Best Breakfast Spots in Richmond

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, if your busy family is like most busy families, grabbing a bowl of cereal on the way out the door is about as good as it gets most days. Even on the weekends, cooking a big breakfast sometimes feels like…well, like a lot of work. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a go-to breakfast place? A place that serves your kids’ favorites, but gives you plenty to choose from, as well? Well, you’re in luck. We set out to find the best breakfast spots in Richmond and, personally, we think we hit the jackpot.

Now, with so many truly amazing restaurants in and around the Greater Richmond area, it can be hard to know where to start.  Of course, you can always find the standard breakfast chains, run-of-the-mill diners, and fast food shops. And sure, those are great on occasion. But if variety is the spice of life, then we could all use a little extra spice when it comes to our food.

And so, as we set out to find some of the best breakfast spots in the River City and beyond, we looked for variety. As usual, the Richmond food scene did not disappoint and we found a fantastic selection of spots that serve up some of the best breakfast foods around – from sit-down local favorites to dive-y counter service joints.

To choose our favorites, here’s what we looked for:

1. A menu with variety (including options for the kids)
2. Reasonable prices, because breakfast shouldn’t break the bank
3. A kid-friendly environment with great service

The following five spots will not only offer some of the best breakfast around, they will help you keep breakfast as the most important meal of the day…and most likely your favorite meal of the day, as well!

Take a look at our list of the Best Breakfast Spots in Richmond and if you know of a place that we might have overlooked, let us know at [email protected]! We are always happy to learn about new places…especially if breakfast is involved.

5. Moore Street Café

Located just a half-block off of Boulevard near The Diamond, it’s no surprise that this breakfast hot spot is a home run. Starting at 6am Monday through Friday and all-day on Saturdays, you’ll find quintessential diner perfection at Moore Street Café. Their menu boasts all the classics – eggs and bacon, steak and eggs, fluffy pancakes, omelets, corned beef hash, and so much more. But what sets them apart from your off-the-highway or strip mall diner is that it’s not just breakfast, it’s an art form. The eggs are perfectly fried, the pancakes perfectly browned, the grits perfectly made, and the coffee perfectly brewed. If you’re looking for less than ordinary options, be sure to try the steak and egg sub or the Squirrel’s Nest Breakfast Bowl, featuring bacon, egg, cheese, and tater tots smothered in sausage gravy. Just know that whatever you order, it will be done just right and always served with a smile.

Why we love them: Perfect for families, fun for kids, ideal for a breakfast before work, and a great place to grab a weekend brunch – this place has it all. Featuring a funky, retro diner décor, Moore Street Café makes breakfast feel like it should: homey, delicious, and the perfect way to start the day. The fact that they are well known for their friendly staff and fast service…well, that’s just icing on the cake. Or syrup on the pancakes, as it were. The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a good, old-fashioned, go-to family breakfast spot? You’ll find it at Moore Street Café.

Pricing: Under $10 with a la carte options from $0.85 – $4.95

Where to find them:
2904 West Moore Street
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 359-5970

4. 821 Café

If you’re a cool hipster or a VCU college kid, you probably already know about this place. If you used to be a cool hipster or a VCU college kid, then you there’s a really good chance that you do know about this place. If you’re like the rest of us and just want some really good breakfast, then you are going to want to know about this place. 821 Café is a longtime favorite for The Fan crowd, but it’s earned its reputation honestly. This small, local joint serves up absolutely outstanding breakfast at prices that everyone can afford. Their menu boasts breakfast staples like omelets, pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches. And you can get them as standard as you’d like. But if you’re looking for something a little more, they have that, too. Try the salmon omelet with dill cream cheese, and capers, or a bacon and brie omelet with grilled onions and spinach – both of which come with rosemary potatoes, grits, or fresh fruit and toast or a biscuit. Or go for some Nutella stuffed French toast topped with bananas. If you’re a pancake person, you might want to add blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips. The point is, these guys have it all (including vegan options) and all of it is incredible.

Why we love them: 821 Café is a Fan establishment in every sense of the word. But if you’re over 30 and worry that you might feel old, don’t. While its location definitely draws a younger crowd, it’s not one of those places where anyone feels out of place. Families are welcome and are often seen digging in for a weekend breakfast or brunch. And it’s easy to see why. After all, what kid wouldn’t love peanut butter and jelly French toast? With breakfast served daily (from 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends), 821 Café offers a fun, relaxed atmosphere any day of the week. With large portions and reasonable prices, you can’t go wrong. Need a smaller portion for the kids? Be sure to ask about half orders and special pricing!

Pricing: Under $9 with a la carte options from $1.75 – $3.75

Where to find them:
825 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 649-1042
[email protected]

3. Eat 33

If you’re looking for something fancy, then keep driving. If you’re looking for one of the best breakfast joints around, then you’ve found it. Eat 33 may not look like much from the outside, but they certainly don’t mess around when it comes to breakfast. From your staple breakfast plates like the Big City Breakfast which includes eggs, choice of two meats (bacon, ham, bologna, or fatback), hash browns or apples, and a biscuit or toast, to more unexpected options like grilled meatloaf and eggs, Eat 33 is all about great food. With specials that update almost constantly, you never know when you’ll find breakfast treats like the Rappahannock Benny (fried oysters over English muffins topped with poached eggs and drizzled with hollandaise) or the Catfish Benny (fried catfish over toasted English muffins topped with poached eggs and drizzled with hollandaise), but you’ll always find something delicious.

