Patch Picks: Easter Brunch

Keep it simple this year; make reservations for an Easter brunch the whole family can enjoy. Easter bonnets are optional! Add your suggestions in the comment section.

Afton House Inn & Afton*Hudson Cruise Lines
Enjoy the budding spring with a drive to the closest coasts we have—head to Afton for an Easter brunch on the banks of the St. Croix River … or even venture out onto the river.

The Afton House Inn will be serving up brunch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu includes mimosas, made-to-order omelets and a chocolate fondue bar with berries, pretzels and marshmallows.  The holiday offerings promise some other specialties for you and the family to enjoy, but if you’re looking for a true getaway, consider booking a passage for the Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise.

Afton* Hudson Cruise Lines is hosting a two-hour tour down the St. Croix River beginning at noon (boarding starts at 11:30a.m.). Guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne as they board, and indulge in a buffet of scrambled eggs, honey baked ham, apple pancakes, beef bordelaise and more. With three levels to meander through, there’re no worries about cabin fever with the kids.

Axel’s Bonfire
Word on the street is that reservations are filling up quickly for this Woodbury spot, and from a glance at the menu, it’s clear why. Beer can mesquite chicken and herb-crusted roast beef are two nontraditional items that jump out; they’ll also serve traditional brunch dishes, and they even have a buffet designed especially for kids (and a bloody mary bar designed especially for adults).  Seating for the Easter buffet is between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Lake Elmo Inn
Easter Sunday marks an all-day brunch buffet at both the restaurant and event center locations. In addition to lunch meats and breakfast fare, buffet-goers can enjoy a selection of imported cheese and bagels in addition to two full dessert buffets. To top it off, Lake Elmo Inn also offers complimentary champagne (or catabwa juice for the kiddos).  If you have a bigger party (i.e. over seven people), call the event center for reservations.

Water Street Inn
The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Easter Day buffet at this Stillwater mainstay offers a little something traditional—like their famous prime rib, ham and sweet potato casserole—mixed with a little something nontraditional, like the Asian chop salad.  Props to Water Street Inn for also addressing the children with a buffet offering macaroni and cheese, Jell-O and chicken fingers.  And if you want to make a weekend of it, the Inn is offering a reduced price per night ($79) which includes a complimentary Easter brunch ticket. Call to make reservations, and mention the special found online.