Hey everyone... I've long been of the opinion that a good breakfast buffet, slowly enjoyed with an endless supply of breakfast booze (mimosas and bloody mary's), is possibly the greatest thing we've ever created as human beings. The places around town I have been to (and love): Baba Yega in the Montrose Rio Ranch west of the Galleria Le Peep just north of 59. While I love those places, I'd like to try something new that's also in the same vein. The places that have been recommended to me are: Farrago (now closed, I hear) Hugo's Backstreet Cafe Le Peep (been there... not classy enough) Olivette @ The Houstonian (not a buffet) Mockingbird Cafe Pondicheri I imagine not all of these are buffets and there are plenty I've missed or forgotten. But it got me thinking... what do the descriminating tasters of Clutchfans say? What's the best? What's the most overrated/underrated?
+1 on Le Peep and Backstreet Cafe When I'm home from college, I go to Le Peep/Backstreet Cafe just about every Saturday morning. Good eats at those places.
Hey OP. How would you rate Baba Yega vs Rio Ranch? I was supposed to go to Brunch last Sunday at Baba Yega, but at the last second changed it to Rio Ranch (a place we had a few times before and enjoyed it) and had a great time. I'm still very interested in going to Baba Yega's but it is a bit more expensive. Just wanted to know your thoughts comparing the two. Thanks
Man... good question. I think Baba Yega is a bit more outside the box, less traditional, with their fare while Rio Ranch is a little more specific. There is very little difference, IMO in the food (both quality and variety). I'd be more specific but I've lived in the Burbs since 2009 so I haven't been to either in a couple of years. One place where Baba Yega just KILLS Rio Ranch is in atmosphere. It's an old Montrose bungalow that has been converted into a restaurant. Mostly wood floors and wood fixtures, exposed beams in the ceiling, etc. It's got a great amount of architectural charm. There's also a lot of outdoor seating in a the garden/fountain area out back. On a good weather day, the "back yard" is absolutely worth the price of admission. HOPE YOU ENJOY!
Mockingbird has one? I bet Pondicheri goes hard. Definitely do Hugo's, man. It will change your life. It's the best by far in Houston and I haven't even eaten many of the ones on your list. I just know. I just know. I'll meet you there this Sunday, you buy the drinks.
I'm leaning that direction, Ziggy. For real man... My only issue is the Mrs. She really likes Mexican and Central American food, but I LOVE it. I love it so much that I'm starting to make her tired of it. This is going to happen in conjunction with our Valentine's Weekend, so I have to yield to her a little. That being said, your enthusiastic endorsement has me almost convinced! And to repeat, I'm sorry that I put non-buffet places in my list. I should've been more clear about that. I don't know whether any of these places have a buffet except for Le Peep, Rio Ranch, Baba Yega, Hugo's and maybe one or two more. Just heard those places were great for Sunday brunch...
So do you require the buffet? Mrs. land taste palette would love Tiny Boxwood's on a Valentine's Sunday - but the drink choices are slim I think.
Cool thanks a lot. I'm a little worried about "outside the box" (my wife and I eat most inside the box) but yeah the atmosphere sounds cool. I've went there for lunch one day a few years ago and yeah I can definitely see the atmosphere is better than Rio Ranch. All in all though, still sounds good. Thanks again.
Of course... Let me clarify with my "outside the box" comment... I'm not talking exotic at all. They have an omlet station, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage links, rosemary home fries... if you guys like a fresh, american-style brunch, you'll find it at Baba Yega. Again, I hope you guys enjoy it!
We're not tied to anything Ziggy, except the ability to make a reservation. I requested buffet because there's nothing I like to gorge myself on more than a good brunch. I'd be down with a sit-down situation and she would, too. I just checked out the Tiny Boxwood's site... wow, that place looks like a pretty great way to spending Valentine's brunch. And they have mimosas... Thanks again for the suggestions!
You asked for "classy brunch buffet" recommendations and then listed Le Peep as a reference point? Major fail bro. Anyway, I second the Quattro recommendation. Easily the best in terms of upscale. It's inside the Four Seasons hotel. Outstanding. It's an enormous brunch with a huge selection including your drink selections.
Quattro - 40% off brunch voucher 40% off for brunch at Quattro at the Four Seasons at Travel Zoo right now
I know it's not buffet-style, but Backstreet Cafe is awesome. I've been dying to try Quattro, so that's definitely next on the list. I also love Baba Yega and Tiny Boxwoods.