In Columbus, GA, brunch is not just a meal—it’s a ritual. There’s something about those sunlit café tables and the clinking of glasses that makes you glad the morning started slow. Having spent many Saturdays weaving through the city’s cozy corners and bustling diners, I’ve tasted just about every variation of biscuits, sipped on more iced coffee than most, and developed an uncanny knack for finding the ideal midday feast.
Finding the best brunch in Columbus is as much about discovery as it is about a good eggs benedict. Whether you savor a southern classic or lean toward lighter fare, this city delivers with its collection of casual bistros, timeless breakfast joints, and coffee nooks. I’ve compiled a list that filters out the average, focusing only on those places that truly capture the spirit of brunch in Columbus. Get ready to find your next favorite spot.
Where to find the best brunch in Columbus, GA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best brunch in Columbus, GA:
- Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits
- Ruth Ann’s Restaurant
- Houlihan’s
- Iron Bank Coffee Co.
- Houlihan’s Restaurant
- First Watch
- My Boulange
- Metro Diner
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
- The Loft
1. Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits
Wander into Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits, and you’ll find a place where breakfast classics feel fresh and familiar. Housed on 1st Ave, it’s the kind of spot where regulars greet you with a nod and staff serve up genuine Southern charm along with hearty plates.
The star here is their biscuit sandwich. Soft, flaky biscuits and perfectly seasoned chicken set a new standard. The texture says homemade, and each bite is just the right balance of crisp and tender. If you have time to linger, try their plate of scratch-made biscuits with a side of cheesy grits—they’re stick-to-your-ribs good.
Brunch at Plucked Up feels like Sunday at a friend’s kitchen table. It stands out for hospitality, thoughtful menu options, and a setting that always feels relaxed. Expect real flavor and no pretension—just the essence of Columbus comfort food.
2. Ruth Ann’s Restaurant
Ruth Ann’s Restaurant is a Columbus landmark, serving locals, soldiers, and road-trippers since 1959. Its old-school charm draws you in before you even spot the red sign out front. Stepping inside, I always pick up on that irresistible aroma of scratch-made biscuits and genuine hospitality—a rare combo.
Breakfast is served all day, which means you don’t have to rush for those legendary plates. The veggie omelet is packed with fresh peppers and cheese, while the home fries are golden and comforting. For brunch, the grits bowl gets my vote every time; creamy and filling, it sets the standard for Southern comfort.
Ruth Ann’s stands out for consistency, friendly service, and a menu that never pretends. It’s the sort of place where regulars return for memories as much as the food.
3. Houlihan’s
Houlihan’s, tucked inside the Columbus Marriott, feels effortlessly modern while nodding to comfort classics. The light pours into the dining room and out onto their deck, making it ideal for a lingering brunch. The staff have a relaxed, easy confidence that always makes me want to stay a little longer.
The menu covers everything from veggie-packed scrambles to thoughtful vegan options, each presented with a bit of flair. The avocado toast here isn’t shy; it’s topped with microgreens, radish, and a punch of lemon. Their brunch potatoes are golden on the edges, soft inside, and worth ordering as a side.
Houlihan’s stands out for its balanced mix of style and substance, whether you’re fueling up for the day or simply indulging in an unhurried weekend meal.
4. Iron Bank Coffee Co.
Iron Bank Coffee Co. is more than a coffee shop—it’s the kind of Downtown Columbus spot where brunch blends perfectly with a lazy morning or creative afternoon. Set inside a beautifully restored bank, the high ceilings and cozy nooks make it easy to settle in with friends or a good book. I’ve spent many mornings here, losing track of time over their signature lattes and pastries.
Their brunch menu leans fresh and inventive. Try the avocado toast, which is piled high and sprinkled with crisp veggies. Their breakfast burrito is light yet satisfying—easy to eat on the go but better enjoyed slowly. The highlight for me is their house-made granola bowl, layered with yogurt and seasonal fruit, which tastes like thoughtful simplicity.
Iron Bank stands out for its mellow vibe, excellent coffee, and creative brunch bites that hit the spot every time.
5. Houlihan’s Restaurant
At Houlihan’s Restaurant on Sidney Simons Blvd, brunch has a polished yet relaxed vibe. With floor-to-ceiling windows and cushy booths, this spot inside the DoubleTree is a favorite when I want something a step above the ordinary—and the service has never missed a beat.
The brunch menu covers both the classics and lighter options. Their veggie omelet stands out, bursting with fresh flavor and paired with crisp hash browns. The sweet potato fries make for a surprisingly good side, light but satisfying with every bite.
Houlihan’s earns loyalty for its unfussy approach and thoughtful menu variety. No matter your craving, there’s a sense of style here that makes brunch feel like a treat without any of the pretense.
