Both Carrboro and Briar Chapel bring something missing to the area, brunch and lunch done right. (Why is it so hard? Are the margins not great? Tips lower and so other places give up?) The service model here is efficient and creative...and fair. I've had 10 things on the menu and all were delicious...but the chorizo & juevos are my fav. Bloodies also extra special. Venues are nicely laid out, wonderful light, space and interaction. Highlight of our local midday eating. read more

Great people and great service. Awesome burgers and onion rings! Prices are good also.

Great pancakes, bacon, and avocado toast, I will definitely return. I love the outdoor seating area as well.

Breakaway is the quintessential local feeding hole! Friendly service, good food done with flair, and a good vibe inside and out. Prices are quite reasonable as well. read more

Expectations were pretty high considering the number of positive reviews for the Chatham location. Over all the experience was okay. Drove 30 minutes for expensive and overcooked food. Payed a little over $50 (not including tip) for two iced coffees, avocado toast (substituting the eggs for potatoes) on a bed of greens, added bacon and another plate with eggs, potatoes, bacon and toast. The correlation between the price and how long it took to make (about 30 minutes) was not the expected outcome. The sourdough toast (default bread) on both plates were burnt on the edges, and when trying to bite down, they were hard as a brick. The bacon was over cooked and some pieces burnt. They were crispy but edible. The potato's were a little overcooked for me, but my opinion could be an outlier compared to most customers. The eggs were very good! Both coffee drinks were great too. I would come back for the coffee. The avocado was delicious--the bread was just hard. The service was phenomenal. They were nice, offered suggestions on the menu, and corrected any mishaps. They were well attentive, worked hard to keep the place tidy and clean, and made sure we had all we needed while dining here. The building was well decorated, the ambiance was nice, and the temperature at 74°. It was cozy, relaxing--a good place to read a book or work. A few people were! You had the ability to sit inside or outside. It was a beautiful place surrounded by beautiful views. Overall, it was an okay experience, still thankful for the opportunity, just disappointed in the food quality and I don't think I would recommend to a friend or family considering the price and quality for the food. The coffee however would definitely be recommended! read more

Breakaway Cafe - Avocado toast (substituted with potatoes instead of two eggs), added bacon, and another plate with two over easy eggs, bacon, and toast. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Solid staple for breakfast and lunch. Wonderful staff, delicious menu, and great location. So grateful we have this place!

+: Excellent ambience - relaxed, lots of locals enjoying weekend brunch and solving crossword puzzles on their newspaper, ton of seating Excellent service - everyone was so very nice Home fries were good and crispy -: Food was rather bland -- eggs benedict needed more salt, so did the omelet Lavender latte ($5) was way too heavy on the syrup and was too sweet - I threw away after a few sips This review is based on the Chatham location, not carrboro! read more

Super nice location in Carrboro, glad they opened a second place close to us! Only had a light breakfast there, the raspberry white chocolate muffin & a side of potatoes. The muffin was delectable & the potatoes were good too; extra crispy! My only criticism of the restaurant is the way you order, having to stand in line to place it before you sit down is a bit strange. Otherwise, I had a great time there read more

Didn't blow my socks off by any means but hey, i still cleaned my plate so that says something. The food was mid but better than most places in carrboro. Think of the quality of First Watch, but then knock it down a few pegs. I got the cali Benedict and it was ok except for my eggs that were poached HARD. It was basically like eating hard boiled eggs. And if u know me u know my favorite part is the runny egg yoke. I like things that are wet . Anyway, the potatoes were fire so super happy with those. And the outdoor seating was lovely. As for the service, there's not much to say because you order at the counter and then basically have to serve yourself. Which isn't my favorite thing because I like to sit back and relax. Oh you want water? Yup you're gonna have to get up and get it. Overall 3/5, still need to go back and try some other things so that scores temporary. read more

