In our Where to Brunch series, we search Greater Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods and communities for the very best brunch offerings.
The strip along Washington Avenue, stretching from Downtown through Memorial Park, has seen a revival in recent years. It’s now a jungle of mixed-use developments, art studios and theaters, homes and apartment complexes, the massive Sawyer Yards, and plenty of excellent places to brunch.
Note: For purposes of this list, the Washington Corridor and Memorial Park runs along Washington Avenue from Memorial Park to I-45, with I-10 to the north and the Buffalo Bayou to the south.
Where to Brunch in Washington Corridor & Memorial Park
- B&B Butchers & Restaurant – Don’t overlook B&B’s morning options just because it’s a steakhouse, the brunch here is top notch. Options include a quartet of Benedicts (one of which boasts its famous Carpet Baggers), battered things–think apple crisp waffles and gorilla monkey bread), morning favorites like prime rib hash and bagels with lox, and lunchier items, including sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood, burgers and steaks, of course. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Brenner’s on the Bayou – Get brunch with a side of bayou beauty at this picturesque eatery, set in a lodge right on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. It’s all about Southern hospitality here, with “bayou bloodys,” New Orleans-style beignets drizzled with raspberry honey and apple rum sauce, eggs benny with jumbo lump crab cake, Portobello omelets, and beer can chicken chilaquiles (plus steak, obviously). Sunday 11am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Federal American Grill – A few blocks south of Washington on Shepherd, this from-scratch kitchen is a classy brunch destination. You’ll have to decide whether or not to share plates from buttermilk biscuits & gravy to fried cheeseburger egg rolls, and if you’re going to give away a bite of your brioche French toast, Thai shrimp & grits, or braised short rib Benedict. Saturday 11am to 3pm; Sunday 10am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- FM Kitchen & Bar – Rocking a patio with murals and yard games, plus plenty of good booze, there’s more than fantastic burgers at this neighborhood kitchen and bar. At brunch, you’ll find delights like smashed avo toast, house cornbread and pulled pork eggs benny, buttermilk waffles, and smothered chicken fried chicken biscuits & gravy. Build your own mimosa, or tack on a spicy Bloody Mary. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- Max’s Wine Dive – Brunch isn’t the same without fried chicken and champagne, so head to MWD and get both. Order mimosas by the glass or get a full (and reasonably-priced) bottle of bubbly and Max’s will bring out the juices. Next, you’ll want the jalapeño-buttermilk marinated fried chicken wings, served crisp and juicy atop a big ole’ waffle. Another house favorite? The massive fried egg sandwich, stacked with a trio of fried eggs, smoked bacon, a blend of melted parm, gruyere provolone and white cheddar, and some black truffle aioli, to boot. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Click here for directions.
- Poitín – Set in the Arts District Houston, this upscale kitchen celebrates Houston’s diversity, offering next-level brunch plates from seasonal Pop Tarts and beet-cured salmon to boudin hash and crawfish Benedict. Complete the experience with Milk Punch or an Aperol Spritz. Stick around for Social Sundays. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm. Click here for directions.
- The Union Kitchen – Hit the Washington outpost of this local mini-chain to feast on crazy good breakfast treats like apple bacon empanadas, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, carnitas Benedict, CFS & eggs, and butter-poached lobster omelets. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Click here for directions.
More Great Brunch Options in Washington Corridor & Memorial Park
Brunch under the chandeliers at The Dunlavy on the Buffalo Bayou; fill up on breakfast tacos at Laredo Taqueria or Tacodeli; go big on Mexican-style brunch plates at El Tiempo Cantina; pair crepes and cococcinos at CoCo Crêpes, Waffles & Coffee; and have a Sunday Funday at spots like Clutch Bar, Henderson Heights, or Julep.
