Columbia, SC’s Best Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants
When it comes to Columbia, SC eats, breakfast and brunch is one of the top categories! We love to get our day started right with a coffee and biscuit to-go from somewhere like Drip. We also enjoy lingering over brunch at Il Giorgione or Gourmet Shop when we have a bit more time. There are so many great spots and we are excited to share them in this guide to Columbia’s breakfast and brunch.
Whether you are local to the Midlands or just visiting, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for the most important meal of the day!
Map of Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Columbia, SC
No matter where you are in or around Columbia, SC, this map will show you the nearest breakfast spot that we recommend visiting!
List of the Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Columbia, SC
Over the years, Columbia’s breakfast and brunch scene has grown to include some of the best spots in the region. Columbia has everything from grab-and-go spots with great coffee to perfect brunch spots to linger and brunch. We wanted to make this guide easy to navigate, so we have broken it into a few categories:
We thought we’d first focus on the ‘quick’ breakfast spots in Columbia where you order at a counter and then dive into the table service breakfast spots. So, let’s get to it!
Quick breakfast on the go in Columbia, SC
Small Sugar
A favorite of ours! Small Sugar is a great spot to catch up with friends, grab a bite with your colleagues, get some work done or just enjoy a meal out. They have awesome pastries and brunch-like dishes. It’s an order at the counter place with an upscale feel.
About Small Sugar
Location: 709 Gervais Street | The Vista
Breakfast Details: Tons of beautiful pastries, tartines (get the avocado one!), a breakfast plate with a soft-boiled egg and ricotta with seasonal vegetables, granola and overnight oats are all on the menu.
Beverage Details: Coffee, espresso drinks, tea, housemade limeade
Parking: Metered street parking behind Small Sugar on Lady Street and in front of the building on Main Street.
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
Here’s a great one! Breakfast is served all day at Cinnamon Roll Deli and boy is it good. So many great cinnamon roll flavors (like strawberry cheesecake!) We also love their breakfast sandwiches, like the Big Max Sandwich (2 eggs, cheddar cheese, black pepper thick bacon, and whole grain mustard spread.) If you need more convincing, People magazine voted Cinnamon Roll Deli as the Best Breakfast in South Carolina!
Note: as of spring 2022 the Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli is takeout only.
About Cinnamon Roll Deli
Location: 2617 Devine Street | Devine Street
Breakfast Details: You may be expecting only cinnamon rolls, but they have so much more than that. In addition to their many flavors of cinnamon rolls, they serve breakfast sandwiches, bagels and grit bowls!
Beverage Details: Drip coffee, iced and hot coffee, fountain drinks
Parking: Parking lot in front of the restaurant. It can get full at busy times but there is additional street parking on Devine Street.
Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits
Absolutely delicious biscuits and cheesy hashbrown bake! They started at Soda City and expanded to North Main in November 2020. Fat Cat was always our Soda City go-to and we were so excited when they opened this brick and mortar shop. We can’t get enough of the friendly and fast service and the amazing biscuits.
You can also find Fat Cat at Soda City every Saturday!
About Fat Cat
Location: 2430 Main St | North Main
Breakfast Details: You’ll find everything from a classic fried chicken biscuit to a brisket biscuit with pickled green tomato on it. There are a ton of flavors to choose from– we really love the herbed goat cheese biscuit! They also have from-scratch sausage, pimento cheese grits and cheesy hash brown bake. Fat Cat recently added their perfect biscuit cinnamon rolls to the regular menu (though you can’t order these online!)
Beverage Details: Coffee, cold brew, tea, chocolate milk, Spindrift, glass bottle Coke, mimosas
Parking: Parking lot right behind the building.
Drip
The best, the best, the best! If I could only eat at one place in Columbia it would definitely be Drip. They have amazing coffee and espresso drinks and such an unassuming but delicious breakfast menu. I love their fun breakfast sandwich combinations and they make the world’s best chocolate chip cookie.
About Drip
Location: 729 Saluda Ave | Five Points
Breakfast Details: Fun and unexpected menu items like a brie and apple butter on cinnamon raisin bread that is super good! We also love their egg, roasted red peppers, gruyere and avocado pesto on focaccia. What a combo! Their Nutella french toast is also pretty delicious. Apart from their breakfast sandwich menu, Drip also has great pastries and desserts.
Beverage Details: Several types of coffee, espresso drinks, hot chocolate, chai latte, matcha latte, orange juice, lemonade, smoothies, beer and wine
Parking: Metered street parking out front but it can get busy!
Everyday sitdown breakfast and brunch in Columbia, SC
Jumping into a new category of breakfast restaurants now! The restaurants offer table service and serve breakfast all week.
The Gourmet Shop
If you want to feel like you just popped into Paris for brunch, then head to Five Points to The Gourmet Shop! It’s such a darling place that just gets everything right. Once you are done with your breakfast, check out the market section of the shop. You will find all sorts of kitchen and household goodies, from specialty salts to a dutch oven!
About The Gourmet Shop
Location: 724 Saluda Ave | Five Points (They have great outdoor seating when the weather allows!)
