In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles or mind-blowing Bloody Marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the lines at times. 🍳
Luckily, you have us to scout things out. We listed a whole bunch of brunch options (34 total), along with menu recs, pro tips, and an interactive map to track ‘em. Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas.
Price estimates are based on general entrees, and don’t include drinks, tax, or tip.
$ ~ $20 or less per person
$$ ~ $20-40 per person
$$$ ~ $40+ per person
🍳 Weekday wonders
Tostadas, Midtown + Downtown | Mexi-Cali | Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. | $$ | Pro tip: During peak hours, you can expect a 20-30 min. wait, so come before you’re too hungry.
The Breakfast Club, 1432 W. San Carlos St., Ste. 80, San Jose | Mexi-Cali | Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | What we’re ordering: The Chilaquiles with braised beef — oh, and don’t forget to add a morning cocktail.
The Waffles, 1640 Story Rd., San Jose | Diner | Sunday-Thursday, 1 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: With large portions, and even larger mimosas, enjoy brunch with a group — and don’t forget to bring cash.
Café Rosalena, 1077 The Alameda, San Jose | Cafe | Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: Anyone can indulge in their famous breakfast burritos — even vegetarians + vegans.
Black Bear Diner, Milpitas + Sunnyvale | Diner | Hours vary | $ | Pro tip: Enjoy a classic American breakfast, and save room for a hearty Bear Claw at their pastry counter on your way out.
🍳 Weekend musts
K Cafe Patisserie & Tea House, 923 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose | Asian-French fusion | Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | $$ | Pro tip: Check out the menu before you arrive, as this cafe is counter service + lines can be long.
Bloom Eatery & Spirits, 202 Saratoga Ave., Santa Clara | All-American | Wednesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $$ | What we’re ordering: The Sweet Potato Shishito Hash, homemade + mixed with caramelized onions.
Scramblz, 5055 Almaden Expy., San Jose | Diner | Daily, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: Sunday brunch is busy, so come earlier to skip the crowds.
Crepevine, 1100 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 180, San Jose | Cafe | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | $ | What we’re ordering: The Kyoto savory crepe with grilled tofu + Shiitake mushrooms, and for dessert — the Jamaican, with caramelized bananas and caramel rum sauce.
The Funny Farm Restaurant, East SJ + West SJ | Diner | Hours vary | $$ | Pro tip: This is a carnivore’s paradise, so expect minimal vegetarian options.
Sara’s Southern Kitchen, 27 E. Main St., Los Gatos | Southern | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $$ | What we’re ordering: The signature shrimp + grits, served with a side of buttery corn bread.
🍳 Mimosas, mimosas, and more mimosas
Mo’s Breakfast & Burger Joint, Campbell + Morgan Hill | Diner | Hours vary | $ | What we’re ordering: The nutella + bacon stuffed french toast — and an order of the bottomless mimosas.
Mimosas Gourmet, 2270 Monterey Rd., San Jose | Cafe | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | $ | What we’re ordering: The mimosas of course, but out of the 14 flavors, we recommend papaya or passionfruit.
Flames Eatery & Bar, 88 S. Fourth St., Ste. 150, San Jose | Diner | Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | What we’re ordering: Bottomless mimosas + the Downtown scramble — made with chorizo, avocado, and fresh salsa.
Mimosas Cafe, The Alameda + South SJ | Cafe | Hours vary | $ | What we’re ordering: The Banana Walnut pancakes and the Lotta Colada mimosa.
Toast Cafe & Grill, 1411 Bird Ave., San Jose | Mexi-Cali | Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | What we’re ordering: The Very Berry Belgium Waffle, and since we can’t decide — a mimosa flight with four different flavors.
Mimosas of Willow Glen, 800 Willow St., Ste. 100, San Jose | Diner | Thursday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: Come here to celebrate with a group of friends, because you can’t say no to the Super Mimosa — complete with a whole champagne bottle.
Let this picture bene-dictate your brunch plans for the weekend.
Photo via @scottsseafoodsj
🍳 For a special occasion
Scott’s Seafood San Jose, 200 S. First St., San Jose | All-American | Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | $$ | What we’re ordering: The crab cake eggs benedict or shrimp and crab omelet.
La Foret, 21747 Bertram Rd., San Jose | French | Sunday, 10:30-1 p.m. | $$$ | Pro tip: This place is on the more expensive side, so save up for some adventurous options like elk cooked in a Portebello Cognac Demi Glaze Reduction, or the quail roasted in Huckle-berry-Brandy sauce.
Fountain, 170 S. Market St., San Jose | Buffet-style | Daily, 6:30-10:30 a.m. | $$$ | Pro tip: Take to the buffet to get eggs, charcuterie, and even sushi, or opt to order from their regular breakfast menu.
Flights Restaurant & Bar, 368 E. Campbell Ave., San Jose | Daily, times vary | $ | What we’re ordering: The strawberry, banana, and apple cinnamon french toast flight + the Michelada, spicy mary, and classic bloody mary flight.
Left Bank Brasserie, 377 Santana Row, Ste. 1100, San Jose | French | Saturday + Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Pro tip: This place can be spendy, so save for a fancy brunch and try dishes like the duck confit hash.
🍳 For the fam
The Farmers Union, 151 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose | Upscale diner | Saturday + Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | What we’re ordering: The all-American breakfast sandwich with a peach Bellini, of course.
Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave., San Jose | Diner | Daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Pro tip: You can’t skip the Hashery Huarache with fresh griddle masa, or the Pan Keki — Japanese sweet pancakes.
Bill’s Cafe, various locations | Cafe | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Enjoy the homey atmosphere with large portions and freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Café San José, 1583A Meridian Ave., San Jose | Cafe | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $$ | What we’re ordering: The San Jose Scramble — made with chorizo, diced ribeye, fresh thyme, jalapenos, and feta cheese.
Uncle John’s Pancake House, Campbell + The Alameda | Diner | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: The kitchen welcomes any customizations or special orders.
Los Gatos Cafe, 15662 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos | Cafe | Daily, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $$ | Pro tip: Home of the infamous half-pound cinnamon roll — make sure to catch it when it’s available on the weekends only.
Try a sweet or savory crepe from Whispers Cafe.
Photo via @mbhadox
🍳 Quick and easy
Whispers Café & Crêperie, 150 S. Second St., San Jose | Cafe | Daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | No matter sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong with one of their 14 freshly made crepes.
Benedict’s Café & Bar, 5365 Camden Ave., San Jose | Cafe | Daily, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: Per the name, the cafe is known for its benedicts, so you gotta try the popular chicken waffle benedict.
Rose Café & Donuts, 994 Saratoga Ave., San Jose | Counter-service | Daily, 5 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $ | Pro tip: Try the freshly squeezed orange juice + fresh salsa — be sure to bring cash.
iJava, Downtown + South SJ | Hours vary | Cafe | $ | Pro tip: Enjoy a range of vegetarian, vegan, keto, halal, kosher, or gluten-free options.
The Table, 1110 Willow St., San Jose | Upscale diner | Daily, times vary | $$ | Pro tip: There are a lot of vegan options — we recommend the ricotta beignets with lemon curd.
Yeganeh Bakery & Cafe, 3275 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara | Persian | Sunday-Monday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | $ | What we’re having: The ‘Nargesi’ omelette — made with spinach, grilled onion, and three poached eggs — and the lavender latte.
Did we miss any of your favorite brunch spots? Let us know.
