It used to be that only restaurants served brunch. Today, you can have brunch at a bar and even catch a drag show. Whether this means curing the previous night’s hangover, or simply getting your Sunday Funday started early, brunch might now be considered the most important meal of the day. From the traditional to the outrageous and everything in between, here are the top LGBT-friendly brunch spots in SA.
Drag Brunch at Paramour Known for its popular rooftop bar with amazing views of the San Antonio skyline, Paramour presents drag brunches on the last Sunday of every month hosted by Kristi Waters. Paramour’s drag brunch draws both straight and gay crowds with themes like “Back to the 90s,” “Broadway Babes” and “Viva! Selena.” The bar is the first in the state to feature a champagne vending machine that sells Moët & Chandon champagne for $20. (102 9th St., Suite 400, (210) 340-9880, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., last Sunday of every month)
La Botánica La Botánica is a curandera-themed vegan restaurant, bar and live music venue on the St. Mary’s strip known for its eclectic shows and gay-friendly atmosphere. Here, chef Rebel Mariposa schools the public on the benefits of a plant-based diet. For starters, try the fried black bean empanadas served with a side of fruit. (2911 N. Saint Marys, (210) 716- 0702, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays)
Casa Azul de Andrea This Frida Kahlo inspired spot features tapas, tortas and mini tacos. For brunch, try the street corn or one of the sandia/melon mimosas and pretend your in Mexico. (1036 S. Alamo St., (210) 451-9393, noon-3 p.m., Sunday)
Feast As one of San Antonio’s most popular brunch spots, Feast is known for its “New American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.” Chef Stefan Bowers offers a variety of delicious treats including the almond-pistachio French toast, crepes and “Eggs in Hell.” Get there early or wait in line. (210) 354-1024, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sundays)
Luther’s Café Founded in 1949, Luther’s Café was a Main Street staple even before the ‘gayborhood’ arrived. The Sunday Brunch offers mimosa options, burgers, pancakes, tacos and live music by the Midtown Jazz. (1503 N. Main Ave., (210) 223-7727, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays.)
Candlelight Coffeehouse, Wine Bar and Cafe Founded in 1995, Candlelight Coffeehouse offers do-it-yourself mimosas alongside brunch classics like the croque monsieur and chilaquiles. (3011 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 738-0099, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.)
The Bang Bang Bar Sunday Funday gets started early at the Bang Bang bar with cheap drink specials in a dive bar setting. If your in the mood for something out of the ordinary,
try a Bloody Mary or Michelada garnished with either a chicken on a stick, or a 3LB. turkey leg. (119 El Mio Dr., (210) 320-1187, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays)
Queer Brunch with Pink Leche This monthly brunch pop-up is set to return this fall featuring food, music, and an artist market. (Venue TBA)