for brunch). Pair them with lattes, flat whites, and espresso macchiatos. Monday through Friday 7am to 10pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am to 10pm. Click here for directions.
- The Union Kitchen – A few starters for the table are a must here (yes, even at brunch). Share beignets, cinnamon rolls, and glazed donut holes. Then move on to the big guns—think Texas Blue Crab eggs benedict; omelets packed with char-grilled hangar steak and salsa, or, butter-poached lobster and chipotle crème fraiche; and house specialties like fried chicken and biscuits, breakfast tacos, and hangover hash. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Click here for directions.
- Wakefield Crowbar – Over at Wakefield Crowbar, you’ll find 39 taps and three sand volleyball courts where you can unleash that competitive side, plus weekend brunch. Sip on $3 mimosas and $5 to $6 bloody mary cocktails (or $3 shot versions), while you nosh on breakfast croissants, chicken and waffles, huevos rancheros, and Frosted Flakes-crusted French toast. Saturday and Sunday 10am. Click here for directions.
Other great options in Garden Oaks & Oak Forest
Hit Govinda’s Vegetarian Buffet, where you’ll find a daily lunch spread of Indian delights that can double as brunch on the weekends (or whenever you please); smash breakfast tacos at local favorites Tacos A Go Go, Berryhill, and La Tita Gorda Mexican Restaurante; fill your plate at the GOOF outpost of Aladdin Mediterranean Grill; and slurp pho at Les Ba’Get and Pho Le.
