Top 10 Best Breakfast Places in Columbia, SC: Local Favorites in Richland County (2026)
Columbia, South Carolina, knows how to do breakfast right. Whether you're craving fluffy pancakes, homemade biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, or a freshly baked cinnamon roll, the capital city has plenty of delicious options.
Some of the best breakfast places in Columbia, SC, include The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli, The Original Pancake House, Eggs Up Grill, Vicious Biscuit, and Lizard's Thicket. These favorites offer everything from traditional Southern breakfasts to creative weekend brunch dishes.
Whether you're a longtime resident, visiting for the weekend, or considering moving to the Midlands, exploring local restaurants is a great way to experience the community. For more adventures, check out our guide to the 12 best things to do in Columbia, SC.
Below, we're highlighting 10 popular breakfast restaurants throughout the greater Columbia area, including what makes each special, what customers enjoy ordering, and approximately how much you can expect to spend.
Best Breakfast Places in Columbia, SC, at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best For | Estimated Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Best For Estimated Cost Per Person The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli | Cinnamon rolls and sandwiches | $8–$15 |
| The Original Pancake House | Pancakes and family breakfasts | $10–$20 |
| Eggs Up Grill | Affordable traditional breakfasts | $10–$17 |
| Vicious Biscuit | Creative Southern biscuits | $12–$20 |
| Another Broken Egg Cafe | Weekend brunch | $15–$25 |
| Lizard's Thicket | Southern comfort food | $8–$15 |
| Ruby Sunshine | New Orleans-inspired brunch | $15–$25 |
| The Toasty Hot Spot | Lowcountry-inspired dishes | $12–$22 |
| Tupelo Honey | Upscale Southern brunch | $15–$25 |
| The Gourmet Shop | Creative brunch and comfort food | $12–$22 |
Prices are approximate estimates per person, not verified menu averages. Tax, tips, and specialty beverages may increase your total.
1. The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli – Best for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Location: Devine Street, Columbia Estimated cost: $8–$15 per person
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli is a must-try for anyone who enjoys something sweet with breakfast. Known for its homemade cinnamon rolls, this locally loved restaurant offers creative flavors alongside hearty breakfast sandwiches and grits bowls.
What makes it especially popular is the combination of generous portions and playful menu selections. It's an excellent choice for a quick breakfast or a relaxed morning with friends.
Popular orders: Original cinnamon rolls, specialty cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, and loaded grits.
Love pairing breakfast with great coffee? Explore our guide to the best coffee shops in Columbia, SC.
2. The Original Pancake House – Best for Pancakes and Family Breakfasts
Location: Forest Acres area Estimated cost: $10–$20 per person
If you're searching for the best pancakes in Columbia, SC, The Original Pancake House deserves consideration.
Known for its traditional breakfast atmosphere and extensive menu, this restaurant offers everything from fluffy pancakes and waffles to eggs, bacon, and omelets.
Its signature Dutch Baby pancake is an especially distinctive choice.
Why customers like it: Family-friendly seating, familiar breakfast favorites, and plenty of options for different appetites.
Popular orders: Dutch Baby pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles, and traditional egg breakfasts.
3. Eggs Up Grill – Best for Affordable Breakfast
Location: Columbia area Estimated cost: $10–$17 per person
Eggs Up Grill is a dependable option for anyone looking for an affordable breakfast in Columbia, SC.
Its menu includes omelets, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and traditional egg platters.
The casual atmosphere makes it particularly convenient for families, coworkers, and anyone wanting a satisfying breakfast without a complicated menu.
Why customers like it: Reasonable prices, familiar dishes, and a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Popular orders: Traditional breakfast platters, omelets, pancakes, and biscuits with sausage gravy.
4. Vicious Biscuit – Best for Southern Biscuit Lovers
Location: Columbia area Estimated cost: $12–$20 per person
Vicious Biscuit takes traditional Southern breakfast food and gives it a creative twist.
Instead of ordinary biscuit sandwiches, expect oversized biscuits filled with ingredients such as fried chicken, eggs, gravy, and pimento cheese.
It's especially appealing for diners who enjoy bold flavors and hearty portions.
Why customers like it: Fluffy biscuits, creative combinations, and filling meals.
Popular orders: Fried chicken biscuits, biscuits and gravy, and specialty biscuit sandwiches.
5. Another Broken Egg Cafe – Best for Weekend Brunch
Location: Columbia area Estimated cost: $15–$25 per person
Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a more elaborate breakfast experience, making it a popular option for weekend brunch in Columbia, SC.
The menu features specialty omelets, French toast, eggs Benedict, and Southern-inspired breakfast dishes.
It's an inviting choice for catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion.
Why customers like it: Creative menu selections, sweet and savory choices, and a relaxed sit-down dining experience.
Popular orders: Eggs Benedict variations, French toast, and breakfast beignets.
6. Lizard's Thicket – Best for Traditional Southern Breakfast
Location: Multiple Columbia-area locations Estimated cost: $8–$15 per person
Few restaurants represent traditional South Carolina comfort food quite like Lizard's Thicket.
This family-owned restaurant chain has long been associated with home-style meals, including eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits, and sausage gravy.
For anyone searching for a Southern breakfast in Columbia, SC, it's an approachable choice with familiar flavors.
Why customers like it: Affordable meals, traditional country cooking, and a casual atmosphere.
