Brilliant Breakfasts in Grand Rapids to Eat With Friends

10 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 724-4275

This was honestly one of the best bagels I've ever had. I have never liked Asiago, but the Asiago bagel from Brooklyn Bodega Bagels And Deli was absolutely phenomenal. Despite being a Saturday morning, it was fairly easy to find street parking nearby, and they prepared our order quickly. The prices were very fair, too. I will definitely be back! My boyfriend and I hope to make an effort to go downtown and get bagels from here more often. I cannot recommend them enough. Best bagels in Grand Rapids. I've tried several other bagel spots around, and none of them are as good as this place. The jalapeño bagel with cream cheese is my go-to order—it's phenomenal. Love all of the different menu options. My husband has tried several items, and he always says they are very good. The food is always made right in front of you, so it's hot and fresh every time. Amazing service and incredible food! 10/10! Closest to NY bagels you'll get. If you're in Grand Rapids, give this place a try!

95 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids

(616) 419-4168

Everything at Littlebird in Grand Rapids was absolutely delicious! It was our first visit to the city and the restaurant, and we tried four menu items that just melted in my mouth. The sweet potatoes were particularly yummy. We had the bread pudding toast, sweet potato hash, two eggs toast and potatoes, and avocado toast. I really appreciated the vegan and gluten-free options, which made dining here much easier with my dietary restrictions. Littlebird is such a wonderful place to eat. The food is amazing, and the menu changes regularly, which is exciting. The drinks are also phenomenal and crafted with care. The smash burger, which they always have on the menu, is probably the best I’ve ever had. Even though I don't typically care for burgers, theirs is phenomenal. The staff is incredibly nice and genuinely invested in making sure you have a great dining experience. They always ask about dietary restrictions and allergies, making it a safe place to eat. Overall, it's a 10/10 experience. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. We chose Littlebird for our date night during a weekend getaway to Grand Rapids, and it was fabulous. We sat at an adorable table by the window, perfect for people-watching. The service was prompt, kind, and they made our meal special and memorable. We sampled several drinks, including a classic daiquiri with Clarin that was both delicious and intriguing. All the cocktails were well-crafted and highlighted the best of seasonal ingredients. The food was spectacular too. We had a Peach Summer Salad dressed in hot honey, the Blooming Mushroom, Smash burger, and a Salmon dish. Each was perfectly portioned, seasoned, and thoughtful. The staff even gave us feedback on our menu choices to ensure everything paired well together. Although the meal went a bit longer than usual, the bar staff struck up a fun conversation with us about rum cocktails, making us feel welcome and valued. Littlebird offers a fun and tasty meal that's well-priced for the experience and quality. There are so many more dishes and daiquiris I want to try, so we'll definitely be back! The service was exceptional, especially Adriana, who was intuitive and attentive. She even offered me a bandage for a small cut—talk about going above and beyond! She helped me pick a delicious wine, answered all our questions, and made sure we were enjoying everything. Our food disappeared quickly as we shared our plates and enjoyed each other's company. I highly recommend this awesome eatery. The “From Farm to Table” experience was worth the short wait for a table.

1530 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 454-5776

I was extremely excited to try out Wolfgang's for breakfast, having heard great things from friends, and I must say, they didn't disappoint. I ordered the banana nut bread French toast with strawberry whipped cream and homemade syrup, along with the vegan skillet with Texas toast and scrambled eggs. The eggs were nice and fluffy, and the bacon and sausage were cooked perfectly. Needless to say, I will be coming back ASAP. My husband and I were visiting a friend who highly recommended this place, so we all came here as a group and loved it. We had about a 30-minute wait, but it was worth it. The staff were wonderful and friendly, making the experience even better. The food was phenomenal! I ate so much that I couldn't finish it all. On another visit, I got the Jamaican omelette, which was very good, hot, and straight off the grill. The prices are very fair given the portion sizes. I also stopped in and sat at the bar, where Sid waited on me. He was gracious and provided great service. I had the biscuits & sausage gravy, bacon, and American fries with hazelnut coffee. Wolfgang's is one of my favorite places for breakfast, and it's in a fun area of East Grand Rapids. They do get busy, so there might be a bit of a wait, but it's worth every minute. I highly recommend you try this place at least once—you won't regret it!

