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20+ great brunch restaurants to try in Indy

Check out these restaurants, cafes, and diners serving all the omelets, mimosas, and waffles you need to start your day on the right foot.

Pancakes with strawberries and chicken and waffles

Mornings Breakfast & Brunch serves American breakfast classics with a creative twist.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Table of Contents

In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy, but it’s necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the Sunday morning lines.

Luckily, you have us to scout things out. We’ve got a whole bunch of brunch options for you, along with menu recs and pro tips. Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas.

Quick and easy

Cafe Patachou | Times vary by location | This local legend prides itself on serving dishes made from scratch with local premium ingredients. We highly recommend the customer-favorite cinnamon toast.

Love Handle | 8 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Tues. + Wed. | The adventurous menu at this retro casual spot changes daily, but one thing is always certain: Your meal will be made with artisanal local ingredients.

The Garden Table | Times vary by location | Menus at the Broad Ripple + Mass Ave. locations differ slightly, but no matter which restaurant you visit, make sure to order a fresh pressed juice flight.

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Willow and Star Flowers created this arrangement ahead of Valentine’s Day + it’s still up. | Photo via @petitechoubistro

For a special occasion

Petite Chou Bistro & Champagne Bar | Sun.-Tues. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Wed.-Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | This aesthetically pleasing patio serving up classic bistro fare was recognized as one of Travel & Leisure’s Top French Restaurants in the US.

Milktooth | Fri.-Mon. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | This award-winning spot offers a unique, globally-inspired menu + a comfy atmosphere perfect for brunch.

Gather 22 | Tues.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Enjoy classic brunch food like eggs benedict alongside specialty lattes named after Indy neighborhoods.

Rize | Hours vary by location | Rize offers a selection of farm-to-table breakfast + lunch options that feature fresh ingredients from Indiana farms.

Canal Bistro | Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | This family-owned and operated restaurant serves fresh + authentic Mediterranean food you can get without a passport.

Root & Bone | Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | This trendy restaurant with an industrial vibe plates thoughtfully sourced, farm-fresh mains + sides.

The Oakmont | Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Impress your friends by taking them to this trendy spot with retro-style decor, elevated versions of comfort classics, and a live DJ on the weekends.

Eggshell Bistro | Wed.-Fri. 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. | Located in Carmel City Center, this spot is all about fine brunching, with nationally-recognized chef Larry Hanes at the helm.

INDY_Gather 22 brunch_JAN2024

We recommend making a reservation for brunch at Gather 22 — they fill up quick.

Photo by @gatherindy

Pastry paradises

Amelia’s | Every day 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | For a quick grab-and-go option, stop by Amelia’s for coffee + a pastry. Or if you feel like having dessert for breakfast, try the gelato.

Leviathan Bakehouse | Tues.-Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | This bakery has the best bread in the state of Indiana according to Food & Wine.

Borage | Tues.-Wed. and Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m. | Pair an everything bagel croissant and kougin-amann with a loaded breakfast bowl for the perfect start to your day.

For the family

Good Morning Mama’s Cafe | Tues.-Sun. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Take a seat on the back patio at this kitschy SoBro brunch spot serving up homemade breakfast and lunch. Editor Shea recommends the Hoosier Loco Moco.

Lincoln Square Pancake House | Every day 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | This classic first-generation family business (established in 1989) has 15 locations across central Indiana.

Mornings Breakfast & Brunch | Every day 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | It’s not a trip to Mornings without its Instagram-worthy mimosa flight.

Rock-Cola 50’s Cafe | Tues.-Sat. 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | This classic retro diner serves up brunch options like steak and eggs, pancakes, waffles, and french toast — in addition to the burgers and shakes that you would expect.

Ruth’s Cafe | Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | This casual cafe has all kinds of egg-citing menu options.

First Watch | Hours vary by location | Settle into this fast and easy diner for a fresh brunch. Make sure you don’t leave without an order of the million dollar bacon.

DIY brunch

Prefer to stay in? Host your own brunch with crowd-pleasing spreads + supplies good enough for a chef.

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