Crab eggs benedict at Woodlands American Grill. Photo by Mark Davis

Crab eggs benedict at Woodlands American Grill. Photo by Mark Davis

Brunch conjures up images of friends and family lingering over eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon and, hopefully, a mimosa or two. Add some pleasant spring weather, three patio areas and impeccable service, and you just might be talking about a weekend brunch at Woodlands American Grill. The restaurant has standard brunch fare — French toast, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy — but with little touches that up the ante. For instance, the berries that accompany the French toast are drizzled with a perfectly sweet honey, breakfast potatoes are flavored with Parmesan and truffle oil, and the avocado cream and crab that top the eggs Benedict elevate the brunch classic to a new level. “A lot of people compare us to Houston’s because of the upscale yet casual feel of the restaurant, but the menu is more unique,” says managing partner John Nickolas. Items named after local neighborhoods are an example of that, such as the Hillcrest Pita, which contains smoked brisket, scrambled eggs, feta, chipotle aioli, chopped greens, avocado, tomato, caramelized onion, and pickle, served with a fruit kebab. To drink, choose from freshly squeezed juice, coffee or, for just $2, enjoy a mimosa or a Bloody Mary. You can come for brunch with a group or solo, Nickolas says. “People call this the ‘Cheers’ of Preston Hollow, because you will always see somebody you know when you walk through the door.”

Woodlands American Grill

6073 Forest
972.239.2024
woodlands-grill.com

Ambiance:
traditional

Price range:
$9-$26, $7 children’s menu

Hours:
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Fri;
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun

Three more brunch spots

1 Meso Maya
Spice up your weekend brunch by ordering the chilaquiles tradicionales, with chicken, sautéed onions, serrano peppers, tomatoes and black beans served on a bed of tortilla strips and topped with eggs, salsa and queso fresco. The $2 mimosas don’t disappoint, either.
11909 Preston, Suite 1426
469.726.4390
mesomaya.com

2 Penne Pomodoro
From 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy $1 Bellinis and non-traditional brunch items such as the “savory waffle”: a waffle filled with bacon, mozzarella, Parmesan and jalapenos, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and hollandaise sauce.
11661 Preston, Suite 143
214.368.3100
pennepomodoro.com

3 Angela’s Cafe
Have a less pricey, equally hearty brunch any day of the week at this diner. The coffee is bottomless, breakfast is served all day, and the regulars make great company.
7979 Inwood
214.904.8122