Breakfast in Memphis is a morning ritual wrapped in flaky biscuits, fresh-roasted coffee, and a side of Southern charm. The city’s kitchens buzz early, from bustling corner diners to sunlit coffee bars with the scent of pastries in the air. You don’t have to look far for a menu that wakes you up better than any alarm clock. Whether you follow the crowd to a famous pancake house or slip into a neighborhood cafe known only by its regulars, you’ll catch the comforting melody of plates and laughter starting the day.
Choosing the best breakfast in Memphis can feel like solving a delicious puzzle. I’ve spent many quiet mornings and lively brunches weaving through these spots, searching out the golden eggs and skipping the duds. Every place on this list is here because it delivers something special—whether that’s a perfect omelet, house-made donuts, or just the kind of coffee that makes you linger a little longer. If you’re looking for the real Memphis breakfast experience, you’re in the right place.
Where to find the best breakfast in Memphis, TN
Here are some of the top spots to find the best breakfast in Memphis, TN:
- Gibson’s Donuts
- Brother Juniper’s
- Sunrise Memphis
- Bryant’s Breakfast
- Paulette’s
- Arcade Restaurant
- Elwood’s Shack
- Delta’s Kitchen
- Café Eclectic
- Cafe Keough
1. Gibson’s Donuts
Few things wake up your senses like stepping into Gibson’s Donuts. The shelves gleam with rows of fluffy, fresh-made doughnuts that make resisting impossible. The space is nothing fancy, but the energy is pure Memphis—welcoming, laid-back, full of old-school warmth.
There’s something addictive about their classic glazed. It’s soft, sweet, and vanishes faster than you’d expect. I remember grabbing a box after a long week and watching every last donut disappear at my kitchen table.
Try the blueberry cake donut—it’s a breakfast win, tender and bursting with flavor. Early birds get the freshest batch, so stop by on your way to work. Gibson’s stands out because every donut feels like it’s been made with extra care, right down to the last crumb.
2. Brother Juniper’s
Brother Juniper’s goes beyond your typical breakfast joint. Tucked near the university, the spot feels like a friend’s living room filled with the smell of fresh-baked bread and happy chatter. It’s easy to see why this place draws a crowd—every dish is made with thoughtful touches and a bit of soul.
I still remember my first taste of their open-face omelet. Light, fluffy eggs topped with thick-cut mushrooms and melty cheese, all layered on their scratch-made toast. The vibe here invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment, not just the meal.
The Garden Omelet is a solid choice: loaded with veggies, perfectly seasoned, and generous enough to fill you up. If breakfast feels like a hug, Brother Juniper’s delivers it every time.
3. Sunrise Memphis
Bright, bustling, and always buzzing, Sunrise Memphis serves up breakfast with a twist of Southern flair. The energy here is contagious; it’s the kind of place where morning people and night owls come to refuel together. There’s never a dull plate or dull moment.
One morning, I sat by the window and watched the kitchen turn out platter after platter of creative comfort food. Their signature breakfast sandwiches stack fluffy eggs and cheese on house-baked biscuits, each bite better than the last.
The Veggie Hash is a personal favorite—colorful, hearty, and full of flavor. It sums up Sunrise’s approach: bold, fresh, and just a little bit inventive. If you want breakfast that keeps you coming back, pull up a chair here.
4. Bryant’s Breakfast
Bryant’s Breakfast is a Memphis staple, serving morning classics in a friendly, no-nonsense setting. When you walk in, it’s clear that this is where locals flock for made-from-scratch plates and quick, cheerful service. There’s always a hum of conversation and the smell of fresh coffee drifting from the kitchen.
I still remember sliding into a booth on a chilly morning, greeted with a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs and golden biscuits. Their homestyle touch sets them apart—you can taste the tradition in every forkful.
The biscuit breakfast sandwich is the move here. It’s warm, buttery, and satisfying, a perfect match for their hot coffee. Bryant’s keeps things simple and heartfelt, and it just works.
5. Paulette’s
Paulette’s blends French elegance with Southern comfort on the riverfront. The atmosphere is refined but inviting, perfect for a breakfast worth lingering over. The windows let in soft morning light, adding to the sense that you’ve found a little retreat from the city’s bustle.
I remember savoring every bite of my meal while watching boats drift by. The staff make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit, and the menu is rich with fresh flavors and thoughtful details.
The fluffy buttermilk pancakes steal the spotlight. Served with ripe berries and warm maple syrup, they set the bar for Memphis breakfast stacks. Paulette’s is a classic for a reason—it sets a high standard and keeps raising it.
6. Arcade Restaurant
Arcade Restaurant is Memphis nostalgia at its finest. This Main Street diner has welcomed generations, its vintage booths and checkerboard floors setting the scene for a proper Southern breakfast. I first dropped in for a quick meal and ended up staying awhile, listening to old stories from the neighboring table.
