Rise and Shine

The weekend is the perfect time for sleeping in, lounging around and reenergizing with a delicious late morning meal. You see the signs all week long advertising brunch, but when Sunday rolls around you either forgot where you saw the signs or you just aren’t sure how to break out of your usual haunts. Here is a little guide for different hot spots around the city to satisfy your weekend cravings.

Downtown

Tazza

This clever menu splits up its breakfast items into savory and sweet categories with fun options like shrimp and grits on the savory side and crunchy French toast for those with a sweet tooth. Another restaurant geared towards the non-conventional menu lovers, the pleasing variety of options will work for a large group and can satisfy any diet. Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm

XO Café
There’s nothing here without a twist. This menu at first seems to have all your go-to brunch picks, but look closer and you’ll see the chef has added something fun and refreshing to each dish. Take for example the French toast made with Egg Nog or the Florentine Benedict, which is a classic except for the lemon hollandaise sauce. Those on a liquid diet can always just get a mimosa, this time with mango puree, blood orange juice or Grand Marnier to really wake you up. Sunday 11am to 2:30pm. Wear pajamas to brunch for a free Bloody Mary or Mimosa

Olga’s Cup & Saucer
I can always appreciate a menu that keeps things simple, and Olga’s does just that without compromising options. With only nine menu items needed to cover the bases, it is clear that each has been created with a lot of thought. Not just a breakfast sandwich, their signature version contains two poached eggs on a grilled scallion-cheddar scone, served with applewood smoked bacon, home fries and roasted tomato. I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering. Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2pm

The West Side

Nicks on Broadway
Offering all locally grown vegetables, dairy and meat and local, hand-picked eggs, it is no wonder Esquire magazine once cited it as one of the 59 Best Breakfast Places in America. Fresh healthy options like tofu sautéed with seasonal vegetables, lemon and herbs or the warm spiced fruit compote are available for those watching their figure; while the rest can indulge in something such as the frittata of Schartner farm potato, onion, parmesan and Narragansett Creamery feta. Don’t let the line turn you away or you will be missing out. Wednesday through Saturday 7am to 3pm; Sunday 8am to 3pm

Don Jose Tequilas
Mexican brunch is appealing all on its own, as there is no bad time for a little spice. This Federal Hill gem offers breakfast burritos, omelets, Mexican classics such as huevos rancheros (eggs with your choice of salsa), as well as the exciting strawberry-lime French toast: vanilla pound cake soaked in lime custard and browned until crisp, then served with warm strawberry sauce and fresh fruit. Sunday 11am to 2:30pm

Julian’s
Usually when you think of a vegan friendly menu, bland and uninteresting are all that come to mind; that is not the case at this West Side favorite. The food is worth standing in line for (and believe me, you will), with entire menu sections devoted to different benedicts and interesting hashes. I recommend closing your eyes and picking at random because it all sounds good to me. Monday through Friday 9am to 4:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2:45pm

Loie Fuller’s
Why is it so hard to find a delicious beignet? If you’re looking, head over to Loie Fuller’s and enjoy their bistro style selections, including their house smoked meats, a vegetarian omelet that changes with the season for the freshest possible local vegetables and a dark romantic vibe (just in case glaring bright lights are not in the cards that day). Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm

The East Side

The Duck & Bunny
Order your crepe sweet or savory – or even as a burrito! This playful menu includes potato latkes, a New York System Hot Wiener Omelet and Portuguese sweet bread French toast served in a variety of ways. The setting will make you feel like you are in a quaint French tea house, but the food will leave you full and satisfied. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm

Paragon
This is one of the few brunch locations in Providence that offers a buffet and different delicious stations. For those craving breakfast there are traditional items such as cinnamon French toast, eggs benedict or simply a bagel with cream cheese, as well as their impressive omelet station that creates your personal favorite to order. If you have a hankering for a savory lunch start your plate at the carving station with prime rib and ham and make your way through a pasta station, select entrée items and fill up on shrimp cocktail. This brunch will satisfy any large group on a day when nobody can decide what they want. Sunday 10am to 3pm. $14.99 for Sunday brunch Includes refills on coffee, soda, or one juice per guest; $18.99 with bloody Mary or mimosa. Children under 6 are free; children 6-12 are $7.99.

