Best Breakfast & Brunch in Fayetteville

Fayetteville serves exceptional breakfast and brunch from upscale Southern boujee at Circa 1800 to classic diner fare and quick morning bites.

Why Fayetteville's Breakfast Scene Excels

The military community's early schedules and diverse backgrounds create demand for quality breakfast options from 5 AM diners to leisurely weekend brunches. You'll discover everything from biscuits and gravy to bananas Foster French toast.

Top Brunch Destinations

Circa 1800

Location: 108 Person Street, Historic Downtown Style: Upscale Southern Brunch

Why it's the best:

• Modern twist on Southern classics
• Locally sourced ingredients
• Historic downtown setting
• Craft cocktails and build-your-own bloody Mary bar

Weekend Brunch (Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM):

• Bananas Foster French toast
• Monte Cristo sandwiches
• Fried green tomatoes
• Shrimp and grits
• Chicken and waffles
• Brunch tacos
• Lobster risotto

Outdoor seating available for pleasant weather.

Price range: $$$ (upscale brunch) Reservations: Strongly recommended for weekends Best for: Special occasions, date brunch, out-of-town visitors

What Makes Circa 1800 Special

Southern Boujee Cuisine:

• Elevated Southern comfort food
• Creative preparations of classics
• Farm-to-table philosophy
• Seasonal menu changes

Atmosphere:

• Intimate, romantic setting
• Historic Haymount district
• Perfect for celebrations
• Adult-oriented (not ideal for young kids)

Cocktail Program:

• Brunch cocktails and mimosas
• Build-your-own bloody Mary
• Local craft beers
• Wine selection

Classic Breakfast Diners

Local Favorite Diners

Fayetteville's traditional diners serve hearty breakfasts all day:

What to expect:

• Early opening (5:00-6:00 AM)
• Generous portions
• Budget-friendly prices
• Southern hospitality

Classic Diner Menu:

• Eggs any style
• Bacon, sausage, or country ham
• Grits (stone-ground or creamy)
• Hash browns or home fries
• Biscuits with sausage gravy
• Pancakes, waffles, French toast
• Omelets with multiple fillings

Price range: $ (budget-friendly, $6-12)

Southern Breakfast Specialties

Must-Try NC Breakfast Items

Biscuits and Gravy:

• Fluffy buttermilk biscuits
• Sausage gravy (creamy with pork)
• Sometimes topped with fried eggs
• True Southern comfort food

Grits:

• Stone-ground or quick grits
• Served with butter or cheese
• Sometimes shrimp and grits for breakfast
• Creamy, savory side dish

Country Ham:

• Salt-cured, aged ham
• Distinctive salty flavor
• Thinly sliced and fried
• Often served with red-eye gravy

Chicken and Waffles:

• Sweet and savory combination
• Crispy fried chicken
• Belgian waffles
• Maple syrup and butter

Healthier Breakfast Options

Many restaurants now offer:

• Avocado toast variations
• Greek yogurt parfaits
• Fresh fruit bowls
• Egg white omelets
• Whole grain pancakes
• Gluten-free options

Chain Breakfast Restaurants

Fayetteville has all major breakfast chains:

IHOP (International House of Pancakes):

• Extensive pancake menu
• All-day breakfast
• Family-friendly
• Consistent quality

Cracker Barrel:

• Country store and restaurant
• Southern comfort food
• Rocking chair front porch
• Traditional breakfast all day

Waffle House:

• 24-hour breakfast
• Fast service
• Counter seating
• Famous hash browns

Denny's:

• Open late/24 hours some locations
• Grand Slam breakfast
• Varied menu
• Budget-friendly

Bojangles':

• Fast-food Southern breakfast
• Famous biscuits (Bo-Berry, Cajun Filet)
• Sweet tea
• Drive-through available

Price range: $ (budget, $5-10)

Coffee & Pastries

Downtown Coffee Shops

Personal Best Coffee (Downtown):

• Specialty coffee roasted locally
• Pastries and breakfast sandwiches
• Cozy atmosphere
• Great for working or meeting friends

Blanc Coffee Roasters (103 Person Street):

• "Coffee seriously, from roast to toast"
• Artisan coffee drinks
• Light breakfast options
• Downtown location

Rude Awakening Coffee House (227 Hay Street):

• Historic building since 1999
• Extensive coffee menu
• Breakfast pastries
• Local art on walls

Quick Breakfast Options

Starbucks (multiple locations):

• Familiar menu nationwide
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Pastries and oatmeal
• Drive-through available

Dunkin' (multiple locations):

• Coffee and donuts
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Hash browns
• Mobile ordering

Local Bakeries:

• Fresh donuts and pastries
• Muffins, scones, croissants
• Made from scratch
• Support local business

Breakfast Tacos & Burritos

Mexican restaurants serving breakfast:

• Breakfast burritos (eggs, cheese, salsa, meat)
• Breakfast tacos (soft corn tortillas)
• Chorizo and eggs
• Machaca (shredded beef)
• Breakfast quesadillas

