Not quite breakfast or lunch, this midmorning nosh is much more an event than a meal. So no matter what your Saturday night looked like, we’re prepared to help you make Sunday morning worth dragging yourself out of bed. For brunch fans, our area is a mecca; print, clip, and keep this list. You’re going to want to try all of these great spots.

Brunch with a Playful Twist

Dinosaur Brunch at The Hartland Diner

Known for their decadent pancakes and waffles (think maple-pecan pancakes, butterscotch pancakes) and monstrous portions, this diner blends old-school charm with offbeat whimsy. An assortment of cool vintage signs and drawings covers the pastel walls, and collections of dinosaurs roam across every table and counter. "We love a good diner" declares the menu, and owner Nicole Bartner says, “Dinosaurs bring joy."

Big Road Brunch

The Fort

Coffee, cakes, and pies, oh my! Beyond its reputation for feeding fantastic six-egg omelets to late-night diners , this 24-hour truck stop is ready to treat drivers passing through and the area's shift workers with home-style comfort foods and delectable delights. Branch out from your brunch staple and indulge in a nearly too-generous piece of coconut cream pie and a cup of joe.

Eat-like-a-local Brunch

Quintessential Vermont, it doesn't get much better than bottomless cups of coffee, lumberjack portions, and a toy train to entertain the kids. With authentic maple-butter cream and 100% maple syrup you can purchase by the jug, Flapjacks is where to go for the real stuff. If you aren't a local, you'll feel—and eat—like one!

Brunch If You ARE a Local

The Worthy Kitchen

This is our favorite craft beer and farm diner, and brunch is brought to you by the same crew that convinced us all to drive 40 minutes for a burger. We know that everything on the menu is going to be delicious. Here, beer is the new Bloody Mary, with an ever-changing list of hard-to-find brews on tap. The real question is do we get fancy with baked eggs, or stay traditional (someone's tradition) with fried chicken and donuts?

The All-Ivy Brunch

Lou's Restaurant & Bakery

When Lou Bressett opened this all-American diner in 1947, little did he know what a tradition it would become. Known for its friendly and cozy atmosphere, people flock here almost every day of the week. Old-school staples like poached eggs and corned beef hash, malted Belgian waffles, Cruller French toast highlight the menu and share it with healthier alternatives like poached eggs with black bean and sweet potato hash, gluten--free egg-white French toast, and homemade oatmeal. In true diner form, Lou's is also known for its fabulous apple pies filled with fruit that’s stacked sky high.

The Hipster Hangover Brunch

Four Aces Diner

Authentic diner-style atmosphere set in the original 1952 Worcester Diner Car makes this spot a seductive draw. Diner classics like steak and eggs, mac ’n cheese, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, omelets made to order and stacked pancakes are served with upbeat service. Get there early to avoid a wait—though your wait will be well rewarded!

Brunch On The Go

Cutting's Northside Cafe

Okay, so not everyone has time for a sit-down brunch-fest. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out! You can still enjoy brunch with something yummy and inexpensive from Cuttings. They’re known for their great pizzas, but their bagel sandwiches made with eggs-your-way make this the go-to spot for take-away breakfast sandwiches. You can even call ahead if you are really short on time, but if you have a few minutes, sit in the sun at the picnic tables and enjoy!

Best Upscale Brunch

Market Table

Maine Jonah crab cakes, brioche French toast, a selection of quiches, and probably one of the only places in town to get a real cappuccino, Market Table’s alluring indoor/outdoor open seating makes this farm-to-table spot a great place to gather your friends for a relaxing and satisfying brunch with a European flair.

Best Hotel Brunch

PINE Restaurant

Let go of any reservations about hotel dining. Instead of troughs of congealing French toast and deflated eggs, PINE serves up a full menu of inventive brunch dishes like the kale and arugula faro bowl with goat cheese and beets; a jam-packed egg, cheddar, and chorizo brunch burrito, and an impressive Croque Madame. There’s also a full bar available with what I hear is a great Bloody Mary mix. I heard that from myself . . . because I’m the one who makes it.

The Liquid Brunch

Silo Distillery

To some, brunch without a special beverage is just a sad, early lunch. Live music in the SILO Loft, DIY Bloody Mary bar and gourmet grilled cheeses from their neighbors The Cheese Board. Yes, yes, and yes, please. Enjoy twice a month from 12–2pm. Upcoming dates are April 10 & 24.

Now that you are armed with knowledge, brunch on, my little hungry bears.