Every weekend, many Virginians love to sleep in just a little bit later, but they face a very difficult decision when they wake: Where is the best place to go get brunch?
It is time to start getting answers to that question! We have picked a few of the most highly praised brunch spots from all over Virginia, helping you find the places with quality food, service, and atmosphere (and if you’re like many Virginians, quality cocktails) to start your weekend off right. Plan a weekend getaway to one of these destinations and add an awesome Virginia brunch to your itinerary.
Millie’s Diner—Richmond
Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 9am-3pm
This popular Richmond spot has been around for over 25 years, but their tasty brunch menu never gets old. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, Richmond residents flock to Millie’s Diner for one of the best brunches in the city. Although the wait can sometimes be over an hour to get in, the food is more than worth it. Plus, the bartender will fix you up with mimosas or Bloody Marys that will make the time seem to fly by.
Local Favorites: Devil’s Mess, Huevos Rancheros
The Jefferson Hotel—Richmond
Sunday 10:30am-1:30pm
If you’re planning on eating brunch at The Jefferson Hotel, make sure you are ready to “tuck in”, as they say. Sunday Champagne Brunch at this historic Richmond location has seemingly endless tables of some of the finest food imaginable, including a platter of smoked salmon and a full seafood raw bar, an impressive ham carved to order, an omelet station manned by several chefs, a lavish dessert display, and so much more (Including bottomless mimosas and coffee!). We could go on and on about this brunch, but you need to experience it yourself to understand why every Richmonder will recommend The Jefferson as a must-visit brunch destination.
Local Favorites: Raw Seafood Bar, Omelet Station
The Babcock House—Appomattox
Sundays 11am-2pm
Under new ownership as of 2015, the Babcock House restaurant has been transformed into one of the best brunch spots in Appomattox County. If you are a fan of traditional Southern fare, this hidden gem inside the Babcock House Bed & Breakfast should be on your list of brunch spots to try out in Virginia.
Local Favorites: Shrimp ‘n Grits, Eggs Brennan
The Old Mill Room Restaurant at Boar’s Head—Charlottesville
Sunday 11am-2pm
The Old Mill Room Restaurant at Boar’s Head is always at the top of the list when it comes to food, and their brunch menu is no exception. The restaurant has an extensive selection of both breakfast and lunch items, making it hard to narrow down the choices. The good news? You won’t have to pick just one! The brunch at Old Mill Room is an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $34 per person (cocktails are extra). Splurge on a beverage if you can; your meal won’t feel complete without a pick from the new Bloody Mary menu!
Local Favorites: Eggs Benedict, Bread Pudding, Bloody Mary Bar
Bill’s Prime Steaks and Seafood—Chincoteague Island
Sundays 11:30am-2:30pm
Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks is not new to the Virginia food scene. They have been serving fabulous food since 1960. Their brunch is a favorite for locals, but the restaurant is also a prime spot for tourists visiting the Eastern Shore. The brunch menu offers a variety of sweet and savory choices in portion sizes that guarantee you don’t leave hungry. If you are so inclined, be sure to try one of their signature Bloody Marys.
Local Favorites: Chesapeake Breakfast Casserole, Chicken & Waffles, Seaside Mary
Venture Kitchen & Bar—Hampton
Sunday 10am-2pm
At Venture Kitchen & Bar, brunch is serious business. Not only does the restaurant have a regular brunch menu that is reliably tasty, but they also have a rotating menu that changes every week so that you can try something new. When it comes to Sunday brunch cocktails, you’ll find some “old faithfuls” like mimosas, but there are many intriguing options as well, like the French 75 and the Queen’s Cousin.
Local Favorites: Fried Eggs Benedict, Orange Blossom Cocktail, Corned Beef Hash
Joe’s Steakhouse—Winchester
Sunday 10am-2pm
Meat-eaters will love the brunch at Joe’s Steakhouse in Winchester. This amazing buffet features a Prime Rib carving station where you are welcome to go back for seconds (okay, probably thirds or fourths, too). And the buffet options don’t stop there. You can craft your own omelet, waffle, and even brunch cocktail at the specialty drink bar. There is also a full buffet line that includes brunch favorites like Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and sausage. If you still have room after all that, return for a visit to the dessert bar, where you can fill your plate with tons of homemade delights.
