Best breakfast and brunch in Columbus
Last updated 11/18/23
When the weekend comes, Columbus goes on a brunch hunt, so to make things easier for you, I’ve rounded up some of the best brunch spots in Columbus, Ohio!
You may have some favorite things that didn’t appear on the list. Are they on my list of best breakfasts in Columbus instead?
Why? Gemüt does many things well: it brews excellent German beer, pairs it with interesting food, offers a giant beer garden, and brings a historic building to life. Weekend brunch features unique finds such as Boursin omelettes, kraut, gravlox, cakes, and chicken steak with pancakes. Bonus for solid vegetarian options!
where? 734 Oak Street, Old Town East
Read more: Beer and German food in a historic fire station
Why? Bonifacio is one of the best Filipino restaurants in town, and its weekend brunch offers creative spins on traditional dishes, like a larger breakfast version of lumpia wraps, fried chicken with waffles, loaded arroz caldo, silog (pictured above), and a… Shared with rice, eggs, vegetables and Filipino sausage.
where? 1577 King Street, Grandview / 5xNW
Read more: Bonifacio
Why? The Pearl is Cameron Mitchell’s pub concept, and they have always produced a fantastic weekend brunch. You’ll find great snacks and appetizers like devils on horseback and jalapeno cornbread, plus a full selection of salads, fresh oysters, and dishes like pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and a benny bar (pictured above).
where? 641 N High Street, Short North and 88 N High Street, Dublin
Read more: The pearl
Why? The food at Hoof Hearted is as whimsical and beloved as the beer and brands. So, while sipping on a South of Eleven triple IPA or a Girth Brooks stout, enjoy brunch cocktails, Brunch Ballz (aka donut holes), Dad Bod double cheeseburgers, Father Figure veggie burgers, or the all-inclusive Nacho Breakfast (shown above). .
where? 850 N 4th Street Italian Village
Read more: Hof Hart Brewery and Kitchen
Why? Even since its debut in 2013, Wolf’s Ridge has racked up a string of triumphs: one of the city’s best restaurants, award-winning beers, a lively dining room and event space. This weekend brunch is easily ranked as one of the best in the city. Sip on a cocktail or sip on a house beer (the creamy Daybreak Coffee drink is particularly apt) while savoring donut holes, pork belly over polenta, burnt hash, and frog in a hole (see above!).
See also: Weekend brunch at WRB’s sister location Understory in the Old North.
where? 214 n. Fourth Street, downtown
Read more: Wolf Ridge Brewing
Why? Valter’s is the pub located in the headquarters of the German village of Columbus Maennerchor. Walther and his crew expertly combine German and American classics, like French toast and pancakes along with corned beef and hot skillets loaded with sausage and potatoes.
where? 976 S. High Street, German Village
Read more: Walter in Maennerchor
Why? When you ask people about their favorite breakfast and brunch spots in Columbus, Kitchen Social usually comes up quickly. The easy-to-love bar program and menus often combine international flavors with American bar classics. The brunch menu includes breakfast tacos, French toast, chicken and waffles, and biscuits and gravy. And don’t miss the Cinnabisque Biscuits and Cheddar Scallion Biscuits!
where? 8954 Lyra Dr, Polaris and 6791 Longshore Street, Dublin
Read more: Social kitchen
Why? The Sycamore is an old German village pub that has changed hands in recent years. The newest version retains the beloved neighborhood vibe while offering specialty coffee service (using Thunderkiss beans), fresh pastries, and easy-to-love dishes like avocado toast, veggie omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
where? 262 Sycamore Street – German Village
Read more: Coffee and breakfast at The Sycamore in German Village
Why? Northstar Cafe is a morning mainstay all over Columbus, starting with their Short North location and expanding to Beechwold, Easton, and Westerville. And while their prices have risen enough that this writer isn’t a regular anymore, the appeal of the Cold 9 pancakes, mushroom frittatas, and breakfast burritos is undeniable.
where? 951 n. High Street, Short North; 4241 n. High Street, Clintonville/Beechhold; 4015 Townsfair Way, Easton; 109 S. State St., Westerville
Read more: Northstar Cafe Easton
Photo courtesy facebook.com/lindeysrestaurant
Why? Lindey’s is a Columbus dining institution, inhabiting its beautiful brick-lined corner of German Village since owner Sue Doody opened it in 1981 (Doody sadly passed away in 2018). Lindey’s brunch menu is as classic as they come, though that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of attention. You’ll find some of the best eggs Benedict in town, croque madame, beignets, quiche, and smoked salmon rosti.
where? 169 E. Peck Street, German Village
Read more: Lindy
Why? Not only does Milestone 229 serve up respectable Sunday brunch, but its large, curving patio offers some of the best views of the riverfront and city skyline. Sure, it may suffer from nearby construction from time to time, but it’s always worth a visit for eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, short rib poutine, and breakfast pizza.
where? 229 S. Madani Center Dr., Downtown
Read more: Teacher 229
Why? It would be easy to write off OtC as a neighborhood bar, and it has that charm, but the restaurant – formerly a pharmacy – isn’t shy about producing great food. You’ll find the cure for what ails you at brunch: Bloody Marys, chicken and waffles, skillets, corned beef, and egg sandwiches.
where? 5596 n. High Street, Worthington
Read more: over the counter
Why? You can find Goodale Station on the top floor of the Canopy By Hilton hotel across from the Convention Center. With their large windows and glass ceiling, these rooms offer some of the best views of the city, and Chef Jonathan Olson and his team serve up excellent food. For lunch, you can eat brioche French toast, and breakfast tacos, burgers, steak and eggs, and lobster.
where? 77 E. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District/Downtown
Read more: Drinks and dinner on the 12th floor of Goodall Station
Why? The Guild House, another Cameron Mitchell Short North location, is located on the main floor of Le Méridien, Hotel Joseph. It serves dynamic breakfast, lunch and dinner, and while breakfast is served seven days a week, the weekend brunch menu deserves a special look. Start with pastries and fresh juices, move on to oysters and burrata, then sample the lobster and eggs, waffles, truffle eggs, or signature smoked chicken tenders.
where? 624 n. High Street, Short North
Read more: Guild house
Why? The Worthington Tavern was a welcome addition to Old Worthington, with its outstanding bar program, patio space, and interesting pub fare. Their weekend brunch hits all the marks, with Bloody Marys, espresso martinis, steak and eggs, and chicken and waffles. Don’t miss the breakfast sandwich with eggs dipped in panko or the bar’s shareable rancheros.
where? 671 High Street, Worthington
Read more: Breakfast sandwiches, burritos and rancheros dip at Worthington Tavern’s new weekend brunch
Why? 101 Beer Kitchen could have outdone their dynamic beer lineup, but instead they’ve upped the ante by producing a creative menu like Pigs in the Blanket, crab and risotto cakes, chorizo stew with cornbread, and banana fritters. (Pictured above is a previous item, a custard-filled baguette that resembles a giant Twinkie.)
where? 7509 Sawmill Road, Dublin; 397 Stoneridge Lane, Gahanna; 817 Polaris Parkway, Westerville
Read more: 101 Beer Kitchen in Dublin
