The Ultimate Guide To The Best Brunch In Every State

Brunch is more than just a meal – it’s a weekend tradition that brings people together over delicious food and good conversation.

Every state across America has its own signature dish that reflects local flavors, history, and culture.

1. Shrimp and Grits (Alabama)

Alabama knows how to start the day right with this coastal-inspired comfort food. Creamy stone-ground grits form the perfect base for plump, seasoned shrimp swimming in a rich, savory sauce.

This dish brings together land and sea in one satisfying bowl. Local restaurants often add bacon, cheese, or a hint of spice to make their version stand out from the rest.

2. Smoked Salmon Benedict (Alaska)

Alaska’s icy waters produce some of the finest salmon in the world, and this Benedict showcases it beautifully. Silky smoked salmon replaces traditional ham, bringing a delicate, smoky flavor to every bite.

Topped with perfectly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise, it’s pure luxury on a plate. Many Alaskan cafes add capers or fresh dill for an extra pop of flavor.

3. Breakfast Burrito (Arizona)

Arizona’s breakfast burrito is a handheld masterpiece stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, crispy potatoes, and your choice of bacon or chorizo. Wrapped tight in a warm flour tortilla, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go meal.

Green chile salsa adds that signature Southwestern kick. Locals debate endlessly about whether red or green sauce reigns supreme, but honestly, both are winners.

4. Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy (Arkansas)

Wait, chocolate for breakfast? Absolutely! Arkansas turns dessert into a morning meal with this sweet, indulgent treat that tastes like a warm hug.

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits get smothered in a smooth chocolate gravy made with cocoa, sugar, and butter. It’s comfort food that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning.

5. Avocado Toast (California)

California didn’t invent avocado toast, but they definitely perfected it and made it a cultural phenomenon. Creamy avocado spread on artisan sourdough becomes a canvas for endless toppings.

Think cherry tomatoes, microgreens, everything bagel seasoning, or even a poached egg on top. Health-conscious and Instagram-worthy, this dish represents the Golden State’s fresh, laid-back vibe perfectly.

6. Green Chile Breakfast Enchiladas (Colorado)

Colorado takes Tex-Mex to new heights with these flavor-packed enchiladas drenched in tangy green chile sauce. Soft tortillas wrap around scrambled eggs, cheese, and sometimes chorizo or potatoes.

The roasted green chiles bring just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. It’s hearty mountain fuel that keeps you energized all day long.

7. Lobster Benedict (Connecticut)

Connecticut brings coastal elegance to the brunch table with this upscale twist on eggs Benedict. Sweet, tender lobster meat replaces ham, creating a dish that feels fancy but tastes like home.

Rich hollandaise sauce ties everything together beautifully. Found in seaside restaurants throughout the state, it’s the kind of meal that turns a regular Sunday into a special occasion.

8. Crab Omelet (Delaware)

Delaware’s location on the Atlantic coast means fresh crab finds its way into everything, including breakfast. This fluffy omelet gets loaded with sweet jumbo lump crab meat and just enough cheese to complement, not overpower.

Light, protein-packed, and absolutely delicious, it’s a sophisticated choice. Some spots add Old Bay seasoning for that classic Mid-Atlantic flavor punch.

9. Key Lime French Toast (Florida)

Florida takes a breakfast classic and gives it a tropical makeover with tangy key lime flavor. Thick slices of bread get soaked in a custard mixture, then grilled until golden and topped with sweet key lime glaze.

Whipped cream and fresh lime zest add the finishing touches. It’s like eating sunshine on a plate, perfectly capturing the Sunshine State’s cheerful spirit.

10. Chicken and Waffles (Georgia)

Georgia perfected the sweet-and-savory combination that has become a brunch staple nationwide. Crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken sits atop fluffy waffles, creating a flavor contrast that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

Drizzle everything with maple syrup and watch magic happen. Some restaurants add hot sauce or honey butter to take things even further into delicious territory.

11. Loco Moco (Hawaii)

Hawaii’s most famous comfort food starts with a bed of white rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty. Add a sunny-side-up egg and smother everything in rich brown gravy for pure island satisfaction.

