Brunch in Columbus GA

Everything you always wanted to know about Brunch in Columbus but were afraid to ask…

By Alia Azhar

“(Brunch)…it has become a … symbol of our culture’s increasing desire to reject adulthood. It’s about throwing out not only the established schedule but also the social conventions of our parents’ generation. It’s about reveling in the naughtiness of waking up late, having cocktails at breakfast and eggs all day.” –New York Times

What is the “Brunch Bill”?  As of May 2018, Governor Nathan Deal has passed a bill that puts the decision on local cites/municipalities of whether not they serve alcohol prior to 12:30PM, which is the current law in Columbus.

“What is a jam if you don’t spike the punch? What’s a brewski if you don’t bite brunch?” -A Tribe Called Quest

Smoke Bourbon and BBQ

Mark Jones’ restaurants never disappoint, and Smoke’s location on the corner of Broadway and 11th St makes it perfect for people-watching on an early Sunday afternoon. Try the Midnight Train to Georgia: brisket with melted pimento cheese on a biscuit with two over easy eggs.

Sunday Hours: 11AM-2PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: yes

River and Rail

An upscale dining experience in the 1200 Block of Broadway, River and Rail boasts the largest private patio in Columbus. The menu items change based on fresh seasonal items but definitely try a craft cocktail like the Cool it Down, cucumber-infused vodka with basil-cucumber-strawberry gastrique, aloe liqueur and limoncello.

Sunday Hours: 11AM-3PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: yes

Bare Roots Farmacy

A continuously changing farm-to-table menu means the freshest ingredients. Live music can be heard during brunch hours, so this is a perfect place to bring guests when you don’t want to stand over the stove cooking. Try the Sweet Potato Hash: beef brisket, chorizo sausage, bacon, peppers and onions over roasted sweet potatoes topped with a fried egg. Share the “Champagne Bar” with your brunch buddies; it comes with grapefruit and OJ. 

Sunday Hours: 10AM-3PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: no

Wicked Hen

This local (and my personal) favorite in a newly-renovated space in Midtown, serves what chef/owner Bryant Walker calls New South Cuisine. Visit them on Sunday for Southern comfort food and the chicken and waffles!  Please try their bread pudding – I know it’s Sunday but treat yourself!

Sunday Hours: 11AM-2PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: yes

Buckhead Grill

I love the crabcake benedict at Buckhead. Served on a Hawaiian roll with asparagus and amazing grits, I’ve never ordered anything else when I visit. Buckhead is a dimly-lit joint that is great for hiding your tired eyes and second day hair. Try a beer-mosa, trust me.

Sunday Hours: 11:30AM-2:30PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: yes

Cafe le Rue

With a cool European café vibe, you can drink mimosas on the patio while you eat enough Cajun-style brunch to induce the best Sunday nap you’ve ever had.  If you have a man-sized hangover, try the french toast bacon cheeseburger.

Sunday Hours: 11AM-3PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: yes

Ruth Ann’s Restaurant

This restaurant, built in 1959, is one of the coolest mid-century buildings in Columbus.  They might not have mimosas, but they serve 5 types of eggs Benedict 7 days a week and open at 8am on Sunday.

Sunday Hours: 8AM-2PM

Mimosas: no

Outdoor Seating: no

Full bar: no

My Boulange

My Boulange is a true French-style bakery with a wine bar and plenty of pastries, both savory and sweet.  Grab their top seller, a chocolate almond croissant, quiche, or fresh salad at this classy and beautiful brunch spot.

Sunday Hours: 7AM-3PM

Mimosas: yes

Outdoor Seating: yes

Full bar: no

*Photos provided by Jacy Jenkins or places of business.