WE'RE BRUNCHING
- Apr 8
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Indulge in the marriage of breakfast and lunch in the Port City. Whether it's a meal with mom, celebrating with girlfriends, or recovering from a rowdy Saturday night, it's easy to make a case for brunch. You can see syrup spill over pillowy pancakes. Hear crackles of bacon — clinks of cocktail glasses. Feel the steam rising off well-made omelets and the warmth of conversation.
By Cape Fear Living Staff
Brunch isn’t a one-size-fits-all ritual—and some places simply get it right. Spots like The Sounder, Sugo Italian Steakhouse, South Front Tavern, Marina Grill, The City Club, Seabird, Dixie Grill, and The Famous Toastery have mastered the balance of atmosphere, flavor, and that unhurried weekend energy, turning a simple mid-morning meal into something far more memorable. Whether it’s expertly crafted cocktails, thoughtfully prepared dishes, or a setting that invites you to linger a little longer, these destinations elevate brunch into a true weekend tradition.
Q&A with Owner Grant Steadman
What makes brunch at The Sounder unique?
Brunch at The Sounder is unique because it's offered on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing guests to kick off either weekend day with a great meal in a family-oriented and vibrant space.
Secondly, our brunch menu aligns with The Sounder's food + drink approach, using unique ingredients or preparation techniques to elevate otherwise familiar dishes. For example, the foundation of our Eggs Benedict is puff pastry instead of an English muffin, and we use confit chicken—instead of regular grilled or poached chicken—for the protein on salads and the base for our Chicken Salad Sandwich. You won't find a brunch like ours anywhere else in town.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Savory: Breakfast Bowl: Sea island blue grits or home fries, two fried eggs, sausage or bacon, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomato, goat cheese, and .chili crunch tomato sauce.
Sweet: French Toast Casserole: White chocolate, berry compote, and honey whipped cream.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Verde Mary—a riff on a traditional Bloody Mary made with tomatillos, cucumber, habanero and lime.
Essential brunch tunes.
Q&A with Owner Nicolette Hanley
What makes brunch at Dixie Grill unique?
Dixie Grill's brunch stands out for blending deep local history with genuine Southern hospitality. Housed in Wilmington’s oldest continuously operating sit-down restaurant (dating back to 1901 as the Dixie Café), the brunch experience has a legacy you can taste—classic Southern comfort dishes, warm homespun flavors, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that has continued to evolve with the times. It’s not just about food; it’s about sharing a piece of Wilmington’s story with neighbors old and new, in a setting that feels timeless yet refreshed for modern diners.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Savory: Shrimp n Grits Creamy cheese grits topped with Cajun shrimp, crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, scallions, and an egg, served with a warm biscuit. Comforting, savory, and coastal-inspired.
Sweet: Strawberry Banana Pecan French Toast Brioche slices dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, grilled to golden, and topped with fresh strawberries, banana slices, and toasted pecans. Finished with a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of indulgence.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Aperol Creamsicle: Aperol, vanilla vodka, triple sec, orange juice and coconut cream. Shaken and strained into a chilled coupe glass.
Essential brunch tunes. (Any diner jukebox oldies)
South Front Tavern
Q&A with Owner Mark Zecher
What makes brunch at South Front Tavern unique?
South Front Tavern’s brunch truly checks all the boxes. It starts with the ambience—from our covered patio with swaying palms and lush blooms to our Teak furniture, industrial-chic interior, and a beautiful bar area. Our food is casual and approachable, but we elevate each dish in a way that sets us apart from other brunch spots in town. On the cocktail side, we take pride in our craft cocktail program, including a $5 seasonal mimosa menu featuring fresh, vibrant flavors. What really brings it all together is our hospitality. Our team genuinely enjoys making every guest feel welcome and appreciated, creating an experience that feels both relaxed and memorable. Paired with our rich sound system and laid-back vibes, brunch at South Front Tavern is something special.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
At South Front Tavern, brunch is all about bold flavors, thoughtful technique, and a balance of comfort and creativity.
Savory: House-Made Cheddar Drop Biscuits
Our house-made drop biscuits are a true labor of love. We incorporate shredded frozen butter directly into the dough, which creates an irresistibly flaky interior while allowing the exterior to bake into a golden, crusty cheddar shell. Each bite delivers rich, savory depth with a warm, tender center. What truly sets them apart is the trio of house-made accompaniments:
Ancho Chili Jam – crafted from toasted, rehydrated ancho chilies blended with sugar and vinegar, offering a smoky-sweet complexity.
Jalapeño Cilantro Jelly – bright, herbaceous, and gently spicy with fresh cilantro and jalapeño.
Habanero Honey Butter – smooth and sweet with a subtle, lingering heat. Together, they create a layered tasting experience that moves from savory to sweet to spicy in
every bite.
Sweet: Baked Blueberry French Toast
Our baked blueberry French toast is a decadent, comforting centerpiece. We start with a base of rich brioche, add a smooth layer of sweetened cream cheese, top it with more brioche cubes, fresh North Carolina blueberries, pure vanilla, cream, and sugar, and bake to golden perfection. The result is a soft, custard-like interior with lightly crisp edges, bursting with juicy blueberries and creamy sweetness. It’s served with pure Vermont maple syrup and garnished with fresh fruit, bringing balance and brightness to this indulgent dish.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Our signature brunch cocktail is the Lavender Lemon Mimosa. We create a house-made lavender lemon simple syrup by steeping culinary lavender buds with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water, then enhancing it with butterfly pea flower for its natural, vibrant hue. When topped with champagne, it transforms into a beautifully aromatic mimosa with a soft lavender color and a bright, refreshing finish.
Essential brunch tunes.
"Beautiful Things" - Benson Boone
Q&A with Marketing Director Kayla Boucek
What makes brunch at Marina Grill unique?
Brunch at Marina Grill is all about the experience. Set on the downtown Wilmington waterfront, guests enjoy marina views, fresh air, and a lively atmosphere. Whether seated on the patio or inside overlooking the water, the setting alone makes brunch feel special. The menu matches the experience, offering coastal-inspired dishes and Southern comfort favorites. Elevated seafood and indulgent brunch classics feel familiar yet exciting—perfect with the laid-back, waterfront vibe. Come join us for brunch and make your own Sunday special.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Sweet: Giant Cinnamon Roll
This is not your average cinnamon roll—it’s oversized, soft, and perfectly baked with layers of warm cinnamon sugar throughout. It’s topped with a rich maple-bourbon icing that melts into every bite, and finished with crispy bacon bits for the perfect sweet-and-savory contrast. It’s indulgent, shareable, and absolutely unforgettable.
Savory: Mississippi Roast & Grits
A true Southern standout, this dish features creamy Gouda stone-ground grits topped with tender, slow-cooked Mississippi roast. The addition of pepperoncinis brings a subtle tang and brightness, while the grilled cheese sandwich on the side takes it completely over the top. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavor—everything you want in a brunch entrée.
Signature brunch cocktail.
$5 Mimosas & $5 Bloodys.
Essential brunch tunes.
Q&A with Co-Owner Jamie Alfala
What makes brunch at Sugo unique?
Brunch at Sugo Italian Steakhouse isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on experience where classic Italian indulgence meets steakhouse luxury. Here, brunch leans a little more decadent, a little more playful, and a lot more memorable. It’s the kind of place where you linger over every bite, whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or sparkling in your glass.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Sweet: Caramelized Banana & Biscoff Hotcakes — fluffy, golden hotcakes topped with sweet caramelized bananas and crunchy Biscoff cookie spread. The warm, spiced cookie butter melts into the stack perfectly.
Savory: Filet and Eggs — tender filet mignon paired with a fluffy, creamy, carefully crafted omelette that melts in your mouth. The rich, buttery steak and silky eggs create a luxurious, protein-packed plate that highlights Sugo’s steakhouse expertise in every bite.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Make it interactive and unforgettable with our Make Your Own Mimosa experience! It includes a full bottle of Prosecco (or sparkling wine) plus all the ingredients, garnishes, and mix-ins to craft your own custom flights of peach guava, pineapple, and passion fruit mimosas. Fresh purees and garnishes let you play bartender right at the table—fun, refreshing, and oh so yummy.
Essential brunch tunes.
Q&A with Owner & Chef Dean Neff
What makes brunch at Seabird unique?
Seabird stands out as a truly unique and special spot for brunch, thanks to its incredible versatility, seasonal dishes and beautiful atmosphere. The space is bathed in natural light, with sunlight streaming into both the bar and dining areas, each offering a distinct dining experience. From the bar, guests are treated to stunning river views, while the dining room provides a cozy, elegant setting perfect for families or larger groups. At Seabird, kids are always welcomed with open arms and treated just as special as the adults.
The menu is a brunch lover’s dream, offering a variety of beautiful vegetarian and gluten-free options made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers. True to its coastal roots, Seabird features the freshest local fish and oysters, alongside classic favorites like Po Boys, Fish & Grits and Eggs Benedict. For those craving a hearty start to the day, there are delicious egg dishes and homemade Chicken Biscuits. For the ultimate Seabird experience, the Seafood Tower showcases the best of North Carolina’s coastline.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Savory – Smoked Fish Benedict with golden potato latkes, served with clarified butter, hot smoked local fish, a poached egg, hollandaise and grated botarga. Or an Omelette with spring ramp & asparagus with cheddar shiitakes and tomato jam, served with a crispy potato latke.
Sweet – French toast with strawberries, elderflower sabayon, pepitas and maple syrup.
Signature brunch cocktail.
A rich Bloody Mary made with vodka, DD’s North Carolina Barbecue Sauce, and tomato juice
Essential brunch tunes.
Brunch Times
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Q&A with General Manager Bryan Chappell
What makes brunch at The City Club unique?
Private dining has its perks! With access to the finest local ingredients, our Executive Chef adapts our menu to fit the seasons. Our Sunday Brunch service features live music from guitarist Galen Hunsucker, a wide array of delectable bites, and seasonal drink features that all complement the dining experience in our historic mansion.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Savory: NC Flounder & Grits are out of this world and a local favorite.
Sweet: Apple-Pecan French Toast Beignets.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Cranberry Rosemary Mimosa, while the Spicy Bloody Mary remains a longtime favorite.
Essential brunch tunes.
Q&A with Chef Chip Pridgen
What makes brunch at CAM Café unique?
CAM Café offers a delicious, decadent, and special brunch menu, and the setting can’t be beat! All five senses are engaged as you are surrounded by the museum’s beautiful art and our beautiful courtyard garden.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Savory: Homemade Corned Beef Hash Platter. A savory blend of corned beef, Vidalia onions, and Chipperbec potatoes topped with two over-easy eggs, hollandaise, and a side of fresh fruit
Sweet: Classic French Toast. French bread dipped in a cinnamon custard, griddled to perfection, and presented with fresh berries, whipped cream, and sausage.
Signature brunch cocktail.
End of Days French Bloom. It’s composed of End of Days Luna Bloom Gin, Citrus, Lavender, and Cava.
Essential brunch tunes.
Q&A with Chef Brendan Naylon
What makes brunch at Blueberry's Grill unique?
Our beautiful patio is a hidden oasis and an undiscovered gem here just moments from the water.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
A salty favorite here is our Jungle Island Skillet on a bed of homemade fries, signature corn beef hash, mushrooms, pickled jalapenos, two eggs your way with avocado mousse, shredded cheddar jack cheese and served with toast and a side of hollandaise. For a sweet treat we recommend the Blueberry Creme Brulee French Toast. Made with Chalah bread, blueberry cream cheese icing, French toast custard and topped with fresh fruit, powdered sugar whipped butter, whipped cream, and a side of maple syrup.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Espresso Martini
Essential brunch tunes.
Q&A with General Manager Dan Prince
What makes brunch at Henry's unique?
Freshly made items made to be enjoyed inside our dining room, bar area or outside on our Patio provide a gateway for an amazing brunch for two or a group of family and friends. Add your favorite cocktail from our bartenders and you have a great jump start to your Sunday.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Chicken and Waffles is our signature dish. It consist of a waffle topped with fried chicken tenders, bacon pieces, and maple-bourbon glaze.
The Malted Waffle is another "must-try" dish consisting of a crispy malted waffle topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and mint and served with raspberry maple syrup.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Our Mimosa flights allow you & your friends to make your own version at the table with a bottle of Champagne, and endless mixers of pineapple, cranberry, and orange juices.
Essential Brunch Tunes
Brunch Times
Sundays 10am-3pm
Q&A with Owner Jamie Kloiber
What makes brunch at The Famous Toastery unique?
The Toastery offers a variety of AMAZING Breakfast and Brunch items. Every delicious item on the menu is made with fresh ingredients. The entire team (FOH & BOH) consists of only the best, which has helped to create an extraordinary culture like none-other. Our beautiful building and relaxed ambiance is very popular with our guests.
Two must eat items on the brunch menu.
Avocado Benedict Split: Avocado baked with cajun seasoning, two eggs and style, topped with melted pepper jack & pico de gallo.
Stuffed French Toast French: Toast with your choice of filling: raspberry, blueberry, peanut butter & banana or strawberry & cream cheese. This delicious concoction is served with a breakfast meat.
Signature brunch cocktail.
Our Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice makes our mimosas. CRAZY Good!!
Essential Brunch Tunes
We have created our own playlists with thousands of songs.
Brunch Times
Everyday 8 am – 2:00 pm
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