What’s For Brunch? SWLA Restaurants Offer An Array of Delicious Spreads

by Matt Dye

As Louisiana spring rolls in, it’s the perfect time to rediscover the amazing brunch options we have here in SWLA. Following are some of the most popular brunches in SWLA, but they are just a small sampling of the awesome food and fun you can find every weekend.

Luna Bar & Grill’s Sunday Jazz Brunch has been a staple in Lake Charles for over a decade. Featuring live music from the Street Side Jazz Band, Luna changes up their traditional menu for Sunday morning, offering such items as Eggs Cochon, which is two eggs, fried pork loin, fresh boudin, bacon and Cajun hollandaise, or the Galactic Crab Crepes. You can also stick traditional with their French toast. Doors open at 10 a.m. and music starts at 11 a.m.

Another fantastic Sunday brunch venue is the Villa Harlequin. If you like sweetness for your Sunday pick-me-up, they’ve got you covered. A must-try is their Waffle Flight, consisting of waffles with a variety of flavors such as Chantilly cream, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry or maple syrup. Looking for something savory? Their Wild Boar Sandwich, with two eggs, green onion, avocado, pepperjack cheese and a chipotle mayo easily tackles any level of hunger.

MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub offers an Irish version of Sunday brunch, with such items as the Celtic Breakfast, featuring Irish bacon, banger, black pudding, white pudding, three eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, beans and toast. Or you can try Southern items like the Crabby Tomatoes, which is fried green tomatoes and crab meat over mixed potatoes. They also have one of the more decadent Bloody Marys out there, leaving you with many options to choose from.

The Bekery might be known for their pastries and coffee, but they put on a brunch that packs a punch on Sundays, with Lobster Tail Mac ‘n Cheese, which is just as decadent as it sounds, with a half-pound steamed lobster tail served with fontina and Parmesan macaroni and cheese, onions, parsley and a hint of orange. Another new menu item is their Crawfish Grilled Cheese, with crawfish tails, sauteed scallions and garlic, sharp cheddar and mayo on crispy ciabatta, served with a tomato soup dipper.

One of Lake Charles’ hidden gems is Biscuits & Jamz on North Simmons Road, with intriguing brunch options such as the Loretta, which is a Parmesan garlic waffle covered with garlic Parmesan shrimp and a spicy garlic syrup, or the Katlyn, which is a red velvet waffle topped with bacon, shrimp, cream cheese, strawberries and strawberry jam. And if you haven’t tried their biscuits, it’s in the name. The F-Biscuit, dipped in French toast batter and then topped with an egg, sausage link and boudin onion bacon jam could be your next favorite breakfast sandwich.

Lux Plates & Pours, growing out of Bisou Lounge on Ryan Street, is the place to go if you’re looking for a Saturday brunch in a modern setting with a menu of diverse options offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Try their savory Brunch Wrap, a wheat or flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, potatoes, shredded cheese and your choice of bacon or sausage. Or go for a sweet option, with their Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, topped with syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, strawberries and sweet cream cheese sauce.

Crying Eagle Brewing Company presents its Brew-zy Brunch every Sunday for those who want brunch with a side of liquor. While mimosas are offered, there are brews to choose from that you probably won’t find at many other local brunches, including French 75 and Benton’s Old Fashioned. There’s also a Bloody Mary Bar. Pair your favorite pours with Hangover Hash, which is roasted russet potatoes with caramelized onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, pepper jack cheese and poached eggs. Another unique menu item is the Smoked Salmon Bagel with chive cream cheese, goat cheese, pickled red onion and capers.

With the weather warming up, there are few things better than grabbing a mimosa or Bloody Mary with friends. And with all these brunch options, you can easily visit a different place every week and still not try everything.