10 Monday brunches worth savoring on Labor Day

The approach of Labor Day weekend may signal that summer’s days are numbered, but the living is still easy as many local restaurants are opening their kitchens for Monday brunch service. Check out some of our favorite spots below, and have a delicious holiday!

Awful Annie's

A local breakfast institution with locations in Auburn and Lincoln, Awful Annie's will serve up its customarily tempting breakfast items this Labor Day. The hardest part is deciding among the offerings, which range from eight variations on eggs Benedict to five kinds of waffles, 15 omelets, 11 scrambles and the signature Big Mess (home-fried potatoes with cheese, bell pepper, green onion, mushroom, tomato and zucchini, and topped with avocado and sour cream). awfulannies.com

Cafe Bernardo

All five Cafe Bernardo locations in Davis and Sacramento are open for Monday brunch today from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get your fill of dishes like the Bernardo Benedict with two poached farm-fresh eggs, applewood smoked ham and house-made Hollandaise sauce over toasted rosemary bread and served with a side of herbed potatoes. View each location’s menu here. paragarys.com 

Cafeteria 15L

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can get your fill of comfort food dishes at this hip downtown restaurant. Think decadent waffle dishes, like the oversized chicken and waffles platter or the Valrhona chocolate waffles with bananas and salted caramel sauce. The restaurant will also offer bottomless mimosas and handcrafted Bloody Marys to boot. 1116 15th St. 492-1960. cafeteria15l.com

Capitol Garage

At the corner of 15th and K in downtown Sacramento, Capitol Garage has a long history of staying open for brunch for virtually every Monday holiday—and this one is no exception. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. menu offerings include unlimited champagne mimosas, salmon croquettes and roasted sweet potato hash from the regular brunch menu plus Labor Day specials like poached pear pancakes. 1500 K St. 444-3633. capitolgarage.com

Hoppy Brewing Company

The East Sacramento brewery and restaurant is hosting a Monday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., during which time you can get everything from cinnamon French toast to pulled pork sliders or the Labor Day special: a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese, bacon and asparagus on toasted sourdough. 6300 Folsom Blvd. 451-4677. hoppy.com 

Original Pancake House

Venture to this Roseville breakfast spot for your fill of perfect pancakes (Original Pancake offers more than 20 varieties) like the Dutch Baby, a decadent oven-baked treat that rises high as it bakes and deflates to reveal a moist, dense base with crispy edges, served with butter, lemon and powdered sugar, or the sweet 10-inch, crepelike 49er flapjacks. And don’t forget the apple pancake, smothered in Granny Smith apples and a cinnamon glaze. 10000 Fairway Dr. Roseville. 788-3040. pancakesroseville.com 

Orphan

For 365 days a year, this hidden gem at 34th and C streets in Sacramento serves up a breakfast menu from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Try the artichoke scramble, the oversized breakfast burrito or the fluffy banana-blackberry buttermilk pancakes, plus fun international drink options like New Zealand iced tea or coffee con panna (Brazilian coffee with whipped cream). 3440 C St. 442-7370. orphanbreakfast.com

The Porch Restaurant & Bar

The Porch wields its Southern pride on Labor Day for a brunch affair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can get your fill of Lowcountry fixins like shrimp po’ boys, barbecued shrimp and grits, and brisket over biscuits. But whatever you order, don't miss the hot beignets. 1815 K St. 444-2423. theporchrestaurantandbar.com

Roxy

The Western-themed Roxy opens at 11 a.m. on Labor Day, serving lunch with a limited brunch menu until 2 p.m. Look for specials like the farmers’ market omelet (which is one of our favorite egg dishes in town and resembles a decadent frittata) with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, toasted garlic, corn, Anaheim peppers and jack cheese. 2381 Fair Oaks Blvd. 489-2000. roxyrestaurantandbar.com

Tower Café

This eclectic hot spot on Broadway will serve Monday brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from international items like Thai steak and eggs, Oaxacan eggs mole, or Moroccan yogurt and fruit, but don’t forget to indulge in the Tower’s signature French toast, which is locally famous for being drenched in rich house-made custard and griddled to perfection. 1518 Broadway. 441-0222. towercafe.com