The phrase “breakfast in Owings Mills” might conjure generic diner fare, but this Baltimore suburb’s morning scene is surprisingly specific—and deliciously diverse. While underrated compared to city hotspots, we do have standout options. From classic American diners to authentic international spots, these eight restaurants prove Owings Mills’ breakfast game is worth waking up for.
First Watch
$ | (410) 602-1595 | WEBSITE
A breakfast menu with “avocado toast” and “chicken and waffles” might sound familiar across America, but not every place gets them right. For those who haven’t tried the combination, one is creamy smashed avocado on multigrain toast, the other is crispy fried chicken atop fluffy Belgian waffles. You can find both at First Watch, a daytime cafe in Owings Mills that’s popular with families and professionals looking for a reliable morning meal before tackling the day.
The seasonal dishes here will make it hard to go back to ordinary breakfasts. But our favorite is the classic breakfast, a comforting plate filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and golden hash browns. There’s usually a friendly buzz in the air, and you can enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice and seasonal fruit while you digest your meal.
Sunshine Carry Out & Deli
$ | (410) 466-1951 | WEBSITE
Sunshine Carry Out & Deli is a family-owned restaurant that’s been serving the community for over 40 years, and it’s only open until 2 pm each day. This Owings Mills destination has a large menu of tasty breakfast and lunch options, including a delicious steak sub. With quick service and a cleaner environment compared to others in the area, it’s a must-visit spot for locals. It’s all good enough to justify arriving early before their afternoon closing time.
Garden & Grounds Bistro
$ | (410) 321-4141 | WEBSITE
Garden & Grounds Bistro is a breakfast spot in Owings Mills, but not very far from Baltimore. Like the name implies, the cozy bistro is really good at crab dip and salmon BLT. The crab dip is creamy with a generous portion that should make all basic appetizers a little jealous. The outdoor seating works great for a relaxed family breakfast or brunch. Even if you decide to eat inside, their hearty portions will force you to leave with a takeout container anyway.
Our favorite dish is the one with chicken, biscuit, and gravy. The chicken is tender with a creamy, spicy gravy. But nothing can compete with those grits. They also make a flavorful hot chai latte and unique blueberry cake.
eggspectation – Owings Mills
$$ | (410) 504-5146 | WEBSITE
For years now, Eggspectation has been one of the standout breakfast spots in Owings Mills, serving up morning classics with consistent quality. Specifically, eggs Benedict waiting patiently on the line to be plated up perfectly. Regular menu items stay put but you can always expect options like Eggs Benedict with Avocado and Toast, and with Duck and Croissant—as well as sides of potatoes cooked just right and French toast so good you should consider an extra order.
To get seated, just walk right in. There are plenty of tables if you want to enjoy the modern, welcoming dining room, but the food is all prepared quickly for takeout as well. And there’s a satisfying hot chocolate with real whipped cream available by the counter, too.
Sugar Mama’s
$ | (443) 449-6956 | WEBSITE
Here’s where you’ll find the best breakfast in Owings Mills. The owner makes you feel so at home, you’ll be tempted to linger at your table all morning. Please don’t. The cast iron skillet sizzles in the kitchen sending out platters of thick, fluffy waffles next to French toast that doesn’t even need syrup. The friendly staff might stop by to ask if you really want that shrimp and grits before they bring it out. They’re not wrong to check.
Those steak tips aren’t for the timid, so balance them with cheese eggs. There’s often a wait out front, but the generous portions make it worth every minute.
Han’s Cafe – Tsam
$ | (410) 654-1111 | WEBSITE
Owings Mills has its share of generic breakfast chains with sterile atmospheres that easily overshadow spots like Han’s Cafe – Tsam. But don’t overlook this one. The unpretentious carry-out next to a small eat-in area has the scent of fresh bagels, well-seasoned home fries, and the hum of friendly chatter that all create the vibe for a relaxed morning meal. Order the California omelet, which arrives with perfectly cooked eggs that reveal how fluffy they are.
Then finish it all off with homemade cookies served warm from the oven with that unique, delicious taste.
Chick’n Trout
$ | (410) 521-6900 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a solid breakfast sandwich or some exceptional grits on the go, then Chick’n Trout is your spot. The no-frills eatery in Owings Mills operates as a quick-service breakfast and lunch counter. They keep their breakfast menu ready from 7:30 am, featuring items like their praised breakfast sandwiches. Options include the standout Italian Cold Cut Sub, decent chicken wings and fries for lunch, and the highly recommended grits for carryout.
You can also grab some appreciated fish options like the lake trout here. There is ample seating inside, but this feels very much like a grab-and-go operation. Just remember to bring cash, as that’s all they accept.
IHOP
$ | (410) 469-7924 | WEBSITE
The casual Owings Mills spot specializes in breakfast food and is a reliable option when other places are closed or too far away. The food is good, but the pancakes are something to prioritize. The waitress makes these fluffy stacks very tasty, with generous portions, butter, syrup, and a side of crispy bacon for dipping and soaking. There’s some counter seating good for dining solo, and booths in the back where you can sit down and have a lazy meal.
