Check Out These Atlanta Restaurants for National Hot Breakfast Month

Atlanta is a city where breakfast has its own history. For example, it's the birthplace of the idea of serving chicken and waffles for breakfast. While now often associated with lunch or dinner, this dish was originally a morning staple for local factory workers.

In this article, you’ll discover the best places in Atlanta for a hot breakfast and the must-try local dishes that define the city’s morning food culture.

The Flying Biscuit Café on DeKalb Avenue is an iconic Atlanta institution serving Southern-inspired breakfasts with a modern twist since 1993. The restaurant is known for its signature fluffy, buttery biscuits, which are freshly baked every day using a special sourdough recipe. A standout in the menu is their grit bowls, including the famous "Shrimp and Grits" with a creole sauce and organic yellow corn grits. The restaurant is known for its eccentric, colorful interior, featuring murals by local artists and folk art elements.

Highlights

    Flying Biscuit – Fluffy biscuit served with eggs, bacon or sausage.
    Southern Scramble – Scrambled eggs with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheddar, served with hashbrowns.
    Grits & Grillades – Grilled beef with creamy grits and gravy.
    Fried Green Tomatoes – Fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce.
    Biscuits & Gravy – Fluffy biscuits topped with sausage gravy.

Recommendations

    Start your day with a Flying Biscuit paired with eggs and bacon for a hearty yet simple option.
    For a Southern classic, the Grits & Grillades offers a savory and satisfying meal.
    For something light and flavorful, the Southern Scramble with fresh vegetables is a great choice.
    The Biscuits & Gravy is perfect for those who enjoy comfort food.
    Try the Fried Green Tomatoes if you're looking for something crunchy with a touch of tang.
    Arrive early to avoid the crowds, as this place can get busy, especially on weekends.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/flyingbiscuitcafecandlerpark/

Toast On Lenox on Lenox Rd NE is a popular breakfast spot in Atlanta, known for its classic American breakfast dishes with modern twists. The restaurant is famous for its large portions, especially their signature breakfast toasts topped with avocado, poached eggs, and smoked salmon Benedict. It also offers a variety of omelets and breakfast burritos, perfect for a satisfying morning meal. The interior features simple, industrial-style elements with comfortable seating. Toast On Lenox uses only organic ingredients from local suppliers, emphasizing their commitment to healthy eating.

Highlights

    Signature French Toast – Thick slices of brioche, egg-dipped and griddled, topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar.
    The Southern Classic – Two eggs, crispy bacon, and grits served with a biscuit.
    Avocado Toast – Toasted sourdough with creamy avocado, lemon, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
    Breakfast Burrito – Scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon or sausage wrapped in a flour tortilla with a side of salsa.
    Chicken & Waffles – Crispy fried chicken served with a fluffy waffle and maple syrup.
    Eggs Benedict – Poached eggs with Canadian bacon on an English muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce.

Recommendations

    The Signature French Toast is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a sweet and satisfying start to their day.
    For a hearty and traditional breakfast, the Southern Classic with eggs, bacon, and grits offers comfort and flavor.
    If you're looking for something light yet flavorful, the Avocado Toast is fresh and simple, with a little kick from the chili flakes.
    The Breakfast Burrito is perfect for those on the go, packed with all the essential breakfast ingredients in a handheld wrap.
    Weekends can get busy, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the rush. If you’re in a hurry, the Breakfast Burrito is a quick and filling option.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/toastonlenox/

Ria’s Bluebird on Memorial Dr SE has been serving breakfast in Atlanta for decades, gaining a reputation for its buttermilk pancakes, once praised by Anthony Bourdain. The restaurant is known for its careful approach to ingredients—pancakes are made to order on a well-seasoned griddle, and the brisket for their breakfast plates is slow-cooked for hours until tender. The space maintains a diner-like feel with a retro touch, and the kitchen’s open setup allows guests to see the food being prepared.