Price range: $ (budget, $5-9)

Weekend Brunch vs. Weekday Breakfast

Weekend Brunch (Saturday-Sunday)

Characteristics:

• Leisurely pace (10 AM - 2 PM)
• Alcohol service (mimosas, bloody marys)
• Creative menu items
• Higher prices
• Reservations often needed
• Social dining experience

Popular weekend brunch items:

• Eggs Benedict variations
• French toast and pancakes
• Brunch cocktails
• Shared appetizers

Weekday Breakfast (Monday-Friday)

Characteristics:

• Early hours (5:00-6:00 AM)
• Quick service
• Traditional menu
• Lower prices
• Grab-and-go options
• Coffee to-go

Popular weekday items:

• Breakfast sandwiches
• Omelets
• Quick biscuits
• Coffee and pastry

Breakfast for Different Needs

Family Breakfast

Best for families:

• Cracker Barrel
• IHOP
• Local diners
• Bojangles' (quick option)

Kid-friendly features:

• Kids menus with smaller portions
• Coloring pages and crayons
• High chairs available
• Quick service

Business Breakfast

Best for meetings:

• Hotel restaurants (Hilton, Marriott)
• Quieter local diners
• Coffee shops with seating

Features:

• Wi-Fi available
• Quieter atmosphere
• Coffee refills
• Booth seating for privacy

Quick Breakfast (On the Go)

Fastest options:

• Bojangles' drive-through
• Starbucks mobile order
• Dunkin' drive-through
• Gas station breakfast (Sheetz, WaWa)

Time: 5-10 minutes start to finish

Breakfast Buffets

Sunday breakfast buffets are popular in Fayetteville:

What's included:

• Scrambled eggs and bacon
• Biscuits and gravy
• Pancakes and French toast
• Fresh fruit
• Pastries and muffins
• Coffee, juice, tea

Price: $10-15 per person Best for: Large appetites, variety seekers

Price Guide

Upscale Brunch: $15-30 per person Diner Breakfast: $8-12 per person Chain Restaurant: $7-12 per person Fast Food: $5-8 per person Coffee Shop: $8-15 (coffee + pastry/sandwich)

Add 15-20% tip for table service.

Military Discounts

Many breakfast spots offer military discounts:

• 10-15% off total bill
• Free coffee for active duty
• Veteran appreciation specials
• BOGO deals on military holidays

Always ask and present military ID.

Dietary Accommodations

Most restaurants offer:

• Vegetarian options (veggie omelets, pancakes)
• Vegan options (oatmeal, fruit, toast)
• Gluten-free (ask about pancakes, bread)
• Dairy-free milk for coffee

Call ahead for special dietary needs.

Ordering Tips

First time ordering Southern breakfast:

1. Don't skip the grits—try them
2. Biscuits and gravy is a complete meal
3. Country ham is saltier than city ham
4. "Iced tea" usually means sweet tea
5. Ask for "unsweet tea" if you don't want sugar

Making the most of breakfast:

• Arrive before peak times (7-9 AM weekdays, 10 AM-noon weekends)
• Ask about daily specials
• Share large portions
• Request coffee refills
• Save room for sides (biscuits, grits)

Breakfast Traditions in Fayetteville

Sunday Brunch After Church

Many families enjoy Sunday brunch after church services:

• Restaurants busiest 11 AM - 1 PM Sundays
• Dress ranges from casual to Sunday best
• Large groups common
• Be patient with wait times

Military Formation Breakfast

Early risers due to military schedules:

• Diners open as early as 5:00 AM
• Quick service for those in uniform
• Coffee to-go culture
• Breakfast sandwiches popular

Seasonal Breakfast Specials

Fall:

• Pumpkin pancakes
• Apple cider
• Pecan waffles

Winter/Holidays:

• Eggnog French toast
• Peppermint mocha
• Gingerbread pancakes

Spring:

• Strawberry pancakes
• Fresh berry toppings
• Lighter menu items

Summer:

• Fresh fruit bowls
• Cold brew coffee
• Lighter breakfast items

Insider Tips

1. Circa 1800 weekday lunch - Experience the venue at lower prices
2. Arrive early for weekend brunch - Beat the rush (9:00-9:30 AM)
3. Try local diners over chains - Better food, better prices
4. Ask for crispy bacon - Some places serve it limp
5. Grits take getting used to - Give them multiple tries
6. Follow restaurants on social media - Daily specials and deals

Resources

Find Breakfast Spots:

• TripAdvisor Fayetteville
• Yelp breakfast/brunch category
• Google Maps reviews
• "Best breakfast Fayetteville NC" searches
• Military spouse Facebook groups

Fayetteville's breakfast and brunch scene offers something for everyone—from quick biscuits before formation to leisurely Sunday brunch with craft cocktails, all served with genuine Southern hospitality.