Rise & Shine: Redlands Breakfast Places You Won’t Want to Miss

Breakfast in Redlands is a relaxed, local affair that reflects the town’s historic charm and laid-back Southern California vibe. Mornings often start with fresh coffee on sunny patios, classic diner breakfasts, and cozy cafés serving everything from fluffy pancakes and farm-fresh eggs to lighter, health-forward options. Downtown Redlands comes alive early, with neighbors meeting up before work, families lingering over weekend brunch, and students grabbing a quick bite before class. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty, traditional breakfast or something fresh and modern, this collection of Redlands breakfast places.

Hosts: Keith & JJ

There’s a reason you can spot a line forming outside Carolyn’s Café before the doors even open. This Redlands favorite has become a true morning ritual for locals, visitors, and anyone who believes breakfast should feel like a warm hug.

Walking up, the smell hits you first. The scent of fresh coffee cake floats out the door like an invitation you can’t refuse. Inside, the atmosphere is exactly what you hope for on a Redlands morning: bustling but cozy, friendly but efficient, and filled with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel taken care of.

While the warm coffee cake is the undisputed fan favorite (they sell full sheets of it to take home), the menu has so much more to explore. Carolyn’s offers a mix of traditional plates, seasonal specials, and fun, non-traditional twists that make every visit feel fresh.

Keith suggested we start big with the smothered breakfast burrito, done half-and-half with country gravy and their hot green salsa. Truly the best of both worlds. His sweet pick? The crunchy French toast that hits the perfect spot between crispy and comforting. We also enjoyed the California Scramble: three eggs mixed with crispy bacon, topped with melted Jack cheese and ripe avocado, with salsa on the side. Simple, filling, and exactly what you want on a slow Redlands morning.

If you lean more toward bold flavors, the Breakfast Enchiladas are a must-try. Two corn tortillas filled with diced chicken breast, covered with mild green salsa, jack cheese, onion, cilantro, and sour cream, and served with eggs any style, plus your choice of side: beans, country potatoes, hash browns, or fruit. It’s a full plate, and worth every bite. For something lighter but still indulgent, we had the Strawberry Pancake Roll that delighted us. A giant buttermilk pancake wrapped around vanilla yogurt and fresh berries, topped with more yogurt, berries, and homemade granola. It’s refreshing, sweet, and feels a little like dessert disguised as breakfast.

Carolyn’s keeps things fun with rotating seasonal specials, strawberry season is a local favorite, Pumpkin pancakes during the fall, and some fun peppermint and Christmas specialties just in time for the holidays. They also do a featured pancake every month! Caroyln’s Cafe proudly offers turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and gluten-free options, which makes it easy for everyone at the table to enjoy something they love.

Great food is one thing. A great experience is another. Carolyn’s Café does both effortlessly. For our first stop on this Redlands breakfast tour, we couldn’t have chosen a better place to kick things off.

Host: Kayte

Martha Green’s Eating Room is where the town goes for creativity, scratch-made goodness, and that unmistakable feeling of tradition. A Redlands staple since 1996, this charming breakfast spot started as a bakery and grew into the beloved full-service restaurant locals know today. And after nearly 30 years, they’re still baking, cooking, and innovating every single day.

Walking in, the first thing you notice is the sweet smell of fresh breads, warm pastries, and that just-baked sweetness that lets you know everything here is made from scratch. Their full bakery is the heart of the restaurant, and it shows. From the cinnamon French toast made with their own bakery bread to the pastries cooling behind the glass, you can taste the care in every bite.

The menu at Martha Green’s is impressively diverse, offering traditional breakfasts, hearty skillets, griddle favorites, scrambles, and even dishes with a little Mexican flair. If you’re feeling creative, you can build your own omelette or avocado toast, loading it up with all your favorite add-ons.

Their suggested pick for us was the Skinny Skillet, which has egg whites, bell pepper, tomato, and spinach, topped with avocado and salsa. Fresh, colorful, and perfect if you want something lighter.

For a more indulgent route, you can’t miss the Elvis Special, a local favorite: French toast stuffed with peanut butter and banana, served with fresh fruit. It’s exactly the kind of fun, nostalgic breakfast that Martha Green’s is known for. Here are a few of the other items we shared: SoCal Breakfast Scramble (pro tip: add chorizo), Biscuits and Gravy (a classic), Cinnamon French Toast made with their own bakery bread, and The Bomb-Benedict, a customizable twist on the classic.

One of the most impressive things about Martha Green’s is how well they accommodate dietary needs. Because almost everything is made in-house, the team knows exactly what’s in each dish. They offer vegan options, gluten-free cakes, and can work around nearly any allergy. And if you’re a protein lover (like Ian), you can add extra to almost any dish.

Aside from their amazing pastries, breakfast classics, and yummy lunch options, their cakes are especially popular. With vegan and gluten-free options included. Their cake section in the back of the restaurant is so impressive. They need at least a week’s notice for custom cakes and a month for wedding cakes. If you’re in a time crunch for an event, they would gladly try to make something work as well.

Martha Green’s isn’t just a place to eat breakfast; it’s an experience. They host special events (usually booking about a month out), cater gatherings of any size (“no minimum or max”), and keep the kitchen running for breakfast and lunch daily. While they stop seating at 2:30, the restaurant doesn’t close at that time, which keeps things running smoothly.

