Lincoln's Finest Breakfast Spots for All Ages

1265 S Cotner Blvd, Lincoln

(402) 489-1720

Harbor Coffeehouse is a cool coffee spot with gelato and sandwiches that are totally worth trying. When I visited for breakfast, I decided to get their kombucha on tap and grabbed some blueberry crumble beans to go. The place is huge, so finding a good spot was easy even though it was busy. My friend tried the BLT sandwich and raved about it being one of the best she's had. I ordered a Black Raspberry Green Tea with Raspberry syrup and was pleasantly surprised. Sometimes teas can be bitter or weak, but this one hit the spot. Next time, I might ask for a little more raspberry syrup, though. The pricing felt fair for what we got, and we left feeling happy with our purchases. Every visit to Harbor Coffeehouse has been a great experience. The coffee is consistently good, and the tea selection is enjoyable. The gelato is also impressive. It has that quaint neighborhood coffee shop feel with a friendly staff and relaxed vibe. The pastries are nice, though it would be great to have more meat options for breakfast bagels, like turkey or chicken. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit.

616 South St, Lincoln

(402) 435-9404

Tina's Cafe & Catering is my new go-to spot whenever I'm in Lincoln. I was on the hunt for a cozy breakfast place and was directed to Tina's, and it exceeded my expectations. Everything about it is top-notch - from the delightful food to the welcoming staff and the reasonable prices. The vibe inside is fantastic, and the staff could not have been friendlier, always making sure my coffee cup was full. The food arrived fresh and steaming hot, and every bite was delicious. A heads-up, though, the parking lot is a bit small, so plan accordingly. The homemade cinnamon roll is enormous and so good that we took some leftovers home. As a first-time customer, I was thoroughly impressed. My husband and I arrived a little after 8 am on a Saturday, and the place was already buzzing; we found spots at the bar since only one large table was available. The food is simply outstanding. The cinnamon roll we ordered to share was so big, we couldn't finish it. The hash browns are honestly the best I've ever tasted, and the waitress was happy to confirm they use fresh shaved potatoes. The chicken fried steak was also wonderful. The service deserves a full five stars. The waitresses were attentive and genuinely friendly, always making sure we had what we needed. The atmosphere has a charming diner feel, with a hint of racing fan decor that adds character. Just a quick tip—check their hours before you visit. They close at 2 pm Monday through Friday and aren't open on Sundays, with a shorter schedule on Saturdays. We stopped by on our drive back to St. Louis and left with two of the best cinnamon rolls we've ever had. I highly recommend checking out Tina's if you’re in the area!

4724 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln

(402) 435-0998

I tried Penelope's Lil' Cafe for breakfast and was not disappointed. The service truly stood out; the staff was friendly and attentive despite the cafe being super busy. It's rare to find such genuine service, and it's worth its weight in gold. The atmosphere was bustling on a Sunday morning, which is a good sign. The place was clean, and I appreciated the self-sign-in system. While the small tables were a bit too close for my liking, the overall vibe was nice. As for the food, the Funnel Cake French Toast had a great flavor and crispy bits but tasted a bit too oily. The eggs, hash browns, and toast were spot on, and my husband's chicken fried steak was good, though the gravy's consistency wasn't my favorite. The Bloody Mary with house-made mix was a pleasant surprise and just the right amount of spicy. My biscuits and gravy with eggs didn't disappoint either. The coffee could be stronger, but that's just personal preference. I loved that even with the morning chill and a full house, the place had a welcoming feel. The fact that other customers seem to be regulars speaks volumes about the connection they have with their patrons. I'll definitely be coming back to experience more of what they offer.

6891 A St STE 102, Lincoln

(402) 488-3444

Good Evans Breakfast & Lunch in Lincoln is a fantastic spot for breakfast. The food is delicious, and the service is excellent. We had Faye as our waitress, and she was awesome. Both the Chicken Fried Steak and the Persea Americana omelet were great. While there's a slight wait time, it’s to be expected with such an amazing place to eat. For its prices, it’s not bad as the portions are generous and the dishes are flavorful and tasty. A friend highly recommends the Southwest Bene, Mexican Power Bowl, or Country Fried Steak. Our server was nice, and service was fast, though they did forget our pancakes due to how busy it was. Overall, it's definitely a good place to get brunch. It was my first time eating here, and it was awesome. The host and waiter were very nice and helpful, and the food looked and tasted amazing. I'll be going back for sure and can't wait to try lunch. On my second visit, I had the avocado toast, and my son had the breakfast pie—both were delicious. Each time I visit Lincoln, I make it a point to stop by. Never have had a bad time here; the food is always A+, and the service is wonderful. The manager often checks in to ensure everything is going well. I definitely recommend their house-made pop-tarts, lattes, and fantastic hollandaise on everything.

