May 20, 2025

Best Breakfasts in Memphis: Loved by Locals

Head to Memphis for breakfast and enjoy places where friends gather to eat fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Discover fresh-cooked meals that fill your belly and make mornings special!

Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
Tennessee
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

Come experience breakfast in Memphis, where you can enjoy tasty home-style cooking! Feel the cozy and friendly atmosphere as you sit down to freshly cooked dishes. Every bite is sure to make you smile and start your day right!

Brother Juniper's

3519 Walker Ave, Memphis

(901) 324-0144

Reviewed by:

Stella Coleman

My first visit to Brother Juniper's was a really positive experience. The atmosphere is welcoming, and our server, Peter, made us feel right at home. The food and service were both great, making it a place I’ll definitely return to. The Juniper latte was a highlight—absolutely delicious. I customized my Denver Omelette with jalapeños and salsa, and it turned out perfect. My partner enjoyed the basic bacon and eggs thoroughly. Despite being 15th on the waitlist, we were seated quickly. Our waiter was efficient with drink and food orders. My wife’s French toast meal was tasty, my son loved his fireman omelet, and my waffle meal did not disappoint. Even though the biscuit and gravy were just okay, it didn't overshadow the overall quality of the meal. The place has a cozy, homey vibe reminiscent of a country mom and pop diner. It’s clean, organized, and offers some vegan-friendly options. Everything we ordered was fresh and made quickly. Brother Juniper's is definitely worth the drive, and I’m looking forward to coming back soon. Keep up the good work!

The Garden Brunch Cafe Memphis

492 S Main St, Memphis

(901) 249-7450

Reviewed by:

Mookiee Naha

Our brunch at Garden Brunch Cafe was absolutely amazing! The atmosphere was welcoming, with beautiful decor that made us feel right at home. The menu was diverse, and every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch – attentive and friendly, thanks to our fantastic waitress Bri. I couldn't decide between the bananas foster and the French Toast, but I'm so glad I chose the bananas foster – it was incredible. The owner surprised me by bringing a sample of the French Toast after hearing me mention how good it looked. How thoughtful! The service from Kent was equally impressive – he made sure everything was perfect, even making my daughter feel special with her apple juice. The food was so well-seasoned that there was no need for salt and pepper at the table. The steak and roasted red potatoes were cooked perfectly, and even the eggs were exciting. And those mimosas? Delicious and a bit sneaky – get the pitcher! Overall, the ambiance was laid-back and cool, perfect for a downtown breakfast stop. I'd definitely make the trip again for breakfast at Garden Brunch Cafe.

Gibson's Donuts

760 Mt Moriah Rd, Memphis

(901) 682-8200

Reviewed by:

Kimberly Darwin

The service at Gibson's Donuts in Memphis is outstanding. Despite a line out the door, the staff was attentive and efficient, bringing out hot, fresh donuts without pause. When I asked for a fresh cinnamon roll, the young lady immediately obliged and even offered a fresh apple fritter, which was a lovely gesture. The donuts themselves are incredible—soft, fresh, and not overly sweet. Whether you’re craving something sweet in the morning or looking for a late-night snack, Gibson's is the place to go, especially since they're open 24/7. Whenever I'm in Memphis, this is my go-to spot for donuts. The atmosphere is delightful, and the people are genuinely friendly. My toddler and I don’t mind going out of our way to visit because it’s always worth the trip. On my last visit, I felt so at home that I ended up buying for others, spreading the joy that this place exudes. The variety of donut flavors is impressive, with the maple bacon and pumpkin with cream cheese frosting being standouts. The prices are reasonable, especially compared to what I'm used to in Calgary. I even took some donuts home on my flight, and they were still delicious the next day. Highly recommended are the long john, apple fritter, and Oreo donuts. The ownership is super friendly, and tipping is always appreciated. If you're in Memphis, do yourself a favor and visit Gibson's Donuts.

