It’s impossible to pass up bottomless mimosas. Make your Sundays significantly better with the help of these hip hotspots serving up the best brunch in Cedar Rapids.
Granite City Food & Brewery
Expect the unexpected while breaking all of the rules of breakfast at Granite City Food & Brewery, home to the “Lawless” Sunday brunch. As the notorious name suggests, this brunch menu is stacked with so many classic dishes and cocktails that it should be illegal. First, guests can kick things off with bubbly bottomless mimosas bursting with tropical flavors of orange, pineapple and cranberry. Or, you can get creative with more than 300 combinations of customizable Bloody Marys, ranging from a chipotle-maple carnivore to a slightly sizzling signature. From there, the sinfully scrumptious brunch includes a carving station brimming with tender, slow-roasted prime rib, an egg-creation station ready to invent your ideal omelet, benedict or breakfast sandwich, as well as plenty of chef specials sure to put you into a food coma. From golden, gleaming, buttered bread and perfect pastries to extra-thick cut bacon and Reggiano hash brown potatoes, Granite City Food & Brewery is the spot for one of the best brunches that Cedar Rapids has to offer. For more information, visit gcfb.com.
Feedwell Kitchen and Bakery
What’s better than bacon and eggs? Possibly the combination of brunch and freshly baked pastries. At Feedwell Kitchen and Bakery, there will be no shortage of wholesome breakfast specialties and confectionary classics. If you have a craving for breakfast at any time of day, you can count on this Cedar Rapids brunch spot to deliver with all of the fixings. Guests can begin their culinary journey with a pastry board for two, which is the perfect pairing of three pasties paired with jam and whipped butter. With confectionary choices like chocolate croissants, seasonal fruit tarts and cinnamon rolls, the combinations are completely up to your imagination. From there, the nourishing menu features quinoa and grain bowls packed with avocado, eggplant-yogurt sauce, toasted almonds and kale. At the same time, a tempting twist on a PB&J–the PB&G–is a breakfast sandwich made bold with prosciutto, grilled bread and herbed goat cheese. For more information, visit feedwellkitchenandbakery.com.
Rodina
There’s no better place to cure a craving for something sweet or savory than at Rodina, a rustic yet modern restaurant specializing in Midwest comfort food. Guests can try a little bit of everything thanks to Rodina’s family-style dining experience. But perhaps the best time to visit Rodina is on Sunday, when this stylish spot puts a special spin on breakfast. With a seasonally inspired menu, the brunch is no exception, and you can always expect to enjoy what you order. Guests can begin with the basic bread and butter of the menu and indulge in a traditional toast topped with untraditional toppings. From sweet coconut French toast with ruby red raspberries and maple syrup to a more savory salmon toast loaded with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers, these crispy sourdough specialties are like an elevated version of your favorite flatbreads. Some other comfort food classics include chicken and waffles with maple-bacon gravy and a fluffy ricotta scramble with breakfast potatoes. And if you’re seeking a classic brunch experience in Cedar Rapids, be sure to check out the oyster shooter. Like a miniature Bloody Mary with all of the bold flavors, this shooter comes overflowing with oyster, Tito’s vodka, Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix, house hot sauce and celery bitters. For more information, visit rodinaiowa.com.
Cruz’s Cafe
If you’re in the mood for hearty brunch dishes, from sweet griddle classics to mouthwatering breakfast meats, Cruz’s Cafe will quickly become your go-to spot for brunch in Cedar Rapids. Upon entering, guests will be mesmerized by the old-timey, black-and-white checkered diner ambience complete with the aromas of freshly brewed local coffee and the sounds of sausages sizzling on the grill. Like a childhood dream, Cruz’s Cafe believes that breakfast should be an all-day affair. The menu begins with an abundance of brunch-fueled fare and continues with savory shipwreck sandwiches. These more-than-generous handhelds come complete with all of your favorite toppings, from hickory-smoked bacon to creamy cheddar jack cheese. In addition, you’ve probably heard of a mimosa flight, but have you ever tried an eggs benedict flight? These decked-out English muffin platters are decorated with quirky combinations of Florentine-inspired sauteed spinach and grilled tomato, a Mardi Gras mashup of kielbasa sausage and grilled shrimp dusted with Cajun seasoning and, of course, the classic combination of Canadian bacon with heavenly hollandaise. And since Cruz’s Cafe is also vegan-friendly, guests can pair plant-based pancakes with Beyond Sausage and Just Egg. For more information, visit cruzscafe.com.
30hop
Let the good times roll at 30hop. This Cedar Rapids brunch spot is best known for its celebratory atmosphere and constantly rotating beer and brunch menu. A well-loved Iowa classic, it’s no surprise that 30hop has become a staple throughout the state with its rooftop patio, modern-American menu and bar brimming with over 90 beers, including those from Cedar Rapids’ own Iowa Brewing Company. These dreamy drafts are the perfect accompaniment to your midday meal. From Cousin Eddie’s Breakfast Ale, infused with flavors of coffee and maple, to the newest style of IPA, the Big River, the options are endless. The liquid brunch also continues with contemporary twists on a more modern mimosa, like the Brunch Punch, a slightly sour combination of champagne, St. Germain and strawberry puree, or the Palermo Spritz, beautified with blood orange, Champagne, aperol and lemon. As for the more filling favorites, guests can always order an avocado toast for a timeless yet elevated mouthful of sourdough, avo mash, pickled pepper sauce, cucumber salsa, cherry tomato, spicy aioli and everything bagel spice. You’ll surely also be tempted by the tater tot breakfast bowl. Possibly the best hangover cure, this bowl comes brimming with scrambled eggs, tots, cheese fondue, bacon, queso fresco and jalapeño. For more information, visit 30hop.com.