Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Detroit, MI, Avalon Bakery has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Avalon Bakery. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
- Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
- Two eggs any style with thick-cut bacon and crispy hash
- Brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and seasonal berries
The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.
Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Detroit, Avalon Bakery is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.
Tips from the regulars
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Avalon Bakery.
Hours
| Mon | 08:00-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 08:00-15:00 |
| Wed | 08:00-15:00 |
| Thu | 08:00-15:00 |
| Fri | 08:00-15:00 |
| Sat | 08:00-15:00 |
| Sun | 08:00-15:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Avalon Bakery open for brunch?
Posted hours are: 08:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Avalon Bakery take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Detroit are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Avalon Bakery kid-friendly?
Yes — Avalon Bakery welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Avalon Bakery serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Detroit.
Is there outdoor seating at Avalon Bakery?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 1075 Woodward Avenue. Coordinates: 42.3327, -83.0480. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.