Looking for best breakfast in Gainesville?
Gainesville is a great place to eat breakfast as there are tonnes of different restaurants to try so no matter if you like a big traditional American breakfast, an english breakfast, a breakfast with unlimited coffee (aka diner breakfast) or something a little more exotic – we have you covered in this list.
Whether you are a local or on vacation, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that getting a good breakfast is always a good idea. The top breakfast places in Gainesville you have to try here:
15 Best Breakfast in Gainesville You Must Try
1. Metro Diner
The Metro Diner is the perfect spot in Gainesville to grab a classic American style breakfast. Offering all your go-to diner favorites such as waffles, omelets, and burgers. Located near the west-side of the University of Florida’s campus, it is the perfect spot for parents coming to visit and grabbing a meal as a family.
The restaurant has a cozy, and homely atmosphere, and includes optional outdoor seating. Some of the top menu items include the mouthwatering fried chicken and waffles, or the Croissant French toast. The Metro Diner is a local favorite with a longstanding reputation for good food.
2. Luke’s New York Bagels
Luke’s brings an authentic New York bagel recipe down to Gainesville. The bagels are fresh-baked every day, and truly have an authentic taste. New York bagels are known for their thick cut of cream cheese in the center, and Luke’s does not skimp out. The bagels are chewy and have a slight crunch on the outside.
Many recommend their Bagel and Lox sandwich, which is a classic New York City creation. If you choose a flavored bagel such as a “garlic” or “everything”, you will not be disappointed as they are seasoned to perfection. The lines are long, and the team works hard to bring a Big City feel to a small orange building in Gainesville.
3. The Leaning Pig
A great spot if you are looking for a chill atmosphere. Located in a historic Downtown Gainesville building next to OAK, another restaurant on this list, this bistro style restaurant offers a classic breakfast menu.
The Leaning Pig serves staples such as salads, sandwiches, and fresh coffee. Some of the most ordered items on their menu are the: Gainesville Hot Tempeh, Roast Beef Sandwich, Big Breakfast Sandwich, and the Club Sandwich.
If you are in town and looking for an authentic Gainesville experience, The Leaning Pig is sure to suit your needs. Breakfast is served from 8:30 AM to 11 AM, and lunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM.
One of the best spots for breakfast in downtown Gainesville for sure.
4. Bagels and Noodles
A favorite amongst college students, with a unique fusion of American breakfast and Asian offerings. Only in Gainesville will you find a place like this!
Just as the name suggests, you can find classic breakfast items like bagels, eggs, sausages or grits, and Vietnamese dishes such as Pho or Vermicelli Rice Noodle Bowls. The atmosphere is very casual, as one would expect from a college town joint, but it will make you feel very comfortable on arrival.
Just beware, that on weekend mornings, it will be extremely packed, with the line going out the door. So, make sure to get there a little early.
5. Bay Island Coffee Company
Bay Island is one of the most unique coffee shops you will ever visit. Located in a small hut like structure located in Butler Town Center, it takes the word small business to whole new level. It might be hard to miss, but definitely worth looking for because it is the cutest building you will ever see!
You can either walk up to the window or grab your drink in the drive thru. While the lines can end up being very long, supporting a local establishment and quality of the coffee makes it worth the wait. They offer all sorts of coffee and offer dairy-free or dairy alternatives as well.
One of the best breakfast in Gainesville here.
6. The Bakery Mill
The Bakery Mill offers 25 varieties of muffins. These are some of the best muffins in town, and you will not be disappointed. In fact, many coffee shops in town will buy their muffins and sell them.
While they are especially famous for their muffins, they also offer other baked goods such as Danishes, croissants, turnovers, and house-baked breads. The food is always delicious and is the perfect place to stop if you want to pick up some baked goods or stop for a sit-down meal.
It is a hidden gem, as it is a little bit out of town, but it is for sure worth the visit.
7. Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is a local chain with locations all over the state of Florida. This is a go to breakfast spot for many, and for good reason. Everyone who visits raves about the size of their pancakes, they are absolutely huge!
