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Breakfast

The 5 Best Brunch Spots in the Heights

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 to the antique-shop-lined, bungalow-filled dining mecca that is the Houston Heights.

Note: For the purposes of this list, "the Heights" is defined as south of Loop 610 West, east of North Shepherd, north of the Katy Freeway and west of Airline Drive.

Honorable Mention: Mexican classics at Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe.

5. Zelko Bistro Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nothing says "lazy Sunday" like a leisurely breakfast in this cozy, charming bungalow. Now tack on a giant plate of chef Jamie Zelko's infamous cereal-crusted Captin's Fried Chicken, shrimp and cheddar grits, and brioche French toast and your lazy Sunday just got a little bit lazier. Nap time, anyone? Just make sure you get us up in time for GoT.

4. Kraftsmen Café Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If we had it our way, we'd wake up to the scent of freshly baked croissants and pastries every morning. Bring your own bubbly (they'll pop it and provide the OJ carafe for $9) to this calming oasis and feast on breakfast classics like fluffy omelets and thick toast dolloped with jam, honey and butter. We especially love the honey badger, an omelet loaded to the brim with rust-tinged chorizo, zesty Havarti cheese, and diced red onions.

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3. Liberty Kitchen Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If you can't find anything to eat at Liberty Kitchen, you may need to reevaluate your life. The massive menu is filled with winners, from old-school comfort foods like open-faced tuna melts and brisket hash to modern soul food like grilled oysters topped with bacon jam, butter, and jalapeño. There's even an omelet loaded with fried oysters, spicy aioli, and slaw.

And if you're an early(ish) riser, a select "Happy Hour Breakfast" is available between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for just $4 to $5.

2. Shade Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It's easy to see why Shade has stayed popular over the years. It's even easier to taste. Their decadent, fluffy bacon and sundried tomato quiche, made even richer by a thick and buttery housemade crust, rivals any in town, as does the maple-syrup drenched (well at least we drench ours) challah french toast topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Tack on a few blood orange mimosas or pickled okra bloodys for an even better time.

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1. Down House Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This cozy neighborhood spot is the kind of place you want to linger. Especially once you dig into their down home comfort food. Feeling ravenous? Dig into scratch-made biscuits and sausage gravy or a kimchi-topped burger. Want to go light? Try the housemade yogurt, complete with berry jam, maple syrup and walnut granola.

Whatever you do, grab a cup of coffee or a couple of brunch cocktails. It's a dry area, but sign up for the free club membership and that Big Ol' Bloody Mary is all yours.

See our other 5 Best Brunch Lists:

5 Best Brunch Spots in Montrose

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