Breakfast or Brunch?
Life Elise Wishlow March 13, 2024
Life Elise Wishlow March 13, 2024
What’s the difference between breakfast and brunch?
The easy answer is “day and time.” Breakfast is served early and every day. Brunch is often served on weekends only, and a bit closer to lunch time. (For those of us who start the day a little later, it’s always a blessing to discover a brunch that runs past 2 p.m.)
My favorite answers come from two chefs quoted in The Charleston City Paper. Park Café’s Xan McLaughlin says that the distinguishing factor is “gluttony.” Weekday breakfasts are a little healthier. And weekend brunch is for rewarding oneself. Bob Cook at Edmund’s Oast says, “Functionally, the difference between breakfast and brunch is the appearance of alcohol and cheeseburgers and the elevated level of the attendees’ hangovers.” Hilarious and not entirely untrue.
Although, I will say that all of the breakfast restaurants on this list break the no-alcohol rule by serving mimosas and bloody marys, at a minimum.
Goldy’s is a Boise breakfast institution. Open since 1999, this hip little restaurant is as fun as the food is delicious. It has a bit of a speak-easy vibe because of the thick black velvet curtain that separates the bistro from the outside world, and because you never really know if you’re going to get in. There are only 56 seats, no reservations, and the waiting list is often an hour long. For that reason, you may want to go elsewhere if you’re starvin’ Marvin’.
But if you’re okay to wait, you won’t be disappointed. Their à la carte menu includes unique plates like smoked salmon hash and the spicey Andalusian eggs dish, recognized in an issue of Bon Appétit. It appears their red flannel hash (made with beets) is no longer on the menu. So sad. But that doesn’t change my opinion of this place one little bit. It’s a must.
As with Goldy’s, The Griddle makes everything using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Having started up a little earlier (1948!), The Griddle has a more down-home atmosphere of community and congeniality. And like their pioneer ancestors, they’ve expanded over the years to multiple states. Their menu is big and perfect for mixed tastes – we’ve got sweet (pancakes and French toast), exotic (Hawaiian Loco Moco), and South x Southwest (burritos, and biscuits and gravy).
I typically go for the corned beef hash and eggs smothered in hollandaise. But I just noticed they have a crab cake eggs benedict, so I’ll have to break with tradition on my next visit and try the crab benny.
Trillium (in particular “The Hoser” dish because I’m from Canada and grew up on pork, cheese curds, and the McKenzie Brothers).
If you’re like me, it’s almost impossible to remember which restaurants serve brunch – especially when you’re beyond hungry. Breakfast restaurants are easy to find. But brunch? That’s an altogether different story. For this reason, I have a short list of my tried-and-true brunch spots and a longer list of places I intend to try (stay tuned!).
We’ve been brunching at Bardenay for more than a decade. The spicy chicken benny is a favorite, paired with a bloody mary or whatever drinky your heart desires, as Bardenay has a full bar stocked with their house-made spirits and the usual top-shelf brands.
If you’re more interested in a lunch sammie than breakfast, I recommend the kimchi Reuben (spicy!!) or the Kobe beef dip. But honestly, there are so many good options there. It’s hard to make a mistake.
Holy Hannah. There’s nothing like walking down Bannock St. downwind from the St. Lawrence Gridiron when the smoker’s going. That scent is almost as intoxicating as the tasty cocktails they serve with the smoked brisket. If you like rich smoked meats, this place is a must. Looking for non-brisket plates? They also serve a delicious smoked salmon benny, as well as grilled shrimp and grits in a sausage gravy. Need I say more?
Almost half of this Hyde Park restaurant is outside, so if you like patios, this pub is your jam. In addition to the sidewalk patio, there’s an open-air (but covered) patio that's enclosed in the winter with a central fireplace that keeps the place toasty and provides a comfy ambiance. Come summertime, the walls open for semi-al fresco dining and superb people-watching.
And the food? The smoked brisket hash gives the Saint Lawrence Gridiron a run for its money, and the Baja Sunrise with serrano chimichurri is a delish alternative to three varieties of eggs benedict. Although salads are not really breakfast food, I can’t help but recommend their beet salad with dried Bing cherries. Divine.
This is where my husband and I celebrated after I became a U.S. citizen, so 13th St. Bar and Grill holds a special place in my heart.
The Red Feather is where I experienced my first-ever Boise brunch back in 2005. I’m fairly certain I had the salmon benny and it was amazing. It’s been a while since we’ve dined there, and for no particular reason – it’s great on all levels: atmosphere, food, service, and cocktails. Were I to go this Sunday morning, I’d hit the short rib hash with fried eggs, fingerling potatoes, parsnip puree, and herb gravy.
Wild Root is where I experienced seaweed-based scrambled eggs for the first time. I’m not vegan (obviously – after all the brisket talk) but I simply had to try them. They were super yummy and very egg-like and I would order them again, but I don’t see them on the menu anymore. Luckily, I do see deviled eggs on sourdough, and those happen to be my two favorite food groups. Little Devil, I look forward to our next meeting.
The Avery Bar + Brasserie
Percy
Fork
Tupelo Honey
Stardust
This category is dedicated to drive-through breakfast burritos, take-out bagels, and breakfast sandwiches.
Alia's Coffeehouse is known for its in-house bakery and its bagels, in particular. I'm partial to the quiche and breakfast burrito. But my favorite thing to get there is...anything made by John, the pastry chef. The coffee's amazing – almost as awesome as the smile and warm welcome you'll get from the co-owner and my dear friend, Sri.
I don’t know a lot about breakfast burritos (remember: I’m from the Great White North), but I can confidently say that a Los Betos breakfast burrito is the bomb. Build up your tolerance slowly, though, because these babies are heavy. But that works in your favor if you’re looking to fill up for the whole day. Eat half now, half later, and you’re done. Unless you’re the kind of person who exercises and burns calories. I can’t speak to that.
Java Coffee and Café has several light dishes, but my all-time favorite is The Usual, a toasted Everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and cracked paper. Simple and delicious. I’ve not yet felt the need to add bacon or avocado, but who knows what the future holds.
A trip to Java also involves the Bowl of Soul: a decadent, rich Mexican mocha that’s heavy on the spice and topped with homemade whipped cream.
Certified in the North End’s Hyde Park is another fantastic eatery run by the Wylder Hospitality Group (think The Wylder, Wyld Child, The Roosevelt Market, and Percy). Everything Lizzy and David Rex touch turns to gold. But more on the food…
The Certified breakfast sandwich is pretty much my favorite sandwich ever. I’m not sure if it’s the melted cheese, the aioli, the spicy arugula, or the sweet sourdough English muffins made in house with their 52-plus-year-old starter. All I know is that it’s heaven and I would eat it every day if I could. Get it with bacon – you won’t be disappointed.
Have you discovered a Boise breakfast food that’s out of this world and needs to be on this list? Let me know!
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Buyers
For Buyers and Sellers in Idaho
Sellers
You Want an Agent with These Skills
Buyers
Invest Wisely and Age in Place
Buyers
East Boise's Not So Big House
Buyers
Come in Strong and Clean
Sellers
Preparing Your Home for Sale
Life
Where to Find Breakfast Food in Boise
Buyers
A Quick, Easy Home Valuation Process
Sellers
Spring, Winter, or Whenever You're Ready
Whether you’re ready to buy or sell now or want to know more about the local market, Elise would love to chat over the phone or a coffee! Contact her today!
SILVERCREEK REALTY GROUP® 2419 W STATE ST BOISE ID 83702