Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Richmond, VA, Early Bird Biscuit 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.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Early Bird Biscuit. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- 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
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Richmond, Early Bird Biscuit 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. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.
Tips from the regulars
- 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 Early Bird Biscuit.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
Hours
| Mon | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
| Wed | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
| Thu | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
| Fri | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
| Sat | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
| Sun | Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Early Bird Biscuit open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Tu-Fr 07:00-13:00; Sa 07:00-12:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Early Bird Biscuit take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Richmond are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Early Bird Biscuit kid-friendly?
Yes — Early Bird Biscuit 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 Early Bird Biscuit serve?
It's classified under american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Richmond.
Is there outdoor seating at Early Bird Biscuit?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 119 North Robinson Street. Coordinates: 37.5536, -77.4722. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.