The Top 11 Brunch & Coffee Shops South of Indianapolis

Counter at Runway 19

Photo of Runway 19

If there’s one meal I could eat every single day, it’s definitely brunch. There’s something about the smell of eggs benedict in the morning with a mimosa in hand that makes my heart flutter. And the beauty of brunch? You can enjoy it as early as 8 A.M. or well into the afternoon—whenever you choose to roll out of bed!

Indianapolis is home to many famous brunch spots, including award-winning restaurants like Café Patachou and Milktooth. But you don’t have to drive downtown to find decadent breakfast dining! Believe it or not, there are quite a few iconic brunch restaurants unique to southside Indy.

From the bustling streets of Greenwood to quaint college town Franklin, you can find a variety of locally-owned brunch spots and coffee shops just south of Indianapolis. Whether you’re looking for a casual breakfast, a bougie brunch, or a quick morning coffee, these eateries are a must-visit for anyone craving a good breakfast. 

Check out our list of the Top 11 Brunch & Coffee Shops south of Indianapolis and discover your new favorite spot for a bite of brunch!

1. Antilogy

One of my all-time favorite brunch spots south of Indianapolis is Antilogy. This family-owned restaurant offers brunch throughout the day—and then at night, it transforms into a wine and bourbon bar!

The overall atmosphere at Antilogy is trendy and modern, with elegant pops of dark green that make it the perfect spot for a stylish Instagram photo. Some of their most popular brunch dishes include their jalapeño deviled eggs, vanilla bourbon French toast, and homestyle biscuit board (all made in-house!) But my personal favorite is the beef tenderloin benedict served with breakfast potatoes and a toasted croissant.

2. Sassafras Lunch & Tea Room

Old Town Greenwood is packed with some of the cutest, most charming restaurants you’ve ever seen! The community is particularly unique because many local businesses are located in houses, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like visiting a friend’s home. And the Sassafras Lunch & Tea Room is the perfect example of that small-town charm. 

This quaint café is an adorable spot for a date, a fun girls’ trip, or even a special treat for your little ones. They offer a large selection of exquisite teas on top of a light lunch menu with sandwiches, soups, and salads. They’re best known for signature dishes like the Sassafras Quiche and their Monte Cristo, as well as classic tea time treats. 

(Sassafras even hosts a special Princess Tea Time for children under 10 years old. How cute is that?!)

Brunch at Antilogy

Photo of Antilogy

Biscuit Board at Antilogy

Photo of Antilogy

3. Strange Brew

If you’re on a tight schedule for brunch, there’s nothing better than grabbing a bite at a locally-owned café! One of the first coffee shops I tried when I moved to the southside was Strange Brew in Greenwood.

This quirky coffee shop offers a vibrant, artsy atmosphere with a bright color palette everywhere you turn. The staff is extremely friendly, and they’re always willing to recommend options based on your drink preferences. But if you want my recommendation, my go-to order is a large cold brew with lavender syrup and vanilla sweet cream, paired with a build-your-own croissant!

4. Yiayia’s House of Pancakes

If you’re looking for a traditional breakfast with a grandmother’s magic touch, Yiayia’s House of Pancakes is the brunch spot for you! Located inside a cute yellow house in Greenwood, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into grandma’s home, surrounded by vintage artwork and inspirational quotes.

This restaurant serves just about any kind of food you’d find on the family breakfast table—from pancakes and omelets to biscuits and gravy. Some unique dishes I’ve tried include their chorizo breakfast burrito, cinnamon roll French toast, the five-star special skillet, and (my favorite) the Greenwood crepes. They also offer a variety of lunch options like melts, wraps, and burgers. So, whatever you’re craving, they’ll most likely have it on the menu!

5. Coffeehouse Five

Coffeehouse Five is a unique “for benefit” coffee shop, where you can feel good about getting your morning caffeine fix! Unlike traditional “for profit” shops, Coffeehouse Five invests their revenue right back into the community, supporting programs that help make Indy a better place to live. They help fund five key initiatives, providing access to free premarital counseling, marriage counseling, addiction recovery, mentor training, and other mental health needs. 