Highlights

    Buttermilk Pancakes – Light, fluffy pancakes served with real maple syrup, known as some of the best in Atlanta.
    Brisket Breakfast – Slow-cooked, tender beef brisket with poached eggs and toasted bread.
    Grits & Eggs – Creamy stone-ground grits served with two eggs any style and toast.
    Tempeh Hash – A vegetarian option with marinated tempeh, caramelized onions, potatoes, and eggs.
    Chorizo Omelet – A bold, flavorful omelet with chorizo, cheese, and fresh salsa.
    Smoked Salmon Bagel – A toasted bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion.

Recommendations

    If you’re visiting for the first time, the Buttermilk Pancakes are a must-try—they’re soft, airy, and served with pure maple syrup.
    The Brisket Breakfast is a great choice for those who want a protein-packed, savory meal with slow-cooked beef.
    The café gets busy on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

Egg Harbor Cafe on Peachtree Rd is known for its hot breakfast dishes made with farm-fresh eggs and locally sourced ingredients. Mornings here start with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the scent of brioche French toast sizzling on the griddle. House-made syrups, from classic maple to seasonal flavors, add a signature touch. Their "Hot Breakfast Bowls" are a customer favorite, bringing together the best of breakfast in a single dish. The interior features large windows that let in soft natural light and wooden tables that give a rustic feel.

Highlights

    Eggs Benedict – Poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with house-made hollandaise sauce, available in classic or specialty variations.
    Georgia Grits & Eggs – Creamy stone-ground grits served with two eggs any style and a choice of bacon or sausage.
    Habanero Hash & Eggs – Spicy hash with habanero-infused potatoes, chorizo, cheese, and eggs, served with toast.
    Breakfast Tacos – Soft corn tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, avocado, and pico de gallo.
    Cinnamon Roll French Toast – Thick slices of cinnamon roll battered and grilled, topped with cream cheese icing.
    Veggie Scrambler – Fluffy scrambled eggs loaded with fresh vegetables and served with multi-grain toast.

Recommendations

    Pair your meal with their signature coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice.
    If you’re ordering Eggs Benedict, consider trying the lobster variation if available.
    Grits lovers can upgrade to the cheesy grits for extra flavor. The cheese adds a creamy texture and depth to the dish.
    Egg Harbor Cafe gets busy on weekends, so join the waitlist online before arriving.

Buttermilk Kitchen on Roswell Rd became a legendary spot thanks to its biscuits, made from a secret recipe passed down through generations, and its grits, cooked with locally sourced corn and their own homemade butter. The restaurant stands out for its daily baking of bread and rolls, served warm straight from the oven. The interior is a blend of industrial style and homey comfort, with wooden tables, an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, and a large patio that becomes a breakfast oasis in the summer. Buttermilk Kitchen was one of the first restaurants in Atlanta to embrace the "farm-to-table" concept, and to this day, chef Suzanne Vizdal personally selects ingredients at local markets.

Highlights

    Chicken and Waffles – Crispy fried chicken served atop fluffy waffles, with a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
    Buttermilk Pancakes – Fluffy, light pancakes made with buttermilk, served with butter and syrup.
    Biscuits and Gravy – Fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, a classic Southern comfort food.
    The Southern Scramble – Scrambled eggs with bacon, cheese, and sautéed vegetables, served with a side of grits or potatoes.
    Avocado Toast – Toasted sourdough topped with creamy avocado, radishes, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
    Farm Fresh Omelette – A light and fluffy omelette filled with your choice of fresh vegetables, cheese, and meats.

Recommendations

    Consider ordering their freshly squeezed juices like orange or grapefruit to complement any meal.
    If you’re looking for a quieter dining experience, aim for a weekday visit when the restaurant is less crowded.
    If you’re in a hurry, their grab-and-go coffee and baked goods make a great option for a quick breakfast.

