Shortlist: Eight Breakfast Spots In Rochester (MN) That Locals Love!

Rochester in Minnesota has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. It’s a city which has been at the forefront of innovation, with a rich history to back it up. But it’s also a great destination for tourists thanks to the multiple sightseeing opportunities and varied dining options.

In fact there’s more than a hundred parks in the city to explore, along with plenty of kid friendly activities to partake in. Combine that with all the shopping that can be done downtown and that’s a packed day!

To make the best of it, you’ll want to start your day off right – with a good breakfast of course! And luckily getting a good breakfast in Rochester, MN, is super easy thanks to some exceptional restaurants here.

As we know this Minnesotan city so well, we’ve decided to share some of the best spots for breakfast in Rochester, MN. Bon appetit!

The Eight Best Spots For Breakfast In Rochester, MN

1. Benedict’s

Benedict’s is an upscale eatery offering comfort food for breakfast and brunch along with a full bar.

Executive Chef Mike Rakun modeled this restaurant after a modern diner which reflects in the contemporary aesthetics of this place. The traditional diner booths and open pantry are an interesting juxtaposition to the floor to ceiling windows and modern lighting. Still, there’s a real feeling of entering a fine dining establishment.

As the name suggests they offer a wide variety of Eggs Benedict to choose from. You could be boring and spring for the traditional, but live a little and try the Hot Chicken Benedict with a buttermilk biscuit and hollandaise.

And if you’re feeling fancy, there’s even a lobster option called the Nordeaster which comes flavored with Old Bay. The rest of the menu features breakfast staples such as omelets, French toast, pancakes and a smattering of Mexican classics. Trust us, the menu is huge and you should take your time to choose what to order.

The service here is very attentive and you won’t ever have to ask for a refill of coffee or water. Stick around after your hearty breakfast, because they even have a happy hour from 1 to 3. This is a great place for breakfast in Rochester, MN, and is open all days from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – great for early birds!

Address: 10 East Center St Skyway Level – 2nd Floor, Rochester, MN 55904

2. Rooster’s Barn and Grill

Rooster’s is a locally owned and operated trendy, yet casual bar, dishing out breakfast, chicken dinners, burgers and more.

The dark red interiors match perfectly with the upholstered furniture and the numerous neon signs adding to that true ‘bar’ feel. One section holds a multitude of pool tables if you fancy a round. There’s also a central bar where you can pull up a stool to watch some sports on their various flatscreen TVs.

The menu here features skillets, omelets, breakfast sandwiches and pancakes. We’ve heard good things about the all-meat omelet, which comes filled to the brim with ham, bacon, sausage and a generous helping of cheddar jack cheese. You have a choice of toast and hash browns or tater barrels too (their name for tater tots). Its an entire meal in itself.

The ‘Recoop’ is also another item off the griddle we recommend, which comes with two eggs, cheese and sausage patties over biscuits, smothered with homemade sausage gravy.

Happy hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every weekday, so if you want to return for a round of pool or darts, over a few beers or specialty cocktails, that is a great time to do so. Otherwise, the grill is open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. everyday.

Address: 2280 Superior Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901

3. Grandma’s Kitchen

Grandma’s Kitchen is an old school diner that has been serving the Rochester community since 1977.

A family run establishment, you’ll get a small-town cafe feel the moment you enter, with even the wallpaper being something you could find in a home. The seating is intimate without getting too crowded, while painted dinner plates and spools of yarn adorn the walls along with various kitchen utensils. It’s a comfortable setting to enjoy some comforting food.

The food here is fresh, hot and made from scratch. There are a variety of menu options which you can customize based on portion size or additional sides. As for what we recommend, you have to try the Country Fried Steak and Eggs which comes with hash browns, gravy and toast with jelly. The homemade rolls here also baked fresh daily.

Another menu highlight is their ‘Golden Age’ menu for senior citizens, so if you’re over 62 or dining with someone who is, you can order smaller portions.

The service reflects the warm and inviting ambience, and best of all breakfast is also served all day! You can even opt for lunch as we’ve heard their specials are out of this world.

Hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Address: 1514 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906

4. Hollandberry Pannekoeken

Made-from-scratch Dutch cooking is on offer at this diner and coffee shop. It’s a fantastic, and unique, place to grab breakfast in Rochester, MN.

The interiors of this coffee shop are a standard affair with wooden chairs and tables, with one wall dedicated to the word ‘welcome’ painted in different languages. Your eyes however, will most definitely gravitate to the display case where over 20 types of ‘Magnificent Muffins’ are on offer. There’s also a modest covered patio for dining outside when the weather is nice.

The name sake of this spot, ‘Pannekoeken’, is a Dutch stuffed pancake and the secret recipe employed here to make their own has been part of the restaurant’s heritage for 30 years. Yes, it’s quite a mouthful, but we promise you it’s a tasty one! Various fillings are available, from apple to rum raisin and bacon to blueberry. The staff even sing a little song when one is brought out – talk about adorable.

