From mini cinnies to brunch burgers, here are 7 of the best brunch spots in Davidson
I used to meet my friend Nicole every Saturday morning in Davidson for a long run. We’d park downtown in the dark of night and begin our journey along the town’s winding greenways, using headlamps to see until the sun came up.
I count these moments among my favorite running memories, and not just because Davidson is a good running town — with so many sidewalks and paths, water fountains and public restrooms sprinkled throughout — but also for its hearty brunch options after.
Famous Toastery was probably our most frequented spot. The town was always awake by the time we got back from running, alive with the energy only found on weekend mornings in a tight-knit community. We’d take turns changing out of sweaty clothes in the restaurant’s small restroom before fueling up on all the coffee and carbs we could get our hands on.
[EXTRA, EXTRA: Send us your Lake Norman area food news: charlottefive@charlottefive.com]
There are so many ways to brunch in the town, and a long run is not required (though highly recommended!). Do you have a favorite brunch spot in Davidson? Send us an email and let us know!
In the meantime, here are 6 of our favorite restaurants to spend your weekend mornings in the Lake Norman town:
The Egg Cafe at Davidson
Location: 231 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
What to order: Whether you are an actual child or merely a child at heart, you cannot go wrong with the Nutella and Banana waffle ($10).
Brunch hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Pro tip: There’s a location at Birkdale in Huntersville, too.
Famous Toastery
Location: 101 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
What to order: Try the biscuits and gravy combo, which come with two eggs as you like them ($14). Add a flight of “Mini Mosas” (choose four: Peach, Mango, Wildberry Passionfruit, Classic Oj or Cranberry)
Brunch hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pro tip: There are Famous Toastery locations all around us, including in Huntersville (the O.G.!), Charlotte, Denver, Belmont, Matthews, Lake Wylie and more.
Flatiron Kitchen and Taphouse
Location: 215 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
What to order: Start with Deviled Farm Egg ($9), then enjoy a Grass Fed Burger with bacon jam, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, house pickles and fries ($20).
Brunch hours: 11 a.m.-3p.m. Sunday; (Lunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday)
Hot Mess
Location: 416 S. Main St., Davidson, NC 28036 (opens April 20)
What to order: Get an order of Beet Chonks ($10.99) for the table (slow roasted beets with a salt crust and horseradish dipping sauce), then enjoy a Clawbster Roll with house-made potato chips, fries or a side salad ($24.99).
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Pro tip: The newly reopening restaurant that was formerly Davidson Ice House has kept a few old favorites on the menu — including its popular bowls.
milkbread
Location: 624 Jetton St #110, Davidson, NC 28036
What to order: This menu is so appealing, I recently wrote a whole story about it. No matter what you order, start or finish your meal with an original glazed donut ($2) or grab a box of mini cinnies to take with you ($15). You’ll thank me later.
Brunch hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pro tip: Charlotte is really getting to know milkbread in Plaza Midwood these days, but the Davidson cafe (with indoor and outdoor seating) is worth the drive also, whether you live in Davidson or not.
[MAKE IT AT HOME: Here’s Kindred’s milkbread cinnamon roll recipe.]
The Pickled Peach
Location: 202 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
What to order: The impossible choice: Pick either a Pistachio Rose latte ($4.50) or a Sweet Potato Pie latte ($4.50). Then grab a gluten-free apple cider donut cake ($3.75) before you shop around the market for a bit. If you’d prefer something more savory, have a seat on the restaurant’s patio and order a ham sandwich with brie and pickled peaches on grilled challah ($9.50).
Brunch hours: Open at 11 a.m. (closed Mondays)
Pro tip: This is more of a market than a traditional brunch restaurant, but its craft coffees and baked goods make it count, in our minds anyway! Plus, you can pick up provisions for the weekend while you’re here.
Summit Coffee
Location: 128 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
What to order: Start with a Sproda — an iced espresso soda ($3.75) then add a yogurt parfait ($5.50) to fuel you up before wandering around.
Brunch hours: 7 a.m-9 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Pro tip: If you’ve lived in the Charlotte area for more than 5 minutes, you’ve probably frequented a Summit Coffee. The Main Street location in Davidson is the local roastery’s original coffee shop — called “Basecamp.” Located on Main Street in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect spot to start your morning in Davidson.
Another pro tip: Get the app and place your order ahead if you want to take your coffee to-go while you walk around.
