Atlantans love brunch. You can tell just by looking at the long lines snaking out of local restaurants serving up that yummy hybrid of breakfast-lunch. It's even more fun in the spring, when you can dine outside in the sunshine. Here are a few spots you might want to check out this weekend.

Downtown, Cafe 458, a project of the Samaritan House of Atlanta, has been under the hammers and saws of the TBS "Movie and a Makeover" folks. But it's back in business for brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Dine in the refurbished digs at 458 Edgewood Ave. on pancakes, French toast, veggie tortillas and eggs with roast pork or filet mignon. To celebrate the reopening, the cafe hosts a special dinner tonight at 6 p.m. Along with hors d'oeuvres, the menu features stuffed chicken breast, black cod, filet mignon and stuffed portobello mushroom. Tickets are $55; 404-525-3276; www.samhouse.org.

If you haven't been to the revamped Ray's on the River lately, now would be a great time to drop by. The riverside grounds are awash in spring color —- including green, which you'll save now that Ray's has lowered the price of its famous Sunday brunch. Guests can now indulge in more than 50 items for $23.95 per person. Start with a made-to-order omelet, eggs Benedict or Belgian waffle and move on to prime rib, country ham, roasted pork loin or leg of lamb. The spread also features trays of cold seafood treats, salads and a lavish dessert selection. Brunch hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (9 a.m. on Mother's Day, May 11). Ray's on the River is located at 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Sandy Springs; 770-955-1187; www.raysrestaurants.com.

Vita, the new Italian eatery at 2110 Peachtree Road, has recently added a "Bellini Brunch" on Saturday and Sunday. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bellinis and mimosas are $6, Bloody Marys, $5. The food selection varies, but you may well find a spinach frittata, French toast or omelet with roasted potatoes coming out of the kitchen. 404-367-8482; www.vitaatl.com.

In Grant Park, the also recently opened Stella Neighborhood Trattoria, 563 Memorial Drive, has started brunch service. Begin with freshly baked breads and salads, then order an omelet, veggie Benedict, plate of French toast or a pile of polenta and eggs. A small selection of pastas and hand-tossed pizzas are also served. Drop in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; 404-688-4238; www.stellaatlanta.com

Get a jump on the weekend at Gilbert's, 210 10th St. in Midtown. Every Thursday, after the dinner dishes are cleared, the restaurant hosts Orquesta Nova Sound and its Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue and more. Dance until 2 a.m. without a cover. And there's free parking behind the building. 404-872-8012; www.gilbertscafe.com.

Keep Table Talk lively! Send comments and questions to hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 404-514-6162.