National Brunch Month

Where Breakfast Meets Lunch... and Mimosas Happen

April is National Brunch Month, a time when we collectively throw the rigid rules of mealtimes out the window, slap eggs on a burger, pour orange juice into champagne, and dare to ask, “Why not both?” It’s the glorious in-between that lets us sleep in and still score pancakes and a sandwich. Honestly, brunch might be the most flexible, indulgent, and Instagrammable meal ever created.

What Is Brunch, Really?

Brunch isn’t just a mealtime—it’s a lifestyle choice with a side of sass. The term was first published in an 1895 Hunter’s Weekly article, where author Guy Beringer suggested that instead of the traditional heavy Sunday dinner, we should all enjoy a late-morning meal that was “cheerful, sociable and inciting.” Translation: wake up late, gather with friends, eat something delicious, and maybe—just maybe—have a drink or two.

Originally designed to soothe hangovers and provide a civilized alternative to the early breakfast bell, brunch started in England as a post-church meal for the upper class. It slowly made its way to the U.S. by the 1930s and 1940s, where it gained popularity in hotels catering to Hollywood stars traveling cross-country. Nothing like a fluffy omelet and strong coffee after a train ride from Los Angeles to Chicago.

Since then, brunch has become a full-blown cultural phenomenon. What was once a humble hybrid of breakfast and lunch now comes with full menus, curated playlists, themed events, and outfits that balance fashion and waistband flexibility. It’s not just about food—it’s about vibes. It’s socializing without pressure. It’s morning light, good company, and just enough caffeine to pretend you’re a morning person.

And let’s be real: part of brunch’s enduring appeal is that it gives us a free pass to break rules. You want pancakes and tacos at the same meal? Brunch says, “Go for it.” Breakfast at 2 p.m.? Totally normal. Wearing sunglasses indoors while pretending you're not still slightly hungover? Strong brunch energy.

The Most Chaotic Meal

If breakfast is structured and lunch is business casual, brunch is showing up in flip-flops with a glittery fanny pack and zero apologies. It’s chaotic in the best possible way—a culinary loophole where expectations go out the window, and creativity runs wild.

It’s the only meal where eggs can appear in eight different formats, and none of them feel redundant. Scrambled, poached, baked into a frittata, or sitting pretty on a Benedict—every egg gets its moment to shine. And don’t even get started on the carbs. Waffles, pancakes, French toast, biscuits, bagels—brunch is basically an edible excuse to carb-load before your nap.

But the true chaos lies in the combinations. Sweet and savory? Bring it on. Brisket and hollandaise? It sounds weird—tastes amazing. A burger with a fried egg on top, nestled between two glazed doughnuts? That’s not a typo; that’s brunch innovation.

And then there’s the sheer social unpredictability. Brunch might start with innocent chatter and Eggs Florentine, but before you know it, someone’s ordering a round of espresso martinis and debating conspiracy theories. It's a meal where anything can happen and usually does.

Let’s not forget the "bottomless" factor. Unlimited mimosas sound like a gentle indulgence until you're arguing over whether hash browns count as a vegetable. (They do, by the way. They're just very shy potatoes.)

The Bottomless Phenomenon

Somehow along the way, brunch got married to the concept of bottomless drinks. Coffee? Sure. Mimosas? Absolutely. Bloody Marys with an entire cheeseburger on top? Somehow, also yes. National Brunch Month is a time to lean into that indulgence. Just don’t forget to hydrate between sips of your “breakfast cocktail,” especially if there’s a group text involved. Brunch decisions made under the influence of endless prosecco can lead to unexpected Amazon purchases or spontaneous karaoke plans.

Brunch Across the States

America has regional brunch favorites that really showcase how weird and wonderful this meal can be:

• Southern states serve up shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles.
• The Northeast leans into bagels with lox and eggs Benedict.
• California might toss a kale salad on the plate next to your chilaquiles, and you’ll like it.
• The Midwest? Expect hearty casseroles and pancakes that require structural engineering to stack.

Hosting a Brunch of Your Own

Celebrating National Brunch Month at home? Here are a few ideas to brunch like a pro:

• Set the mood. Light music, comfy seating, and stretchy pants are essential.
• Mix it up. Offer a combo of sweet and savory—think banana bread next to a bacon quiche.
• DIY bar. A mimosa or Bloody Mary station adds a fun, interactive twist (and cuts down on hosting stress).
• Don’t forget the coffee. Someone will need it after that third mimosa.

Fun Brunch Facts (That Might Make You Hungry)

Think you know everything there is to know about this mid-morning marvel? Think again. Brunch has a history as rich as a hollandaise sauce and quirks that make it far more than just a meal—it’s practically a movement. From social trends to surprising stats, here are some brunch facts that'll entertain your brain while your stomach starts growling.

• The average person spends twice as long eating brunch than any other meal. Brunch isn’t fast food—it’s a slow, delicious crawl.
• Brunch-goers are statistically more likely to post food photos online. (You know who you are.)
• Avocados owe a large chunk of their popularity to brunch trends. Without avocado toast, who knows where we’d b

Brunch is a cultural experience, a social event, and a culinary mashup that breaks all the food rules in the most delicious way possible. National Brunch Month is a whole 30-day excuse to lean into carbs, caffeine, and conversations that last way longer than they should.

So go ahead—sleep in, sip something bubbly, and order that breakfast burrito and the pancakes. April only comes once a year. And frankly, so does that perfect eggs-Benedict photo op.

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