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We were surprised by how spacious and bustling, yet relaxed, this spot was this past weekend. The staff we encountered were all very kind. You order at the counter and then find a seat-- my favorite type of establishment. We were looking for brunch food at around 10:00 am on a Saturday, so we ordered a coffee, a hash type of dish with sausage, as well as an eggs benedict (the California one with avocado and tomato). I was totally eyeing the Avocado Toast dish the girl next to us was eating. She looked so content in her own world eating away and working on her laptop. We had a great conversation while waiting for our own dishes. The wait was perhaps 10-15 minutes before our meals arrived. We both found that both dishes had great flavor-- nothing felt like a thoughtless addition to the plates. The good quality bread used in both dishes was from Ninth Street Bakery, which was deliciously satisfying. Both of us were very content with this meal and would return! read more

They run this shady hustle, firstly over charging for "self serve" coffee refills, and when you head over to the line formed at the coffee dispensary, the local urchin waitstaff come and begin busing your table and clearing up your 3/4ths unfinished, barely a bite taken, $35 plate of breakfast! Other patrons plates stacked on top of your still warm pancakes, butter and syrup dripping down the side. The service Tip is built into the check out counter before hand, so there is no recourse or incentive for the braindead staff to improve their hospitality or behavior. Don't fall for this scam shack!! My only choice is to boycott forever and give them a disparaging remark, when mentioned as a now non-option, in polite discussion for over priced breakfast dives. The food was decent, but I'll never return. Yes, the one near Pittsboro is even worse. read more

Great food. Convenient location right off 15-501. Friendly staff. Get here early, it gets full quick!

What a quaint place. Open and casual. Order at the counter and you seat yourself with a numbered table marker. They will bring the food out to you. The food tasted really fresh and the coffee crafted well. We ordered brunch which totaled $45 for two people. The food was portioned well. We didn't waste anything and didn't feel overly stuffed. Which is nice because I hate leaving hungry but yet hate to see so much wasted food from over preparation. The items were also plated simple. We ordered: Vanilla buttermilk pancakes with blueberries Avocado toast w/ a fried egg on top Side of bacon 1 cappuccino 1 latte Honestly, I think it $45 (with tip) was a lot for what we ordered. I've ordered similar food elsewhere. Was it worth it? Maybe. I was surprised. We stayed for 1.5 hours to chat and it never got loud. I noticed more people ordered just coffee and baked goods. I included a picture of the baked sweets :) What I appreciated the most was the casual atmosphere. The staff wasn't overly imposing and only came exactly when needed. Customer service was excellent without being overbearing. read more

Breakaway Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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I'm really glad this cafe is here and close to home. Their food is good quality, the staff are nice, and I've had several really nice meals including the Juevos Ranchos, the Turkey, avocado and bacon sandwich, and the Farm House salad. I've had a couple of things I didn't like quite as much but overall a very nice place to go. read more

Always delicious but a little on the expensive side. Has loads of great outdoor seating

On the way back from Pittsboro, our group decided to swing by Breakaway cafe for brunch...and it was one of the best decisions we made all weekend. They quickly set up a spot for 10 people, and got us coffee while we waited. I had a breakfast burrito that was exceptional, and other people in my group had their unique take on an eggs benedict. I can't wait to come back for dinner to try the poutine! read more

Breakaway Cafe - Cali Benedict - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This cafe has become a mainstay for my husband and I. It's a fantastic space (indoor and sheltered outdoor seating) with an INCREDIBLE staff, food that is sourced locally and prepared with care, and the best coffee around. An overall consistently awesome place to dine. read more

Breakaway Cafe - *Cali Benedict (with no tomatoes) *Huevos rancheros - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This is a great brunch place! Avocado toast is so easy to make, yet I've never made it as tasty as this place! It does get packed on Sunday afternoons. Their food is amazing and so was their coffee. I think this will be my new brunch spot! read more

