Here’s the winner of Fort Worth’s favorite brunch, based on our Readers’ Choice vote

A good brunch is food for the soul — a relaxing time among friends or family, a chance to celebrate the weekend, an excuse to drink alcohol cocktails before noon.

The Fort Worth area has more fantastic brunch restaurants than we could count.

But the Star-Telegram set out to find the best of the best in our first Readers’ Choice: Best Brunch competition. We asked you to nominate your favorites — more than 340 nominations came in. From an initial bracket with 35 diverse restaurants, we did rounds of voting to pick a Top 15, then a Top 5. In the end, after 11,340 total votes cast, we have a winner.

And that winner is Brewed!

The restaurant on West Magnolia Avenue came out ahead in the final round of Top 5 voting. The runners up on the ballot were Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe, Restaurant506 at The Sanford House, Lucile’s and The Beacon Cafe. Nearly 7,400 votes were cast in this final round.

“Oh my gosh, what a huge honor,” said Joey Turner, who is co-owner of the West Magnolia Avenue restaurant with Steve Estes. “A huge honor to be even considered in the top five. And to win is pretty awesome.”

The owners and staff celebrated the win with cheers, applause and laughter when they learned the results.

“We were pretty nervous actually,” Estes said. “We were in some pretty stiff competition out there. When you look across the board at all the different restaurants and there’s some great operators and some great chefs out there.”

[ Read more here about what makes Brewed a favorite brunch spot, including how the restaurant started, what inspires the menu and what readers had to say. ]

Now, here’s a look at all 35 nominated restaurants, in alphabetic order. Restaurants that made the Top 5 are marked with (**). Those that made the Top 15 have (*).

B&B Butchers & Restaurant*

• Location: 5212 Marathon Ave., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: The B&B Hash (prime rib hash browns topped with sizzling thick-cut bacon and poached eggs with hollandaise — the bacon and hash browns are each customer favorites, but combined “make the ultimate brunch dish.”) Also, try the carpet bagger benedict (filet mignon, bacon, a Cajun-fried oyster, house-made blue cheese dressing and hot sauce on an English muffin with poached eggs and hollandaise) or the chicken & waffles.
• What the restaurant says: B&B’s brunch is a Fort Worth favorite because of its extensive menu with something for everyone. Every Sunday, the restaurant in The Shops at Clearfork hosts live music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• What readers say: “Chef Tommy’s bacon and the salmon benedict are my favorites. We like to sit in the bar or outside. The waitstaff and bartenders are always friendly, and there is a good selection of wines.”

The Beacon Cafe**

North Fort Worth’s former landing-strip cafe moved out to Business U.S. 287 a year ago and has kept its following for a full weekend breakfast buffet, include a pancake and omelet station with pastries and regular lunch items such as burgers, almond-apricot chicken salad or a Reuben.

• Location: 12721 Business U.S. 287, Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: Dirty eggs and hash are a brunch favorite, along with pineapple upside down pancakes (which have a cult following). Other popular dishes are the ruben sandwich and Chuck Norris BLT.
• What readers say: “They have the best pancakes. They make your omelets to your liking. The fruits are fresh from local farm markets and it’s delicious. The buffet has lots of choices and everything is so good. The service is phenomenal.”

Blue Mesa Southwest Grill*

• Location: 612 Carroll St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: A bit of everything, as Blue Mesa has brunch stations that include roasted brisket on homemade tortilla with house-made jalapeno relish, made-to-order huevos rancheros, and corn-crusted chicken nuggets on freshly made Belgian waffles with maple chile pancake syrup. And, fresh OJ mimosas are included in the brunch price.
• What the restaurant says: “Without question, a main attraction to Blue Mesa Grill is our amazing managers, Terra Myrow and Dennis McFarlin, who opened Blue Mesa in Fort Worth 25 years ago. They offer the type of personal service and commitment to the local community rarely found. It is this combination of a unique brunch station format featuring freshly made southwestern breakfast and non-breakfast fare, the beautiful Santa Fe-style building, the atmosphere and the personal service that has given the Fort Worth Blue Mesa Grill its outstanding reputation.”
• What readers say: “Fantastic variety and quality at an unbelievable price for a buffet brunch like this!”

