Brian Nagele
Fort Wayne, Indiana, also known as the Hoosier State, is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. And what does every vacation require?
A proper brunch before departure! Knowing that many are unfamiliar with the offerings within Fort Wayne, I have compiled a list of my favorite spots due to my knowledge as a long-time resident.
You will find options to suit every taste palate and craving between mimosas and Bloody Marys, omelets, and sandwiches.
In advance of your trip to the area, check out my list below to find the best brunch Fort Wayne, Indiana style.
Best Brunch in Fort Wayne
Check out these 23 best brunch spots that you can visit at Fort Wayne:
Friendly Fox
4001 S Wayne Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Phone: 260-745-3369
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My favorite thing about the Friendly Fox is its quaintness. Walking up to the restaurant, you will see beautiful paintings on the brick exterior and an adorable front patio where you can enjoy your brunch.
Once you venture inside, you will have more of the same, with tasteful decor and a warm atmosphere.
The Friendly Fox is within the West Rudisill neighborhood, near the Harrison Hill area. The brunch menu gives you a wide variety of options, including your classic eggs and bacon and several breakfast sandwiches.
I love their house-made cinnamon rolls and often order one to go for after my meal.
Proximo
898 S Harrison St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-459-6150
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Just down the street from the Grand Wayne Convention Center is a large selection of restaurants and shops, including the top brunch spot Proximo.
While there isn’t a lot of parking on the street, you can easily find it in nearby parking garages, including the Skyline Garage, right behind the restaurant.
On Proximo’s brunch menu, you will find many options that target those looking for breakfast-type foods and midday meal varieties.
I personally love the flank steak sandwich for its simplicity and tastiness. However, I have also thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast tacos with a mimosa on the side.
The Bluebird Restaurant
4410 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Phone: 260-478-4976
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Along St. Mary’s River, you will find a local hotspot, The Bluebird Restaurant. A bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you will be able to quickly secure a parking spot due to the extensive lot adjacent to the eatery.
Once inside, you will have access to a highly refined brunch menu with options for everyone. I have made it my life mission to try everything they offer, and I have yet to come up disappointed with any of my meal choices.
Be sure to check out their seasonal options and daily specials, as they usually offer good ones.
Cindy’s Diner
230 W Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-422-1957
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As a local treasure, those who have spent a considerable amount of time in Fort Wayne are sure to have visited Cindy’s Diner.
The exterior looks exactly as you would envision by its name, and the menu is classic with a few fun additions.
Although its location is within close proximity to downtown, the diner offers its own parking lot for visitors.
In the event that no spaces are available, you can also park in Skyline Garage down the street. Cindy’s Diner is a family-run establishment with high-quality food and excellent customer service.
You will thoroughly enjoy your visit and the many brunch options they offer.
Firefly Coffee House
3523 N Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-373-0505
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Next to Zollner Stadium and Ivy Tech Community College, you will find one of the best brunch destinations in all of Fort Wayne.
Firefly Coffee House is much more than just coffee, which you will discover on your visit. The menu offers endless choices for a satisfying meal, and you’ll have trouble choosing the perfect one.
One of the most extraordinary things about Firefly Coffee House is its dietary options that fit many different needs. You can find a vegan cinnamon roll as well as a gluten-free scone.
Knowing that it can be hard to find these things, it’s nice to have a centrally located option while in Fort Wayne.
Fortezza Coffee
819 Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-203-4103
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Located on a quiet Fort Wayne side street is Fortezza Coffee, which is another of my favorite locations when it comes to brunch.
Not only do I love their coffee and the guest roasters that they highlight from time to time, but I absolutely die over the Biscoff stuffed croissant. This pastry is what dreams are made of, I promise.
Fortezza Coffee is found on Calhoun Street between the Allen County Department of Health and the Grand Wayne Convention Center.
It’s important to know that if you have your heart set on a specific menu item, you must get there early before it sells out!
Junk Ditch Brewing Company
1825 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-203-4045
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While Junk Ditch Brewing Company doesn’t sound like the name of a top brunch eatery, it is in Fort Wayne!
The unique name will ensure that you always remember this restaurant and the incredible food you had for brunch.
Junk Ditch is a water tributary that extends from the St. Mary River, which is in the backyard of the brewing company. Hence, the odd name.
When at Junk Ditch Brewing Company, you need to make sure that you order a pastry board for the table to start your meal.
Following that, consider the shrimp and grits or the eggs in Purgatory. Both are my favorite options on the brunch menu.
