Let's Do Brunch: The Chain Gang

Another Broken Egg Café

Brunch is the name of the game at this Louisiana-based chain that serves the meal all day, every day—so the menu is suitably vast, the coffee strong, and the vibe relaxed. Southern-style biscuit beignets, rolled in powdered sugar and served with honey marmalade, are perfect for sharing, along with a Nutella iced latte, which swirls the chocolate-hazelnut spread and RumChata liqueur into cold-brew coffee. Brunch hours: 7 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. 9435 N. Meridian St., 317-818-1700, anotherbrokenegg.com 

The Egg & I

This Colorado-based house of eggs and bacon off Keystone Avenue backs up to a wooded area, providing some nice, bucolic scenery while you sip your bottomless cup of coffee. Favorites include biscuits and gravy, ample bowls of grits, the steak-loaded Texas Skillet, and seasonal hash. Brunch hours: 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily. 2271 Pointe Pkwy, Carmel, 317-575-3444, theeggandirestaurants.com

First Watch

Started in California in 1983, First Watch caters to folks who just want to eat a no-fuss breakfast in a no-fuss setting. Does it matter if all three Indy locations have a bit of that 30-year-old restaurant chain vibe, with simple artwork hanging above roomy booths and more than their fair share of registered trademark symbols next to menu items? There are, after all, fresh juices and avocados aplenty (in the Bacado® omelet, the Elevated Egg Sandwich, and, of course, the Avocado Toast. Brunch hours: 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily. 143 N. Illinois St., 317-423-2212; 2902 W. 86th St., 317-876-3344; 3309 E. 86th St., 317-643-9792; 1950-15 E. Greyhound Pass, Carmel, 317-815-9344; firstwatch.com

Louie’s Wine Dive

Lest the “dive” in the name give you the wrong idea, rest assured that this Midwestern chain does not fool around when it comes to serving up fresh, inventive fare in a warmly industrial-chic setting. We’ve been hooked ever since visiting the first location, in Des Moines, and biting into the breakfast flatbread—a crisp sheet of crust topped with sausage, scrambled eggs, Sriracha cream, mozzarella, tomato sauce, green onions, and cilantro. Broad Ripple brunch hours: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Mass Ave brunch hours: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 701 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-722-0140; 345 Massachusetts Ave., 317-929-1644; louieswinedive.com

Metro Diner

With three Indianapolis locations, Metro Diner is known for huge portions of down-home cooking. One of the top sellers—and the most expensive item at $16—is half a fried chicken piled high on top of a Belgian waffle covered in powdered sugar and strawberry butter, served with a concoction of maple syrup and hot sauce stirred up tableside. Brunch hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.–Thurs., 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 3954 E. 82nd St., 317-296-8262; 7225 U.S. 31, 317-285-0149; metrodiner.com

Wild Eggs

This is the place you take your dad when he’s in town and you forgot to replace the hippie almond milk in your fridge with regular wholesome two percent. If he’s the type to rave about delicious bottled orange juice and scoff at ingredients he can’t pronounce, have we got a treat for him. Wild Eggs dishes out brunch basics like biscuits and gravy, tall stacks of pancakes, and hearty omelets. They couldn’t make the experience any easier—you’ll almost never have to wait for a seat, and the range of dishes ensures that even the pickiest eaters will find something good. Brunch hours: 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 314 N. Delaware St., 317-744-8283; 1438 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-993-3350; 13272 Market Square Dr., Fishers, 317-842-6630; wildeggs.com

Yolk

As the name implies, this polished corporate spot specializes in eggs, as in skirt steak and eggs, corned beef hash and eggs, a cheesy egg sandwich, and four Benedict interpretations, including one topped with tender slabs of pot roast. The only remotely dainty menu item is the Tour de France, a plate of dessert breads to nibble while you decide between a five-egg omelet or a three-egg scrambler. Brunch hours: 6 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 220 E. South St., 317-632-9655; 2727 E. 86th St., 317-451-9655; eatyolk.com