These 10 brunch spots along the coast give reason to rise and shine

Brunch, that beautiful blending of breakfast and lunch, is where alcohol meets bacon and eggs and where late risers are always welcome.

The word brunch can be traced back to an 1895 Hunter’s Weekly article, according to smithsonian.com. The article’s author, Guy Beringer, described brunch as cheerful, sociable and inciting.

“It is talk-compelling,” Beringer wrote. “It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.’’

Here are just a few samples of popular purveyors of breakfast and brunch on the upper Texas coast.

The Sunday brunch at Hotel Galvez offers a wide array of breakfast and lunch dishes such as snow crab, shrimp, waffles and more. Photo courtesy of Jerry B. Smith Photography

Hotel Galvez Bar & Grill

This favorite brunch spot at a historic hotel comes with Gulf of Mexico views. The Sunday brunch feature waffles with all the trimmings, made-to-order omelets, biscuits and gravy, crab legs, prime rib and a pasta bar, just to name a few things. Did we mention the delectable spread of desserts, including red velvet cake, banana pudding and cheesecake? This island spot is known for impeccable service and free valet parking. Reservations are encouraged.

2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.515.2145

Breakfast staples such as pancakes, bacon, eggs and hash browns are in abundance at The Gumbo Diner in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Christy Landriault

The Gumbo Diner

Don’t let the name deter you from one of the best brunches on the island. The Gumbo Diner, known for its savory namesake, also features such fare as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, huevos rancheros, omelets and several a la carte breakfast items at affordable prices. Oh, and don’t forget the beignets.

3602 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.762.3232

The OMG! French Toast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, is a fresh brioche stuffed with mascarpone and topped with vanilla créme, salted caramel, fresh strawberries and toasted coconut. Photo courtesy of George Lange Photography

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

This eclectic culinary concept was made specifically for “snoozers,” and serves all sorts of breakfast and lunch items in a bright and energetic atmosphere that’s comfortable, casual and family friendly, too. Looking for a traditional breakfast? Try The Snooze Classic or the Smashed Avocado Benny, which features an English muffin topped with fresh smashed avocado and green chili, Parmesan cheese, vine-ripened tomatoes, two poached cage-free eggs and smoked cheddar hollandaise.

820 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 100, Webster

The NOLA at Seabrook Waffle Company includes speculoos, fresh bananas, vanilla ice cream and cinnamon maple sprinkles. Courtesy photo

Seabrook Waffle Company

Known as “the home of the Liège waffle,” this cozy little gem was founded in 2012 and is famous for waffles made from dough that gives it a sweet crunch. For the uninitiated, Liège waffles are centuries-old street treats in Belgium, made from yeast-risen dough and Belgian pearl sugar. If you crave chicken, fresh bananas, strawberries, or even ice cream with your waffle, this eatery has you covered. Also, try the Eggs Benedict or Zac’s Mac.

1402 Fifth St., Seabrook, 281.291.8186

Tookie’s

Known around these parts for its hamburgers, this local favorite is now serving cleverly named morning meals such as the Sunrise Squealer, Excuse My French Toast, Here’s Looking at You, the Suns Out Buns Out Sandwich and Six Little Piggies, to name a few.

406 Texas Ave., Kemah, 281.942.9334

Mosquito Café

The locals have long flocked to this island eatery for such fare as the Mosquito Benedict with a choice of cheesy grits, roasted potatoes or apple pecan salad. If you’re more of a “lunch” person at brunch time, wake up with the Turkey Divinity sandwich or the Island Slammer.

628 14th St., Galveston, 409.763.1010

Red Oak Café

Believe all the hype about this north county café with obvious skillet skills. Thinking big? Try the Texas Hash Breakfast with bacon, sausage, potatoes, cheese, veggies, jalapeño and chipotle peppers, and its fresh, in-house guacamole toast. This restaurant serves a variety of pancakes, including sweet potato. And, if you happen to get there later in the morning, try the Big Tex Club Sandwich, which is big enough for two. Call-ahead seating is strongly recommended, and don’t forget to try the pecan coffee, too.

6011 W. Main St., League City, 832.905.3150

Marais in Dickinson offers a Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring a buffet and a la carte menus, plus whole bottle mimosas. Courtesy photo

Marais

There’s a nice rhythm to this restaurant’s famous Sunday Jazz Brunch. The brunch buffet menu includes such fare as prime rib, chef-made omelettes, French toast, boiled shrimp, chargrilled oysters, Cajun grits, quiche and much more. The brunch also includes live jazz musicians to set the mood for a laid-back Sunday morning. Not in the mood for the buffet? Order Marais Eggs Benedict, or many other a la carte offerings while enjoying whole bottle mimosas and the views overlooking Dickinson Bayou.

2015 FM 517 E., Dickinson, 281.534.1986

La Brisa’s Mexican Bar & Grill

With locations in Bacliff and League City, La Brisa has earned a reputation for some of the best Tex-Mex in Galveston County and one for the best and biggest value brunch menus in the area. Homemade tamales, fajitas, enchiladas, eggs, biscuits, made-to-order omelets, waffles, French toast and more are all on the menu. The breakfast/brunch buffet is available Sundays at the Bacliff restaurant and Saturdays and Sundays at the League City restaurant.

501 N. Wesley Drive, League City, 281.554.4000; and 4001 state Highway 146, Bacliff, 281.559.2415

Farley Girls Cafe

At this Galveston East End mainstay, rise and shine with the help of such fare as the Hangover Helper Bowl, Texas Eggs Benedict and Corn Bread Waffle. Along with other traditional breakfast items, brunch here is available Saturdays and Sundays and also includes Pizza Delicioso baked with chorizo, smoked Gouda cheese, topped with scrambled eggs, queso and pico de gallo.

801 Postoffice St., Galveston, 409.497.4454