Breakaway Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Breakaway is SUCH a jewel in the Briar Chapel Veranda. Since it opened, the cafe has really functioned as an extension of the neighborhood rather than "just" a coffee shop or "just" a restaurant. Every detail is designed with an eye toward community, from the clever children's play area in the rear to the loads of different seating options to the counter stools perfectly positioned for spying on who's walking in. The owners stand apart from other area business owners with their commitment to bringing interesting events in (local interest groups, yoga classes) to providing snow day activities for stir-crazy kids. The space is gorgeous - full of natural light, soaring ceilings, and beautiful, homey details. Not a biker, so the biking theme that many mention doesn't stand out to me, but I gather it's a thing. What I really love is that they somehow manage to make the place feel distinct at each meal time. The morning bustle settles into a leisurely lunchtime before quieting into supper (with table service). At breakfast, options range from a quick pastry to a more substantial plated meal, with delicious coffee and espresso available. Lunch is primarily hearty sandwiches, and the dinner menu rotates along with seasonal ingredients. Staff are uniformly pleasant, and it's just a really nice place to settle in for hours. My current favorites are the bacon avocado burrito for breakfast, and the adult grilled cheese with tomato soup for lunch. The only thing I've tried there and NOT liked was the original iteration of their bodega sandwich, but I hear anecdotally that it's much better now. I don't waste time on the brunch pancakes either, as there are better pancakes elsewhere as well as better options on the Breakaway menu. My one objection is that it's a little *too* much like Cheers for me to work there more regularly - I swear, you average seeing someone you know every 15 minutes for a stop & chat. So, can't go there on days when I actually need to power through my work, but I completely adore it otherwise. read more

Breakaway Cafe - My half of the breakfast burrito - so so good. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Delicious and unique offerings, prompt and pleasant service. Both the Carborro and Chapel Hill locations are great. The maple latte is a must! Get here early as it gets busy, for good reason! read more

food quality, taste and variety were outstanding, service was great and we'll be back for more

This review is connected to my experience on March 4, 2023. First time visiting the restaurant. Ordered the grits bowl. Guest Ordered French toast. My order came out cold. Grits were flavorless. Bacon and sausage were cold and also flavorless. Eggs were over cooked. The bowl was warmer than the Grits. Kitchen staff should learn how to prepare a meal if they are going to serve it. My guest was not overly impressed with her French toast, it was soggy. Overall very disappointing trip. Cross this destination off your list and look for other breakfast opportunities in Chapel Hill area. This one just doesn't cut the mustard ... especially not at the prices charged. read more

I love Breakaway for a myriad of reasons. We've primarily gone to the Briar Chapel location. A) The food is consistently good and they will work to accommodate allergies. Nothing super fancy but it's tasty and relatively healthy. B) Counter culture coffee is my favorite in the area so they automatically get props for serving it. Their flavored lattes are always fun too. C) The owners are super nice and seem to treat their employees well D) It's a relaxed, easy environment for a meal. I feel comfortable bringing kiddos there or just going to hang out with a friend. E) It has a nice outdoor space for when the weather is warmer. I'm happy to see they opened a 2nd location. Go support them! read more

super super SUPER good!! it is a little pricey, BUT the food was super good. i could tell they took their time with it and it came out super good, i love how they have gluten free and vegan options, but as a person who has no choice but to be gluten free the upchargr of $2 for one piece of bread sucks:/ i got the avocado plus toast and added an egg and it was super super good. i came her for my birthday brunch and it was the perfect vibe read more

Breakaway Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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It was my go to take WY after I moved down here duri G Covid. everything they serve is great! read more

I love this place! I frequent this place and it's alway spot on. I had a fantastic breakfast burrito this morning at the Carrboro location and dinner at the briar chapel location and I just had to do this. This isn't fast food this is the real deal! Had the trout w mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts and it's once again spot on! Great Job Breakaway read more

Breakaway Cafe - Trout w mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts ! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Egg Benedict were really well done. Good espresso coffee including a balanced cortado. Nice ambiance too. They could use some fresh fruit juices. A bit too expensive though... read more

This is a top 3 breakfast spot in the RDU. The cycling-themed space feels large and vibrant in weekend/ holiday mornings, while relaxed and cozy at times. The food is delicious and fresh. The coffee is above average. Service is pleasant. Would absolutely recommend. Only downside is it's a bit of a drive from Cary. read more

Yummy food, great service, and a really upbeat tempo at the Carborro location! Definitely worth a stop!