Born in Hilo in the 1940s, it’s hearty enough to fuel a day of surfing or hiking. Simple ingredients come together to create something way more delicious than you’d expect.

12. Huckleberry Pancakes (Idaho)

Idaho’s wild huckleberries turn ordinary pancakes into something truly special. These tiny purple berries pack a sweet-tart punch that bursts with flavor in every bite.

Fluffy pancakes get studded with fresh or frozen huckleberries, then topped with huckleberry syrup and butter. Found in mountain lodges and local diners, they taste like the wilderness itself. Once you try them, regular blueberry pancakes just won’t cut it anymore.

13. Deep-Dish Breakfast Pizza (Illinois)

Chicago already owns the pizza world, so why not conquer breakfast too? This deep-dish creation features a thick, buttery crust loaded with scrambled eggs, sausage, peppers, and mountains of cheese.

It’s pizza meets breakfast casserole in the best way possible. Heavy, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent, it’s the kind of meal that requires a nap afterward but is totally worth it.

14. Sausage Gravy and Biscuits (Indiana)

Indiana does Midwestern comfort food right with this stick-to-your-ribs classic. Flaky buttermilk biscuits get absolutely smothered in creamy, peppery sausage gravy made with crumbled pork sausage.

It’s simple, filling, and exactly what you crave on a cold morning. Diners across the state serve their own versions, each claiming theirs is the best. Honestly, they’re probably all right.

15. Breakfast Casserole (Iowa)

Iowa’s breakfast casserole is the ultimate make-ahead meal for feeding a crowd. Layers of hash browns, eggs, cheese, and sausage bake together into one glorious dish.

Perfect for church potlucks, family gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings when you want something hearty without much fuss. Some versions add vegetables or switch up the meat, but the comfort level stays the same. It’s Midwestern hospitality in edible form.

16. Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee (Kansas)

Kansas keeps things sweet and simple with oversized cinnamon rolls that could double as a meal. Soft, pillowy dough gets swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked until golden, then slathered with cream cheese frosting.

Pair it with strong black coffee for the perfect balance. Bakeries throughout the state compete to make the biggest, gooiest version. It’s pure comfort that never goes out of style.

17. Hot Brown (Kentucky)

Created at Louisville’s Brown Hotel in 1926, this open-faced sandwich has become Kentucky’s brunch royalty. Turkey and bacon sit on toast, then get blanketed in rich Mornay sauce and broiled until bubbly.

Tomatoes add a fresh touch to balance the richness. It’s decadent, sophisticated, and surprisingly filling. Think of it as the fancier cousin of turkey and gravy.

18. Beignets with Café au Lait (Louisiana)

Louisiana brings a taste of New Orleans to your brunch table with these pillowy fried pastries. Beignets arrive hot and puffy, buried under a mountain of powdered sugar that ends up everywhere.

Pair them with chicory-laced café au lait for the full experience. Sweet, crispy on the outside, soft inside—they’re basically edible happiness. Just accept that you’ll wear half the powdered sugar home.

19. Blueberry Pancakes (Maine)

Maine’s wild blueberries are smaller, sweeter, and more flavorful than regular ones, making their pancakes legendary. These tiny berries get folded into fluffy batter, creating pockets of fruity goodness throughout.

Top with real maple syrup and butter for breakfast perfection. Coastal diners and country inns serve them year-round, but they’re especially magical during summer blueberry season. Simple ingredients, extraordinary results.

20. Crab Cake Eggs Benedict (Maryland)

Maryland replaces the English muffin with their famous crab cakes, creating the most luxurious Benedict you’ll ever taste. Jumbo lump crab meat forms the base, topped with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise.

Many places add Old Bay seasoning to the sauce for that signature Chesapeake Bay flavor. It’s seafood heaven that justifies waking up early on a weekend. Splurge-worthy and absolutely unforgettable.

21. Boston Cream Stuffed French Toast (Massachusetts)

Massachusetts takes its famous Boston cream pie and transforms it into breakfast magic. Thick slices of French toast get stuffed with vanilla custard, then topped with rich chocolate ganache.