There’s a sense of history in every corner, matched only by their no-frills, crowd-pleasing menu. The food feels both comforting and timeless, much like the diner itself.
Order the sweet potato pancakes—thick, soft, and perfectly spiced. They’re a local favorite and taste like a sweet, cozy morning. Arcade Restaurant isn’t just breakfast, it’s a slice of Memphis’s charm with every plate.
7. Elwood’s Shack
Elwood’s Shack might look humble from the outside, but don’t let that fool you—inside, it’s a breakfast treasure trove. This quirky spot tucked in a parking lot delivers big flavors and a laid-back vibe that feels unmistakably Memphis. Sitting outside with a hot meal on a crisp morning, you get the sense that this is where good days begin.
I wandered in hungry and left planning my next visit. The crowd is loyal for a reason: the food feels homemade, hearty, and fresh. Every dish comes out of the kitchen with generous portions and a side of friendly banter.
Try the breakfast burrito, packed with eggs, potatoes, and veggies; it’s bold, satisfying, and leaves you fueled for the day. Elwood’s Shack proves that great breakfast doesn’t have to come with a fancy address.
8. Delta’s Kitchen
Delta’s Kitchen at The Guest House at Graceland takes Southern breakfast up a notch. From the moment you step inside, you’re treated to plush comfort—think big windows, elegant tables, and a hint of Elvis nostalgia everywhere you look. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a breakfast experience with a side of Memphis history.
I made the trip for their breakfast buffet and was not disappointed. The spread was impressive, with each dish carefully prepared and full of Southern character. This isn’t your average hotel breakfast; it’s crafted to feel like a special occasion.
The buttermilk biscuits and fluffy scrambled eggs are must-tries. They’re a classic duo, simple yet expertly done, capturing the heart of Delta’s Kitchen’s style—fresh, rich, and undeniably Memphis.
9. Café Eclectic
Café Eclectic brings a quirky, charming energy to Memphis mornings. Step inside and you’ll find locals mixing with students, all chasing coffee and conversation. The bakery case tempts you right away, but it’s the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while.
My go-to order is their homemade multigrain pancakes, topped with fresh fruit and honey. They’re light, just sweet enough, and show off the kitchen’s playful yet thoughtful attitude. This place understands the art of a proper all-day breakfast.
The avocado toast is another highlight—earthy, crunchy, and bright with lemon. Café Eclectic doesn’t try too hard; it simply gets everything right, from scratch-baked treats to a perfectly poured latte. Breakfast here is easygoing yet memorable.
10. Cafe Keough
Cafe Keough is a downtown refuge where mornings start slow and the coffee is always strong. The vintage accents, high ceilings, and sunlight spill create a space that feels worlds away from the city’s noise. It’s the kind of spot ideal for lingering or people-watching with a fresh pastry at hand.
One morning here, I traded my routine breakfast for their artisan toast. The bread is thick-cut and golden, topped with simple but flavorful spreads that showcase the bakery’s attention to detail.
The Mediterranean breakfast plate is a highlight—crisp vegetables, tangy cheese, and fresh fruit combine for a light yet satisfying meal. If you value cozy corners and inventive, simple fare, Cafe Keough fits the bill.
More Things to Try in Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places for breakfast in Memphis, TN?
Some local favorites include Gibson’s Donuts, Brother Juniper’s, Sunrise Memphis, Bryant’s Breakfast, and Paulette’s. Each spot offers its own spin on classic breakfast fare, from house-made biscuits to creative veggie hashes.
Are there vegetarian or vegan breakfast options in Memphis?
Many Memphis breakfast spots, like Sunrise Memphis, Café Eclectic, and Brother Juniper’s, have vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. You’ll find options like veggie omelets, avocado toast, and plant-based breakfast plates.
Where can I find gluten-free breakfast options?
Locations such as Brother Juniper’s, Café Eclectic, and Paulette’s offer gluten-free choices ranging from omelets to fresh fruit sides. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check online menus for the latest offerings.
Is breakfast served all day at Memphis restaurants?
A few places, including Café Eclectic and Staks Pancake Kitchen, serve breakfast all day. Most diners and bakeries stick to morning and brunch hours, usually stopping around late afternoon.
Do I need a reservation for breakfast?
At most places, you can just walk in, especially on weekdays. Popular spots like Brother Juniper’s or Paulette’s may get busy during weekends, so arriving early is a good bet if you’re looking to skip the wait.
Can I get takeout breakfast in Memphis?
Absolutely. Restaurants like Gibson’s Donuts, Elwood’s Shack, and Sunrise Memphis make it easy to grab breakfast on the go. Online ordering is also common for many spots.