With contributions by Arielle Roude, Ruksana Hussain and Tara Finley

The best way to avoid the mid-morning blues in Orange County is to grab a group of your closest friends and head to the hottest local brunch spots in Irvine and Newport Beach. Eat and drink your worries away with pancakes, bacon and — let’s not forget — the magic of bottomless mimosas. Below are some awesome hotspots to get your brunch fix!

Del Frisco’s Grille

A fantastic brunch awaits here at this classic steakhouse location. Among other options, the brunch includes a smoked salmon tower, a green and grains bowl, and delicious morning cocktails, including the “Crack Coffee.” The steakhouse also has other new seasonal features as well as its regulars, so no matter the size of your party head on in for a hearty meal you won’t forget. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine.

Habana

Spice up your life with the amazing brunch buffet at Habana. With a fixed price brunch menu, Habana has endless options that vary from classic American breakfast items to the flavors of Cuba. Try their home-made paella or head over to the carving station for fresh whole roasted pig or to the shellfish station that includes jumbo shrimp and crab legs and claws. Wash down this endless buffet with one of their hand-carved Habana coconuts filled with white or dark rum. Escape to Habana for brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 708 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine.

Snooze OMG French Toast (George Lange Photography)

Snooze

Snooze Eatery will have you running out the door on the weekend to get in line to try to their vast breakfast menu. They have everything from breakfast pot pie and pancake flights to a variety of eggs Benedict flavors to try. They even take their mimosas, and bloody marys, to new heights with different variations, including the Abri-ca-lav-ra Mimosa (apricot liqueur, lavender, honey and lemon juice). If you are more of a bloody mary fan, grab their Horse and Sidecar. Check them out daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 3032 El Camino Real, Tustin.

(Courtesy of The Cut)

The Cut

From food truck fame to the most addicting honey sriracha wings, the boys at The Cut are really on top of their food game. For those with a sweet tooth, try their Tres Leches French Toast. If you are someone who reaches for something savory in the morning, try their chicken and waffles. A bonus to The Cut brunch menu is that they also offer their cult favorite burgers during brunch. Besides a classic cup of coffee, enjoy your brunch with bottomless mimosas or a traditional bloody mary. The Cut brunch runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3831 Alton Pkwy, Suite C, Irvine.

Breakfast Republic

One of Irvine’s newer brunch restaurants, having opened just this year, Breakfast Republic has quickly become one of our top spots. If brunchy cocktails are your thing, this is the place for you — they have their own Italian prosecco specially made and available by the glass, bottle, or as a mimosa. Perfer the harder stuff? With five speciality bloody marys on the menu, you are sure to find your favorite. We recommend the classic with a twist, substituting in habanero vodka for a weekend morning kick in the pants. The food is great as well, offering everything from standard fare with delicious twists to vegan options and seasonal specials. What’s caught our eye? Pancake flights and breakfast hot dogs. Try them out any day of the week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4213 Campus Drive Suite P166B, Irvine.

Outside Irvine

Bosscat Kitchen and Libations

Bosscat Kitchen and Libations is your perfect stop on the weekends for the ultimate bottomless brunch. With their Instagram-worthy breakfast dishes, TVs showing all things sports and a DJ booth, Bosscat knows how to throw a weekend breakfast party. Must-tries include the Fruity Pebbles French toast and the donut burger. Along with their great bottomless mimosas, a fan favorite drink is their Breakfast in Bed Shot. Wake yourself up by ordering this shot composed of maple bourbon, orange juice and a piece of bacon. Join the party and visit Bosscat for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4647 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach.

(Courtesy of Gratitude Pancakes)

Gratitude Kitchen and Bar

If you are vegan or vegetarian, Gratitude Kitchen and Bar is the perfect brunch spot for you. Try their buckwheat flax pancakes topped with cashew coconut whipped cream and fresh fruit. Gratitude even does their spin on the brunch favorite of chicken and waffles; instead of using real chicken, they use chicken-fried mushrooms to accompany their gluten-free oat waffles. Don’t forget to order a pitcher of your favorite brunchy cocktails, such as mimosas, sangria and margaritas to complement your meal. Gratitude Kitchen and Bar is open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Suite 112, Newport Beach.

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