Charlotte boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. When it comes to breakfast, the city does not disappoint. From cozy cafes to bustling brunch spots, Charlotte offers a plethora of popular breakfast destinations for any early-morning craving.
In the mood for classic American fare, Southern specialties or international flavors? These breakfast spots in Charlotte promise a delightful start to your day. So, grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee and explore the city’s most beloved establishments.
The Original Pancake House
If you are a pancake lover, you will love The Original Pancake House! With two locations in Midtown and SouthPark Mall, the restaurant offers a whopping selection of sixteen types of pancakes. There are even six types of waffles and three types of French toast.
But don’t worry; the restaurant covers more than just pancakes. The Original Pancake House also offers a variety of classic breakfast favorites. These include omelets and egg dishes, with a generous array of meat options to please every palate. Further, the menu includes delectable crepes, savory quiches, and satisfying salads and sandwiches. It is one of the top breakfast restaurants in Charlotte NC.
Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey is more than just a restaurant – it celebrates Southern food and traditions deeply rooted in the majestic Carolina mountains. Following a farm-to-table approach, Tupelo Honey uses the freshest ingredients.
The menu at Tupelo Honey reflects its commitment to inventive and flavorful dishes that go beyond traditional breakfast fare. For a savory delight, try the “roast beef debris.” It’s served with tender roast beef, rich gravy, poached eggs, green tomato salsa, and hollandaise. The restaurant’s mouthwatering chicken & waffles is also a classic.
Famous Toastery
The Famous Toastery is a charming breakfast spot in multiple locations throughout Charlotte. The wide-ranging menu includes shareable plates, plus Mexican-inspired dishes and lots of healthy options. The restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance, friendly staff and generous portions.
Notable dishes include the Breakfast Pizza, featuring a pita pizza crust with scrambled eggs, Black Forest ham, roasted peppers and sausage gravy. Or, the Turkey & Brie Melt is another popular choice, served on toasted sourdough with raspberry puree. Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of its yummy mimosas or brunch cocktails.
Ruby Sunshine
Ruby Sunshine is certainly a gem among Charlotte’s breakfast spots, known for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine. This vibrant eatery offers creative twists on traditional breakfast dishes for a memorable dining experience. Try the famous Bananas Foster French Toast!
The lively and colorful setting adds to the overall charm of Ruby Sunshine. This is a popular choice for locals and visitors.
Roots Café
Step into The Roots Café, a local gem and American restaurant in South End. The café boasts a stunningly decorated interior featuring captivating light fixtures, plus charming greenery and soothing natural tones.
The cafe offers an impressive selection of dishes that cater to special diets, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. One of our favorites is Croque Croissant—a flaky croissant with a fried egg, honey, shaved ham, and provolone.
Plus, for gluten-free and vegan diet enthusiasts, the Roots Bowl is a fantastic choice. Roots is one of the top places for the best breakfast in Charlotte NC.
Sunflour Baking Company
Sunflour Baking Company is a charming bakery in the Elizabeth neighborhood, offering a mouthwatering array of pastries. The inviting space and friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
The bakery’s rotating menu showcases seasonal specialties, plus vegan options and savory sandwiches. Finally, for the best quick breakfast in Charlotte, don’t miss the Morning Glory Muffin, packed with delightful ingredients like carrots, apples, raisins and walnuts.
Amélie’s French Bakery & Café
Amelie’s French Bakery is a beloved cafe, bakeshop and local hangout in the NoDa neighborhood. Amelie’s offerings include customizable sandwiches, healthy food options, and even homemade soups.
Satisfy your cravings with the Classic French Dip. And remember to treat yourself to one or more of its irresistible French macarons. Clearly, Amelies is one of the top-recommended places for the breakfast in Charlotte NC.
Poppy’s Bagels
Poppy’s Bagels is a cherished bagel shop and breakfast joint in the Providence Park neighborhood. Kickstart your day with a delightful sweet treat like Poppy’s Challah French Toast, or order the classic Lox Works bagel.
This cafe boasts a menu filled with specialty sandwiches, homemade soups and flavorful omelets to satisfy your cravings.
Midnight Diner
Indulge in the flavorful American comfort food at The Midnight Diner, a vibrant eatery in the South End district. The charming railroad car-style setting features a mix of table and booth seating. From there, the extensive menu offers juicy burgers, salads, and freshly brewed Colombian coffee.