701 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 279-2943

On our trip to Grand Rapids, we decided to try Good Truckin' Diner for breakfast, and it was fantastic! We've been to dozens of breakfast spots, but this is one I'd definitely return to. I loved that I could order French toast with seasoned potatoes and bacon. The cinnamon in the French toast stood out, the potatoes were crispy and fresh, and the bacon was thick. My dad had his usual ham and cheese omelette, and it was perfectly cheesy and well-cooked. We visited on a Thursday morning, so it wasn't busy. The service was fine, though not overly friendly, but the funky vibe made up for it. On this first visit, I tried the fiesta migas, and my husband had the pancakes. Both were amazing! I recommend the tortillas with the migas to make tacos, and the potatoes on the side were fantastic. There's something special about their seasoning. Even though we did have to wait 47 minutes after ordering, I'm sure there was a good reason, and we can overlook that. The diner has an interesting array of southwest-style breakfast options, all with a fun twist. Next time we're in Grand Rapids, we'll definitely stop by again to try more from their menu. Cheers to a fun little spot with incredible food!

1747 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids

(616) 591-3149

Lucy's in Grand Rapids is a fantastic spot for breakfast. They offer some unusual options, which I enjoyed exploring. While I wasn't a fan of the pickled onions on my dish, that's just personal preference, and the person I was with really liked them. The service was well above average and a refreshing change from many other places I've been to lately. The place is light and open, with plenty of space between tables and booth seating as an option. I went with some friends, and despite the bustling atmosphere, we got seated quickly. There's a nice patio area, too. The service was quick and attentive, and the atmosphere was just right. I tried the Creston Scramble and the Bread Pudding French Toast (Peach Cobbler), while my friends ordered Lucy's Smash Burger and French Toast. The food was great and filling. The Creston Scramble was flavorful, and the meat and potatoes complemented each other well. The Bread Pudding French Toast was rich and thick, with the peach slices adding a nice touch. The prices are a bit high, but the service and food quality make it worth it. We also had the biscuits and gravy and the breakfast poutine as our main dishes, with a bacon cinnamon roll to start. I'll be back just for that bacon cinnamon roll! Overall, this large breakfast and lunch spot just north of Grand Rapids is worth a try, whether you're local or visiting. The fast and frequent service, excellent food, and inviting atmosphere with high ceilings and lots of natural light make it a great place to enjoy a meal.

2419 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 241-4080

Real Food Cafe in Grand Rapids is an absolute gem for breakfast. From the moment we arrived, I was impressed by how busy and popular it was with the locals, which is always a good sign. We had a bit of a wait, around 15 to 20 minutes, but time flew by as we browsed the wonderful shop next door. Once seated, we were warmly greeted by our server, Sophie, who was exceptional in managing our large party of ten. She was attentive and made us feel right at home. The cafe's retro vibe reminded me of my grandparents' house, and despite the vintage charm, everything was spotlessly clean. Now, onto the food—simply amazing. The pancakes were large, light, and fluffy, and the omelette was one of the best I've had. I ordered the Northland Scramble, and although I had to add a bit of salt and pepper, it was delightful. I also tried the corned beef hash and Eggs Benedict, both fantastic, and the cinnamon roll pancakes we split were out of this world. The place was bustling, and I can understand why. Even with the slight wait for our food, which was understandable given our group size, the service was top-notch. Parking at the rear was convenient too. Overall, Real Food Cafe exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to travel back for another incredible breakfast experience.

3514 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids

(616) 361-1808

The Monster Omelette at Real Food Cafe in Grand Rapids was excellent, and I loved it. My dad finished his French toast, although he wished it was made with thicker bread. The bright atmosphere and excellent service stood out, and sitting outside on the patio with our dog was a bonus. The breakfast items were great overall, and I highly recommend Real Food Cafe. Even though the pancakes were not up to par for me, the positives outweighed the negatives. I’ll definitely return when passing through town.

