The Best Brunch Spots for Hungry Students

By Taylor

I am the (self-proclaimed) queen of brunch. If there’s one word (or two) that would describe me perfectly, it’s “regular brunch go-er”. I just love a good brunch. So, if there is one person who has enough credentials to narrow down a list of the best brunch spots near (and far) from campus, that would definitely be me. And to help you make the best brunch decisions, I’ve taken into account things like the distance from campus, as well as what my personal favorite dish is on the menu, and the general pricing (scoring anywhere from $ to $$$). So, go make me proud and make brunch your new end of term thing!

1. Route 99 Diner

This is the perfect old-school diner that you see in all of the movies complete with a jukebox machine and cute grannie waitresses. Plus, the prices at this place are phenomenal, so if you’re strapped for cash (let’s be honest, all students are), this is the place to hit up first.

Driving distance from campus: nine minutes
Best item on menu: Eggs Benny
Pricing: $

2. Urban Diner

I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Urban Diner, but when they added their Apple Pie French Toast to the menu, it all changed.

Walking distance from campus: 10 minutes
Best item on menu: Apple Pie French Toast
Pricing: $$

3. Sugarbowl

Sugarbowl has been my go-to brunch spot for years now ever since my first year of university when I tasted their heavenly cinnamon buns. It’s always packed in there so make sure to try to book a reservation first.

Walking distance from campus: 8 minutes
Best item on menu: Chicken and Waffles
Pricing: $$

4. Dewey’s

Not many people know of Dewey’s breakfast but if there’s one place you should be getting brunch on campus, it’s here. It’s delicious and cheap and right in the heart of North Campus. What more could you want?

Walking distance from campus: 0 minutes
Best item on menu: Omelet with tater tots
Pricing: $

5. DeDutch

DeDutch is a simple LRT ride away making it super convenient to get to (just use your U-Pass, get off at Central Station, and it should be right out front)

LRT distance from campus: 10 minutes
Best item on menu: Strawberry Cheesecake Pannekoeken
Pricing: $

6. Daravara

Daravara is right across the street from Duchess so pop in there afterwards to make the trip extra worth it. Because if anything compliments a good brunch, it’s macarons.

Driving distance from campus: 9 minutes
Best item on menu: Buttermilk Biscuit Benny
Pricing: $$

7. Café Mosaics

This is one of the best options for vegans and vegetarians! Every single brunch item on their menu is or can be made vegan! But if you are an egg-lover, you can also substitute the tofu for egg as well!

Walking distance from campus: 15 minutes
Best item on menu: Against All Grain Benny (incudes pumpkin and yam hashbrowns!)
Pricing: $$$

8. OJ’s (Original Joe’s)

I would have never thought OJ’s would have a brunch menu, but surprisingly they do! And it’s a good brunch menu including things like Brunch Poutine!

LRT distance from campus: 10 minutes
Best item on menu: Banana Bread French Toast
Pricing: $

9. Highlevel Diner

Highlevel Diner serves breakfast every single day of the week so you don’t have to wait until the weekend to get your brunch fix!

Walking distance from campus: 8 minutes
Best item on menu: Smoked Salmon Quesadilla
Pricing: $$

10. Ampersand 27

Ampersand 27 tends to be a little pricier, but you can’t beat the beautiful atmosphere or the delicious food! Plus, brunch on the patio in summer can’t be missed!

Walking distance from campus: 15 minutes
Best item on menu: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Pricing: $$$