Sunday brunch in this dynamic city boasts a diverse and delectable brunch scene catering to every palate and preference. Whether you’re in search of a leisurely post-church meal, a lively gathering spot with friends, or a solo culinary adventure, Columbia’s brunch establishments offer something for everyone.
From classic comfort food to innovative culinary creations, the city is a melting pot of brunch flavors. Treat yourself to fluffy pancakes drizzled with golden syrup, savory eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce, or hearty breakfast sandwiches stacked with fresh ingredients. For those partial to Southern cuisine, relish mouthwatering grits, crispy bacon, and biscuits smothered in gravy.
Columbia’s brunch scene extends beyond the food; it’s also about the ambiance. Uncover charming, locally-owned cafes with cozy nooks perfect for intimate gatherings. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of trendy restaurants with outdoor patios ideal for people-watching. Many establishments offer creative brunch cocktails and bottomless mimosa options to enhance your dining experience.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, exploring Columbia’s brunch scene is essential. From hidden gems nestled in quiet neighborhoods to popular hotspots in the heart of downtown, there’s a brunch spot waiting to be discovered. So gather your loved ones, plan your brunch adventure, and prepare to savor the best that Columbia has to offer.
Columbia, SC is an excellent city for families, and its brunch scene is no exception. With a variety of kid-friendly options, delicious food, and welcoming atmospheres, there’s something to satisfy everyone. Let’s explore some of the best brunch spots in town that are perfect for a family outing.
- 1305 Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201
The Toasty Hot Spot is the best for a taste of homemade goodness in a cozy and welcoming environment. A cherished Columbia establishment renowned for its classic American comfort food and cordial service.
The Toasty Hot Spot distinguishes itself through its commitment to simple, flavorful dishes crafted with fresh ingredients. Their menu offers a nostalgic journey, featuring all-day breakfast options that will tempt your palate. Picture light, airy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, savory omelets filled with your preferred ingredients, and substantial breakfast sandwiches to energize your day.
However, breakfast isn’t their sole offering. Lunch and dinner at The Toasty Hot Spot are equally gratifying. Bite into a succulent burger stacked with melted cheese and crisp toppings, relish a comforting plate of chicken fried steak with velvety gravy, or indulge in a generous serving of their classic mac and cheese. Be sure to explore their daily specials, featuring a rotating selection of homemade dishes that showcase the finest Southern comfort food.
Columbia residents praise The Toasty Hot Spot for several reasons. The warm and inviting atmosphere feels like an extension of your own home, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal with family or friends. The ample portions, amiable service, and emphasis on quality ingredients ensure a satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re craving a traditional breakfast or a comforting lunch or dinner, The Toasty Hot Spot delivers a taste of Americana that will leave you feeling content and satisfied.
Country Boy Sausage Melt
Tater Tots
Red Velvet French Toast
- 2617 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29223
Seeking delicious grits bowl, look no further than The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli, a Columbia institution cherished by locals and praised for its distinctive approach to classic comfort food. Forget ordinary pancakes and unremarkable muffins. Here, breakfast transforms into a celebration with their signature cinnamon rolls – enormous, indulgent pastries that nearly constitute a meal on their own.
Flavors span from the traditional gooey cinnamon to more daring options like blueberry cream cheese or peanut butter cup. However, their menu extends beyond these sweet treats. Savory delights such as breakfast sandwiches generously stacked with fresh ingredients and innovative quiche selections ensure there’s an option for every palate.
Devine’s laid-back, inviting ambiance and amiable service make it the ideal spot to begin your day with a delectable and memorable brunch. It’s no surprise that locals regard it as a top contender in Columbia’s thriving brunch scene.
Grits Bowl
Apple Cobbler
Cinnabon
The Cheesy Egg
- 709 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Make your way to smallSUGAR, a James Beard Award finalist that has won over the hearts and palates of Columbia locals. Escape the city’s commotion on their picturesque patio, enveloped by verdant foliage, and relish a menu that reimagines breakfast staples.
Offerings such as ricotta hotcakes adorned with maple syrup and candied pecans provide a touch of sophistication, while savory options like smoked salmon toast topped with dill cream cheese and capers ensure a satisfying start to your day. Beyond their delightful cuisine, smallSUGAR presents a carefully curated selection of teas and house-made pastries, ideal for a leisurely morning indulgence.
The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and its Instagram-worthy setting establish it as a prime choice for a truly memorable brunch experience in Columbia.
Overnight Oats
Ricotta Tartine
Sweet Potato Bowl
- 300 State St. W. Columbia, SC 29169
Columbia’s brunch landscape would be incomplete without Cafe Strudel, a local institution renowned for its ample servings and homey appeal. This vibrant eatery presents a taste of Southern comfort with an innovative twist.
Their famed “Hangover Hash Browns” are a must-sample dish, featuring a heap of hash browns topped with sausage, peppers, onions, and melted cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in their pineapple Hawaiian bread French toast, a local favorite dipped in egg batter and grilled to golden perfection. However, Cafe Strudel accommodates all tastes, offering lighter options such as yogurt parfaits and fruit platters.
Beyond its delectable cuisine, the cafe’s energetic ambiance and cordial service foster a welcoming environment for families and friends alike. It’s no surprise that Cafe Strudel remains a top choice for Columbia residents, delivering a taste of Southern hospitality alongside their delicious brunch offerings.
Gambas Grits
Smokehouse Omelet
Breakfast Burger
- 823 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
The Hollow transcends the typical brunch venue. This Columbia gem embraces a “forest-to-table” philosophy, offering a distinctive brunch experience that showcases the abundance of the American landscape. Instead of the usual fare, expect to encounter seasonal dishes featuring bison, duck, boar, and even foraged mushrooms.
