6 Atlanta spots land on OpenTable’s 100 best brunch restaurants list

A metro Atlanta eatery brought Georgia’s total to seven

What to Know About the History of Brunch The word "brunch"— a blend of "breakfast" and "lunch"— first appeared in an 1895 Hunter's Weekly article by British author Guy Beringer. It reportedly caught on in the U.S. in the 1930s. Celebrities making transcontinental train trips often stopped in Chicago for a late morning meal. Hotels championed brunch since most restaurants were closed on Sundays. Soon, eateries began offering drinks, including now-signature brunch cocktails like bloody marys and mimosas. Ca

You don’t need a holiday to have a reason to go to brunch.

OpenTable recently unveiled its 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America list and although it was unveiled ahead of Mother’s Day, you can visit these brunch spots on any Sunday or Saturday of the year.

The list was compiled from over 12 million verified diner reviews of more than 30,000 restaurants in 50 states and Washington, D.C.

“California is the most recognized state on the list with 17 restaurants honored, followed by Florida and Pennsylvania with eight winning restaurants. Illinois and Texas each boast seven winning restaurants and Georgia, Minnesota and Nevada claim six honorees,” the press release said.

There’s also one metro Atlanta spot that made the cut, making Georgia actually appear on the list seven times.

Here they are below.

Anis Cafe and Bistro

This is an award-winning French spot in Buckhead. It offers not only French fare but Parisian decor that recreates the casual bistros the owners were familiar with as they grew up. Spring 2021 brunch options include Croque Madame and various eggs benedict dishes served with Lyonnaise potatoes.

“Lots of excellent brunch food, festive cocktails, and wines to enjoy on the patio. I always enjoy one of the egg Benedict choices but everything is good,” one diner said on OpenTable.

Beetlecat

A gastropub three miles east of I-85 in Inman Park, Beetlecat features brunch every Saturday and Sunday. That’s when you can dine on hot donuts while they last and ’70s-inspired cocktails.

One diner wrote, “Beetlecat always (provides) a great dining experience. We’ve been here for dinner and now tried brunch. Love the atmosphere and the service, not to mention the food is fantastic.”

Bistro Niko

In the heart of Buckhead is Bistro Niko, a spot that offers a French twist in all meals — including brunch. Patrons won’t have to be without entertainment on Saturday and Sunday mornings either, as there’s a live jazz band playing as they sip on champagne cocktails.

“Had Brunch Day with my Girls and our waiter Donnie was Exceptional, he was very attentive to our needs and made wonderful recommendations and knew the menu inside and out!!” a diner wrote.

Canoe

Serving up farm-to-table New American cuisine in Vinings, guests can enjoy views of the Chattahoochee River. Brunch includes Georgia pecan sticky buns and a Duck N’ Beef Burger, which is topped with a sunny side up egg and a side of truffle fries.

“My daughter and I went for brunch, food, ambiance and staff were awesome! The sticky buns were my favorite and my daughter has a newfound fascination with chocolate chip scones,” a patron said.

Murphy’s

No stranger to making it onto these kinds of lists, this Virginia Highlands staple is a restaurant, bakery and wine shop. Now with patio dining, guests can enjoy brunch favorites including Eggs T. Murphy and crab cake benedict.

“Wonderful brunch at Murphy’s to celebrate my mom’s 97th birthday. It’s been too long since we visited and being (able) to make a reservation was amazing!” a reviewer said.

Poor Calvin’s

An Asian fusion spot in Midtown, Poor Calvin’s offers a unique boutique experience. Brunch options include small bites such as crab fries and entrees include a seafood omelet and chicken and pandan waffle.

One diner described it as “an amazing and delicious experience. The vibe was everything and the food was good. I never had a green waffle before. The chicken will make you slap yo mama!”

Seed Kitchen & Bar

The high-design space of Seed Kitchen & Bar makes for an ideal environment for consuming brunch dishes such as house-smoked brisket hash and chicken schnitzel. The contemporary American eatery is the only local one on OpenTable’s list that’s outside of Atlanta.

“Absolutely fabulous Sunday brunch. My husband got the smoked salmon with asparagus and he said it’s the best and favorite brunch food he’s ever had. I had the Lump Crab eggs Benedict. The hollandaise sauce best I’ve had in a long time,” a patron said of the Marietta restaurant.