Updated: October 01, 2025
This guide showcases Carolina Beach and Kure Beach's top breakfast destinations, including Kate's Pancake House's towering flapjacks and Britts' legendary glazed donuts since 1939. You'll find classic Southern comfort at Granny's, seafood-forward plates at Gulfstream, and tips for planning your coastal foodie getaway with Carolina Beach Realty.
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach offer several quality breakfast options, from classic pancake houses to a boardwalk donut shop that's been operating since 1939.
Whether
you're craving traditional American breakfasts, seeking hearty vegan options, or desiring freshly baked
goodies alongside your morning coffee, these charming beach towns have something special for everyone.
This guide covers four local breakfast spots with details on their menus, atmosphere, and what makes each worth visiting. I've spent the last three summers exploring Carolina Beach's breakfast scene, and these four spots have become my regular rotation. Here's what I've learned about where to eat in the morning:
Contents
5. Stay with Carolina Beach Realty
Kate's Pancake House
Address: 102 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Hours: 6:30 AM to 1 PM
Price range: $10 to $20
Kate's
Pancake House stands as a beloved breakfast destination in Carolina
Beach, renowned for its wide array of morning delights that cater to both traditional and contemporary
tastes. It distinguishes itself notably through its signature pancakes, towering, fluffy
creations that seem to epitomize what breakfast enthusiasts most fervently seek.
Not confined to just
pancakes, Kate's diverse menu includes perennial favorites such as eggs cooked to customer preference,
crisp bacon, savory sausage, and an assortment of sides to complete any plate.
The charm of Kate's extends beyond its menu. Praised for its inviting atmosphere, it encompasses the quintessential breakfast experience with friendly, efficient service that complements the quality food. Visitors commend the establishment for meals that are consistently prepared with care, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.
As a testament to its popularity, the restaurant is often bustling, with many willing to brave the wait for the reward of its hearty fare. Despite the occasional rush, customers find that the food, from the pillowy pancakes to the perfectly seasoned eggs, is worth the wait.
Kate's Pancake House, with its dedication to fulfilling the quintessential breakfast outing, promises to satisfy the sweet tooths and the hungry hearts with its comforting spread. Whether for pancakes that are a cut above the standard fare or for the full, rich flavors of a classic American breakfast, Kate's stands out as a culinary beacon in Carolina Beach.
Britts Donut Shop
Address: 13 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Hours: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Price range: $1 to $10
Welcome to the sweet side of Carolina Beach, where Britts Donut Shop stands as a beacon of sugary goodness on the bustling Boardwalk. Established in 1939, this doughnut haven has delighted locals and visitors alike, earning national recognition along the way. Bobby Nivens and his wife, who have been at the helm for over four decades, continue to honor the shop's time-honored tradition of serving warm, homemade glazed doughnuts that are simple yet irresistibly delicious.
Britts Donut Shop is a place where nostalgia meets the present, with walls adorned with images that pay homage to its founder, H.L. Britt, and the rich history that has shaped this beloved establishment. It's a spot that has gathered accolades from esteemed publications like MSN City Guides, The Daily Meal, and Saveur, not to mention a nod from USA Today for contributing to one of the country's best boardwalks for food. These honours are a testament to the universal appeal of Britts' singular focus, crafting the perfect glazed doughnut.
The concept at Britts is beautifully straightforward: do one thing and do it exceptionally well. Their
menu features just that, the quintessential glazed doughnut, known for its warmth, softness, and
melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It's a testament to the power of perfection in simplicity, making
Britts a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Carolina Beach.
I've watched them make the donuts through the window at least a dozen times, and the smell alone is worth the boardwalk trip. Pro tip: go early afternoon when the line is shorter but the donuts are still warm.
But what's a doughnut without a beverage to accompany it? Britts offers a selection of drinks, including classic sodas, milk, and coffee, ensuring that every bite is complemented perfectly. Each visit to Britts Donut Shop promises not just a treat for the taste buds, but a dip into a pool of cherished memories and the making of many new ones.
Gulfstream Restaurant
Address: 78 Myrtle Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Hours: 6 AM to 2 PM
Price range: $10 to $20
Gulfstream
Restaurant in Carolina Beach embraces the morning with a broad selection of breakfast offerings
that celebrate classic American and Southern flavors, designed to cater to various tastes and appetites.
As the kitchen comes to life in the early hours, patrons can look forward to the inviting aroma of
griddle specialties like classic Pancakes or French Toast, dusted with powdered sugar and optionally
served with bacon, sausage, ham, or country ham. The Malted Belgian Waffle, with its deep pockets ready
to hold syrup or fruit toppings, is a must-try for those who appreciate a crisp exterior with a fluffy
inside.
For a lighter start, the Avocado Toast on herbed ciabatta with fresh avocado and diced tomato offers a
contemporary breakfast choice, complete with the option to add two eggs cooked to your preference. The
Greek Yogurt Parfait layers non-fat Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and granola for a
refreshing morning option.
Meanwhile, the classic Chicken and Waffle combines the savory taste of
freshly battered and fried boneless chicken breast with the sweet simplicity of a Belgian waffle, and
Shrimp & Grits presents a cherished Southern staple, with shrimp atop cheesy grits accented with
bacon and tomato.
