Everyone’s favorite weekend meal is even more popular during the summer months, and while most people have their go-to brunch spots, we thought we would offer these seven options that might not be on your radar yet—if they aren’t already among your favorites.
Aurora
Chicken and Waffles is a brunch staple now, and while you’ll find variations pretty much everywhere brunch is served, only Aurora has the deft touch of Chef Jerrod Driskill. His waffles are fluffy and crispy, rich with warm notes, and the chicken is a hearty portion of crunchy, juicy Southern goodness. shinewithaurora.com
This Edmond institution benefits from the presence of two of the metro’s better chefs in Jeff Holloway and Joel Winagate. While it may seem counterintuitive to head to Edmond for chilaquiles, we assure you, this is the right move. cafe501.com
Cafe Kacao
We know you have a favorite at this Guatemalan hot spot, but have you had the machaca? The northern Mexican dish is one of many options that tend to get lost on this remarkable menu, but once you try the lime-braised shredded beef scrambled with eggs, you’ll want it again and again. cafekacao.com
Levity Breakfast House
Just off Main Street in Norman, the Hunnell brothers and Chef Luke Fry are serving up some of the best breakfast and brunch you’ll find in the metro. We’re always on the lookout for a great breakfast sandwich, and the 411 delivers, from pastry chef Tylyn Fry’s house-made English muffin to the miraculous hash browns, and house-made jam, it’s layers and layers of remarkable flavors. levitybreakfast.com
Jimmy B’s
You’re going to want this Dirty South Fried Rice as a side at every meal, and the lovely folks at Jimmy B’s managed to turn it into a brunch entree by tossing a couple of fried eggs on top of the fantastic pastrami fried rice. The peppery heat is just the right level to keep all that meaty, eggy richness from overwhelming your palate. jimmybsculinarykrafted.com
Le Parisien
We are sworn to secrecy as to how exactly Chef Bryant Gallegos turns brioche, creme anglaise, butter and Grand Marnier sauce into Midtown magic, and honestly, all you’ll really care about is how anything that begins with bread can be this addictively wonderful. The acid in the Grand Marnier sauce tricks you into thinking you’re eating light; just go with it. leparisienokc.com
Paseo Grill
We joined the throngs of locals who were thrilled that Paseo Grill finally started offering weekly brunch after years of only doing it once a year on Mother’s Day. Chef Carlos Martinez helped keep the costs down by turning a lobster roll into a langoustine (lobster cousin of sorts) into a beautiful croque madame. If you have room for the potatoes, we’ll be shocked. paseogrill.com
This article appears in America At 250.