Linger a Little Longer

When the English writer Guy Beringer coined the term in his 9th-century essay “Brunch: A Plea,” he declared its virtues “incontestable.” Brunch, he argued, made early rising “not only unnecessary but ridiculous.” It allowed one to wake when the world had softened, when the chill of morning had lifted, and to linger a little longer in the pleasures of Saturday night, free from the moral tyranny of the next day’s obligations.

His argument clearly resonated. Brunch quickly gained traction across England, then Stateside, and eventually around the globe. What began as a leisurely post-church indulgence evolved into a cultural mainstay. In the United States, its popularity surged in the years following World War II, when Sunday mornings often became the only reliable time for families to gather around the same table.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, brunch had taken on a social life of its own. Casual encounters frequently ended with a familiar promise: “Call me; we’ll do brunch.” It became both ritual and excuse, a built-in occasion for connection. And, of course, it remains synonymous with Mother's Day—that May tradition of treating Mom to a meal, sparing her, at least briefly, from her usual role as the family’s host and cook.

Beringer’s original definition was, by comparison, rather strict. He described brunch as a “corruption of breakfast and lunch,” combining tea or coffee and marmalade with heartier fare—fish, perhaps, or one or two meat courses—served between noon and half past. Today, the concept has expanded far beyond those early parameters. Modern brunch menus feature everything from avocado toast and chilaquiles to hash browns and eggs Benedict, often infused with regional flair. Coffee and tea remain staples, but they now share the spotlight with brunch-specific libations: Bellinis, Bloody Marys, and the ever-popular bottomless mimosa.

Though traditionally reserved for Sundays, brunch has increasingly shed its temporal constraints. Many restaurants now treat it less as a fixed time slot and more as a vibe, an experience to be enjoyed whenever the mood strikes.

If you’re craving brunch on the Plateau, here’s a list of area restaurants featuring scrumptious menus:.

CASHIERS

Zookeeper Bistro

The Zookeeper Bistro has been a beloved family-owned staple in Cashiers since 2009. On weekends, it transforms into a brunch destination worth checking out, serving from 7:30 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and 8 am to 2 pm on Sundays.

The dedicated breakfast menu offers something for every craving, from delicious omelets to indulgent benedicts, and an on-theme breakfast burger that expertly blurs the line between breakfast and lunch. It’s the kind of place where mornings stretch a little longer, and every plate feels thoughtfully made.

GLENVILLE

Happ's Place

Happ's Place is an historic gem, featuring beautifully revitalized buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Even the tables you dine at are crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from the original structure, adding to the restaurant’s unique character and charm. The enormous porch and expansive lawn, complete with cornole and live music, make Happ’s the perfect destination for family gatherings and friend hangouts.

Be sure to make reservations for their hearty Sunday brunch from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, which includes $3 mimosas, French toast, fresh pastries, sausage, bacon, and both an omelet and prime rib station. At just $30 per adult and $15 per child, it’s an exceptional value for an unforgettable dining experience.

HIGHLANDS

Madison's Restaurant

Reservations are highly recommended for this one. Madison’s celebrates Southern culinary heritage through a thoughtful, ingredient-driven approach, spotlighting regionally sourced meats and cheeses, heirloom vegetables, and even wild-foraged ingredients.

Breakfast, reserved for guests and members at Old Edwards Inn and Spa, is served daily from 7 to 10 am and features a refined take on morning classics, including a fried chicken biscuit, omelets, and satisfying breakfast wraps. By late morning, the experience transitions seamlessly into lunch open to the public, served from 11:30 am to 2 pm, where lighter yet equally intentional fare takes the spotlight—think a vibrant hummus plate, artisan charcuterie, and a curated selection of fresh salads and sandwiches. For something extra special, keep an eye on their Facebook page, as select holidays bring thoughtfully crafted brunch offerings to the public.

Oak Steakhouse

Perched on the second floor of the Skyline Lodge, this classic American steakhouse offers a refined take on tradition. The kitchen emphasizes thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a menu shaped by the seasons.

Weekend brunch is served Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm, featuring both beloved breakfast staples and distinctive offerings such as Oysters Rockfeller and breakfast poutine. Downstairs, the lobby bar invites guests to linger over a cocktail. Or, head out onto the upstairs terrace and enjoy the spectacular view. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended.

Primary Restaurant and Bar

You’ll likely want to secure a reservation here as well. Primary Restaurant and Bar delivers a refined take on modern mountain dining, set within a stylish, on-trend atmosphere that feels both elevated and inviting. While families are welcome, the ambiance leans more toward an adult-focused experience.

Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 2 pm, with a thoughtfully curated menu that balances comfort and creativity. Standout offerings include smoked salmon deviled eggs, crispy chicken and waffles, and a vibrant hibiscus martini—each dish and drink adding a touch of indulgence to the weekend ritual.

Ruffed Grouse Tavern

Nestled in the mountains within the cozy, English countryside-inspired Highlander Mountain House, The Ruffed Grouse Tavern hosts a truly inspiring Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, with live music from 11 am to 1 pm. Make a reservation to nourish both body and soul as lively bluegrass melodies set the tone for an authentic Appalachian dining experience. In celebration of the local community, Highlands residents also receive 20% off all menu items.

SAPPHIRE

The FIX Restaurant Bar and Lounge

A beloved local spot, The FIX Restaurant Bar and Lounge caters to a range of tastes, offering both an upscale dining experience and a lively sports bar with a more casual feel. It has also become a hub for the local mountain music scene, hosting a rotating lineup of singer-songwriters in an intimate, welcoming setting.

Brunch is served in the restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 11 pm, while the bar and lounge offer brunch service from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends. Reservations Recommended.

LAKE TOXAWAY

Grand Olde Station

Grand Olde Station once served the town as an active train depot and now blends rich local history with elevated mountain dining. The restaurant showcases museum-worthy artifacts throughout the space, alongside a menu centered on locally sourced ingredients from nearby small farms, and a boastworthy wine list. Brunch is served year-round on Sundays from 12 to 4 pm. Guests can make a reservation to enjoy the warmth of the rustic interior or dine alfresco on the picturesque patio overlooking Lake Toxaway. Menu favorites include classic breakfast egg platters, eggs Benedict, and blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes.

Panthertown Cafe

Operating since 2020, this rustic cabin retreat offers a thoughtfully crafted menu built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Its warm, inviting atmosphere provides a cozy escape just moments from nearby attractions.

Breakfast is served Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 to 10:30 am, and Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm. The menu features comforting favorites such as fluffy buttermilk biscuits with country sausage gravy, Panthertown Eggs Benedict, made-to-order omelets, and more.

The Restaurant at the Greystone

Secure a table at this 2024 Diners’ Choice Award–winning restaurant, where Southern hospitality meets locally sourced ingredients and serene lakeside views.

Sunday brunch is served from 8 am to 2 pm, featuring standout dishes such as the Greystone Breakfast, Salmon Benny, and Banana Bread French Toast. An extensive beverage program complements the menu, with offerings that include freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate, teas, fresh juices, and a curated selection of daytime cocktails.

Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and explore the Plateau area’s diverse brunch scene waiting just beyond your door. From indulgent comfort dishes to regional culinary twists, these destinations prove that brunch is more than a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring.

Mr. Beringer may not have imagined brunch quite like this, but he’d likely raise a glass to it all the same.