Best bets for Easter brunch

RALEIGH, N.C. — Easter weekend is nearly here and one of our favorite things to do as a family is check out a nice brunch. But there are so many places offering brunch, how do you know which one you should try to check out? 

Twisted Fork (Raleigh) - We have quickly become a fan of this place's Sunday brunch buffet. (They recently added a s'more station!) Their Easter brunch buffet proves to be even better with a carving station, in addition to their made-to-order omelet station, pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, and lunch options like shrimp and grits, jambalaya and fried chicken. All you can eat for $18 a person. Children 10 and under eat for $6. Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

If you can't get into Twisted Fork, try its sister restaurant Dean's Seafood Grill and Bar in Cary. They have a brunch buffet as well that is sure to please! Reservations for Twisted Fork and Deans can be done through OpenTable.com.

Beasley's Chicken and Honey (Raleigh) - Their chicken and waffles are easily one of our favorite brunch items! But their entire brunch menu is filled with great items like churros and biscuits and gravy. They will be open for brunch and dinner on Easter Sunday. Brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They don't take reservations, so get there early and be prepared to wait! 

Rue Cler (Durham) - They had us at fresh beignets! The menu is also varied with items like seared chicken breast and steak frites. Call 919-682-8844 for reservations.

Watts Grocery (Durham) - They will be offering their regular brunch menu with a few additions from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Some of our favorite items to try: Southwestern churros (little cinnamon doughnuts with dark chocolate sauce) or Bill Neal's Shrimp and Grits! Call 919-416-5040 for reservations.

Guglhupf Bakery & Patisserie (Durham) - Try the Eggs Arnold - a  twist on the classic eggs Benedict comes with spinach, artichoke and tomato topped with poached eggs and hollandaise served on brioche with seasonal fruit. Another one of our favorites - the grilled Nutella sandwich.  They do not take reservations for weekend brunch. They are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 

Parizade (Durham) - This Mediterranean restaurant is serving an Easter brunch buffet with items including cheese blintzes with blueberry compote, smoked bacon and link sausages, smoked salmon and trout, roasted leg of lamb and ham. Brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is $30 per person and $15 for children 10 and under. You can make reservations through OpenTable.com.

Iris, at the North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh) - With design your own omelet stations and grilled farm bread French toast covered in strawberries and whipped cream, this is definitely a great place for brunch. The modern ambiance is also an added treat! They are open 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. You can make reservations by calling 919-664-6838.