We all know Atlanta is famous for its delicious Southern brunch spots. Unfortunately, most of them are at least a ten minute drive from campus. If you are a brunch-craving, car-lacking student, we have a solution for you: Rise-n-Dine.
Not only is this breakfast-only restaurant a staple of Emory Village and only a short walk from most residence halls, it’s also revered as one of Atlanta’s top places for brunch. The restaurant is known for its friendly waitstaff, cheerful decor and of course, scrumptious breakfast food all day long.
Photo by Morgan Weinstein
I first visited Rise-n-Dine in the beginning of my freshman year, and have since had the opportunity to sample many of their most popular dishes. Here’s my list of the top 10 things to order at Rise-n-Dine, each item personally taste-tested and approved.
Photo by Morgan Weinstein
1. Create Your Own Omelette or Scramble
This is by far my favorite item on the menu because you can design it to your liking. The fillings range from vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, to a variety of proteins like house made chicken sausage, to cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack. The dish also comes with your choice of one side.
2. Sweet Potato Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast must and Rise-n-Dine does them very well. These cakes are moist and the sweet potato flavor is evident, but not overwhelming.
Photo by Morgan Weinstein
3. Lox Scramble
I am a sucker for bagels and lox, so this scramble is a great way to incorporate more protein into my day and still get my lox fix. The cream cheese inside the scramble is made in-house and is creamy and light, which provides a nice complement to the saltiness of the lox.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Rise-n-Dine is primarily known for its breakfast options, but the grilled cheese is one of my favorites on their lunch menu. The sandwich incorporates three different kinds of cheese and comes with a side of spicy tomato sauce for easy dipping.
5. Sausage Tacos
I hail from the great state of Texas and know a good breakfast taco when I taste one. The sausage tacos from Rise-n-Dine are some of the best I’ve found outside of Texas. If you are not in the mood for tacos, get a side of the house made chicken sausage, you won’t regret it.
6. Pierogi Bowl
I grew up eating this Eastern European staple and Rise-n-Dine pulls them off. These dumplings are cooked perfectly and are a nice change from your standard brunch fare.
Photo by Morgan Weinstein
7. Hot Chocolate
I love a hot beverage to warm me up when Hotlanta decides to embrace its colder side. The hot chocolate is rich and creamy and will definitely satisfy your sweet craving.
8. Two Eggs with an A Side and a B Side
This basic breakfast offers lots of room for creativity. The restaurant has over twenty sides, so you are bound to find two that strike your fancy. My favorites include the roti parantha bread and the whole wheat toast with homemade strawberry jam or apple butter.
9. Granola
For a lighter option, consider ordering the granola with milk or yogurt. The granola is crunchy and hearty and will definitely keep you satisfied.
Photo by Sara Kotcher
10. Nutella Pancakes
Like most people, I love Nutella. These pancakes are basically a giant Nutella and banana sandwich. Be warned, they are very sweet, so be sure to pack your sweet tooth.
Photo by Morgan Weinstein
Location: 1565 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm Sat-Sun 8am-3pm