It’s dessert disguised as breakfast, and nobody’s complaining. Sweet, indulgent, and probably containing enough calories to fuel a marathon, it’s a special-occasion kind of dish. Your taste buds will thank you even if your waistline won’t.

22. Cherry-Stuffed Crepes (Michigan)

Michigan produces most of America’s tart cherries, and these delicate crepes showcase them beautifully. Paper-thin pancakes get filled with sweet-tart cherry compote, then folded into elegant packages.

Top with whipped cream and fresh cherries when they’re in season. Light yet satisfying, they feel fancy without being fussy. French technique meets Michigan agriculture in perfect harmony on your plate.

23. Tater Tot Breakfast Hotdish (Minnesota)

Minnesota calls casseroles hotdish, and this breakfast version is pure comfort. Crispy tater tots form a golden crust over layers of eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables.

It’s the kind of hearty meal that keeps you warm through brutal winters. Easy to make for a crowd and even better as leftovers, it embodies Midwestern practicality. Plus, anything with tater tots automatically wins breakfast.

24. Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy (Mississippi)

Mississippi serves up Southern tradition with salty country ham swimming in red-eye gravy made from coffee and ham drippings. The gravy gets its name from the circle of fat that resembles a bloodshot eye.

Sounds weird, tastes amazing. The coffee cuts through the ham’s saltiness perfectly, creating a balanced, savory dish. Serve it with biscuits for sopping up every last drop of that distinctive gravy.

25. Toasted Ravioli Brunch Plate (Missouri)

St. Louis invented toasted ravioli, so naturally Missouri found a way to work it into brunch. Breaded and fried ravioli get paired with eggs, sausage, and marinara for dipping.

It’s an unexpected combination that somehow works perfectly. Italian comfort food meets American breakfast in this creative fusion dish. Who says you can’t have pasta for breakfast? Missouri says go for it.

26. Huckleberry Waffles (Montana)

Montana doubles down on their beloved huckleberries with crispy waffles loaded with these wild mountain berries. The berries get mixed into the batter and made into syrup for maximum flavor.

Light, crispy waffles provide the perfect vehicle for that distinctive sweet-tart taste. Found in mountain lodges and local diners across Big Sky Country, they’re worth the trip alone. Nature’s candy meets breakfast perfection.

27. Runza Breakfast Sandwich (Nebraska)

Nebraska takes their famous runza – a bread pocket filled with beef and cabbage – and creates a breakfast version. Soft, pillowy dough wraps around scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese, then gets baked until golden.

It’s portable, filling, and uniquely Nebraskan. Think Hot Pocket but way better and made with love. Perfect for eating on the go or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

28. Steak and Eggs (Nevada)

Nevada serves breakfast like they do everything else – big, bold, and available 24/7. A perfectly grilled steak sits alongside eggs cooked to order, usually with hash browns or toast.

It’s classic, protein-packed, and exactly what you need after a long night in Vegas. Simple preparation lets quality ingredients shine. No frills, just a seriously satisfying meal that fuels your next adventure.

29. Maple Syrup Pancakes (New Hampshire)

New Hampshire produces some of the finest maple syrup in America, and their pancakes let it shine. Fluffy buttermilk pancakes serve as the perfect canvas for that liquid gold.

Real maple syrup tastes nothing like the fake stuff – it’s complex, nuanced, and utterly delicious. Local sugar houses and diners serve them year-round, but they’re extra special during sugaring season. Pure, simple, and absolutely perfect.

30. Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich (New Jersey)

New Jersey’s most iconic breakfast sandwich features Taylor ham (or pork roll, depending on which part of the state you’re from). The processed pork product gets griddled until crispy, then layered with egg and cheese on a hard roll.

Simple ingredients create something magical. Locals debate the proper name endlessly, but everyone agrees it’s delicious. It’s quintessentially Jersey – no-nonsense and satisfying.

31. Huevos Rancheros (New Mexico)

New Mexico brings serious chile game to this Southwestern classic. Crispy corn tortillas get topped with fried eggs, then smothered in red or green chile sauce (or Christmas style – both!).