Brickway on Wickenden
You really can't discuss brunch on the East Side without mentioning Brickway; it's one of the neighborhood's perennial favorites. Maybe it's the artsy, eclectic decor that seems to extend to the employees as well as the walls. Maybe it's the friendly atmosphere. But more than likely it's the food, with an array of omelets, lots of French toast and pancakes fresh from the griddle, and a specials board that's always worth a look. Weekeday, 7am-3pm; weekends 8am-3pm.

Rue De L’Espoir
Although a standard breakfast favorite is offered, this brunch is for the more adventurous eater. With exciting menu items such as the Rue Melt Omelet with Thai crab cake and lemongrass aioli or the Veggie Benedict with marinated artichoke hearts and marinara. For those looking for a lighter option, try their home made granola, multi-grain French toast or what they call their, “very fresh and delicious fruit plate.” Saturday 8:30am to 2:30pm; Sunday 8:30am to 3:00pm

Waterman Grille
Start your day off right with the Farmstead Artisan Cheese Plate and from there choose from a menu full of well-executed classics for brunch traditionalists. Mixed in with your favorites are some lux items such as the Butternut squash bisque or the lobster grilled cheese. Perfect for when the out of town relatives come to visit and you want a beautiful setting with simple and reliable food. Sunday 10:30am to 2pm

Red Stripe
If you’ve had enough of (insert creative take on eggs benedict here) and you just want delicious, no fuss food, this is the perfect place to be. It is simple without being dull and includes slow-cooked oatmeal in cider, omelets, a hangover burger for those up late the night before and satisfying salad options. Sometimes the classics done well are exactly what you need. Sunday 10am to 3pm

Kabob & Curry
The price tag alone makes this brunch irresistible, but the food keeps you coming back for more. The ever changing buffet always includes two salad options, tandoori chicken, different chicken curry options, two vegetarian options, one lentil option, naan and rice pudding for dessert; also, if I may say so, the raita (cucumber yogurt sauce) is the best in town. Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm. $9.99 all you can eat

Just Outside Providence

Rasoi
Enjoy either the Saturday vegan menu or the Sunday regional brunches no matter what your dietary needs are, as both should simply be categorized as tasty. For the vegan menu the high point is the masala dosa crepe stuffed with seasoned potatoes that alone will probably keep you coming back. On Sunday, bring your carnivorous friends to try a variety of seafood, chicken, lamb (and even some veggies) for an eclectic Indian experience. Saturday and Sunday 11:30am to 3pm. Saturday’s vegan brunch – $11.99. Sunday’s regional brunch – $12.99.

Avenue N
This cozy eatery from former Chow Fun Food Group (XO Café, Rick’s Roadhouse) chef Nick Rabar features delicious, down to earth food that feels like fine dining and a brunch menu perfect for a mixed group of tastes. Every ingredient in each dish is handpicked for its quality, making a simple grilled cheese is so much more, with Gruyere, cheddar bread and fresh tomatoes. Personally, I want to try the blueberry-buttermilk pancakes served with Vermont grade “A” syrup the next time I go. Sunday 10am-2pm

Doherty’s
Comfort food at its best and pub options you love make this Irish pub an unexpected brunch destination. With vegan options as well as healthy alternatives such as tofu scrambles, nobody in your party will leave unsatisfied. Try the vegan French toast that is dipped in a batter made from bananas, soymilk and spices, or just go with your gut and try the famous wings. Every item can be tweaked to make it just to your liking and with a large menu and plenty of options you will have to come back again and again to get through it all. Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3pm