I have a confession to make: breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. There’s just something magical about a morning done right, especially when it involves a steaming cup of coffee, fluffy eggs, crispy bacon (no floppy breakfast meats for me, please and thank you), and pillowy pancakes.
Fortunately for me and all you other breakfast lovers out there, when it comes to cozy morning meals that set the tone for the whole day, Rochester restaurants deliver in delicious fashion. Whether you’re a visitor craving a hearty Midwestern breakfast, a local on the hunt for a new weekend favorite, or simply someone who believes that waffles are always a good idea (me!), here are the best places in town to fuel up for the day ahead, from classic diners to modern brunch spots.
Hollandberry Pannekoeken
214 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906
If you’re reading this and wondering what the heck a pannekoeken is, then you, my friend, are in for a delicious surprise. Hailing from the Netherlands, the light and fluffy oven-baked pancake is so tasty that they named a restaurant after it. At Hollandberry Pannekoeken, these souffléd pancakes are served with sweet or savory toppings that spill generously over the sides — think apple slices and cinnamon streusel, raisins and rum sauce, or ham and cheese — and brought to your table with a celebratory shout of “Pannekoeken!” The restaurant’s bright and airy atmosphere, as well as a streetside patio, make you want to linger longer over coffee refills and good conversation. Breakfast is served daily, and with portions this generous, you might not need lunch. Want a tasty treat for later? Grab a muffin (or five), all baked fresh daily and available in 20 different flavors, for the road.
Five West Kitchen + Bar
1991 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Trendy yet approachable, Five West is the place to be for breakfast classics and updated takes on morning favorites. The spacious, sunlit dining room is always buzzing on the weekends — and for good reason. Their breakfast menu balances comfort food with a contemporary twist, offering everything from breakfast flatbreads and egg rolls stuffed with a veggie scramble to indulgent cinnamon French toast and a s’more waffle. Pair your meal with a house-made Bloody Mary or a fruity cocktail for the full brunch experience. Breakfast is available every day, with expanded options during the weekend brunch.
Benedict’s Morning Heroes
Skyway Level, 10 E Center St 2nd Floor, Rochester, MN 55904
My personal favorite spot of the Rochester breakfast scene, Benedict’s feels like a fresh and modern diner with a menu to match. The bright interior, dotted with tropical wallpaper and funky lighting, sets the scene for creative spins on traditional breakfast dishes. Naturally, Eggs Benedict is the star of the show, with versions ranging from the classic to the unexpected (hello, poached lobster and hot fried chicken). But don’t overlook the pancake flights or loaded tater tot hash. With a full bar — complete with an array of Bloody Marys, mimosas, and craft cocktails and mocktails — and great coffee, it’s ideal for both laid-back mornings and celebratory brunches. Keep in mind that, as this is strictly a breakfast and lunch joint, hours are limited. So, be sure to plan accordingly.
Brother’s Bar & Grill
812 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904
Don’t let the sports bar vibes fool you. Brother’s Bar & Grill knows how to do breakfast right. Each day, this downtown staple opens early and closes late, offering an all-day breakfast lineup that includes giant pancakes, decadent French toast, savory omelets, and hangover-curing breakfast burritos. Bacon and eggs for dinner? Sign me up! And for all my fellow Bloody Mary fans, you can even take a jar of their house-made mix home with you. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with plenty of booths and big screens to watch the game on while you tuck into your morning meal of choice. It’s a great pick for groups or anyone craving a classic American breakfast with big portions and classic diner flavors.
Smoak BBQ
2291 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Barbecue for breakfast? Yes, please. Smoak puts a smoky spin on the morning meal with a breakfast menu that features their barbecued meats. Dig into skillets with pulled pork or jalapeño cheddar sausage, brisket benedicts, breakfast sandwiches with sweet-meets-spicy Millionaire’s Bacon, and buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, all served in a stylish, industrial-chic space. The cocktail list is just as impressive, featuring a breakfast mule made with maple syrup and garnished with a slice of bacon, a cold foam-crowned espresso martini, and a citrusy screwdriver crafted with orange and grapefruit juices and champagne. Unlike the other spots on this list, breakfast is only offered at Smoak in the mornings on the weekend and all day on Wednesdays. So, keep that in mind when planning your visit.
Rooster’s Barn & Grill
Rooster’s Barn & Grill: 2280 Superior Dr NW Rochester // Rooster’s Too!: 4576 Maine Ave SE Rochester
A longtime local favorite, Rooster’s Barn & Grill– and their 2nd location, Rooster’s Too! –is known for no-fuss, hearty breakfasts that hit the spot. These casual eateries boast a sports bar-like atmosphere, friendly service, and a loyal following. Starting bright and early at 7 AM, morning staples are cooked to order and delivered fresh and hot to your table, from savory skillets and omelets (don’t miss the one stuffed with Rooster’s signature ham, mushrooms, and Minnesota wild rice) to sweet and fluffy pancakes and Texas-sized French toast. To top it all off, meals here are cheap and cheerful, making them the perfect place to greet the morning on a budget.
Novios Café
120 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Looking for something a little more quaint or a killer cup of coffee? A cozy spot with contemporary flair, Novios Café is a neighborhood favorite where coffee and community come together. Dishes like Breakfast Poutine and Eggs Hollandaise are made from locally sourced ingredients, and fair-trade coffee beans are shipped in green before being roasted in-house. The vibe here is relaxed and inviting — think polished counter service, servers who know the regulars by name, and the kind of breakfast that’s hearty without being heavy. Whether you’re sipping on an espresso tonic or diving into a plate of Cajun Hash, it’s the kind of place that makes starting your day feel a little more special.
Grandma’s Kitchen
1514 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906
It’s all in the name. As a small-town diner where everything tastes homemade, Grandma’s Kitchen is as warm and nostalgic as you’d expect. This is the place to come when you’re in the mood for frills-free classics: biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage links, and buttery toast. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the service is friendly, and the prices are easy on the wallet. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why breakfast is the most comforting meal of the day. And honestly, what more could you ask for?
Where’s your favorite place to have breakfast in Rochester? Leave a comment below!
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