Popular orders: Eggs and bacon, biscuits with gravy, and grits.
After breakfast, consider visiting one of the top 10 public parks in Columbia, SC for a family outing or peaceful morning walk.
7. Ruby Sunshine – Best for New Orleans-Inspired Breakfast
Location: Five Points, Columbia Estimated cost: $15–$25 per person
Ruby Sunshine brings a taste of New Orleans to Columbia's popular Five Points neighborhood.
Its menu includes Southern breakfast classics with Louisiana-inspired flavors, making it a great choice for diners wanting something beyond a basic breakfast platter.
The restaurant is particularly known for its variety of eggs Benedict dishes and brunch specialties.
Why customers like it: Creative breakfast combinations, distinctive flavors, and a lively atmosphere.
Popular orders: Eggs Benedict, shrimp and grits, breakfast beignets, and biscuits and gravy.
8. The Toasty Hot Spot – Best for Lowcountry-Inspired Breakfast
Location: 2002 Greene Street, Columbia Estimated cost: $12–$22 per person
The Toasty Hot Spot is a locally owned breakfast and lunch restaurant offering Southern comfort food with a creative twist.
Its menu focuses on shrimp and grits, customizable grit bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and sweet breakfast favorites.
Its Five Points location makes it convenient for people exploring the University of South Carolina area.
Why customers like it: Flavorful comfort food, welcoming hospitality, and creative breakfast options.
Popular orders: Shrimp and grits, grit bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty lemonades.
9. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar – Best for an Upscale Southern Brunch
Location: BullStreet District, Columbia Estimated cost: $15–$25 per person
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar offers a modern approach to Southern comfort food.
Known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern-inspired dishes, the restaurant provides a more polished atmosphere than a traditional breakfast diner.
It's a great option for a leisurely brunch, celebration, or weekend outing.
Why customers like it: Comfortable surroundings, creative Southern dishes, and a more upscale dining experience.
Popular orders: Fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern-inspired brunch plates.
10. The Gourmet Shop – Best for a Charming Café Breakfast
Location: 724 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205, United States Estimated cost: $12–$22 per person
For anyone searching for a charming breakfast café in Columbia, SC, The Gourmet Shop is an excellent choice.
Located in the heart of Five Points, this longtime local favorite combines a specialty food market with a café offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Visitors can enjoy breakfast croissants, grits bowls, pastries, and coffee before browsing the shop's selection of cheeses, gourmet foods, and kitchen accessories.
Its sidewalk seating makes it especially appealing for a relaxing weekend brunch.
Why customers like it: Charming outdoor seating, specialty food selections, fresh pastries, and a distinctive neighborhood atmosphere.
Popular orders: Brie and bacon croissants, egg and cheese croissants, grits bowls, and pastries.
Brunch is served weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the restaurant's official website.
Which Columbia Breakfast Restaurant Should You Choose?
If you're having trouble deciding, consider what kind of breakfast experience you want.
For families, The Original Pancake House and Eggs Up Grill offer familiar dishes and plenty of variety. For Southern comfort food, Lizard's Thicket and Vicious Biscuit are excellent starting points.
If you're celebrating a special occasion, consider Ruby Sunshine, Another Broken Egg Cafe, or Tupelo Honey. For something sweet, The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli stands out.
For a charming café atmosphere, The Gourmet Shop is another excellent option.
And if you're looking for more than breakfast, explore our top 10 restaurants in Columbia, SC for additional lunch and dinner ideas.
Explore More of Columbia After Breakfast
A great breakfast is only the beginning of a fun day in South Carolina's capital.
Richland County offers walking trails, scenic parks, riverfront recreation, and outdoor attractions for visitors of all ages.
For ideas on how to spend the rest of your morning or afternoon, explore our guide to the most popular outdoor activities in Columbia, SC.
The Bottom Line: Discover Your Favorite Breakfast in Columbia, SC
From homemade cinnamon rolls and fluffy pancakes to Southern biscuits and weekend brunch, Columbia offers breakfast options for nearly every taste and budget.
Exploring locally loved restaurants is also a wonderful way to get to know a neighborhood before deciding where to live.
At Bluefield Realty Group, we understand that finding the right home means finding a community you'll enjoy every day. Whether you're relocating to Columbia, buying your first home, or exploring Richland County neighborhoods, our team is here to help you find your place in the Midlands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast in Columbia, SC
What are the best breakfast places in downtown Columbia, SC?
Ruby Sunshine, The Toasty Hot Spot, and The Gourmet Shop are popular choices in Five Points. Tupelo Honey is another option in the nearby BullStreet District.
Where can you get biscuits and gravy in Columbia?
Lizard's Thicket, Vicious Biscuit, Eggs Up Grill, and Ruby Sunshine are worth considering for biscuit-based Southern breakfasts.
What are the most affordable breakfast restaurants in Columbia?
Lizard's Thicket and Eggs Up Grill offer comparatively budget-friendly breakfast options. Prices depend on your order.
Where can you find breakfast near USC?
The Toasty Hot Spot, Ruby Sunshine, and The Gourmet Shop are convenient choices in the Five Points area near the University of South Carolina.
Are there breakfast restaurants open all day in Columbia?
Many specialty breakfast restaurants close in the early afternoon, although some serve breakfast throughout their operating hours. Check each restaurant's current menu and schedule before visiting.