Breakfast Details: Their brunch menu includes an egg and cheese croissant, Belgian waffle, smoked salmon bagel and yogurt + granola, among other things. You can also grab a specialty croissant (chocolate, spinach & feta, or strawberry cream cheese, to name a few.)
Beverage Details: Coffee, espresso drinks, Bloody Mary, Mimosas & Bellinis
Parking: Metered street parking out front but it can get busy!
Café Strudel
On the other side of the river, you’ll find a perfect all-day breakfast and brunch spot in West Columbia. Café Strudel is definitely worth the drive from Columbia (it’s literally just over the river!) You’ll find all the breakfast classics and one of my favorite dishes in all of the Columbia area: hangover hashbrowns (hashbrowns, cheese, onions, banana peppers, tomato and sour cream.) So good!!
Check out our post on a day at the Riverwalk with breakfast at Café Strudel if you want to know more!
About Café Strudel
Location: 300 State Street | West Columbia
Breakfast Details: My number one recommendation is the hangover hashbrowns!! We also like their sunrise burrito. The menu includes classic breakfast plates, avocado toast, a chicken biscuit, french toast and cinnamon pancakes.
Beverage Details: Coffee, espresso drinks, soda,
Parking: Street parking along State Street and a few spots behind the building.
Original Pancake House
A Columbia staple! The Original Pancake House can get super busy, especially on the weekends, but part of the charm is waiting. The servers are always very friendly and the food is delicious! Original Pancake House has an old-school feel. We really love getting their apple pancake and their bitty dollar pancakes are precious.
About Original Pancake House
Location: 4840 Forest Drive | Trenholm Plaza | Forest Acres
Breakfast Details: Pancakes of every flavor imaginable (we love the apple pancake!), brioche French toast, crepes, omelets, Belgian waffles, pigs in a blanket, home fries and even a dutch baby (served with whipped cream, lemon and powdered sugar.)
Beverage Details: Coffee, hot chocolate, milk, tea, freshly squeezed juices (orange and grapefruit), apple juice, tomato juice
Parking: Lots of parking available in the Trenholm Plaza shopping center.
BLD Diner (Permanently Closed as of Winter 2023)
Just across from Original Pancake House you’ll find BLD Diner. It’s a pretty cool place to grab a meal any time of day. Their breakfast is served in the mornings only and covers the bases– you’ll find everything from a breakfast burrito to short rib hash. The inside is diner-style but trendier and a bit more modern. It’s located in the former Hooligan’s location if you’re familiar!
About BLD Diner
Location: 4840 Forest Drive | Forest Acres
Breakfast Details: A classic brunch-y menu available daily! You’ll find various biscuits, a Belgian waffle, delicious french toast, breakfast burrito, fried chicken and waffle, short rib hash and avocado toast.
Beverage Details: Coffee, soda, orange juice, mimosas by the glass or carafe
Parking: Parking lot right outside with additional parking in the main Trenholm Plaza area.
Eggs Up Grill
This classic breakfast chain with locations all over the southeast has several locations in Columbia. You’ll find classic breakfast dishes and coffee served daily from 6 am until 2 pm. It’s always fun to enjoy a sausage and eggs or a stack of pancakes in classic breakfast diner booths.
About Eggs Up Grill
Location: 2930 Devine Street | Devine Street and 4711 Forest Drive | Forest Acres
Breakfast Details: Eggs Up offers tons of classic breakfast options ranging from eggs benedict and breakfast burgers to pancakes and french toast.
Beverage Details: drip coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks
Parking: There are parking lots available at all locations
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe with its original location in Mandeville, Louisiana can now be found all over the region including Columbia! Their tried and true dishes range the full gambit of breakfast foods so there is something on the menu for everyone. They also serve tons of brunch cocktails making it a great place to kick back with friends on your day off!
About Another Broken Egg Cafe
Location: 4600 Devine Street | Devine Street
Breakfast Details: Another Broken Egg Cafe serves classic breakfast dishes including pancakes, french toast, omelets, eggs benedict, burgers and so much more.
Beverage Details: drip coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks, brunch cocktails, brunch bubbles, spiked coffees
Parking: Located in a new shopping center with a parking lot
Lizard’s Thicket
With 13 locations around the Midlands, this locally owned restaurant serves up delicious southern cooking including authentic southern breakfast specialties. Their hearty breakfast dishes will fill you up!
About Lizard’s Thicket
Location: 13 locations in and around Columbia
Breakfast Details: Lizard’s Thicket has such an extensive menu including southern specialties like country ham & eggs, southern fried catfish and chicken fried steak. They also serve up all the traditional breakfast options you would expect.
Beverage Details: Drip coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice
Parking: All restaurants have parking lots available
Columbia SC’s weekend brunch specials
If you’re looking for brunch for a special occasion or while visiting Columbia for the weekend there are plenty of restaurants that have you covered. The restaurants listed below all have great food and are perfect for your Sunday brunch plans!
