By Jessica Stringer and Amanda MacLaren | Photography by John Michael Simpson

Acme

Chef and owner Kevin Callaghan takes pride in using local ingredients to create his version of Southern American cuisine in Carrboro. Step through the curtained entrance at Acme Restaurant for Sunday brunch, and the fragrance alone will make your mouth water. Waitstaff weave their way through the dining room, leaving a wafting trail of cinnamon spice and hints of orange zest as they deliver plates to tabletops. The rolls arrive, still warm from the oven, and are filled with raisins and pecans. The glaze carries a citrus finish, and the dusting of powdered sugar is a signal to grab a fork.

After indulging in the rolls, enjoy a classic brunch dish. The Acme Deluxe Benedict presents with a pair of toasted English muffins, each topped with a stack of thinly sliced ham, fried green tomato and a lightly poached egg topped with buttery hollandaise sauce and a dash of black pepper. Accompanying the eggs is a bright green salad mix with a refreshing dressing and a small bowl of cheese grits. And when you’ve put down your fork, finally, you’ll catch yourself repeating Kevin’s motto: damn good food.

Antonia’s

Head to historic Hillsborough for prime people-watching during brunch alfresco along West King and North Churton streets. Offerings at Antonia’s Italian restaurant include Cinnamon Toast Crunch French toast, smoked salmon Benedict and the “King Street Fry,” which features duck confit, potatoes and a sunny side up egg. Take your pick between half-priced bottles of wine on Sundays or bottomless mimosas and bloody marys.

A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

Awaken your taste buds with a brunch spread that includes refreshing mimosas or indulge in a signature Bloody Maria as you savor delectable dishes that blend traditional Mexican flavors with a creative, whimsical twist. A’Verde opened in Cary in March 2022, and its menu, curated by executive chef (and “Top Chef” alum) Katsuji Tanabe, features fare with fun and flair, like churro French toast dusted with fruity pebbles, maple syrup, Chantilly cream and berries, or the “Grounds for Divorce Huevos” with corn tortillas, refried beans, green and red salsa, sour cream, cotija cheese and sunny side up eggs. Be sure to try the seasonal guacamole and Katsuji’s popular “Freshly Baked Grandma’s Cornbread,” a recipe from 1950s Mexico City accompanied by a honey truffle butter. Best of all, for late risers, brunch runs till 4 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

You’ll think you died and went to Southern heaven at Ashley Christensen’s chicken-centric spot in downtown Raleigh. Highlights include a chicken biscuit with a pickled green tomato, cinnamon biscuit bread pudding and a Sunday supper’s worth of sides, from sweet potatoes to pimento macaroni and cheese custard to creamed collard greens. Brunch at Beasley’s is available till 3 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Bluebird

Don’t let the French names and small menu intimidate you – Bluebird, Meadowmont’s newest addition by Hawthorne & Wood’s Michelin-starred chef and owner Brandon Sharp, serves up Sunday brunch dishes that’ll send seasoned foodies and menu-pointers alike into a satisfied food coma. Plus, the white tiled floors, copper horseshoe counter and Parisian cafe vibe create an upscale atmosphere that’s perfect for a celebratory meal.

Start off with a warm and flaky kouign-amann, a Breton morning bun made with laminated dough and topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Then, balance the palate with a savory dish like the goat cheese and spinach quiche. This classic brunch dish is ultra fluffy (don’t resist the temptation to jiggle the plate!), topped with piperade and served with crispy potatoes. Leave your mark on the paper tablecloth using the pencils provided at each table; your artistic creation might just earn you a special feature on the Instagram page, @blue.birdnc.

Grata Diner

Located in Carrboro’s Carr Mill Mall, diners at Grata will find breakfast served all day – think boozy ciabatta French toast, omelets and huevos rancheros – alongside smashburgers, sandwiches and creative “Grata Bowls.” The proceeds of select bowls are donated to local organizations like TABLE and The ArtsCenter.

Crossroads Chapel Hill

Sitting down to brunch at The Carolina Inn on a rainy Sunday morning, it’s impossible to feel down. The coffee comes quick – and often. Everyone’s welcoming, and then there’s the buffet. It’s a little like being Disney princess Belle during the “Be Our Guest” scene. (“We’ll prepare and serve with flair, a culinary cabaret! … The banquet’s all prepared. No one’s gloomy or complaining.”) The nearly 100-year-old inn’s impressive spread features breakfast and lunch offerings ranging from waffles and made-to-order omelets to mac and cheese and pork – and that’s all before you’ve made it to the scones, muffins and pastries! Help yourself to seconds of the dreamy cinnamon buns with cream cheese icing and the grits (“try the gray stuff – it’s delicious!”) loaded up with cheddar and scallions.

Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten

This Durham mainstay, a fixture for 25 years, is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy brunch on its expansive patio. You can’t go wrong with an iced Vietnamese latte while you peruse Guglhupf’s German specialties, from Alsatian potato leek tart to pork schnitzel. Eggs, sandwiches, and breads and pastries (of course), round out the rest of the morning menu. If you’re near Chapel Hill and just need something quick on the go, treat yourself to a pastry and a coffee at Guglhupf’s bake shop in Eastgate Shopping Center.

Press Coffee, Crêpes & Cocktails

The popular Graham coffee shop and crêperie opened a Bull City location in summer 2021. The breakfast menu, available on both Saturday and Sundays, has a bevy of sweet crêpe options like “The Classic” (Nutella, peanut butter and fruit). Team savory won’t be disappointed either; fillings range from fresh veggies to North Carolina-smoked ham – and don’t sleep on the hash brown waffles. Good news for Raleigh residents: a third location is in the works downtown in the 400H building at 400 Hillsborough St., with plans to open in winter 2023.

Tandem

Chef Younes Sabouh’s Moroccan roots and meticulous French training shine in Tandem‘s simple yet savory dishes, like the shakshouka. Slow-cooked red peppers and whole cloves of roasted garlic meld seamlessly in a richly spiced tomato sauce, but the real magic happens when you cut into the pair of poached eggs and scoop up a perfect bite of runny yolk with a crunchy slice of toasted baguette.

Shakshouka recipes can vary widely around the world (common additions include olives, goat cheese, lemon and even spicy sausage); Chef Younes’ version gets a brunch twist with fresh slices of avocado and a handful of cilantro. Paired with a seasonal Tandem Spritz, which features a house-made shrub, lemon and bubbly, the shakshouka’s creamy brightness will sparkle. We recommend enjoying this dish surrounded by the lush greenery on Tandem’s patio, and trust us – you’ll want to go ahead and order extra bread for dipping.

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