Last updated: 2025-04-07
Cedar Rapids’ brunch scene has evolved beyond the standard breakfast fare, with spots like Cafe Saint Pio and Groundswell Cafe leading the charge. From NewBo’s bustling weekend crowds to Marion’s cozy Goldfinch Tap + Eatery, local eateries serve up creative morning menus.
Whether craving the farm-fresh offerings at Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery or the artisanal pastries at LP Street Food, CR’s brunch destinations offer distinctive flavors. Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery adds a sophisticated twist with its scenic vineyard backdrop.
Discover CR’s best brunch spots in our guide!
Featured Brunch Spots in Cedar Rapids
- Cafe Saint Pio
- Groundswell Cafe
- Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery (Swisher)
- Lightworks Cafe
- Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery
- Goldfinch Tap + Eatery (Marion)
- LP Street Food
- Breakfast Barn & Lunch House
- Bea's Cafe
- Sixteenth Avenue Grill
Bea's Cafe
What to Expect
Homemade French-inspired croquettes
Description
Bea's Cafe offers a charming Cedar Rapids brunch experience with an eclectic menu featuring homemade croquetas, Croque Madame, and creative sandwiches like the Turkey Panini with brie, pear, and mango chutney. This cozy neighborhood spot blends French-inspired touches with local culinary flair, serving up inventive breakfast and lunch options that showcase fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Bea's Cafe
Breakfast Barn & Lunch House
What to Expect
Hand-sliced bacon and fresh-squeezed orange juice
Description
A family-owned Cedar Rapids breakfast and lunch destination serving farm-fresh, hand-crafted meals. Specializing in Genuine Broaster Chicken and 100% Angus beef burgers, this local restaurant offers hand-sliced bacon, freshly squeezed orange juice, and made-to-order dishes. Their commitment to fresh, in-house preparation ensures high-quality comfort food in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Breakfast Barn & Lunch House
Cafe Saint Pio
What to Expect
Locally sourced ingredients and diverse dietary-friendly menu
Description
Nestled in Cedar Rapids' Czech Village, Cafe Saint Pio offers a cozy brunch experience with locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features fresh sandwiches, light bites, and carefully crafted coffee selections. Vegetarian and gluten-free options complement their diverse breakfast offerings, creating a welcoming spot for morning dining enthusiasts seeking quality, home-style cuisine.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Cafe Saint Pio
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery (Swisher)
What to Expect
Sunday brunch buffet with local ingredient focus
Description
Cedar Ridge offers a delightful Sunday brunch buffet in an elegant winery setting. Featuring wood-fired brick oven pizzas, rustic shareable plates, and a local butcher platter showcasing quality Iowa meats and cheeses. The venue provides multiple dining environments, including a vineyard room, tasting room, event center, and outdoor patios with scenic views.
Where: Swisher | More Info: Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery
Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery
What to Expect
Daily rotating pastry selection with artisan baked goods
Description
Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery offers an artisan breakfast experience in Cedar Rapids, featuring creative farm-to-table dishes like The Fieldwell Egg with grilled veggies and avocado, and innovative grain bowls. Their menu showcases locally-inspired cuisine with standout items including a pastry board, quinoa bowls, and gourmet sandwiches that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery
Goldfinch Tap + Eatery (Marion)
What to Expect
Scratch kitchen with Iowa and Midwest regional cuisine
Description
Goldfinch Tap + Eatery offers a contemporary American brunch experience in the heart of Uptown Marion. Their scratch kitchen specializes in Midwest-inspired dishes, featuring hearty weekend brunch options complemented by craft cocktails and 16 rotating beer taps. Weekend brunch highlights include locally sourced ingredients and classic Midwestern comfort fare perfect for leisurely morning dining.
Where: Marion | More Info: Goldfinch Tap + Eatery
Groundswell Cafe
What to Expect
Community-focused cafe with hydroponic garden ingredients
Description
Groundswell Cafe offers a mission-driven brunch experience in Cedar Rapids, serving healthy, locally-sourced breakfast and lunch options. Specializing in fresh omelets, soups, salads, and sandwiches sourced from Cultivate Hope Urban Farm and their own hydroponic garden. More than just a restaurant, this cafe provides a pay-it-forward meal program supporting community food access while delivering nutritious, delicious brunch selections.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Groundswell Cafe
Lightworks Cafe
What to Expect
Direct trade single-origin coffee selection
Description
Lightworks Café offers a craft-oriented dining experience in downtown Cedar Rapids, specializing in from-scratch cuisine and exceptional single-origin coffee. Third-wave coffee enthusiasts will appreciate their carefully curated selections from Onyx, Monarch, and Ruby Coffee Roasters. While primarily a coffee shop, they serve lunch with an emphasis on high-quality, artisanal preparations.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Lightworks Cafe
LP Street Food
What to Expect
Global street food fusion cuisine
Description
LP Street Food brings vibrant global street cuisine to Cedar Rapids, offering a casual dining experience with bold, authentic flavors. Specializing in globally-inspired street food, the restaurant delivers creative dishes that blend international recipes with local ingredients. Diners can expect a dynamic menu featuring street-style tacos, innovative fusion plates, and globally-influenced brunch selections that showcase culinary creativity.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: LP Street Food
Sixteenth Avenue Grill
What to Expect
Locally-sourced homestyle breakfast with 40+ years of culinary experience
Description
Family-owned Cedar Rapids brunch destination serving hearty all-day breakfast classics. Specializes in fluffy omelets, sweet cream pancakes, and giant homemade cinnamon rolls. Their extensive breakfast menu features fresh panhandlers and locally-sourced ingredients, crafted with over 40 years of restaurant industry expertise. A welcoming neighborhood spot delivering consistent, homestyle morning meals.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Sixteenth Avenue Grill
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