Brewed

• Location: 801 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: The chicken macaroni and cheese waffle (topped with seasoned fried chicken, creamy cheese sauce and green onion); the green chile pulled pork hash (slow-roasted pork atop sweet potato hash with eggs, sliced avocado and house-made fire-roasted salsa)
• What the restaurant says: “Brewed’s vision, founded in 2012, was to be the ‘locals’ living room’ — a place where people would eat, drink and gather. We are passionate in our mission to serve people, bless the city and impact the world. We do this by creating consistently delicious, high-value food and beverages, providing attentive welcoming service and serving an incredibly diverse customer base with dignity and respect. Anyone can make a great chicken and waffle, but not everyone can make you feel at home while doing so.”
• What readers say: “It’s been a favorite for years. Perfect place for gathering with loved ones to enjoy amazing food and coffee, hosted by kind staff, and a fun and beautiful atmosphere!”

Café Modern*

Cat City Grill*

• Location: 1208 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Delightful selection, great staff, and $3.00 Mimosa or Bloody Mary.”

Dogwood

Esperanza’s Restaurant & Bakery*

Fixe Southern House

Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge

• Location: 401 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: (Temporarily closed for construction. Check website for updates)
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Best chicken and waffles.” “The crisp on that chicken … chile!”

Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe**

What began as a laid-back brewery and picnic grounds in South Main Village has become a popular “brunch & brew” cafe. It draws Sunday crowds for huevos rancheros or chicken-and-waffles and cold-pressed mimosas in four flavors.

• Location: 401 Bryan Ave Suite 117, Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: The “RBF,” or resting burrito face, is a burrito with refried beans, cheddar, fried potatoes and choice of filling that’s chicken (green chili chicken, smothered in avocado mornay and salsa), seasoned ground beef (smothered in chili) or vegetarian (avocado, smothered in avocado mornay)
• What the restaurant says: “Funky Picnic brunches feature great drink specials along with both unique and traditional brunch items. We have a warm and friendly vibe with great service, all day Sunday Brunch, and a twice monthly Saturday Drag Brunch!”
• What readers say: “Huevos Rancheros, craft beer signature cocktails, and mimosa flights.”

Italianni’s Hurst

• Location: 1601 Precinct Line Road, Hurst
• Brunch hours: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Love their French toast and mimosas.”

Josefina’s Mexican Cafe

• Location: 5404 River Oaks Blvd., River Oaks
• Brunch hours: Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
• What readers say: “Eggs Divorciado are awesome, as is the whole menu. Freshly prepared. Family-owned. Great service. Wonderful people.”

Little Red Wasp

• Location: 808 Main St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Great brunch selections.” “Chilled and eclectic.”

Local Foods Kitchen

• Location: 4548 Hartwood Drive, Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Breakfast tacos, staff is so friendly.”

Lucile’s**

Now in its 30th year, the landmark steak and seafood restaurant in west Fort Worth was also one of the city’s first to serve a special weekend breakfast menu. Besides the benedicts and waffles, the big favorite is a breakfast pizza, with beignets for dessert.

• Location: 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturdays & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: Eggs benedict (choose with either ham, lobster, crab or build-your-own, all served on an English muffin topped with hollandaise and served with hash browns). Also popular are huevos rancheros (eggs, cheese, sour cream, chives and pico de gallo, served in a large crisp flour tortilla) and the shrimp and grits (hickory wood-grilled shrimp and cheesy grits with ranchero sauce).
• What the restaurant says: Lucile’s has been a staple in Fort Worth for years and a brunch mainstay on weekends. The “American food classics” are consistently excellent, and the restaurant has a unique hometown feel.
• What readers say: “I love everything on the menu. You can tell everything is made fresh daily. The management and staff are hands down the best in town!”

Mac’s Bar & Grill

• Locations: 6077 Interstate 20 West, Arlington // 909 S. Main St. #110, Grapevine
• Brunch hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Brunch menus: Here
• What readers say: “Cinnamon rolls are so good.” “Great atmosphere. Very prompt and efficient waitstaff.”

Mash’d*

• Location: 2948 Crockett St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Friday (selective brunch), 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “The menu, the vibe, the chicken and biscuits with Chuck Norris gravy. Also the people there are always so nice.”

New Day Brunch House

• Location: 4601 Boat Club Road, Suite 101, Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
• What readers say: “Local business with great food and service. Loved the French toast!”

Press Cafe*

• Location: 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, #105, Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Brunch menu: Here

• What you’ve got to try: El Cubico (big burrito with eggs, country ham, quinoa, cheddar, spinach, butternut squash and avocado, served with breakfast potatoes). It’s described as “the perfect remedy for a night of over-indulgence.”
• What the restaurant says: “We offer all scratch-made food with the city’s premier patio/outdoor space right on the Trinity and a short walk from The Shops at Clearfork.”
• What readers say: “Amazing patio with views of the Trinity. The food is so delicious you can’t pick a fave dish ... I’ve tried. But get the El Cubico burrito and side of aioli.”

