We don’t know about you, but we hate making decisions. So when it comes to the question of having a late breakfast or an early lunch, you can pretty much guess where we stand. Yep, brunch. (Plus, it just sounds good.) — Becca Hensley
WHIST AT THE VICEROY SANTA MONICA SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA
Enjoy a lazy Sunday by sipping unlimited glasses of Champagne or Bloody Marys at this whimsically elegant dining venue designed by Los Angeles design diva Kelly Wearstler. Nibble on New American cuisine such as truffle grilledcheese sandwiches, citrus duck confit, and strawberry mascarpone French toast in the dining room, where more than 200 china plates adorn one wall, or outdoors, in a private poolside cabana. 1819 Ocean Avenue, (310) 260- 7511, www.viceroysantamonica.com
POOGAN’S PORCH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
The go-to brunch spot in Charleston for 30 years now, this charming Victorian-housed eatery lures locals longing for low-country victuals. Feel nurtured by the Southern comfort food, including flaky buttermilk biscuits with spicy sausage gravy, friedgreen- tomato Benedicts with bacon, fried-oyster omelets, and shrimp with grits and blue-crab gravy. 72 Queen Street, (843) 577-2337, www.poogansporch.com
ORCHIDS AT THE HALEKULANI HONOLULU, HAWAII
The open-air Orchids sits beachside in the luxurious Halekulani Hotel, in Waikiki. Its Sunday spread celebrates the many cultures that, together, define the islands. Feel the aloha spirit emanating from the native Hawaiian dishes and sample the cuisines of Japan, Korea, and Thailand. 2199 Kalia Road, (808) 923-2311, www.halekulani.com
CAFÉ FLEURI, AT THE LANGHAM HOTEL BOSTON
Eat dessert first at Café Fleuri. The Saturday brunch’s spectacular chocolate bar wows with its four themed stations, named for the elements: earth, fire, wind, and water. Find such concoctions as chocolate spring rolls, orange-cocoa crème brûlée, and warm chocolate doughnuts. 250 Franklin Street, (617) 451-1900, www.boston .langhamhotels.com
FOREIGN CINEMA SAN FRANCISCO
Enjoy food and film alfresco at the Mission District’s most inspired brunch experience. While foreign and independent movies roll in the courtyard, gobble up one of these goodies: a Champagne omelet with golden chanterelles, organic fruit tarts, or baguette French toast served with raspberries, blackberry sauce, mascarpone, and maple syrup. 2534 Mission Street, (415) 648-7600, www.foreigncinema.com
tAVERN oN thE gREEN NEW YoRk Brunch at this iconic Central Park eatery evokes the magic of your most cherished childhood birthday party. Twinkling lights adorn the garden’s plane trees, Murano chandeliers dangle above your head, topiaries delight, and waiters treat you like royalty. Best of all, the food’s as delectable as the atmosphere. Central Park at West 67th Street, (212) 873-3200, www.tavernonthegreen.com
SUSHISAMBA RIO CHICAGO
As vibrantly hybrid as the Windy City itself, this restaurant, located in the chic River North neighborhood, has a brunch that offers something for everybody. Since entrées are served family-style, plan to have a bite of everything, including the Asian-pear pancakes, warm churros, and South American frittatas. 504 North Wells Street, (312) 595-2300, www.sushisamba.com