Dining Out on Easter, a.k.a. Brunchapalooza

Photo courtesy of The Union Kitchen.

Sweet Cheesus! Jelly Donut Pancakes, available on Union Kitchen's kids menu Easter Sunday.

It's a little bit breakfast, a little bit lunch, and it's socially acceptable to drink before noon in public. Yes, my friends: Brunch is a beautiful thing. And Easter Sunday is the mother of all brunch celebrations.

When it comes to Easter in Houston these things we know for sure: Easter egg hunts -- with highs already climbing into the mid-80s -- should never involve real eggs. And if you want to get your brunch on this April 8 at any of the restaurants listed below, you're going to need a reservation.

EASTER A LA CARTE

Ninfa's on Navigation
2704 Navigation Blvd, 713-228-1175
The Original Ninfa's Easter brunch menu, served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., features a choice of Pecan Pancakes with Agave Syrup, Corn Waffles with Eggs and Bacon, Mexican French Toast, Fried Quail, and Torta de Jaiba (Crab Cakes with Poached Eggs, Hollandaise Sauce, Queso Cotija, Oven Roasted Potatoes and Mexican Herbs). Entrees range from $8.95 to $14.95.

Smith & Wollensky
4007 Westheimer, 713-621-7555
In addition to the regular menu, the steakhouse will feature a special Easter menu with hearty selections ranging from $35 (Smoked Salmon) to $105 (Double Cut Ribeye).

Tila's
1111 S Shepherd Dr, 713-522-7654
The Easter Celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with an Easter egg hunt and a special menu featuring favorites such as Chile en Nogado and Chicken Manchego with Mole Sauce. $19.95 to $29.95.

Union Kitchen
4057 Bellaire Blvd, 713-661-0025
Special $6 Easter menu and hourly prize drawings for the kids. Adults can order from the regular brunch menu, which includes four different styles of Eggs Benedict, a lobster omelet, a build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar, and carafes of mimosas.

Valentino at the Hotel Derek
2525 W Loop South, 713-850-9200
Valentino's Easter feast includes a choice of entree, complimentary mimosa or bellini, and an assortment of buffet selections including charcuterie, berries, yogurt, salad, smoked salmon and mini-desserts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $28 to $42. Kids 5 and under eat free from the buffet.

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EASTER PRIX FIXE

Ava Kitchen and Whiskey Bar
2800 Kirby, 713-386-6460
Three-course prix fixe menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $35 adults / $15 kids (separate menu).

Backstreet Cafe
1103 S Shepherd Dr, 713-521-2239
Three-course prix fixe menu and live jazz with Bob Chadwick from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $42 adults / $12 kids.

Benjy's
Multiple locations
Three-course prix fixe menu from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. $35 adults / $15 kids.

Bistro Provence
13616 Memorial Drive, 713-827-8008
Three-course prix fixe menu from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $39 adults / $20 for two-course kids menu.

Brennan's of Houston
3300 Smith Street, 713-522-9711
Three-course prix fixe menu from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $55 per person.

Denis' Seafood House
9777 Katy Freeway, 713-464-6900
Choice of Crawfish & Cheese Grits, Egg Casserole, French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Cheese & Crabmeat Crepes. Seatings at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. $20 per person, $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Feast
219 Westheimer, 713-529-7788
Roast leg of lamb with mint sauce, roast potatoes, roast vegetables and Brussels sprouts or vegetable moussaka, followed by bread pudding. Reservations available between
12:30 and 2:30 p.m. $19.95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Multiple locations
Three-course prix fixe menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $34.95 adults.

Haven
2502 Algerian Way, 713-581-6101
Three-course prix fixe menu with complimentary amuse bouche (hint: it's one of Chef Randy's legendary deviled eggs) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $40 adults / $15 children.

Mark's American Cuisine
1658 Westheimer, 713-523-3800
Three-course prix fixe menu. Two seatings, $54.95 adults / $22.95 kids under 10.

Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar
1985 Welch, 713-533-0200
Three-course brunch menu served all day. $59 adults / $25 kids 12 and under.

Prego
2520 Amherst, 713-529-2420
Three-course prix fixe menu and live jazz guitar by Danny McKnight from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $42 adults / $10 per child.

Triniti
2815 S Shepherd Drive, 832-582-5958
Five-course prix fixe menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $65 per person.

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EASTER BRUNCH BUFFET

The Barbed Rose Steakhouse and Seafood
113 East Sealy Street, 281-585-2272
Brunch buffet. $36 per person.

House of Blues Houston - Gospel Brunch
Grand Music Hall, 1204 Caroline Street, 888-402-5837
Southern-style buffet and live gospel music with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. $48 adults / $22 kids 3-12 / free kids under 3.

Hugo's
1600 Westheimer, 713-524-7744
Brunch buffet, Easter egg hunt, and live music by Viento from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $39 adults / $12 kids.

Karl's at the Riverbend
5011 FM 723 Road, 281-238-9300
Brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $29.95 adults / $16.95 kids 10-14 / $9.95 kids 6-9 / Free for kids 5 and under.

Kiran's
4100 Westheimer, 713-960-8472
Brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $45 adults / $25 kinds under 12 / Free for kids 5 and under.

Las Alamedas
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., 281-347-3030
Brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $39.95 adults / $12.95 kids 10 and under.

Line & Lariat - Hotel Icon
220 Main Street, 832-667-4470
Brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with "bottomless" mimosas. $49 adults / $20 kids 8-12 / free for kids 7 and under.

Moody Gardens Hotel Galveston
Seven Hope Boulevard, 409-741-8484
Brunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny and take part in the Moody Gardens Easter Egg Hunt. $42.95 adults / $32.95 seniors / $19.95 kids 4-12 / free for kids 3 and under.

Quattro - Four Seasons Houston Hotel
1300 Lamar, 713-276-4700
Brunch buffet with Bloody Marys, mimosas, and champagne for adults and ice cream and milk shakes for kids from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $79 adults / $39.50 kids 6-12.

Ristorante Cavour - Hotel Granduca
1080 Uptown Park, 713-418-1000
Brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $75 adults / $35 kids 5-12 / free for kids 4 and under.

The Tasting Room - Uptown Park
1101 Uptown Park Blvd, 713-993-9800
Brunch buffet including coffee, juice, and one mimosa (per adult) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $19.99 adults day of / $15.99 adults pre-sale / $6.99 children 16 and under.

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