RELATED: The Newest Restaurants in Atlanta Worth Checking Out

Photo Credit: instagram.com/buttermilkkitchen/

The Original Pancake House on Windward Pkwy in Alpharetta is known for its pancakes made from an original recipe dating back to 1953. Each pancake is cooked in a special cast-iron skillet. The standout dish is their signature "Apple Pancake," a baked pancake filled with apples, cinnamon, and caramel. The interior evokes a classic American diner with wooden booths, leather seats, and a cozy atmosphere that draws you in with the first sip of coffee.

Highlights

    Pancakes – Light and fluffy, served in multiple variations, including traditional, bacon, and fruit toppings.
    Dutch Baby – A large, oven-baked pancake served with powdered sugar, lemon, and butter, perfect for sharing.
    Waffle Combo – A crispy waffle served with eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage.
    Cheese Omelette – A classic fluffy omelette filled with melted cheese and served with toast.
    Bacon Pancakes – Pancakes topped with crispy bacon, blending savory and sweet in one dish.
    French Toast – Thick slices of brioche-style bread soaked in batter and grilled, served with syrup.

Recommendations

    The restaurant is popular, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation or arrive early to avoid waiting, especially on weekends. Takeout is available as well.
    For families or groups, consider ordering a variety of dishes to share, as the portions are large and generous.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/pancakes_alpharetta/

Another Broken Egg Cafe on Paces Ferry Rd is a place where breakfast becomes a little adventure. The restaurant is known for taking classic dishes and adding unexpected twists. For example, here you can try Eggs Benedict, not with traditional ham, but with crab cakes, or waffles that taste like dessert, topped with caramelized bananas and nut syrup.

Another Broken Egg Cafe is part of a small chain that started in Louisiana, and each location works with local ingredients. The same "Hollandaise" sauce served with Eggs Benedict is made fresh daily from scratch to ensure it’s always as fresh as possible.

Highlights

    Crab Cake Benedict – Poached eggs served on top of a fresh crab cake, with hollandaise sauce over a toasted English muffin.
    Grits & Grillades – Southern-style stone-ground grits paired with tender beef medallions in a savory sauce.
    Churro Waffles – Waffles coated with cinnamon sugar, served with whipped cream and a side of syrup.
    Country Skillet – Scrambled eggs, sausage, and fresh vegetables cooked together, served with home fries and toast.
    Southern Omelette – A fluffy omelette filled with sausage, peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese.
    Biscuit French Toast – A rich and sweet take on French toast made with freshly baked biscuits and topped with syrup.

Recommendations

    If you're in the mood for something lighter, try the fruit bowl or Greek yogurt parfait to complement your meal.
    Takeout is available, and it's a great option if you want to enjoy a meal at home.
    The café gets busy, especially during peak hours, so it’s recommended to arrive early or check the wait times if you're on a tight schedule.

Thumbs Up Diner on Edgewood Avenue is an authentic Atlanta diner located in the historic Old Fourth Ward. Known for its unique take on the classic Southern breakfast, the restaurant lets guests customize their meals with organic eggs and a variety of add-ons. The signature dish, The Heap, is a monumental mix of hash browns, sautéed onions, cheddar cheese, and eggs, all cooked on a flat-top griddle. One of the diner’s standout features is its house-made turkey and pork sausages, prepared using family recipes. The restaurant retains the industrial character of the original building, with exposed brick walls and high ceilings.

Highlights

    Skillet Heap – A combination of home fries, eggs, cheese, and your choice of toppings, served with a biscuit or toast.
    Chicken & Waffles – A crispy fried chicken breast paired with a golden Belgian waffle.
    Smoked Salmon Scramble – Scrambled eggs mixed with smoked salmon, onions, and capers, served with home fries.
    Breakfast Quesadilla – A flour tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables or meat, served with salsa and sour cream.
    Blueberry Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes loaded with fresh blueberries, served with butter and syrup.
    Turkey Bacon & Eggs – Two eggs cooked to order with turkey bacon, home fries, and toast or a biscuit.

