It was created in the late 1800s as a party remedy: Bacchanalian male revelers needed a meal heavy enough to soak up what was left of their Saturday night libations during church each Sunday morning — while fueling them in the process. Whether you’re a masculine traditionalist or a thoroughly modern Millie, brunch is here to stay; it’s just a matter of finding which take on the concept makes your mouth water.
Celebrate brunch’s raucous origins by enjoying a filling meal at Sloan’s Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. You won’t find a lot of the flowery décor and usual trappings of brunch here; just good, hearty food that sticks to your ribs and leaves you satisfied. Try the crab cake eggs Benedict or the Firehouse Scramble Skillet overflowing with eggs, ham, cheese, and more scrambled together and presented in a hot pan.
81539 Hwy. 111, Indio.
760-347-3923.
Feel at home at Cheeky’s, like you’ve wandered into a chic neighborhood party. Cheeky’s offers its patrons a sleek, modern approach to brunch. Sample the bacon bar — replete with varieties of the crispy and salty breakfast staple — or indulge in buttermilk & fresh corn pancakes and bacon with blueberries. Wash it down with a refreshing strawberry mimosa.
622 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-327-7595
www.cheekysps.com
Have Sunday brunch in Rancho Mirage at Acqua Pazza California Bistro. Gather friends or family and feast on favorites like steak and eggs, or golden coconut shrimp. Acqua Pazza delivers one of the desert’s best happy hours — 12 straight hours of cocktails and merriment. Take in picturesque views of the desert surroundings, including the mountains and sparkling water at The River.
71800 Hwy. 111, #A167, Rancho Mirage.
760-862-9800
www.acquapazzabistro.com
LuLu California Bistro is the sister location of Acqua Pazza, but it’s no second fiddle. The alluring downtown Palm Springs eatery is often packed with patrons, and for good reason. The menu delights with offerings ranging from the curry chicken salad, to its rich chocolate hazelnut crepe. Or, enjoy your meal, a la carte, using the enticing and extensive lunch menu.
200 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-327-5858
www.lulupalmsprings.com
Spencer’s Restaurant is on the cutting edge of Sunday brunch. Savor the tried and true brunch favorites, or satisfy your special dietary needs by having many of the menu items prepared gluten-free. Stuff yourself with blueberry pancakes covered in warm maple syrup, or Spencer’s surf and turf (crabcakes and filet mignon). For lighter fare, enjoy the garden fruit salad, or Maine lobster club sandwich.
701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs.
760-327-3446
www.spencersrestaurant.com
Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café in Palm Desert is so inviting. The gourmet bakery serves continental tastes in a fragrant and charming setting. Dive into pain au chocolat and a steaming café au lait, or feast on an imported ham & gruyere cheese croissant. Fill up, then work it off while shopping on El Paseo.
72990 El Paseo, Palm Desert.
760-834-8814
www.clementineshop.com
Pomme Frite is a French-Belgian staple located in downtown Palm Springs that gifts the Coachella Valley with a taste of Europe. Nosh on crèpes with duck leg confit as you dine under the shaded patio. This bistro also serves other favorites including quiche Lorraine, Croque Monsieur, and you guessed it – Belgian waffles.
256 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-778-3727
www.pomme-frite.com
The Palms Café serves variety on its mouthwatering menu. With so many restaurants offering brunch, this location turns reliable favorites into something distinctive and new. Start your day with wheat pancakes garnished with blueberries or bananas. If savory dishes are what you crave, bite into The Palms’ chili-cheese omelet for a spicy alternative to plain eggs.
44150 Town Center Way, Palm Desert.
760-779-1617
www.thepalmscaferm.com
The Grove Artisan Kitchen at Miramonte Resort & Spa knows how to thrill and titillate with a menu of fresh California favorites. Choose from roasted scallops and baby artichokes or a plate of sun-ripened fresh melon and berries. As the morning slowly gives way to afternoon, treat yourself to the seafood risotto paella.
45000 Indian Wells Ln., Indian Wells.
760-341-7200
www.miramonteresort.com
Create your own a la carte brunch fantasy at La Quinta Resort & Club’s Twenty 6. Choose from its selection of 11 Benedicts, including the El Matador (Bilboa chorizo, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeno) or the Frank Capra (buffalo mozzarella, tomato, opal basil, and hollandaise sauce).
49499 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta.
760-564-5720
www.laquintaresort.com
At Rockwood Grill and Blue Star Lounge, there’s never a need to rush when you’re in the middle of eating breakfast, but not quite craving lunch. This brunch stop is a hotbed of fine fare. See its patrons pile eggs, fresh fruit, and bacon onto their plates, along with other tasty menu items.
74855 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert.
760-341-2211
www.desertspringsresort.com
Dine at Lulu California Bistro or at Acqua Pazza California Bistro for awesome brunch.
Lulu California Bistro