1445 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 258-8350

The lavender latte I had was just incredible—definitely a 10/10! It really hit the spot. While the grits were good, they didn’t quite match up to the ones I’ve had in the South, but that's just my personal taste. The overall experience at That Early Bird was fantastic. The vibe is so inviting; it's well-lit, comfortable, and vibrant. My husband ordered the potatoes on the side and they were absolutely delicious. We loved the freshness of the food and the variety in the coffee menu, which perfectly complements the lively atmosphere. It can be a bit of a challenge to find a table, but the friendly environment makes it worth the wait. I noticed some board games and children's toys, which adds a nice touch and makes it feel like a place where you’re meant to relax and enjoy your time. The prices are slightly higher than other spots in the area, with breakfast and coffee for two coming in around $30, but it's worth it for the quality. The Brioche French Toast was to die for—one of the best brunch dishes I've ever had. On the downside, the Chai Latte was disappointing, tasting mostly like cinnamon milk without the tea flavor I was hoping for. That Early Bird’s cute cafe style with outdoor seating is charming, and while we didn’t try the bakery items, they looked tempting. Overall, we’ll definitely be back because the food and coffee are simply great, and the atmosphere makes it a place you'll want to return to.

820 Forest Hill Ave SE suite b, Grand Rapids

(616) 980-0902

Great food at Brunch House GR! They managed to seat our party of seven within an hour and a half on a Sunday morning, which was impressive. The drinks were amazing, and the food was even better, with huge portions and fair prices. I really appreciate their "first come, first serve" policy using the Yelp reserve app. We arrived at 9:00am and were seated right away. However, it took our server about 8 minutes to greet us and bring water, after another server checked in with us. Our server seemed unhurried when we asked about our drinks, which came 15 minutes later with an apology. Despite the wait, the food arrived shortly after, and it was delicious. I had a pork belly benny, and my sister had the pumpkin pancakes. One of my eggs was overcooked, but it didn’t bother me too much because the flavors were spot on, and my sister loved her pancakes. Our server, while sweet and friendly, lacked the urgency you’d expect in such a busy setting. Other tables seemed to receive much quicker service. It didn’t ruin our experience, but it was noticeable. Friends have suggested coming back for brunch, and I’m excited to return and see if this was just a one-time issue. UPDATE: After receiving the owner's feedback, I decided to update my impressions. The mimosa flight was a delightful surprise with unique flavors. The original French toast, made with sourdough, is perfect if you prefer something simple and not too sweet. The breakfast shot with Jameson and schnapps was smooth and became an instant favorite. The lattes have great flavor, though the coffee itself is a bit bitter compared to the sweetness of the drink. Overall, this place has become my new favorite brunch spot! The food is flavorful, although a bit heavy on the butter or oil. Just a heads up for those with sensitive stomachs, the bathrooms are to the right of the entrance. I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit!

1345 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 774-8641

Hands down freaking delicious! I was in town for the weekend, and after having breakfast here, I couldn't resist coming back the next morning. Matchbox Diner & Drinks in Eastown is easily one of the best spots in Grand Rapids. The atmosphere is a great mix of classic diner and stylish bar, making it both cozy and cool—the kind of place you just want to hang out in. The service was exceptional. Everyone was super friendly and made us feel welcome. Our server, Colleen, was a gem—attentive but not hovering, letting us enjoy our brunch at our own pace. Now, let's get to the best part: the food. I tried the Matchbox Eggs Benedict, the Reuben, and the Poutine. Everything was delicious. The Eggs Benedict was well-made, and the Reuben had a perfect blend of flavors. The Poutine was rich and just right, with extra crunchy fries that didn’t dry out. My only tweak would be a bit more hollandaise on the Eggs Benedict—I love a good saucy eggs dish! The drinks were another highlight. Their Bloody Mary was just the right mix of spice and flavor, and my partner's Old Fashioned was strong and smooth, just how they like it. Overall, Matchbox Diner & Drinks is a fantastic spot, whether you're after a hearty brunch or just want a good place to relax with drinks. We had an amazing time and will definitely be back. It’s a solid 5-star experience. On another visit for a work anniversary brunch, everything was equally impressive. I usually don’t go for breakfast, but the Matchbox Bowl won me over. The staff was courteous and polite, making dinner with my family just as enjoyable as brunch. Whether it's breakfast or dinner, this place is consistently great, and I can’t wait to go back!

