BRUNCH
Linda’s
Most people go here just to get sloshed once night falls, but did you know they do indeed serve brunch if you aren’t too hung over to wake up for it? And, surprise surprise, it’s damn good too. For fans of Mexican-style breakfasts, Linda’s has especially got your back. Try the flautas: cheesy, eggy goodness wrapped up in fried tortillas. Chase them down with a pitcher of mimosas and meditate on how lucky you are to be alive with all this food in front of you. 707 E. Pine St., 325-1220, lindastavern.com KELTON SEARS
Louisa’s
More than a decade has passed since Louisa’s first opened as a relaxed neighborhood brunch spot and bakery that perfectly mirrored its perenially relaxed Eastlake neighborhood. But in the past few years, the corner spot with big windows overlooking Rogers Playfield has begun a transformation into a lively dinner-and-drinks option as well. Brunch is still the main attraction: the applewood smoked ham hash delightfully sweet, the biscuits and gravy packing a Creole kick, and the Lyonnaise breakfast salad fresh and tangy and filling—all served with toast from just-baked bread. Dinner focuses on comfort, with a toothsome meatloaf and lightly spiced fried chicken as highlights. The cafe has also recently added a stage that is intermittently booked by a local music heavy and a full bar with a growing list of regulars. 2379 Eastlake Ave. E., 325-0081, louisascafe.com MARK S. BAUMGARTEN
Skillet
I’ve awakened many a Sunday morning haunted by Skillet’s fried chicken thigh and waffle. The thigh, fried to crispy, golden perfection and laid ever so gently atop the waffle (made from cornmeal, because flour is for philistines), makes quite possibly one of the holiest brunch unions in Seattle. If you want to journey even deeper down Decadence Lane, you can sub out the chicken for a slab of fatty, succulent pork belly. 1400 E. Union St., 512-2000; 2034 N.W. 56th St, 922-7981, skilletstreetfood.com KELTON SEARS
Tilikum Place Cafe
One of the things I miss most about living in Belltown is brunch at Tilikum Place Cafe, a lovely anomaly tucked next to The 5 Point Cafe and across from a nail salon and a Zeek’s pizza. With a beautiful arrangement of flowers at the counter to greet you, this quaint, Parisian-feeling restaurant, makes brunch the special occasion it should be. While there are always many specials to consider, some of my favorite staple items include the baked eggs with spaghetti squash, fontina, roasted tomatoes, cream, and bread crumbs; a Dutch baby pancake, either savory or sweet (allow 20 minutes prep); the roast-chicken salad with roasted red peppers, boiled egg, and a light dressing of aioli; or the sardine sandwich. They also do delicious tarts and sides of housemade sausage and bacon. Coffee is served in individual French presses. Despite its odd-ish location, brunch is always packed, so do make a reservation. 407 Cedar St., 282-4830, tilikumplacecafe.com NICOLE SPRINKLE
Boat Street Cafe and Kitchen
I’d probably eat brunch here every weekend if I could find a willing partner to join in the ceaseless loop—and if it weren’t so tough to get a table. One of Renee Erickson’s spots (The Whale Wins, The Walrus and the Carpenter), Boat Street feels utterly Parisian in its perfected shabby-chic, romantic interior, as well as in its flawless execution of a French breakfast. It starts with the perfect baguette, real butter, and house jam (or the buttermilk biscuit with honey butter, or the fresh seasonal fruit scone). After that, it’s a tough call, but I stand by their specials: primarily the best eggs Benedict you’ll find in the city, with interesting twists like goat cheese, artichoke hearts, and hollandaise. That said, it’s hard to turn down their rustic cornmeal custard cake (like the most delicate, moist pancake you’ll ever eat) with sausage and maple syrup. There are all sorts of lunch items as well—steak au poivre with horseradish sauce on arugula, French-style potato salad, or a “True Cod Nicoise” salad. 3131 Western Ave., #301, 632-4602, boatstreetcafe.com NICOLE SPRINKLE
Hi Spot Cafe
There’s usually a wait at Madrona’s Hi Spot for weekend breakfast. A little tip: Call ahead to get your name on the list. Hell yeah, they do that! The Hi Spot does all kinds of awesome, in fact, like enormous, mouthwatering pastries (try the cinnamon roll) and fabulous espresso (Fonte). Its most miraculous feat? Somehow, when the rest of us are hungover, the staff is fresh-faced and cheerful, and keep your coffee topped off while sharing laughs with co-workers (plus the place is so intimate, you never feel left out of the joke). When the sun’s out, sit on the patio and see that energy amplify threefold. Omelets are great, as are the other veg-friendly options, like the fabulous Asian-spiced tofu scramble. 1410 34th Ave., 325-7905, hispotcafe.com GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT
