Brunch is and will continue to be a hot foodie topic. There’s just something about kicking back on a Sunday morning with unlimited mimosas and multiple high-caloric dishes. It’s the weekend, and the living is easy, and somehow drooping $65 dollars on a meal doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal.
I have to admit, I am not a card-carrying member of the brunch club. I much prefer to eat breakfast and brunch at home in my jammies, and pay $5 for a bottle of champagne instead of $5 for a mimosa. But there are occasions you just need to get gussied up and head to brunch with your girlfriends, so I’ve rounded up my top pics for brunch in the city.
This list might look a lot like other brunch roundups, but that’s because the OKC food scene is relatively small, and I’m also writing this post mainly for tourists instead of die-hard OKC Foodies (you probably already know about all these places. And if you’re coming to visit Oklahoma City, hi!) I am dividing this list up between boozy and not boozy, since some of us are old enough to know that a Sunday Funday is a bad idea, and some of us don’t. Anyway – onto the list!
CAFE KACAO
Literally, duh. Cafe Kacao is probably one of the most famous brunch spots in the city, with the restaurant toting 2-hour long waits on the weekend. It’s located in the Asian District, a 5 minute drive away from downtown. In the few years as it’s gained popularity, they have wised up and gotten on the No Wait App (which allows you to claim a spot in line while you’re in your jammies and then show up right whenever your table is ready). Cafe Kacao is what I could best describe as Latin food, with their menu growing bigger every week. They have their fare share of savory dishes (I almost always go with the Migas con Chorizo), and then some Nutella pancakes that will seriously rock your world.
They also have an extensive coffee menu, and like, 20 types of cold brew. You will not go wrong with anything on the menu here. There is no booze, but honestly you don’t need it. Your experience here is not going to linger. It’s more of an in, inhale your coffee and refried black beans that might be like 50% lard, and leave and enter a food coma. The prices are moderate, but honestly worth it for what you’re getting. As a local, Cafe Kacao is admirable because they are obviously are making bank, but they tend to pour money back into the restaurant.
Tips: Get your spot in line via the No Wait app. The s’mores cortado is a current favorite of mine, and if you’re going with a few people, get a pancake for the table to split.
KITCHEN 324
Kitchen 324 is the number one rated restaurant on the Oklahoma City Yelp, so if you’re researching places for brunch, it’s sure to have popped up. Located in the downtown area, Kitchen 324 is one of the Good Egg Restaurant Group’s darlings. It’s a restaurant that’s fully instagrammable, and filled with beautiful natural light. They recently renovated the bar area and it’s definitely added to the restaurant’s beauty. Kitchen 324 would be classified as “New American” fare, and for brunch they serve all the standards, including benedicts, omelettes, baked pastries and more.
They also have a full bar and coffee bar. I love Kitchen for brunch, because you have the options for their freshly baked “Joenuts” and a more savory main dish. Also – check out the specials because they always have something delicious coming from the kitchen. The speciality cocktails are always good, but it’s definitely not geared to a “bottomless mimosa brunch” type of vibe. Kitchen is on the more expensive side of things, but if you’re visiting the city or having a special occasion or birthday, it’s worth it.
Tips: Ask about the Joenut of the day. They also have amazing pebble ice, so get your latte iced! They also serve lunch and dinner with equally great options. Make a reservation on Resy, since there tends to be a wait!
THE RED CUP
The Red Cup often gets overlooked for brunch, but it’s one of my favorite hidden spots in the city. Located on Classen in an old renovated house, it’s one of the most inventive menus that I can think of. The Red Cup is almost all Vegan/Plant-Based/Vegetarian, but even the bacon lovers in your life can find something to eat. They also have a bar with all different kinds of vegan baked good, of which I always find something to add onto my meal. I’ve had all different kinds of cookies, cakes, and bars that you can’t even tell are vegan.
They also have Big Oak Kombucha on tap and a coffee drink called the Sexi Mexi with cayenne pepper that is so good I can’t even stand it. I have been eating the avocado toast (it’s almost like a salad, it’s incredible), the bagel and lox (the lox is carrot!) and you can’t go wrong with the biscuits and gravy with plant-based sausage (add an egg if you’re not vegan). Again, they don’t have booze, but you really don’t need it. Prices are moderate, even low. You can get a more than healthy helping of brunch for under $20.
Tips: Eat in the garden when the weather is nice! Also look out for the famous Red Cup chicken. Dogs are welcome on the patio so bring your furry friends.
FASSLER HALL
For all my boozy-casual brunch (and Saturday brunch) fans, this one’s for you. Fassler Hall is located in Midtown, and is probably the dark horse on this list, but secretly my favorite. Fassler Hall is usually a night-time type place, but it’s surprisingly great in the day as well. They serve traditional German Fare, and their menu is quite small, but trust me on this, get the chicken and waffles. It’s a perfectly cooked waffle, topped with flattened chicken schnitzel, with syrup on the side. Perfectly simple, but it’s my favorite chicken and waffle in town.
I’d also suggest the giant pretzel with beer cheese, and you can’t go wrong with any of the biscuits either. The best part of Fassler is it’s good for kids (and dogs!), there’s NEVER a wait, and they serve mimosa (or champagne) pitchers for $8 on Saturday and Sunday for brunch, along with a serve yourself juice bar. It’s my favorite low-key brunch spot in the city.
Tips: If you’re feeling beer, they have lots and lots on tap. (It is a beer hall). Bring your dogs and let them run around in the Midtown Dog Park across the street. If you want to continue the day party, R&J’s Supper Club, Bleu Garden and Capitals Ice Cream is all nearby.
THE JONES ASSEMBLY
The Jones Assembly could honestly be on any list that I write, but I have a special soft spot for their brunch. Also would classify as New American, their brunch menu is stacked. From smoothie bowls, to candied bacon, to breakfast pizza, everyone in your crew is going to be able to find something to eat. They also have the most show-stopping of cocktails, and it’s also home to OKC’s best frozen cocktail, the JA Frose.
The Jones is huge and open, but I would make a reservation just to be safe. The prices are moderate to high, but it’s perfect for a birthday brunch, or even if you are staying across the street at the 21c hotel. Film Row is an up-and-coming location that you are going to want to explore. The vibe of the Jones Assembly is BEAUTIFUL and you’re going to want to take pictures of your food.
Tips: Get the tiny biscuits and the candied bacon to share. Try one, two or three brunch cocktails, but make sure to include the frose – it’s a staple! Make a reservation via Resy.
So those are my brunch picks for Oklahoma City. Do you have any favorites? Did I miss someone on this list? Let me know in the comments.
