The Best Brunch In Columbia, SC | We Have 12 Don’t Miss Spots!
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Brunch is a meal meant for lingering over. An excuse to gather with friends and family in places you’ve been gathering for years or generations. An extra opportunity for joy in the form of waffles, bacon and egg sandwiches, shrimp and grits, or a mercy to those who need an excuse to drink before noon on a Saturday or Sunday.
We wait in line for brunch. We plan in advance. Brunch menus in Columbia, SC, can be works of art filled with clever and creative international flavors. Or they can be a comforting soft landing after whatever it was we got up to on a Friday or Saturday night. Whatever it is you need out of a brunch, Columbia has a place that’ll make it happen.
Cafe Strudel
Brunch served 7 days a week
The Scoop: Cafe Strudel is a casual, come-as-you-are place, but its standards are lofty and the meals it serves are a cut above. Everything on the menu is made from scratch using the best (mostly local) ingredients. Short cuts are not taken. Every plate is prepared to order.
Grits are stone ground Adluh from a mill that dates back to 1900. Breakfast meats are nitrate free. Orange juice squeezed to order. The cocktail/coffee menus are voluminous. Croissants and biscuits are house made. In short, the menu is packed with deliciousness.
Not To Miss:
- Low Country Hash Browns – Hash browns topped with grilled shrimp, fried green tomatoes, bacon, and pimento cheese. This dish will cure whatever ails you.
- Salmon and Grits – Fresh grilled salmon (sushi grade Atlantic Salmon) topped with a savory chardonnay caper sauce over creamy grits. A creative, mouthwatering dish
- Hangover Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, onions, banana peppers, tomato, sour cream, and eggs. The ideal “day after” meal
- Crab Cakes Benedict – Open faced English muffin, two crab cakes, two eggs cooked your way, hollandaise sauce, and green onions. This takes eggs benedict to a whole new level.
Cafe Strudel
300 State Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 794-6634
https://cafestrudel.com
Di Prato’s Delicatessen
Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays
The Scoop: This popular spot for Five Point residents and USC professionals is plenty busy throughout the week, but locals know that weekend brunches are a must. The usual suspects are here in the form of pancakes, french toast, omelets, paninis, breakfast croissants, smoked fish, and adult beverages.
While you’re there, pick up a few items in their well-stocked deli section. Columbia is famous for pimento cheese, and Di Prato’s is the gold standard.
Not To Miss:
- Eggs Charleston – English muffin, crab cakes, two poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce. Simply a wonderful brunch dish
- Hash and Eggs – Housemade corned beef hash with onions and potatoes, topped with poached eggs and cheddar cheese sauce. Served with Adluh grits and a biscuit. Pure Southern goodness
- Huevos Rancheros – Two black bean cakes topped with poached eggs and salsa verde, served with chorizo sausage and a cheese quesadilla. A melding of super-flavors
- Monte Cristo French Toast Sandwich – Ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between French toast slices. Served with a side of orange apricot marmalade, fresh fruit. Food historians generally think that the Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur. Whatever the origin, Di Prato’s has taken possession.
Di Prato’s Delicatessen
324 Pickens Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 779-0606
https://dipratos.com/
Liberty Tap Room
Sunday Brunch
The Scoop: A downtown institution. Of course you know that the drinks will be all a Sunday morning could desire. The dark wood, dark leather seats, and brick walls radiate a classic pub vibe. Besides the cozy booths and long inviting bar inside, you can venture out as the pub has multi-level, breezy, balcony seating. Free valet parking is also a nice touch.
Not To Miss:
- Lincoln Street Hash – Brisket, breakfast potatoes, eggs, pico de gallo, mixed cheese, applewood smoked bacon, sour cream, scallions. The menu calls this “the ultimate hangover cure” and we believe they are correct!
- Breakfast Burrito – Breakfast potatoes, onions, green peppers, applewood smoked bacon, mixed cheese, topped with poblano queso, pico de gallo, scallions, sour cream. Whew! Lots of ingredients, lots of taste
- Chicken & Grits – Buttermilk fried chicken, stone ground yellow cheese grits, mixed cheese, applewood smoked bacon, buffalo sauce, pico de gallo, green onions. This is a great dish.
Liberty Tap Room
828 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 461 4677
https://www.libertytaproom.com
Motor Supply Company Bistro
Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays
The Scoop: Farm-to-table has become a culinary thing in the last few years, but few take it as seriously as Motor Supply. The menu is always chef-driven and inspired by what’s in season, which results in a from-scratch, made-to-order, fresh food experience for the customer. Menus constantly change.
Housed in a 1800’s engine supply building, owner and chef Wes Fulmer has been working his cooking magic for over 30 years.
Not To Miss: The Handwritten menu changes daily, so some of the items we sampled may not be available on any given day. However, based on our experience, any dish prepared by this talented chef will be top notch.
- M.S.C. Breakfast Plate – Congaree Milling Company white grits, scrambled farm eggs, smoked pepper bacon, buttermilk biscuit. Simple, yet sublime
- Carolina Heritage Pork Loin – Fingerling potatoes, romano beans, blistered tomatoes, hock jus, coffee butter. A masterpiece!