1235 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids

(616) 454-5345

Bill's Family Restaurant is a fantastic spot for breakfast in Grand Rapids. During my first visit, I tried the eggs, potatoes, and toast for just $7.25, with a side of sausage gravy for an extra $2. The food was classic diner fare, and while the sausage gravy wasn't the best I've had, it certainly wasn't the worst. It's worth noting there's a small 50-cent upcharge for Texas toast that wasn't mentioned on the menu, but that's a minor detail. What really stood out was the friendly service. The staff greets regulars by name and my waitress checked on us frequently, making sure our coffee cups were never empty. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff strikes the perfect balance between being attentive and giving you space. On another visit, I had two eggs with sourdough bread and sausage, while my kid enjoyed some big blueberry pancakes, and my partner had the biscuits and gravy. Everything arrived quickly and was delicious. Bill’s embodies everything a classic diner should be—great quality food, friendly atmosphere, and excellent service—all at reasonable prices. It’s become my go-to breakfast spot, and I highly recommend it. Plus, I’m excited to try their olive burger next time!

2409 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 551-0434

Anna's House - East Beltline is a great spot for breakfast in Grand Rapids. The modern breakfast-themed decor is appealing, and the cleanliness of the restaurant, including the bathrooms with blue accents and old-timey outfits on the walls, adds to the inviting atmosphere. The menu offers good quality food with some clever twists on breakfast classics, making it unique and interesting. The Reuben was juicy and flavorful, and the western omelette smothered in gravy hit the spot. While the prices are on the higher side for breakfast, the food is well-prepared. Service was prompt, with our order arriving quickly, indicating an efficiently run kitchen. The chicken and waffles were a standout, with crispy chicken thighs that were satisfying, though a bit more seasoning wouldn't hurt. Fresh pressed juices were available and looked refreshing, even though I didn't try them this time. While it might not have a standout item that screams "must-try," overall, the experience was pleasant and enjoyable. The gluten-free pancakes are particularly noteworthy and worth checking out. Anna's House offers a solid breakfast experience, and I'd consider returning, especially for those pancakes.

140 Ottawa Ave NW STE 100, Grand Rapids

(616) 239-7158

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Grand Rapids was an absolute delight for breakfast. The comfort food here is bursting with flavor. I ordered the Sriracha chicken and waffles and, though chicken and waffles aren't my usual go-to, this dish was truly delicious. I love spicy food, and it certainly met my expectations. My husband had the meatloaf and couldn't stop raving about it. My magic lemonade drink was equally delightful. The decor inside is charming, and I appreciated that they take reservations. The atmosphere, both inside and outside, was fantastic. Since it was a beautiful night, we chose to dine on the outdoor patio, which only enhanced our experience. We started with the crispy brussels sprouts, and they were out of this world. For our main courses, I had the shrimp and grits while my companion opted for the gumbo. Both dishes were generously portioned and packed with flavor. Our server, Ian, was fantastic – attentive, friendly, and helpful without being intrusive. The banana pudding is a must-try for dessert lovers. The overall experience at Tupelo Honey was exceptional, and I can't wait to return. There are so many great restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids, and I'm thrilled I discovered this gem.

3874 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids

(616) 361-8500

As a vegan, finding a good brunch spot can be a challenge, but Anna's House on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids exceeded my expectations with their amazing vegan options. I went for the vegan big breakfast, which included blueberry pecan pancakes, scrambled "eggs," "sausage," hash browns, and toast. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted incredibly fresh. The hash browns were my favorite—crispy and just how I like them. The staff were super friendly, and our food arrived quickly, making the experience even better. Even if you're not vegan, they've got plenty of traditional brunch items that looked just as tempting. The crab cake Benedict was decent, although the crab cake could have been a bit better. I also tried the chicken and waffle; while the chicken was seasoned beautifully, the gravy was a bit too sweet for my taste. A latte complemented my meal nicely, though I can't recall the name of it. Portion sizes felt slightly on the smaller side for me, but they were reasonably priced and tasted great. Overall, the food was fantastic and well worth the wait. My only gripe was the initial wait upon arrival. We weren't greeted, and it wasn't clear that we needed to join a waitlist online until others mentioned it. A simple sign or a quick welcome would have made a big difference. Despite this, Anna's House lived up to its reputation as the #1 breakfast spot in Michigan, and I'm happy to have discovered it during my trip to Grand Rapids.

