Brunch For Beginners: Time, Menu, Attire & More

Whether you’ve been invited to your first mid-morning gathering or just curious about the hype, brunch is more than a meal—it’s an experience. From when to arrive and what to wear to what you can expect on the menu, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to brunch with confidence. Let’s dig in!

What is Brunch?

Brunch combines breakfast and lunch and is typically served late in the morning or early afternoon. It’s become a popular social event, especially over the last decade or two, enjoyed by friends and family over the weekend. Brunch is centered around gathering together and sharing a delicious meal, filled with good conversation and a mix of foods from both breakfast and lunch. The culture of brunch is laid back, encouraging slowly savoring each plate and being present with those you’re sharing the meal with.

The origin of brunch isn’t entirely clear. Some trace it back to the English tradition of feasting after a lengthy morning hunt, while others believe it stems from the Catholic custom of fasting before church and then enjoying a hearty midday meal. New Yorkers claim the “Sunday brunch” concept originated in their city, since it boasts some of the best breakfast and lunch choices after a night out.

Although the origins of brunch are unclear, we know who invented the term “brunch,” helping to popularize the relaxed mid-morning meal further. Guy Beringer coined the word “brunch” by combining “breakfast” and “lunch” around 1895. In an article for Hunter’s Weekly titled “Brunch: A Plea,” he criticizes early Sunday dinners, calling them bland and predictable. He then offers a replacement, “I think so, and would suggest Brunch as a satisfactory substitute. The word Brunch is a corruption of breakfast and lunch, and the meal Brunch is one which combines the tea or coffee, marmalade and kindred features of the former institution with the more solid attributes of the latter. It begins between twelve and half-past and consists in the main of fish and one or two meat courses.” In Beringer’s opinion, brunch was about sleeping in, socializing, and savoring a delicious, unique spread of cuisine—nothing like the “plain” Sunday dinners he spoke against.

A Guide to Brunch: 3 Answers to Common Questions

Whether you’re hosting brunch at home or heading to your favorite spot for this laid-back meal, you might have questions about it. Here’s what you need to know about brunch so that you’re adequately prepared:

1. What time is brunch?

Typical brunch hours are between 11 AM and 3 PM. It starts later than a usual breakfast and ends a few hours after a traditional lunch, allowing recipients to relax and enjoy a slow morning before sitting down for the meal. Brunch is also typically served on the weekends, especially Sundays. Brunch on holidays, including Easter, Mother’s Day, or even Christmas, is also popular. Additionally, once you sit down for the meal, plan on being there for a while. Brunch isn’t meant to be scarfed down in a hurry—it’s intended to be savored and slowly eaten with lively conversation throughout.

2. What is served for brunch?

A brunch menu consists of sweet and savory dishes, including a spread of heavy and light foods. Some common brunch foods include:

• Eggs: Fried eggs, omelets, scrambles, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs and eggs benedict

• Fruit: Berries, melons, apples, bananas, and citrus fruits alone or in a parfait

• Drinks: Bloody Marys, mimosas, orange juice, coffee, margaritas, and lemonades

• Bread: French toast, waffles, buttermilk pancakes, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and burgers

• Pastries: Scones, croissants, biscuits and gravy, donuts, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, and other baked goods

If you’re cooking up your own brunch, include the above items for a diversified spread. Each restaurant will have different brunch options for those who’d like to skip the preparation and eat out. At Turf Club in Southern Idaho, our brunch menu features beloved classics like Eggs Benedict—served with your choice of locally smoked trout mix or ham—as well as unique options like Fresno Chilaquiles, made with housemade tortilla chips, black beans, eggs, cotija cheese, and more.

3. What is brunch attire?

Unlike fine dining attire, brunch isn’t exclusive to a particular style. Men and women boast various fashion choices at brunch, and what you wear depends on your preferences, the time of year you’re eating brunch, and where you’re going. The general rule of thumb is that most women wear a classy, chic look that mixes dressy and casual, and the same goes for men. Depending on the weather, brunch attire includes flowy skirts and dresses, light jackets, linen or cotton pants, button-down shirts, and other lightweight clothing. Most brunch spots offer outdoor seating, so opt for a breathable outfit if it's sunny. If it’s on the chillier side, layering up will help keep you comfortable while out.

When dressing for brunch, coordinate with the rest of your group to capture Instagram-worthy photos. Whether it’s a specific color palette or style, this is a fun way to enhance your brunch experience.

Enjoy Brunch at Turf Club in Twin Falls, Idaho

Are you ready to indulge in a savory brunch on the weekend? Turf Club hosts the best Sunday brunch in Twin Falls, Idaho, once a month—celebrating the finest flavors of Magic Valley and our unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality. Whether you're treating your mom to a one-of-a-kind brunch experience or gathering with friends for a laid-back mid-morning meal, Turf Club’s warm service and thoughtful offerings will make it an occasion to remember.

From our kale and quinoa hash to a creative twist on classic biscuits and sausage gravy, our brunch menu offers something for everyone—and dishes you’ll want to rave about to your friends. Complement your dishes with our signature, build-your-own Bloody Mary and Bubbles bar, which immediately elevates your brunch and takes it to the next level. Reserve your seats for our monthly brunch and treat yourself to an exceptional experience.