Above average brunch spot nearby what's not to love ! The grapefruit mimosas complimented my meal nicely .

5 Stars because of the coffee alone. The Barista really knows her craft. We had a perfect hot Flat White and even better, it was served in a proper cup and saucer. Definitely go back for the coffee. Our breakfasts were all good too. I had the lentil egg dish. Very generous portion size. Delicious flavors. read more

I would give this place 10 stars if I could! I've gotten their Cali Benedict for brunch a couple of times - so delicious and so much food! They have tons of pastries at the counter that are all drool-worthy too. They have lots of outdoor seating with heaters and a fireplace, which is especially nice during this covid winter. The staff are very friendly and go above and beyond to make your experience here a great one. Can't wait to come back again soon! read more

Breakaway Cafe - Cali Benedict - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Great variety, great service and perfect location. Staff is friendly and food is always fresh and flavorful. Nice outdoor area for enjoying the fresh air and consistently quality food and coffee options. read more

I called ahead to see if they had outdoor seating for brunch on a rainy Sunday and they did not disappoint! We got the Cali eggs Benedict, blueberry pancakes & breakfast burrito. Highlights were the pancakes (get the pancakes!!) and the drip coffee (unlimited refills!) I was super impressed by the warmth of the staff and their Covid safe protocols. read more

I want to like this joint, but they got issues, man. Intrigued? No? I'll explain anyway. The setup--ordering your food at the counter, then someone delivers it to your table later--makes it so nobody ever checks on you. I've been multiple times and no one has ever asked me if the food that was delivered was good. And guess what? Often it's just "eh"! At best! I appreciate the kids' play area. (I debated about 3 stars vs. 2 just for that.) But the kids' food is expensive and gross. Bad chicken strips (just a fried fillet cut up) and the absolute worst pizza I've ever seen. Just gross as heck, man. Yeesh. So why do a whole kids' section for them to play and then turn around and make terrible food for kids? It makes no sense! For adults, the food is a shade below "fine." Had a weird Cuban and my wife got a roast beef sandwich that smelled a little...off? But, as we were watching our small child, it was tough to get up and find someone to say "Hey, your beef...it smells weird." Don't get me started on how crazy expensive literally everything they serve is. Double digit sandwich prices, no sides included. I'd go back to Breakaway, but the bank has repossessed my house because of the $$ I spent on two okay-to-weird sandwiches and a pizza my kid wouldn't touch. And she picks her nose and puts it in her mouth. read more

Breakaway Cafe - Gross Kids Cheese Pizza. Limp, lukewarm, and bland. Just appalling. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The food and coffee were good, but the service was not. Half an hour after the first person got their meal at my table, the last person got their meal. We witnessed several other tables with similar situations. It seemed as if the servers were used to people asking where their food was. read more

Nice ambiance though maybe a little loud when the restaurant is full. Went with a group of four and we waited ~15 mins from ordering at the counter to receiving our meals. The eggs Benedict I ordered was not hot or really even warm but had a nice flavor. Good lattes. Decent place for a small morning meeting. read more

Got dinner for my family and I to go. It was very expensive for how bad it was. We got the Buffalo Poutine which was doused in hot sauce making the fries soggy, with almost no bleu cheese to cut the spice. Their chicken vegetable pot pie was a watery soup with a hard and very large puff pastry on the side. They said they keep the puff pastry on the side so it doesnt get soggy but that logic didnt apply with the fries in the poutine. The worst dish was the short ribs. They were almost all fat, and the polenta was just doused with butter and grease. Very bad experience and wont be returning for dinner. I think they should stick with breakfast and lunch only. read more

Best eggs Benny around ! Great quality and lovely staff- can't wait to try new location!

Tried the Carrboro location today - very nice, not too loud inside, and the food was delish (as it is at the Chatham County location). Didn't give 5 stars because my King of the Mountain came sans egg, but I was hungry and didn't want to interrupt the "chi" of the kitchen. read more