Almost the size of a small pizza. They offer classic breakfast combinations, with their French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Chocolate Chip Waffles being their most commonly ordered menu items.
The service is consistently fast and polite and is a great option for anyone looking for an upscale breakfast experience. You will certainly be blown away by the portion sizes. One of the best restaurants in Gainesville.
8. 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House
With a presence in Gainesville for over 35 years, this family-owned restaurant promises to provide exception service for breakfast and lunch. There are two locations in Gainesville, that will start your morning with a great breakfast.
The portions are large and well worth the price, and even though it is jam packed on the weekend, the service moves fast, and you won’t have to wait long at all.
The location is also convenient for anyone traveling on I-75. Voted the #1 breakfast house three times by Gainesville Today Magazine, this establishment certainly lives up to its reputation. You will certainly be coming back.
9. Patticakes
With two locations, one in Haile Plantation and the other in Tioga Town center, Patticakes offers a homely atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing but also getting work done.
The Cortadito is an espresso with steamed milk and a hint of caramelized brown sugar. The best part about Patticakes is the location and is perfect for meetups in Gainesville.
Aside from the coffee, Patticakes has cupcakes and frozen beverages. Their cupcakes come in three standard flavors: red velvet, black tie (dark chocolate with white chocolate cream cheese frosting) and vanilla. You should also try their Turkey Panini with sun dried tomatoes.
10. Uppercrust Productions
Uppercrust bakes some of the best pastries in the entirety of Gainesville. It is an artisan bakery, and they make all their products from scratch. They also showcase other artisan products such as wines in the back of their bakery
Having been established in 1981, Uppercrust certainly has a reputation in Gainesville, and they live up to it. Their baked products are absolutely beautiful to look at and are certainly a lot fancier than items you will find at other bakeries.
But beware, the line gets very long on weekends, as it is a small shop, and everyone is trying to get a taste.
11. The Bagel Bakery
A reliable breakfast location in Gainesville, the Bagel Bakery offers fresh bagels and a convenient location. This local bagel shop has a vast selection of breakfast bagels, and their cream cheeses are especially tasty.
There is a great variety to choose from and offers something for everyone in the family. Many customers warn about the way they do their eggs, so you might want to be wary of that.
For the price, this is an excellent spot to fuel up. Additionally, if you choose, you can pick up a bag of their day-old bagels, but they go quick so make sure you get there early.
12. Pascal’s Coffeehouse
This is a comfy coffee shop, located at the Christian Study Center. This is the perfect spot to grab some morning coffee and get to work. The environment is conducive to getting work done. They also roast their own beans and ensure that they are sourcing quality coffee from all over the world. All their drinks are hand crafted with care.
13. Karma Cream
Located on University Ave, this coffee shop offers organic coffee plus vegan sandwiches and coffee. Like many spots in town, the atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming.
The aesthetic is trendy and bright. The Ice Cream is especially fantastic, but the breakfast offerings are just as good.
The Tofurkey Reuben, with tofu slices on local rye bread, sauerkraut, homemade Russian dressing, and your choice of cheese is fantastic. Also, the “Curried Chickpea Salad Sammich” was another fantastic option.
14. Daylight Donuts
If you are looking for donuts better than Krispy Kreme or Dunkin, then you have to give Daylight a try. These donuts are considered by many to be the absolute best in town.
Additionally, Daylight serves breakfast sandwiches for those who might not have the biggest sweet tooth. This breakfast spot might be the definition of “hole in the wall.”
See more: best brunch in Gainesville
15. Wyatt’s Coffee
Wyatt’s is the storefront for Resident Coffee Company, a local roaster. Nestled in Downtown Gainesville, Wyatt’s is an incredible coffee experience. Their beans are locally roasted in Gainesville, and they bake their pastries fresh every single day.
What makes Wyatt’s especially unique, aside from their freshly roasted beans, are their signature drinks: Rose Cardamom and Smoked Mexican Mocha. These are flavors that you will not be able to find at any other coffee shop, that is a guarantee.
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