Gone are the days when brunchers made due with biscuits drowned in plain white gravy. Many of Staunton’s restaurants put a modern twist on traditional Southern cooking. Others focus on using locally-sourced ingredients, and on the process of creating the food.
zynodoa
New to the brunch scene, Zynodoa is tucked into a historic building in downtown. Offering inspired southern cuisine in a stylish, metropolitan setting, their seasonally-driven menu is crafted with quality ingredients primarily sourced from the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions. Get your day started with a “Morning Buzz,” a blend of coffee, belle isle cold brew moonshine, frangelico, and sweetened condensed milk. Go traditional with a helping of Sausage Gravy & Biscuit or if you have a hankering for lunch choose from their “High Noon,” options which range from Virginia Jumbo Lump Crab Fritters to the Buffalo Creek Farm Burger. Sunday Brunch: 10-2.
Table 44
Table 44 offers comfort food kicked up a notch. The wide variety of brunch offerings are all made from scratch and include English muffins, cinnamon rolls, and eggs Benedict. Table 44 even makes its own bacon for its 44 breakfast, which also features sweet potato/short rib hash. Don’t forget to order a fantastic loaded Bloody Mary to complement your meal. And make sure to carry out some tasty and beautiful baked treats from Paris Cake Company as you leave. Saturday and Sunday brunch: 11-3.
the green room
The Greenroom is a hip new spot in Staunton run by Blackfriars Playhouse actors. The comfortable cafe space offers a curated wine, craft beer, and cider list. Pair your drink of choice with their loaded tater tots, smoked salmon toast or waffled French toast with maple syrup, pistachio crumbs, and whipped cream. Sunday brunch: 12-5.
byer’s Street Bistro
Not currently serving brunch.
Byer’s Street Bistro, a favorite of both locals and tourists, provides Southern-style American food in a casual, upbeat setting. This family-friendly find offers outdoor seating for warmer days and often features live music. Brunch choices include shrimp and grits, harvest vegetable frittata, and new dishes every Sunday. Sunday brunch: 11 – 2.
Cranberry’s
Cranberry’s serves breakfast in the cafe at the back of its natural grocery. The menu focuses on vegetables, fruits, and organic grains and includes numerous options for vegetarians, vegans, and those on gluten-free diets. Menu items showcase many local and organic ingredients, including eggs and sausages from Polyface Farm. A favorite item is the unique malt yeast waffle, which can be served with fruit and whipped cream. Cranberry’s also has an extensive smoothie and juice selection, ranging from the signature Celtic Elixir to the Fountain of Youth (which includes a shot of wheatgrass). Breakfast is available all day.
The Depot Grille
You get to walk past a pair of cabooses to enter the The Depot Grille, which is housed in the old freight depot of Staunton Station. The Depot is casual, kid-friendly, and it serves great food like prime rib, quiche, crab cakes, grilled shrimp Benedict, and weekly specials for Sunday brunch. Cocktail specials are available all day. After brunch, take a walk over the Sears Hill pedestrian bridge to Wilson Park for spectacular views of downtown Staunton. Sunday brunch: 11 – 2.
Mill Street Grill
Originally built around the turn of the century as a mill to supply southern kitchens with flour, Mill Street Grill opened in its present form as a restaurant in 1992. Mill Street Grill is cozy, consistent, casual, kid-friendly, and serves Southern-style American food. For brunch you might try filet mignon eggs Benedict or huevos rancheros. Sunday brunch: 11 – 3.
Nu-Beginning Farm: The Store
Nu-Beginning Farm: The Store is serving up great farm-to-table food. The Saturday morning menu includes Belgian waffles, pancakes, scones, and “eggs Cumberbatch,” which would taste great paired with a mimosa or bellini. Make sure to pick up some locally-sourced grocery items or local beer and wine before you leave. Saturdays until 11.
Other places to get yummy morning fare include: Clocktower Food and Spirits, Kathy’s Restaurant, and Mrs. Rowe’s Restaurant. Try Réunion, Blue Mountain Coffee, The By & By, Newtown Bakery (Saturday only) for pastries and coffee.
