Best Brunch Vibes

Looking for that extra-brunchy vibe—corks popping, a jazzy brass band, perhaps a few drag queens?

The Old Guard like Galatoire’s, Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s have long set the bar high for the New Orleans-style brunch experience.

But when searching for something celebratory beyond the family favorite, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a Punch List of 4 Favorites for booking a next-level New Orleans brunch that’s FUN and FABULOUS.

The one thing not promised is a table, so book early.

Justine

Pink in Paris 
Ladies, if photo ops and an aprés-brunch stroll through the Quarter is the desired daydrink vibe, book Justine. Jaw-dropping French-inspired decor with a superb local dining experience by local proprietors Mia and Justin Devillier, of La Petite Grocery fame. Pink neon and brass fixtures set the brunch backdrop for onion soup au gratin and pommes frites. Bottomless mimosas? Too pedestrian at Justine. Here, it’s Mimosa Service, so pick a fancy bottle and mix and match with pretty garnishes. If not a DJ, there’s always a killer playlist keeping things pumping at this fabulously un-stuffy French Quarter gem. Brunch at Justine is a Parisian dream, but don’t leave the guys out completely. Any man with style loves soaking up the vibe as much as that burger in au poivre sauce.

Justine
225 Chartres Street
New Orleans
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Book on OpenTable
Brunch Menu

 

Best for: Theme brunches, Girls’ Weekends, entertaining friends, bistro burger cravings.

Pro tip: The Carte Noir cocktail is Justine’s variation on the Espresso Martini with a hint of lemon. Mussels and frites fan? Add the garlic bread option.

 

Commons Club

Where The Party Never Ends
Altogether global luxe with hipster quirks, Virgin Hotels New Orleans in the Warehouse District has managed to infiltrate itself into the local culture. Brunch on the ground level is super laid back yet definitely lively. Assorted calendar events are always on the horizon such as pop-ups, creative theme brunches and live local music acts like the Jenn Howard Band turning up the volume. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a burlesque brunch with Trixie Minx. With thoughtful cocktails, delightfully hearty breakfast-style options and design eye candy, Commons Club always brings the party.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans
550 Baronne Street
New Orleans 
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Book on OpenTable
Brunch Menu

Best for: Chic hotel vibes, meeting hotel guests and neighbors alike, haute hangover brunch.

Pro tips: The burger at Commons Club is always a great idea…Friday brunch includes Bottomless Veuve, valet parking available.

 

Weekend Brunch at Miss River

Caviar & Fried Chicken Dreams
As it’s often touted, Miss River is Chef Alon Shaya’s “love letter to New Orleans.” Think old New Orleans fare elevated well above sea level. With the new weekend brunch at Miss River, Shaya blows kisses to the Big Easy with a dreamy, three-tiered Grand Plateau seafood platter (caviar with raw oysters encouraged), scrambled eggs smothered in shaved black truffles, and whole deep-fried chicken presented tableside. Another smitten moment comes while sharing the Crabmeat Maison, beautifully plated and essentially mind blowing. For dessert, carve your own knives into the Baked Alaska, a nod to late-1800s dining traditions. For the jazzy vibe, book the Sunday Jazz Brunch with all the Ole Man River brassy beats. Start with a bottle of rosé or the house Bloody garnished with steamed Gulf shrimp. End with an espresso martini and a box for the fried chicken. Ain’t life grand in New Orleans.

Miss River
2 Canal Street
Four Seasons Hotel
New Orleans
Saturday and Sunday
Book on OpenTable
Brunch Menu

Sam Hanna/Four Seasons Hotel

Best for: Opulent celebrations, holiday brunches, Date Brunch, feeling-fancy brunches.

Pro tips: Spoon a bite of that chocolate-soaked Baked Alaska dessert into your espresso martini and stir. Outfit planning: it’s the Four Seasons. Bring your A-game!

Drag Brunch at Otra Vez

Guac and Glitter 
Looking for, shall we say, a more colorful and casual brunch? Score the spiciest seats downtown at Otra Vez when they host a monthly Sunday Drag Brunch. Be absolutely starstruck by lip syncing queens doing their best Kelly Clarkson in all their fishnets and feathers glory. Choose from signature OV Mexican fare like tacos, the breakfast burrito or shrimp and grits, all washed down with bottomless prickly pear and passion fruit mimosas. Guacamole and queso for the table is included. With a pro drag show that brings the energy, it’s a total brunch vibe bargain.

Otra Vez
1001 Julia Street
New Orleans 
Monthly
Book on OpenTable
Brunch Menu

 

Best for: Tequila enthusiasts, girls brunch, hangover brunch.

Pro tips: Don’t forget dollar bills for tipping each Queen. Order go-cups of whatever is spinning in the frozen machine.