Guide to the best brunch spots in the Triangle
The Triangle, with its lively mix of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and more, is the ultimate spot for brunch lovers. Whether you're into a cozy diner vibe or fancy schmancy bistros, this place has got the brunch scene covered. Ready to roll with us as we spill the beans on the best brunch spots? Let's dive in!
Best brunch spots in Raleigh
1. Poole's Diner (426 S. McDowell St.)
Ashley Christensen is the chef and owner of Poole's Diner, a historic restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina. Christensen's brunch menu features traditional Southern elements like pecans and sorghum, as well as her own twists, like baked hotcakes. Just a heads up, no reservations here, so make it an early bird day or embrace the waiting game.
2. Beasley's Chicken and Honey (247 S. Wilmington St.)
Calling all chicken and waffle fanatics! At brunch, Beasley's Chicken + Honey serves fried chicken and waffles. The chicken is brined, dipped in buttermilk, dredged in flour and cooked in a pressure fryer. It's also featured in The Reunion sandwich, which is a buttermilk biscuit with a fried egg, cheese and Tabasco sauce. Doors open at 11 a.m. on weekends. It's a hot brunch spot, so get ready for some finger-lickin' goodness.
3. Nofo at the Pig (2014 Fairview Road)
A Five Points fave, Nofo at the Pig serves up heavenly shrimp and grits. Yeah, it gets busy, but don't fret about the line – head upstairs for some shopping while you wait.
4. Flying Biscuit (2016 Clark Ave.)
This joint is the Triangle's brunch champ. Breakfast all day? Check. Organic oatmeal pancakes with peach compote? Double-check. Grits are a must, even if you're not a fan! Flying Biscuit is also dog-friendly and even has a menu for your furry friend.
5. Metro Diner (6325 Falls of Neuse Road)
Up in north Raleigh, Metro Diner is your go-to for brunch, lunch and dinner. Shrimp and grits, crab cake benedict and fried chicken and waffles? They've got it all.
See our list of the top 20 brunch places to dine at in Raleigh.
Best brunch spots in Durham
1. It's a Southern Thing (605 W Main St)
One of the best places for a boozy brunch, offering top-notch food and service, especially with the addition of bottomless mimosas.
2. Foster's Market (2694 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd.)
Shop and dine at Foster's Market with fantastic outdoor seating. Their breakfast and weekend brunch specials are a hit.
3. Rue Cler (401 E. Chapel Hill St.)
Get a taste of France in Durham with fresh beignets and duck confit crepes at Rue Cler.
4. Guglhupf Bakery & Patisserie (2706 Chapel Hill Road)
A great outdoor space and shiitake mushroom omelettes – Guglhupf is perfect for brunch when the sun is shining.
Durham's all-day breakfast spot with a variety of omelets, pancakes and breakfast favorites.
See our list of the top 19 brunch spots in Durham.
Best brunch spots in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
1. The Root Cellar (750 MLK Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill)
Tasty breakfast and lunch options await at The Root Cellar. Go for the breakfast quesadilla or French toast!
2. Crossroads Chapel Hill at the Carolina Inn (211 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill)
A Sunday brunch buffet with everything from bread pudding to smoked salmon. Don't miss the fully loaded omelet station.
3. Tandem (200 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro)
Tandem in Carrboro serves up traditional brunch offerings like French toast, pancakes, and eggs Florentine, plus some specialty dishes like Moroccan eggs shakshuka.
4. Venable (200 N. Greensboro St.)
Located in Carr Mill Mall, Venable offers a mix of brunch dishes, including fried chicken with eggs, sausage gravy and a biscuit, huevos rancheros and waffles.
5. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (1800 E Franklin St. Ste. 003, Chapel Hill)
This vibrant retro chain is serving up a seasonal menu of creative breakfast and lunch fare, along with some killer cocktails.
Best brunch spots in Wake Forest
1. Stewart's Bistro (3652 Rogers Road)
Stewart's Bistro in Wake Forest is where you'll find pancakes bigger than your head. Pro tip: go for the chocolate chip ones. Be prepared for a wait. It's worth it!
2. First Watch (2808 Rogers Rd Suite 105)
This is a great spot to enjoy lunch or brunch in the Wake Forest area. We are big fans of the Million Dollar Bacon!
3. Gonza Tacos Y Tequila (1849 S Main St.)
Brunch at this Mexican restaurant features items like Tacos con Huevo and Steak and Eggs!
4. Brigs (12338 Wake Union Church Road)
Whether you're in Raleigh, Cary, Durham or Wake Forest, Brigs has your breakfast cravings sorted all day long.
Best brunch spots in Cary
1. Dame's Chicken and Waffles (819 Bass Pro Lane)
If you haven't been to Dame's, it is famous for its chicken on top of golden waffles served with "shmears," warm syrup and powdered sugar. Shmears are made with sweet crème butters that have been whipped. Shmear flavors include maple pecan, vanilla, chocolate hazelnut and toasted almond. Just go there and leave no carb behind.
2. La Farm Bakery (4248 NW Cary Parkway)
Coffee, pastries and fresh-baked bread? La Farm Bakery in Cary has got it all. Plus, it's a multiple award-winner for a reason.
3. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen (7307 Tryon Road)
Twice-baked creamy grits, "Stuff on a Biscuit," and a fried green tomato and bacon benedict? Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in Cary takes brunch to a whole new level.
4. Chanticleer Cafe and Bakery (6490 Tryon Road)
Fresh-baked pastries, coffee and a killer breakfast selection, including a toasted berry Panini. Chanticleer Cafe and Bakery is a must-visit in Cary.
See even more places you should check out for brunch in Cary.
Best brunch spots in Fuquay-Varina
1. Brus on Main (135 S Main St, Fuquay-Varina)
Serving NY coffee and pastries with a unique food menu, Brus on Main in Fuquay-Varina is where you'll find boozy coffee, mimosa and margarita flights. Don't miss their sausage, egg & cheese hashbrown burrito!
There you have it, our guide to the best brunch spots in the Triangle. Brunch your way through the Triangle, savoring the diverse flavors, cozy atmospheres and unique twists each spot brings to the table. Until next brunch o'clock – happy brunching!
