Erin Elizabeth
Dallas, Texas, “The Big D,” “D-Town,” or “The Dirty D,” is one of the hottest big cities, both literally and figuratively!
Many people travel to Dallas for work, pleasure, partying, the live music scene, or to visit family – but for me, it’s home.
Born and raised in Dallas and surrounding suburbs, I am no stranger to the Dallas restaurant scene.
As a young child, I would join my parents to fancy weeknight dinners, but as I got older and got my driver’s license, breakfast restaurants were my favorite place to meet friends and enjoy each others’ company.
Personally, the atmosphere is what matters most to me when I choose a restaurant for breakfast.
I want great service, lots of comfortable seating, and lighting that invites me to stick around for a while – letting breakfast slowly morphe into lunch without us realizing.
Check out my tried-and-true list of the best breakfast restaurants in Dallas below!
Original Market Diner
4434 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-521-0992
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Okay, so, first thing’s first: they have pie. Seriously, need I say more? Now that my main selling point is out of the way let me get on to my next favorite part: the atmosphere.
The Diner is a family-owned, family-run business, and it shows. It has been in their Greek family for three generations, and the employees are the same every time I go.
It’s hard to find that kind of longevity in a bustling city like mine. The attention they give to each other and their regulars (including myself) is quite special. Not to mention, their huge menu includes adult beverages – what’s not to love?
Lucky’s Cafe
3531 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-522-3500
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If you want to dine somewhere that is hip and trendy, but effortlessly so, go to Lucky’s.
They rightfully own the slogan, “Old School Cafe, New School Diner.” The vibe is cool but nostalgic, with a staff that is decidedly not too cool for school.
Settled in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, I recommend this place to out-of-towners who haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying one of Texas’ signature meals, chicken fried steak.
The neighborhood, vibe of Lucky’s, and delicious food are sure to impress. I’d also like to note that they have awesome hours: breakfast is served all day and dinner starts at 11 AM.
Norma’s Cafe
Multiple locations
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Ah, Norma’s. It sort of gives the “cop with a donut” vibe, in a good way. Aesthetically speaking, Norma’s Cafe is like a mix between a checkerboard racing flag and a vintage retro theater.
I endorse the North Dallas, Plano, and Oak Cliff locations if Instagram-ability matters to you.
Like many of the restaurants on my list, Norma’s has a family feel. The Owner and Cafeteur, Ed Murph, purchased the diner from Norma more than 30 years ago after growing up as a patron.
I doubt I’ll get into the restaurant-ownership business, but I hope another regular Norma’s guest takes the reins next.
Ellen’s
1790 N Record St, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 469-206-3339
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Now, for something slightly more upscale but equally delicious, we venture to Ellen’s. The hallmark of Dallas culture, brunch, is served all day at this locale.
With Southern comfort in mind, Co-founders Joe Groves and Chef Russell Mertz use fresh ingredients to make delicious, flavor-packed meals.
Located in Dallas West End, Downtown Dallas, I nominate this restaurant as Best Family Weekend Breakfast on my list.
If you aren’t sure what to try, the Pancake Pot Pie is a personal favorite. I have a sweet tooth, and anything familiar but packaged in a new way instantly steals my heart – plus, there’s savory goodness inside.
Bread Winners
Multiple locations
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Bread Winners is one of the most well-known restaurants for breakfast on my list. Unfortunately, this means there is usually a line out the door – especially on weekends for brunch.
I recommend getting there as soon as, or slightly before, they open, which is 8 AM at the Uptown Dallas location.
(For the uninitiated, Uptown is across from Deep Ellum, neither of which are considered Downtown, but both areas with downtown-esque bar and club scenes.)
Bread Winners hosts a French cafe vibe, and you wouldn’t be amiss to go a bit dressy casual here. You can’t go wrong with any pasty and a coffee from their menu.
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Multiple locations
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Snooze is for my people who like to lounge for breakfast. If you like big, hearty, flavorful breakfast meals paired with mouthwatering cocktails and mimosas, this place is for you.
Like Bread Winners, Snooze can get busy, but they open super early – 6:30 AM – for those of us with nine-to-fives.