6028 Havelock Ave, Lincoln

(402) 467-2880

Engine House Cafe is a fantastic spot for breakfast in Lincoln, and I absolutely loved my experience there. The breakfast was amazing, with exceptional prices and generous portions. The omelet I ordered was one of the best I've had in ages, and the banana nut pancake was exceptional too. My husband and I are always on the hunt for a good eggs Benedict, which is why we decided to visit. He enjoyed his with bacon, while I tried mine with prime rib. While I wouldn't order the prime rib again because it was too thick for my liking, I think thinner slices would be a better fit. The hollandaise sauce was decent, and the portion sizes were quite large. If you want to avoid the busy times, I suggest going early. The food was great, with fast service. The tots, kids' burger, and even the cottage cheese were all hits. We would have enjoyed it even more if the blinds were open to let in more light. I highly recommend this breakfast spot in Havelock! I also tried the French toast breakfast combo, which was delightful. The vanilla flavor really stood out, and it had a nice crispy shell. My husband's chicken fried steak breakfast was one of the better ones in Lincoln, according to him, with crispy breading and tasty gravy. The place was bustling on a Sunday morning, and although there was a wait to be seated, it was worth it. The servers were attentive and managed to keep up with the busy atmosphere. The decor, filled with firefighter memorabilia, added a unique touch, even if the space was a bit loud. Overall, Engine House Cafe is definitely a breakfast spot worth visiting.

1601 Q St Suite A, Lincoln

(402) 261-3498

Breakfast Unhinged is a fantastic spot that truly stands out in Lincoln. I caught them outside their soon-to-be-opened location and couldn't resist trying a few items. The lumpia and bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich were incredibly delicious. Chris, the owner, generously offered me some fried rice, which was packed with flavor. I can't wait for their new spot to open up and explore the rest of their menu. It's exciting to see a Filipino eatery coming to Lincoln, and this place is a hidden gem that more people should know about. The owners show a genuine Nebraskan kindness and care for their customers, making sure everyone has a great experience. They are super helpful and friendly, and their dedication to good food is clear. One of the standouts for me was their Belgium waffles. They're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making every bite delightful. There are so many great options, like fruit-topped or cinnamon roll-style waffles. Their sausage gravy is also a highlight — rich, creamy, and full of flavor, perfect for any dish on the menu. Chris and his team truly make you feel at home with their warm service. Their passion for their food and customers shines through everything they do. My overall experience was perfect, with amazing food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. If you're in Lincoln and want a great breakfast experience, Breakfast Unhinged is the place to be. You won't regret giving them a try.

3820 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln

(402) 464-9885

Virginia's Cafe is a calm and peaceful place with friendly service. The staff is quick and tidy, making it a great spot to stop and eat if you're in the area. The food was cooked well and tasted great—I even wanted to go for seconds! We were able to sit down immediately, even though it was a busy Sunday at 11 am. I love that the menu offers smaller portions of breakfast items, which is a nice touch. The pancakes were delicious, as were the hashbrowns. There was a small mix-up with my meal missing a pancake portion, but our server promptly gave us a discount on our ticket, which was appreciated. It's a solid breakfast spot. I also visited once during lunch after work, and I really enjoyed the experience. It feels like one of the last genuine American diners from the golden age, with great staff and great food.

4701 Old Cheney Rd E, Lincoln

(402) 423-7797 ext. 1

Bagels & Joe on Old Chaney Rd is the best place in town for a bagel fix. They offer a large variety of bagels and cream cheese options that I love. Their breakfast bagel sandwich is so delicious that my parents dream about it whenever they aren't in Lincoln. During my visit, I had such a pleasant dining experience. I ended up ordering two bagels and then went back for a third Everything bagel to go because they were just that fresh and tasty! The young girls working there are always smiling, well-trained, and working hard. Kudos to the management for maintaining such a friendly staff and dining atmosphere. Their locally roasted coffee is solid. I tried the India roast, which was good, and I'm excited to try more. The food and coffee never disappoint, and the employees are always helpful and friendly. This is definitely my favorite on-the-go breakfast spot in the area.