Next, don’t miss the chance to try one of its best-selling dishes like The Bubba, an open-faced buttermilk biscuit topped with scrambled eggs, savory sausage gravy, and cheddar cheese.
Community Matters Café
Community Matters Cafe not only serves up delicious breakfast treats but also supports a great cause. This nonprofit cafe provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
At the café, enjoy tasty breakfast dishes while making a positive impact on the community. We recommend the yummy cornmeal pancakes as well as the Cajun Sausage Skillet.
Zada Jane’s Corner Café
Treat yourself to an exceptional breakfast in Charlotte at Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe. The flavorful dishes are made with organic, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. For a signature dish that genuinely satisfies, try the Billy Jack Grits.
Finally, you can choose to dine on the charming patio or inside the bustling space.
Hazelnuts Creperie
Satisfy your crepe cravings at The Hazelnuts Creperie. This delightful creperie certainly offers various flavors to suit every palate, age and dietary preference. With reasonable prices and simplistic decor, it is the perfect spot to indulge in a delicious crepe.
The Santorini crepe is a must-try for an Italian-inspired delight. It features a delectable combination of mozzarella, kalamata olives, red onions, and eggs, plus spinach and feta cheese.
Snooze An A.M. Eatery
Snooze: An A.M. Eatery is a popular breakfast joint with both indoor and outdoor seating.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu, including kid-friendly selections and Mexican-style entrees. Further, there are options for special diets, signature mimosas, and even cold-pressed juice. It is certainly one of the top breakfast places in Charlotte.
Rhino Market & Deli
The Rhino Market is a well-known shop and deli with multiple locations. At Rhino, the diverse menu includes sammies, fresh salads, daily-changing specials and even house-made soups.
For breakfast, try Le Monde—a rustic sourdough filled with sautéed spinach, melted cream Havarti cheese, and eggs. Or, if you prefer a treat, indulge in the Big Wheel. It’s a mouthwatering combination of pastrami brisket, imported Swiss cheese and sliced pickles on pumpernickel bread.
300 East
For a breakfast spot with a touch of elegance, 300 East is the perfect choice. This family-run restaurant serves New American fare. The breakfast menu highlights seasonal ingredients and creative flavors. Items include omelets, fluffy pancakes, sandwiches and salads.
Finally, the sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service make it a popular spot for special breakfast occasions.
The Asbury
The Asbury is a modern dining establishment in Uptown Charlotte, perfect for fine dining breakfast. Delight in upscale Southern cuisine prepared with farm-fresh produce, complemented by chic décor and attentive service.
First, start your day sweetly by indulging in the delightful Banana Pudding Pancakes. Or, for those who like savory, order the Sausage Omelette. It is simply one of the top breakfast spots in city.
Lincoln’s Haberdashery
Lincoln’s Haberdashery is an artisanal market, sandwich shop, bakery, restaurant and coffee shop in Charlotte. The restaurant offers breakfast all-day.
For a seafood-infused breakfast delight, we recommend the Haymarket Hector. This mouthwatering ciabatta sandwich features acme-smoked salmon, dill, eggs, red onions and tomatoes. Clearly, Lincoln’s Haberdashery promises a fantastic brunch experience.
Arbol Eatery
Arbol Eatery is a hidden gem offering a unique breakfast experience in Charlotte. This cozy eatery combines global flavors plus local ingredients, resulting in a menu that showcases diverse and exciting breakfast options. From its Italiano Sandwich to the Chicken Torta, each dish at Arbol Eatery is a culinary adventure. Finally, intimate atmosphere and friendly service make it a warm and inviting breakfast spot.
Goodwurst
The Good Wurst Company is a renowned dining establishment that opened its doors in September 2020. Guests can enjoy mouthwatering handheld favorites such as deli sandwiches, burgers, bratwursts, scratch-made sausages and Montreal-style bagels.
Next, for the ultimate, savory experience, try the Pat La Frida Italian Sausage. Another must-try is the Pork Schnitzel Sandwich, boasting a flavorful combination of mushroom gravy, sautéed red cabbage, spicy pickles, and smashed fries plus a hint of Dijon mustard.
Charlotte Breakfast NC: Conclusion
Clearly, Charlotte is a city that truly knows how to serve a memorable breakfast experience. From cozy cafes to bustling eateries, the breakfast scene in Charlotte is teeming with delightful options. So, embark on a breakfast adventure and discover the culinary wonders in this vibrant city. With warm hospitality, diverse menus and inviting atmospheres, these breakfast spots will make your morning memorable.