1455 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids

(616) 774-8772

Sue was an absolute delight at New Beginnings Restaurant in Grand Rapids! If you visit, definitely ask for her. She’s attentive, caring, and keeps your coffee filled unless you say otherwise. Sue has a friendly and warm demeanor and always greets you with a smile, which made our breakfast experience even better. We'll be back to visit Sue again. As for the food, the breakfast was delicious. I had the Greek omelette, which was perfect if you're a fan of feta cheese. While the restaurant doesn't offer many gluten-free options, I found enough choices to enjoy comfortably. The restrooms could use a bit more attention in terms of cleaning, but I did appreciate the retro 70s era tile and red brick floors. The atmosphere was generally cozy, with a friendly and efficient staff. I usually order rye toast—though it's slightly dry, it's consistently good. Regarding other dishes, the country fried steak was okay, but a bit tough and not quite worth the price. The sunny side up eggs were bland, with one egg popped, but adding salt helped. Similarly, the regular potatoes were bland until seasoned, so I recommend ordering them with extra seasoning. The Belgian waffle with strawberries was too soggy, but the waitress informed us that's typical with fruit topping. However, the coffee was standard for a lower-tier restaurant, and seeing waitresses pour old coffee into other pots didn't help its flavor. Despite some minor issues, it's a nice place to enjoy a meal or catch up with friends over coffee. The restaurant has a genuine vintage feel, and there’s always plenty of seating. For fans of the classic breakfast cuisine, New Beginnings is worth a try. Thanks for the good food and service!

1436 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 288-5038

I've been wanting to check out Brown Butter Crêperie & Cafe for breakfast in Grand Rapids for a while, and I'm glad I finally did. The building and atmosphere are really nice, with a cool vibe and a lovely little patio area outside for when the weather is good. The staff was friendly and welcoming, making the experience even better. I ordered the chicken cordon bleu crêpe, and my wife tried the orchard, and both were fantastic. The crêpes were made with care and tasted delicious. Though they were a bit on the pricey side, the quality and freshness made it worth it. We also enjoyed some apple cider, which was great. I learned that you have to order at the counter before grabbing a table, which makes sense given how popular and busy this place gets. It's definitely worth the hassle. The ambiance of the place is charming, with beautifully appointed interiors and a historic feel. There's enough seating to bring a few friends or family for a sweet or savory treat. One delightful touch was the tiny tea pots for tea lovers—such a neat addition. Overall, the experience was enjoyable, and I loved my visit. Thank you to the creative and fantastic staff for a great time!

6209 28th St SE, Grand Rapids

(616) 975-0046

My experience at New Beginnings Restaurant for breakfast was a mix of positives and some areas for improvement. I started off with the 3 meat omelette paired with potatoes, while my wife chose scrambled eggs with bacon. Both plates came with toast, and we decided to share an order of biscuits and gravy. A nice tip: the generous portion of gravy went well on my omelette too. The food overall was good. My wife and I agreed it was satisfying, though not extraordinary. Spending close to $50 for what we ordered, along with a cup of coffee, felt a bit steep. The service was minimal, as we only saw our waitress when she took our order and later brought the bill. Despite these points, I think New Beginnings is worth trying, especially since it seems to be a local favorite. You might have a bit of a wait, but that's usually a good sign. My visit brought back memories of coming here with my grandfather for coffee and sweets. The coffee was strong, the service good, and Miss Yoyo, our server, was fantastic. The place is a classic greasy spoon with satisfying, large portions for breakfast. Some items, like breakfast meats, are pricier a la carte, so it's better to order them with a main dish. Ingredients are basic, with highlights being the corned beef hash, ham, and sausage patty. If you’re a fan of eggs, they poach and baste them beautifully. In summary, while there are some hit-or-miss items, New Beginnings remains a solid spot for a hearty breakfast.

