Don’t worry, you’ll get used to everyone saying, “Arlington? Isn’t that just Six Flags and the stadium?” when you mention this city. In the meantime, you’re lucky to be in a place that’s actually packed with morning gems beyond the predictable chain diners (go try a hotel buffet sometime to see exactly what we mean). Breakfast-wise, that means you’re surrounded by some truly great options. When you’re sick of the same soggy cereal or drive-thru hash browns, check out one of the spots below.
Bay34th Street Diner
$ | (817) 375-5998 | WEBSITE
Your friends from out of town are going to endlessly complain that there’s no good breakfast in Arlington. Let them do it – complaining about missing your favorite morning spot is a crucial part of any road trip. But while they’re busy ranting about hotel coffee, head to Bay 34th Street Diner. It’s a great casual spot for getting your day really started and enjoying some crepes. Believe it or not, the Popeyes crepe is actually the best thing on the menu, so don’t miss out on an order of that.
IHOP
$ | (817) 784-6040 | WEBSITE
All that complaining your brunch-obsessed friends are going to do about fancy avocado toast? You can triple that for your breakfast traditionalists when it comes to pancakes and waffles. According to them, there is nothing outside a diner that should legally be allowed to call itself proper breakfast. Tune them out at IHOP, where you can get hearty, satisfying morning food for really reasonable prices (most plates hover around $12–$15).
Our favorite order is the chicken and waffles, which comes with crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, and we love eating it in a cozy booth on a busy Arlington morning out front.
5 O’clock Donuts
$ | (817) 228-7849 | WEBSITE
When you’ve finally convinced your crew that breakfast should be sweet, head to 5 O’Clock Donuts, just near that church and grandma’s house in Arlington. The kolache and pepperoni pocket at this local spot are affordable (around $3.50 each) but they’re some of the best in town, with jalapeños tucked into certain pastries and options that include things like apple fritters and blueberry cake donuts.
If you want to keep things classic, you can grab some of the standard donuts off the daily selection, along with some consistently friendly service, too.
Waffle House
$ | (817) 274-6021 | WEBSITE
If you want a quick breakfast but are stuck with friends who need convincing, take them to Waffle House (or get new friends). This is a really busy, friendly spot that serves things like the classic waffles, which are the gateway to comfort food.
Even if you can’t get them to eat those, this place is one of the most reliable restaurants in town – with super good food, tables next to a small parking lot that’s tricky for out-of-towners, and a crew like Shay who sometimes goes above and beyond to help.
Breakfast Brothers
$$ | (682) 399-8103 | WEBSITE
A few blocks from the main drag is Breakfast Brothers, another spot where you can fill up without breaking the bank. It’s a breakfast joint that serves generous portions of well-prepared dishes, one of which is a really popular chicken and pancakes that gets high praise from regulars. But their shrimp and grits may be our favorite thing on the menu, since the catfish with cheese and gravy in the grits covers you for a hearty, satisfying meal that keeps you going all day.
Skillet & Grill Inc
$ | (817) 795-8682 | WEBSITE
Heading out for breakfast only to end up somewhere underwhelming is a drag. But you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a solid meal any morning at Skillet & Grill. That’s because you get huge, homemade portions of comfort food for around $14 alongside friendly, attentive service. If you can’t make it early because that’s when you hit the gym, they’re open through lunch, too, and you can always count on it for breakfast burritos that are so filling you’ll be covered for two meals.
Habaneros The Taco Revolution | Arlington
$ | (817) 861-0014 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever found yourself paralyzed by the choice between breakfast tacos and lunch burritos at a solid Mexican spot, round up a crew and make your way to Habaneros The Taco Revolution in Arlington. All the tacos here are served street-style, so you don’t have to pick between the steak asada and the fajita chicken quesadilla—you can sample pretty much everything.
We strongly suggest doing that on a lazy weekend morning, so you can soak up the cozy, welcoming vibe that feels like a neighborhood hideaway. But even on a busy weekday this place is a perfect pit stop, mainly because the staff treats everyone like a regular and remembers what you like.
First Watch
$ | (817) 962-3007 | WEBSITE
Studies show that starting your day with a nutritious breakfast boosts energy, concentration, and overall well-being.* With that in mind, First Watch should be your destination for a weekend morning meal. This popular breakfast spot is designed like a cozy neighborhood cafe (think warm lighting and comfortable booths) and offers plenty of seating for families and individuals.
Grab a table in the calm dining area, order a breakfast dish and one of their fresh gourmet options (we recommend the multigrain bread), and use the magic of a delicious morning meal to enjoy quality time with friends or family.