Brunch is like a competitive sport in Dallas. All over the city, restaurants attempt to outdo each other with decadent menus, elaborate drinks and — in some cases — sparkler-lit processions to announce the arrival of high-end champagne bottles. It’s a good time if that’s your scene, but sometimes you just want to enjoy well-made food in a comfortable setting and talk to the people you came with.
Fortunately, Dallas is also home to plenty of reliable brunch destinations fit for all of life’s occasions, whether you’re catching up with friends, dining with family or hosting a group of out-of-towners. These are five of the best brunches in town where the focus is on good food and the company you keep.
For couples: Knox Bistro
Led by top-notch chef Bruno Davaillon, Knox Bistro quietly puts out some of the city’s best food. That includes brunch, when the quaint, comfortable restaurant becomes a go-to for French favorites, including flaky croissants, fluffy omelets, quiche Lorraine, croque monsieur and an incredible burger. Pair your plate with a Bellini or a spritz, and you have everything you need for a successful meal. Best of all, Knox Bistro opens earlier than most brunch spots, welcoming diners on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 9:30 a.m. and serving brunch until 3 p.m. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely couple’s meal, after which you can stroll Knox Street for some window-shopping. 3230 Knox St., Suite 140, knoxbistro.com
For entertaining visitors: Crown Block
Bring your visiting friends or relatives up the elevator to Crown Block, and you’re off to a great start. Upon stepping onto the 18th floor of Reunion Tower and into the restaurant, you’re met with panoramic views of the city below. It’s enough to make anyone hungry, so it’s a good thing Crown Block serves one of the more compelling Sunday brunch feasts in town. The set-price menu is $80 per person plus tax and gratuities, so it’s a splurge — but that fee nets diners full access to buffet stations serving sushi, oysters and shrimp cocktail, a carving station with bone-in ham and prime beef striploin, and morning favorites such as quiches and yogurt parfaits. In addition to the buffet, the cost includes your choice of one plated menu item from the kitchen, such as duck and sweet potato hash, fried chicken and waffles, or Wagyu Benedict. Wine, cocktails and zero-proof options are in ready supply, but don’t miss the Bloody Mary bar ($29), with a customizable selection of spirits, mixers and garnishes.300 Reunion Blvd. E., crownblockdallas.com
For ladies who brunch: Beverley’s
Beverley’s is a top pick for just about any occasion, including dinner, but the gorgeous New York–style bistro located in Uptown is a popular draw during weekend brunches, when small groups gather to linger over caviar and latkes, salads, quiches, shakshuka and more from the menu inspired by owner Greg Katz’s global travels. A variety of wines are ready to quench your thirst, but don’t miss the cocktails here. Try the Bev’s Espresso Martini for a quick pick-me-up, or the extra-refreshing Green Light, made with gin, aloe liqueur, cucumber, ginger, lime and mint. 3215 N. Fitzhugh Ave., beverleysdallas.com
For catching up with the guys: Chelsea Corner
It’s rare that a venue works equally well for watching the game at night and for brunch the next morning, but Chelsea Corner in the Knox-Henderson neighborhood can do it all. Grab a couple of bar seats or a booth, or get comfortable on the 2,500-square-foot, dog-friendly patio, then dive into hearty dishes including Texas steak Benedict, birria huevos rancheros, bourbon pecan French toast, fish and chips, or a double cheeseburger. The bar is pouring beers, wines and cocktails, including brunch staples like Bloody Marys and mimosas. 4830 McKinney Ave., chelseacornerdallas.com
For hosting a crowd: Sixty Vines
Birthdays, showers and other festive occasions often require more space than the typical restaurant table. That’s where Sixty Vines comes into play. The Uptown location’s spacious dining room has configurations that work for larger groups, and if you need even more space, there are three private dining rooms that can accommodate 25 to 100 people. The bar is stocked with wines on tap that are available by the glass or by the carafe, so no one’s going thirsty. And the weekend brunch menu features a variety of options to satisfy every craving, including shareable boards, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, frittatas and the must-try almond chiffon French toast. 500 Crescent Court, Suite 160, sixtyvines.com