Looking for the best brunch spots in Columbia, SC to satisfy your morning cravings? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 18 must-visit restaurants where you can indulge in a delightful brunch experience. From the delightful dishes served at Morning After Breakfast Co.
, to the charming atmosphere at Park and Lady, and the delectable offerings at Breakfast at Ruiz, there is something for everyone on this list. Whether you're craving classic breakfast staples or looking to try something unique and adventurous, these brunch spots are sure to leave you wanting more.
Jump to places
- The Toasty Hot Spot
- Lizard's Thicket Restaurant
- P's Soul Food Brunch
- Catherine's Kitchen
- The Bistro. Eat. Drink. Connect.
- Breakfast At Ruiz
- Cafe Strudel West Columbia
- Morning After Breakfast CO.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe Columbia
- Sandwich Depot
- Top of Carolina Restaurant
- Compton's Kitchen
- Crêpes & Croissants
- The Flying Biscuit Cafe
- Park and Lady
- Eggs Up Grill
- IHOP
- The Original Brunches
The Toasty Hot Spot is a small, cozy restaurant located on Lady Street. With its delicious food and friendly staff, it is definitely worth visiting. Guests rave about the build your own omelette, with options like spinach, mushrooms, and even liver pudding.
The flavors are said to be remarkable, leaving a lasting impression. The refreshing lemonade with peach and wild berry has been described as a beautiful refresher that perfectly complements the meals. Visitors highly recommend trying the shrimp and grits with bacon on the side, served with a side of orange juice.
The unique combination of flavors is sure to satisfy any craving. Additionally, the restaurant's black ownership adds to the charm and uniqueness of the spot. With only six seats available, it may be necessary to take the food to go, but the taste is well worth the visit.

Lizard's Thicket Restaurant is a family-owned chain that offers a delightful Southern dining experience. Visitors have raved about the mouthwatering dishes that truly capture the essence of authentic Southern food. One guest mentioned how the restaurant's cornbread stuffing was exactly like their mom's, leaving them on the verge of tears.
Another guest praised the exceptional service and delicious food, stating that they would return frequently if they lived in the area. Not only does Lizard's Thicket provide a satisfying culinary experience, but they also add a personal touch. As one guest noted, the restaurant wrote "smile, God loves you" on their receipt, showing their unique charm and acceptance.
Overall, Lizard's Thicket Restaurant is a must-try spot for those craving a scrumptious taste of Southern cuisine.




Located on a pleasant street in a quaint, limited indoor seating spot, Breakfast At Ruiz is a craveable brunch spot worth visiting in Columbia SC. People rave about the quick service and friendly staff, with Michelle being their attentive server who appeared within minutes.
Seating may be limited, but the space, atmosphere, and layout work perfectly for both couples and small groups. Guests praise the menu selection, remarking that there is something for everyone, and the prices are good for the quality and portion sizes of the food.
Visitors appreciate the flavorful and diverse options available. One reviewer even stated that Breakfast At Ruiz will be their go-to spot whenever they are in the area. The owner, Iris, is dedicated to providing customers with a great experience, which is evident in the excellent service provided by Laura.
Whether enjoying the Classic Breakfast or customizing an order, guests are guaranteed to have a superb brunch experience at Breakfast At Ruiz.

Located in West Columbia, Cafe Strudel is a buzzy cafe and espresso bar that is known for their hangover hash browns and all-day eats. People say that every time they visit, they have a great meal. Guests rave about their delicious dishes, such as the sunrise burrito with sausage, half order of hangover hash browns, and a slice of their French toast.
Another popular choice is the crab eggs Benedict. Visitors also appreciate the friendly staff who provide excellent service. The atmosphere at Cafe Strudel is described as modern eclectic Southern, adding to the overall dining experience. Additionally, guests can enjoy specialty drinks like the Paloma Mimosas, which are both potent and delicious.
Whether you're a local or visiting Columbia, Cafe Strudel is definitely worth a visit for a craveable brunch experience.


Another Broken Egg Cafe in Columbia is a craveable brunch spot that is definitely worth visiting. This casual chain offers a variety of egg dishes, breakfast items, and delightful brunch sandwiches that have left guests raving about their experience. Visitors have praised the excellent service, with one guest specifically mentioning their amazing waitress, Ms Haley, who provided helpful recommendations when asked.
People love the "dirty grits," as suggested by Ms Haley, and agree that they are indeed amazing. The establishment itself is not only clean but also exudes a wonderful aroma of the delicious food being served. Guests have given Another Broken Egg Cafe a perfect 10 out of 10 score, highly recommending it to others.
Another guest praised the excellent French Toast and eggs, although they did mention that their waitress was a bit forgetful and had to be reminded several times for basic supplies such as salt, sugar, napkins, and silverware. Despite this minor hiccup, the food at Another Broken Egg Cafe is known for its deliciousness and generous portions.
Although slightly expensive, (around $45 for two people), it is definitely worth the price. Another reviewer highlighted their wonderful experience at Another Broken Egg Cafe, although they did mention a 45-minute wait time, which is a testament to the popularity of this spot.
However, the wait is well worth it, as the service provided by Patty, their server, was exceptional. Patty had a fun personality and was extremely accommodating, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Furthermore, the Bloody Mary served at Another Broken Egg Cafe has been described by patrons as one of the best they've ever had.
With positive reviews and a memorable dining experience, it's no wonder people keep coming back to Another Broken Egg Cafe whenever possible.

