When it comes to Sunday morning brunch in the South, there is no messing around. After a rough night out, and with a hangover to remind us about it, all we really want is a big, fluffy New York bagel. But us Emory kids have to make do with the bagels in Atlanta that just aren’t up to par.
For the past few years, Bagel Palace in Toco Hills has been the go-to brunch spot. Why, you ask? No matter what time you have breakfast, whether you prefer the 11AM rush or you’re a 3PM straggler, Bagel Palace is quick, easy and the dress code isn’t strict. Just stumble out of bed, and you’re good to go. Dining is extremely casual, but that does not take away from the satisfaction of the meal. If you choose to go simple, you order 3 scrambled eggs. Feeling adventurous? Add some cheese, or go for an omelet. Bagel Palace does anything and everything you can imagine with eggs, so the possibilities are endless.
But the perks don’t stop there. What bagel would you like with that? Toast? Home fries? Hash browns? When you think you are just ordering a few eggs to energize for Sunday’s last minute homework extravaganza, this meal is more comparable to the “Last Supper.” This smorgasbord will fill you up and taste amazing, but there’s still something to consider before you choose where to brunch: are you a “the more the merrier” diner, or do you believe in quality over quantity?
If you chose the latter response, then Bagel Palace is not for you. Luckily, there’s another Sunday brunch option — the newest and most raved about addition to Toco Hills: Goldberg’s Bagel Company and Deli. Just when you thought Atlanta was all brunched-out, there is another restaurant to consider on Sunday morning. Naturally, as soon as we heard about this hot spot, we ran to try it and we must say that we were impressed. Bagel Palace is known for its breakfast and diner-style delicacies, but most likely you have never even taken so much as a peek at the lunch menu (yes, one exists!). Goldberg’s, however, puts a whole new spin on Sundays. Chances are you won’t make it out of bed before noon, so the breakfast and the lunch menus look equally appealing.
When you ask for three eggs at Goldberg’s, you get three, fluffy eggs. No grease, no flimsiness – just freshness. The sides come in much smaller portions than those at Bagel Palace, and they are only served upon request and with extra charge. They, too, taste fresher and are of higher quality. The deli meat sandwiches on the lunch menu are expensive, but worth every penny. If you are looking to enjoy a simple and delicious sandwich, this is definitely the spot. Goldbergs’ ambiance is also refreshing and creative. Its bubbly, classic American décor makes you feel like you’re in a diner from the 70’s – a nice contrast from the dull walls we’re used to seeing at Bagel Palace.
Both Bagel Palace and Goldberg’s will leave your stomach smiling, but our choice is Goldberg’s. You will leave with the perfect level of satisfaction instead of the that-was-delicious-but-I’m-going-to-vomit feeling that Bagel Palace leaves behind. As  (relative) newbies to the South, Atlanta has certainly fostered a newfound love for brunch in many of us. Goldberg’s is a great addition to the Atlantan foodie’s Sunday adventure, but wherever you decide to go, you will still experience the beauty of brunch.
And remember, comforting breakfast food alongside quality conversation is what it’s all about.  When we are gathered around the table with our friends, old and new, we often forget about how good our bagels with cream cheese, pancakes and scrambled eggs taste, because they seem like mere side dishes to the finest company we can find.