Around the holidays, you can catch fun seasonal creations from Thanksgiving dishes to fresh batches of homemade Chex Mix. And in true Redlands spirit, nothing goes to waste. Any food items not sold go to the Blessing Center, a local charity they proudly support.

After nearly three decades, Martha Green’s has become a beloved Redlands tradition equal parts bakery, breakfast spot, and community gathering place. Whether you’re here for a skillet, a vegan plate, a sweet bakery treat, or a custom cake for your special event, you’ll be welcomed like family.

Stop Number 2 on our Redlands Breakfast Tour reminds us why we love this town: local businesses built with heart, history, and the joy of feeding the community.

Tucked quietly between The Ranch Market and Uncle Howie’s Pizza, Cheliz is one of those true Redlands hidden gems. It's small, cozy, and full of local charm. You’ll spot it by its warm orange-toned walls and the framed photos of Redlands' history decorating the space. It’s the kind of breakfast spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a neighborhood secret.

For the past 10 years, Cheliz has been serving up traditional breakfast favorites alongside fun specials and hearty south-of-the-border plates. The menu has a little bit of everything: classic three-egg omelettes, waffles, pancakes, French toast, side orders, add-ons, and an impressive selection of comforting items like avocado toast, croissant sandwiches, and chile verde fries.

They also keep things friendly for everyone at the table with senior specials and a kids' menu, making it a great stop for families or mixed groups.

Cheliz may be quaint in size, but its plates come out flavorful, generous, and packed with personality. On our visit, we tried a bit of everything. Starting with the chilaquiles
that featured deep-fried chips smothered in spicy pork, green sauce, topped with two eggs, cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and served with beans. Bold, spicy, and exactly the kind of plate that wakes you right up. Next up is the Breakfast Croissant Sandwich filled with sliced ham layered with crispy bacon, two over-hard eggs, and Swiss cheese inside a buttery croissant. It comes with your choice of potatoes and hits that perfect savory-satisfying morning spot. For “dessert” we enjoyed the Choconana Pancake Combo (Special) that was two chocolate chip pancakes topped with fresh banana, plus two eggs, two sausages, and two bacon. A sweet tooth’s dream with a classic breakfast combo on the side.

It’s easy to see why locals love this place. Cheliz brings together homestyle portions, friendly service, and a nostalgic diner-like feel, all wrapped into a cozy little breakfast nook that’s pure Redlands through and through.

The charm of Cheliz is in its simplicity: good food, fair prices, warm people, and that hometown atmosphere that makes breakfast feel easy. It’s not flashy, it’s comfortable, reliable, and the perfect reminder that some of Redlands’ best spots are the quiet ones you might overlook.

Stop Number 3 on our Redlands Breakfast Tour brought us to a small but mighty favorite, proving once again that great mornings in this town come in all shapes and sizes.

Right in the heart of downtown Redlands sits McDuff’s, a classic diner that feels refreshingly timeless. It’s the kind of place you pop into once and immediately understand why locals keep coming back. Comfortable, unfussy, and full of familiar faces, McDuff’s delivers exactly what a great breakfast spot should: solid classics, generous plates, and that welcoming neighborhood feel.

The space itself is warm and relaxed, aka perfect for lingering over coffee or grabbing a hearty breakfast before wandering downtown. And while the menu is packed with diner staples, what really stood out to us was how well McDuff’s executes the basics.

We started with the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, and it set the tone for the whole meal. One fluffy buttermilk biscuit split and topped with two perfectly poached eggs, McDuff’s own rich country gravy, and melted cheddar cheese, served with a side of crispy home fries. Comforting, filling, and exactly what you want when you’re craving a true diner breakfast.

Next up was the Eggs Benedict, a timeless favorite done just right. A toasted English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, two poached eggs, and silky hollandaise sauce, again served with those dependable home fries. It’s a classic for a reason, and McDuff’s doesn’t overthink it, they simply nail it.

Then came a standout we couldn’t stop talking about ( and Ian’s favorite): McDuff’s Cristo. Thick-cut French toast layered with fresh country ham and cheddar cheese, served sandwich-style with whipped butter and strawberry jam on the side. Sweet, savory, and indulgent in the best way. This one feels like a must-order, especially if you’re in the mood for something a little extra.

One thing we always agreed on: you have to order the fresh orange juice. Cold, bright, and incredibly refreshing, it might just be the best in town and the perfect pairing with any breakfast plate on the table.

McDuff’s doesn’t try to reinvent breakfast, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s reliable, comforting, and rooted in the kind of diner experience that brings people together. From friends catching up, couples sharing plates, and locals starting their mornings the Redlands way.

Stop Number 4 on our Redlands Breakfast Tour reminded us that sometimes the best meals are the ones that feel familiar, done with care, and served with a smile.

Supporting Your Favorite Redlands Breakfast Places

From early-morning coffee runs to leisurely weekend brunch, breakfast spots in Redlands have a way of turning ordinary mornings into something special. Whether it’s a cozy café pouring strong coffee, a neighborhood favorite serving classic eggs and pancakes, or a spot known for fresh pastries and creative plates, one thing is clear: Redlands takes breakfast seriously — but never pretentiously.

Each locally owned breakfast place brings its own personality, recipes, and welcoming vibe, proving that great food and great people go hand in hand. So next time you’re skipping the drive-thru, stop by a local breakfast favorite instead. And if you really want to support them, snap a photo or short video of your meal and tag both the business and About Redlands. We’ll re-share your post to help spread the word, because a great breakfast (and a great review) can make a big difference for a local business.