Top Spots in Columbia to Brunch with Kids

2

In my pre-baby days, brunch was one of my favorite weekend activities. There was nothing I loved more than catching up with friends over crab cake Benedict and bottomless mimosas.

When Nora was a wee little thing, I could easily schlep her with me to dine with friends, but now that she is a busy two year old, our brunch routine has drastically changed.

For starters, Nora actually eats real human food now and can be pretty demanding about it. Wherever we brunch has to have either a kids menu or at least something kid friendly. Here is a list of my family’s favorite toddler friendly brunch spots in the capital city.

Motor Supply Company Bistro

Don’t let the fancy art on the walls fool you, Motor Supply is a great spot to bring a baby. With a farm to table menu that changes daily, there is always something new to try and always something a child will eat. When the weather is nice, opt to sit on the patio where the water fountain and fans will keep your kid entertained.

Sunday Brunch is 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Located: 920 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201, (803) 256-6687

Tiny Nora brunching at Motor Supply Company Bistro with friends
Tiny Nora brunching at Motor Supply Company Bistro with friends

Original Pancake House

Craving brunch on a weeknight? Original Pancake House (aka OPH) to the rescue! Breakfast is served all day at the Trenholm Plaza location and it could not be more scrumptious. From the classics: pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon, to the more adventurous Dutch Baby (an insanely decadent baked pancake filled with lemon curd and topped with whipped cream), your kids will easily find something to love. Original Pancake House is very busy on weekend mornings so expect a worthwhile wait.

Open Daily 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Located: 4840 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29206, (803) 782-6742

"Dutch Baby" at Original Pancake House
“Dutch Baby” at Original Pancake House

Café Strudel

Café Strudel is the quintessential brunch spot in the Midlands. In my pre-kid days, I spent a few lazy Sundays soaking up the sun and a few mimosas on their former patio. While the new location lacks outdoor dining, it has more than made up for in extra dining space (more room for highchairs). Now my daughter and I share the Cinnamon Pancakes (3 golden cinnamon pancakes, served with 2 eggs & your choice of bacon, turkey bacon or turkey sausage) and small plate of the Strudel’s “Famous Hangover Hashbrowns”.

Sunday Brunch is 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Located: 300 State Street, West Columbia 29169, (803) 794-6634

The Famous Hangover Hashbrowns
The Famous Hangover Hashbrowns
Cafe Strudel
Cafe Strudel

Liberty Tap Room Bar and Grill

With locations in the Vista and now on the lake in Irmo, Liberty Taproom is a great option for brunching with kids. I highly recommend the Shrimp and Grits (Shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, cajun cream sauce, over local adluh stone ground yellow grits) while my husband opts for the Southwest Steak Omelet (Potatoes, shaved ribeye, peppers & onions, queso). Junior should try the Bananas Foster French Toast.

Sunday Brunch is 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located: In the Vista: 828 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201 (803) 461-4677; and  Irmo: 1602 Marina Road, Suite D, Irmo 29063 (803) 667-9715

Check out the Live Music at Liberty Tap Room on the Lake Sundays 3-7
Check out the Live Music at Liberty On The Lake, Sundays 3-7

Soda City Market

Though not a traditional choice, Soda City has a ton of brunch food options making it easy to find something for even the pickiest of palettes. With ample seating at picnic benches scattered along Main Street, Soda City makes brunching with with multiple kiddos extremely easy. Arrive at the market early to grab a crepe from the “Crepe Man.” (My personal fave is the Nutella.) If your kiddo is looking for something more filling visit Pawley’s Front Porch’s food truck for a Breakfast Taco – scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon with black bean corn salsa. Don’t forget to grab some pastries to take home with you from Spotted Salamander Catering. Their cronuts, a donut/croissant hybrid of glory, will leave you drooling.

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Located downtown in the 1500 block of Main Street, Columbia 29201

soda city
Plenty of food options to chose from under those tents!
Nora and buddy Reid enjoying a crepe at Soda City Market
Nora and buddy Reid enjoying a crepe at Soda City Market

These a few of my family’s favorite brunch spots, I would love to hear yours!

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here