Hearty breakfast seekers will find satisfaction in the Breakfast Burrito, packed with scrambled eggs, sausage, green peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla. Similarly satisfying, the Flounder & Grits introduces a seafood twist to breakfast, and the Chicken Fried Chicken & Eggs dish pairs breaded chicken breast with creamy sausage gravy, served alongside grits or home fries and two eggs.
Omelet lovers can delve into an array of options from the meat-packed Deluxe Club to the feta-rich Paul's Deluxe Omelet, each accompanied by grits or home fries and toast or a homemade biscuit. For those with a hearty appetite, The BIG Breakfast features three eggs any way, alongside two pancakes or French toast, with a choice of bacon or sausage.
For those preferring a meaty start to the day, selections like the New York Strip with eggs, Chopped Steak, or Grilled Chicken offer protein-packed plates. Other enticing choices include Homemade Corn Beef Hash and Grilled Pork Chop, all served with eggs to your liking. And for those on the move, a variety of Biscuits, Bagels, and Sandwiches provide speedy yet flavorful breakfast options.
At Gulfstream Restaurant, every breakfast dish is prepared with care, ensuring that each visit to this cherished Carolina Beach spot satisfies like the comforting embrace of the morning tide.
Granny's Country Kitchen
Address: 1310 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Hours: 8 AM to 2 PM
Price range: $10 to $20
From the very moment you step inside, the aroma of Granny's Fried Green Tomatoes hints at the beginning of a truly hearty and home-cooked experience. These delicacies, double breaded, lightly fried, and served with Granny's special "Mater" Sauce, set the stage for a menu that's rich in flavor and steeped in tradition.
With a commitment to starting your day right, Granny's offers a diverse breakfast selection where
every palate finds satisfaction. The Egg Breakfast Plates, offering a choice between grits or homefries
accompanied by bread, can be tailored to all tastes with options like bacon, liver mush, sausage patty,
or the leaner turkey sausage.
For those with a sweet tooth, the French Toast, cloaked in powdered sugar,
provides a delightful morning treat. Yet, it's the French Toast Club, a towering concoction of
sausage patty, cheese, bacon, egg, and more cheese between slices of Texas Toast, that takes the cake
for morning indulgence. The French Toast Club sounds excessive on paper, but after trying it once, I understood why locals order it regularly.
For the pancake lover, Granny's does not disappoint. The "Hungry Man Pancakes" - two cakes served with eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage patty - promise to satisfy the most sizable of appetites. And for those who prefer their morning feast wrapped in a fluffy omelet, options range from the simple pleasure of the Two Cheese & Bacon to the garden-fresh delight of the Veggie omelet, making it clear that Granny's kitchen caters to a breadth of breakfast desires.
As the day unfolds, Granny's Country Kitchen reveals more of its culinary charm with a lunch
menu that's just as inviting. From classic sandwiches and burgers, including the well-loved *Ultimate
Burger, to specialties like the unique Meatloaf Sundae, Granny's ensures that no guest walks away
unsatisfied.
For the lighter appetite or dietary considerations, the Grilled Veggie Wrap presents a
delightful option, demonstrating Granny's adeptness at combining traditional comfort food with
contemporary preferences.
Each meal at Granny's is a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together, serving as a beacon of warmth and community in the heart of Carolina Beach.
Stay with Carolina Beach Realty
These four breakfast spots represent different styles - Kate's for classic diner fare, Britts for a quick boardwalk treat, Gulfstream for extensive Southern options, and Granny's for home-style cooking. Most are within a short drive of each other, making it easy to try multiple locations during your visit.
Choosing to stay with Carolina Beach Realty offers more than just comfortable and
scenic vacation rentals, it's your gateway to immersing in the vibrant culinary scene of Carolina Beach and Kure
Beach.
After a restful night's sleep in one of our well-appointed homes, what better way to
start your day than indulging in the delicious and varied breakfast options these coastal towns have to
offer? From classic American flapjacks to inventive brunch dishes with an Italian flair, every foodie's
morning dream can be realized here.
Our prime locations ensure that you're never far from the action, whether it's a short stroll to a
nearby café for a hearty breakfast or a quick drive to explore hidden culinary gems. Each
vacation rental, be it oceanfront for serene morning views or pet-friendly so your furry family members can join the adventure, is designed to
enhance your stay.
Our amenities, including private pools and shorter stay options, cater to every need, allowing you to craft
the perfect vacation itinerary that pairs relaxation with delicious dining experiences.
Carolina Beach Realty isn't just about providing a place to stay; it's about offering a complete vacation
experience. The blend of our properties' comforts and an accessible, diverse food scene guarantees that
every morning begins with anticipation and ends with satisfaction.
Embrace the local charm, savor the
tastes, and make unforgettable memories with us at Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Your perfect coastal
getaway, filled with sun, salt waves, and culinary delights, awaits!
While Carolina Beach offers Atlantic charm, those seeking Florida's Emerald Coast will find their paradise in Cape San Blas. Pristine Properties provides exceptional vacation rentals where sugar-white beaches and turquoise waters create the perfect backdrop for your coastal escape.
