It's hard to pinpoint when exactly Saturday brunch became as much of an institution as Sunday brunch. But now it's hard to walk down the street on either day without seeing people enjoying the festivities at sidewalk tables — because there's nothing like runny eggs, crisp mimosas, and maple syrup-drenched French toast to help start the day on a good note.
But sometimes, you find yourself in a rut. You've got your favorite standby spots, and you know exactly what to order at each. Plus, in cities as brunchable as New York, L.A., or San Francisco, there are way too many great picks to stay in your comfort zone every weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of foodie-driven apps that make exploring easy.
You already know staples such as Yelp and OpenTable — which are great — but there are newer apps that make it easier to find unique and delicious options off the beaten path. From chef-recommended dishes to crowdsourced picks, here are six great apps to download now so you can keep those bottomless mimosa refills coming for days.
Gogobot - City Guide for Activities, Restaurants, and Hotels
(Free on the App Store and Google Play)
The Gogobot city guide app has sections for activities and hotels, in addition to restaurants, but its user-sourced dining info is its best component. You can find nearby brunch picks, as well as dining events (anyone for an oyster party?), and can easily share the details with friends. Plus, you have the option to filter restaurant by "tribe" (your personal style), so whether you're looking for an artsy, vegetarian place, or one that's all about luxury and for trendsetters, the app has you covered.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
ChefsFeed
(Free on the App Store and Google Play)
ChefsFeed uses your town's most respected chefs to source dish and restaurant recommendations. You can find picks from local chefs, and also read bios about the men and women who are working behind the scenes, serving up your food. You can check out dishes that are trending at different restaurants so you know the hottest thing to order off each menu, too. These people know food, and often serve up ideas you never would have thought of trying.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Dine by Tasting Table
(Free on the App Store)
In addition to themed lists ("Weekend Brunch," included), Tasting Table's Dine app makes it simple to discover a new restaurant that will fit your needs. The app's "Discover" tab lets you search by neighborhood, cuisine, and by special requests, such as, "good for groups," and, "outdoor dining." If you want to see what's closest to you, just press the map tab in the upper right-hand corner.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
MyF ab5 Restaurant Reviews
(Free on the App Store)
Have you ever heard of a cool brunch place, said, "I've got to try that!" and then immediately forgotten about it, ending up at your go-to spot for the next three weekends, instead? MyFab5 solves that problem with its "Bucket List." You can see where foodies around you are going, or search for places on your own and add them to the list so that you'll have a never-ending supply of great places at your fingertips.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Resy
(Free on the App Store and Google Play)
Resy is great if you've got a bigger party to accommodate, or don't want to deal with long wait times. All of the restaurants on Resy have been vetted by the app's team of experts. Just select the reservation time for a place that looks good to you, or ask to be notified when a prime table for two opens up at the popular spot you've been wanting to try. It only takes seconds to book a table and have it confirmed. You can even put through a special request if you're celebrating a birthday at brunch.
Photo: Courtesy Madeline Buxton.
GLP - Great Little Place City Guide
(Free on the App Store)
Great Little Place is full of hidden gems found in "the gaps of Google Maps." Instead of a bucket list, you can save places you want to try to your "Black Book," and then share your finds with friends. GLP is crowdsourced, so once you've found your new, great little place, share the love with other users and add it to the app.
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