Pancakes, eggs, and hash browns galore, I’ve never ordered anything from here that I didn’t love.
I like sampling a few pancake flavors with their pancake flight, and I usually go for a – or a few – mimosas. Curious about the aesthetic? Think “The Jetsons” meets “I Love Lucy.”
Jonathon’s Diner
1619 N Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: 214-782-9273
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Jonathon’s Diner is that hole-in-the-wall that you know will always serve you right.
If you have an adventurous side and want your tastebuds to make all the judgment calls, this is where you should head.
I grew up going to Jonathon’s on the way out of town to my friends’ lake houses, but they are moving from Oak Cliff to North Dallas.
This is exciting for me, as you can imagine, because now the not-so-nearby patrons of Jonathon’s can make some extra visits!
Great for weekend brunch, the waffles here are a treat.
Tribal All Day Cafe
263 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: 469-776-8003
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Health nuts, Tribal is your home away from home. If you are into minimalism, veggie bowls, and cold-pressed juice, definitely check this place out next time you are in the Dallas area.
Like a social media influencer’s living room and home bar, Tribal is where yogis, cyclers, and Katy Trail dog walkers unite.
(Katy Trail is the long trail that runs through the heart of Dallas and beyond, a great place to walk off some of these heavier breakfasts!)
I make regular trips to Tribal for the juice or if I’ve been frequenting the other spots on my list a bit too often.
Maple Leaf Diner
12817 Preston Rd #129, Dallas, TX 75230
Phone: 214-434-1626
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Something I have yet to mention is my Canadian parentage. While I was raised in Dallas, I grew up with a healthy appreciation for hockey (Go Stars!), poutine, and maple syrup.
If you don’t know about poutine, I suggest you high-tail it to Maple Leaf Diner ASAP.
But just as a teaser, poutine is fries. Cheese fries. Cheese fries with gravy. Cheese fries with cheese curds and gravy. It’s delicious, glutenous, and a Canadian classic.
Maple Leaf Diner offers a few flavors, such as Pot Roast and Southern, but I suggest good ol’ Canadian Classic Poutine if this is your first foray into the poutine world. Enjoy!
Kuby’s Sausage House
6601 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: 214-363-2231
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I am not a hunter, but I grew up with many friends who were raised to hunt. Typically around here, it’s deer.
Whether you hunt or not, Kuby’s is the place to go for great meat. But, I mention the hunting thing because Kuby’s will process your hunted game for you.
A German-pub atmosphere, Kuby’s serves breakfast and lunch (perfect for that breakfast-fading-into-lunch phenomenon I mentioned earlier).
Would you believe me if I told you my mother is German? It’s true, but that’s not why I favor this place.
Nope, I go here for Oma’s Kartoffel Pfannkuchen (potato pancakes) and a wide array of delicious sausages.
Don’t let the German menu deter you, the service is wonderful, and the staff is more than happy to explain their dishes.
Bubba’s Cooks Country
6617 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: 214-373-6527
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Bubba’s is fried chicken heaven. Buttery rolls, green beans, and mashed potatoes accompany fresh fried chicken that Bubba never fries.
The restaurant has been in business for 41 years and just opened a new location in Frisco.
The original location, still in the Park Cities area of Dallas, is a converted Texaco gas station. I wonder if the new location will have as much charm, but I think it’s hard to cram 41 years of charisma into a new project.
Still, the Dallas location is one to beat, with a family-style staff and menu to make you feel at home any day of the week.
San Martin Bakery and Restaurant
3120 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 469-802-6652
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¿Hablas español? San Martin Bakery and Restaurant, founded in 1974, is the best Spanish breakfast spot in Dallas. It is located on McKinney Avenue in Uptown.
If you like Tres Leches, bread, pastries, and cakes, San Martin Bakery and Restaurant is a sweet place to stop.
They serve things like fresh salads and juices and even have a market where you can purchase larger quantities of their items.
Don’t go there looking for decadent eggs and bacon burritos. San Martin Bakery and Restaurant is the pitstop for the sugar fiends like myself!
