When it comes to the most important meal of the day, Athens, Ohio, isn’t playing around.  That’s right – the Athens breakfast scene is legit. No matter your breakfast preference – savory, sweet, or a little bit of both – there is something for everyone to help fuel your day in Athens.  Here’s a list of a few of our favorites in and around our beloved town! 

Bagel Street Deli

Sure, you might have to battle a line of college students at this popular uptown breakfast spot (especially on weekends) but that’s because this place is a bagel lover’s dream.  Bagel Street Deli has been delighting taste buds since the early 90s with their impressive list of bagel creations, not to mention salads, soups and sides. Any bagel variation you can think of is either already on the menu or ready to be custom-made just for you.  Pro tip:  If you can remember to order online ahead of time, you’ll save yourself a wait!

Start browsing for the bagel of your dreams at www.order-bsd.com.

Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina

A can’t-miss breakfast menu in Athens, Ohio, comes from the ever-popular Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina. Their legendary lineup features items you’d expect from a Mexican restaurant, like Huevos Rancheros and breakfast burritos, alongside local favorites like French toast, scramblers, and biscuits and gravy.   Casa’s ultimate breakfast flex?  Pancakes served with a scoop of house-made ice cream… because, yum.  Pair your selection with a never-ending supply of coffee or a Bloody Mary, and you’ve got yourself a meal that would rival any big city brunch.  

Learn more about Casa Nueva by visiting their website:  casanueva.com.

Fluff 

Another uptown Athens favorite, Fluff is a one-stop shop for mouth-watering bakery items, coffee, brunch specialties and more.  Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal or just need a quick beverage and treat on the go, Fluff can do it all.  In the mood for a chocolate croissant, a cinnamon twist or a cappuccino?  Fluff it up.  Need something heartier, like a chorizo and potato burrito or a bacon-egg-and-cheese bagel?  Fluff is your spot.  Fluff caters to the lunch crowd, too, offering incredible bowls and wraps.  Bottom line?  You really can’t go wrong with a meal at Fluff.

Plan your outing to Fluff by perusing their website at fluffbakery.com.

GiGi’s Country Kitchen

A quick five-minute drive out to The Plains is where you’ll find a local treasure:  GiGi’s Country Kitchen.  With a name like that, you just know the breakfast is good.  (The name pays homage to the owner’s grandmother, affectionately nicknamed “Gigi”.)  Serving up traditional comfort food and daily diner specials, GiGi’s is where the locals go for breakfast, brunch and lunch.  GiGi’s has a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere with fast, friendly service.  You’ll find the usual array of breakfast favorites – like omelets, buttermilk pancakes, French toast and more – plus daily lunch specials, soups and desserts.  If you’re looking for a quality country breakfast that won’t break the bank, GiGi’s is worth a visit!

Check out GiGi’s daily specials via Facebook:   facebook.com/gigiscountrykitchenOH.

Hangover Easy

A boozy brunch will always have a place in a college town like Athens.  Enter:  Hangover Easy.  Situated in the iconic uptown diner location, Hangover Easy serves up all the standard greasy spoon fare, but with quirky names and a modern twist.  (You’ll chuckle over entrees named ‘Sloppy Seconds’, ‘Frog Eyes’ and ‘Struggling’). And let’s not gloss over the drinks:  unique cocktails, mimosas and Bloody Marys abound, not to mention the equally delicious selection of shakes, malts, coffees and dirty sodas.  Whether you’re feeding a hangover, getting the party started early, or just looking for some great food – and generous portions – Hangover Easy might be your new spot. 

For more information on Hangover Easy, visit hangovereasy.com.

Triple Nickel Diner

This one is also a bit of a drive outside of Athens (we’re talking 30 minutes+), but you won’t be disappointed.  For starters, the drive from Athens is quite scenic (albeit winding at times).  Once you finally arrive, however, you’re rewarded with a really, really good breakfast.  We’re talking incredible pancakes, omelets made with farm-fresh eggs, and the perfect serving of biscuits and gravy.  (Triple Nickel is highly committed to serving local fare, including fresh veggies and herbs that come from their own garden just behind the restaurant). Yep, all the good stuff here.  Plus, in true diner fashion, you can pick up a slice of homemade pie to go.  

Learn more about this community staple by visiting triplenickeldiner.com.

Union Street Diner

You had me at all-day breakfast.  Serving the uptown Athens crowd for several decades, Union Street Diner gets its staying power thanks to its classic and delicious diner staples.  Everything comes out hot, fresh and fast – they’ve been doing this so long that efficiency is second nature.  Sure, it’s a no-frills vibe, but that’s because the food is the standout star.  Omelets, hash browns, pancakes, French toast, breakfast burritos and country fried steak & eggs are just a few of the incredible options on the Union Street Diner menu.  With a welcoming atmosphere that caters to any crowd – we’re talking college students and local families alike – Union Street Diner is a can’t-miss Athens institution. 

You can preview the menu – and even order online – here:  unionstreetdiner.com.

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Now that we’re effectively salivating for eggs and pancakes, it’s time to make the tough decision of which Athens, Ohio breakfast to try first.  And if you’re not quite that hungry yet, but just need some good coffee, check out our Athens, Ohio coffee shop recommendations here!