Don’t be daunted by the adventurous menu – their brunch caters to diverse palates. Carnivores will delight in the bison short rib hash, while vegetarians can relish a flavorful wild mushroom and ricotta frittata. The Hollow boldly reimagines classics, such as their duck confit eggs Benedict served atop toasted brioche.
Coupled with their dedication to fresh, local ingredients and a welcoming ambiance, The Hollow distinguishes itself from the crowd. It’s no surprise that Columbia locals regard it as a top choice for a brunch experience that’s both delectable and unexpected.
Stuffed French Toast
Grilled Sourdough
Rabbit and Grits
- 1221 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
Halls Chophouse is a Columbia favorite renowned for its exceptional service and upscale interpretation of classic brunch dishes. This refined establishment elevates your morning repast with prime cuts of steak and locally-sourced seafood.
Indulge in their signature Chophouse Omelette, a lavish creation filled with bacon, peppers, onions, and their proprietary steak sauce. For a more delicate option, sample their Southern Sweet Potato Pancakes – airy pancakes adorned with a brown sugar glaze and crowned with candied pecans and banana slices.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Halls Chophouse boasts a sophisticated ambiance and features a celebrated gospel choir that performs on Sundays, infusing your brunch experience with a touch of Southern charm. Locals regard Halls Chophouse as a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable brunch that marries exquisite cuisine with polished hospitality.
Eggs Benedict
Waffle
Apple-Sage Sausage
- 1207 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29201
Columbia locals recommend Hampton Street Vineyard for a refined and diverse brunch experience. This French-inspired eatery offers a seasonal menu that artfully combines classic American brunch dishes with a touch of Gallic sophistication.
Begin your day with their signature “Classic Benedict,” featuring poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce atop a bed of home fries. For those seeking a lighter option, the “Grain Bowl” presents a customizable creation showcasing chef-selected grains and an assortment of seasonal grilled vegetables.
Hampton Street Vineyard caters to varied preferences, offering choices for meat enthusiasts such as the “Steak Frites” – a succulent teras major steak accompanied by herbed butter and demi-glace. Seafood aficionados can indulge in daily catch options featured in their “Seafood Benedict.”
Beyond its delectable cuisine, the restaurant boasts an intimate, charming ambiance and an extensive wine selection, ideal for those desiring a sophisticated brunch experience. With its dedication to fresh ingredients and a unique fusion of French and Southern influences, Hampton Street Vineyard stands as a prime choice for a memorable brunch in Columbia.
Tomato Bisque
Chicken Salad Sandwhich
French Omlette
- 920 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Motor Supply Co. Bistro is a brunch spot that honors local ingredients and Southern hospitality, a Columbia institution celebrated for its farm-to-fork ethos. This historic establishment, housed in a former motor supply store, presents a dynamic brunch menu that mirrors the season’s abundance.
Treat yourself to house-made pimento cheese boards brimming with creamy goodness, a quintessential Southern delicacy. For a more substantial option, relish their signature Shrimp and Grits, a classic dish teeming with fresh local shrimp and velvety grits. Vegetarians can delight in the seasonal Frittata, a culinary masterpiece showcasing local farm-fresh produce.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Motor Supply Co. Bistro boasts a welcoming ambiance with a distinctive blend of historic charm and contemporary refinement. Their extensive beverage selection features “Columbia’s Best Bloody Mary” and Irish Coffee, ideal accompaniments to your brunch experience.
Locals regard them as a top choice for good reason: Motor Supply Co. Bistro delivers a memorable brunch that marries exquisite, local fare with a touch of Southern tradition.
Caribbean Breakfast
Brioche French Toast
M.S.C. Breakfast Bowl
- 711 E Main St. Lexington, SC 29072
Creekside Restaurant provides a traditional, unpretentious brunch plates that has cultivated a dedicated following. This intimate local eatery exudes a diner-like charm where cordial service and generous portions take center stage.
Patrons enthusiastically recommend their liver pudding, a Southern delicacy, and Rhotens hand-rolled sausage, both exemplifying the restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients. While Creekside may lack the refined atmosphere of some competitors, it excels in flavor and value, making it a favored choice for those seeking a fulfilling and budget-friendly brunch.
Their full French toast stands out as a menu highlight, according to customers, demonstrating the establishment’s commitment to classic comfort cuisine.
Pancake
French Toast
Breakfast Bowl
- 2430 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
A brunch with an inventive spin would be no other than Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits, a Columbia favorite celebrated for its colossal, house-made biscuits. This establishment transcends the typical brunch spot, serving as a sanctuary for biscuit enthusiasts seeking indulgent and innovative creations.
The undisputed star is their signature biscuit, a fluffy masterpiece available in an array of savory and sweet variations. Indulge in the “Noma Biscuit,” featuring crispy fried chicken adorned with scallion aioli and zesty pickles, or opt for the “Seared Pork Belly Biscuit,” a lavish combination of tender pork belly, velvety cheese spread, and house-made pepper jelly. Vegetarians are accommodated with options like the flavorful “Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Sausage Biscuit.” Beyond biscuits, their menu showcases classic brunch fare with a Southern twist, such as the “Heirloom Tomato BLT with Spicy Bacon and Duke’s Mayo.”
The relaxed ambiance and amiable service at Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits enhance its appeal. Whether you visit their flagship location on Main Street or their outpost at the Richland Library Atrium, you’re assured a delectable and satisfying brunch experience. Locals regard it as a top contender for its perfect fusion of Southern comfort food and innovative flavors, offering a truly distinctive take on the classic brunch experience.
Sausage Biscuit
Avocado Toast
Cheesy Hashbrown Bake
