contributed by Stephanie Matsen | @brunchbitchesslc
The weekend wouldn’t be complete without brunching at least once or, if you’re like me, twice. Brunch is an activity that’s near and dear to my heart because it’s the time when you can roll out of bed at 10 a.m. to get your grub on and still be considered a productive member of society. Salt Lake has no shortage of yummy places for brunch, which can make it hard to decide where to go – especially when the hangriness starts setting in. With this in mind, I’ve made a list of my five favorite brunch spots to help you decide where you should eat next.
Purgatory (62 E. 700 S., SLC)
Lately, Purgatory has been one of my favorite places because of its variety of menu options. Where else can you get a flavorful Breakfast Udon Bowl and tasty Chilaquiles?? They also have a range of toasts to pick from – a great option to share with friends (or, let’s be real, to enjoy all for yourself). You can get a simple Cinnamon Toast in all its melty buttery glory or go with a heartier option like the Huevos Toast topped with an egg, refried beans, crema, and hot sauce. With a large and fun drink menu to pair with your food and a spacious patio in the summer months, Purgatory is always a good time.
Fried Chicken Toast
My favorites:
– Fried Chicken Toast
– Breaky Bowl
– Cinnamon Toast
– Hibiscus Lagunitas (beer cocktail)
The Copper Onion (111 E. Broadway, SLC)
The Copper Onion’s Eggs Benedict might just be my favorite Benedict in Salt Lake City. This dish is cooked to perfection every time I order it, which is most every time I go. The eggs are poached beautifully and the lemony hollandaise sauce poured on top is nothing short of delightful. With a menu of starters, sides, large plates, and desserts, The Copper Onion is a brunch destination where you’ll want to sit back and stay awhile. Start out with some Cured Olives followed by Ricotta Dumplings or Patatas Bravas, and enjoy with a cappuccino or one of their $5 Bloody Marys.
My favorites:
– Eggs Benedict
– Steak and Eggs
– Fruit Bowl
Café Niche (779 E. 300 S., SLC)
Two words. Croque Madame. It’s essentially an open-faced sandwich with grilled marble rye bread as the base, topped with smoked ham, melted crescenza cheese, Dijon aioli, and two fried eggs. It is heavenly. Seriously, order one now and thank me later. It comes with your choice of apple slaw or niche salad. Personally, I like a side salad with breakfast. Partly because it tricks me into thinking I’m super healthy, but mainly because the one they serve is really good. Café Niche also offers a small plate menu during brunch, which is nice when you’re leaning more towards the lunch end of brunch. For small plates, their Deviled Eggs are a definite must. They have a hint of horseradish that gives them a bit of a tang that always keeps me going back for more. The Ahi Tartare is also a great pick. It’s served with avocado, wonton chips, spicy sesame aioli, and sweet soy sauce. It’s a refreshing way to start your meal.
Croque Madame
My favorites:
– Croque Madame
– Deviled eggs
– Brussels Sprouts
– Ahi Tartare
Manoli’s (402 E. Harvey Milk Blvd., SLC)
Manoli’s is a fairly new Greek restaurant that uses fresh and seasonal ingredients. They have standard brunch favorites like Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Gravy, etc. They also have more Greek-inspired dishes like the Myzithra Pancakes served with whipped cinnamon and Metaxa maple syrup (drooling as I type) and the Loukaniko and Eggs. I’m a big fan of their Breakfast Sandwich. It’s made with red pepper feta spread, bacon, arugula, two eggs, and garlic aioli, sandwiched between two slices of hearty sourdough bread and served with potatoes on the side.
My Favorites:
– Breakfast Sandwich
– House Greek Yogurt
– Biscuits and Gravy
Tradition (501 E. 900 S., SLC)
If you’re looking for brunch with a southern twist, Tradition is a spot not to miss. Most of their dishes are actually from family recipes that the owners grew up with, which only adds to the charm. Tradition does an amazing job of seasoning their food to perfection. Their Fried Green Tomatoes with garlic tomato chili jam, chipotle aioli, and cilantro pesto are a delicious way to start the day. I would also recommend the Seasonal Hash, as it is one of the most flavorful veggie hashes I’ve had. Plus, it has Gruyere cheese, so what’s not to love?
Seasonal Hash
My Favorites:
– Seasonal Hash
– Fried Green Tomatoes
– Funeral Potatoes