In our Where to Brunch series, we search Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods for the very best brunch offerings.
Named after pear trees abundant in the area in the 1890s, Pearland is the third largest city in the Houston MSA; while the neighboring area of Friendswood is a small town that grows more enticing by the day. The residential ‘hoods both offer a friendly, suburban vibe; and they both offer the chance to get your brunch on.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Pearland is roughly defined by this map and Friendswood by this map.
Where to Brunch in Pearland & Friendswood
- Brasserie 1895 – With luxe accents and Euro-inspired New American fare, this Friendswood brasserie is all class. At brunch, dine on seasonal dishes like omelet soufflés plump with bacon-leek ragout or lamb mergez, tomato and pepper; get crème brulee French toast drizzled with bourbon-berry-maple compote; or go big with the 44 Farms 1895 Burger, topped with melted brie and fontina and a Cognac-raisin and onion jam, and served with crisp Belgian frites. Whatever you go for, add a side of Mangalista thick-cut candied bacon. Sunday 10am to 2pm. Click here for directions.
- Grazia Italian Kitchen Pearland – Unwind with a leisurely weekend brunch at this Italian-Southern kitchen, with brunch plates ranging from smoked banana mascarpone-stuffed French toast, short rib and peppers omelets, and grilled pork chop and eggs to Cajun-dusted shrimp & grits kissed with smoked Gouda and jalapeño. Sunday 10am to 2pm. Click here for directions.
- Killen’s Barbecue – Whoever said brunch couldn’t be smoked? Chef Ronnie Killen’s Pearland powerhouse offers one of the finest examples of barbecue in the city. Show up early to grab a good spot in line (don’t worry, there’s free beer while you wait), then get ready to choose between luscious and might beef ribs; smoked and salt-and-pepper kissed brisket, turkey and pork ribs; snappy pork and beef sausages; creamed corn, baked beans, and creamy mac’; seasonal cobbler, bread pudding, and carrot cake; and Sunday-only fried chicken. Our advice? Bring friends so you can share it all. Opens at 11am (closed Mondays). Click here for directions.
- King’s Biergarten – Scratch-made is the name of the game at this festive German biergarten, and every feast is fit for a king. Dig into Vienna hash with housemade cheese brats, homestyle potatoes, and a sunny-side-up egg; wake up with the “hangover sandwich,” a cheesy, bacon-topped schnitzel sandwich topped with a fried egg; or devour a King’s Benedict, which stars fluffy, from-scratch cheddar chive biscuits and dill hollandaise. Lunchier options include bratwurst bugers, beer pretzels with bier-cheese sauce, and jaegar schnitzel served with spaetzle and red cabbage. Sunday 10am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Pena’s Donuts & Diner – After opening the popular donut, kolache, and burger spot Pena’s Donut Heaven & Grill, the Penas expanded upon their success by adding to the menu (check out the dosants) and opening up a second concept, Pena’s Donuts & Diner. Hit it for all-day breakfast options like shaved ribeye and egg burritos; pork, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches that use glazed donuts for buns; flights of hollandaise-smothered eggs benedict; and 72-hour marinated buttermilk fried chicken and waffles. Those looking for lunch can get jalapeño burgers, tuna melts, chicken quesadillas, and queso-smothered fries. Weekdays 5am to 2pm; Saturday and Sunday 6am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