5600 S 48th St, Lincoln

(402) 423-2206

Family Breakfast! My kids had never been to Stauffer's Cafe & Pie Shoppe before, and it turned out to be a delightful experience for us all. My husband ordered a classic Breakfast Combo, and though he wished the bacon was a tad crispier, he was pretty happy with the perfectly cooked over easy eggs, great toast, and hand-cut hashbrowns. I tried the French Toast on Cinnamon Bread for the first time, and while the bread was fantastic, it was slightly underdone for my liking. The side of scrambled eggs was quite tasty, though. For the kids, substituting toast for pancakes was a great deal, and they devoured their food in record time, even finishing off my plate and my husband's remaining hashbrowns. Our server, Jessika, was incredibly attentive and made sure we were well taken care of. The diner has a charming small-town feel, making it a fantastic spot for families. It's well known that you're supposed to get pie when visiting Stauffer's, but since the kids had a birthday party to attend that afternoon, I promised them pie next time. However, I couldn't resist grabbing a slice of strawberry rhubarb crumb pie to go, and it was absolutely delicious! We also tried their Sunday special, the grilled cinnamon roll, which was amazing and large enough to take half home. My husband enjoyed the cinnamon raisin bread, which was thick and delicious. Overall, the service was top-notch, the atmosphere was inviting, and the food was excellent. This was our first time at Stauffer’s, and it definitely won't be our last. It's a great place to bring the family, and I'm looking forward to trying more pie varieties on our next visit.

7811 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln

(402) 423-7797 ext. 3

Bagels & Joe is a great spot for breakfast in Lincoln. I’ve been impressed with the delicious food they offer. Their Creme Brulee drip coffee and blueberry muffin are both fantastic, and the Avocado Spring Greens Salad is really good too. The atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends, quiet and cozy with the option to sit outside. On a visit with my boyfriend, we experienced some hiccups since they didn’t accept Apple Pay, but the staff was incredibly patient and kind, helping us sort everything out. This level of patience from the staff was much appreciated, and it’s clear they care about their customers. While there were some issues with my drink once, the overall quality of the food and the friendly service make up for it. It's clear they aim to make things right when they can. Despite some bumps, the positive experiences outweigh the negatives, and I’m sure I’ll be visiting again to enjoy their great offerings.

1777 N 86th St, Lincoln

(402) 423-7797 ext. 2

Bagels & Joe is a fantastic spot for breakfast in Lincoln. I had the home style quiche with sausage and a salad, and it was delicious. Connie provided outstanding service, making the experience even better. I’m eager to return for one of their bagels; the locals are lucky to have such a gem in town. When I visited, I ordered a lox bagel, a cappuccino, and an energy infusion. The cappuccino was perfectly made, and the lox bagel was nothing short of perfection. The energy infusion was a refreshing treat. The atmosphere is great for hanging out with friends and family, working on a computer, or reading. The staff was extremely friendly and greeted me with a smile, offering great service throughout my visit. On another visit, I tried the sausage breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel with chipotle mayo and basil aioli. The flavors were amazing together. I paired it with an iced caramel latte, which had a perfect blend of sugar, caramel, and creamer. The sizes are decent for the price, and I definitely recommend Bagels & Joe. There’s a reason it’s been around for so long!

7900 S 87th St, Lincoln

(402) 420-3232

Ordered a Nashville chicken biscuit online, and it was ready when I arrived – super easy ordering and good service. The food was delicious, but I do wish the chicken had a bit more spice and some hot sauce. The biscuit was absolutely amazing, buttery and tasty. The coffee was hot and fresh, just what I needed to kickstart my morning! We also tried the chicken fried steak breakfast. It's something we try everywhere, and while it wasn’t the best or the worst, the basic sausage gravy could use a little more flavor. The breakfast potatoes were a bit of a letdown – bland and inconsistently cooked. On the bright side, the biscuit really stood out as a star item, and the chocolate chip pancakes were fluffy and warm – definitely worth the upgrade! Our server was very attentive and nice. There was no wait to get seated, although we did have to remind the hostess about our spot in line at first. They quickly rectified the situation, though. The atmosphere was pleasant, the booth was clean, and although it was a bit chilly inside, it didn't detract from the overall experience. A big thanks to the staff, especially Adrianna, Daniella, and Sophia, for being so patient and kind. They made me feel very welcome, answering all my questions and going above and beyond. Adrianna even added a special touch with a heart drawn in whipped cream on my pancakes! The food came out quickly and tasted fantastic. I highly recommend the country combo. I’ll definitely be back again. Thanks, Greenfield’s! 😊