My usual order is a cup of Nitro Coffee with a peanut butter chocolate chip scone—and let me tell you! Their coffee shop is the ideal setup for a mid-day work-from-home session. In the summer, they offer a cozy, fenced outdoor seating area surrounded by beautiful greenery and flowers. And when the temperature drops, they light up their huge fireplace for some winter warmth.

Pastry and Coffee at Cafe Euclid

Photo of Café Euclid

Coffee from Coffeehouse Five

Photo courtesy of Coffeehouse Five

6. Café Euclid

Just down the street from the Sassafras Tea Room, you’ll find Café Euclid—a picturesque little coffee shop operating out of a blue-gray house. Named after the Greek mathematician who discovered the true meaning of geometry, this coffee shop offers mathematically perfect brews, pastries, and bagel sandwiches.

The owner also runs the winery and restaurant next door, Vino Villa, and they are known for making stellar desserts. So, when you look through the pastry case at Café Euclid, you know you’re getting the best in-house baked goods! I recommend eating your brunch outside on their lovely outdoor patio area, but inside the café is just as bright and cheerful.

7. The Mocha Nut Coffee Shop

If you’re looking for a cozy, modern coffee spot, The Mocha Nut Coffee Shop offers the perfect atmosphere for a casual get-together or a relaxing day working from “home.” Located just south of Indy on Southport Road, this shop is known for their high-quality, third-wave coffee and their extremely friendly staff. 

There’s a reason this is my go-to spot for catching up with friends or meeting someone new! From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel right at home amongst the gorgeous wood accents and the smell of fresh coffee. My usual order is a rich iced latte with The Kevin Bacon sandwich.

8. Four Seasons Family Restaurant

Located in Greenwood, Four Seasons Family Restaurant is a family-friendly breakfast diner with a variety of classic American comfort foods. Everything on the menu is remarkably affordable, and they open their doors as early as 6 A.M. every day, Sunday to Saturday! 

But the best thing about this restaurant is their speedy service. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Four Seasons can get you in-and-out in no time. But if you rather take your time with your meal, there’s no rush either! Some of their most popular dishes include the Four Seasons skillet, croissant breakfast sandwich, fried mush, and their strawberry French toast.

Coffee at Runway 19

Photo of Runway 19

9. Ann’s Restaurant

Franklin, Indiana, looks like a town straight out of a Hallmark movie—complete with an idyllic local diner catty-corner from the courthouse. Ann’s Restaurant is a popular brunch staple on the southside of Indy, known for their delicious all-day breakfast.

Established in 1952, Ann’s Restaurant only had 13 seats when they first opened their doors. Now, the renovated restaurant seats over 100 guests, while still offering the same quality service. Best of all, proceeds from the restaurant go directly to the Tara Treatment Center, helping people afford treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction. So, you can eat well knowing that your pancakes, French toast, and biscuits and gravy all go toward a good cause!

10. Runway 19 

Prepare for takeoff at Greenwood’s first aviation-inspired café, Runway 19! This airplane-themed coffee shop offers a unique experience from the moment you walk through their doors. You’ll be immediately drawn to their high ceilings, pleated brown walls, and retro artwork with nods to travel. 

Their “In-Flight Menu” features a selection of caffeine-packed brews to fuel your morning routine, and you can’t go wrong with ordering any of their seasonal specialty drinks. As a “frequent flyer” myself, my go-to order is their matcha iced tea with a ham and cheddar croissant.

11. Cellar’s Market

Just south of Greenwood, you’ll find the up-and-coming town of Bargersville—home to the cutest marketplace in Indiana! Cellar’s Market makes for a unique brunch spot because it’s a café, coffeehouse, wine shop, and market all in one. The owners even run an upscale modern steakhouse above the market called Up Cellar. (See what they did there?)

Inside the Cellar, the first thing you’ll notice is their stunning gelato window—and yes, you can order gelato for breakfast! But as you explore deeper, you’ll find a variety of locally-sourced coffee, popcorn, honey, and juices that make great gifts for your loved ones. And after browsing their stock, you can order some breakfast and help yourself to a seat!

The coolest thing about Cellar’s Market is how there’s something for everyone. Need to work remotely? Set up in the coffee shop and enjoy the free Wi-Fi. Interested in a wine tasting? Check their website for the next event. Looking for a hearty breakfast? Order the chorizo hash and thank me later. It’s easily the best dish on their brunch menu!