There’s something about breakfast in Columbus—it feels unrushed, thoughtful, like the city wants you to actually enjoy the start of your day. I didn’t need fancy. I just needed a strong cup of coffee, warm food made with love, and maybe a little local flair. I had the thought, “If more days started like this, I’d be unstoppable.” Whether tucked into a booth or out on a patio, these spots gave me room to breathe and something delicious to remember.
Best Breakfast and Weekend Brunch in Columbus, Ohio
Skillet
Skillet doesn’t try to do everything—it just does breakfast right. Local ingredients, rotating menus, and flavors that hit like a hug. It was one of those meals where you taste the intention. It struck me how something so simple could feel so satisfying.
What I Loved Most: The griddled buttermilk biscuits with rosemary sausage gravy—earthy, rich, and unforgettable.
My highlight? A seasonal fruit and ricotta toast that was just sweet enough and paired perfectly with strong coffee in a real mug.
Plan your Skillet brunch:
- Neighborhood: Schumacher Place
- Vibe: Rustic, farm-fresh, thoughtful
- Must Try: Biscuits & sausage gravy
- Cost: Moderate
- Hours: 8 AM–1:30 PM (Wed–Sun)
- Address: 410 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH
German Village Coffee Shop
This place is pure charm—no frills, just hearty portions and a counter full of regulars. I caught myself thinking, “This is the kind of spot where time slows down—on purpose.” The pancakes were fluffy, the service was fast, and everything felt familiar in the best way.
What I Loved Most: The sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on a homemade biscuit—melty, salty, and perfect.
My highlight? The pancakes, obviously. Add a side of crispy hash browns and it’s everything you want in a diner breakfast.
Plan your German Village Coffee Shop brunch:
- Neighborhood: German Village
- Vibe: Classic, cozy, unfussy
- Must Try: Pancakes + hash browns
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Hours: 7 AM–2 PM daily
- Address: 193 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH
Grand Day Cafe
Walking into Grand Day Cafe felt like being welcomed into someone’s sunny kitchen. Bright walls, friendly chatter, and food that felt like it had a soul. It felt like one of those mornings that quietly makes your whole week better.
What I Loved Most: The veggie-packed breakfast quesadilla with avocado crema—crispy, colorful, and filling in the best way.
My highlight? The house-made banana bread French toast. Warm, spiced, and just indulgent enough.
Plan your Grand Day Cafe brunch:
- Neighborhood: Grandview Heights
- Vibe: Bright, welcoming, creative
- Must Try: Banana bread French toast
- Cost: Moderate
- Hours: 7:30 AM–2 PM daily
- Address: 1485 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH
Hang Over Easy
There’s no mistaking the name—Hang Over Easy leans all the way into comfort food. But it’s more than greasy spoon fare—it’s clever, satisfying, and served with a wink. The thought crossed my mind: “This is the brunch you treat yourself to, no questions asked.”
What I Loved Most: The “Chicken & Waffles” with spicy syrup. Crunchy, savory, and exactly what I needed.
My highlight? Their signature “Dirty” hash—loaded with eggs, bacon, cheese, and hot sauce. It was a glorious mess.
Plan your Hang Over Easy brunch:
- Neighborhood: OSU Campus area
- Vibe: Fun, irreverent, comfort-forward
- Must Try: Chicken & waffles
- Cost: Affordable
- Hours: 7 AM–3 PM daily
- Address: 1646 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH
Katalina's
Katalina’s felt like brunch in technicolor—lively, Latin-inspired, and buzzing with flavor. Tucked into a tiny building with picnic tables outside, it’s the kind of spot that punches way above its size. I couldn’t help but think, “Every neighborhood should have a Katalina’s.”
What I Loved Most: The famous pancake balls—crispy on the outside, filled with Nutella or dulce de leche, and dusted with powdered sugar.
My highlight? The breakfast tacos with roasted pulled pork and avocado. Bold and beautiful.
Plan your Katalina’s brunch:
- Neighborhood: Harrison West
- Vibe: Eclectic, vibrant, fast-casual
- Must Try: Pancake balls
- Cost: Moderate
- Hours: 8 AM–3 PM daily
- Address: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH
La Chatelaine
La Chatelaine felt like a morning trip to Europe—without leaving Columbus. The smell of butter, the sound of French conversation behind the counter, and a display case full of temptation. I had the thought, “If I start every day like this, I may never leave.”
What I Loved Most: The croque monsieur with a perfectly golden crust, melty cheese, and a side of Lyonnaise potatoes.
My highlight? A warm almond croissant, eaten slowly with a cappuccino under a red awning outside.
Plan your La Chatelaine brunch:
- Neighborhood: Worthington
- Vibe: European, charming, elegant
- Must Try: Croque monsieur + almond croissant
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Hours: 8 AM–3 PM daily
- Address: 627 High St, Worthington, OH
Conclusion: The Best Kind of Morning
What I found in Columbus was more than a list of brunch spots—it was a rhythm. A way of slowing down, of starting the day with warmth and flavor. Each one left me just a little more grounded, full in all the right ways. It felt like brunch here wasn’t just about what was on the plate—but about how it made you feel after.