Birchwood Cafe
This no-reservations spot really does brunch right, with impressive savory waffles (the bacon alone is worth the $14 price tag), a hearty tofu hash, pretty egg dishes and a temptation-filled bakery counter. Even the seed-studded house-baked bread, topped with preserves made on the premises, is special. The bar follows the kitchen's seasonal lead: Pick up a rhubarb spritz, or lilac lemonade. Forgot to buy a gift? Mom would love a copy of "The Birchwood Cafe Cookbook."
3311 E. 25th St., Mpls., 612-722-4474, birchwoodcafe.com
Common Roots Cafe
Get in line at the counter, where decisions must be made. Will it be one of the exceptional house-boiled and baked bagels, lavished with all the right toppings? Or the leek and asparagus omelet? Or the egg-topped sweet potato hash? Or the lively shakshuka? Nothing tops $13, and the bakers also turn out a waistline-busting variety of simple sweets. There are also options for those following vegan and gluten-free diets.
2558 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-2360, commonrootscafe.com
D'Amico & Sons
Sunday brunch is always on the menu at a select number of locations (Wayzata, Edina, Golden Valley, Grand Avenue and Roseville) of this counter-service setup. On Mother's Day, moms eat free (including brunch items such as French toast, asparagus frittatas and ham-and-cheese omelets) with their kids when purchasing a regularly priced sandwich, pasta, pizza, salad or entree. Brunch items are served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
