We know that everyone loves brunch, in all of its boozy and after-11 a.m. glory. But we also know that brunch is primarily a weekend affair + sometimes (always) you need pancakes on a Wednesday morning. We’ve done some extremely difficult and taxing research to bring you a compilation of breakfast spots in Columbia SC—all open by 8 a.m. (most by 7), and all waiting for you with syrup-covered carbs. Enjoy!
Immaculate Consumption
Killer espresso, a menu full of wholesome, real ingredients and kisses of sunlight pouring through windows that cover this hidden gem from top to bottom. What more could you ask for? Pro tip: if it's Wednesday, stick around for lunch and order the Bahn Mi with a side of pasta salad. Eat. Happy cry. Repeat.
Crepes & Croissants
Dreaming of fluffy crepes, flaky croissants and delicious, cheesy quiche? Us, too. Luckily, you won't need your passport - we've got a little slice of Paris right here in #RealColumbiaSC. And before you ask... no, Nutella crepes aren't just for dessert. #ChocolateForBreakfast.
Drip
Feelin' a little fancy? Check out Drip on Main Street or in Five Points for unexpected breakfast combinations like egg + fontina with mushroom ragu or brie + apple butter on homemade cinnamon bread. And don't you dare walk away without trying a rose cardamom latte (or the honey habanero variety... for when a double shot of espresso won't quite do the trick.)
Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits
This breakfast joint takes biscuits to a whole new level with classic toppings like pimento cheese and sausage and a little something unexpected like Brisket Biscuit featuring picked green tomatoes. While you're at here, don't skimp on the sides. Their blue corn grits or cheesy hash browns might end up being the star of the breakfast show. Bonus: Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits started as a stand at Soda City Market. You can still find them there or in their new brick and mortar store in NOMA.
Carolina Cafe
Every cool city needs a great bagel shop - it's in the handbook, look it up. From pumpernickel and poppy seed to covered with smoked salmon, Carolina Cafe is here to slice, toast and cover your carb addiction in cream cheese (or peanut butter, if you're into that). Try the blueberry bagel with honey butter + report back.
Ray's Diner
50's-style Ray's diner is known for serving up plates full of biscuits + gravy like Grandma made them and quite possibly the fluffiest pancakes in the world. If you're known for eating outside the box, try the corned beef hash or the liver pudding. Regardless of what you decide to savor, though, you'll fall in love with this hole-in-the-wall and the kind people cooking + serving you delicious indulgences.
Sandwich Depot
Y'all already know we love a good breakfast plate with fluffy scrambled eggs and savory sausage. But when it's made with all natural, clean-label ingredients, we are straight up swooning. Sandwich Depot in downtown Columbia is the perfect stop-and-go breakfast joint that will make a regular out of you from the first bite of chicken biscuit.
Lizard's Thicket
In 2017, Columbia institution Lizard's Thicket celebrated 40 years of filling the bellies of Columbia SC visitors + locals with all things homemade and homegrown. We recommend doin' it big and ordering from the Hearty Country Breakfast menu. Can you say fried bologna? Don't knock it 'till you try it.
Just Us Cafe
Located in Cayce, Just Us Cafe is the kind of place where you leave feeling like family (and completely stuffed, of course). Order the breakfast sampler if you have commitment issues, and if you're not very hungry (who are you?) choose something from the "Just Off The Griddle" a la carte menu.
Drake's Duck In
A Columbia classic for 110 years (seriously), Drake's Duck-In is famous for doling out drool-worthy fried chicken sandwiches (extra pickles, please!). The breakfast menu includes everything from breakfast plates to breakfast sandwiches, but we recommend ordering the famous fried chicken served alongside a giant waffle. Sit outside if it's warm + enjoy your meal with some Main Street people watching.
Eggs Up Grill
Devine Street's resident breakfast joint has it all - omelets and Benedicts to giant breakfast sandwiches and buttery French toast. And breakfast is served from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m., so a BEC sandwich at noon is a totally viable option. Follow up breakfast with a stroll along Devine for some post-eats shop + drop.
Also try our favorite brunch spots + coffee shops, many of which serve breakfast, as well as Mack's Cash Grocery, Hampton Street Diner and Le Peep.