There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.
Set in Charlotte, NC, Showmars 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 Showmars. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- 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)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.
The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.
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 Charlotte, Showmars 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's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Showmars.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Showmars open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Showmars take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Charlotte are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Showmars kid-friendly?
Yes — Showmars 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 Showmars serve?
It's classified under american, greek — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Charlotte.
Is there outdoor seating at Showmars?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 201 South College Street. Coordinates: 35.2247, -80.8435. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.