Sunday, May 14 marks this year’s Mother’s Day, meaning it’s time to gather up a brunch brigade and make merry with mothers, maternal figures or whomever feels appropriate to celebrate for the day. And, where better to mark the occasion than in Marin’s mother city: San Rafael.
In the same way that dyeing eggs goes hand-in-hand with Easter and chocolates in heart-shaped boxes are for Valentine’s Day, there’s no doubt that Mother’s Day is the brunchiest of holidays. To be honest, the mothers really thought this one through—after all, what better way to celebrate one’s motherhood than by being treated to a breakfast so late it’s nearly lunch. And that’s not to mention the ingenious addition of mimosas…
With or without morning-time cocktails (and certainly without any further ado), it’s time to name the best places for a celebratory Mother’s Day brunch in San Rafael, Marin’s mother city!
Arizmendi Bakery
Arizmendi Bakery is the perfect spot for brunching it up with the pastry-loving mothers out there this Mother’s Day. Alongside delicious breakfast and brunch bites, this gourmet bakery also boasts a wide selection of coffee and tea alongside perfectly fresh, indulgent and classic breakfast, brunch and lunch options. And, as a treat for Mother’s Day, Arizmendi Bakery is offering a special baked good: a pastry called Julia’s Tears (a brioche filled with crème fraîche and custard).
Arizmendi Bakery is open daily from 7am to 7pm (though they do take the third Monday of every month off). The bakery is located at 1002 4th St. in the Rafael Town Center Plaza. For more information, visit the website at arizmendi-sanrafael.com or call 415.456.4093.
Bogie’s Too
Bogie’s Too is another brunchtastic choice for celebrating Mother’s Day in San Rafael. Their menu offers just about every quintessential breakfast, brunch and lunch item the heart could desire. From steak and eggs to omelets galore, waffles, pancakes, french toast, lox and many (many) more.
And, as if Bogie’s Too wasn’t already a front runner for brunch spots in San Rafael, they also offer more options for Eggs Benedict than most chefs can dream up: from the traditional Benedict to the classic Florentine Benedict, a Benedict with tomato and bacon, one with apple and brie, another with tofu, a crab Benedict—the list goes on and on, and each option sounds more delicious than the last. Plus, the drink menu at Bogie’s Too is extensive and includes the aptly-named Ma Ma Ma-Mosa. In short, there is no way to go wrong bringing mom to brunch at Bogie’s Too this Mother’s Day.
Bogie’s Too is located at 1335 4th St. and is open from 9am to 2pm Wednesday through Sunday. To learn more, visit bogiestoo.com or call 415.492.1530.
Garden Cafe
Garden Cafe has it all when it comes to multiple Mother’s Day mealtime options—from Benedicts to burgers, breakfast to bottles of wine and all the tasty meals one can fit in between. And, more importantly, Garden Cafe offers any drink the brunch-going mother could possibly desire: coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, shots of vodka, mimosas, screwdrivers and the classic Bloody Mary (alongside a dozen other options, sangria among them). So, for the moms out there who enjoy a diverse drink selection to delve into for their Mother’s Day bruncheon, Garden Cafe may be the way to go.
Garden Cafe is located at 718 B St. For more information, visit the website at gardencafebst.com or give them a call at 415.295.7285. The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 3pm and on the weekend from 8am to 3pm.
Johnny Doughnuts
Not all bruncheons need to be fancy to really strike a mother’s fancy, and sit-down affairs with hollandaise and utensils aren’t always the ticket—sometimes, the best brunch is one that’s eaten straight from a box. And, at Johnny Doughnuts, moms everywhere can be indulged in artisanal, handcrafted, organic donuts of every shape, size and flavor.
To make this year’s Mother’s Day even better, Johnny Doughnuts is sweetening the deal (as though the donuts weren’t already sweet enough) with a special Mother’s Day brunch box initiative and will have gift boxes available for pre-order. Order online and mom can have hand-crafted doughnuts delivered right to her doorstep.
Johnny Doughnuts is located at 1617 4th St. and opens daily from 7am to 2pm. For more information about them, their donuts or their Mother’s Day brunch boxes, visit the website at johnnydoughnuts.com or call 415.450.1866.
Lundy’s Home Cooking
Lundy’s Home Cooking is sure to make mom feel like she’s eating a homemade brunch (but without the added worry of the dirty dishes that inevitably accumulate from it). The atmosphere of this eatery is cozy and casual in the best way possible. With perfectly cooked eggs, bacon and sausage galore and servings big enough to fill the full diameter of a standard American plate, Lundy’s is perfect for brunching it up with mother in comfort this Mother’s Day.
Lundy’s Home Cooking is located at 1143 4th St. For more information, call 415.456.7669. Lundy’s Home Cooking is open every day of the week from 6am to 3pm, with the exception of Sunday’s 7am opening time.
Sol Food
Sol Food is an excellent selection for a Mother’s Day brunch in San Rafael, especially if the mother in question has a fondness for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. This location is perfect for a bruncheon, be it early or late, and boasts fabulously flavorful food, organic coffees and a fun and festive atmosphere.
Sol Food is located at 903 Lincoln Ave. They open daily at 8am and close at 9pm every day except for Friday and Saturday, during which they close at 10pm. For more information, visit solfoodrestaurant.com or call 415.451.4765.
All in all, there’s no shortage of excellent places to partake in an indulgent Mother’s Day brunch in San Rafael. So, whether one’s mom wants brunch at home, brunch at a restaurant, brunch for dinner or even a brunch to-go while on the road to an adventure, then that’s the brunch she should get!
And, if brunch just isn’t on the menu, then there are a million other ways to celebrate one’s mother in San Rafael, Marin and across the Bay Area. Spring is out in full bloom, the sun is shining and the birds are singing, so treat her to a walk in a park, a coffee, to see a show—just celebrate her in the way she wants to be celebrated, show she’s cared about and don’t forget the flowers.
