Athens has always felt like a city that wakes up with intention—mornings here are slow, thoughtful, and full of flavor. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a sunny garden cafe or tucking into a buttery biscuit in a bustling diner, breakfast and brunch in Athens set the tone for the day. I remember thinking, “If every town fed you this well, weekends would last forever.” What makes it even better? Each spot brings its own story to the table—from soulful Southern staples to creative spins on the classics.
Best Breakfast and Weekend Brunch Spots in Athens
Starting the day right at Athens Bagel Company
There’s a comfort to starting the morning with a warm, fresh bagel—especially in a place like Athens Bagel Company, where the energy feels both laid-back and alive. The sun filtered through the windows as college students filtered in, half-awake and smiling. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of simple that feels like a small joy.” It was casual, cozy, and totally satisfying.
What I Loved Most: The bagels are made fresh daily, and the vibe is classic coffeehouse—easygoing with plenty of charm.
My highlights? I had the “Classic” breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel with scrambled eggs, cheddar, and crispy bacon. Paired with a strong iced coffee and a window seat, it was the perfect low-key Athens morning.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 268 N Jackson St, Athens, GA 30601
- Vibe: Chill, casual, student-friendly
- Cost: $8–$15 per person
- Hours: Open daily from 7AM (closed Mondays)
Comfort food with a twist at Mama’s Boy Restaurant
Brunch at Mama’s Boy felt like stepping into someone’s family kitchen—if that kitchen happened to serve up biscuits the size of your head and sweet tea that could fix just about anything. The place was buzzing, but not rushed. I remember thinking, “This is what slow Southern mornings should always feel like—unhurried and filled with butter.”
What I Loved Most: The cheerful energy, generous portions, and Southern comfort with flair.
My highlights? I ordered the Georgia Peach French Toast and a side of their famous cheese grits. It was rich, warm, and somehow made the whole day feel like a hug.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 197 Oak St, Athens, GA 30601
- Vibe: Southern, upbeat, friendly
- Cost: $10–$18 per person
- Hours: Daily 7AM–2:30PM
A quiet gem at Donderos’ Kitchen
This felt like the kind of place locals don’t want you to find—quiet, tucked into a leafy corner of town, with a menu full of love and global touches. As I sat outside with the morning light coming through the trees, I remember thinking, “This might be the most peaceful start to a day I’ve had in months.”
What I Loved Most: The garden seating and thoughtfully prepared, globally inspired dishes.
My highlights? I tried the quiche with spinach and goat cheese and a fresh fruit cup, followed by a perfectly made latte. Everything felt nourishing and personal.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 584 N Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30601
- Vibe: Serene, artsy, homey
- Cost: $8–$14 per person
- Hours: Mon–Sat 8AM–2PM
Retro and heartfelt at Em’s Kitchen at Hawthorne Drugs
It’s impossible not to smile at Em’s. Set inside a real old-school drugstore, this place has so much personality. The tables were full of neighbors chatting over coffee and biscuits. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of spot you hope to stumble on, the one that still feels like a secret.”
What I Loved Most: The nostalgic setting, genuine hospitality, and down-home classics.
My highlights? I had the Southern-style breakfast bowl with sausage, grits, scrambled eggs, and cheddar—and it was exactly what I didn’t know I was craving.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 975 Hawthorne Ave, Athens, GA 30606
- Vibe: Vintage, quirky, community-centered
- Cost: $7–$12 per person
- Hours: Mon–Sat 7AM–3PM
Southern elegance at Five and Ten
Five and Ten was the kind of brunch that makes you slow down and notice the details: the way the light hits your table, how the server sets down the dish like a gift. I remember thinking, “This is brunch grown up—still soulful, but elevated in every bite.”
What I Loved Most: The refined Southern flavors and beautifully plated meals in a historic house.
My highlights? The duck confit hash with eggs and hollandaise was rich and delicate all at once. I sipped a mimosa on the porch and let time stretch just a little longer.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 1073 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
- Vibe: Upscale, relaxed, thoughtful
- Cost: $20–$35 per person
- Hours: Sunday Brunch 11AM–2PM
Reliable and cozy at J. Christopher’s
J. Christopher’s is the kind of brunch spot that makes you feel at home, even if you’ve never been. The staff knew regulars by name and there was that faint clatter of mugs and silverware that felt like morning comfort. I remember thinking, “Sometimes, simple is exactly what I need.”
What I Loved Most: Friendly service, cozy booths, and a huge menu with something for everyone.
My highlights? I had the Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries and a side of applewood bacon. Nothing fancy—just done really well.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 1650 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
- Vibe: Comfortable, classic, family-friendly
- Cost: $10–$16 per person
- Hours: Daily 7AM–2PM
Local legend: Last Resort Grill
There’s something iconic about brunching at Last Resort. Maybe it’s the mural outside or the buzz that always seems to be there. I remember thinking, “This feels like the beating heart of brunch in Athens.” It was energetic, flavorful, and full of character.
What I Loved Most: The creativity in the dishes, the vibrant atmosphere, and the cool art-filled space.
My highlights? I ordered the Praline French Toast with caramelized bananas, and every bite felt like a little celebration.
Plan your brunch:
- Location: 184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
- Vibe: Lively, artsy, beloved
- Cost: $15–$25 per person
- Hours: Weekend Brunch 10AM–3PM
Wrap-up
Brunch in Athens isn’t just a meal—it’s part of the city’s rhythm. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back like it’s a second home, these spots offer more than just great food. They’re places where memories are made between sips of coffee, laughter over biscuits, and sunny patio conversations. No matter what you’re craving, Athens is ready to serve it up with warmth, flavor, and a little Georgia charm.Related Links
Jump to a Spot...
- • Starting the day right at Athens Bagel Company
- • Comfort food with a twist at Mama’s Boy Restaurant
- • A quiet gem at Donderos’ Kitchen
- • Retro and heartfelt at Em’s Kitchen at Hawthorne Drugs
- • Southern elegance at Five and Ten
- • Reliable and cozy at J. Christopher’s
- • Local legend: Last Resort Grill