Breakfast – The Most Important Meal of the Day
Ever wonder where this phrase originated?
Like a breakfast detective, I scoured the Internet in search of answers to this culinary mystery. Unfortunately, I came up short: there are conflicting responses on who said this first.
Many sources point to a local cereal family member (John Harvey Kellogg) while others attributed it to industry rival General Mills, with their Grape Nuts ads in the 1940s.
No matter who said it, I would argue that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.
Ready to try some local fare? After 10,600+ votes for the best restaurants in Kalamazoo, we have the top picks for the best breakfast spots below.
Leaving Breakfast + Brunch to the Professionals
While my love for breakfast is strong, my cooking skills to prepare breakfast are not.
I’ll admit that I have no idea how to make a frittata or eggs benedict. And I’m not fully sure what a blintz is.
On the bright side, this gives me a fantastic excuse to try new restaurants.
If you’re in the same want to explore beyond pancakes and waffles comfort zone, read on for local breakfast restaurants and brunch spots serving delicious foods. And, most offer kid-approved menu options.
Who Has the Best Breakfast in Kalamazoo?
Here are the top breakfast restaurants in Kalamazoo, as voted by our readers:
1 – Crow’s Nest
2 – Skillet
3 – Breakfast at Tiffiny’s
4 – Berries Famous Pancake House
4 – Nena’s Cooper Cafe
5 – Uncle Ernie’s Pancake House
Directory: 20+ Best Restaurants for Breakfast
Waffling on your restaurant choice for breakfast in the Kalamazoo area?
Here are the favorite places for pancakes, eggs, waffles, crepes and a bevy of mouth-watering breakfast entrees.
Crow's Nest
Crow’s Nest serves breakfast all day and features coffee and pastries from Fourth Coast Cafe (located downstairs).
This upscale diner is known for its variety of egg specialty dishes, French toast flavors, and extensive vegan options.
Tables are limited at this quaint restaurant; while worth the wait, expect some delays in snagging a table during peak meal hours.
This upscale diner is known for its variety of egg specialty dishes, French toast flavors, and extensive vegan options.
Tables are limited at this quaint restaurant; while worth the wait, expect some delays in snagging a table during peak meal hours.
Where to Find Crow's Nest
Located in the Vine Neighborhood, you'll find Crow's Nest next door to Bagel Beanery on Westnedge.
Located in the Vine Neighborhood, you'll find Crow's Nest next door to Bagel Beanery on Westnedge.
Skillet
Opened in 2021, this small-town cafe serves both breakfast and lunch in Kalamazoo.
While a relative newcomer to the breakfast scene in SWMI, their creative dishes are gaining fans with entrees including fried ice cream hot cakes, breakfast tacos and cheeseburger omelets (pictured).
While a relative newcomer to the breakfast scene in SWMI, their creative dishes are gaining fans with entrees including fried ice cream hot cakes, breakfast tacos and cheeseburger omelets (pictured).
Where to Find Skillet
Skillet is located in Kalamazoo on Douglas Avenue, just off the business loop.
Skillet is located in Kalamazoo on Douglas Avenue, just off the business loop.
Breakfast at Tiffiny's
Breakfast at Tiffiny’s serves breakfast all day, with fun food and a touch of southern flare.
Top picks include their Chicken and Waffles, Hippie Stew or stuffed French Toast.
Top picks include their Chicken and Waffles, Hippie Stew or stuffed French Toast.
Where to Find Breakfast at Tiffiny's
Breakfast at Tiffiny's resides in two locations:
• 3271 W Centre St in Portage, in between Centre Street Tap House and Biggby
• 5222 W Main St, near Target in Kalamazoo
Breakfast at Tiffiny's resides in two locations:
• 3271 W Centre St in Portage, in between Centre Street Tap House and Biggby
• 5222 W Main St, near Target in Kalamazoo
Berries Famous Pancake House
After taking over both locations for Theo & Stacy's, Berries Pancake House has established itself as another SWMI favorite.
Although they have pancakes in the name, Berries serves more than breakfast. Find both lunch and breakfast favorites here, served seven days per week (7AM - 3PM) at both locations.
Early morning favorites include Belgian waffles, skillets, pancakes and eggs benedict.
Giving back: After taking over the former Theo & Stacy's location downtown, Berries continued the tradition of serving free meals to the community on Thanksgiving.
Although they have pancakes in the name, Berries serves more than breakfast. Find both lunch and breakfast favorites here, served seven days per week (7AM - 3PM) at both locations.
Early morning favorites include Belgian waffles, skillets, pancakes and eggs benedict.
Giving back: After taking over the former Theo & Stacy's location downtown, Berries continued the tradition of serving free meals to the community on Thanksgiving.