- Blackened Catfish – Roasted cauliflower and turnip, parsnip puree, butter beans, pickled okra. Never knew how good turnips and parsnips could taste
- Brioche French Toast – Macerated blueberries, whipped goat cheese, scrambled farm egg, smoked bacon. This dish is proof that quality ingredients in the hands of a master chef result in an extraordinary taste experience
- French Connection – Lillet Blanc, pear brandy, lemon, cremant brut. What a refreshing cocktail
Motor Supply Company Bistro
920 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 256-6687
https://www.motorsupplycobistro.com/
Tazza Kitchen
Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays
The Scoop: Who says you can’t have pizza for brunch? Tazza is a vibrant, casual restaurant serving locally sourced wood fired pizzas, tacos, fresh salads, craft cocktails, regional wines, and local brews. It’s a happening place with a great vibe: upscale but laid back. It has a very comfortable setting with an inviting atmosphere.
Not To Miss:
- Breakfast Pizza – Bechamel Sauce, bacon, caramelized onions, mozzarella, grana padano, baked eggs. The ultimate indulgence, decadent and delicious
- Huevos Rancheros – Corn tostado, chorizo, sofrito, baked eggs, avocado, tomatillo, pico de gallo, crema, black beans, fried potatoes. Whatever you did the night before no longer matters
- Wood Oven Avocado – Maple vinaigrette, crema, dukkah, bread crumbs, pequin pepper. The creative hand in the kitchen makes this dish a winner
- Hash Bowl – Choice of short ribs, braised pork, or shrimp with fried potatoes, tomatillo sauce, fried eggs. Want a little advice? Choose the short ribs. You’ll thank us.
Tazza Kitchen
4840 Forest Drive #20
Columbia, SC 29206
(803) 782-0760
https://www.tazzakitchen.com/
Publico Kitchen and Tap
Brunch on Sundays only
The Scoop: Described as “not your average taco restaurant” as well as “not your average neighborhood restaurant.” Publico is an energetic spot for casual gourmet with a twist. Did we mention that they have BOGO libations? Yes, buy one get one free. Now that’s brunch. Ingredients + Taste = a Winner
Not To Miss:
- Plantain Pancakes – Plantain peanut butter, plantains, chocolate chips, syrup, bacon. At Lowcountry Style and Living we had never heard of a plantain pancake. But now that we’ve indulged, we will be heading to Soda City on a regular brunch patrol.
- Sweet and Sunny – Poblano Adluh grits, chorizo sweet hash, sunny side free-range eggs, salsa verde. We are all in on this offering
- Churro French Toast – Churro crusted Texas toast, cinnamon, sugar, egg, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, caramel, blueberry puree, side of turkey sausage. We were a little confused by the Texas toast description, but in the end it’s all about the fried dough. So thumbs up!
- S’Mores Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee, Six Twenty Carolina Cream Bourbon, 3 Olives vanilla Vodka, chocolate & graham cracker rim, toasted marshmallow. What a comforting “hair of the dog”
Public Kitchen and Tap
2013 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 567-5738
https://www.publicokitchenandtap.com
The Gourmet Shop
Brunch served seven days a week
The Scoop: The Gourmet Shop is a longstanding establishment offering brunch seven days a week along with lunch, cheese plates, charcuterie boards, coffee drinks, and tasty cocktails. The shop doubles as a specialty food market including kitchen utensils, countertop appliances, and an extensive assortment of fine wines.
The stylishly cluttered interior has a charm of its own. Great outdoor seating
Not To Miss:
- Egg & Cheese Croissant – Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, choice of bacon, turkey, ham, or andouille sausage. A classic brunch dish, deliciously prepared
- Breakfast Bowl – Creamy grits, cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, choice of bacon, turkey bacon, or andouille sausage with sliced sourdough toast and rhubarb raspberry preserves on the side. Hearty and flavorful
- Belgian Waffle – Toasted Belgian waffle with mixed berries, whipped cream, butter, syrup. A rich and indulgent offering
- Smoked Salmon Bagel – Smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, lettuce, tomato, and capers on a bagel of your choice (plain, multigrain, poppy, sesame). A classic rendition of a brunch favorite
The Gourmet Shop
724 Saluda Avenue
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 799-3706
https://www.thegourmetshop.net/
Za’s on Devine
Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays
The Scoop: Purchased by four guys that went to college together, and totally remodeled in 2015, Za’s (technically called Za’s Brick Oven Pizza) is a staple of the Devine Street shopping district. It’s rustic, yet modern, with comfortable chairs and booths surrounding an open kitchen and bar.
This is a relaxed and laid back atmosphere with a consistently delicious menu focusing on fresh, Italian-inspired dishes and wood fired pizza.
Check out their mimosa buckets: only $12 and includes a full bottle of bubbly.
Not To Miss: (besides the mimosa bucket)
- Breakfast Bowl – Hash browns, spinach artichoke dip, cheddar cheese, two eggs. Hash browns and spinach artichoke dip is an inspired combination.
