Fluffy pancakes, hot coffee, special mimosas and the perfect avocado toast can all be found at brunch spot Snooze.

he self-proclaimed “best breakfast brunch” in Orange, Snooze: an A.M. Eatery, lives up to its name. The brunch joint’s orange signage is impossible to miss just outside of the Orange Plaza. Originating in Denver, Colorado, Snooze opened their Orange branch in the winter of 2018. Some Chapman students have frequented the restaurant religiously since its opening, so much so that it took first place in an Instagram poll I created to gauge the best brunch in Orange. 

Grace Glenn, a junior communication studies major, had the French Toast Neat the last time she was there — her favorite part being the mascarpone cream. She’s dined at several Snooze branches from the brunch chain, in locations ranging from Tempe, Arizona to San Diego, California. 

“Snooze has a good ambience for going with a group of friends,” Glenn said. “It’s great for celebratory purposes too. They’re very consistent as a brand.” 

Not only do they have a multitude of “morning cocktails” to choose from, but the menu includes four different kinds of mimosas with different sparkling fruit juices to choose from. When I went to Snooze, I treated myself to the Blueberry Danish Pancakes and I remember thinking they were so rich and delicious. Glenn added that the restaurant is only open during the breakfast and lunch hours, so they are able to hone in on what they do best. 

Another aspect of Snooze that won me over was that the dining service provides complimentary drip coffee, cream and sugar while you wait for your table. While waiting in line for brunch, I was able to sip on hot coffee right outside the restaurant. 

“They want you to wait. They want you to hang out,” Glenn said. “It’s more of a classy brunch place, but it’s still affordable.” 

If simply brunch isn’t enough to satisfy you, Snooze also makes an active effort to give back to the community. According to their website, one percent of sales from each Snooze location goes towards the local community. The Orange location works with community partners KidWorks, Orange County Rescue Mission and the Orange Home Grown Farmer’s Market. When it comes to sustainability, Snooze’s website said that they compost and recycle 90 percent of their waste. 

Other Orange brunch spots that didn’t make the cut included Broken Yolk Cafe, Woody’s Diner and Ruby’s Diner — which has endless mimosas on Sunday. The “A.M. Eatery” combines a vintage American diner experience with a modern design and cuisine. But in my opinion, Snooze offers a holistic experience: great food, great ambiance, and great service. Whether you’re going to celebrate or to treat yourself, Snooze provides the best brunch in the heart of Orange.