THE HOT FIVE The first peek of spring weather makes it an ideal time to get out and enjoy weekend brunch.
CAFE MAUDE
Laid-back setting, great service and a something-for-everyone menu (chorizo hash, blueberry pancakes, smoked salmon omelets, a fabulous Reuben, fresh-squeezed orange juice) with a top price of $12. Saturday and Sunday.
5411 Penn Av. S., Mpls., 612-822-5411, www.cafemaude.com
THE LEXINGTON
Grand Avenue's courtly grande dame does both a traditional Sunday a la carte brunch (eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, strawberry-topped waffles, all served with cinnamon rolls and a drink) and a family-style spread ($14.95), which includes scrambled eggs, cinnamon French toast, hash browns and more.
1096 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-222-5878, www.the-lexington.com
THE SAMPLE ROOM
Tasty, inexpensive options, including a whole-wheat waffle, a strata of the day, eggs Benedict, steel-cut oatmeal, bagels with house-made lox and more, all $10.95 or less. Saturday and Sunday.
2124 Marshall Av. NE., Mpls., 612-789-0333, www.the-sample-room.com
SAVORIES EUROPEAN BISTRO
How about a smoked salmon-asparagus-fried egg club sandwich, or a soufflé-style pancake, or a caramelized onion-bacon omelet, or cornmeal pancakes? They're all featured at this cozy downtown Stillwater spot. Saturday and Sunday.
108 N. Main St., Stillwater, 612-430-0702, www.savoriesbistro.com
THE STRIP CLUB
Chef J.D. Fratzke puts his gastropub spin on brunch, offering a fried-egg sandwich with ham and chile aioli on sourdough, steak and eggs with fries and bacon ketchup and a seasonal farmers market scramble. Saturday and Sunday.
378 Maria Av., St. Paul, 651-793-6247, www.domeats.com
RICK NELSON
