Fremont and Wallingford: Creative Plates and Seafood
Joule
Head to Joule in Fremont for global twists on familiar brunch dishes, such as shrimp and grits with ginger, brown butter and Chinese sausage. Its chicken-fried steak with a sesame waffle and smoky maple syrup has earned a loyal following. Brunch here has included a rotating buffet table of pastries and salads with seasonal themes, so check the restaurant's site for the current format before you go.
RockCreek
RockCreek is a seafood restaurant in Fremont with a rustic yet modern feel, and its weekend brunch leans almost Southern. Order Chef Eric Donnelly's signature fried oyster and bacon Benedict, or settle in with the Tar Pit, a hearty stack of biscuits, gravy, ham, poached eggs and hollandaise. Tables fill up fast, so plan ahead and book if you can. You will also find a second location in Kirkland.
The Whale Wins
Stop by Chef Renee Erickson's Wallingford spot for casual counter service and cooking that follows the Northwest seasons with European touches. Simple, fresh plates set the tone here, like sardines on toast and frittatas with sheep's milk cheese. Come for a relaxed, unfussy morning rather than a long boozy affair.
Belltown and Downtown: Pancakes and Polished Brunch
Tilikum Place Cafe
On the northern edge of Belltown, Tilikum Place Cafe is known for its Dutch babies, oversized puffed pancakes baked in cast iron. Choose a sweet lemon version or go savory with combinations like lamb, feta and roasted carrot. They take a little longer to cook, and weekdays tend to be far less crowded than weekends.
Goldfinch Tavern
For a more polished brunch, book a table at Goldfinch Tavern inside the Four Seasons downtown, where the meal is built around three courses with bottomless mimosas. A kids' menu makes it a good choice for families celebrating something special. Afterward, walk over to the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront, close by, for views across Elliott Bay.
Capitol Hill: Diner Comfort and Drag Shows
Glo's
Glo's is a Capitol Hill diner beloved for its eggs Benedict, including a popular crab version, along with crispy shredded hash browns and generous portions. Add cinnamon swirl toast or warm coffee cake, two favorite extras. The diner does not take reservations, so put your name in and wander the neighborhood until your table is ready.
Julia's on Broadway
Catch Bad Girls Brunch at Julia's on Broadway, a drag show billed as family-friendly at a PG-13 level. The food sticks to classics like eggs Benedict and scrambles, so the performance is the real draw. Pair it with a walk through nearby Volunteer Park, home to the conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and browse our Seattle parks guide for more green spaces.
Ballard: Mexican Brunch and Crowd Pleasers
El Moose
El Moose, formerly Señor Moose, serves homestyle Mexican cooking in a colorful Ballard dining room filled with Mexican art. Popular orders include chilaquiles with carne asada and eggs, machaca con papas and guacamole with house tortilla chips. There are no reservations, so add your name to the clipboard and aim for opening or after the midday rush for a shorter wait.
Portage Bay Cafe
Bring a mixed group to Portage Bay Cafe, where a long menu of Benedicts, hashes and egg dishes keeps everyone happy. Order pancakes, waffles or French toast and you get access to a toppings bar loaded with fruit, nuts, whipped cream and syrup. The banana foster French toast and migas are both well liked. You will find locations in Ballard, the University District and South Lake Union, and booking ahead is wise.
Gracia Cocina Mexicana
Grab a seat on the lively patio at Gracia Cocina Mexicana in Ballard and dig into shrimp tostadas, pozole rojo and huevos rancheros. It works well for a social group that wants to linger outdoors. The Burke-Gilman Trail runs nearby if you want to follow brunch with a bike ride.
Georgetown: A Hawaiian Detour
Kauai Family Restaurant
Detour to Kauai Family Restaurant in Georgetown for Hawaiian comfort food such as kalua pork, lomi salmon, poi and a hearty loco moco. That dish pairs a burger patty with rice, a runny egg and rich gravy. Save room for dessert from its bakery next door, which is worth a stop.
Make a Morning of It
Brunch pairs naturally with a walk, a ride or a view. Browse our list of things to do in Seattle or our guide to Seattle landmarks to plan what comes after the last cup of coffee.
Menus, hours and reservation policies change, so check each business's own website for current details before you go.
