You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Raleigh, NC, Coquette Brasserie has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Coquette Brasserie. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
If you're a group of four or more, call ahead. They sometimes take small reservations for parties of four-plus, even when the website says walk-in only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Raleigh, Coquette Brasserie is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Coquette Brasserie open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Coquette Brasserie typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Coquette Brasserie take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Raleigh are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Coquette Brasserie kid-friendly?
Yes — Coquette Brasserie welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Coquette Brasserie serve?
It's classified under french, bistro, bar — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Raleigh.
Is there outdoor seating at Coquette Brasserie?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 4351 The Circle At North Hills Street. Coordinates: 35.8379, -78.6425. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.