Another Broken Egg Cafe Columbia Full Review
Sandwich Depot is a craveable brunch spot that is definitely worth visiting. Fast service and flavorful food are just some of the reasons why people love this place. Visitors appreciate that it is a good place to stop and enjoy a delicious sandwich while supporting local businesses.
Guests have stated that the food at Sandwich Depot is amazing and reminiscent of a real NYC deli, which is high praise indeed. According to one satisfied visitor, they serve the best breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and home fries in the area, with no rival in the entire state of South Carolina.
Another reviewer couldn't get enough of their Philly cheese steak, claiming it was the best they've had in decades. Furthermore, the onion rings at Sandwich Depot are perfectly crispy, ensuring a delightful dining experience for onion ring enthusiasts.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit this exceptional brunch spot - Sandwich Depot.
Top of Carolina Restaurant, located on the 18th floor of Capstone House, is a craveable brunch spot that offers panoramic views. Visitors rave about the friendly and helpful staff, excellent food, and beautiful view. One guest from Chicago even claimed that it was better than several other brunch places they had been to.
With a wide selection of dishes including BBQ, fried chicken, fish, salads, vegetables, desserts, and beverages like ice tea, lemonade, and coffee, Top of Carolina offers something for everyone. The buffet brunch is not only delicious but also reasonably priced, making it one of the best brunch options in the area.
Don't miss the outstanding view of downtown Columbia from this rotating restaurant. You won't be disappointed.

Compton's Kitchen is a local favorite for brunch and definitely worth a visit. Guests rave about the easy-going atmosphere and very friendly service at this old-fashioned diner. Despite being full on a Saturday morning, visitors were seated quickly, thanks to the efficient staff.
One thing that stands out about this place is the extremely reasonable prices, making it a great option for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The portions here are known to be generous, and people particularly enjoy the fresh, hot, fluffy biscuits.
Another highlight of this restaurant is its beautiful decor, adding to the overall dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for classic American comfort food or interested in trying new dishes, Compton's Kitchen has something for everyone.

Crêpes & Croissants is a counter-serve eatery that offers a craveable brunch experience. With an excellent crepe menu selection, guests find the crepes to be light and thin, filled generously with a variety of delicious ingredients. One visitor was pleasantly surprised to receive fresh spinach with balsamic drizzle on the side of their savory crepes.
The prices are deemed very reasonable, attracting visitors who plan to return when passing through the area. The cozy atmosphere adds to the overall experience, making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The crepes are known to be larger in size, a fact one diner wished they had known beforehand as they ordered three strawberry and Nutella crepes but could barely finish two.
Despite this, they took the remaining crepe home for breakfast the next day. The staff is friendly and efficient, and guests appreciate the prompt service, even during busy times. With a variety of tasty options to choose from, including the popular Honeymoon crepe made with bananas, honey, and almond, Crêpes & Croissants is a must-visit spot for a delightful brunch.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe is a laid-back chain restaurant known for its Southern food and all-day breakfast selections. Visitors say that the combination of flavors in their fried green tomatoes, such as the cashew chutney, the goat cheese, and the sweetness of the tomatoes, creates a truly unique taste.
The tomatoes are fried to perfection, with a thin line of crunch that adds an extra touch. Another popular menu item is the hot honey chicken and waffles, which guests describe as amazing. The hot honey sauce adds a flavorful kick to the dish. The restaurant's ambience is also highly praised, with both the outside and inside areas being described as super cute.
The customer service is excellent, with the staff being attentive and helpful. Guests appreciate the short wait time to be seated, with only 5 to 7 minutes on average. The waitstaff is also known for their attentiveness and for making great recommendations.
The restaurant's breakfast options receive high acclaim, with the Three Amigos Breakfast Tacos and Waffle Breakfast being particularly delicious. Guests also note that the portions are generous, often providing enough leftovers for later. Lastly, the Flying Biscuit Cafe is known for serving super great coffee, making it a perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up.


Eggs Up Grill is a relaxed chain that offers a craveable brunch experience. Visitors say that everything about their visit was amazing, from the friendly service to the delicious food. The restaurant is known for its Mickey Mouse pancakes, which are a hit with kids.
Guests also rave about the coffee, mentioning that it not only looks great but tastes amazing too. While one reviewer's favorite dish was the pancakes, their partner thought the grits were not up to par. Another reviewer visited on a Sunday morning and was seated quickly.
They had a wonderful server named Emani who provided excellent service. Their build-your-own wrap with sausage, cheese, and scrambled eggs was tasty, although the grits were a bit watery. However, they thoroughly enjoyed the home fries. Whether you're in the mood for pancakes, hearty wraps, or classic southern sides like biscuits and sausage gravy, Eggs Up Grill is a spot worth visiting.


The Original Brunches is a hidden gem that is definitely worth visiting. Visitors say that it is very clean, including the bathrooms, which adds to the overall pleasant experience. The customer service is exceptional, with friendly staff who are quick to serve with a smile.
The food is the star here, as people rave about the well-seasoned dishes that are cooked to perfection. One must-try is the fried catfish, which guests describe as awesome. Another favorite is the onion sausage and liver pudding, which is seasoned well and receives high praise.
The restaurant is also known for serving the best chicken fried steak and shrimp and grits, with tender steak, flavorful shrimp, and delicious gravy and grits. The atmosphere provides a true country dinner feel, and even local police officers can be seen enjoying their meal here.
It's not just the breakfast that impresses, as the lunch menu is also highly recommended. With amazing food, friendly service, and a hidden yet inviting ambiance, The Original Brunches has become a favorite brunch spot for many.
