- April 19, 2024
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Just a few years ago, brunch made a spectacular return to favor as the weekend’s celebratory ode to mommy me-time. Those bottomless mimosas were served all around for the hard-working ladies. Soon enough, the brunch craze rippled to the rest of the social circles because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that bacon — and bloody marys — make everything better. We rounded up a bunch of East County brunches tailor-made for whomever you’re willing to share your favorite mid-morning weekend meal with.
Paris Bistrot
8131 Lakewood Main St.; 941-388-0564; ParisBistrotLWR.com
What could be more romantic than strolling hand-in-hand down Main Street and happening upon the sweet French-infused Paris Bistrot? Plenty of wrought iron tables for two line the sidewalk for al fresco dining, or slip inside for a warm and cozy meal paired with ever-pleasant service from the charming Jean Christophe and Alexandra Nebra, who opened Paris Bistrot in 2010. The breakfast-style menu is served daily with morning standards that include a croissant stuffed with scrambled eggs and mozzarella, eggs Benedict or a generous serving of “Pain Perdu” (that’s French for French toast). And you mustn’t leave without a must-have sweet or savory crepe. No matter what you choose, it’s all perfect paired with a flute of bubbly rose from, you guessed it, France. Where else?
Grove
10670 Boardwalk Loop; 941-893-4321; GroveLWR.com
Grab your girls for a weekend morning getaway that they’re sure to love: On Sundays, Grove (sister restaurant of Pier 22, which took over the facility in late 2018) hosts Yoga & Mimosas. Karissa Karma Yoga leads a not-too-challenging, hourlong Hatha-style yoga class at 10 a.m. ($20) in the Grove ballroom, and class members receive one free mimosa and 10% off their meal. You’ll want to nama-stay for the fluffiest omelets of all time. (Try the veggie-packed option or shaved prime rib.) You could go healthy with a fruit and yogurt parfait or splurge with biscuits and gravy — go ahead, you’ve earned it. The menu rounds out with lunch-style items of flatbreads, salads, pasta options and some great girl bonding.
Station 400
8215 Lakewood Main St.; 941-907-0648; Station400.com
Inspired by its big-sister site located in the depot building in downtown Sarasota, the Lakewood Ranch Station 400 boasts cute railroad decor and plenty of room for a family sit-down. This Main Street favorite gets bustling with energy on the weekends, serving up kid-friendly options from the Pancake Parlour, such as banana and brown sugar or cinnamon roll pancakes. Order a tray of mini donut treats or French toast bites for the table to keep all the hands and mouths busy. For a grown-up offering, try the smoked salmon Benedict with perfectly poached pearls of eggs that practically pop when you slice into them, adding that savory yolk-y sauce. It’s finished with a flavor punch of pickled onions and fried capers. Top it all off with a specialty mimosa — we love the Blood Orange Hibiscus. Go for the large, and let Dad drive home.
Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie
8445 Lorraine Road; 941-357-1570; LibbysNeighborhoodBrasserie.com
If your out-of-town crew is slow to get moving on the weekend, we suggest the lunchier side of the brunch equation at Libby’s on Lorraine Road. Another Sarasota sidekick from the Tableseide family of restaurants, Libby’s in Lakewood Ranch is light and airy with some bumpin’ dance tunes pumping through the speakers and a seriously budget-friendly Sunday Funday brunch menu. Go all-in with $10 bottomless mimosas or bloody marys, and pair it with the brunch burger, $12. This Angus beef patty is topped with a creamy potato cake, bacon, Gruyere and just-right spicy honey chipotle. Oh, and there’s an over-easy egg between the buns, too. On the side you’ll find a spicy maple syrup that we may or may not have used as a dip for the mound of thick-cut fries. It’s a great way to get everyone up and moving — maybe even expediting their journey back home.
