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Guide to the best brunch spots in the Triangle

Brunch is a hot topic lately. But where can you find the best brunch in the Triangle?

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By
Kaila Curry
, Audience Engagement Producer
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Triangle, with its lively mix of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and more, is the ultimate spot for brunch lovers. Whether you're into a cozy diner vibe or fancy schmancy bistros, this place has got the brunch scene covered. Ready to roll with us as we spill the beans on the best brunch spots? Let's dive in!

Best brunch spots in Raleigh

Bloody Marys come topped with curry shrimp at disco brunch at The Durham.

Ashley Christensen is the chef and owner of Poole's Diner, a historic restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina. Christensen's brunch menu features traditional Southern elements like pecans and sorghum, as well as her own twists, like baked hotcakes. Just a heads up, no reservations here, so make it an early bird day or embrace the waiting game.

Calling all chicken and waffle fanatics! At brunch, Beasley's Chicken + Honey serves fried chicken and waffles. The chicken is brined, dipped in buttermilk, dredged in flour and cooked in a pressure fryer. It's also featured in The Reunion sandwich, which is a buttermilk biscuit with a fried egg, cheese and Tabasco sauce. Doors open at 11 a.m. on weekends. It's a hot brunch spot, so get ready for some finger-lickin' goodness.

A Five Points fave, Nofo at the Pig serves up heavenly shrimp and grits. Yeah, it gets busy, but don't fret about the line – head upstairs for some shopping while you wait.

This joint is the Triangle's brunch champ. Breakfast all day? Check. Organic oatmeal pancakes with peach compote? Double-check. Grits are a must, even if you're not a fan! Flying Biscuit is also dog-friendly and even has a menu for your furry friend.

Up in North Raleigh, Metro Diner is your go-to for brunch, lunch and dinner. Shrimp and grits, crab cake benedict and fried chicken and waffles? They've got it all.

Sweet or savory, Tupelo Honey has your back. Shoo Mercy Sweet Potato Pancakes topped with fried chicken and bacon? Sweet tooth not satisfied? Banana pudding layered pancakes with a rum sauce – boom!

For a touch of French flair at North Hills, Coquette Brasserie brings you a brunch menu with French toast, Nutella and banana crepes, Monte Cristo sandwiches and more.

This North Raleigh gem is your classy brunch go-to. Chicken and biscuits, omelets and a brunch quesadilla? Winston's has got the classics covered.

Variety is the spice of life at Irregardless. From egg dishes to scratch-made pancakes and waffles, plus entrees like shrimp and grits and crab cake eggs benedict, they've got you covered.

With a menu changing with the seasons, Mandolin ensures you get the freshest shrimp and grits, house-smoked bacon and specialty omelets.

European Bistro-inspired fare with a North Carolina twist, and don't miss their delicious brunch featuring items like chicken and waffles.

An intimate New Orleans-inspired spot, just a short hop from downtown Raleigh. Brunch is served Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hummingbird's menu changes seasonally and features dishes like avocado toast, charbroiled oysters and ricotta fritters. Some say the brunch is one of the best in Raleigh!

This Raleigh joint offers a good brunch spread with high-quality fresh options and some killer cocktails. Great for an inexpensive, fresh mimosa!

Southern benedict

Brunch served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, plus a drag brunch event on the last Sunday of every month. Now that's how you do brunch!

Whether you're in Raleigh, Cary, Durham or Wake Forest, Brigs has your breakfast cravings sorted all day long.

A health-conscious cafe chain in Raleigh, First Watch is the place for omelets, salads and soups.

Best brunch spots in Durham

A Croque Madame (grilled ham and gruyere sandwich topped with fried eggs) from Rue Cler in Durham.

One of the best places for a boozy brunch, offering top-notch food and service, especially with the addition of bottomless mimosas.

Shop and dine at Foster's Market with fantastic outdoor seating. Their breakfast and weekend brunch specials are a hit.

Get a taste of France in Durham with fresh beignets and duck confit crepes at Rue Cler.

A great outdoor space and shiitake mushroom omelettes – Guglhupf is perfect for brunch when the sun is shining.

Durham's all-day breakfast spot with a variety of omelets, pancakes and breakfast favorites.

Brunch with a side of cute outdoor patio vibes and hey, it's close to Fullsteam for a post-brunch brew.

Scrambled skillets, omelets, waffles, salads and burgers. Don't miss their Banana's Foster Belgian Waffle—trust us.

In downtown Durham, PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails brings European cafe vibes with a Carolina twist. Their brunch crepes are a must-try.

Embrace French vibes with a solid menu at Vin Rouge. Their eggs benedict is a fan favorite.

Rumor has it the brunch at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is next-level phenomenal. Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. folks!

Bringing you breakfasts, brunches and casual American goodness with vegan options. Daily from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Best brunch spots in Chapel Hill and Carrboro

Warm, fluffy beignets are sprinkled with powdered sugar at Rue Cler in Durham.

Tasty breakfast and lunch options await at The Root Cellar. Go for the breakfast quesadilla or French toast!

A Sunday brunch buffet with everything from bread pudding to smoked salmon. Don't miss the fully loaded omelet station.

Tandem in Carrboro serves up traditional brunch offerings like French toast, pancakes, and eggs Florentine, plus some specialty dishes like Moroccan eggs shakshuka.

Located in Carr Mill Mall, Venable offers a mix of brunch dishes, including fried chicken with eggs, sausage gravy and a biscuit, huevos rancheros and waffles.

This vibrant retro chain is serving up a seasonal menu of creative breakfast and lunch fare, along with some killer cocktails.

Best brunch spots in Wake Forest

Stewart's Bistro in Wake Forest is where you'll find pancakes bigger than your head. Pro tip: go for the chocolate chip ones. Be prepared for a wait. It's worth it!

Best brunch spots in Cary

If you haven't been to Dame's, it is famous for its chicken on top of golden waffles served with "shmears," warm syrup and powdered sugar. Shmears are made with sweet crème butters that have been whipped. Shmear flavors include maple pecan, vanilla, chocolate hazelnut and toasted almond. Just go there and leave no carb behind.

Coffee, pastries and fresh-baked bread? La Farm Bakery in Cary has got it all. Plus, it's a multiple award-winner for a reason.

Twice-baked creamy grits, "Stuff on a Biscuit," and a fried green tomato and bacon benedict? Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in Cary takes brunch to a whole new level.

Fresh-baked pastries, coffee and a killer breakfast selection, including a toasted berry Panini. Chanticleer Cafe and Bakery is a must-visit in Cary.

Best brunch spots in Fuquay-Varina

Serving NY coffee and pastries with a unique food menu, Brus on Main in Fuquay-Varina is where you'll find boozy coffee, mimosa and margarita flights. Don't miss their sausage, egg & cheese hashbrown burrito!

There you have it, our guide to the best brunch spots in the Triangle. Brunch your way through the Triangle, savoring the diverse flavors, cozy atmospheres and unique twists each spot brings to the table. Until next brunch o'clock – happy brunching!

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