Sunrise Memphis (Downtown)

670 Jefferson Ave, Memphis

(901) 552-3168

Reviewed by:

Yolanda Marie

During my trip to Memphis, I was thrilled to visit Sunrise Memphis for breakfast, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. This spot exudes local charm and character, with its unique decor that truly captures the essence of Memphis. The ample seating options, both indoors and on the patio, offer a comfortable setting for a meal. The service at Sunrise Memphis is top-notch. The process of ordering is straightforward and efficient, with friendly staff making the experience smooth and pleasant. I appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and the warm reception. When it comes to the food, everything I tried was fantastic. I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with pancakes, eggs with cheese, grits, and hash browns. Each dish was delicious and satisfying, with the pancakes being particularly warm and fluffy. The creamy grits and perfectly cooked hash browns made for a delightful meal. Overall, I can't wait to go back and try more from their menu. The combination of a welcoming space, efficient service, and tasty food makes Sunrise Memphis a top breakfast spot in the city. It's definitely my favorite place to eat in Memphis, and possibly my favorite restaurant of all time. A must-visit if you're in town! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Eggxactly Breakfast & Deli

1248 Marlin Rd, Memphis

(901) 729-7598

Reviewed by:

Luz Iorio

Eggxactly Breakfast & Deli is a charming spot that's truly worth visiting. Nestled in what feels like a cozy remodeled home in a residential area, it offers a welcoming atmosphere both inside and out. The staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. On my visit, I ordered the chicken and waffles, and they were fantastic. The chicken was hot, juicy, and perfectly seasoned — just how fried chicken should be. The waffle, topped with berries and powdered sugar, added a delightful touch. Although the wait for food was a bit long, about 30 minutes, the quality and taste of the chicken made it worthwhile. While some of the other dishes, like the scrambled eggs and hash browns, were more average, the overall experience was positive. The ambiance, with its good music and interesting wall art, adds to the laid-back, welcoming vibe. Despite a few hiccups with the food, I look forward to returning, especially to try their full menu on another day. The customer service is truly outstanding, and that alone makes this a spot I’d recommend. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy a hot breakfast or brunch, and possibly the best I've had in a long time. With great recommendations on the side, it's a place I plan to revisit.

Bryant's Breakfast

3965 Summer Ave, Memphis

(901) 324-7494

Reviewed by:

Unique Bolton

Bryant's Breakfast is a staple in Memphis, and I was eager to give it a try because I love diners. As an establishment that's been around since 1968, it has a reputation, and I was curious to see what the fuss was about. Walking in, I appreciated the straightforward process: order at the counter, get your number, and your food is brought to you. It's efficient and keeps things moving, especially on a busy Saturday morning. I ordered the "everything omelet," which came with biscuits and gravy, and added a side of hashbrowns and grits. The hashbrowns were a standout—crispy and flavorful. The omelet had perfectly cooked eggs, though the veggies made it a tad watery. The biscuits were soft, and while the gravy was a bit salty and floury, it was still satisfying. The grits could have used a bit more flavor, and some hot sauce or seasoning on the side would have been a nice touch. The atmosphere is unique, with its primary color scheme giving it a bit of a retro school cafeteria vibe. It's clear that Bryant’s has its loyal customers, and I can see why. The food is hearty and reasonably priced. One of my dining partners enjoyed a ham biscuit with a huge slice of ham, while another was pleased with their bacon and eggs. Even though there wasn't anything particularly extraordinary about the experience, the reliability of good, honest breakfast food at such an affordable price is refreshing. The staff was friendly, and they even remade my food after a mix-up, which I appreciated. It might not be the most hyped place for me, but it's solid and definitely worth another visit.

