3 Great Columbus Breakfast Spots

I started my Breakfast with Nick blog as a hobby in 2007. I had begun lecturing at Ohio State’s Theatre Department and used blogging as a way to document the great restaurants I was discovering: diners, doughnut joints, coffee shops and more. Although I’ve expanded my scope to include other meals as well as family travel and the arts, breakfast will always be nearest and dearest to my heart (and stomach). Here are a few spots I think you’ll love. 

Kolache Republic: This is where I first learned about kolaches: fluffy, lightly sweet Czech pastries cut into squares with fruit, cream cheese and nuts in the center. It was love at first bite, and that affection deepened when they started selling breakfast sandwiches using the same dough wrapped around savory fillings. It’s the perfect hand-held breakfast: a golden pocket stuffed with (my favorite combo) scrambled eggs, cheese, chorizo and jalapenos. 702 S. High St., Columbus 43206, 614/706-2749, kolacherepublic.com

Tommy’s Diner: Everybody loves a good family-run diner, and with 30-plus years in business, this is a prime example of Columbus’ old-school eateries. The Pappas family welcomes regulars with hearty breakfasts and warm camaraderie. They hit all the right notes with their omelets, steak and eggs, and biscuits and gravy, but go for the Belgian waffle: golden, crisp and the best in town. 914 W. Broad St., Columbus 43222, 614/224-2422, tommysdiner.com

Winston’s Coffee & Waffles: This navy blue food truck parked in the Clintonville neighborhood serves creative renditions of sweet and savory waffles. The savory takes are made with proteins like Buffalo chicken or locally made sausage mixed into the batter, while the dense, caramelized Liege-style waffles are the icing on the cake. 3589 Indianola Ave., Columbus 43214, 614/266-6257, winstonscoffeeandwaffles.com

For more of Nicholas Dekker’s picks, visit breakfastwithnick.com.

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