6700 N 27th St, Lincoln

(402) 476-4901

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Lincoln is a charming spot for breakfast, and my experience there left me hopeful for its continued improvement. The atmosphere is casual and comforting, which makes it feel like a cozy home away from home, even if entering through the store feels a bit quirky. The food is solid, and while it can get busy, especially on weekends with ticket times reaching up to 40 minutes, the recent introductions like the Steak n’ Egg hashbrown casserole and French Toast bake are worth the wait. Service was a highlight, thanks to Melissa. Despite the hustle and bustle, she never forgot about us, delivering quick and charming service. Her attentiveness stood out, and she deserves all the praise—and perhaps a raise—for managing so well. It's clear there's been a positive shift recently, reminiscent of the days when the older manager was in charge. Food and service standards are rebounding, aiming to match the quality expected at Cracker Barrel. While there are always aspects to improve, like ensuring accurate menu information, my meal was a pleasant start to the day. If you're looking for a hearty breakfast and a touch of southern hospitality, this spot is worth a visit.

7101 S 27th St, Lincoln

(402) 421-6115

I always look forward to breakfast at Village Inn, and today was no exception. The atmosphere was bustling, but we were seated immediately, and service was prompt and friendly. I started off with a Pumpkin Spice Coffee, which overflowed a bit, but cleaning it up was worth it because it was delicious! I also tried the Hazelnut and Banana Crepes, but they were a bit too hard and cold for my liking. No worries, though—I swapped them out for an English muffin, which I wasn't charged for, so I appreciated that gesture. The rest of our meal was fantastic. I enjoyed an omelette, pancakes, and hashbrowns—all cooked to perfection. My daughter and I also shared a Berry French Toast combo, and she loved her Funny Face breakfast. The food arrived quickly, and everything was just right. Our server was really fabulous despite being busy, checking on us a few times to ensure we were satisfied. It was a lovely mother-daughter brunch date, and Village Inn made our morning special. We've been coming here for years, and experiences like today's remind me why I love it so much.

5001 Van Dorn St, Lincoln

(402) 488-2424

I decided to go to Village Inn because I was in the mood for a classic diner breakfast. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted right away, even though they were pretty busy, which was a nice touch. I ordered an iced tea and a breakfast skillet with an English muffin. The food was exactly what you'd expect from a good diner breakfast, and my waitress was great about keeping my iced tea topped off. Since I like taking my time when I eat out, I also ordered a slice of lemon pie, which was tasty. The service was consistently good, and I've noticed that every time I visit, the staff is always on top of things, cleaning tables quickly and efficiently. The food came out fast and just as ordered, and I appreciated how experienced the servers were in making sure everything went smoothly. Overall, breakfast at this Village Inn is a solid experience. The food is reliable, the service is friendly, and it's a dependable spot for a morning meal.

6555 O St, Lincoln

(402) 489-8829

I met a friend for lunch at Village Inn and was pleasantly surprised to see it's still in business. The recent renovations are impressive, with everything looking bright and clean. The breakfast menu had the typical offerings, but the server went the extra mile by asking how we liked our bacon and had it made fresh. It was a thoughtful touch, and the attentive service made a big difference. Later, I enjoyed a late evening dessert with dear friends. The GM who seated us was super friendly and really added to our vibe. The waitress we had was equally friendly and made us feel very welcome. My husband and I also went for breakfast on a busy Sunday morning, and despite the crowd, we were seated right away. The food was delicious, and the staff was working hard to accommodate everyone, which was impressive. As someone new to Lincoln and Nebraska, I've found that Village Inn is a terrific spot for breakfast. The design is super clean, and they offer great breakfast options, like fresh orange juice and a pot of coffee right at your table. The food arrives quickly, which is a huge plus if you have kids with you. It's very kid-friendly, and the staff seems genuinely happy to work there, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Plus, it's very easy to bike to, which is a nice bonus. I'll definitely be a regular.

7301 Husker Cir, Lincoln

(402) 937-7042

WOW!!! I had an amazing experience at Perkins American Food Co. for breakfast in Lincoln. This location is a fantastic spot, especially since they returned to Lincoln after the old locations closed. The food, service, and atmosphere all get an A+ from me. The restaurant, near 27th Street and the I-80 exit/entrance, is clean and inviting. Our server, Elle, was an absolute delight. Despite our group being quite large, she was organized, attentive, and made sure everyone’s orders were spot on. She was kind, friendly, and had a great sense of humor, which made our meal even more enjoyable. Our meals were delicious, and the pies were particularly tasty. Perkins truly feels like home, and we always make time for a comfort meal when visiting Lincoln. I can’t recommend this location enough for its sweet and professional service. It’s a place where you’re sure to leave with a smile and a full stomach.