Finger-scorching banana fritters that gush liquid fruit with every bite. Creamy, unctuous sausage gravy smothering feathery biscuits. Gently cooked shrimp atop a brothy mound of rice. The beauty in the soul-satisfying brunch at WATERSHED lies in both its originality and diversity. You want Southern? Hunker down on the country-style ham steak with grits and redeye gravy. Not a breakfast person? The prototypically juicy hamburger has your name all over it. The crowds get thick right after church lets out, so stop in early (to have the place to yourself) or late (when you can linger and nurse a brazenly spicy Bloody Mary). "406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-4900. www.watershedrestaurant.com" less...

Renowned modernist architect Mies van der Rohe said, "God hides in the details." That quote certainly applies to the divine Sunday brunch at WATERSHED. Executive Chef Scott Peacock has crafted a menu full of unusually delicious takes on familiar morning fare. After tasting his delectable, buttery English muffins, you'll never want to eat a grocery store version again. Try the homemade muesli if you're in the mood for something light, the chicken hash with corn cakes if you need comfort food and the country-style ham steak if you're starving or hung over. Sitting in the airy, cheerful room, with a strong Bloody Mary in hand (only after 12:30 p.m. on Sundays, though - damn those Georgia blue laws!), brunch feels like the convivial, urbane meal it should be. "406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-4900." less...

The fact that we spot off-duty culinary professionals every Sunday we dine at WATERSHED is a telling sign. Though the eclectic menu includes traditional fare such as French toast and eggs (rendered a notch above any other place in town), you may find new brunch favorites in chicken hash with corn pancakes, or breakfast shrimp with rice. Coffee served is the luscious Batdorf & Bronson. Ask for blood orange marmalade with your biscuits or brioche - it's ambrosial. "406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-378-4900." less...

When it comes to taking the edge off a hangover, beers work every time - and Bloody Marys are even better. THE EARL's weekly "Dunch" has plenty of both. Sundays noon-3:45 p.m., the East Atlanta club serves up a brunch menu that shames most breakfast-centric restaurants. The biscuits and gravy are so loaded with sausage and pureed lard, you can feel your headache shrink as your arteries constrict. And 1-4 p.m., live acoustic music contributes to the soothing atmosphere. Go online to vote for your favorite Dunchling (aka waitress; in some naughty circles they're called waif-tresses - it's an Earl thing). "488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com." less...

1026 N. Highland Ave. 404-875-3673 The Highland Tap is the perfect place for a lost weekend morning. It's movie-theater dark. It's got an old-school, circular bar so you can smile knowingly across at your fellow travelers as you slouch over your hair of the dog. It doesn't have a throbbing sound system or aggressive neon beer signs. It's underground, for God's sake! And if you recover sufficiently to partake of solid food, you can drag yourself a few feet over to an equally dark booth for brunch with, say, one of their kick-ass Bloody Marys. less...

573 N. Highland Ave. 404-523-9121 http://www.babettescafe.com The name "Babette's Cafe literally was inspired by foodie film "Babette's Feast", and you'll get a sumptuous repast every time you visit. "Brunch at Babette's proves a particularly delicious and mellow meal, with the restaurant's French country house atmosphere providing the ideal environment for mid-morning socializing. The only arduous aspect is choosing from the bounty of menu items, including Babette's Benedict, veggie hash, fancy omelettes (a favorite is the smoked salmon, goat cheese and leek) and - but of course - French toast. less...

Tastefully dressed in framed broadsheets (sports, politics, celebrities) and a truckload of dark wood, this comfy Midtown hangout offers jock TV, a French Quarter-style patio (bricks, ferns, fountain) and a menu that runs the gamut from bar chow to Big Easy fare. Brunchtime big sellers include eggs Benedict and Sardou, crab cake Benedict, po' boy sandwiches and the Pontchartrain omelet (stuffed with creamed spinach and provolone cheese and covered with Hollandaise sauce). less...

Weekend brunch works on a different schedule in East Atlanta, where the locals are more likely to have stayed out clubbing until sunrise. Rather than open up for the breakfast crowd, the Earl waits for the "dunchers" (dinner/lunch) to roll in, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and running until 4 p.m. Despite the late hour, the menu offers just what recovering partiers need: salmon omelets, huevos rancheros, plus your standard bagels, lox and pancakes. And, to distract diners from their hangovers, most Sundays feature a live music ensemble in the front room. less...

In a bid to revamp the Sabbath-day ritual of conspicuous consumption, Chef Brooke Vosika has combined two concepts, dim sum and brunch. Instead of buffet tables laid out for grazing guests, two- and three-bite tastes are delivered, a pair at a time, by a cadre of enthusiastic, well-informed servers. Each item is presented on a different dish, resulting in an extravaganza of square, round and oblong glass and porcelain dishes. Ingredients are fresh, simply prepared and of superior quality. Selections change weekly. Additional helpings of individual dishes are willingly provided. less...