Brunch

An ideal place to have a weekend morning brunch is Dream Café (2800 Routh St., 214/954-0486, open daily, $6–14), especially if you’re with the family. Kids will love the enormous playground, oatmeal, and French toast, while adults will savor the huevos ran-cheros, cheese grits, and the kids’ French toast leftovers. Healthy options abound at this comfortable location north of downtown.

Brunchers will also find home-style goodness in a casual environment at Bread Winners Cafe and Bakery (3301 McKinney Ave., 214/754-4940, open daily, $4–12), north of downtown. Snag a spot on the inviting brick courtyard patio and enjoy a cup o’ joe while you munch on a fresh pastry or wait for an inspired breakfast dish, like the popular smoked salmon scrambler and French ham Benedict.

Mexican

For a feast of the senses, drop by El Ranchito Cafe & Club (610 W. Jefferson Blvd., 214/946-4238, open daily, $6–12), in Oak Cliff just south of downtown. From the colorful decor to brassy mariachi bands to the smells and tastes of savory Tex-Mex (emphasis on the Mex), you can’t go wrong here. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the house specialty of cabrito (goat), tender and flavorful meat that tastes surprisingly delicious paired with El Ranchito’s buttery tortillas and hearty salsa. The caldo de pollo (chicken soup) is also a nice option for lunch or dinner.

Another worthy Tex-Mex spot is Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Café (2911 Elm St., 214/461-8357, open daily, $7–13), just east of downtown. This is a great place to stick with the classics—the chicken enchiladas in a tangy green tomatillo sauce, tacos with superbly seasoned beef, and better-than-they-have-to-be pinto beans.