- Guacamole on Grilled Schiacciata – Guacamole, fire-roasted tomatoes, poached eggs, tomato, hollandaise sauce, bacon. The thin, chewy flatbread (Schiacciata) is the perfect vessel for this interesting dish.
- Biscuit and Gravy Benedict – Basil parmesan biscuits, Italian sausage gravy, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce. A creative take on eggs benedict
- Breakfast Pizza – Housemade spinach artichoke dip, canadian bacon, diced roma tomatoes, bacon, five cheese blend. Bellissimo!
Za’s on Devine
2930 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7334
https://www.zasbrickovenpizza.com
Il Giorgione
Brunch served on Saturdays only
The Scoop: Local neighborhood restaurant that makes you feel at home. Enjoy the sights, sounds and taste of Italy in an intimate comfortable atmosphere. Incredibly affordable. Not your everyday Italian dishes. Mimosa pitchers and Italian spritzers and a creative menu all make for an enjoyable brunch.
Not to Miss:
- Eggs in Purgatory – Eggs poached in housemade marinara, local bacon, crushed red pepper and pecorino romano. A savory dish!
- Pancakes alla Ricotta & Limone – Lemon pancakes served with a dollop of ricotta, fresh berries, and Whiskey Maple Syrup. Lemon pancakes? Who knew?
- The North Jersey Breakfast – Two eggs, Taylor ham, and American cheese on a roll with potato chips. The chef was raised in Hoboken, NJ.
- Patate alla Carbonara – Roasted potatoes, carbonara style, topped with a farm fresh egg. If you’ve never had potatoes carbonara style, you are in for a sensory treat.
Il Giorgione
2406 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 521-5063
https://www.ilgiorgione.com/
Hall’s Chophouse
Brunch served Sundays only
The Scoop: If you’re looking for a special occasion brunch then look no further than Hall’s Chophouse. Specializing in gourmet Lowcountry specialties with fancy, sophisticated surroundings. White tablecloth, exemplary service. Well-crafted cocktails.
Not to Miss:
- French Toast – Lavender scented brioche, Vermont maple syrup, espresso mascarpone cream, applewood smoked bacon. Classy and tasty
- Chophouse Omelete – Prime steak, mushrooms, creamed spinach, white cheddar, Swiss, choice of pepper jack grits or hash brown potatoes. A steak omelet? Yes, please!
- Crabcake Eggs Benedict – Jumbo lump crab cakes, wilted arugula, roasted pepper, Creole hollandaise, choice of pepper jack grits or hash brown potatoes. An innovative hollandaise sauce highlights this well-made dish.
- Southern Sweet Potato Pancake – Sliced bananas, candied pecans, brown sugar, maple butter, scrambled eggs, applewood smoked bacon. A sweet and savory experience
- Hall’s Chop Salad – Smoked bacon, peppers, celery, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, feta cheese, green peppercorn, buttermilk dressing. Fresh, vibrant, and definitely delicious
Hall’s Chophouse
221 Main Street #150
Columbia SC 29201
(803) 564-5066
https://www.hallschophouse.com/
The Grand
Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday
The Scoop: This is the place you want when you want variety and large portions. Located inside a boutique bowling alley. Brunch and bowling. They have a mimosa flight which includes tastes like blackberry spice, blueberry, strawberry+basil, and peach. This is a great spot for fun, food, and activities.
Not To Miss:
- Smoked Pork Chop – Sweet bourbon barbecue, honey dijon, collard greens, cornbread. A hefty hunk of meat and down-home sides…what’s not to like?
- Bacon Lover – Country gravy, thick cut bacon, 2 eggs, cheddar herb biscuit, home fries. Now that’s a serious brunch meal.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffle – Buttermilk waffle topped with Cinnamon sugar, carmel maple syrup, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, whipped cream. Achingly, but lovingly, sweet
- Chicken & Cheddar Herb Biscuits – Smothered in country gravy and eggs over easy. This is as enjoyable as bowling a 300.
The Grand
1621 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 766-0151
https://www.thegrandonmain.com/
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Brunch served daily
The Scoop: No matter what your brunch/breakfast preferences, this place has you covered. Very diverse menu, from all kinds of benedicts to country fried steak. Original location in Mandeville, LA, now all over the South. Something on the menu for everyone. Tons of brunch cocktails. Classic southern dishes with artisanal creativity.
Not to Miss:
- Bid Easy Scrambler – Scrambled eggs, Louisiana crawfish tails, andouille sausage, red peppers, country potatoes, jack cheese, English muffin. Delicious Bayou food!
- Hash Brown Benedict – Ham and cheese stuffed croquettes, topped with poached eggs, mushroom herbed hollandaise, and red peppers. Served with grits or potatoes. Might be the best croquettes we ever tasted.
- Mardi Gras Omelet – Filled with Louisiana crawfish, gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, red peppers, tomato hollandaise, tomatoes, and green onions served on an English muffin with grits or potatoes. Celebrate Mardi Gras all year round.
- Short Ribs – Slow cooked short ribs in a reduction sauce over smoked egg, green onions, pickled watermelon rind. The versatility of this kitchen is amazing.
Another Broken Egg
4600 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 708-5696
https://anotherbrokenegg.com/location/columbia-sc