Recommendations

    Try the whole wheat biscuits, a staple at Thumbs Up Diner, which can be ordered with jam or as a side to any dish.
    If you're in the mood for something sweet, order a side of French toast—it’s thick-cut and served with powdered sugar.
    Coffee lovers should try the bottomless coffee, a strong and bold blend that pairs well with any breakfast dish.
    The diner is cash-only, so be prepared to bring cash or use the on-site ATM.
    Seating is first-come, first-served, and the restaurant fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving early can help avoid long waits.

Home Grown GA Restaurant on Memorial Drive is a family-owned spot that embodies the true spirit of Atlanta’s Southern cuisine. The restaurant is best known for its Comfy Chicken Biscuit—a signature breakfast featuring crispy fried chicken on a buttery biscuit, smothered in a spicy gravy. Committed to the "farm-to-table" concept, Home Grown sources ingredients from its own garden and local farmers. The interior stands out with a collection of local folk art and handmade furniture, adding to its warm, homey feel. A unique feature is the Pay It Forward Diner, a program that provides free breakfast to those in need every week. The restaurant also houses its own gallery, showcasing works by self-taught local artists.

Highlights

    Comfy Chicken Biscuit – A large buttermilk biscuit topped with crispy fried chicken and smothered in sausage gravy.
    The Grant Park – Two eggs any style, served with grits or potatoes, toast, and a choice of bacon or sausage.
    Veggie Omelette – A three-egg omelette packed with seasonal vegetables and cheese, served with toast.
    Pimento Cheese Grits – Creamy stone-ground grits mixed with house-made pimento cheese.
    French Toast – Thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla batter and grilled, served with syrup.
    Hash Bowl – A hearty bowl of home fries topped with eggs, cheese, and a choice of vegetables or meat.

Recommendations

    The pimento cheese grits can be ordered as a side and pair well with any egg dish.
    If you’re looking for a lighter option, the seasonal fruit bowl is available as a fresh side.
    Home Grown GA sources many of its ingredients locally, so daily specials often feature fresh, seasonal produce.
    The restaurant is cash-only, so be sure to bring cash or use the on-site ATM.
    Seating is limited, and this spot is popular, so expect a wait during peak breakfast hours, especially on weekends.
    Parking can be tricky, but there is a small lot and street parking nearby—arrive early to secure a spot.

Poach Social on Ormond Street is a modern breakfast spot in Grant Park that reimagines classic egg dishes through the lens of contemporary gastronomy. The restaurant specializes in a variety of poached egg creations, ranging from the classic Benedict to bold innovations featuring kimchi and Korean-style pork. The space is defined by its minimalist Scandinavian design, featuring large windows and lush greenery. A standout feature is its inventive beverage program, offering nitro cold brew and house-made seasonal tea infusions.

Highlights

    Poached Eggs & Avocado Toast – Soft poached eggs served over sourdough with avocado, microgreens, and chili flakes.
    Shrimp & Grits – Gulf shrimp in a seasoned sauce over creamy grits.
    Fried Chicken & Waffles – Crispy fried chicken paired with a Belgian waffle and maple syrup.
    Smoked Salmon Bagel – Toasted bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and red onion.
    Short Rib Hash – Slow-braised short rib with diced potatoes, onions, and two eggs.
    French Toast Bites – Small, crispy French toast pieces dusted with powdered sugar and served with syrup.

Recommendations

    If you want a lighter option, the Greek Yogurt Parfait with granola and fresh berries is a good choice.
    Add a side of Applewood Bacon or Turkey Sausage for extra protein.
    The Cold Brew Coffee pairs well with sweeter dishes like the French Toast Bites.
    For a heartier meal, try the Biscuits & Gravy, which isn’t on the main highlights but is a solid Southern breakfast staple.
    Poach Social is a popular brunch spot, so reservations or early arrival are recommended, especially on weekends.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/poachsocial/