Food & Drink

These Excellent Seattle Brunch Spots Are Open New Year’s Day

With the holiday falling on a Monday, 2018 presents the chance for a three-brunch weekend.

By Megan Lamb December 19, 2017

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The simple merging of two very ordinary meals spawned an American cult hit. Brunch has captivated the hearts (and stomachs) of hungry hipsters and bottomless mimosa lovers, and for good reason. It’s virtually a national pastime and everybody has their go-to spot. But on New Year’s Day—when we need brunch the most—many restaurants will be closed for the holiday (or to nurse that hangover).

Thankfully, these restaurants are here for us. Whether you’re looking for a quick stop at a café or an elaborate buffet, there’s something for everyone. But wherever you go, try to call ahead for a reservation, because it’s sure to be a busy morning for brunching.

Tilikum Place Café
Start 2018 off right with one of Tilikum Place Cafe’s signature Dutch Baby pancakes. Choose between sweet (with apples, cinnamon and dulce de leche), or savory (with Persian spiced lamb, feta and roasted carrots). Better yet, get both–because why not? 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lower Queen Anne, 407 Cedar St., 206.282.4830, tilikumplacecafe.com

Capitol Cider
Whether your ears are still ringing from the night before or you were in bed before the ball dropped, this brunch joint will hit the spot. We recommend the cinnamon raisin french toast, with maple butter and roasted apples ($13). 10 a.m.-3 p.m., First Hill, 818 E. Pike St., 206.397.3564, capitolcider.com

Tallulah’s
Kick off your New Year’s resolutions with Tallulah’s nutrient-dense kale salad or try their acai yogurt and fruit bowl. Wash it down with a Communitea Kombucha for a fresh start to your healthiest year yet. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Capitol Hill, 550 19th Ave. E., 206.860.0077, aneighborhoodcafe.com

Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grill
Voted King 5 Best of Brunch for 10 years running, the buffet at Salty’s is the perfectly excessive cap to the holidays, complete with oysters, meats carved to order, eggs benedict and a build-your-own bloody mary station. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $60, Alki Beach, 1936 Harbor Ave. SW, 206.937.1600, saltys.com

W Bellevue Living Room Bar
This swanky Lincoln Square hotel is gracious enough to host a “morning after hangover brunch.” Revive yourself with its all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs and bacon, plus a complimentary mimosa—if you didn’t get your Champagne fix last night. Tickets are available online. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $30, Lincoln Square, 10455 NE 5th St., 425.709.9000, wbellevue.com

Monsoon 
Ever woke up after a long night out and ordered dumplings for breakfast? If not, you’re missing out. Luckily, Monsoon is open New Year’s Day. While they’ll have more traditional brunch plates like crab benedict and French toast, we recommend the shrimp dumplings or pork buns. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Capitol Hill, 615 19th Ave. E., 206.325.2111, monsoonrestaurants.com

London Plane 
The food at this chic Pioneer Square restaurant is to die for. Try the crème fraîche coffee cake with blueberries and pecan streusel or go for a slice of their famous freshly baked bread topped with spicy tahini, creamed greens and a fried egg. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Occidental Square, 300 Occidental Ave. S., 206.624.1374, thelondonplaneseattle.com

Oddfellow’s Café
Choose from simple and locally-sourced breakfast items like baked eggs and avocado toast at this beautiful high-ceilinged café, and 2018 will automatically be off to a good start. Plus, the lattés are superb. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Capitol Hill, 1525 10th Ave., 206.325.0807, oddfellowscafe.com

Café Flora
This vegetarian eatery is hosting a brunch buffet on New Year’s Day for Seattle’s herbivores. If this holiday spread is anything like its usual brunch menu, it’s bound to be delicious. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Prices vary, Madison Valley, 2901 E. Madison St., 206.325.9100, cafeflora.com

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