Louisiana Saturday Morning: We've Got Your Brunch Plans Right Here

by Sydney Blanchard

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the most important meal of the weekend.

I don't know if it's a generational thing or a gay thing, but my friends and I are constantly brunching, and I think I've pinpointed why.

Brunch foods can be savory or sweet, healthy or gluttonous, drinking is optional (but encouraged), and food always tastes better when you eat it after waking up late after a night out partying. 

In fact, I can't think of any reason not to love brunch.

Below you'll find some perfect Louisiana brunch options for the weekend. Where is your favorite brunch spot?

Mason's Grill Baton Rouge

Mason's is probably Baton Rouge's most beloved brunch spot, and with endless menu items (including the famous breakfast burger, pictured) and $5 bottomless mimosas, it's easy to see why. On Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons, the place is packed, so get there early to beat the crowd.

Barcadia Baton Rouge

Barcadia Baton Rouge's fried chicken and pancakes

Relatively new to the brunch scene, Barcadia near LSU has been knocking brunch out of the park with breakfast tacos and $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. While you wait for your food, hit up the retro arcade games that line the restaurant.

City Pork Deli & Charcuterie Baton Rouge

Few things are worth waking up early for, and @city_pork Kitchen & Pie breakfast is one of them! The grits bowl (with pulled pork, pickled red onions & an egg) & hash brown casserole are life-affirming. Have y'all tried this place yet? #breakfast #citypork #gritsbowl #goBR #yummy #foodpics #foodblogger

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Jan 20, 2016 at 7:42am PST

This particular photo is from City Pork Kitchen & Pie, but don't get it twisted: only City Pork Deli & Charcuterie offers a weekend brunch menu. The grits bowl is the way to go, paired with a Vietnamese iced coffee or a mimosa if you're feeling frisky.

Coffee Call Baton Rouge

Beignet? More like beign-bae! You can never go wrong with beignet fingers from #coffeecall in #gobr! #tastelouisiana #comehomela @visitbatonrouge @louisianatravel @louisianacookin @louisianaculinarytrails #nomnom #foodporn #donuts #sugar #nomnomnom #beignetmoster

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Dec 15, 2015 at 7:58am PST

If beignets and coffee don't constitute as brunch to you, you're wrong and I feel very sorry for you. I often forget Coffee Call is open in daylight hours, but it is, and I'm thinking I need to become a regular.

Table Kitchen & Bar Baton Rouge

Steak & Eggs is always a great #brunch decision! @brbrunches at @tablekitchenandbar knows what's up! #gobr #tastelouisiana #foodpics #foodporn

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Apr 17, 2016 at 12:03pm PDT

You may not even be aware Table Kitchen & Bar has a brunch, but they do, and recently Jay and Rue Rusike got to try brunch there. They've got options like tomato pie and pecan pancakes and the classic shrimp and grits, oh my!

District Donuts New Orleans

A smorgasbord of donuts at District Donuts in New Orleans

Yes, they serve up some of the most delicious donuts in the city with creative, Insta-worthy toppings. But did you know that beyond donuts District has killer brunch items? Try their griddle donut sandwiches or one of their pork belly or fried chicken sliders. Your tummy will thank you.

Lüke New Orleans

Fruit sorbet at Lüke in New Orleans

John Besh's Lüke in New Orleans, an ode to the Franco-German brasseries of old, has always treated us well. Brunch on the pain perdu or the fried chicken and tabasco honey biscuit sandwich, and you'll be a happy camper.

Johnson's Boucanière Lafayette

Still fantasizing about this lamb pastrami biscuits from @johnsonsboucaniere! Listen to @jayducote's interview with the owner at the link in our bio! #radioshow #biteandbooze #podcast #johnsonsboucanière #yummy #lambpastrami #biscuits

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Mar 4, 2016 at 9:04am PST

One of Lafayette's most beloved spots, Johnson's Boucanière is probably better known as BBQ spot, but they serve up Cajun breakfast in the mornings, including build-your-own biscuits and nénaine's special, a boudin stuffed grilled cheese on a biscuit served with in-house BBQ sauce.

Marilynn's Place Shreveport

Oh man, this bananas foster French toast is transcendental 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 A little piece of New Orleans in #Shreveport! #tastelouisiana

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze) on Sep 27, 2015 at 8:18am PDT

North Louisianians can't get enough of Marilynn's Place, a New Orleans style eatery with an irreverent atmosphere that's rare in this part of the state. Patrons prefer the MP Sunday brunch to church, and with knock-out drink specials and lavish options like bananas foster French toast, it's easy to see why.

Jack Daniels Bar & Grill Lake Charles

Crawfish and andouille benedict from @cheflyleb #jackdaniels at @laubergelc is money. @visitlakecharles #tastelouisiana

A photo posted by Jay Ducote (@jayducote) on Mar 6, 2016 at 10:19am PST

The Sunday Whiskey Brunch at L'Auberge Lake Charles' Jack Daniels Bar includes live music and a whiskey milk punch that'll knock your socks off. Chef Lyle Broussard consistently kills it with South Louisiana takes on traditional brunch items, and it's something to taste to believe.