Best Brunch

1. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Multiple locations; snoozeeatery.com

An eatery with a social conscience, Snooze prides itself on using only responsibly sourced ingredients and being a good corporate partner and neighbor. All while providing high quality and tasty food.

So far the recipe has been a success, with more than 37 company-owned locations opening since the chain launched in Denver in 2006.

On its website, Snooze says “We work hard with partners who are as passionate as we are about food, sustainable agriculture, and how animals are treated to help create a better food system for future generations to thrive upon.”

The company created a numerical system called Snooze Approved to grade products and providers on sustainability, responsiblesourcing and treatment of animals and employees. As a result, eggs are cage-free and meats are antibiotic free.

“We aim to continue to keep guests coming back with new menu items, responsibly sourced ingredients and change-maker initiatives like giving 1 percent back in-kind to our local communities and lessening our impact on the environment by diverting waste and lowering our carbon footprint,” said Andrew Jaffe, chief marketing officer, in a statement.

The test, however, is in the taste and Snooze prides itself on unique combinations. Try the Monte Cristo, made with French-toast Brioche and housemade raspberry pepper jam.

Every restaurant features a full bar with choices from mimosas to Bloody Marys, margaritas and local craft beer.

COURTESY PHOTO At Snooze, options abound. You can have your French toast stuffed with mascarpone and your burrito filled with everything from pulled pork to roasted cauliflower.

– Greg Mellen

2. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Irvine, Newport Beach, Orange bosscatkitchen.com

From Houston to Newport Beach, Bosscat was built on a reputation of a sipping whiskey collection with more than 80 Kentucky bottles at any given time and even a variety of Pappy Van Winkles.

But it’s the Bosscat Kitchen’s family-friendly and self-described “over-the-top weekend brunches” that brought it to the attention of our readers.

On Saturdays and Sundays, nightlife gives over to a different vibe. And a wide menu offers plenty from which to choose.

To feed a sweet tooth there’s the Fruity Pebbles French toast or an apple cheesecake waffle. Or you can choose Southwestern favorites with a twist, such as a burrito accented with Nashville spicy fried chicken hollandaise. Or more standard fare ranging from Benedicts to bacon and eggs.

And whether it’s the hair of the dog or first of the day, the bar is stocked with mimosas, Bloody Marys and Breakfast in Bed, a shot of maple bourbon, orange juice and bacon.

Tucked away in San Juan Capistrano on what is purportedly the oldest residential street in California is the Ramos House Cafe, which has gained attention for its literally home-cooked twocourse brunch menu.

Although praised for its dining throughout the week, brunches are the only weekend fare. The flavor offerings are diverse and chances are you may find something new or an interesting twist on a classic.

On the sweet side there are cinnamon apple beignets and huckleberry coffee cake on small plates. On a large plate, tuck into the blackberry pain perdu with lemon curd and mascarpone cream.

On the savory side, basil cured lox with toaster points and baby herbs, and chicken and buttermilk biscuit dumplings both come come in small and large portions.

Check out the orange or pomegranate mimosa, or for something with a little more kick, the Ramos House Bloody Mary, to which you can add a Scotch quail egg.

3. Ramos House Café

31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano; 949-443-1342 ramoshouse.com