Brunch in Asheville is something of an art form. As you walk the charming streets, you notice the buzz—not just from the coffee, but from the simple pleasure of late-morning feasts. With the mountains in the background and southern hospitality in the air, Asheville’s brunch scene manages to blend local flavor with just the right dash of originality. You’ll find spots where farm eggs meet creative twists, and simple dishes become stories worth telling.
I’ve found myself crossing the city on crisp mornings for just the right biscuit or lingering on a sunny patio, muffin crumbs in hand, convinced that brunch here isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual. Looking for flaky pastries, pillowy pancakes, vegetarian delights, or classic Southern comfort food? This list covers every craving. Here’s a local’s-eye view of the city’s best brunches, curated to save you time—and maybe spare you a few decisions duels with your friends. Grab your fork, and let’s explore Asheville’s finest brunch spots.
Where to find the best brunch in Asheville, NC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best brunch in Asheville, NC:
- Another Broken Egg
- Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery
- IHOP
- Waffle House
- Denny’s
- Early Girl Eatery
- Sunny Point Cafe & Bakery
- Fig
- Isa’s Bistro
- Red Stag Grill
1. Another Broken Egg
Another Broken Egg, tucked inside Biltmore Park, brings a touch of Southern charm with a twist. The dining room is modern but unfussy, comfortable enough for a solo bite or a lingering family brunch. It’s the kind of place where friendly staff remember your coffee order if you come back often enough.
On my last visit, I lingered over their signature City Grits—warm, creamy grits topped with gooey cheese, scallions, and turkey sausage. Each bite was pure comfort but with a little kick. The omelets are fluffy and packed with fresh produce; try the Monterey omelet for a blend of spice and substance.
Expect bold brunch classics reinvented with local ingredients and thoughtful presentations. If you want something quick, go for the cinnamon roll French toast—it’s indulgent and oddly light. Whether you’re brunching for speed or leisure, Another Broken Egg delivers on both fronts.
2. Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery
Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery sits at the crossroads of cozy and efficient, drawing locals with the scent of fresh-baked bagels straight from the oven. The counter hums with friendly energy, and the lineup moves fast, even on busy Sunday mornings.
One visit turned my routine breakfast into a highlight—biting into a classic everything bagel with their signature Vermont cream cheese is a texture-lover’s dream. The bagels are chewy, golden, and taste like they were made in a New York borough.
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, go for the smoked salmon and veggie sandwich. The cream cheese, crisp veggies, and silky smoked salmon create a brunch worth pausing for. Add a custom-roasted coffee and you’ve got a top-tier Asheville brunch.
3. IHOP
IHOP in Asheville is the brunch spot where comfort meets consistency. With big windows and a familiar blue sign, it serves as a go-to for early risers and late-morning pancake fans alike. The staff always seem friendly, and the coffee pours keep coming, which never hurts.
For me, a stack of Original Buttermilk Pancakes is tough to beat. They’re fluffy, golden, and subtly sweet—perfect for anyone who grew up on Saturday morning breakfasts. If you’re planning to stay awhile, the veggie omelette brings color and flavor to your plate without feeling too heavy.
IHOP’s appeal lies in its reliable classics and customizable combos. Mix and match, add hash browns or fruit, and you’ll leave with your brunch cravings fully handled, just like I always do.
4. Waffle House
Waffle House is where Asheville goes when it wants brunch served quick, hot, and just the way you like it. This spot is open day and night, so you can count on satisfying your breakfast cravings whether you’re an early bird or running on “second breakfast” hours. The staff move with practiced ease, delivering comfort food with a side of laid-back charm.
I always return for the classic waffles—light, golden, and just sweet enough to need little more than a drizzle of syrup. The hash browns, available scattered, smothered, and everything in between, are a must for anyone craving a customizable brunch experience.
Waffle House stands out for its reliability and simplicity. You know exactly what you’ll get: strong coffee, hot plates, and a seat at the counter where every order feels like a small victory over hunger. No frills, just the classics done right.
5. Denny’s
Denny’s on Patton Ave is Asheville’s late-night and early-morning answer to classic American brunch. The spacious booths and bottomless coffee signal a lingering meal, whether you’re starting your day or winding down from a night out. The staff keeps things moving and never let a mug go empty.
I tend to stick with the Build Your Own Grand Slam. It’s a reliable way to satisfy a picky appetite or sample a little of everything—from scrambled eggs to their fluffy buttermilk pancakes. The veggie omelette is also a winner for lighter cravings.
Denny’s shines for its mix-and-match options, friendly pricing, and no-nonsense approach to brunch. You always know you’ll leave satisfied and full, no matter the hour.