Klemm’s Candlelight Cafe
1207 E State Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-471-6828
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Klemm’s Candlelight Cafe is another local eatery many have grown up with. If you’ve lived in Fort Wayne, chances are you have heard of it or dined there.
A visit to the cafe is memorable due to the extensive menu and phenomenal customer service. You will always feel at home when you are sitting at a table in Klemm’s.
A bit removed from the downtown area, you can find this popular brunch destination off of State Boulevard in an area sprinkled with small shops and other family restaurants.
One block away is the Allen County Public Library, and there are many options for parking around the restaurant.
Spyro’s
6455 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-436-7797
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The delicacy at Spyro’s is their wide selection of pancakes. No matter the flavor or topping, you will surely find it on the menu or available for the cooks to make for you.
With Flaugh Ditch behind the restaurant, you can take in a trickling water view while you indulge in your favorite brunch dishes.
Spyro’s is intermingled with many other eateries, some chain restaurants, and some family-owned.
You will also find many stores in the vicinity, making it easy to get all of your errands done after a fulfilling meal, whether by yourself or with family.
Cosmos House Of Pancakes
9807 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-444-4802
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A running joke within the greater Fort Wayne area is that if you can’t find your chosen pancake preference at Spyro’s, you will likely find it at Cosmos.
As another pancake restaurant, the cooks at Cosmos go all out with their menu offerings. The pancakes are some of the fluffiest and thickest I’ve ever had.
You can find Cosmos off Lima Road, surrounded by many different restaurants and stores. The closest neighborhood is Lima Meadows, and the location has a large parking lot that rarely is without spots.
You will often see families meeting up on weekends for conversation and good food at Cosmos.
Sara’s Family Restaurant
5792 Coventry Ln, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-436-4185
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This famous brunch spot has been broadcast on television and used as the backdrop for a presidential candidate’s round table discussion.
As a small, locally owned restaurant, it’s the perfect establishment to talk about local issues, which was the case when Diane Sawyer filmed a discussion on the debt crisis in 2011 in the dining room.
In operation since 2003, Sara’s prides itself on having the best value for your money. They work to keep their menu items reasonably priced without sacrificing quality.
This restaurant is right off of West Jefferson Boulevard and close to the Lutheran Hospital.
Joanna’s Family Restaurant
10368 Leo Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-471-4848
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If you find yourself over by Leo Road, be sure to stop into Joanna’s Family Restaurant for some down-to-earth home cooking at brunch.
The menu is one of the largest I have seen, and it always takes me some time to select the perfect option when I visit. Having so many options is excellent for pinpointing exactly what I’m craving.
To get to Joanna’s, you will look for Old Leo Road and enter through Leo Road. The restaurant is near many shopping centers, and you can find parking at the restaurant itself.
Next door is Leo’s Donuts, which is another great place in the town that is well-known by locals.
Liberty Diner
2929 Goshen Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-484-9666
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You will love many things about Liberty Diner, and their simple but incredible brunch offerings are just part of the package.
The staff at the diner are always happy to see you and willing to help you find the perfect meal to start your day.
Let them know of any dietary issues, and they will work to accommodate you as best as they can.
Another great thing about Liberty Diner is that it is in the center of many hotels in Fort Wayne.
Therefore, they cater to visitors and do their best to make you feel comfortable and at home. You can find Liberty’s where Goshen Road and Coliseum Boulevard meet, and Goshen veers off.
Rich’s Cafe
3411 Lower Huntington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Phone: 260-478-1996
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You will find Rich’s Cafe in the same building as a Marathon gas station, which may give you pause but shouldn’t. The location is just that and nothing more.
As soon as you sit down, you will find that the cafe is one of the best around, especially when it comes to getting brunch on your way out of town.
Rich’s Cafe has a wide assortment of omelets, which are filling and rich. You can pick and choose what you’d like in them or choose from one of their standard menu items.
Breakfast items are served all day long, so you don’t have to worry about getting there by a particular time to try out their brunch menu.
Laredo Mexican Restaurant
1854 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: 260-422-0868
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While you may not normally consider Mexican food for brunch, a visit to Laredo Mexican Restaurant will quickly change your mind.
In addition to their standard menu items, Laredo’s serves up a fantastic breakfast and brunch meal.
Located on Broadway, you will find the eatery in a small orange building with a few parking spaces out front.
When I go to Laredo’s, I especially love the Machacado, which comes with shredded beef jerky, eggs, and cheese.
Another top contender comes in the form of Nopalitos con Huevo, with their secret ingredient being cactus strips.
