Few of us like to do serious thinking early on a weekend morning. Perhaps that's why it's often hard to think of new restaurants you want to try for breakfast or brunch. Here's a quick list of some of the best places in town to get a great breakfast or to get the family together for a weekend brunch. Now the only thinking you have to do is whether to visit the omelet bar, the waffle bar or both.
1. The Bevo Mill
Photo © David O'Brien
The atmosphere alone at the Bevo Mill would earn it a place on many top restaurant lists. This was, after all, August Busch's private dining room until 1917. Even for a private dining room it's massive, and the architecture is simply stunning. But breakfast at this St. Louis landmark is just as easy on the palete as it is the eyes. Technically, this is a German restaurant, but that doesn't stop them from serving "Irish Benedict," crepes or spicy Cajun omelets. All of it is well-prepared. The Mill's specialty is Saturday and Sunday brunch, which has most of the usual breakfast suspects, but also peel-n-eat shrimp, roast beef and, of course, German specialties such as schnitzel and sauerbraten.
2. The Boathouse in Forest Park
Photo courtesy The Boathouse
There's no debate the Boathouse offers one of the best views for brunch. But further descriptions of the atmosphere to would-be-guests can be a bit complicated. The boathouse is very serene, but it's also quite vibrant and busy. Often you'll find yourself gazing dreamily out upon Post-Dispatch Lake, only to be brought back to reality by kids laughing loudly as they feed a family of ducks. Perhaps the best description of the boathouse is that it's a beautiful facility, in an idyllic setting, that's also quite popular with singles, young couples, families and senior citizens. Pretty much everyone comes for the outdoor seating, but great breakfast casseroles, buttermilk pancakes and breakfast pizzas ensure a crowd regardless of the weather.
3. City Coffee House & Creperie
Located in downtown Clayton, the City Coffee House & Creperie offers a unique alternative to the traditional bacon & eggs type breakfast. Most of its menu consists of, naturally, crepes, although they also have delicious Belgian waffles. Crepe varieties are nearly endless, with sweet options offering everything from fruit to chocolate as potential filler. You can also go wild on the not sweet category, with fillers such as salmon, veggies and a variety of cheeses. Of course, if you still want bacon & eggs, don't let that stop you from visiting. The egg, bacon and havarti cheese crepe is absolutely delicious.
The Creperie is located at 36 N. Brentwood and is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4. First Watch
Photo courtesy First Watch
You can find First Watch restaurants in a number of states, including seven in the St. Louis area. However, this chain is creative enough with its menu, and focused enough on service to earn a spot on our top picks list. The menu is almost overwhelming, with many entrees listing six to seven ingredients. First Watch has no qualms using avocado, chorizo sausage and various dressings in its signature omelets and crepes. But even the more bizarre groupings of ingredients prove to work well together and you still feel like you're eating breakfast. The atmosphere of each restaurant varies by location. The Kirkwood location looks like an upscale version of Denny's, while the Clayton location has a warmer and hipper look.
5. Stratton's Cafe
Photo courtesy Stratton's Cafe
Somehow Stratton's has become the must-visit restaurant for new parents. Perhaps its menus are mailed out with every new birth certificate. Bottom line, Stratton's is very family-friendly. The atmosphere is casual, and families know the staff will happily sweep up the crumbs that gather around highchairs. Prices are easy on families too, with most breakfast entrees priced under $5. Specialties include the cafe's egg wraps, which can be as simple as ham and cheese or as exotic as the oriental wrap made with eggs, carrots, water chestnuts and other ingredients. There are also basic breakfast platters, pancakes and a large selection of scones and muffins. The coffee is also very popular, no doubt helping all those new parents face the morning.
