I have a confession: I have literally chosen vacation destinations based on their brunch scene. Not the beaches, not the museums, not the nightlife — the BRUNCH. If you think that's ridiculous, this article is not for you. Go read about hiking or whatever. But if you just whispered "same" under your breath, welcome. You're among friends.
Brunch is more than a meal. It's an experience. It's sleeping in, putting on your cutest outfit for no reason, sitting on a sunny patio, and eating food that's somehow both breakfast AND lunch while day-drinking. It's perfect. And these cities do it better than anywhere else. Check our vacation deals page for brunch-worthy destinations.
1. Charleston, South Carolina — Southern Brunch Royalty
Charleston's brunch scene is the gold standard. Husk does shrimp and grits that'll change your life. Poogan's Porch serves biscuits that are basically clouds. Callie's Hot Little Biscuit has a line around the block for a reason. And nearly every restaurant with a patio has bottomless mimosas for $15-20.
Marriott properties in downtown Charleston offer vacation deals from $119/night. The best brunch spots are walkable from most downtown hotels, which is good because after your third mimosa you shouldn't be driving anywhere.
2. Austin, Texas — Brunch Meets BBQ Culture
Austin does brunch with a Texas twist. Jacoby's serves ranch-to-table brunch with smoked meats and farm eggs. Bouldin Creek Cafe is a vegetarian brunch institution. Geraldine's at Hotel Van Zandt does live music brunch on Sundays. And the breakfast tacos — oh my god, the breakfast tacos — are their own food group in Austin.
Wyndham and Marriott properties in Austin offer vacation deals from $89/night. South Congress (SoCo) and East Austin have the highest concentration of brunch spots. Don't skip the cold brew coffee scene either — Austin takes its coffee as seriously as its food.
3. Portland, Oregon — Weird Brunch, Best Brunch
Portland's brunch scene is creative to the point of absurdity (in the best way). Screen Door serves chicken and waffles with a Cajun twist. Tasty n Alder does a Korean bibimbap brunch bowl. Pine State Biscuits puts fried chicken and gravy ON a biscuit and somehow it works. The city has over 200 dedicated brunch spots.
Resort deals in Portland start at $99/night. The food cart culture means you can also get an incredible brunch from a cart for $8-12 if you want to save money for dinner. Portland's brunch lines are legendary though — arrive early or use the Yelp waitlist feature.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana — Brunch with a Brass Band
Jazz brunch is a New Orleans tradition that combines two of humanity's greatest inventions. Commander's Palace ($25 martinis, world-class Creole food, and a live jazz trio), Atchafalaya (amazing eggs and live music on their patio), and the Court of Two Sisters (a legendary jazz brunch buffet) all deliver experiences you can't get anywhere else.
Wyndham French Quarter deals start at $99/night. NOLA brunch culture is more "event" than "meal" — expect to spend 2-3 hours lingering over food and music. Pace yourself on the cocktails because they're deceptively strong. Visit our destination page for New Orleans packages.
5. Savannah, Georgia — Brunch in the Squares
Savannah's brunch game benefits from its stunning setting. The Collins Quarter does Australian-style brunch in a gorgeous historic building. Goose Feathers serves French-inspired breakfast pastries. And because Savannah has open-container laws, you can literally walk between brunch spots with your mimosa in hand like the champion you are.
Marriott properties start at $119/night. Nearly every brunch spot in the historic district has either a patio or a courtyard, and the Spanish moss overhead makes everything feel like a movie scene.
6. San Francisco, California — Brunch with a View
San Francisco's brunch scene ranges from classic (Mama's on Washington Square, open since 1964) to trendy (Plow in Potrero Hill) to absurd ($50 bottomless brunch at Barbarossa Lounge). The city's diversity means you can get dim sum brunch in Chinatown, Mission-style brunch burritos, or a classic eggs Benedict overlooking the Bay.
Marriott properties start at $139/night. The waterfront Embarcadero has several brunch spots with Bay Bridge views that are worth every dollar. Weekend farmers markets also offer incredible grab-and-go brunch components.
| Brunch City | Resort Price | Avg Brunch Cost | Signature Dish | Bottomless Mimosas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | From $119/night | $18-30/person | Shrimp & Grits | $15-20 |
| Austin, TX | From $89/night | $12-25/person | Breakfast Tacos | $15-25 |
| Portland, OR | From $99/night | $14-22/person | Chicken & Waffles | $18-25 |
| New Orleans, LA | From $99/night | $20-40/person | Jazz Brunch Buffet | $20-30 |
| Savannah, GA | From $119/night | $15-25/person | Southern Biscuits | $15-20 |
| San Francisco, CA | From $139/night | $18-35/person | Dim Sum | $25-35 |
A brunch vacation is the most delicious kind of vacation. You eat amazing food, you day-drink responsibly, and you explore beautiful cities at a civilized hour. What's not to love? Visit our brand resort pages for the best hotel deals in these brunch capitals. Cheers (clinks mimosa glass).