Add beans, cheese, and maybe some potatoes for a complete meal. The chile is the star here, with varieties ranging from mild to face-melting. It’s breakfast with a kick that wakes you up better than coffee.

32. Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese (New York)

New York perfected the bagel, and this classic combination showcases it best. A fresh, chewy bagel gets schmeared with cream cheese, then topped with silky smoked salmon, capers, onions, and tomatoes.

It’s deli perfection that’s been a New York staple for generations. The quality of each ingredient matters – good bagels, fresh lox, and real cream cheese make all the difference. Brunch doesn’t get more iconic than this.

33. Country Fried Steak and Eggs (North Carolina)

North Carolina does Southern breakfast right with crispy, golden country fried steak smothered in creamy white gravy. Add eggs cooked your way and biscuits for sopping up that gravy.

It’s hearty enough to fuel a full day of work. The steak should be tender inside with a perfectly crunchy coating outside. This is comfort food that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible.

34. Lefse with Butter and Sugar (North Dakota)

North Dakota’s Scandinavian heritage shines through in this simple but delicious treat. Lefse is a soft, potato-based flatbread that gets spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar, then rolled up.

It’s comfort food that connects generations to their Norwegian roots. Light, slightly sweet, and absolutely addictive, it’s often made during holidays but enjoyed year-round. Sometimes the simplest foods are the most satisfying.

35. Goetta and Eggs (Ohio)

Cincinnati’s German heritage brings us goetta, a unique breakfast sausage made with pork, beef, and steel-cut oats. Sliced and griddled until crispy on the outside, it develops incredible texture.

Served alongside eggs, it’s a regional specialty many outsiders have never heard of. The oats give it a distinctive texture that’s different from regular sausage. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Cincinnatians are so loyal to it.

36. Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy (Oklahoma)

Oklahoma takes chicken fried steak seriously, serving massive portions smothered in peppery white gravy. Tenderized beef gets breaded and fried until golden and crispy, then buried under creamy gravy.

It’s a breakfast that requires commitment and maybe a nap afterward. The gravy should be thick, well-seasoned, and abundant. This isn’t diet food – it’s soul-satisfying comfort that represents heartland hospitality perfectly.

37. Smoked Salmon Hash (Oregon)

Oregon combines their famous salmon with crispy potatoes in this Pacific Northwest favorite. Chunks of smoked salmon mix with seasoned potatoes, peppers, and onions, all crisped up in a skillet.

Top it with a poached egg for extra richness. Fresh, flavorful, and showcasing local ingredients, it’s farm-to-table breakfast done right. The salmon adds protein and that distinctive smoky flavor that makes everything better.

38. Scrapple and Eggs (Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania Dutch country gives us scrapple, a breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal. Sliced and fried until crispy, it develops a crunchy exterior while staying soft inside.

Served with eggs, it’s an acquired taste that locals swear by. The name sounds unappetizing, but don’t let that fool you—when cooked right, it’s delicious. It’s nose-to-tail eating before that became trendy.

39. Johnnycakes (Rhode Island)

Rhode Island’s johnnycakes are cornmeal pancakes that have been a regional staple for centuries. Made from stone-ground cornmeal, they’re crispy on the edges and tender in the middle.

Serve them with butter and maple syrup for a simple, satisfying breakfast. The texture is different from regular pancakes—denser and more substantial. They’re a taste of colonial New England that’s stood the test of time.

40. Shrimp and Grits (South Carolina)

South Carolina’s Lowcountry perfected this dish that’s now famous nationwide. Creamy, stone-ground grits provide a smooth base for plump shrimp in a flavorful, often spicy sauce.

Every restaurant has their own version, with some adding bacon, cheese, or different seasonings. It’s coastal comfort food that represents Southern hospitality at its finest. One taste explains why this dish has become a brunch staple everywhere.

41. Pheasant and Eggs (South Dakota)

South Dakota’s hunting culture brings wild game to the breakfast table. Tender pheasant breast gets pan-seared and served alongside eggs and potatoes for a protein-rich meal.

