Brunch Spots to Inspire Your Next Weekend Getaway

What's better than heading out to brunch with your besties, significant other or the whole family? Nothing! Luckily, Madison has no shortage of delicious brunch menus with gluten-free and vegan options aplenty. Whether you’re looking for that classic diner vibe or dishes that you’ve never tried before, these seven places are sure to hit the spot. We should know — we’ve tried them all.

Our Madison brunch adventures are all deliciously documented in the video series Madison’s Iconic Eats on the @DestinationMadison TikTok and Instagram.

Short Stack Eatery

Short Stack Eatery does breakfast so well that it’s the only thing they do. No matter the time of day, stop by for the famous pancake stacks (the sweet potato oatmeal stack with maple bourbon mascarpone is a fan favorite). Savory options like Cajun biscuits and gravy and corned beef hash are available for savory-breakfast lovers. Gluten free? No worries, they’ve got GF pancakes. Ask for their Vegan Hack menu for a list of five breakfast options and six sides. There’s truly something for everyone at Short Stack.

Bonus: The bloody, Short Stack’s bloody mary, has won five local awards, including Gold for Best of Madison. It’s a must-try, and an N/A version is available for all the health benefits but none of the booze.

Marigold Kitchen

A Pinckney Street classic, Marigold Kitchen serves brunch all day on the weekends (with breakfast and lunch weekday menus). Classics like pancakes, French toast, and omelets alongside unique dishes like the three grain tempeh bowl and duck confit hash make this menu well-balanced and delicious. Vegan options (like the tofu scramble) and gluten free options (like the chilaquiles) make this a phenomenal brunch spot for the whole family.

Bonus: Marigold includes lots of seasonal items on their menus. Look forward to fun food and drink options that reflect the flavors of the season! You’ll also find Miggy’s Bakes in Marigold Kitchen’s bakery case, which has some of the best cookie cups, brownies and more.

Cento

We love Cento for dinner, but nothing gets us more excited than their Boozy Brunch. For just $35 per person, dig into an assorted pastry basket (so good!), any brunch, lunch or pizza entrée, two brunch cocktails and bottomless tea or coffee. Special shoutout to entrée options like the rigatoni alla carbonara and the breakfast pizza (featuring a delicious hollandaise sauce). The lemon capri cocktail (made with limoncello and espresso) is next level.

Bonus: The lunch-inclined of your group will appreciate the salad, pasta and sandwich options sprinkled throughout this menu.

Bassett Street Brunch Club

Bassett Street Brunch Club has an impressive menu. Some of our favorites are coconut cream pie french toast, savory french toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and the hot to tot burrito (filled with, you guessed it, tater tots). Bassett Street offers lots of gluten-sensitive and vegan options (sub scrambled tofu for eggs in many dishes).

Bonus: Donut lovers, rejoice! Bassett Street has some of the best. But get there early, because they sell out.

Daisy Café & Cupcakery

Daisy Café & Cupcakery on Atwood Avenue is the perfect neighborhood brunch spot. Stratas — toasted, filled brioche with an egg custard — are a Daisy specialty, but you can also enjoy omelets, pancakes and more. Daisy Café has a full vegan menu (just ask for it!) and lots of gluten-free dishes.

Bonus: Daisy Café is known for their cupcakes, and while flavors rotate, there is always at least one gluten-free option.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, another Atwood Avenue favorite, is a classic diner with milkshakes, pie, and dishes like biscuits and gravy, scrambles and pancakes. They elevate that classic diner menu with options like vegan banana walnut pancakes (they have a whole vegan menu!), meatloaf hash and a marinated tofu sandwich.

Bonus: Get that classic diner milkshake but dairy free if you prefer! Chocolate Shoppe’s soy vanilla ice cream forms the base with add-ins like Oreo, coffee, chocolate, peanut butter and strawberry to top it off.

La Brioche

The most elegant tea sets, delicious French-style dishes and famous morning buns form the foundation of La Brioche’s breakfasts, and it’s a flavorful foundation. Crepes complete with fresh berries, ricotta cheese, berry coulis and crème anglaise. Eggs benedict. mushroom and pancetta scramble. The dishes are unique and delicious.

Bonus: La Brioche has an expansive bakery menu and an equally delicious lunch menu, so there’s no wrong time to stop by!

More Brunch-spiration

No matter where you brunch in Madison, it’s sure to be good. For even more food-spiration, follow @DestinationMadison on Instagram and TikTok and check out more brunch-y blogs.