Local Guide to Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants in Boone

There is no better way to kick off a day in Boone by grabbing brunch or breakfast from a local restaurant. Whether you need some fuel before a hiking a nearby trial, or are recovering from a night on King Street, there are plenty of delicious options for brunch and breakfast in Boone.

It can be hard to narrow down a restaurant for the most important meal of the day when there are so many options. Here is a local’s guide to the best breakfast and brunch places in Boone from our newest realtor at 828 Real Estate, Lindsay Pinckney.

5 Breakfast Restaurants Worth a Visit in Boone

I moved to the High Country with my husband, Dustin, in 2012. My husband and I have always worked at local, family owned businesses, and think it is very important to support local restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find ways to support by dining at takeout restaurants or finding a dog-friendly spot to get out and safely enjoy our community.

We have two boys and a little girl on the way. One of our boys has several food allergies so picking a place to eat can be difficult. With that said, these are my top five breakfast and brunch spots in Boone that won’t disappoint.

#1: Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Located in downtown Boone, Melanie’s Food Fantasy is right across from Mast General Store. The restaurant is the most popular breakfast and brunch place in Boone.

If I’m in the mood for something salty, I go for the Western Omelet with home fries. If I want something sweet, it’s the whole waffle with a side of bacon. Usually they have indoor and outdoor seating, however they are only using outside seating during the pandemic.

Whether you’re a college student grabbing breakfast before class, or an out-of-towner enjoying the shopping downtown, Melanie’s is a must for breakfast!

 

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#2: Sunrise Grill

Another popular breakfast and brunch place that is worth the wait is Sunrise Grill, located on Highway 105, close to the booming east side of Boone. The Country Scramble, Grandfather Special, or Belgian Waffle with chocolate chips are my go-to breakfast choices here. My son loves Sunrise Grill specifically because of the Mickey Mouse Pancake.

 

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#3: Dan’l Boone Inn

If you want homestyle southern comfort breakfast food, Dan’l Boone Inn is the place for you. The restaurant is located close to downtown on the corner of Hardin Street and E. King Street. We love to go to the Dan’l Boone Inn when we have family in town or a large crowd.

Dan’l Boone Inn uses large tables for you to dine at. You get scrambled eggs, bacon, country ham, pancakes, buttermilk biscuits, gravy, glazed cinnamon biscuits and more served family-style. Eat brunch and then browse King Street for some vintage North Carolina furniture, unless you’re like me and need a nap after all of that food.

#4: Stick Boy Kitchen

If you don’t want to dine in a sit-down restaurant or you just want a quicker bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with Stick Boy Kitchen on Boone Heights Drive. The Pimento Cheese Biscuit, cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing, or bagel and cream cheese are my three go to orders. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I hear their coffee is awesome.

#5 Local Lion – Located on Blowing Rock Road.

Who doesn’t love a good donut?! From glazed to specialty to traditional to doughnut hole, the Local Lion on Blowing Rock Road has the best doughnut breakfast in the High Country. They even have a drive-thru which makes Local Lion another convenient on-the-go option. I personally love their seasonal fall donuts and hear raving reviews about their coffee as well.

I hope this list helps you choose your next stop for breakfast and that you enjoy these local restaurants as much as my family and I do.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Boone, we have resources for you. Use our coffee-shop recommendations, hiking suggestions, and other articles on our blog to plan the perfect day for your time in the High Country of North Carolina.