Last updated: 2025-04-07
Independence’s brunch scene centers around local favorites like Corner Cafe, where homestyle cooking meets Midwestern hospitality. From Ophelia’s historic charm in the Square to Cheddar’s familiar comfort food, each spot adds its own flavor to weekend dining.
Whether craving classic breakfast platters at Corner Cafe or seeking the refined atmosphere of Ophelia’s Restaurant & Inn, these Independence eateries serve up satisfying morning meals that draw diners from across Eastern Jackson County.
Explore these Square City breakfast spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Independence
- Ophelia's Restaurant & Inn
- Corner Cafe Independence
- The Big Biscuit
- First Watch
- Vivilore
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
- Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner
What to Expect
Oversized homestyle breakfast platters with generous meat portions
Description
Black Bear Diner serves hearty, homestyle American breakfast classics that satisfy big appetites. Signature dishes include the BIGFOOT Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, a massive 10-oz tender beef cutlet smothered in country gravy, and The GRIZZ breakfast featuring two sweet cream pancakes, thick-cut bacon, sausage links, and a smoked ham steak. The diner offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with generous portions and all-day breakfast options.
Where: Independence | More Info: Black Bear Diner
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
What to Expect
Scratch-made homestyle comfort food with generous portions
Description
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen offers hearty American comfort food with Southern-inspired brunch classics. Known for homemade specialties like Chicken Pot Pie and Honey Butter Croissants, this casual dining spot delivers generous portions of scratch-made dishes. Their menu features crowd-pleasing comfort food with a focus on traditional homestyle cooking and generous serving sizes.
Where: Independence | More Info: Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Corner Cafe Independence
What to Expect
Women-owned diner with massive homemade cinnamon rolls
Description
Corner Cafe offers a quintessential American diner experience in Independence, Missouri, specializing in hearty breakfast and brunch classics. Their signature country fried steak and massive cinnamon rolls draw loyal locals and hungry visitors alike. This women-owned establishment provides a welcoming atmosphere with vegetarian-friendly options, generous portions, and home-cooked comfort food that captures the essence of Midwestern dining.
Where: Independence | More Info: Corner Cafe Independence
First Watch
What to Expect
Seasonal menu rotations with farm-fresh ingredients
Description
First Watch offers a vibrant daytime cafe experience specializing in fresh, made-to-order breakfast and brunch dishes. Their menu highlights seasonal creations like the limited-time B.E.C. sandwich featuring crispy bacon, farm-fresh eggs, and melted cheddar. With a commitment to quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant transforms morning dining into a delightful culinary adventure.
Where: Independence | More Info: First Watch
Ophelia's Restaurant & Inn
What to Expect
Historic downtown location with individualized dining experience
Description
Nestled in the historic Independence Square, Ophelia's Restaurant offers a refined brunch experience blending local charm with culinary creativity. Weekend brunch features carefully crafted dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Their Saturday and Sunday brunch transforms classic breakfast favorites into gourmet delights, inviting guests to savor a distinctive dining experience in a charming historic setting.
Where: Independence | More Info: Ophelia's Restaurant & Inn
The Big Biscuit
What to Expect
Massive portion sizes and playful breakfast interpretations
Description
The Big Biscuit serves up hearty Southern-style breakfast classics with impossibly generous portions. Signature dishes include the Country Fried Steak & Eggs featuring a hand-breaded 1/2 lb. steak smothered in sausage gravy, and plate-sized Birthday Cake Pancakes packed with rainbow sprinkles. Known for hometown hospitality, this Independence breakfast spot offers abundant menu choices that satisfy every craving from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Independence | More Info: The Big Biscuit
Vivilore
What to Expect
Multi-level restaurant with integrated art gallery and home decor shop
Description
Vivilore offers an elegant American modern brunch experience in Independence's historic Englewood Arts District. Specializing in creative dishes like Chicken Salad with cranberries, pecans, and ginger-basil mayonnaise on wheatberry bread, this boutique restaurant provides a unique dining adventure. Their menu features inventive handhelds, salads, and entrees with locally-sourced ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations.
Where: Independence | More Info: Vivilore
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