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A leisurely brunch with family and friends is one of the best ways to kick off the weekend. Stacks of pancakes, smoked salmon, crispy bacon, eggs all kinds of ways, and maybe even a breakfast cocktail (or three) make this a meal worth getting out of bed for. Here are some highlights. —Taylor Bowler

FEATURED RESTAURANT 

A starting five from Eight + Sand Kitchen: Ricotta + Jam Toast, a mimosa, a Breakfast Bowl, sangria, and Shakshuka. Photo by Peter Taylor.

Eight + Sand Kitchen
135 New Bern St.
704-370-9696 

The made-from-scratch bakery has pastries, sandwiches, and artisan breads, and the café serves coffee all day. If you have time to linger on a weekend morning, order a Brunch Burger or a Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit, and enjoy it on the patio with a Bloody Mary or Tropical Spiked Mimosa. If you need a good reset breakfast (read: hangover helper), try the Shakshuka. The classic Israeli breakfast is a bowl of spiced tomato sauce with kale, chickpeas, two free-range eggs, feta, and parsley with a thick slice of sourdough toast. And if you have an insatiable sweet tooth, treat yourself to a cannoli cruffin. You can thank us later.

Dish
1220 Thomas Ave.
704-344-0343 
A plate of Fried Chicken Livers or Biscuits and Gravy at this Plaza Midwood spot tastes like it came from your grandmother’s kitchen. 

Easy Like Sunday
1600 E. Woodlawn Road, Ste. 100
980-335-2428 
The Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Pancakes are worth standing in line for, and the Ricotta Stuffed French Toast is like dessert for breakfast. 

Eddie’s Place
617 S. Sharon Amity Road
704-442-0147 
This is a “go big” option best saved for a weekend cheat day when you want to indulge in big fluffy pancakes and breakfast sandwiches as big as your face. 

Famous Toastery
Multiple locations
This Huntersville-born concept serves Tex-Mex breakfasts like Huevos Rancheros and a Southwestern Omelet, plus brunch cocktails, specialty coffees, and a kids menu. 

Ruby Sunshine
332 W. Bland St.
980-273-1230 
The New Orleans-inspired all-day brunch spot has a lineup of benedicts that includes Bayou Shrimp, Eggs Cochon, and Hot Smoked Salmon. If you can’t decide on just one, opt for The Peacemaker, and mix and match any two benedicts. 

Original Pancake House
Multiple locations
Head to Charlotte’s go-to pancake spot and feast on golden stacks of blueberry, banana nut, chocolate chip, and pumpkin hotcakes. 

Kid Cashew
1608 East Blvd.
704-208-4148
On Saturdays and Sundays, this Mediterranean restaurant serves Shrimp & Grits, French Toast, and a Croque Madame Sandwich alongside $3 mimosas. 

Snooze: An A.M. Eatery
Multiple locations
The Denver-based breakfast spot has a huge menu, but you’re free to mix and match. Choose any two benedicts with the Benny Duo, or get the Pancake Flight with three different flavors. 

Zada Jane’s Corner Café
1601 Central Ave.
704-332-3663
This funky Plaza Midwood restaurant has shuffleboard courts, a large patio, and an all-day breakfast and brunch menu. 

Cafe Monte
6700 Fairview Road, Ste. 108
704-552-1116
This French bakery has an “Eggs & Omelets” menu stacked with treasures, but you can’t go wrong with the Benedict Monte: a croissant with smoked ham, two eggs, asparagus, hollandaise, and tomato. 

Superica
Multiple locations
Mammoth breakfast platters are loaded with Huevos Rancheros, Tamales & Eggs, Hot Cakes, chorizo and frijoles at this Atlanta-based Tex-Mex restaurant.

Bar Marcel
3920 Sharon Road, Ste. 160
980-237-1919
The brunch lineup includes Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls, Quiche Lorraine, and Copain Bread with whipped butter and jam. 

Fine & Fettle
4905 Barclay Downs Drive
704-552-1715
Feast on Chicken & Waffles and Sweet Potato Pancakes at this homey restaurant inside the Canopy by Hilton. 

Haberdish
3106 N. Davidson St.
704-817-1084
The Homemade Cinnamon Rolls and Chicken Biscuit Sandwich at this Southern mill town kitchen will get you out of bed on a Saturday morning. 

Courtesy Legion Brewing

Legion Brewing
5610 Carnegie Blvd.
844-467-5683
In addition to some of the best bar food in town, Chef Gene Briggs serves a full Sunday brunch with Carne Asada Breakfast Tacos, Custard French Toast, and a Waffle Sandwich.  

The Asbury
235 N. Tryon St.
704-342-1193
Chef Mike Long’s menu includes countryside favorites like Sticky Biscuits, Banana Pudding Pancakes, and Chicken & Waffles. 

BOCADO Bar + Diner
2000 South Blvd., Ste. 530
704-248-4848 
The Double Stack Burger lives up to the hype, and the weekend brunch menu doesn’t disappoint, either. Treat yourself to Steak & Eggs and Milky French Toast with a gourmet coffee or brunch cocktail. 

Kopper Kettle
11000 Nations Ford Road, Pineville
704-588-1164
Big portions and family traditions have held tight for more than 50 years at this Pineville gem. 

Kopper Kettle’s Original Smash Pot with biscuits and coffee. Photo by Peter Taylor.