Breakfast spots in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area are plentiful, and you can have it any way you like — whether it be a classic Sunday brunch, breakfast for dinner, or a quick biscuit to-go. Check out the local favorites below that will have you coming back for more year after year.
Acme Food and Beverage Co.
Sunday brunch at Acme in Carrboro is a must. They serve “damn good food,” including biscuits, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, sausage gravy, fried chicken, and other southern classics. After brunch, head down Main Street to explore the best of Carrboro.
Phone Number: (919) 929-2263
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Breadmen's
Opened almost fifty years ago, Breadmen’s is a Chapel Hill tradition. They serve American home-style dishes, such as sandwiches and barbecue, but they’re really known for their breakfast — served all day!
Phone Number: (919) 967-7110
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Carolina Coffee Shop
Since 1922, Carolina Coffee Shop has been serving Tar Heels, making it the oldest continually running restaurant in North Carolina. Located on Franklin Street, it is a favorite gathering spot and the perfect place for a weekend brunch — featuring pancakes, omelets, and southern classics like shrimp and grits — with family or friends.
Phone Number: (919) 942-6875
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Crook's Corner
Start your Sunday off right with some shrimp and grits or other seasonal southern staples. The New York Times called Crook’s Corner “sacred ground for Southern foodies,” and it is also a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic restaurant. It is located on the west end of Franklin Street — look for the pig and the hubcaps!
Phone Number: (919) 929-7643
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Elmo's Diner
Elmo’s is a classic diner with comfy booths, a welcoming atmosphere, and great food, including breakfast served all day. They promise food that is fresh, homemade, and delicious. Elmo’s located in Carrboro, only a short drive from campus.
Phone Number: (919) 929-2909
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La Residence
La Res is located on Rosemary Street in downtown Chapel Hill in a restored home and boasts two lovely patios for outdoor seating. They offer brunch on the weekends with waffles, eggs Benedict, and shrimp and grits, but they’re famous for their bottomless mimosas.
Phone Number: (919) 967-2506
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Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen is a drive-thru only restaurant, serving biscuits, sandwiches, and burgers. Grab their signature Bad Grampa — chicken, egg, cheese, and bacon biscuit with hash browns and iced tea — and head over to the quad to eat on a beautiful day. Sunrise opens at 6am (7am on Sundays) and closes at 2:30pm, so it’s perfect for all the early risers out there!
Phone Number: (919) 933-1324
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The Purple Bowl
The Purple Bowl is a health-focused spot, serving acai bowls and toasts. Their build-your-own bowls feature fun ingredients like bee pollen, goji berries, and chia seeds. The atmosphere is simple and modern, and the small patio is a great place to enjoy Franklin Street. The owner is also very involved on campus and loves to see new faces!
Phone Number: (919) 903-8511
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Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe
Ye Olde is a family-owned Chapel Hill favorite, nestled in the busiest part of Franklin Street. They have served breakfast and lunch since 1972. A golden malted waffle — hot off the griddle — makes for an excellent start to your day.
Phone Number: (919) 929-9192
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