Esker Grove The Walker Art Center's sunlight-filled restaurant is the place for chef T.J. Rawitzer's eclectic, playful twists on daytime favorites. Vivacious cocktails, great people-watching, and yes, that raised doughnut is worth its $4 price tag. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 723 Vineland Place, Mpls., 612-375-7542, eskergrove.com
The Lexington Chef/co-owner Jack Riebel is preparing all kinds of splendid brunch goodness, including a beef sandwich smothered in smoked beef fat gravy, buckwheat crepes with crab and scrambled eggs, and a Hawaiian-themed breakfast poutine. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1096 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-289-4990, thelexmn.com
Martina At this talked-about Linden Hills newcomer, chef Daniel del Prado embraces brunch with bruschetta with pickled shrimp and charred avocado, a crab Benedict, the city's most-Instagrammed double-patty cheeseburger, almond flour pancakes, and more. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 4312 Upton Av. S., Mpls., 612-922-9913, martinarestaurant.com
Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner.
rick.nelson@startribune.com612-673-4757