Where to Find Berries Famous Pancake House
Berries has 2 restaurants in Kalamazoo:
• Westnedge: 4311 S Westnedge Avenue (just north of Kilgore)
• Downtown: 234 W Michigan Avenue (near Church St, next door to Jimmy John's)
Berries has 2 restaurants in Kalamazoo:
• Westnedge: 4311 S Westnedge Avenue (just north of Kilgore)
• Downtown: 234 W Michigan Avenue (near Church St, next door to Jimmy John's)
Nena's Cooper Cafe
Nena's Cooper Cafe is a local family cafe where you become” family “from your first visit.
Serving both breakfast and lunch, you can snag some stuffed French toast in the early hours or a famous chicken bowl for lunch.
Serving both breakfast and lunch, you can snag some stuffed French toast in the early hours or a famous chicken bowl for lunch.
Where to Find Nena's Cooper Cafe
Nena's Cooper Cafe is at 7759 Douglas Ave, just south of West D Avenue.
Nena's Cooper Cafe is at 7759 Douglas Ave, just south of West D Avenue.
Uncle Ernie's Pancake House
Uncle Ernie's has been locally owned & operated since 1959. This restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients.
If you're an early riser, add this spot to your breakfast stops: Uncle Ernie's opens at 6AM, 6 days/week (7AM on Sundays).
If you're an early riser, add this spot to your breakfast stops: Uncle Ernie's opens at 6AM, 6 days/week (7AM on Sundays).
Antique Kitchen Restaurant
Known for its large portions, including the biggest omelets in town.
Antique Kitchen has been a local favorite for three decades with fast, friendly service.
Antique Kitchen has been a local favorite for three decades with fast, friendly service.
Where to Find Antique Kitchen Restaurant
Antique Kitchen is located on South Westnedge in Portage, within the same parking lot as Chili's and Big Lots.
Antique Kitchen is located on South Westnedge in Portage, within the same parking lot as Chili's and Big Lots.
Butler's Breakfast and Lunch
After working at the Michelle's Sprinkle Rd restaurant for 13 years, William Butler took over this location with a new brand and energy, reopening under the Butler name in January of 2024.
In addition to tasty dining options for both breakfast and lunch, Butler's is also available for catering.
In addition to tasty dining options for both breakfast and lunch, Butler's is also available for catering.
Where to Find Butler's Breakfast and Lunch
Find Butler's off South Sprinkle Road, next door to Jimmy John's in the former Michelle's location.
Find Butler's off South Sprinkle Road, next door to Jimmy John's in the former Michelle's location.
Colonial Kitchen on Drake
Locally-owned and operated, the Colonial Kitchen serves both breakfast and lunch all day, allowing you to enjoy a variety of entrees at any time.
Dig-In Cafe & Catering
This Augusta favorite includes a drive-thru (in addition to takeout and dine in) for easy meal pickups.
Be sure to try Cindy's Biscuits and Gravy, featuring a 50-year-old from-scratch sausage gravy that is made fresh daily.
Be sure to try Cindy's Biscuits and Gravy, featuring a 50-year-old from-scratch sausage gravy that is made fresh daily.
East Egg Campus
East Egg Campus near Western Michigan University has made a name for itself with its massive cinnamon roll pancakes and from-scratch corned beef. Be sure to try their monthly specials.
East Egg Portage
Located near Crossroads Mall, East Egg Portage's quirky atmosphere with massive eggs on the walls and tennis balls on the chairs serves up pancakes, 3-egg omelets, eggs benedict, breakfast hash and more.
Full City Cafe
Experience their “eclectic American cuisine” in this family casual restaurant. Full City sources from multiple local farms and offers catering.
We recommend their signature omelets and breakfast bowls.
Prefer to dine at home? Fully City has convenient, online ordering for carryout.
We recommend their signature omelets and breakfast bowls.
Prefer to dine at home? Fully City has convenient, online ordering for carryout.
Larue's Family Restaurant
Family owned and operated and aims to serve tasty homemade food. Known for their eggs benedict, they serve breakfast all day.
Cash only.
Cash only.
Liz's Parkview Cafe
Located in the heart of Richland, Liz's Parkview Cafe serves breakfast all day and features Water Street Coffee. Part of the EMA Group of restaurants with Michelle's.
Try their family bundles, featuring food to serve 2, 4 or 6 people.
Try their family bundles, featuring food to serve 2, 4 or 6 people.
Maggie's Cafe
Home to the famous Breakfast Stew! Their signature grilled skillet dish includes scrambled eggs, hash browns, chopped ham, bacon, and sausage. Maggie’s also offers an extensive bakery case and takeout/catering.
Michelle's Restaurant
Specializing in breakfast fare, Michelle's cracks over 13,000 eggs per week. All locations serve breakfast all day with Water Street Coffee and feature convenient online ordering.
Nina's Cafe
Over 18 waffle entrees at Nina's with fun names including the Elvis Waffle, the Turtle Waffle, and the Hammy-Pammy.
Poor Richard's Cafe
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years.
This old-fashioned breakfast restaurant is adorned with collectibles and home to the Original Alaskan French Toast.
This old-fashioned breakfast restaurant is adorned with collectibles and home to the Original Alaskan French Toast.
