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Breakfast

The 5 Best Brunch Spots in the East End

In Houston, we're pretty serious about our brunch. Whether it be migas and breakfast tacos or chicken and waffles and loaded Bloody Marys, we have no shortage of awesome spots to get our brunch on. Keeping later hours and killer cocktails in mind, we'll be taking a look at some of our favorite spots around town. See the complete list at the end of this post.

This week, we're moving on to the vibrant 'hood of East End.

Note: For the purposes of this list, the East End is based off of this official map, which roughly places its boundaries at Clinton Drive to the north, I-45 to the south, 610 to the east and parts of 59 to the west.

Honorable Mention:Saturday morning aporreado at Los Corrales.

5. Brady's Landing Sunday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This all-you-can-eat brunch buffet ($31.95 per person) overlooking Houston's ship channel is often overlooked itself. But with endless complimentary mimosas and every brunch station under the sun -- from made-to-order omelets and waffles to freshly made fajitas, gumbo, pasta, and steamed and fried seafood, it shouldn't be.

4. El Tiempo Cantina Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come here for plates crammed with fried papitas, refried beans, and El Tiempo's housemade chewy tortillas alongside Tex-Mex breakfast classics like carne asada, spicy chilaquiles, and smothered enchiladas with huevos your way. There's even a crepe-style pecan-studded pancake for your sweet tooth -- but don't worry, it's served with ham steak or one of two spicy sausages, too. Boozy beverages, like tequila in shot or 'rita form, are only served from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays, so be sure to come then if you want to get in one last weekend buzz.

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3. Villa Arcos Taquitos Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Though it's not exactly a brunch spot, this 30+ year old East End gem's dirt cheap breakfast tacos are too good to pass up. We love the bacon taco -- overstuffed with crisp and chewy thick-cut bacon; or the "super" taco -- a greasy classic made with eggs, chorizo, potatoes, beans, and cheese. Of course, lunchier affairs like authentic chicharrones and barbacoa are just as delectable. You may wait a while, as even the tortillas are made to-order, but we think these fat, fluffy tacos are well worth it.

2. Ninfa's on Navigation Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sip on cinnamon-laced horchatas ($6.99), spicy, blanco-tequila-infused bloody Marias ($6.99) or share a pitcher Ninfaritas ($19.99) at this O.G. Tex-Mex joint on Navigation. The brunch fare is rich and bold, boasting dishes like hatch-chile-sauced carnitas hash, black bean and tomatillo migas, and egg-topped and brisket-loaded enchiladas that are not to be missed. If you're feeling lunchy, fried quail on goat cheese grits will serve you well. Finish it all off with a Mexican hot chocolate...because you can.

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1. Andes Cafe Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This lively South American restaurant gets even livelier at 11 a.m., when blasting live music gets the party started. Come for a menu packed with dishes from every country along the Andes Mountain range, from Venezualen cachapas (sweet corn cakes stuffed with cheese) and Peruvian tamales to Chilean huevos con tomato, a baked egg dish served simply with a French baguette and butter. Weekly specials like roasted suckling pig and bright ceviches never fail to wow.

Don't forget: The funky eatery is BYO, so bring a bottle of champs ($7 corking fee) or sip on a Peruvian blend from Katz Coffee and fresh juices from Andes' juice bar.

See our other 5 Best Brunch Lists:

5 Best Brunch Spots in Montrose 5 Best Brunch Spots in the Heights 5 Best Brunch Spots in Downtown 5 Best Brunch Spots in Washington Corridor 5 Best Brunch Spots in Upper Kirby 5 Best Brunch Spots in Midtown 5 Best Brunch Spots in the Galleria 5 Best Brunch Spots in the Woodlands 5 Best Brunch Spots in Rice Village 5 Best Brunch Spots in Memorial 5 Best Brunch Spots in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest 5 Best Brunch Spots in the Museum District

For our guide to the best cheap lunch spots by neighborhood, check here.

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Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.
Contact: Brooke Viggiano