Gateway to the Best Brunch

In honor of Better Breakfast Month, we’ve reviewed some favorite breakfast joints

Ellie Toler and Athena Zeng

Schniethorst

Think pastel decor so bright it feels like Disney World, hearty German cuisine and some pretty darn good breakfast options, and you’ve got Schneithorst’s Restaurant and Bar, located in Ladue at the intersection of Lindbergh Boulevard and Clayton Roads. Schneithorst, established in 1917, serves breakfast until 2 p.m. on the weekends and offers an array of a.m. goodies —everything from the standard eggs and bacon to more unique options like the ‘German Utopia’. Service is quick, and the servers are friendly. The only downside is the price. Dropping $11 for eggs, bacon and hashbrowns may seem a little excessive, but the quality is well worth the cost. Schniethorst is the perfect place to treat yourself for the occasional splurge.

Half and Half

Half and half, set in the heart of Clayton on Maryland Avenue, provides it all: flavorful food, rich coffee, a suave atmosphere and one of the most aesthetically-pleasing brunch experience you’ll ever have. They’re open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. A relatively new establishment, founded in 2011, Half and Half, equipped with friendly servers and a talented kitchen staff, offers a plethora of breakfast options and a handful of lunch staples. Every dish comes out looking like a piece of edible art, and the taste does not disappoint. For the coffee-lovers, they serve a variety of specialty espresso drinks. Half and Half definitely has the “it” factor necessary for a memorable brunch experience.

The Egg & I

Yes, the Egg and I is a chain restaurant. And though it may not be unique to St. Louis, it is still a popular brunch destination for many local residents. There are two Egg and I locations in St. Louis County. This particular establishment, located in off Clarkson Road, runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The atmosphere of the restaurant is soothing. Though the furniture and decor is rather mundane, an abundance of natural light adds some cheeriness to the place. Pictured is the ‘Athena Scramble,’ a colorful combination made with feta cheese, scrambled eggs, tomato, and asparagus. Relatively less expensive at $9, the Egg and I provided a hearty eating experience. It’s the perfect choice for a quick, casual brunch with family and friends.