Rise N Dine of Vicksburg
Family-owned diner on Main Street in Vicksburg, open for breakfast and lunch. Check their white board for daily specials.
Roxie's Breakfast and Lunch
Known for their signature blueberry lemon curd pancake, Roxie's opened in 2021 in two of the former Michelle Restaurants locations.
The also serve waffle flights, omelets and a huge variety of breakfast fare.
The also serve waffle flights, omelets and a huge variety of breakfast fare.
Where to Find Roxie's Breakfast and Lunch
Find Roxie's in two locations locally:
• 4010 Gull Road: just east of ALDI
• Vicksburg: near N Boulevard & W Prairie at 343 W Prairie Street
Find Roxie's in two locations locally:
• 4010 Gull Road: just east of ALDI
• Vicksburg: near N Boulevard & W Prairie at 343 W Prairie Street
Rykse & Co
This family-owned restaurant features a drive-thru, two-story seating and an extensive bakery case full of goodies.
Their cinnamon rolls are legendary- try them grilled for something different!
Their cinnamon rolls are legendary- try them grilled for something different!
Where to Find Rykse & Co
Rykse & Co is located in Texas Corners, at West Q and 8th Street.
Rykse & Co is located in Texas Corners, at West Q and 8th Street.
Studio Grill
Studio Grill is great for omelet fans. This restaurant is family run since 2010 and sources ingredients locally.
Where to Find Studio Grill
Find Studio Grill on West Michigan Ave in Downtown Kalamazoo, near N Church Street, just west of La Familia Cafe and Jimmy John's.
Find Studio Grill on West Michigan Ave in Downtown Kalamazoo, near N Church Street, just west of La Familia Cafe and Jimmy John's.
Kalamazoo Brunch Spots
Brunch is BIG in SWMI and we’ve rounded up some of the local favorites.
In addition to traditional breakfast items, many brunch spots offer mimosas, coffee flights, and some entrees from their lunch or dinner menus.
600 Kitchen & Bar
600 Kitchen's pancake board is a safe bet here and a local favorite. If you're feeling more adventurous, try the Cajun bowl or Chilaquiles.
No matter your entree choice, don't forget dessert- save room for the flourless chocolate torte or lemon custard puff.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM to 3PM
No matter your entree choice, don't forget dessert- save room for the flourless chocolate torte or lemon custard puff.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM to 3PM
Bird Dog
This brunch spot in Mattawan is known for their firecracker cauliflower and early dog double burger, among other yummy options. Heads up: seating is limited, and they don't accept reservations for indoor dining.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM to 3PM
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM to 3PM
Centre Street Taphouse
Known for its burgers and tasty pub fare, this Millennium restaurant expands its offerings for brunch on the weekend.
Find traditional breakfast options like eggs, avocado toast and yogurt parfaits. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Irish hash, breakfast chimichangas or Cajun shrimp and grits. For the 21 and up crowd, there is also a Bloody Mary bar.
Brunch Hours: Saturday 11AM - 3PM, Sunday 10AM - 3PM
Find traditional breakfast options like eggs, avocado toast and yogurt parfaits. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Irish hash, breakfast chimichangas or Cajun shrimp and grits. For the 21 and up crowd, there is also a Bloody Mary bar.
Brunch Hours: Saturday 11AM - 3PM, Sunday 10AM - 3PM
Dog & The Bank
While they don't serve breakfast, Dog and The Bank in Plainwell is worth the stop for brunch. They offer sandwiches in addition to omelets, crab benedict, and Dutch baby pancakes.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM to 3PM
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM to 3PM
Kalamazoo Beer Exchange
Head downtown to the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange for brunch, where you'll find chicken and waffles, classic breakfast options and breakfast burritos. The restaurant also offers vegan hash and vegan biscuits and gravy.
Included in the brunch menu are $6 Mimosas and Bloody Mary drinks.
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11AM to 3PM
Included in the brunch menu are $6 Mimosas and Bloody Mary drinks.
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11AM to 3PM
Louie's Corner Bar
Opened in Texas Corners in 2020, Louie's Corner Bar serves brunch until 2PM on weekends, including breakfast pizzas and BYO omelets.
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11AM to 2PM
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11AM to 2PM
Louie's Trophy House
Louie's Trophy House, proudly known as Kalamazoo's oldest bar, serves brunch on weekends until 2PM. They opened a second location in Texas Corners (Louie's Corner Bar) in 2020.
Both locations offer mimosa flights and BYO bloody Mary bar for adult diners.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11AM to 2PM
Both locations offer mimosa flights and BYO bloody Mary bar for adult diners.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11AM to 2PM
The Backyard of Kalamazoo
Add newcomer The Backyard of Kalamazoo to your brunch options in SWMI, serving up banana bread French toast (pictured), chicken and waffles, breakfast pizza and a power bowl among its offerings.
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11AM to 2PM
Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11AM to 2PM
Map
Use our map to find Kalamazoo’s best brunch breakfast restaurants and brunch spots.
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