Crickles and Co
Front door faces, 4000 Cedar Springs Road, Throckmorton St Suite E, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-306-9568
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Crickles and Co. is an artistic hipster presented on a somehow-classy cafeteria tray. Comfortable, easy, and fast, it’s a great spot if you are in a rush or want to have a casual sit down with close friends.
You can fill up on classic breakfasts like eggs and bacon, cocktails, or sweet treats.
To top it off, this spot was wonderful for me as a student at Southern Methodist University. With USB ports and free Wi-Fi, I knew if I got there early enough, I would have a comfortable eatery to work in for hours. Give it a shot if you’re bored of your local library or Starbucks!
Cindi’s N.Y. Deli & Restaurant
Multiple locations
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Cindi’s is a New York-style Delicatessen where you can find New York and Philly cheesesteaks, cheese blintzes, and Migas.
Having only ventured north a handful of times, I like this place for its intended novelty, while others might find it to be a taste of home.
Whatever your background, there is something for everyone at this quaint locale. Breakfast is served all day, and with its comfy plush booths and armchairs, this is a great place for a lazy breakfast-for-dinner on a weeknight.
The owner strives to maintain a cozy, warm, and friendly atmosphere, and she is most definitely succeeding.
Whisk Crepes Cafe
1888 Sylvan Ave Suite F-120, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: 469-407-1899
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Okay, Whisk is the epitome of cool! I grew up frequenting Whisk & Eggs, their sister location in Plano. Now that I live in the heart of Uptown Dallas, I often make a point to get some delicious crepes at Whisk Crepes Cafe.
Aside from giving off ultimate cool vibes, Whisk maintains that first responders and healthcare professionals eat for free. To me, this just adds to their cool points.
On to the food: Crepes galore, of course, in a variety of flavors, are available. There are also classic breakfast options.
I favor the White Nutella, but I like to try a different crepe every time I go if I’m not dead set on ordering my favorite that day.
Tiki Loco
2639 Elm St #100, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 469-399-7997
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Have you ever heard that Tex Mex is better than what they serve in Mexico? I think it’s true. If you’ve never had a Texan taco, you’ve never had a taco. Try one of their classics or go for pancakes, grab a beer and you’re good to go.
Want to get Loco? Tiki Loco is my favorite spot for weekend brunch drinks. Loco Ranch Water, The Chupacabra, and Spiked Iced Cinnamon Latte all pair well with a Tiki Loco breakfast.
Located in Deep Ellum, this is a great spot to head if you want the party to last all day. Deep Ellum is the heart of the Dallas music scene, so patrons can head to a variety of bars before or after their breakfast frivolities.
El Jordan Cafe
416 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: 214-941-4451
And finally, there is my personal favorite of this entire list, El Jordan Cafe. I don’t know if it’s the small-town feel, the Tex Mex menu, or the comfortable atmosphere, but this place just has something nostalgic for me.
If you are in the mood to take a load off and relax while enjoying some classic refried beans and rice with your breakfast, I suggest you head here with your friends or family.
Mexican plates, salads, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and tacos, there’s something for everyone.
Located in the adorable Bishop Arts District, this is a wonderful choice if you want to walk around and browse some art galleries or second-hand shops after your meal. The trees in front of the restaurant facade make for a picturesque outing.
Best Breakfast in Dallas
- Original Market Diner
- Lucky’s Cafe
- Norma’s Cafe
- Ellen’s
- Bread Winners
- Snooze an A.M. Eatery
- Jonathon’s Diner
- Tribal All Day Cafe
- Maple Leaf Diner
- Kuby’s Sausage House
- Bubba’s Cooks Country
- San Martin Bakery and Restaurant
- Crickles and Co
- Cindi’s N.Y. Deli & Restaurant
- Whisk Crepes Cafe
- Tiki Loco
- El Jordan Cafe
Final Thoughts
I hope you found something on this list that suits your tastes, pun intended. It was hard to narrow down just some of the best spots for breakfast in Dallas.
Now, hopefully you’ll know exactly where to go the next time you’re looking to start your day off right with breakfast in Dallas.
If you’re not looking for breakfast, check out some of the greatest places to eat steak in Dallas.
If I left a restaurant out of this list, make sure you leave me a comment and I’ll check it out!
