Column: How to win at brunch regardless of the Homecoming results

Choosing a brunch spot is the most important decision any group will make this Homecoming weekend. A good Saturday brunch can set the perfect tone for a game day filled with huevos rancheros and pancakes. And the Sunday brunch? A Sunday brunch can be the cherry on top to a UNC victory, or fill a biscuits and gravy-sized hole in your heart following a UNC loss. 

So where should you go? Let Assistant Sports Editor Brian Keyes guide you through this process. 

Elmo's Diner

The No. 1 spot in Carrboro to have a baby waddle up to you and try and steal your food. Perfect for going to brunch with your parents so they can ask when you're going to settle down and have some kids of your own. Elmo's might have the best waffle in Carrboro — and certainly the best coffee. Be prepared to wake up at the crack of dawn and burn a small offering to any god of your choosing to get a booth, though. 

Carolina Coffee Shop

Historic. Iconic. Service that has a 40 percent chance of getting your order wrong, and a 100 percent chance of it taking at least 30 minutes to get to you. Your one-stop shop for morning brunch cocktails to dull the ache of being asked about your "career" and "future." The customizable omelette cannot be overlooked, and I'd fight Rameses himself for an order of their crusted french toast. 

Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe

"It's good" — University Editor Maeve Sheehey. 

Just about says it all right there. Solid waffles. You can get Reese's Pieces in them, and you should. Sub-par hash browns, but nobody's perfect. 

Sutton's Drug Store

Much like my grandmother's ancient Siamese cat Shirley, Sutton's plays by its own rules and will not be making any exceptions for you. Breakfast stops at 11 a.m., rain or shine, weekday or weekend. If you want to dine on the world's most old-fashioned pancakes, you better be there on time. 

Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

Brunch on the go for the can't-stop, won't-stop Homecoming experience. Chapel Hill's only drive-through and only restaurant worth really going to. EASILY the best biscuit in the Triangle, although it will fall apart in your hands. Hash browns and cinnamon rolls to die for. Just be prepared to wait in your car behind the entirety of Chapel Hill before you get to the ordering window. 

Rise Carrboro

On the name of my mother, I have never had a drier biscuit. I honestly can't even think about anything else about Rise, because every time I conjure it in my thoughts I become parched. I am parched just thinking about it now. I'm not saying it's bad, but bring a jug of water with you. They stopped making donuts and look what it got them. Dry biscuits. 

Linda's Bar and Grill

Linda's? For brunch? Do you dare? The real question is do you dare to live life not knowing what loaded tots taste like at 11:30 a.m. A chaotic choice for a chaotic world, Linda's for brunch is a choice for only the brave. Somewhere between the servers giving you weird glares and the uncomfortable seating lies a certain amount of brunch magic. Bring your own syrup and pour it on cheese fries — you won't. 

university@dailytarheel.com