I've been doing brunch every Saturday or Sunday for two years straight. Here's the definitive list.
Top tier (worth the wait):
- The Rustic (Uptown, 3656 Howell St) — Live music + chicken fried steak benedict. Weekend vibes are unmatched. $15-22 entrees.
- Bread Winners (multiple locations) — The OG Dallas brunch. Cinnamon roll french toast is legendary. NorthPark location is best.
- Oddfellows (Bishop Arts, 316 W 7th St) — Farm-to-table vibes. Chilaquiles are perfect. Outdoor patio is beautiful.
Excellent (short wait): 4. Cafe Momentum (1510 Pacific Ave, Downtown) — Social enterprise restaurant. Brunch menu changes seasonally. Shrimp and grits are incredible. 5. Ellen's (Deep Ellum, 2816 Elm St) — Southern comfort brunch. Chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy. $12-18. 6. Ascension (Design District, 1621 Oak Lawn Ave) — Upscale brunch. Steak and eggs are worth the price.
Best value: 7. Norma's Cafe (multiple, original at 1123 W Davis St, Oak Cliff) — Diner brunch. Chicken fried steak and eggs: $10. No pretension. 8. Buzzbrews (multiple) — 24-hour breakfast. Massive portions. Everything under $14.
Overrated: Maple Leaf Diner — Instagram bait. Mid food, 90-minute wait. Not worth it.
Sources:
- D Magazine — "Best Brunch in Dallas" 2025
- Eater Dallas — brunch coverage
- Google Reviews — wait time and rating analysis
- Dallas Observer — "Essential Dallas Brunches"