Mother’s Day Sunday brunch is a longtime tradition, but it’s now more than a bacon-and-eggs, omelet station kind of choice. Crepes. Catfish. Sushi. Steak. Menus are more diverse than ever — with the bubbly and Bloody Marys flowing.
Just be sure to call soon because most places require reservations on Mother’s Day. To help you navigate the brunch bonanza in the capital city, here are some ideas, with help from Tallahassee Table readers.
A La Provence: This classic, white-tablecloth restaurant is bound to please moms who like a traditional, refined setting. The brunch menu at A La Provence, which features French and Mediterranean cuisine, will include lobster bisque, banana custard crepes, eggs Benedict, omelets, chicken piccata, Scottish salmon and beignets. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1415 Timberlane Rd.; 850-329-6870.
Azu’s Lucy Ho’s: “If you love your mom, you’ll take her to Azu Lucy Ho’s Sunday brunch buffet,” said Danny Aller, a foodie and co-founder of the Tallahassee Beer Society. “It may be the most epic brunch in Tally.” The brunch includes at least 16 hot entrees, 10 or so appetizers and eight sushi items for $14.95 per person. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-893-4112.
Blu Halo: Tallahassee Table readers also raved about the “fabulous buffet” at Blu Halo, with a carving station, fresh seafood and omelet station. Highlights include oysters, lobster salad, smoked salmon, pork tenderloin, and a Bloody Mary bar. Free mimosas for mom. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mother’s Day. The cost is $36 per person. Blu Halo offers its regular brunch menu 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 3431 Bannerman Rd.; 850-999-1696.
Backwoods Crossing: The farm-to-table restaurant recently started offering Sunday brunch; reservations are accepted on Mother’s Day only, for parties of four or more. Tallahassee Table reader Kristen Laura Snyder touts the venue for its “local fresh ingredients” and calls it “Hands down delicious. Excellent service. Outdoor seating. Family friendly. Hello full bar.” The brunch menu changes weekly but two recent standouts included a shiitake Benedict and cinnamon-vanilla French toast. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 6725 Mahan Dr.; 850-765-3753.
Capital City Country Club: You don’t have to be a club member to dine at the historic club’s Mother’s Day brunch. Kids can make a gift for mom, who will be greeted with a glass of prosecco or a rosé. Salads, flank steak, and a long list of breakfast items will be available. Members $25.95, nonmembers $29.95, kids 6 to 10 $9.95, kids 5 and under free. Reservations required. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1601 Golf Terrace Dr.; 850-222-0419.
Cypress Restaurant: A longtime favorite, Cypress will be serving ambitious fare like tomato-cucumber gazpacho, a fried green tomato Benedict, strawberry mascarpone-stuffed French toast and pecan-roasted grouper. The bar will feature mimosas, Bloody Marys and other festive cocktails. 320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-513-1100.
The Edison: Grab a seat on the patio for a view of Cascades Park. Dishes include steak and eggs, a Southern breakfast board, shrimp and grits and a berry parfait. The brunch menu is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there’s also an all-day menu available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bottomless mimosas are $15 Saturday and Sunday. 470 Suwannee St.; 850-765-9771.
The Egg Cafe & Eatery: This popular breakfast and lunch spot offers a large, crowd-pleasing menu, with several Benedicts (including a lox and bagel benny), omelets and a Croque Madame as well as mimosas and Bloody Marys. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3740 Austin Davis Ave., 850-765-0703 and 300 S. Duval St.; 850-907-3447.
Food Glorious Food: Chicken and waffles, lamb chops, huevos rancheros and lavish desserts are among the choices at this contemporary, and artsy venue. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 1950 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-9974.
Georgio’s: The Tallahassee institution opens early Sunday for Mother’s Day, offering plenty of specials to suit mom, with an assortment of Greek classics plus seafood, steak, cocktails and decadent desserts. 12:30 to 7 p.m. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-877-3211.
Grove Market Cafe: Cypress owners David and Elizabeth Gwynn offer a varied breakfast and lunch menu with lots of fun twists in this breezy, cheerful space with an outdoor patio. Options include omelets, breakfast bowls, pancakes, meatloaf, smothered chicken and veggie plates as well as gluten-free items. Mimosas available. 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1440 Market St.; 850-894-5060.
The Hideaway: This cozy spot, adjacent to Waterworks, is a showcase for retro Florida style, a place where mom can relax with a brew or bubbly. The menu features items like bananas Foster waffles, lox Benedict, and smothered biscuits and eggs plus specials. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (there’s also brunch on Saturdays). 1133 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-1887.
