Sweet & Savory

Beautiful brunch spots with flavor to spare.

BY MADELYN ORTON

DeLuxe Cakes & Pastries

812 S Summit St, Iowa City 319-338-5000, deluxeiowa.com

The Sunday-only brunch menu will make you wish Sundays came more than once a week! DeLuxe’s menu is fresh and exciting, often updated with a variety of specials and seasonal items. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options, but you can’t go wrong. In the pastry case alone, there are dozens of delectable offerings: tarts, croissants, baguettes and other breads. A pastry and coffee from DeLuxe alone is a worthwhile brunch, but you won’t regret tasting one of their toasts, homemade yogurt parfaits, brioche waffles or bagels. The breakfast grilled cheese is a yummy and unique option, complete with a herbed aioli for dipping. Thanks to the open kitchen, guests can sit back with an espresso and watch DeLuxe’s brunch masters at work.

Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery

1441 Marak Rd NW, Swisher 319-857-4300, cedarridgedistillery.com

Who says you shouldn’t visit a winery before noon? The brunch buffet at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, served only on Sundays, breaks the mold for buffets. Of course everyone’s brunch favorites—like cheesy eggs, bacon and sausage—are on the menu, but it’s the meat and griddle station that makes this brunch buffet stand out. The smoked brisket is phenomenal, and the made-toorder vanilla pancakes are fluffy, light and pack an extra punch when paired with the bourbon maple syrup. Want an insider tip? Drizzle some of that bourbon maple syrup on your brisket, too.

As a winery and distillery, cocktails are on the Cedar Ridge menu, of course. Cedar Ridge uses its own bourbon, vodka and wines to concoct seven brunch cocktails, covering every flavor profile. Feeling bold? Try the Breakfast of Champions Old Fashioned, served with a strip of bacon. Want something classic to share? Order the mimosa pitcher, made with Cedar Ridge’s own white wine.

La Casita Breakfast Cafe

836 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids 319-449-4047, lacasitabreakfast.com

This brunch spot is bright, fun and delicious. In addition to traditional breakfast and lunch items, they’ve put a Mexican-inspired twist on several classics. The churro pancakes, breakfast tacos and brekkie chimi are among the favorites on their Taste of Mexico breakfast menu. La Casita keeps things fresh by offering seasonal features and drinks. Their hot chocolate pancakes are a wintertime standout.

Pullman Bar & Diner

17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City 319-338-1808, pullmandiner.com

A diner for brunch, but make it classy. That would be Pullman Bar & Diner. Everything from the moody interior to the bustling open kitchen (if seated at the bar, you get a front-row seat) screams approachable sophistication.

Like the vibe, the menu is classic yet elevated. From the brunch side of the menu, try the biscuits and gravy, croque madam or the coffee cake with maple butter. If you’re feeling in the mood for more lunch-style items, their crispy chicken sandwich, Pullman burger and famous French onion soup are all on the brunch menu. Wash down your brunch with freshly squeezed juice, Counter Culture coffee or one of their boozy brunch cocktails ranging from the classic Bloody Mary to a paloma. Nothing puts the “good” in good morning like tequila with brunch.