Local Favorites: Eggs Benedict, Prime Rib
Mason-Dixon Cafe—Fredericksburg
Saturday 8am-2pm & Sunday 9am-2pm
The Mason-Dixon Café is where you’ll find all the locals in Fredericksburg eating brunch on Saturday and Sundays. Although there is sometimes a bit of a wait for a table, you’ll forget all about it once the food arrives. The top notch brunch dishes are the epitome of fine Southern cooking. If you are looking for light fare and healthy options, this is not the place for you. The portions are more than generous, and like all great Southern food, the dishes at Mason-Dixon are not for the calorie-counting diner.
Local Favorites: The Breakfast Club, Shrimp & Grits
Lyon Hall—Arlington
Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-3pm
Lyon Hall’s brunch has French and Belgian influences, with a seasonally-refreshed menu that uses a wide variety of carefully selected ingredients. While the main menu may change, the fresh donuts are always a great way to start your dining experience at Lyon Hall. Their attention to detail, attentive service, and reasonable prices make the brunch here a can’t-miss experience.
Local Favorites: Fresh Donuts, Braised Pork Poached Eggs, “Breakfast Bohemian”
Carlyle—Arlington
Saturday 10:30am-3pm & Sunday 9:30am-3pm
The Carlyle is a frequent brunch list-topper in Virginia, and rightfully so. Their Bloody Marys and award-winning baked goods alone put them down as a repeat winner in our book. The restaurant is spacious and has several levels for seating, making it relatively easy to get a table, even during prime brunch hours on the weekends.
Local Favorites: BBBC Brioche French Toast, Steak & Eggs Benedict, Bloody Mary
Bay Local Eatery—Virginia Beach
Brunch Served Every Day, 7am-3pm
Why should brunch be relegated to only one or two days a week? The Bay Local Eatery serves up savory brunch dishes all day, every day. Their menu is inspired by tried and true family recipes and local culinary delicacies, like Virginia Beach’s legendary Lynnhaven oysters, fresh from the Lynnhaven River that is literally right around the corner. And did we mention that they offer a soft-shell crab Bloody Mary?
Local Favorites: “Just Right” Shrimp and Grits, Jamaican Dark Rum French Toast, Signature Bloody Marys
Frost Café—Culpeper
No Set Brunch Hours; Typically Open 7am-8pm
Frost Cafe is a classic 50’s diner that makes you feel almost compelled to order a good old-fashioned malt with your meal. Here you’ll find a fun nostalgic atmosphere, reasonable prices, and those dependably hearty meals that remind you of mom’s home cooking. Breakfast is served all day long so you can get your fill of brunch at any time! A quick reminder: Bring cash, as this is the only form of payment this old-school diner accepts. If you forget, an ATM is available, but charges a service fee.
Local Favorites: Steak & Eggs, Fried Bologna and Eggs, Corned Beef Hash
Whether you are looking for a classic Southern brunch or a European-style meal, these Virginia brunches will satisfy your appetite. Where are your favorite Virginia spots for a weekend brunch?
Phil
Mason Dixon cafe is great! Love the Monte Cristo!
Mike
Do yourself a favor and try Helen’s in Richmond for brunch. The corned beef hash is out of this world! Unlike other corned beef hashes, this one does not overpower you with salt…delicious! The Fried Chicken Biscuit with pepper honey is pretty amazing as well…and the pancakes are primo! Be there before 10:30am when the doors open or you’re gonna have to wait.
Barb Coyle
I love Pomme! We even had my daughters Baby Shower there! I agree with Luisa Scott -Frosts has had a very chill staff for a long time stopped going because of it.Will give the Mason-Dixon a try some day soon…
Cynthia Johnson
The Palisades in Giles County!
Alexandra Phelps
What about Tarrant’s West in Richmond? They have the most excellent combo of breakfast and lunch food to make it the definition of brunch. I had bacon and eggs and pancakes, my husband had an omelette, and my son had pasta.