When it comes to where to go for a decadent French toast bar, a made-to-order omelet station and a bottomless mimosa, brunch options have become plentiful. From tried and true tri-state establishments such as The Bridge Restaurant & Lounge and Timmerman’s Supper Club to fusion fare from newcomers to the fine dining arena such as Barrel House and Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, here are a few brunch stops, whether you’re craving biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, or a bowl of ice cream.
1st & Main
Location: 101 Main St., Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 9-11 a.m. Saturday; 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday.
The grub: Here, you can sample from signature dishes including Johnny Cakes (three enormous pancakes topped with cinnamon custard and candied pecans), Grand Marnier french toast or Biscaffles + Gravy. You also can take advantage of build-your-own options from omelets to flat breads and skillets. Or, order a la carte: Eggs, pancakes, cheesy hash browns, toast, bacon and sausage links.
The libations: Quench your thirst with a variety of Moscow mules, martinis and specialty drinks.
Barrel House
Location: 299 Main St., Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: The establishment’s creation stations make this brunch spot a favorite. There is a prime rib carving station, an omelet station, an eggs Benedict station (try the roasted red pepper sauce — delicious) and a from-scratch specialty pizza station. There also are an assortment of additional breakfast and lunch offerings.
The libations: Wash it down with a selection of four varieties of bloody marys, six varieties of Moscow mules or five varieties of mimosas. The best part? They’re bottomless.
Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar
Location: 955 Washington St., suite 101, Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: This is one classy menu from the Millwork District. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the house-made blueberry pop tart or the cinnamon roll with brown butter and cream cheese frosting. Main dishes include quiche, brioche French toast, bananas foster pancakes, a garden egg taco, sides and more. There also are vegan and vegetarian options.
The libations: Along with the House Bloody Mary and mimosa, sip on a French 75 (Bombay Sapphire, lemon, sugar and Prosecco) or a Bourbon Iced Tea.
The Bridge Restaurant & Lounge
Location: 31 Locust St., Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: If you’re in the mood for a classic Dubuque staple, look no further. This eatery established in 1961 boasts some of the best steaks, barbecue ribs, broasted chicken and seafood, complete with a soup and salad bar and an array of breakfast buffet choices.
The libations: You can order from an extensive list of specialty cocktails.
Caroline’s Restaurant
Location: 200 Main St., Hotel Julien Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: Brunch here is akin to a plated work of art. For those with a sweet tooth, try the French Yogurt Parfait with a Seasonal Muffin, Banana Bread French Toast, the Blueberry Buttermilk Short Stack or a Jumbo Sweet Roll. Classic dishes include: Eggs Benedict, the Quiche of the Moment, Chicken and Waffle or the Cherry Wood Smoked Bacon Panini. There also are ham and cheese, fresh vegetable and Denver omelets, as well as a la carte and lunch menu items, from soups and salads to club sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and pastas.
The libations: You can choose from a selection of signature mixed drinks and cocktails.
East Mill Bakeshop
Location: 620 S. Grandview Ave., Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: For those looking for familiar staples with a twist, load up on East Mill’s Loaded Skillet featuring sausage, ham, bacon, onion, mushrooms, peppers, country fried potatoes, cheddar cheese and scrambled eggs. Brunch options also include the East Mill Benny, Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy and Huevos Rancheros, with sandwiches, soups, salads, sides and sweets to boot.
The libations: Skip the booze, and enjoy a cup of coffee, hot or iced tea, or cocoa, courtesy of Verena Street Coffee Co. There also is specialty chai, cappuccino, latte, espresso and more.
The Farmhouse Kitchen
Location: 1855 Greyhound Park Road,
Q Casino.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: Priding itself on local homestyle fare, you can enjoy fresh breakfast and lunch options. You must be 21 or older to visit this establishment.
The libations: Order from an assortment of beverages, including martinis, mojitos, garden bloody marys and more.
Fritz and Frites Bistro
Location: 317 N. Main St., Galena, Ill.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: With a little French and a pinch of German, this brunch is bountiful in its charm. Try the rich and flaky quiche, the ratatouille and spinach crepe, the strawberry French toast, the eggs Benedict or the bistro’s menu staple — schnitzel among its brunch options.
The libations: Think European and consider one of the establishments French or German imports to complement your brunch plate.
Hops & Rye
Location: 1108 Locust St., Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: Take advantage of the daily special — eggs Benedict or brioche french toast. You also can consider an array of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees from Chicken Kiev to Linguine, Jambalaya, Chicken Pot Pie and the Yankee Pot Roast. A kids menu and gluten free options also are available.
The libations: From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, bottoms up for bottomless mimosas and a bloody mary bar.
Hy-Vee Market Grille
Location: 400 S. Locust St.
and 3500 Dodge St.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: Hy-Vee offers an impressive smorgasbord of hot entrees, as well as omelet and carving stations, roasted and fried chicken, steak and eggs, bakery goods and desserts. You also can kill your Chinese, Italian or sushi cravings.
The libations: Order a cup of bottomless coffee on the side, try one of the bar’s mimosa variations, or get inventive at the bloody mary bar.
The Kitchen Buffet
Location: 301 Bell St., Diamond Jo Casino, Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: The proverbial “they” says to come hungry to this buffet. And “they” aren’t lying. There is something for everyone here, including ham, turkey, roasted chicken, shrimp and breakfast options. There also is a carving station, salads, soups, Italian pasta and desserts. You must be 21 or older for this stop.
The libations: Order from an assortment of beverages.
Lot One
Location: 100 Main St., Dubuque.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday.
The grub: Dubbed Lot One Sunday Funday, select from a la carte items like eggs, toast, bacon and pancakes to a variety of omelets, a breakfast wrap and sandwich, French toast, homemade biscuits and gravy and steak and eggs. The establishment also features the Breakfast Bomb — an extra large pancake stuffed with all the breakfast fixins.
The libations: The bar is open for a variety of mixed drinks and cocktails.
Timmerman’s Supper Club
Location: 7777 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque, Ill.
Brunch hours: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: One word — impressive. Timmerman’s has long been a tri-state institution among the foodie crowd. Though known as a supper club boasting a beautiful bluff top view of the Mississippi River, brunch might be where this restaurant shines. Want a live omelet station? They’ve got you covered. Craving prime rib? Coming right up. Even tacos make an appearance at this all-you-can-eat buffet, in addition to hot breakfast items such as bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns and waffle sticks; pastries and breads; fruit, vegetables and salad; and fried chicken, sliced ham and mashed potatoes. And don’t forget dessert, with various pies, hot apple crumble and, yes, ice cream for breakfast.
The libations: You can’t pass up the $3 mimosas, complete with a cherry, and bottomless coffee and tea.
Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge
Location: 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena, Ill.
Brunch hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
The grub: Sample from fresh-baked pastries, an omelet and egg station, a carving station, fresh garden salads and desserts, among other selections.
The libations: Take in the spectacular views with a sparkling mimosa, a hot cup of coffee and more.