6. First Watch
First Watch feels bright and welcoming—the kind of place where breakfast starts with a glass of fresh-squeezed juice. Every time I visit, the air buzzes with conversation, and the smell of coffee hints at a slow, satisfying morning ahead.
The menu is both familiar and inventive. My go-to order is the avocado toast: crusty whole-grain bread, sliced avocados, and a sprinkle of seasoning. Their morning market hash, filled with roasted veggies and eggs, perfectly captures First Watch’s commitment to fresh, wholesome options. Every dish arrives looking vibrant and thoughtfully plated.
What makes First Watch stand out is the ease—healthy or hearty, light or filling, there’s always something that feels just right for brunch in Columbus.
7. My Boulange
My Boulange brings a touch of French baking to the heart of Columbus. The scent of fresh bread hits you at the door, and it’s almost impossible to leave without sampling something from the pastry case. I always catch myself lingering over coffee, savoring both the flavors and the soft, sunlit atmosphere.
Their quiche Lorraine is a local legend: light, creamy, and filled with garden-fresh vegetables, it’s a perfect brunch option. Their gluten-free pastries surprise with just as much flavor as the classics. For something lighter, the fruit tart bursts with sweetness and a delicate, crisp base.
My Boulange stands out for its attention to quality and detail. Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer, you’ll find it’s easy to make yourself at home—and just as easy to make brunch a habit.
8. Metro Diner
Metro Diner is where brunch nostalgia kicks in, but with a fresh twist. Every booth buzzes with friendly chatter, and the kitchen never skimps on portion sizes. I’ve dropped in for brunch more than once and always left with a smile—and a full takeout box for later.
Classic comfort is their specialty. The veggie omelet arrives fluffy and loaded with fresh vegetables. The cinnamon roll pancakes are a crowd favorite, indulgent but worth every forkful. For lighter appetites, their avocado toast is simple but spot-on, topped with a sprinkle of sesame for extra crunch.
Metro Diner stands out for its genuine hospitality, bang-for-your-buck plates, and a menu where everyone finds a favorite—even the pickiest brunch guest.
9. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen feels comfortable from the moment you step in—like a friend’s house where the kitchen is always busy. Every time I visit, the staff is quick with recommendations and even quicker with fresh bread. The atmosphere is relaxed, and families linger long past brunch.
Homemade touches define the menu. Their signature honey-butter croissants are legendary—soft, warm, and made for sharing. For brunch, the vegetable pot pie stands out with its flaky crust and rich filling, a classic with a comforting feel. The house salad, full of crisp, fresh veggies, rounds out any meal.
What really sets Cheddar’s apart is how quality never feels complicated—every dish feels thoughtful, and portions promise no one leaves hungry.
10. The Loft
The Loft has an energy that’s hard to match. Set on Broadway, it draws you in with live music from upstairs and a stream of laughter echoing down to the restaurant floor. I’ve spent more than one Saturday here, relishing their inventive brunch menu while catching up with friends in the laid-back, art-filled space.
Brunch staples get a creative spin. The veggie scramble is loaded with market-fresh vegetables and comes perfectly paired with crispy potatoes. Their sweet potato hash stands out—rich, savory, and full of flavor. For those after something lighter, the mixed greens salad adds a refreshing brightness to the meal.
The Loft’s combination of good food, upbeat atmosphere, and attentive service makes it a brunch favorite that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
More Things to Try in Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does brunch usually start in Columbus, GA?
Most brunch spots in Columbus start serving around 9 or 10 a.m. and continue into early afternoon, often ending by 2 or 3 p.m. Hours can vary by restaurant, so it’s good to check ahead.
Are there vegetarian and vegan brunch options available?
Yes, many Columbus brunch restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look for veggie omelets, fruit bowls, avocado toast, and plant-based scrambles at spots like First Watch, The Loft, and Metro Diner.
Where can I find gluten-free brunch?
Places such as My Boulange, Houlihan’s, and First Watch have gluten-free choices. These range from gluten-free pastries to omelets and hearty salads.
Is brunch kid-friendly in Columbus?
Most local brunch spots are welcoming to families. Restaurants such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Metro Diner offer kid-friendly menus and comfortable seating.
Do I need to make a reservation for brunch?
Some popular spots may get busy on weekends. Calling ahead for larger groups or peak times is always a safe bet, but plenty of diners accept walk-ins.
Are there outdoor seating options for brunch?
Yes, several brunch spots—including Houlihan’s and Iron Bank Coffee Co.—feature patios or outdoor tables, perfect for enjoying Columbus’s sunny mornings.