The restaurant often has specials, so be sure to check those out before ordering.
Ophelia’s
1603 N Wells St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-999-6980
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If you’re looking for a Southern twist on a Midwest brunch experience, go no further than Ophelia’s.
With a picture of homemade buttermilk biscuits splayed across the main page of their website, you know you’re in the right place for some excellent down-home cooking.
Ophelia’s is on North Wells, just a few blocks away from Lawton Park. You will find the Hoosier Hotdish on the menu, which has tots, cheese, pickles, gravy, and sausage.
You will also find items like grain bowls, overnight oats, grilled cheese, and a phenomenal steak sandwich. Don’t forget to add one of the buttermilk biscuits on the side.
DASH-IN
814 Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-423-3595
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Going back to the downtown area of Fort Wayne, you will find another brunch offering gem in the way of DASH-IN.
This eatery is known for its tasteful offerings and the many die-hard fans of the restaurant that visit it routinely.
You can find DASH-IN off of Calhoun, across the street from the Allen County Police Department.
One thing to note is that even though this restaurant offers brunch options, you must be 21 or over to enter due to alcohol on the premises.
I always recommend the Florentine Benedict to those going for the first time. It’s worth it!
Don Hall’s Factory Restaurant
5811 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-484-8693
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Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne has many different eating establishments, one of the most notable being Don Hall’s Factory Restaurant.
The exterior is beautiful, with exposed brick and modern lettering. Established in 1972, the restaurant has been around for many years and is a staple in the community.
You will find your standard offerings on the brunch menu, with a few unique options thrown into the mix.
Between Fort Wayne’s Finest Bloody Mary, poutine, and their excellent apple walnut salad, you will have many solid selections to choose from during your visit.
The Hoppy Gnome
203 E Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-422-0070
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Next to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, you will find another popular brunch go-to called The Hoppy Gnome. Many people know of this eatery due to its fun and catchy name.
One of the most outstanding elements of dining here is that the cooks will customize your meal to your dietary restrictions. Just inform your server when ordering!
The last time I visited, I ordered the Notorious BLT and thought it was terrific. However, before that, I visited with a friend who encouraged me to try the Bayou Benedict.
Although I was hesitant, the blend of cornbread and gumbo was fantastic, and I will definitely order it again.
Lakeside Cafe
1040 N Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-387-5138
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If you find yourself in the Curdes Homewood area and hear your tummy grumbling, make a slight detour to check out Lakeside Cafe.
It’s a local treasure that isn’t as widely known as other places but serves fabulous meals with a great staff.
One of the dishes that Lakeside prides itself on is its homemade waffles. The size of them is bigger than your head, so prepare yourself ahead of time.
You can opt to include a variety of toppings, ranging from fruit to chocolate. There is also a standard assortment of eggs, pancakes, and toast to choose from on the menu.
Lunch Box Cafe
8814 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Phone: 260-490-5722
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The Lunch Box Cafe is next to the Goddard School of Fort Wayne and within a small strip mall on Coldwater Road.
It’s possible to pass it by, thinking it isn’t a brunch opportunity. However, they not only offer a brunch menu but a fantastic one at that.
If you have little ones, you can rest assured that Lunch Box Cafe has a children’s menu tailored especially to them.
You have many options for the adults, including biscuits and gravy – which is my usual order. However, I find that you can’t go wrong with the breakfast scramble, either.
Powers Hamburger Restaurant
1402 S Harrison St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-422-6620
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Powers is a long-standing restaurant in Fort Wayne that has a fan base so strong that one of their customers tattooed the building on their chest!
Guests typically visit the restaurant for their award-winning hamburgers. However, Powers offers much more on its menu than just that.
When you visit for brunch, you may hear the sizzle of burgers and smell them from a mile away, but you aren’t restricted to ordering them.
You can opt for the standard brunch offerings of eggs, toast, pancakes, and more – even a chocolate milkshake if you want! Nothing is off-limits when you are at Powers.
Rise’n Roll Bakery & Deli
5129 Illinois Rd Unit 101, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-436-5695
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The state of Indiana is home to a significant Amish population. Throughout, you will find Amish restaurants, including their extraordinary and memorable bakeries.
Rise’n Roll Bakery and Deli can be found in Fort Wayne as well as in other cities within Indiana, and people drive from all over to enjoy the donuts that they make and sell.
You can find this location on Illinois Road near the AMC movie theater. In addition to their amazing donuts, you will have an assortment of wraps, sandwiches, salads, and other phenomenal baked goods to choose from during your visit.