Reata Restaurant

• Location: 310 Houston St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “The menu and the staff are great!”

Reservoir-Bar, Patio & Kitchen

• Location: 1001 Foch St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Great food, nice atmosphere and friendly wait staff!”

Restaurant506 at The Sanford House**

Between Fort Worth and Dallas, the most notable weekend brunch is at The Sanford House, an Arlington bed-and-breakfast with its Restaurant506 dining room. It’s good for the classics but also for finer dishes such as steak or salmon, and for special occasions.

• Location: 506 N. Center St., Arlington
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: Pecan crab benedict (poached egg and wilted baby spinach atop a luscious pecan-crusted crab cake served with red pepper hollandaise and lyonnaise potatoes)
• What the restaurant says: Restaurant506 is a favorite brunch destination for the greater Fort Worth area due to our ultra-convenient central location, ample menu options full of distinctive ingredients to please every palette, and large patio/courtyard with plenty of outdoor seating (indoor is also available). Not to mention, we offer brunch every weekend, and our service is beyond compare. We are so proud to be your favorite Fort Worth-area brunch.”
• What readers say: “The care that is shown from the venue to the menu to the craft cocktails is extraordinary. The service and atmosphere are exceptional.”

Righteous Foods

• Location: 3405 W. 7th St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Best patio, food and service. One of a kind.” “Always fresh and clean eating. Delicious!”

The Rim

• Locations: 5912 Convair St., Fort Worth // 295 E. Renfro St., Burleson
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers like: “Shrimp ‘n grits!”

Rio Mambo

• Locations: 6125 S.W. Loop 820, Fort Worth // 5150 Highway 121, Colleyville // 295 E. Renfro, #101, Burleson // 1302 S. Main St., Weatherford
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “The Mambo King Brunch comes with mimosa/poinsettia (99 cent refills), plate of fruit, plate from the brunch page of the menu, and a sopapilla/cinnamon roll for dessert.”

Seven Mile Cafe

• Locations: 6300 North Freeway, Fort Worth // 2123 Sadau Court, Denton // 110 W. Vine St., Keller
• Brunch hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Gluten-free and vegan options, amazing service, delicious food.”

Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill

• Location: 1051 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Hands down, one of the best brunch spots in Fort Worth. The food is delicious, great atmosphere indoors and also on the patio. It’s pet-friendly. What could be better?!”

Taste Community Restaurant

• Location: 1200 S. Main St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Pay what you can, delicious food, awesome atmosphere, friendly Taste Buds (staff), clean environment, everyone is treated with the utmost respect.”

The Tavern*

• Location: 2755 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: Mexican Migas (crispy tortillas with scrambled eggs and fire-roasted salsa, topped with avocado, fresh tomato, cilantro and queso fresco, served with roasted potatoes)
• What the restaurant says: The restaurant, newly renovated to reflect the class and sophistication of the Tanglewood/Colonial area, makes all its dishes from scratch, including house-made bread and English muffins.
• What readers say: “We love the Tavern for the food, the variety on the menu, the ‘vibe.’”

Texan Diner

• Location: 2488 Avondale-Haslet Road, Suite 140, Haslet
• Brunch hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Everything is homemade, from the bread to the freshly squeezed OJ.”

Towne Grill

• Location: 9365 Rain Lily Trail, Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “The flavor combinations are surprising and scrumptious. A party in the mouth. The staff is attentive, relaxed and friendly.”

Willhoite’s Restaurant

• Location: 432 S. Main St., Grapevine
• Brunch hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers like: “Custom omelettes and waffles! Plus, Bloody Marys.”

Winslow’s Wine Cafe*

• Location: 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What readers say: “Winslow’s staff goes above and beyond to make you feel right at home. Their varied menu makes sure there is a dish available for everyone’s mood. I know that when I take friends and family to Winslow’s, they will have an awesome time!”

Wishbone & Flynt*

• Location: 334 Bryan Ave., Fort Worth
• Brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Brunch menu: Here
• What you’ve got to try: Roasted chili relleno
• What the restaurant says: “We are the original Fort Worth brunch destination. Seasonal fresh-scratch kitchen with creative dishes and delicious cocktails in a relaxed environment.”
• What readers like: “The creativity of the menu along with the exquisite taste and presentation. The atmosphere is fun with a real homey vibe.”

Bud Kennedy contributed to this story

This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM.

Dalia Faheid

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

817-390-7132

Dalia Faheid was a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 2021 to 2023.

Megan Cardona

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Megan Cardona was a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram until 2023. Reach our news team at tips@star-telegram.com.