The mild, slightly gamey meat offers something different from typical breakfast proteins. Found in hunting lodges and local restaurants, it showcases the state’s outdoor heritage. It’s lean, flavorful, and definitely not your average breakfast.

42. Biscuits with Hot Chicken (Tennessee)

Nashville’s famous hot chicken makes its way to brunch in this spicy, indulgent dish. Crispy fried chicken coated in cayenne-spiked oil sits atop fluffy buttermilk biscuits.

Pickles and a drizzle of honey help balance the heat. It’s not for the faint of heart – the spice level can range from mild to face-melting. But if you can handle the heat, it’s absolutely worth it.

43. Breakfast Tacos (Texas)

Texas owns breakfast tacos, and they take them very seriously. Soft flour tortillas cradle scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon, chorizo, or potato.

Add salsa, hot sauce, or avocado to customize your perfect taco. Simple, portable, and endlessly customizable, they’re a daily ritual for many Texans. Breakfast tacos aren’t just food – they’re a way of life in the Lone Star State.

44. Scones with Honey Butter (Utah)

Utah’s scones are different from British ones – they’re fried, puffy, and served with honey butter. Light and airy inside with a slightly crispy exterior, they’re dangerously addictive.

The honey butter melts into warm scones creating sweet, rich perfection. Often served at local restaurants and pioneer-themed eateries, they reflect Utah’s frontier heritage. They’re simple comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

45. Maple Syrup French Toast (Vermont)

Vermont produces the best maple syrup in America, and their French toast showcases it perfectly. Thick slices of bread get soaked in custard, griddled until golden, then drenched in pure maple syrup.

The quality of the syrup makes all the difference here. Rich, complex, and naturally sweet, real Vermont maple syrup transforms simple French toast into something extraordinary. It’s breakfast luxury that’s worth every calorie.

46. Country Ham Biscuits (Virginia)

Virginia’s famous country ham gets tucked into fluffy biscuits for a breakfast that’s simple but spectacular. The salty, dry-cured ham contrasts beautifully with tender, buttery biscuits.

Some add a smear of butter or jam, but purists keep it simple. It’s Southern tradition on a plate, perfect for breakfast or brunch. The quality of both the ham and biscuits matters – when done right, nothing else comes close.

47. Dungeness Crab Omelet (Washington)

Washington’s cold Pacific waters produce sweet Dungeness crab that makes this omelet special. Fluffy eggs fold around chunks of fresh crab meat with just enough cheese to complement the delicate seafood.

Light, elegant, and packed with protein, it’s coastal dining at its finest. The crab’s natural sweetness shines through without being overwhelmed by other ingredients. It’s a taste of the Pacific Northwest in every bite.

48. Pepperoni Roll with Fried Egg (West Virginia)

West Virginia’s pepperoni roll gets a breakfast upgrade with the addition of a fried egg. Soft bread wraps around pepperoni and a perfectly fried egg for a portable, protein-packed meal.

Originally created for coal miners, it’s practical food that tastes great. The runny yolk mixes with pepperoni grease in a way that sounds weird but works perfectly. It’s working-class comfort food with serious flavor.

49. Cheese Curd Omelet (Wisconsin)

Wisconsin brings their famous cheese curds to breakfast in this indulgent omelet. Fresh, squeaky cheese curds melt slightly inside fluffy eggs, creating pockets of gooey, salty goodness.

The texture of the curds makes this omelet special—they should squeak against your teeth when fresh. It’s dairy state pride in breakfast form. Add some vegetables if you want to pretend it’s healthy, but really, it’s all about that cheese.

50. Elk Sausage and Eggs (Wyoming)

Wyoming brings wild game to your breakfast plate with lean, flavorful elk sausage. Leaner than pork but full of flavor, it’s seasoned and grilled until perfectly browned.

Serve it with eggs and potatoes for a hearty mountain breakfast. The elk gives it a slightly gamey taste that’s different from regular sausage but not overwhelming. It’s protein-packed fuel for hiking, fishing, or just enjoying Wyoming’s beautiful landscape.