Why we love them: When it comes to breakfast, there’s nothing quite like good old-fashioned home cooking. And that’s what Eat 33 is all about. Skip the fancy trappings and give me a plate of truly delicious food and I’ll be happy any day. What makes Eat 33 especially special (so to speak), is that they really do offer something for every palate. Kids will love their pancakes with the option to add blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas or apples. And you’ll love everything else, from omelets to breakfast sandwiches to breakfast chili topped with eggs. From unusual to traditional, Eat 33 has it all. And, as a side note, they open at 6am on weekdays and 7am on weekends, so if you like an early start, this is the place for you.

Pricing: Regular menu under $10, with some specials around $12. Plenty of a la carte options, as well.

Where to find them:
6901 Staples Mill Road
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 716-5060

2. SB’s Lakeside Love Shack

We love finding new restaurants, but when we say SB’s Lakeside Love Shack is new, we mean NEW…as in they just opened in November 2017. But all we can say is, “Where have you been all our lives?” This sure-to-be local favorite has already made a buzz and their all-day breakfast is just one of the reasons. Filled with funky décor (with a name like the Love Shack, what did you expect), this tiny Lakeside dive serves up a mean breakfast. On the menu, you’ll find tasty treats like Breakfast Chili (housemade chili with breakfast sausage and bacon topped with a poached egg, cheese, sour cream, and cornbread croutons), Tin Roof Rusted Hash (fried sweet potatoes, red peppers, caramelized onion, green onion, “sunny” eggs, and a drizzle of salted caramel maple syrup), and Bang Bang on the Door Benny (poached eggs and Virginia ham over a toasted croissant with smoky tomato hollandaise). Of course, if you’re looking for something simpler, grab some eggs or pancakes at $1 each, try a bruleed grapefruit with rosemary Greek yogurt, or go for some Knock a Little Louder Sugar Buns. The point is, there’s something for everyone – and it’s all delicious.

Why we love them: They’re called the “Love Shack.” Need we say more? Probably not, but we certainly will. SB’s Lakeside Love Shack may be small (which you might want to keep in mind because they will get full!), but they serve up big flavors. And with hours that start at 7am Tuesday through Friday and 9am on Saturday and Sunday, early birds can get a head start on the crowds. But the real clincher for us is their “Funky Lil’ Shack” breakfast-to-go bags available from 7am-9am every Tuesday through Friday. With warmer weather on the horizon, you can pop in, grab breakfast to go, find your favorite park, and let the kids run wild while you enjoy a delicious breakfast in peace. What’s not to love?

Pricing: $6 – $13, with a la carte options from $1 – $4.

Where to find them:
6935 Lakeside Ave (in the HUB Shopping Center)
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 922-2371

1. The Fancy Biscuit

You don’t have to be a biscuit enthusiast to love The Fancy Biscuit. You only have to love great food, unique combinations, and well…great food. And we do mean great. The Fancy Biscuit has quickly become one of Carytown’s most popular spots for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Maybe that’s because these are the only meals they serve so they’ve become experts. Or maybe it’s because they don’t settle for ordinary. At The Fancy Biscuit, you’ll find one-of-a-kind biscuits like the Got Your Goat (fried chicken, pepper jelly, goat cheese, and a balsamic reduction on a buttermilk biscuit), The Salty Pig (sweet and salty country ham on a biscuit covered in caramel sauce), or the Freshy Fresh (slow-cooked collard greens, white cheddar, roasted tomatoes and a local poached egg). And that’s just to name a few. Then, of course, there’s always the BYO (Build Your Own) biscuit option, where you can add anything you’d like. This is especially great for kids who can choose anything from a biscuit with jelly to one loaded ham, egg, and cheese. Not in the mood for a biscuit? Choose from their fresh, housemade quiche du jour, tomato pie, or one of their specialty sides like Tasso Ham and cheese covered tots, “fancy” deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, or fresh fruit. Order at the counter, grab a seat at the counter or a booth, and your food will be brought to you in no time by super-friendly staff. The relaxed atmosphere and cozy vibe will more than satisfy you, but it’s the food that will keep you coming back time and again.

Why we love them: There’s really nothing NOT to love at The Fancy Biscuit. But if you need a list, we’ll start with their fresh ingredients. Everything they serve is made fresh, using as many local ingredients as possible. Then there’s the fact that they just so happen to be the sister store to Shyndigz and Shyndigz 2 Go, Richmond premiere desserterie, bake shop, and to-go market. In fact, Shyndigz 2 Go is attached to The Fancy Biscuit and offers a number of their specialty items. So once you’ve filled up on an amazing breakfast, stop in next door, and grab some “Fancy Biscuit” goodness to tide you over until your next visit, which we would venture to guess won’t be too far in the future.  But to really seal the deal – The Fancy Biscuit now offers online ordering and delivery with Uber Eats. That’s right. You don’t even have to leave the house. Great flavors, fast service, and something for everyone makes The Fancy Biscuit an easy winner on our Top Five Best Breakfast Spots in Richmond.

Pricing: under $10 with a la carte sides from $1.50 – $5.59.

Where to find them:
1831 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 938 3449
[email protected]

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