My family loves food. We love eating out, exploring new restaurants, and sampling the most unique fare we can get our hands on. And what is the best meal ever invented by humankind? BRUNCH. We love to brunch! We brunch hard. But a classy morning out at Motor Supply may not be the right fit for a family with a wiggly toddler.
Here are some of our tried-and-true picks for an amazing kid-friendly brunch in Columbia.
Cafe Strudel
Cafe Strudel is a win at any time of day or night, but their weekend brunch is legendary. Get there early if you want to score a table on a Sunday. But once you get seating, you’ll be rewarded with endless local coffee, fluffy cinnamon pancakes, and their famous hangover hash browns.
116 State
Just up the street from Cafe Strudel is a little culinary nugget you won’t want to miss. 116 State has enough din to drown out a fussy baby inside, and the outdoor seating has one of the best views of the Columbia skyline anywhere. Try the three potato hash browns with goat cheese and thank me later.
Drip
Quick, friendly service, the best coffee in town (HANDS DOWN), and a laid back patio area that begs you to linger. Also, breakfast is served all day, so if you want to brunch at 3 p.m., I won’t judge you.
Crepes & Croissants
One of Columbia’s only spots for authentic French cuisine, in a comfortable, casual, kid-friendly setting. After a recent trip to Paris, I’ve been popping by Crepes & Croissants more and more for a nostalgic croque monsieur or hot nutella crepe. Magical.
White Duck Taco Shop
Tacos for breakfast? Yes please! Their Sunday brunch tacos are unique and delightful, (try the chicken churro with peach confit), and my son is obsessed with their avocado toast. They also offer an extensive Bloody Mary bar for the grownups.
Rosewood Market
A perennial favorite for a local, organic, and carefully prepared breakfast. The food never disappoints, it’s rarely crowded on the weekend, the shady outdoor seating is always popular with babies and pups, and you can get your grocery shopping done after you eat!
Publico
We love Publico Kitchen and Tap! Their everyday menu is fantastic, but the Sunday brunch can’t be beat. My hubby says their shrimp & grits is some of the best he’s ever had, and I’m obsessed with the peanut butter plantain pancakes. The cocktails and thebombdotcom too.
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is a family ritual for us. Every Saturday we head to Main Street to pick out a pile of killer breakfast food, (top picks: The Belgian Waffle Truck, Mimi’s Delectables, Buttered Noodle Bakery, and From Scratch Bakery), great coffee (Drip, obvi), and sit down to relax at a patio table while listening to the street performers, enjoying the people-watching, and letting our little man run and play while the streets are closed. It’s always lovely, and the best way to spend a lazy Saturday morning in Columbia.