6. Early Girl Eatery
Early Girl Eatery on Wall Street captures Asheville’s spirit in every plate. The vibe is low-key yet welcoming, with sunlight streaming in and a menu packed with love for local ingredients. On my first visit, I learned quickly why the place draws a crowd—every dish feels like a homemade treat, but with chef-level flair.
The Yam Scram is a true standout: creamy sweet potatoes, fresh veggies, and eggs all mingling together for a brunch that’s both Southern and refreshingly healthy. For something more traditional, the biscuits—tender and golden—are the definition of comfort.
Early Girl Eatery delivers farm-to-table brunch with simple, satisfying creativity. Lunch, dinner, or anytime breakfast here always feels like a slice of Asheville’s best.
7. Sunny Point Cafe & Bakery
Sunny Point Cafe & Bakery has mastered the art of Asheville brunch with its laid-back vibe, garden patio, and the soothing hum of happy diners. People line up here for a reason, and as I discovered during a breezy Saturday morning, the wait is part of the charm. There’s something about a cup of strong coffee and the anticipation of good food that starts the day right.
The Huevos Rancheros are my top pick—eggs, black beans, and house-made salsa on crisp tortillas, every bite bright and hearty. The lemon cornmeal pancakes are another favorite, balancing tang and sweetness with a tender crumb that makes seconds hard to resist.
Sunny Point stands out for inventive dishes and a reliable, feel-good atmosphere. This West Asheville staple delivers on every visit, whether you eat inside or enjoy the sunshine on the patio.
8. Fig
(828) 277-0889Call
Fig brings a slice of Paris to Asheville with a Southern accent. The dining space feels both chic and intimate, a spot where brunch can be an unrushed affair. On my last visit, sunlight poured through the windows, making a simple coffee feel like a treat.
Try the eggs Provençal if you want a dish that captures Fig’s knack for balancing rich flavors—herbed eggs, roasted tomato, and creamy potatoes. The buttermilk pancakes here are impossibly light and delicious enough to draw you back before you’re finished with your first plate.
Fig stands out for inventive takes on French-inspired brunch while keeping things casual and welcoming. This is where you linger over your meal, savoring every bite—and maybe every sip, too.
9. Isa’s Bistro
Isa’s Bistro sits on the corner of downtown with its lush patio and sleek, inviting bakery counter. The vibe is international—think French café meets Asheville cool. My first brunch here involved chasing flaky, house-made pastries with bold espresso, and wondering if I’d stumbled into a European holiday.
Chef-driven and ingredient-focused, the weekend brunch menu rotates—but don’t miss the shakshuka. This dish offers perfectly poached eggs in a spicy tomato stew with just the right amount of herbs. It’s hearty, bright, and full of flavor.
Isa’s Bistro excels at reinventing classics and keeping each plate rooted in local freshness. Sunny days on the patio here turn an ordinary brunch into a great Asheville memory.
10. Red Stag Grill
Red Stag Grill inside Biltmore Village delivers a brunch experience that blends Asheville’s mountain charm with a hearty nod to European comfort. The dining room feels like a rustic lodge, filled with warm wood and soft lighting—it’s easy to lose track of time here.
On my last visit, I lingered over the Truffle Potato Cake Benedict, where perfectly poached eggs meet a creamy hollandaise with a subtle earthiness. The grill blends classic techniques with regionally inspired touches in every dish.
Red Stag Grill is known for elevating brunch with refined flavors and a little flair. If you want something sweet after savory, the fresh berry parfait layers local fruit with tangy yogurt—a perfect, light finish to a memorable meal.
More Things to Try in Asheville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-try brunch spots in Asheville?
Early Girl Eatery, Sunny Point Cafe & Bakery, Biscuit Head, and Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar are local favorites. Each offers its own twist on Southern brunch and cozy Asheville vibes.
Are there vegetarian or vegan brunch options in Asheville?
Absolutely. Many cafes like Green Sage Cafe, Early Girl Eatery, and Sunny Point Cafe feature extensive vegetarian and vegan brunch menus—think tofu scrambles, veggie biscuits, and creative grain bowls.
Do I need a reservation for brunch in Asheville?
Reservations vary by spot. Some places, like Sunny Point Cafe, are walk-in only and can get quite busy on weekends, so arriving early helps. Upscale brunch spots or those in hotels often accept and recommend reservations.
What’s the Asheville brunch scene known for?
Asheville is famous for using local ingredients, creative takes on Southern classics, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Think fluffy biscuits, farm eggs, and unforgettable pancakes in charming, eclectic settings.
Are there brunch spots with outdoor seating?
Yes, many brunch restaurants have patios or covered outdoor dining, including Isa’s Bistro, Sunny Point Cafe, and Clingman Cafe. These are great for enjoying Asheville’s mountain air with your meal.