Last updated: 2025-04-07
From the cozy charm of Cafe Basilico to the retro vibes of Hillsborough Star Diner, Somerset County’s brunch scene offers distinctive flavors for weekend warriors. Local favorites like Old Man Rafferty’s serve up hearty portions that draw diners from across Central Jersey.
The area’s brunch options extend beyond Hillsborough proper, with nearby gems like The Bradford and Project PUB in Somerville adding modern twists to classic morning fare. Stage House Tavern and Stoney Brook Grille round out the region’s most sought-after breakfast spots.
Explore Somerset County’s best brunch spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Hillsborough
- Stoney Brook Grille (Branchburg)
- Cafe Basilico
- Project PUB (Somerville)
- The Bradford (Somerville)
- Hillsborough Star Diner
- Stage House Tavern (Somerset)
- Old Man Rafferty's
- IHOP
Cafe Basilico
What to Expect
Mediterranean-inspired weekend brunch
Description
Mediterranean-inspired cafe offering fresh, authentic cuisine in Hillsborough. Weekend brunch features Mediterranean-style egg dishes, fresh pastries, and Mediterranean breakfast specialties. Known for light, flavorful morning meals with Mediterranean influences. Weekend hours provide a relaxed dining experience with outdoor seating options.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Cafe Basilico
Hillsborough Star Diner
What to Expect
Fresh, home-cooked diner meals at budget-friendly prices
Description
Classic New Jersey diner serving hearty breakfast and brunch classics in a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. Specializing in traditional American diner fare, Hillsborough Star Diner offers quick, quality meals prepared fresh daily. Their breakfast menu features generous portions of pancakes, omelets, and classic diner staples, perfect for morning dining. Known for reasonable prices and express service, this local spot provides a comfortable dining experience with a commitment to home-style cooking.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Hillsborough Star Diner
IHOP
What to Expect
24-hour breakfast and extensive pancake menu
Description
Classic American diner-style restaurant specializing in all-day breakfast and brunch. IHOP serves signature fluffy buttermilk pancakes alongside hearty classics like Denver omelettes, crispy Belgian waffles, and country-style breakfast combos. Their casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes diners of all ages with consistently reliable comfort food and quick service.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: IHOP
Old Man Rafferty's
What to Expect
Sunday Buffet Brunch in garden-style restaurant setting
Description
Old Man Rafferty's offers a warm, comfortable Sunday brunch experience in Hillsborough, featuring a delightful buffet-style spread. Nestled in a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant provides a relaxed dining environment perfect for family gatherings. Their Sunday Buffet Brunch showcases a diverse menu with options to satisfy various tastes, complemented by attentive staff and a charming garden setting during seasonal outdoor dining.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Old Man Rafferty's
Project PUB (Somerville)
What to Expect
Weekend gastropub brunch with craft beer selection
Description
Project P.U.B. offers a Sunday brunch experience in Somerville with a relaxed gastropub atmosphere. Weekend brunch features hearty American-style dishes served from 11 am to 3 pm. Their menu combines classic pub fare with brunch favorites, promising a casual dining environment where craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers can enjoy a satisfying mid-morning meal.
Where: Somerville | More Info: Project PUB
Stage House Tavern (Somerset)
What to Expect
18th-century historic tavern with multiple dining locations
Description
Historic tavern offering a vibrant brunch experience in Somerset, rooted in 18th-century tradition. Specializing in hearty tavern fare with multiple locations, Stage House combines rich local history with contemporary dining. Their expansive outdoor seating and multiple bars create an inviting atmosphere for weekend brunch gatherings, blending classic American cuisine with a modern tavern vibe.
Where: Somerset | More Info: Stage House Tavern
Stoney Brook Grille (Branchburg)
What to Expect
Sunday brunch buffet with extensive menu variety
Description
Stoney Brook Grille offers a Sunday brunch buffet in Central New Jersey, featuring a diverse menu of steaks, seafood, and vegetarian options. Located in Branchburg, this casual dining restaurant provides a comprehensive brunch experience with multiple seating times and a range of culinary selections that cater to different tastes.
Where: Branchburg | More Info: Stoney Brook Grille
The Bradford (Somerville)
What to Expect
Progressive shared brunch dining concept
Description
The Bradford offers an innovative shared brunch experience in Bridgewater, featuring small plates designed for communal dining. Their Sunday brunch highlights include The Breakfast Sandwich with thick-cut pork roll and nuseke's bacon, Brioche French Toast with cinnamon maple butter, and creative cocktails like the Bradford Bloody Mary with cocktail shrimp. The menu emphasizes shareable dishes that arrive progressively, creating a dynamic dining atmosphere.
Where: Somerville | More Info: The Bradford
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