Review and photo by Ruchika Bajaj
Sunny and 75 on a beautiful Sunday morning in Southern California, with tables quickly filling up at all the local brunch hotspots. What better way to end the weekend than grabbing some friends, enjoying bottomless mimosas, a fresh pot of coffee, and a stack of pancakes. At least that is how Ayah Khader likes to do it.
Whether you are just looking to satisfy some cravings, good Sunday vibes, or the perfect hangover cure, brunch seems to do just the trick.
“My favorite thing after a full Saturday night of drinking, is having a good carb loaded Sunday brunch, pancakes, sausage, eggs, and coffee, the time to go big or go home,” said Khader, sophomore health sciences major.
Do you often find your Sunday brunch taking you the same restaurant? It’s time to change things up and look no further than some of Orange County’s hottest brunch spots. Whether it be a cute little cafe or a chain restaurant, it’s time to make some new favorites.
Here is a look at a few local favorites of Chapman students.
First up: Kimmie’s Coffee Cup
190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
(714) 288-2899
Kimmie’s Coffee Cup located in the heart of Old Towne Orange has not only fellow orange locals but out of towners stopping in to enjoy the employee's smiling faces, positive and friendly atmosphere, and of course delicious eats. Laguna Hills resident Amanda Jaffe had nothing but positive things to say after her first experience at Kimmie’s.
“The menu may be simple, but the food preparation and taste are something else,” said Jaffe, sophomore political acience major. You can count on Kimmie’s Coffee Cup having all those traditional menu items and everything you need to satisfy those Sunday morning cravings.
“If you’re looking to get away from the typical IHOP breakfast, this is the place to go,” said Ellie Kantola, sophomore Studio Art major.
Second Stop: The Filling Station
201 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
(714) 289-9714
The Filling Station, another Old Towne Orange favorite, offers customers with the option of a beautiful outdoor seating area surrounded by greenery or their diner inspired indoor seating. Don’ worry though because wherever you end up sitting the food is sure to be good.
Used to brunches on the lake in Idaho, Maddie Russo and her parents were both extremely surprised how nice it could be to have brunch right here in Orange.“ The Filling Station prides itself on offering a diverse array of options that are distinct to the Filling Station, while taking customers back to historical times and local heritage of Orange.
“You feel as if you are experiencing life before your time,” said Danielle Lee, sophomore Education major. The crowd pleasers here are endless, anything from the pancake breakfast to the eggs benedict, The Filling Station knows how to do brunch perfectly. Disclaimer: You’re sure to be taken back to the 1920s so enter at your own risk.
Next Up: Chapter One: The Modern Local
227 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 352-2225
Chapter One: The Modern Local will be a library experience like no other. Enter into the Chapter One: The Modern Local and instantly feel as if you have stepped into a vintage library. Winning Best of OC Weekly two years in a row, Chapter One seems to be satisfying its customers needs and wants somehow.
“By far my favorite thing are the bottomless mimosas,” said Nicole Goehring, senior psychology and education major.
Whether it be locals that come in or those that seem to be in the area, everyone seems to be leaving satisfied. With the unique environment and global offerings, I would definitely add this on the must do brunch list. For those late mornings, where lunch sounds a little more appetizing, Danielle Eble likes to indulge in some white cheddar mac & cheese as she sips on her mimosas. Energy of the crowd and hospitality of the employees surrounds the room, making this place a huge hit and overall good time.
And theres more: The Little Sparrow
300 Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 265-7640
The Little Sparrow does all its accolades complete justice. Nobody seems to disagree that Orange Coast Magazine said it all when naming it restaurant of the week. Head over the Santa Ana’s neighborhood bistro and see how they can do anything from a simple to unique breakfast in the best way possible. The Little Sparrow has it all, fresh coffee, bottomless mimosas, and wait for it…a spicy Bloody Mary. If that doesn’t have you up and out of your bed on Sunday morning then the Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Biscuits should be a deal breaker.
“It has a great vibe in there and seems to be a very up and coming place,” said Rachel Shatz, senior Communications major. Not your standard brunch place, The Little Sparrow has its own unique personality to it.
To wrap things up: The Gypsy Den
2930 Bristol St B102, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 549-7012
The Gypsy Den does it all, from great brunch, great coffee, wine, and other delicious eats. No one else can pull of the alternative cafe look better than they do. So if you are looking to go the hipster/bohemian route on a Sunday morning, The Gypsy Den is perfect for you. With multiple locations it can be considered a chain restaurant, but each location has its own vibe and decor to it. It saves you the time of flipping through pages and pages of menu options by offering a short and simple menu, but with everything you need to fulfill your Sunday brunch feels.
“The Gypsy Den’s atmosphere already had me sold, the brunch had me with no words,” said Alexa Polin, sophomore political science major.