Il Giorgione
If you are looking for a Saturday Brunch in a cute local neighborhood restaurant, Il Giorgione is the perfect spot! They serve a selection of their famous Italian entrees ranging from pizzas to pasta as well as some fantastic brunch specials (ricotta pancakes!!). The atmosphere inside the restaurant or on their patio makes you feel like you are a local in Italy.
About Il Giorgione
Location: 2406 Devine Street | Devine Street
Brunch Availability: Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm
Brunch Details: Their brunch specialties range from sweet to savory with their ricotta lemon pancakes, “eggs in purgatory” and Carbonara style roasted potatoes. They also have a small selection of their regular menu with pizzas, pasta, paninis and salads.
Beverage Details: Coffee, tea, cocktails, bubbles, wine.
Parking: Street parking is available along Devine Street in front of the Il Giorgione
Hall’s Chophouse
If you are looking for a fine-dining brunch experience, look no further than Hall’s Chophouse. This steakhouse that has its roots in Charleston serves gourmet lowcountry specialties in a white tablecloth setting. It’s the perfect spot for brunch on a special occasion.
About Hall’s Chophouse
Location: 1221 Main Street | Main Street District
Brunch Availability: Sundays beginning at 10 am
Brunch Details: Hall’s offers hearty brunch entrees including filet mignon, omelets and eggs benedict. They also have pancakes, french toast and waffles for those with a sweet tooth.
Beverage Details: Coffee, tea, bloody marys, mimosas, bellinis
Parking: Metered street parking is available along Main Street.
Publico
Publico is a great spot if you’re looking for casual gourmet food with a twist. Their dishes are Latin and Asian inspired, often taking a traditional dish and adding their own spin to it. The upbeat vibe makes it a great place to enjoy a Sunday brunch!
About Publico
Location: 2013 Green Street | Five Points
Brunch Availability: Sundays 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
Breakfast Details: Publico offers a unique spin on traditional brunch dishes like their Plantain Pancakes (plantain peanut butter pancakes with chocolate chips), Churro French Toast, and Chicken & Puffles (Thai marinated chicken + bubble waffle)
Beverage Details: Mimosas (including $20 mimosa pitchers), cocktails
Parking: Metered street parking is available around five points in as well as a paid public lot across the street near the Five Points fountain.
Market on Main
Located in the heart of the Main Street District, you cannot beat brunch at Market on Main. They have a wide-ranging brunch menu with something for everyone. We love sitting outside in their patio area, especially during spring and fall when the weather is a bit cooler. They open for Brunch at 10 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
About Market on Main
Location: 1320 Main Street | Main Street District
Brunch Availability: Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10 am
Brunch Details: Market on Main has a wide-ranging menu with sweet and savory options. Check out their Reuben Hash or Korean Fried Chicken Salad for a unique option.
Beverage Details: Coffee, tea, mimosas
Parking: Metered street parking is available along Main Street.
Za’s Brick Oven Pizza
If you’re looking to brunch with pizza, Za’s has just what you need. Their brunch menu and mimosa carafe is the perfect addition to your weekend. They have nice outdoor seating on their patio out front.
About Za’s
Location: 2930 Devine Street | Devine Street
Brunch Availability: Saturdays & Sundays 11 am – 2 pm
Brunch Details: In addition to their regular menu items, Za’s offers some brunchier items. They offer a breakfast pizza as well as a classic scrambled egg plate, breakfast sandwiches + bowls, and shrimp and grits.
Beverage Details: espresso drinks, coffee, brunch cocktails, soft drinks
Parking: Za’s has a parking lot in front of the restaurant
DiPrato’s
Tucked away a little off the beaten path, DiPrato’s is the quintessential neighborhood deli and cafe and one of our favorites to enjoy a weekend brunch. It’s located very close to USC’s campus, so it’s a great spot for parents to treat their college kids while visiting.
About DiPrato’s
Location: 342 Pickens Street | near Five Points
Brunch Availability: Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 2 pm.
Breakfast Details: Classic brunch fare including pancakes and french toast, omelets and eggs benedict as well as fun specialties including eggs charleston (with crab cakes!), quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and hash & eggs.
Beverage Details: Coffee, tea, beer, wine and cocktails (including mimosa pitchers!)
Parking: DiPrato’s has a parking lot behind the restaurant.
Motor Supply Company Bistro
I once read in the Free Times that Motor Supply Company was voted the #1 place for your rich aunt to take you. I love that. It’s so true!!! It’s such a great spot for a fancy brunch out. Their farm-to-table menu changes daily but you can always count on a great brunch.
About Motor Supply Company
Location: 920 Gervais St | The Vista
Brunch Availability: Saturday 11:00 – 2:00 & Sunday 10:00 – 2:00
Brunch Details: You’ll find everything from shrimp and grits to a classic breakfast plate. We love their brioche french toast and sausage, egg and cheese biscuit.
Beverage Details: Columbia’s best Bloody Mary! They also have mimosas, spiked Arnold Palmer, Aperol Spritz and Peach Bellinis.
Parking: There’s a small lot out front. Otherwise, you’ll have to find street parking nearby.
