Best Brunch Spots in Auburn-Opelika

What are some of the best brunch spots in Auburn-Opelika? Let me share my local nuggets of knowledge! Brunching is one of my favorite weekend activities, and the restaurant scene around Auburn-Opelika has plenty of stellar options! There’s something about southern comfort food for breakfast. Growing up, I would visit my grandmother (Mimi) every summer for 1-2 weeks. Mimi would often wake up early to whip up a big breakfast spread, complete with homemade biscuits with gravy (sometimes we had two types of gravy), eggs, bacon, sausage, you name it. We’d always roll out of the kitchen afterwards with full bellies and happy hearts.

And hence my love for brunching began. Or. Really just love for food.

These are some of the favorite spots around Auburn-Opelika!

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Lucy’s. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve seen Lucy’s show up on my feed. Their french bistro-esque style with pops of yellow and tons of natural lighting is always photo ready. And their food tastes as good as it looks. Be sure not to miss their brunch cocktail menu, which is one of the best in town. Actually, I think their Hugo Crete cocktail IS my favorite brunch cocktail in town. I typically start with a Hugo Crete and order the avocado tartine + chicken and waffles for my main event. OH! And their lemon-lavender donuts always sell out (most likely because they’re DELICIOUS).

BEST FOR: Elevated brunch cocktails + menu w/ the WHOLE vibe 😍

The Hound. An Auburn classic, The Hound’s brunch consistently makes the list for “Best Brunch” in Auburn. If you are hungry, this is YOUR SPOT. Start with their 'BACON -N- BOURBON' Bloody Mary and you’ll get a cocktail with enough trimmings to serve as an app. Or, if you’re not into tomato juice (like me), you can order whole bottle of champagne + homemade juice blend. Their Huevos Houndcheros are MY FAVORITE and George loves the Redneck Benedict. Everything is good. You literally can’t go wrong.

BEST FOR: An Auburn classic and a menu that will always be 10/10.

Waverly Local. The Waverly is located about 15 minutes outside of Auburn, but worth the drive. Located in the small town of Waverly, Alabama, this spot was converted from an old car sales lot to an upscale food establishment. When it’s nice outside, they open the sliding glass window/doors to create one big seating area. You MUST try the bacon-wrapped okra. It’s usually recommended by the waitstaff. And, if you’re a fan of pimento, their pimento cheese comes with fried sourdough bread. Let me repeat. FRIED SOURDOUGH. We come to eat, not to count calories. Their homemade biscuits are melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness, so I almost always end up ordering the Benne.

BEST FOR: Live music + patio vibes + soul food.

Hamilton’s on Magnolia. Slightly unexpected - I didn’t realize Hamilton’s had brunch until a year after moving to the area. Because it’s not as well-known, it’s usually a good spot to be if you want to avoid long wait-times. Their chicken biscuit is my go-to (they add some sort of delicious chipotle sauce).

BEST FOR: Most unexpected delicious chicken biscuit 🙌

Acre. If you haven’t enjoyed a meal at Acre, make a dinner reservation ASAP. And then enjoy brunch. I was actually sitting at their bar enjoying my Steak & Eggs when Tiger Woods won the Masters a couple of years ago. It was a very memorable moment. And all of their dishes are memorable. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’re always in for a treat!

BEST FOR: Upscale southern comfort cuisine w/ ALL the natural lighting ✨

Zazu’s. Located in downtown Opelika, I think Zazu’s has one of the more interesting interiors around the area (it’s a five-level restaurant). Try their Pulled Pork Chilaquiles or Hot Chicken and Waffles! Also. Their pimento cheese burger is one of my favorites around town.

BEST FOR: Unique venue experience in downtown Opelika 🚂

Happy brunching!

Best Brunch Spots in Auburn-Opelika

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