Even if you’re not one of those people that usually “does brunch,” Mother’s Day is the perfect reason to enjoy this indulgent mid-morning meal. From savory omelets and decadent waffles to fruity cocktails and fizzy mimosas, there are plenty of North Carolina restaurants offering amazing brunch options to treat Mom.
Tupelo Honey, Charlotte
This NC-born restaurant is a favorite among the locals and has spread into other locations across the South and even out to Colorado, thanks to its unique flavors and gourmet dishes. This Mother’s Day, you can treat Mom to pecan pie French toast, shrimp and grits, or some “Shoo Mercy” sweet potato pancakes that come with buttermilk fried chicken, apple cider bacon, spiced pecans, fried eggs, grilled fruit and pickled blueberries. And if all that deliciousness is making your mouth water, you can wash it all down with a mimosa, a bloody mary made with black pepper vodka or a lavender and honeysuckle lemondrop. Plus, all the moms get a free dessert on Mother’s Day!
5 Church, Charlotte
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial and a little more modern, try the Mother’s Day brunch at 5 Church, also in Charlotte. In addition to offering a full buffet of traditional breakfast dishes, they are also featuring a raw bar with everything from shrimp and oysters to crab legs and salmon, an omelet station, carving station and a flight of four flavored mimosas that includes lavender, passionfruit, pineapple and cucumber mint.
True Flavors Diner, Durham
For an authentic Southern brunch in the Triad region of North Carolina, check out the True Flavors Diner in Durham. They serve up a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options including chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fried egg sandwiches, country fried pork chops and PBLT’s (BLT sandwich with pimento cheese). They also make fresh scratch baked desserts, handmade floats and handmade milkshakes like the strawberry shortcake, made from vanilla ice cream, strawberry puree, butter shortcake and homemade whipped cream.
Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, Raleigh
Also located in the Triad region, in nearby Raleigh, Plates Neighborhood Kitchen combines the owners’ international travels with their love of regional Southern flavors. Indulge in some sweet cinnamon beignets, French toast casserole or some cheesy shrimp and grits. Or for some lighter fare, try the veggie frittata or one of their fresh made salads. They’ll also be serving up special mimosas on Mother’s Day called “Mom-osas” and will give each Mom a flower with her meal.
Graze, Winston-Salem
Graze, located inside the Marriott Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem, prides itself on offering a unique dining experience that features local flavors, as well as regional beers and wine. They also encourage a sense of community among their patrons with the layout of their tables and seating. On Mother’s Day, Graze will offer a special brunch menu that includes a variety of hors d’oeuvres, cold salads, breads, a carving station with prime rib and salmon, as well as a brunch buffet with specialties like loaded grits and chorizo potato hash with kimchi.
Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet, Asheville
If you can’t tell by the name, the Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, is truly something to behold. From the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside, to the massive display (it fills up two rooms!) of farm to table breakfast options. Although their Mother’s Day offerings are too extensive to list them all, you can expect favorites like Southern fried chicken, scrambled eggs and cinnamon swirl pancakes, along with unique dishes like strawberry and cream soup, and pancetta and cheese stuffed pork loin. There’s also a savory biscuit bar, an assortment of house-made stuffed pizzas and over a dozen different desserts. So, make sure you come hungry!
Season's at Highland Lake, Hendersonville
Just a short drive from Asheville, in the quaint mountain town of Hendersonville, is the Highland Lake Inn & Resort, a beautiful lakeside getaway that offers waterfront lodging, fishing, hiking, canoeing and much more. Season’s, the resort’s on-site restaurant, offers fine dining options that include fresh herbs, vegetables and even edible flowers that are all grown in their organic garden. On Mother’s Day, you can listen to live music by Bruce Lang, while enjoying the massive brunch buffet that includes soups, salads, an omelet station, pancakes, eggs, vegetables, pastas, a mashed potato bar, a carving station and much more. Make sure to leave room for dessert because they will also have an assortment of house-made tarts, pies and cakes to finish off your meal.