On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.
Set in Memphis, TN, big ono bake shop 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.
Order coffee black and let the kitchen do the rest — French toast made with thick-cut brioche, dusted with powdered sugar, and crowned with seasonal berries.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at big ono bake shop. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
Service is friendly without being chatty, refills come without asking, and nobody rushes you out of your seat.
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.
Local tip: they take walk-ins only, but the host will quote you a realistic time and call your phone — go grab a coffee and explore the block.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Memphis, big ono bake shop 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. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.
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 big ono bake shop.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does big ono bake shop open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but big ono bake shop typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does big ono bake shop take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Memphis are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is big ono bake shop kid-friendly?
Yes — big ono bake shop 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 big ono bake shop serve?
It's classified under american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Memphis.
Is there outdoor seating at big ono bake shop?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at Memphis, TN. Coordinates: 35.1424, -90.0552. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.