151 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids

(616) 776-1616

If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and looking for a great breakfast, I highly recommend checking out Sundance Grill. The place wasn’t very busy when I visited, and the service was fantastic. Our waiter was incredibly helpful, explaining everything with great detail and really going above and beyond—he almost seemed like he could be the owner! The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Some friends in my group tried the mimosas and absolutely loved them. Although street parking was a bit challenging and ended up costing $9 for a little over an hour, that minor inconvenience didn’t take away from the excellent meal. It was easy to overlook the parking situation given the quality of the food and service. We tried breakfast dishes and even indulged in some burgers, which came with a generous portion of French fries. The patio is perfect if you have a dog with you, and they even brought out a bowl of water with ice cubes—a really nice touch! Even though the hostess was not very accommodating when we requested to sit elsewhere, the overall experience was a significant improvement from a previous visit on Mother’s Day when the wait for food was much longer. This time, both the manager and server made sure everything went smoothly. My friend loved their wrap, and I enjoyed the Hatch Chili Pork Cobb Salad that our server recommended, along with a couple of Bloody Marys. Everything was satisfying. Overall, it was a great breakfast spot you might want to go out of your way to visit.

1601 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids

(616) 363-0990

I had a fantastic breakfast experience at New Beginnings Restaurant in Grand Rapids. The food was really good, and the service was awesome. Our server was incredibly nice and sweet, making us feel right at home. While the atmosphere wasn’t very diverse, it didn’t bother me too much. They could use updated menus, but that’s a small issue compared to the overall experience. I ordered the western omelette and swapped ham for sausage. They use links and chop them up, which I enjoyed. The omelette had Colby cheese in the center, along with onions and bell peppers, and a slice of American cheese on top that you can customize. It was all perfectly balanced. This place has a great family-style feel, where they learn your name if you visit often. They offer coffee with two types of flavored creamers, which is a nice touch. I’ve visited multiple locations and have always been pleased, though the coffee could be stronger. The waitresses are friendly, efficient, and polite, never rushing you even if you stay a while. This has become my favorite breakfast spot in Grand Rapids. The restaurant is a nice size with a simple, homey feel. Tables move quickly despite them being packed at times. Service is always quick and friendly. My favorite spot for breakfast, and it’s conveniently close to home. This is where we celebrate the kids' birthdays—it’s that special to us. The food is always fresh and delicious with generous portions. Everything came out hot, and we were left feeling satisfied. The service and food are consistently exceptional.

122 Oakes St SW Suite 100, Grand Rapids

(616) 805-3780

Leo's Coney Island On Tap in Grand Rapids is a solid spot for breakfast and takeout meals. The food is decent for the price, and we've ordered from this location multiple times without trying any of their other spots. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. There’s something for everyone on the menu. I’m a fan of the classic gyro, and my wife can't get enough of the buffalo chicken gyro with curly fries. The curly fries remind us of those from a popular fast food chain, "R-B's." The coney island dog with cheese and extra onion and the mozzarella sticks are also favorites. They even have that great restaurant-style ranch dressing! On one occasion, we stopped in for breakfast while in town for a wedding. We were pleasantly surprised to be the only customers on a Saturday morning. Our waitress suggested the breakfast pita, and it was fantastic. We also enjoyed a mimosa with sweet wine, which was a delightful way to start the day. The service is consistently amazing. Our server Gabby was exceptional, brightening our day with her friendly attitude. The breakfast and drinks were top-notch, served quickly and with care. Though the coney dog received mixed reviews from my colleagues, my experience was great overall. I ordered the Cobb salad and, despite the chicken tasting a bit generic, the large portion was satisfying. What truly stood out was the incredible service—our waitress ran down the street to return a forgotten set of keys, going above and beyond to help us out. We'll definitely keep coming back as long as the food quality and prices remain consistent.