Whether to catch up with friends or have a laidback start to the weekend, here at Soirée, we’re a group who likes to brunch. When it’s perfectly acceptable to indulge in cocktails and chocolate french toast with peanut butter –butter (yes, it’s real!) without judgment during respectable day time hours, what’s not to like?
Here are a few of our staff’s favorite Little Rock brunch spots:
Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd.
If you like a bit of kick to your taste buds in the morning, this charming Cajun inspired bistro located in the heart of Hillcrest is a must. Previously known as Vieux Carre, neighbor of jazz club The Afterthought, the two are now collectively known as – Afterthought Bistro & Bar. A blend of southern and Cajun inspired fare, the brunch menu is full of favorites with a creole twist. We highly recommend the rich and creamy chipotle shrimp and gorgonzola grits. Saturday & Sunday Brunch 10-2
Ashley’s at the Capital Hotel, Markham and Louisianna
When we saw a dessert course offered for brunch, it didn’t take long – or even 10 seconds – to book our reservation for Ashley’s at the Capital Hotel. This elegant downtown brunch venue offers a decadent three-course brunch at a fixed price of $39. Begin your leisurely meal with a refreshing Grapefruit Mimosa and settle in for a deluxe daytime dining experience. With a range of menu options including the decadent chocolate french toast with sautéed bananas and peanut butter-butter entrée, these dishes are worth the extra cardio. Sunday only 11-2.
B Side, 11121 Rodney Parham Rd.
Tucked away in the Market Place Shopping Center in West Little Rock, B Side is a staple on the brunch circuit. The beignets are a must-have starter. These delicious pastries are fried to perfection with a dusting of powdered sugar served with delicious dipping sauces – we opted for the tart and tangy lemon curd sauce. Blueberry is also a favorite. A twist on a classic, french toast on a stick encased in crispy bacon are the perfect pairing of both brunch and fair food. What’s not to love about deep fried goodness in the morning without all of the carnival music? While mimosas and Bloody Marys are standard brunch cocktails, the fresh squeezed orange juice and spicy homemade Bloody Mary mix set B Side apart. Yes, I think we will have another. Saturday & Sunday 8-2
The Root Café, 1500 South Main
Located in the hip South Main (SOMA) Street corridor, just across from the Bernice Garden, The Root Café has been a lunchtime mainstay for our staff since it opened in 2008. We love owner Jack Sundell’s commitment to using real ingredients, sourced from local farms whenever possible. In fact, The Root boasts a roster of more than 60 Arkansas farmers and producers from which they source their fresh produce, meat and dairy products. These fresh ingredients channeled into some of the most unique culinary creations in the city keep us coming back again and again. So imagine our excitement when we found The Root also serves Sunday brunch, imagined by “breakfast architect” Spartacus XXXXX. The café is open Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and hungry patrons start arriving at 9 on the dot. Drop by at 11 and you’ll likely wait for a seat. But if you do have to wait, we promise it will be worth it.
Pizza, for brunch? Here us out. U.S. Pizza Co. offers a variety of savory breakfast pizzas, or ‘brizzas.’ (We like to keep up with the cool lingo around here) One of our favorites is the bacon, spinach & tomato pizza. Assembled on a crispy ten or thirteen inch crust – all of the main breakfast goods are here – eggs, bacon, spinach, roma tomatoes and cheese. With $2 mimosas, and $8.99 bottles of champagne for a table – this is one of the best brunch cocktail deals in town. Saturday and Sunday 10:30-2:30
Find out more about our favorite places and dishes here. We also want to hear from you! Share some of your favorite brunches with us on Instagram. #lrsoireebrunchers