Café Eclectic

603 N McLean Blvd, Memphis

(901) 725-1718

Reviewed by:

Baldo Alonzo

Café Eclectic is such a fun spot for breakfast in Memphis. The restaurant has an adorable coffee bar, and the service is always amazing. I absolutely loved the chocolate pumpkin muffin. Though I only tried the drip coffee this time, I'm excited to return and sample some of their many specialty coffees. The brioche French toast was tasty, even though it arrived a bit cold. One of the things I appreciate about this place is their wide selection of baked goods and the fact that they support local sourcing. On this visit, I tried the Birds Benedict, and it was hot and delicious. My aunt had the garden omelet, which she said was good, though not exactly mouth-watering. There was a slight hiccup with the biscuits, as they weren't hot initially, but our great waiter promptly brought out fresh ones. While I ended up giving Café Eclectic 4 stars, mostly because it feels like it's missing something special, it's still a top spot to check out and enjoy with friends and family. Although I had a wait time for my food and some inconsistency in service on previous visits, I keep coming back because I genuinely like the food, the atmosphere, and the friendly vibe that makes it a great repeat spot.

Cafe Keough

12 S Main St, Memphis

(901) 509-2469

Reviewed by:

Brando Gehegan

Trifecta! First, the food at Cafe Keough is fantastic. I absolutely loved the oatmeal and appreciated it being on the menu. Second, the service is super-friendly. I was treated with a smile, which always makes for a great experience. Third, the historic digs of this cafe are amazing and really set the scene. All in all, a perfect experience in my opinion. I was in town for a conference and I'm likely to return, so I'm definitely keeping a map pin on Keough for my next visit. It's important to support local businesses, especially when they offer a superior experience. This cafe is just a block away from a big corporate coffee chain, yet it was surprisingly quiet this morning. Cafe Keough offers better food and beverage options and a nicer atmosphere. I highly recommend it! The breakfast bagel might just be the best I've ever had, and the prices aren't bad either. The location is very central, which is another plus. There were a couple of hiccups—I was charged $4 for four slices of avocado on the side and $2 for a bread that was unavailable, but they did offer a refund. However, that wasn't the main point. On the bright side, the Cafe Salad with Citrus Dressing was delicious and the Almond Milk Latte hit the spot. Lastly, a small suggestion: please consider adding avocado toast to your menu. Thank you!

Another Broken Egg Cafe

6063 Park Ave, Memphis

(901) 729-7020

Reviewed by:

Lester Reynoso

I had a fantastic brunch experience at Another Broken Egg Cafe in Memphis. Having visited a few different locations before, I was eager to try this one out with my friends, and it did not disappoint. The Cinnamon Roll French Toast I ordered was absolutely delicious, especially when paired with cheese eggs and sausage. My friends and I were all impressed with our meals. Previously, I had the chance to visit the Nashville location, so I was excited to see if Memphis lived up to it. This time, I tried the Bourbon Street Pancakes while my boyfriend opted for the Apple Fritter French Toast, and both dishes were incredibly tasty and satisfying. We also shared sides of bacon and chicken apple sausage, and the bacon was a clear winner for us. The service was excellent, with a super friendly staff that added to the vibrant and lively atmosphere. It was a fun place to enjoy a meal, and we're already planning to return for another delicious brunch.

The Pancake Shop

4838 Summer Ave, Memphis

(901) 767-0206

Reviewed by:

Ruben Rivera

We were in town for the weekend and had heard amazing things about The Pancake Shop, so we knew we had to check it out. We live about an hour and 38 minutes from Memphis, but the drive was absolutely worth it for this breakfast spot. The place lived up to all the great reviews—it has a well-deserved high rating. The service, atmosphere, and food were fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the pancakes, eggs, grits, and sausage. Our server, Billie, was incredibly attentive and made sure we had a great experience, especially since it was our first time there. This spot is cash only, which is good to know ahead of time, but it truly adds to the charm. Despite it being years since my last visit, nothing has changed—the food and service remain top-notch. The staff, including the friendly owner and his son, genuinely care about providing quality service. While I sometimes need my eggs cooked a bit more, it doesn’t deter me from enjoying my meals here. I frequent The Pancake Shop several times a week and plan to continue doing so for many years. The breakfast options, sandwiches, pancakes, salads, and bacon are all great. There's also plenty of free parking, which is a nice bonus. I’d love to see the plate lunches available on weekends and chicken and dumplings year-round. This place is truly special, with well-prepared country ham biscuits and homestyle daily specials. If you’re in the area or just visiting, drop by—you’ll be glad you did. Thanks to Hunter and Billie for a wonderful experience!

