Coast “ $$$

931 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Were you thinking that Coast is one of the most expensive restaurants in Milwaukee and there is no way your student budget can afford it? Think again.

The brunch at Coast is prix fixe, meaning you can choose one item from the drink list, the starter menu and the main course menu all for one fixed price. Typically, prix fixe menus do not include a drink, which is a pure delight at Coast.

The price for brunch at Coast is a mere $25 per person. This unbelievable brunch includes one drink such as a sunrise mimosa, sparkling raspberry wine or a traditional Bloody Mary; mouth-watering choices of food; and an all-you-can-dip chocolate fountain.

Let“s get to the most important part of this brunch: the chocolate fountain.

This unending flow of milk chocolate is surrounded by a colorful array of fruits, angel food cake, marshmallows, gingerbread cookies, mini cheesecake and pretzels. As soon as the server takes your order you are welcome to make as many trips to the fountain as you wish.

Also, a server in black-and-white stripped pants walks around with a metal basket containing fresh-out-of-the-oven popovers served with pesto and raspberry butter.

The view of Lake Michigan is fabulous and when the sun is out, the dining room seems to shimmer in the warm glow. Do not pass on Coast for brunch, your taste buds will thank you.

Roots “ $$

1818 N. Hubbard St.

Known for their organic produce and masterful presentation of food on every plate, you cannot stop going back after your first visit. This restaurant has, arguably, one of the best views of the Milwaukee skyline.

And even if you are not able to dine on their patio, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors offer a perfect and mesmerizing view from your table inside.

The view aside, the food could not get any better. I have an insider“s tip when dining at Roots. If you turn to the back of the menu, they have a section called “Make Your Own Brunch.”

It is absolutely whatever you want and every ingredient is individually (and reasonably) priced. I like to get three egg whites and some vegetables to make a dreamy egg white omelet.

Another favorite is the fruit and granola parfait. Do not underestimate this dish. It“s big and absolutely excellent. Dried fruit mixed in with crunchy granola and vanilla yogurt with a dollop of honey on the top is a sweet and healthy way to start your morning.

If you are looking to impress someone special, take them to Roots in the summer and sit on the patio. Nothing is more romantic.

Trocadero “ $$$

1758 N. Water St.

If you haven“t been to Trocadero, I question whether or not you are a true Milwaukeean. Voted by The Shepherd Express two years in a row for the best outdoor dining, this take on a modern French bistro serves excellent food and excellent Bellinis.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Trocadero features special items you won“t find on the menu. They will consist of any type of stuffed French toast (my favorite is the mocha stuffed French toast), a quiche of the day and some sort of Provence omelet.

The creations are usually amazing and if you dine there as much as I do, the specials take away the monotony of the un-changing menu. That doesn“t say the menu is not superb in anyway. If you want steak and eggs, Trocadero is the place to get it. Thick juicy steak cooked to your liking.

Everybody raves about their Bloody Marys and with good cause. Depending on how tired or hung over you are, they have three versions that will undoubtedly wake you up: the Traditional, The Frenchie with Grey Goose Vodka and blue-cheese-stuffed olives, or The Southsider with Absolut Peppar Vodka, hot sauce and blue-cheese-stuffed jalapenos. I have yet to witness anyone finish or not have their eyes water from The Southsider Bloody Mary.

If coffee is your morning beverage of choice, it is Alterra and comes with a perfect square of dark chocolate imported from France to drop in your coffee for a special treat with every sip.

Tess “ $$$$

2499 N. Bartlett Ave.

I hesitate to put this quaint bistro in my favorite brunch list for fear that it will become so popular I will have to wait in a 45-minute line just to get a sunrise mimosa. But there is no way I could not mention what is becoming one of my favorite Sunday morning stops.

The white linen tablecloth on every table accompanied by a single red rose exudes beauty and class. The place is small and the seating is very close together, but I do not see that as a downfall in anyway.

The crab cake should not be missed. A perfect blend of chunky crab meat and chipotle seasoning with red pepper aioli not only wakes me up but gets me excited for my meal. A delicate three egg omelet filled with feta cheese, organic tomatoes and spinach melted in my mouth and gave me a reason to eat slower that usual. I really wanted to savor this omelet.

I would consider passing on the steak and eggs, unfortunately. The steak, while flavorful and cooked to a perfect medium-rare, was close to the size of an iPod Nano. I at least expected enough steak to go along with my eggs, but I ran out of meat long before my eggs were complete.

I recommend Tess for Mother“s Day (May 13, don“t forget). You will see my family and me there dining in the beautiful outdoor dining area surrounded by a stone fountain trickling water in the background.

Café Vecchio “ $$

1137 N. Old World 3rd St.

Formally known as Café Vecchio Mondo, this brunch spot is a hidden treasure you will find on Milwaukee“s Lower East Side. Opening up your menu you will find traditional items such as stuffed French toast, chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes, quiche and the not-so-traditional green eggs and ham.

The best part about brunch at Café Vecchio is the free continental buffet. If you are thinking Ponderosa, think again.

This buffet exudes old world Italian class. It features fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, granola, vanilla yogurt and mini pastries such as lemon squares, pecan bites and double fudge brownies.

It is hard not to fill up on the buffet. Order yourself a cup of coffee and some scrambled eggs and with the buffet, you have one amazing meal.

Cans Bar and Canteen “ $

1315 E Kenilworth Pl.

Yes, Cans has a brunch. Still don“t believe me? Well, go there this Sunday and get Maggie“s Burrito. This is a thick burrito on a flour tortilla with scrambled eggs, black beans, salsa and jalapeños. They also have the perfect Eggs Benedict served with a side of crispy potatoes.

However, if your Sunday morning/afternoon is calling for a liquid brunch you can never go wrong with the only thing I like about Cans: The Bloody Mary Bar. Choose your vodka (if you don“t mind the cheap stuff make sure you ask for rail, otherwise you“ll be sipping Grey Goose all afternoon).

The waitress brings over a large glass with vodka at the bottom. You travel across to the middle of the bar and find a lovely buffet of Bloody Mary treats. Pour in your bloody mix, add your tomato juice, and grab a toothpick. You can put as much shrimp, pickles, peppers, sausage sticks, celery, carrots and sauerkraut as your hung-over heart desires.

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