Brunch, that delightful portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, is a weekend ritual for many. But What Time Is Brunch, really? Is there a universally accepted hour to indulge in this beloved meal, or is it a more flexible concept? Recently, I found myself pondering this very question when I arrived early for a planned brunch, only to find the restaurant doors still closed. This experience sparked a deeper dive into the fluid world of brunch timing.
Historically, the idea of brunch emerged in the late 19th century. Food historians point to Guy Beringer, a British writer, who championed this mid-day meal in his 1895 essay, “Brunch: A Plea.” Beringer envisioned brunch as a post-church affair, commencing around noon. It was intended to be a leisurely, sociable occasion, starting with lighter breakfast items before progressing to heartier fare. His description of brunch as “cheerful, sociable and inciting,” and something that “sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week” still resonates today.
However, the modern interpretation of “what time is brunch” has expanded far beyond its historical noon start. In today’s fast-paced world, brunch hours are delightfully elastic. Speaking with various brunch enthusiasts reveals a wide spectrum of opinions. Joëlle Eid, a social media manager, humorously suggests, “Brunch for me starts anywhere between 8 a.m. and ends around 7 p.m. What I’m saying is there’s never a bad time for brunch.” This sentiment captures the flexible nature of contemporary brunch culture.
Others offer more traditional perspectives. Many brunch-goers consider the “traditional” brunch window to be between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Some even push the brunch cutoff to 2 p.m., acknowledging the meal’s tendency to blend into the early afternoon. Scott Snider, a communications professional, playfully dreams of a world where “brunch would commonly be served until 5 p.m.,” advocating for a more extended brunch timeframe, even suggesting Saturday brunch should be more commonplace.
Restaurant operating hours and local regulations also play a significant role in defining brunch time, particularly concerning alcoholic beverages. For many, brunch isn’t complete without a mimosa or Bloody Mary. Steve Marques, a chef, points out the practical side, stating the ideal Sunday brunch time is “10:30 a.m., so we can sell mimosas.” Restaurant owner Kevin Strickland echoes this, noting 10 a.m. as the time when alcohol service typically begins on Sundays in some regions. These legal and business considerations often shape the brunch hours offered at establishments.
Furthermore, the very essence of brunch—a fusion of breakfast and lunch—influences its timing. Brunch menus typically feature a diverse array of dishes, encompassing both breakfast staples like eggs and pastries and lunch options such as sandwiches and salads. Adam and Sara White, avid brunch-goers, believe “11 a.m. to 2 p.m.” is the sweet spot, as “brunch should include alcohol and some non breakfast food too.” This timeframe allows for a transition from traditional breakfast hours into the lunch period, accommodating the diverse culinary expectations of brunch.
Ultimately, determining “what time is brunch” is less about a rigid schedule and more about a flexible, social occasion. Personal schedules and preferences often dictate brunch timing. As Kyle Nielsen aptly puts it, modern brunch begins “about two hours after everybody wakes up, coordinated by text messages.” This perfectly encapsulates the spontaneous and adaptable nature of brunch in contemporary culture.
In conclusion, while historical context and restaurant operations offer some guidelines, there’s no single definitive answer to “what time is brunch.” The beauty of brunch lies in its adaptability. Whether you prefer an early 9 a.m. start to beat the crowds or a leisurely midday gathering, brunch time is truly in the eye – and stomach – of the beholder. The best approach is to check the specific hours of your desired brunch spot and coordinate with your companions to find a time that suits everyone’s weekend rhythm.