The Cupboard Restaurant

1400 Union Ave, Memphis

(901) 276-8015

Reviewed by:

Nick Dantzler

The Cupboard Restaurant is a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Memphis. The service is always top-notch, with friendly staff who make you feel welcome the moment you walk in. I love starting my meal with their delicious fried green tomatoes—crispy and perfectly seasoned. Their breakfast offerings are always hot and fresh, which is a great way to kick off the day. While some dishes might not hit the mark, like the slightly overcooked country fried steak, the flavors generally remind me of hearty, comforting country cooking. The mashed potatoes and greens are especially good and taste homemade. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming, making it a pleasant experience each time. Easy parking is a plus, too. The Cupboard offers great value for your money with generous portions and a variety of classic Southern dishes. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit!

Another Broken Egg Cafe

65 S Highland St, Memphis

(901) 623-7122

Reviewed by:

Paul Osuala-Adomolga

Brunch goals achieved at Another Broken Egg Cafe! I have to say, my breakfast experience at Another Broken Egg Cafe was truly delightful. I started with the Monterey Power Omelette, and the combination of egg whites, chicken, and peppers was spot on. The taste was absolutely top-notch! The Bourbon Pancakes were fluffy, flavorful, and quite the indulgence; the hot maple caramel sauce that came with them was absolute perfection. For sides, I enjoyed the fresh fruit, which was mostly fresh, and the crispy potatoes, though they could have used a little less salt and a pinch more potatoes. The table was a bit sticky, needing a bit more attention to cleanliness. Overall, I would rate my experience a 4.5 out of 5. I will absolutely be returning soon! Another Broken Egg Cafe, you've definitely won me over. I highly recommend it for brunch enthusiasts, omelette lovers, and anyone seeking scrumptious flavors. During my visit, I couldn't resist ordering the Shrimp and Grits accompanied by two buttermilk pancakes. The seasoning of the shrimp and grits was so satisfying that I didn’t even miss adding sugar, which is my usual preference. I also enjoyed a refreshing Strawberry Mimosa after starting with a Coke. My husband and son ordered the Lobster and Brie Omelette and loved it. The buttermilk pancakes were a hit with them as well. Everyone at the cafe was incredibly friendly, and the food was amazing. Our server, Talon, was especially gracious and added to the positive experience. I highly recommend Another Broken Egg Cafe as a must-try brunch spot in Memphis!

The Arcade Restaurant

540 S Main St, Memphis

(901) 526-5757

Reviewed by:

Junior Bleakley

Having breakfast at The Arcade Restaurant in Memphis was an experience worth remembering. The food was pretty much standard diner breakfast fare—not overly impressive, but certainly not bad either. For us, it was all about the ambiance and the history of eating at one of the oldest cafes in a historic city, and for that, it deserves top marks. The place had a bit of a dingy, grimy charm, and while it wasn't sparkling clean, it added to the authentic, nostalgic vibe. Our server was friendly, if a bit scatterbrained. Despite that, I'm really glad we decided to visit. It was conveniently located near our hotel and close to our planned activities for the day, so no complaints there. We walked in even though Google suggested they were booked, and I'm glad we took that chance. Every hostess and waitress was amazing. My omelette was superb with toppings both inside and out, and my French toast was really good. I couldn't choose between grits or hash browns, so I went with both. The hash browns were okay, not the standout of the meal, but everything else was really satisfying. My wife tried the chocolate gravy, which was super thick, but it tasted a little scorched. Overall, it was a solid experience, and I would definitely go back. We visited for a late lunch, and it was nice that they serve their full breakfast menu all day until 3 p.m. We arrived around 2:15 p.m. on a weekday and were served quickly. The staff was very friendly, and our food was cooked promptly and tasted good. Would definitely visit again.

