By Cathy Burroughs

Whether you’re craving smoked salmon, french toast or poached eggs…whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch…whether its a weekly family occasion or a special    get-together with friends, there’s no better treat than Sunday brunch

Usually eaten sometime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., this American tradition has become quite popular for just about everyone… so whether it’s in your home town or someone else’s – grab the Sunday paper, line up with the locals and take in the sights as you waitwith your Mimosa in-hand (many of the best places don’t take reservations!).

journeyPod has chosen our picks of where breakfast meets lunch perfectly in the following list of the Best Brunch spots:

The Cottage (La Jolla, San Diego) – A converted bungalow with plenty of patio seating, The Cottage is located on a quiet corner right off the main shopping avenue and offers crumb cake and coffee while you wait for your table. This cute yellow eatery caters to every taste – serving American, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired entrees and great California Breakfast cuisine. Psst… go for the scrumptious strawberry-stuffed French toast.

Season’s Restaurant (Chicago, IL) – Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Season’s Restaurant is an exceptional choice for brunch when in the Windy City. Combining France and North American influences, the restaurant boasts a cozy dining area with views of Chicago’s sweeping cityscape and a menu of specialty items that range from Cheese Blintz’s and freshly prepared house donuts to Peking duck and Atlantic Salmon.

Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant (New York, NY) – With only 32 seats in the place – you’d better run, not walk to Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant. Known for the best pancakes in town (they’re even available on the dinner menu!), this Lower East Side joint is a restaurant and bakery all rolled into one. And with other specialties like buttermilk biscuits and French Toast, just remember – you definitely can’t count calories in this place. Oh, and don’t forget to try the Hot Buttered Cider – a definite hit.

Café Luxembourg (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – Tagged by many as the “one of the world’s great cafes” – Luxembourg is world-class hotspot that draws an international crowd. Offering an extensive range of brunch options that include, breakfast choices, sandwiches and soups – the place also serves onemean cup of coffee! Which is exactly what you’ll need after a long night of sightseeing and partying.

Murphy’s (Atlanta, GA) – Voted as the city’s best brunch spot – we’d agree. This place is more than just a restaurant and wine bar – it’s also a pastry shop, wine shop and much much more. An always-popular choice for locals in Atlanta, this neighborhood favorite offers an American fare menu filled with good ol’ comfort food and standout brunch choices like Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon. If you’re in the mood for mac n’ cheese – this would be the place to try it. Just make sure you leave some room for dessert – the Tollhouse pie is outstanding!

Grub (Los Angeles, CA) – A bustling hotspot located in the heart of Tinseltown’s post-production houses, this place is filled with kitschy knickknacks and an atmosphere usually consisting of many studio execs and a few reality-show alums from time to time. Winning local “Best of” awards for years, the menu at Grub consists of awesome comfort food choices from salads to sandwiches.

Balthazar (New York, NY) – A Keith McNally masterpiece, Balthazar serves up traditional French fare in a large airy space with tables planted everywhere (you’ll easily get-to-know your neighbors when dining here). A superb bistro that serves a delectable breakfast/brunch menu – and the adjacent boulangerie is just as fabulous – taste the decadent chocolate bread.

Absinth Brasserie & Bar (San Francisco, CA) – Serving everything from caviar and oysters to soups and salads, Absinthe is the choice when in San Fran. An upscale choice, the place serves amazing French Bistro fare and well-known creative cocktails. Psst… Go for the Banana-Blueberry Souffle Pancakes.

Vingt-Quatre (London, UK) – No matter what time of the day you find yourself hungry, this is the place to go. A leading 24-hour restaurant in London, Vingt-Quatre serves a great brunch – with crowd-pleasing options like potato pancakes, steak and frites, and naturally, a host of different omeletes. Just make sure you’re not watching your waistline at this place – Vingt-Quatre serves some of the best desserts, including: muffins, banana pie and apple turnovers.Salty’s on

Alki Beach (Seattle, WA) – Boasting a waterfront view – this is a great choice on sunny summer days. Though set in an unattractive industrial area – don’t be discouraged! If you’re a seafood lover, this would be your choice – the menu is all about it. Not to mention, Sunday’s All-You-Can-Eat Brunch with choices like Dungeness Crab and made-to-order waffles.

Einstein’s (Atlanta, GA) – A string of renovated bungalows linked together, this has been a hotspot in Atlanta since its inception in the 1920’s. Well-known for its legendary brunch, Einstein’s also boasts a Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary bar – just make sure you get there after noon on Sunday (otherwise, no alcohol!). The menu features items like Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp & Grits, but the breads and self-serve bar alone are worth the visit to this Midtown staple.

Hilton at Short Hills (Short Hills, NJ) – Who would think that a hotel would boast one of the best brunch choices in the state? Brunch here takes place every Sunday and is well worth the cost ($65 a head). Offering an elaborate spread of brunch choices, this buffet-style brunch boasts everything from seafood like Chilean Sea Bass and Crab Legs to Omelete Stations and Dessert Stations filled with hand-made selections. Just make sure you make a reservation and choose between one of the three seating choices in two different dining areas.

Sarabeth’s (New York, NY) – One of the top choices from brunch in the City, this place is well-worth a visit (just make sure you gather your friends – they only take reservations for 6 or more – and you need reservations!) Known for its pastries and sweet brunches, you cannot go wrong with the French Toast or the Lemon Ricotta pancakes.

Balans (Miami Beach, FL) – A London import open since ’97, this Lincoln Road brunch hotspot is set amongst Miami’s breezy palm trees in the historic art deco area. Offering a variety of International menu choices, this café-style menu packs them in each and every Sunday. Go for the signature Lobster Club sandwich – you won’t be sorry!

Peppermill Steak & Fish House (E. Westport, CT) – Talk about an International brunch. With selections that range from Chinese and French, to Mediterranean and Indian, the Peppermill has won top honors among the locals. Though you can always go for the brunch standbys like French Toast or Eggs Benedict, try something different like the Moroccan-Style lamb, followed by the restaurant’s Bloody Mary and this’ll be a brunch you won’t soon forget!

Hash House A Go Go (San Diego, CA) – Talk about quintessential American comfort food. This place is as lively as it is casual – and always an experience. Particularly with choices like the Snickers pancakes or the Salmon hash. The hearty entrees are huge – so sharing is always an option, and a good reason to order even more to taste off the menu.