Peter Cottontail is on deck and it’s time to get those Easter plans all lined up. If you’re anything like us, it’s nice to have more than one hand planning the holiday family feast. We’ve rounded up the very best in brunch buffets, sumptuous spreads, hefty boxes filled with pastries, egg bakes and more than a couple of carrot cake options.
Whether you’re planning to just pick up a couple of special chocolates to tuck into Easter baskets, looking for a sweet treat to nibble on during the egg hunt or hoping to gather the whole family around a special meal, we have an option that’s sure to fit your need.
6 Smith
Maybe this year it’ll be nice enough to poke your head out on this lakeside restaurant’s rooftop patio. Downstairs will have a buffet from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. featuring house-smoked salmon, peel-and-eat shrimp, garden salad, fruit, eggs Benedict, a prime-rib carving station, desserts and more. Cost is $67.95 for adults, $32.95 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under. Reservations recommended. 294 Grove Lane E., Wayzata, 6smith.com
Benedict’s Morning Heroes
Wayzata’s upscale diner specializes in breakfast and brunch favorites, including eight kinds of eggs Benedict, seven varieties of pancakes, and even a pancake flight. Just for Easter weekend, reservations are available. 845 E. Lake St., Wayzata, benedicts.com
The Burrow
Both the Oakdale and Victoria locations are serving up Easter brunch, with the added bonus of working off some of those jelly-bean calories with ax-throwing, mini-golf, pickleball and more (activities vary by location). Prepare for a waffle station, made-to-order omelets, cinnamon French toast, ham and brisket carving stations, smoked salmon, breakfast meats, chicken wings and more. Cost is $28.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids under 12, free for kids under 5. Walk-ins only. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Oakdale, 7053 N. 10th St.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Victoria, 7999 Victoria Drive; theburrowmn.com
Butcher & the Boar
It’s a brunch buffet at the Butcher & the Boar, featuring an omelet station, house-smoked ham, cheddar biscuits, eggs Benedict, French toast bread pudding, chorizo and eggs, smoked beef hash, cheesy grits and so much more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $55 per person, $20 for kids 12 and under. Want to add bottomless mimosas? Done for $17 per person. Reservations recommended. 901 N. 3rd St., Mpls.. butcherandtheboarmpls.com/easter-brunch
Café and Bar Lurcat
This pretty restaurant on Loring Park offers family-style brunch from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with assorted muffins and caramel rolls; the signature apple, cheese, chive salad; French toast; soft scrambled eggs and bacon; breakfast potatoes; roast meats and special desserts; $50 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under. Find reservations through Open Table. 1624 Harmon Place, Mpls., lurcatminneapolis.com
The Clover
Build a hefty plate or three at this all-you-can-eat buffet centered around a turkey and ham carving station. The supporting cast includes pastries, fresh fruit, shrimp cocktail, salads, scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, breakfast meats, French toast, cheesy hashbrowns, spaghetti and meatballs, baked cod, assorted desserts and much more. Plus, kids will either be delighted or spooked by a guest appearance by the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults $34.99, kids $12.99. For reservations, call 651-448-2220. 14845 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount, theclovermn.com