To many, Norcross might just be another Atlanta suburb—a quiet, historic town known for its railroad past and charming downtown. But within its compact borders lies a morning dining scene that punches far above its weight. From Southern institutions serving biscuits that defy gravity to modern cafes with the city’s best pour-overs, here are the essential spots to start your day in Norcross.
Gutbusters Breakfast HWY 78
$ | (678) 395-6684 | WEBSITE
You’ll find one of Norcross’s best breakfast spots tucked into a small plaza off Highway 78. We’re not exaggerating—that’s genuinely where Gutbusters Breakfast HWY 78 is located. This tiny, clean take-out spot with just two outdoor tables serves big steaming plates of Southern-style breakfast (a.k.a. some of the finest morning food you’ll come across). The cheese grits are creamy and perfectly seasoned, and taste even better with their crispy bacon on the side.
Make the Shrimp and Grits a priority, but we can vouch that everything here is great, including the pancake platter with grits and eggs, or the breakfast bowl with an egg fried hard and patty sausage.
Connor’s NY Deli and Wings
$ | (770) 447-6999 | WEBSITE
Its name might suggest a classic New York deli experience, but we’re prepared to crown this order-at-the-counter spot with separate honors for truly outstanding breakfast sandwiches. Connor’s NY Deli and Wings is run by the owner who greets every customer at the door, and they serve the same hearty, satisfying morning fare.
We’re fans of both the Bagel breakfast sandwich and the breakfast bowls, which come generously portioned with fresh ingredients that are perfectly cooked and satisfyingly warm. They’re an ideal meal to enjoy while you start your day and tackle errands around Norcross.
The Breakfast Bar
$$ | (470) 282-3155 | WEBSITE
The Breakfast Bar sits in the heart of Norcross, but if you’re anywhere within a 15-minute radius, you need to be having breakfast at this brunch lounge. A meal at this family-run spot can be delightful—the menu features standout dishes like crab cakes Benedict and jerk lamb chops—so we recommend starting with either the strawberry cheesecake pancakes or the grits (both are among the best we’ve eaten in Georgia) and ending it with a visit to their welcoming atmosphere.
The crab cakes Benedict is beautifully presented, savory, and just a little indulgent, and you can chase it down with some attentive service from staff like Tionna or Hannah at the end.
J Christophers
$ | (470) 657-1411 | WEBSITE
J Christophers in Norcross has been serving up breakfast for years and their morning classics only continue to impress. Their menu of hearty breakfast plates can definitely lead to some delicious indecision, so we’ll make things simpler for you: order the feast. It comes with two perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, golden potatoes, and a fluffy blueberry pancake—all served on a clean plate with attentive care.
The only thing that could possibly go wrong with your J Christophers visit is that you enjoy your feast so much you forget to try other favorites like the Bubba with its cheesy eggs and comforting biscuits and gravy.
The Nest Cafe
$ | (678) 231-2477 | WEBSITE
The Nest Cafe opened as a cozy neighborhood spot in Norcross, but has since become a go-to destination for all things breakfast and brunch. The menu has plenty of options for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike, all served in a warm, family-friendly space that feels like you’re in the heart of a bustling community—not just another suburban strip. If it’s your first time, get the $14 beignets.
They come crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, reminiscent of the delights found in New Orleans. On later visits, go for their blueberry waffle sticks that come made with real blueberries and a side of their renowned chai latte.
IHOP
$ | (404) 633-1889 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Norcross, IHOP might not be the first stop for every local, but if you’re craving a reliable breakfast, then the drive is absolutely justified. This suburban staple has been serving the community for decades and remains one of the best morning spots in the area. Begin with the avocado toast, with its creamy, perfectly ripe slices, but ensure the hearty bacon omelet is the centerpiece of your meal.
For something sweet, we like to finish things off with a rich Oreo shake and a side of crispy hash browns.
Waffle House
$ | (770) 451-6290 | WEBSITE
The go-to spot of not just Norcross, but the entire Atlanta area, Waffle House is a straight-up institution. The reliable late-night diner has been serving grits, scrambled eggs, and everything else under the Georgia sun for decades, and built a loyal following in the process. Come here at midnight on a Saturday and be greeted by 50 other people who had the same idea as you.
But not to worry, Waffle House is a well-oiled machine and will have you in, out, and eating pecan waffles for breakfast in no time.
Hen Mother Cookhouse – Johns Creek
$ | (770) 417-8404 | WEBSITE
Another one of our all-time favorites. You could come to this cozy breakfast spot in downtown Alpharetta for a quick coffee and a basic breakfast sandwich, and walk out with exactly what you need. But that’d also be missing the point entirely. At Hen Mother Cookhouse, it’s all about the specials board filled with exceptional brunch options.
You’ll find dishes like massive brioche french toast, crispy-on-the-outside fluffy-on-the-inside pancakes, and breakfast tacos, a popular morning comfort food made with fresh ingredients and generous portions. This is primarily a sit-down operation, and though you can certainly walk in, we recommend arriving early on busy days.
First Watch
$ | (470) 781-9190 | WEBSITE
Eating breakfast at this Norcross restaurant is kind of like discovering your favorite cozy sweater on the first chilly morning of fall. It will always set the right tone for your entire day. From the indulgent Million Dollar Bacon to the light and fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes that taste like sunshine, the food here is inspired by hearty farmhouse breakfasts made with care.
If you don’t live in the suburbs, the parking situation out front can be a little tight, but we’d circle that lot any morning, just for a plate of the Farmhouse skillet with eggs over easy, potatoes, and veggies.
Egg Harbor Cafe
$ | (770) 807-8018 | WEBSITE
Standing out as a breakfast spot in Norcross is no easy task, but Egg Harbor Cafe does it by serving skillets so hearty they make your appetite look small. But meaty skillets and towering Belgian waffles aren’t the only reason lines form outside this cozy brunch spot. Show up with your pickiest pancake-loving friend and they’ll feel at home—the coffee bar highlights drinks like the Honeybee coffee that can go toe-to-toe with any spot along Peachtree.
And even Egg Harbor’s classic French toast makes other places look like breakfast for ants.
Duluth Rexall Grill (Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits)
$ | WEBSITE
Duluth Rexall Grill delivers on comfort with its homemade buttermilk biscuits and classic Southern cooking. The menu at this cozy mom-and-pop spot covers a lot of ground, from hearty plates of country fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, tender meatloaf with sides of green beans, and fluffy peanut butter chip pancakes served all day.
We’re yet to try something at Duluth Rexall that doesn’t satisfy, but if you’re overwhelmed, the friendly staff will likely point you toward the biscuits—they’re the star here.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
$ | (770) 594-9522 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a hearty breakfast, ideally one that involves flaky biscuits and creamy grits, head to The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Norcross. This comfort-food-leaning breakfast spot gets packed most mornings with families coloring pages, sipping coffee, and sharing their breakfast of choice. The shrimp and grits, topped with a rich gravy, is perfect for one, but the generously portioned breakfast tacos with crispy potatoes belong on the table for groups.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
$ | (678) 404-5625 | WEBSITE
A breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company runs about $15 a plate, but if you’re looking for a once-a-week biscuit fix, you won’t find fluffier, more satisfying biscuits than at this Duluth staple. The staff will chat with you the whole time you’re there, probably ask you about your weekend plans, and offer their own recommendations for the best dishes even if you aren’t totally sure what to order.
Then they’ll get to work serving up standouts that include the Smashbrown Biscuit with a side of bacon, the Spicy Biscuits & Gravy, and the Sticky Maple sandwich with crispy chicken.
