Jan 13 2020
#YPGLikes Brunch
Whether you're a lifetime Lincolnite or a recent transplant into the local dining scene, every young professional can agree that there's no such thing as too many great new (or new to you) spots to grab a bite or meet a friend for a drink. Introducing YPG's new #YPGLikes series, a compilation of recommendations for YP's, by YP's. We're crowdsourcing a variety of cuisines, locations, price points and best-on-the-menu tips, then compiling them on our blog for you to share and enjoy. Check them out and reply in the comments if you have a rec that didn't make the list!
Up and coming: keep an eye out for #YPGLikes best brunch spots, best farmers markets, best dive bars, best lunch on a budget and best group dining. Have an idea for a #YPGLikes topic? Submit it here!
#YPGLikes: Brunch
What kind of young professionals would we be if we didn't kick off this new series with our hot takes on the Lincoln brunch scene? Read on for a selection of our members’ favorite spots to grab a mimosa and avo toast on a Saturday morning. NOTE: These reviews were not solicited or sponsored and do not reflect an endorsement by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce or Lincoln Young Professionals Group.
Method Cycles and Crafthouse
$$, Downtown, Family Friendly, Sit and Stay
Chances are you've seen more than one mouthwatering Instagram post featuring Method's signature liege waffles - and for those who haven't yet tried for themselves, let me assure you that they taste as good as they look.
The brunch menu is limited and only available on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to noon. In addition to waffles, you can order a charcuterie board, a fresh fruit parfait with homemade granola or pastries supplied by Le Quartier.
When they're not serving brunch, Method is also an awesome spot for coffee, craft beer, and a bike tuneup.
Bagels & Joe
$$, multiple locations in Southeast and Northeast Lincoln, Family Friendly, Grab and Go
While this isn’t technically “brunch,” Bagels & Joe is where I like to eat my Sunday morning(ish) meal.
First, it sells amazing. You cannot convince me there is a better smell in the world than baking bread.
Second, they have a wonderful menu of handcrafted bagels, pastries, quiche and breakfast burritos — but their flavored cream cheeses are amazing. Here are my favorite bagel/cream cheese combos ranked in order:
- Sesame bagel with garlic parmesan cream cheese (I would put this cream cheese on just about anything but the sesame bagel takes it to the next level).
- Everything bagel with veggie cream cheese (“everything” is an apt term).
- French toast with honey almond cream cheese (pair with a GIANT chai latte for full effect).
Finally, I challenge you to find a kinder, warmer staff in town. It may be the carb fumes but the employees are always happy and helpful.
Bonus, if you go with a partner, it is a prime for a social post with #BaeGoals (get it? Bagels=Bae Goals).
Dino’s
$$, East Lincoln, Sit and Stay, Family Friendly
Brunch is more than just a meal; it truly is an experience. One of my favorite places to have this experience is at Dino’s. They offer a full buffet that changes periodically with some of truly exceptional choices, including prime rib!
Not only do they have copious food options, they offer some amazing cocktails to accompany your meal. Because, let’s be real, a brunch without a cocktail is just breakfast. The atmosphere at Dino’s is very welcoming and laid back, a great place to take the parents or friends that are in town.
If you’re looking for a new brunch spot or venturing over to east Lincoln, be sure to stop in at Dino’s!
Piedmont Bistro
$$, Central Lincoln, Sit and Stay
One of my favorite things to give recommendations on (whether it’s solicited or not) is brunch, and I have to say one of my very top choices is Piedmont Bistro. The only problem in the world that exists when you brunch at Piedmont is choosing between a salmon benny or their biscuits and gravy. Their sage buttermilk biscuits are made in-house and they will drastically improve your whole day.
If you have more of a sweet tooth when it comes to brunch, Piedmont has an out-of-this-world French toast, made from their incredible house-made brioche.
And as if all of that isn’t already enough, Sunday’s all-day brunch also offers $10 pitchers of mimosas - because really, you shouldn’t even go to brunch if you aren’t going to take it seriously.
Hopcat
$$, Haymarket, Family Friendly, Sit and Stay
Everyone knows Hopcat for their cosmic fries but did you know you they also have an amazing brunch that’s super tasty and affordable? The best parts are the $5 mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Their brunch drink menu also includes unique brunch-specific cocktails that are perfect for getting your morning buzz on.
Their brunch menu is small but you can’t go wrong with anything. If you feel like indulging yourself, I recommend the Salted Caramel Chicken & Waffles for a perfect combo of sweet and salty.
If you want to be a little healthier, the B’s Avacodo Toast or Mediterranean Breakfast Wrap are your meals! Also, don’t forget to pair your meal with their fruit salad. They throw mint on it for a fun twist!
Cactus
$$$, South Lincoln, Family Friendly, Sit and Stay
Cactus is new to the brunch scene with a “modern Mexican” twist. Check out their Sunday brunch buffet for generous portions and delicious casseroles.
It’s definitely a hearty meal (not an avocado toast in sight), and the buffet is the main thing on the menu, so come with a healthy appetite. You can also order off of their regular lunch menu, which has lots of great options for anyone who loves Mexican food.
No brunch is complete without their bottomless mimosas or build your own Bloody Mary bar.
Pricing guide - per meal
- $ - $1-10
- $$ - $11-20
- $$$ - $21-30
- $$$$ - $31+
Location
- Downtown
- Haymarket
- North
- South
- East
- Central
Style
- Family Friendly
- Grab and Go
- Sit and Stay