The portions here are substantial, but if you’re in the mood for a particularly hearty breakfast, go for the staff favorite Dutch Skillet which comes with two eggs, mettwurst, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers topped with smoked Gouda cheese and hollandaise sauce. Phew! We ran out of breath just typing that.

The staff here are very friendly and accommodating. The café is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Weekdays and 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekends. And do make sure you get a muffin to go!

Address: 214 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906

5. Canadian Honker

This family run establishment has been serving American style breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1984.

Started by Joe Powers when he was just 21, Canadian Honker has a casual, earthy vibe which is perfect since the restaurant takes pride in their friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant features outdoor seating, a full-service bar, live entertainment and a merchandize center. In case you’re wondering where the name Canadian Honkers comes from, it’s homage to Canadian Geese who make a stop in Rochester during their migration south.

We’ve heard great things about the Honker omelet which is filled with honey baked ham, mushrooms, onions and two cheeses. The breakfast dishes also come with an option for fries in place of hash browns and we’re all for that idea!

The rest of the menu features skillets, pancakes, Benedict and French toast. The Eggs Benedict itself is award winning, and if you want a bit of a twist it can also be ordered with Chilean salmon in place of ham. There’s also an espresso bar for your morning coffee fix.

Portions are substantial here and the staff are courteous and friendly. Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. but they stay open for lunch and dinner till 9:00 p.m. Visit them during those hours to try the amazing fish and chips or taken in some live music! All in all, this place is a fantastic spot for breakfast in Rochester, MN.

Address: 1203 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

6. Brother’s Bar and Grill

This locally owned old school sports bar and grill has a lively atmosphere, and is chock full of sports memorabilia, neon signs and team flags. There’s even pinball machines! TVs are present of course, so you can follow your favorite sports. Plenty of seating is available by the bar, but you can choose tables or booths for more comfort. There’s many local bands invited to play here, so that’s something to check out too.

We chose this place because it has an extensive breakfast menu and serves it all day. Yes, all day breakfast – the three most beautiful words in the English language!

The portions here are absolutely huge so make sure you bring your appetite. The Brother’s omelet is massive and comes with three meats, three vegetables and hash browns enveloped in a 4-egg omelet.

If New York has the garbage plate, then Minnesota has the mess, which features hash browns, onions, tomatoes, peppers and choice of meat with two eggs smothered in sausage gravy. You can even indulge your sweet tooth with their cheese cake pancakes.

The hospitality here is excellent and the servers are very attentive. The place is open from 6:00 a.m. and stays open till 10:00 p.m. extending to midnight over Friday and Saturday. Visit and enjoy breakfast for dinner!

Address: 812 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904

7. Bleu Duck Kitchen

This locally owned, upscale restaurant and oyster bar has an eclectic menu well worth checking out.

The interiors of the restaurant exude class with black linen and upholstered chairs on a backdrop of brick walls and hardwood floors. Outside seating is also available in a quaint covered patio.

Bleu Duck is so much more than just a restaurant, though, as it is a venue for Sunday school where you can learn skills such as mixology and butchery. It’s also an event space and catering business. Talk about wearing many hats! This restaurant is also award winning, having claimed the best restaurant in Rochester three years in a row from 2019 to 2021.

Head to the Bleu Duck on a particularly lazy weekend for a late breakfast in Rochester, MN that flows into brunch. You know what else flows there? Bottomless Mimosas!

The Oyster Bar here is an absolute highlight too, with fresh oysters being flown in from both coasts daily. That means you have to try the ‘Hang Town Fry’ which features breaded oysters and bacon enveloped in a fluffy omelet. For a more classic breakfast meal, don’t forget to try the Croque Madame. There’s a bunch of brunch cocktails to try as well. Combine that with the live music they sometimes have here and you have all the trappings of a great morning out!

The servers here are amazing and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Brunch is only served over the weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. but if you want to sample the rest of their fantastic menu, visit them till 10:00 p.m. all days except Sunday.

Address: 14 4th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

8. Old Abe Coffee Shop

What started as a handmade cargo tricycle built by Abe himself, is now a bustling vegan café.

The open kitchen is small and quaint contrasting the whimsical almost quirky interiors of the dining area. There’s plenty of merchandise on display so if you want to show Old Abe’s some love you can always pick some up. And summer brings with it a chance to dine outside as this café opens up their outdoor covered patio for patrons.

The menu here is entirely vegan and features sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls and specials. The banh-mi they make has been voted the best sandwich in Rochester and we have to agree. Expect vegan pulled pork with daikon radish, carrot and cucumber inside a fresh baguette bun with a special tamari aioli.

Sticking with the Asian theme, locals also really like the Korean BBQ Bulgogi which features vegan Korean barbecue, with carrot and cabbage slaw and edamame served with a gochujang aioli. The menu is vast and interesting with plenty of options to choose from.

The original homemade cart still makes an appearance in downtown Rochester from May till October as well as at special events.

The coffee shop is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, staying open till 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and closing at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. This is a great place for vegans or for anyone else who just wants to try something new! It’s a wonderful spot for breakfast in Rochester, MN.

Address: 832 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901