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One of the great things about vacation is the opportunity to sleep in. So don’t be lured from bed early simply to make it to a restaurant before breakfast ends. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and diners throughout North Carolina that offer breakfast and brunch later in the day – or even all day.
1 La Farm Bakery
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1 La Farm Bakery
CarySee on map
At this modern-day French boulangerie and café, master baker Lionel Vatinet showcases his passion for bread and local ingredients in his baked goods and signature breakfast items. Whether it's a breakfast sandwich on a hard roll, a croquet monsieur or madam on the signature sourdough La Farm bread, or creme brulee brioche French toast, you’ll leave with a renewed respect for housemade bread.
2 The Dunes Restaurant
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2 The Dunes Restaurant
Nags HeadSee on mapOffering a classic breakfast buffet on the Outer Banks for the past 40-plus years, The Dunes specializes in big breakfasts. Order the Whaler or the Dolphin, or create your own feast with omelettes, hot cakes, French toast or breakfast specialties like corned beef hash, scrapple platter, and shrimp and grits.
Also try: If you find yourself even farther south, check out Orange Blossom Bakery and Café in Buxton for its famous Apple Uglies.
3 Joey’s Pancake House
3 Joey’s Pancake House
Maggie ValleySee on mapServing only breakfast since 1966 in a classic mountain diner, Joey’s is the place to come for pancakes. And with more than 10 choices, there’s a flavor for everyone. If pancakes aren’t your thing, the diner also serves a variety of eggs and tasty sides like creamed chipped beef and hash brown casserole.
4 Café Monte French Bakery and Bistro
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4 Café Monte French Bakery and Bistro
CharlotteSee on mapEat brunch like a Francophile Tuesdays through Sundays at Café Monte, where the menu features classics with a French flair, such as Parisian omelettes, smoked ham crepes and quiche Lorraine. Whether you order from the quick counter or take in the full dining experience, the farm-to-table freshness will be evident.
Also try: For more traditional options in the Queen City, check out Leroy Fox for its coveted chicken-for-breakfast dishes, and Haberdish or The Goodyear House in the artsy NoDa neighborhood.
5 Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville
5 Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville
JacksonvilleSee on mapIf you’re planning a trip to the Jacksonville area, staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites earns you a hidden gem of a breakfast. Local celebrity Regina Triche, aka “The Waffle Lady,” has perfected nearly 100 different flavors – and they’re all made-to-order and available every morning for hotel guests. We’re talking pumpkin spice white chocolate waffles with a caramel drizzle, or banana raspberry waffles. They’re perfect fuel for exploring Jacksonville’s outdoors afterward.
6 Louise’s Kitchen
6 Louise’s Kitchen
Black MountainSee on mapBreakfast is served all day, every day at this charming old home in Black Mountain. Enjoy favorites like Belgian-style waffles, breakfast quesadillas and buttermilk pancakes. Because of its quaint size, be sure to take a left and head on back to the counter right when you arrive and order before finding a table where you will be served.
7 Scrambled Southern Diner
7 Scrambled Southern Diner
GreensboroSee on mapScrambled is a Greensboro staple, for good reason. The portions are hearty, the flavors even heartier, and the diner regularly uses local veggies and meats in its meals. You can't go wrong with a fun twist on eggs Benedict (hello, fried green tomatoes) or a classic skillet. Pro tip: Add your name to the waitlist before arriving via the restaurant's Yelp extension.
8 Dixie Grill
8 Dixie Grill
WilmingtonSee on mapA Wilmington staple, Dixie Grill serves classic diner fare along with Southern-inspired brunch dishes, including a fried green tomato BLT on Texas toast; the Dixie Benedict with fried green tomatoes and Vidalia onion gravy; Louisiana hash; and shrimp and grits.
9 Early Girl Eatery
9 Early Girl Eatery
3 locations in Asheville, 1 location in CharlotteSee on mapShowcasing local ingredients, this casual spot’s eclectic Southern menu focuses on made-from-scratch fare, such as the customer-favorite Yam Scram (eggs scrambled with pork sausage, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, applewood-smoked bacon and onions) and various breakfast bowls.
10 Elmo’s Diner
10 Elmo’s Diner
DurhamSee on mapThis classic diner offers up an infinite variety of egg combinations. But that’s not to say its pancakes, waffles and baked French toast (more like a breakfast bread pudding stuffed with cream cheese and apples) don’t take the cake as well.
Also try: If breakfast biscuits, bagel sandwiches or donuts are more up your alley, visit Monuts just a couple of blocks away.
11 Sunrise Grill
11 Sunrise Grill
BooneSee on mapThe Hunter family prides itself on quality food and friendly service. Try the signature biscuits and gravy, and The Grayson, which is raspberry cream cheese-stuffed French toast. Plus, there are signature specials like the Lonestar Benedict with brisket hash and sausage gravy, chocolate chip waffles and Nutella-stuffed French toast.
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