Skip to main content
Modern workspace with a person typing on a laptop.
Chic haircuts for women over 50 trending in 2026.
Donald Trump discussing maternal healthcare at a public event.

Style

The Biggest Ripoff At Brunch--What Is It?

October 12, 2016 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Style
Featured image
house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!

Brunch is one of those beloved weekend traditions that you just can’t quit–even though it hardly makes sense to pay $14 for eggs and to totally ruin your Saturday productivity by getting bombed on Bloody Marys at 1pm, it’s so fun so you keep doing it! I was a total sucker for brunch in my twenties and went faithfully every weekend with friends. I would even wait in line for hours for things like bottomless mimosas! It was definitely a part of my regular routine.

READ MORE: The One Mistake You’re Making When Leaving A Tip At A Restaurant

Now that I’m in my thirties I don’t get a chance to do it as much, and when I do I can’t believe how much it costs! It’s seriously such a ripoff–and the biggest ripoff of all is the simple menu items like breakfast specials and omelets. Think about it: breakfast ingredients–eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, bread–are extremely inexpensive to purchase at the grocery store. You can get a dozen eggs for $2 or a package of bacon for $3, so to spend $12 to have them assembled on your plate is absurd. And upscale brunch places will charge even MORE for taking those simple breakfast ingredients and making them in to a “chef’s special.”

READ MORE: The One Mistake You’re Making When Ordering Water At A Restaurant

Another caveat when it comes to brunch is that restaurants use leftover ingredients from the previous night’s dinner service to cook the brunch menu items. Like, did you know restaurants use the leftover table butter to make the hollandaise sauce for eggs benedicts? Gross!

READ MORE: The One Thing You Should Never Do When Ordering Sushi

Lastly, appetizers like guacamole are a huge ripoff at any restaurant–not just brunch. You can buy an avocado for about a buck (sometimes less) at the grocery store, but restaurants charge $12+ to mix it up with simple vegetables and ingredients for you. If you’re dining out, resist the urge to order guacamole and order a satisfying entree with the same ingredients instead.

[Photo: Egg Canvas]

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Kylie Jenner's elegant ensemble at the Met Gala 2025.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift enjoying a public outing together.
Amazon Prime Day logo displayed on digital devices
Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Reese Witherspoon at Apple TV's "The Last Thing He Told Me" premiere.
Hillary Clinton at the Broadway opening night of "Suffs."
Kaia Gerber at the 41st Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Kylie Jenner at the Acne Studios photocall during Paris Fashion Week.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Kim Kardashian with son Saint West at a public event.
Jaden Smith at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit.
Zendaya at the photocall for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Nicole Kidman featured at Kering Women in Motion.
Kimberly Guilfoyle visiting Thessaloniki as U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Inspiring beauty tips and secrets revealed by experts.