King's Palace Cafe

162 Beale St, Memphis

(901) 521-1851

Reviewed by:

Kotrain Ronyavila

Traveling from St. Louis to Memphis, I was eager to try a breakfast spot that promised a great experience, and King’s Palace Cafe did not disappoint. The food was phenomenal, and our server was exceptional. I came for the Alligator Bites, and they were absolutely delicious. The true taste of Southern hospitality shined through, and the love they put into their service was evident. This time, I tried the Memphis BBQ Ribs, fried green tomatoes, and Champion Gumbo, and everything was just as fabulous as my last visit. The Crawfish and Shrimp Étouffée and Pulled Pork were packed with flavor, while the gumbo and étouffée had just the right amount of heat. Although the BBQ chicken was a bit dry and the rice undercooked, it didn't take away from the overall great quality of the meal. I loved how friendly and attentive the staff was, bringing us a gumbo sample to check the spice level. It was a treat to have the place almost to ourselves on a hot summer Friday. The only downsides were the HVAC blowing directly on us and the ambient music being too loud, but these were minor compared to the positives. The service was a little slow, and we needed to visit the bar for attention, but it was worth the wait. While the pecan pie could use an upgrade, and the Banana Foster cake was unavailable, these small issues didn't overshadow the excellent food and welcoming atmosphere. King’s Palace Cafe is definitely a must-stop when in the area, and I look forward to another trip from St. Louis to enjoy their incredible offerings.

Big Bad Breakfast - East Memphis

6450 Poplar Ave Suite 119, Memphis

(901) 881-3346

Reviewed by:

Jose Malcolm

I went to Big Bad Breakfast in East Memphis for a Sunday brunch with a group of four. We had about a 30-minute wait outside, but once inside, the service was quick and friendly. I started with a regular coffee while my friends enjoyed some specialty drinks. I ordered the breakfast skillet called "yard work," which came with a biscuit. It was packed with avocado, eggs, mushrooms, and potatoes, making it quite filling, though the taste wasn’t exactly what I expected. The atmosphere was a highlight, resembling a cozy coffee house. I also tried the chicken and waffles, and while the presentation was nice, the chicken was tough, and the flavors didn’t quite hit the mark for me. My friends tried the omelette, pancakes, and avocado toast, with mixed reviews. The Belgian waffle we ordered to share was a bit of a letdown, lacking the flair I hoped for. Despite some of the food not wowing me, the cappuccino was fantastic, and the overall vibe of the place was inviting. They’ve improved their breakfast potatoes, which are now soft and well-seasoned. I plan to return and try other dishes, as the friendly and attentive service, along with the atmosphere, makes it a place worth visiting again. Just be sure to arrive early on weekends to avoid a long wait.

Automatic Slim's

83 S 2nd St, Memphis

(901) 525-7948

Reviewed by:

Benny Patricio

My visit to Automatic Slim's for breakfast was a mixed bag, but there were definitely some highlights worth mentioning. The host was fantastic and made sure I got settled in right away, which set a nice tone for the morning. Also, the service from the bartender, Mark, was exceptional and truly made the experience memorable. The food had its ups and downs. The BBQ brisket Benedict was a standout—it was amazing and definitely a dish I’d recommend. The grits tasted fantastic, though they could have used a bit more time to cook. As for the rest, the omelette and French toast weren’t quite up to par; the omelette lacked flavor, and the French toast seemed over-soaked. However, the potatoes that came with the omelette were a delightful surprise, and the sauce with the French toast was quite good. I appreciated the great price on the mimosas at just $3, even though one was warm instead of chilled. Despite a few bumps, the experience was laid-back, and I’m inclined to give it another try, mostly due to the excellent service. Plus, the mimosa tower was worth checking out. A few tweaks in the kitchen could really elevate the overall dining experience.

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