5 Brunch Spots to Enjoy With the Kids

Brunch isn't just for hipster singles and childless couples who have time to stand in line. We found five spots that offer a dynamite weekend brunch and pass the family-friendly test, with kid perks such as giant cinnamon buns, Nutella waffles and an in-house bookstore.

1. Pomegranate Bistro, Redmond

Redmond lays claim to several good Indian restaurants, but it also happens to have one of the best brunches on the Eastside. And fortunately, the huge, bustling space at Pomegranate Bistro can fit everyone, though lines aren’t uncommon on weekends. What’s the draw? Well, for starters, the giant cinnamon bun that’s the size of your child’s head. The kids' brunch menu includes a choice of either a pancake platter (served with bacon and fresh fruit) or a “TV brunch” that includes a scrambled egg, piece of bacon, fresh fruit and toast and jam. Jams are homemade and swoon-worthy. Adults, meanwhile, can try dishes such as brioche French toast made elegant flavors such as frangipane or avocado toast served with herb salad and a fried duck egg. Remember: Everything here is super-sized, so plan to share.

Find it: 18005 N.E. 68th St., Redmond

Tip: Be sure to call ahead if you want brunch on Mother's Day (special menu) or celebrate on another day.

Eggs benedict

2. 190 Sunset, Edmonds

Edmonds' vibrant downtown and waterfront offer lots of family fun; fuel up first with brunch at this newer kid in town: 190 Sunset. Owned by Tom Budnick, the slick spot turns into a fun adult hangout at night, but has been getting rave reviews for brunch, too. The morning menu features an array of eggs benedict options; buttermilk pancakes with caramelized bananas and amaretto-maple sauce; and biscuits and gravy. Or make a meal out of the sides, from housemade pastries and biscuits to thick cuts of bacon and sausage.

Find it: 190 Sunset Ave., Edmonds
Tip: For brunch on Mother's Day, make a reservation asap and note there's a special buffet menu on deck.

3. Sweet Iron Waffle Bar, Seattle

No one can resist a restaurant that specializes in waffles — especially when they’re this good. With a locations downtown and on Capitol Hill, Sweet Iron Waffles serves up fluffy brioche concoctions in original Belgian style. Then they top the waffles with sweet delights like Nutella, chocolate and even an entire ice cream sundae! Savory choices for waffles range from brie and basil to roast turkey breast and Havarti cheese. There are also yogurt and chia parfaits and waffles to take home, dipped in chocolate and/or frozen for later. The fun-casual interior is bright and perfect for families.

Find it: 1200 Third Ave., Seattle (downtown) or 1416 Tenth Ave., Seattle (Capitol Hill)
Tip: Sweet Iron offers counter service and therefore, no reservations. Swing by early for breakfast or around lunchtime to avoid the 10 a.m. weekend brunch crowd.

4. Feed Co. Burgers, Seattle

This Central District outpost of the flagship Redmond features a weekend brunch around its burger-centric menu. Kids will dig items such as Cornflake-crusted French toast while parents can indulge in more gourmet options like steak and eggs with mushrooms and Gruyere. Adventurous eaters should try the Loco Moco, a Korean dish of charred bok choy rice topped with a bim (rice) patty, fried egg, gravy and togarashi spice. It’s comfort food at its best. The counter service is fast, and there are plenty of tables at which to feast.

Find it: 1190 24th Ave., Seattle
Tip: Feed Co. open daily at a11 a.m. No reservations accepted at this counter-service spot.

5. Raconteur, Seattle

Books and brunch go together like bacon and eggs and, if the kids get bored as you linger over your mimosa, they can mosey over to the bookstore. Raconteur is located inside Third Place Books' Seward Park shop. The restaurant offers brunch inside the beautiful, vaulted-ceilinged space, with a menu including Belgian waffles, chilaquiles, corned beef hash, burgers and more. Kids can also make a meal of tasty sides: sausages, coffee cake and twice-baked potatoes. Be sure to check out the bookstore's events list before heading over. Many famous authors make the rounds here and a reading could be a highlight of your post-brunch afternoon.

Find it: 5041 Wilson Ave. S., Seattle
Tip: Raconteur begins serving its weekend brunch at 8 a.m. — ideal for early risers who want to beat the brunch crowd.

Still hungry? Check out these 10 Seattle and Eastside dining spots with play areas for kids.

Pastry perfect

If your brood isn’t into a long, sit-down meal, a stop at a local bakery for treats to eat there or take to a local park makes a good brunch-lite option. Here are three of our favorites:

Le Rê ve: Queen Anne doesn’t often draw people from outside the neighborhood, but the locals know that they have one of the city’s finest bakeries. Specializing in French pastries in a charming location that looks like a Queen Anne home, Le Rêve turns out savory and sweet croissants to rival any in the city, as well as a fine Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur. Also find tarts, cakes, cookies and a darn delicious Kouign-Amann. 1805 Queen Anne Ave. N. #100, Seattle

Fuji Bakery: Interbay, the valley thoroughfare between the west side of Queen Anne Hill and Magnolia, is the original home of Fuji (there’s also a spot in the ID), a Japanese bakery serving Asian-influenced items like green tea croissants, melon pan or azuki bean donuts. You can also stick with French classics such as clafoutis or pomme turnovers. Or, for kids, the PB&J doughnut. 1030 Elliott Ave. W.

Byen Bakeri: The north side of Queen Anne near Seattle Pacific University is home to this sweet bakery that recalls Seattle’s Scandinavian roots with baked goods such as stollen, kringle and cardamom raisin rolls. 5 Nickerson St., Seattle

Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated for 2019.