Kool Beanz: Keith Baxter’s eclectic restaurant has been recently renovated but it retains its fun, artsy vibe and innovative menu. The menu changes but among popular picks, consider chicken and sweet potato-pecan waffles, duck breast with curry sauce and blackened snapper. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 921 Thomasville Road; 850-224-2466.
Liberty Bar & Restaurant: This laid-back space is a destination for food as well as drinks. Chef/owner Jesse Edmunds serves a wide selection of dishes so you’ll find a Scotch egg, fried chicken and waffles and a Southern BBQ Benedict as well as a classic breakfast. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 1307 N Monroe St.; 850-354-8277.
Lofty Pursuits: Here’s a place bound to make the kids and grandkids as happy as mom to be dining out. Afterall, Lofty Pursuit is an ice cream parlor that also offers breakfast and lunch along with waffles and ice cream. Brunch 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 355 Market St,; 850-521-0091.
Lucilla: Chef Joe Richardson changes up his intriguing menu at this small charmer but look for staples like don’t-miss pimento cheese fritters and fried oysters, stuffed French toast, snapper and for dessert, salted butterscotch pots de creme or the bread pudding du jour. Expect some specials as well. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1241 East Lafayette St.; 850-900-5117.
Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine & Spirits: Mom will be queen for a day at this opulent space, decorated with Egyptian-African artwork. Traditional breakfast items will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with additional “Queen’s Entrees” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. including pan-seared salmon, wild mushroom ravioli and Zen teriyaki with a choice of protein. Vegan dishes are also available. Moms will receive complimentary iced tea or mimosa. 812 S. Macomb St.; 850-210-0548.
Paisley Cafe: Savor Sunday brunch in the secluded courtyard under the shade of a colorful umbrella or head indoors for some air-conditioned comfort. Either way, Paisley Cafe is a relaxing space to chow down on choices like French toast, tomato Benedict bacon and shrimp and grits. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1123 Thomasville Rd., 850-385-7268.
Proper — The Brewpub at Proof Brewing Company: Tallahassee Table reader Michele Sculley touts the Bloody Mary at Proof as “the best Bloody Mary I’ve had in a long time.” The food is also a winner. The outdoor brewery restaurant is welcoming for the whole family, even the dog. Staples include breakfast combos, sandwiches and a Sunrise burger, but on Mother’s Day, add eggs Benedict variations, and a complimentary fruit and cheese plate with any food or beverage purchase. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1320 S. Monroe St., 850-577-0517.
Sage: Chef and co-owner Terry White will be serving an elegant lineup, including oysters Rockefeller, an omelet with King crab and lobster, crepes and fruits de mer. Expect fun creations from the bar as well. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3534 Maclay Boulevard South; 850-270-9396.
Southwood Golf Club: The Mother’s Day buffet, open to the public by reservation only, features a meat carving station, breakfast fare like eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and crab Hollandaise sauce and a sun-dried tomato and goat cheese frittata, plus a dessert station with a make-your-own doughnut holes option. It’s $19.99 and $8.99 for kids 12 and under $8.99. Two seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., 3750 Grove Park Dr. For reservations, call 850-942-4653, ext. 2.
Table 23: The sprawling outdoor porch, with its spinning fans and large bar, is an inviting outdoor setting where you can dive into items like a crab cake Benedict, bagels and lox, steak and eggs and chicken with waffles. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1215 Thomasville Rd.; 850-329-2261.
319 Wine & Cheese: Lynne Edwards is preparing a variety of tempting fare for Mother’s Day. Among the choices are an arugula, bacon, Gruyere cheese strata, stuffed French toast and a smokey chicken panini. Kids eat free with one adult meal. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 6265 Old Water Oak Dr., Suite 104; 850-765-7053.
Uptown Café and Catering: A popular destination for more than 30 years, the cafe offers generous breakfast platters, omelets, salads and sandwiches. Might just be the time to try the smoked salmon. Toast mom with a mimosa (classic) or a peach bellini. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1325 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-219-9800.
Nearby …
St. James Bay’s Crooked River Grill: If you want to take a little ride along the coast, consider the Grill, which is offering a large brunch with a prime rib carving station, ham, turkey, fried shrimp and hushpuppies, a green bean casserole, collard greens and other vegetables and desserts. $21.95 per adult, $12.95 per child. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 71 Laughing Gull Lane, Carrabelle; 850-697-5050.