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    Early Bird Diner

    4.4 (1.3k reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Early Bird Diner Photos

    Business Info

    EARLY BIRD DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Classy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Early Bird Diner

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chicken and waffles
    Allison B.

    Solid Breakfast Spot Worth the Wait. We stopped by The Early Bird Diner on a busy morning and were greeted with a 15-minute wait, which is pretty standard for popular breakfast places. Parking was definitely at a premium--expect to circle the lot or park on the other side of Savannah Highway and risk the four lane crossing--but once we got seated, the food more than made up for it. My chicken and waffles arrived piping hot, with the chicken perfectly tender and juicy on the inside and nicely crisped on the outside. The French toast was also excellent--fluffy, flavorful, and cooked just right. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, and the food came out surprisingly quickly considering how crowded the restaurant was. The only real drawback was the syrup. It lacked depth and flavor, which was a bit disappointing since it's such a key component for both the waffles and French toast. They'd benefit greatly from upgrading to a higher-quality option. That said, the prices were very reasonable, and the portion sizes were generous--the chicken and waffles plate was huge! Overall, we really enjoyed our meal and will definitely be back. Next time we might lean toward one of their savory dishes instead of anything that relies heavily on syrup. Recommended? Yes, especially if you're craving classic breakfast comfort food.

    Chicken and waffles
    Kristine F.

    We always drive by and see them packed. But today we stopped in early. Our server was very pleasant and he made some suggestions. I got the chicken and waffles and enjoyed. Chicken was crispy and good flavor. Huge portion!! My boyfriend got the eggs Benedict. (Sorry I didn't get a photo... I was eating). My food came way before his did. He didn't care for it much... it looked okay but I've seen better. They have really neat local artists paintings on the wall. Very unique.

    French Toast from the kids menu. My kids was too excited try it and cut it up before I got a picture.
    Kimberly T.

    My mom and I have wanted to try this place for a long time. Finally made the trip and it did not disappoint! She ordered the Chicken and Waffles, I got the Shrimp and Grits, the kids got Chocolate Chip Pancakes and French Toast. I tried a little of everyone's food and would order every meal again. I have had Shrimp and Grits places where the gravy/sauce over powers everything and is almost like soup, but here it was perfect! The Chicken and Waffles was a huge portion that my mom and I decided we may split next time. It was super delicious and she let me take her leftovers home( insert happy food dance)! The resturant is kind of small so it does get to be a little loud and crowded. Don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table. There is plenty of artwork and stickers all over the walls to keep you entertained while you wait. The corner by the bathroom has a small selection of local products like grits and honey along with stickers, shirts and hats for the resturant. We will definitely be repeat customers!

    Marble rye toast - thick like Texas toast.
    Jennie D.

    We showed up to the Early Bird Diner late, which felt a little wrong given the name, but the coffee was hot, so all was forgiven. Breakfast plates here aren't shy; they come out loaded with all the good, down-to-earth stuff you actually want to eat. We ordered a basic cheese omelet with sides of sliced avocado and tomato, and both were perfect. You can't fake freshness like that. The avocado was buttery and bright, and the tomato tasted like it had been picked that morning. We also got a classic plate of eggs with HOMEMADE home fries (yes, homemade!), shell eggs instead of that cheap pourable stuff, really great bacon, and Texas-thick toast. The orange juice tasted fresh, but I'll admit I didn't ask. The plates were so big they practically covered the whole table, which made me laugh because it's exactly what diner breakfast should be: generous, a little chaotic, and completely satisfying. Presentation was simple, the kind you expect from a real diner, but the food itself was fresh, hearty, and way better than you'd think something served at noon in a place called Early Bird would be.

    Shrimp and grits
    Krysta R.

    As soon as I saw the giant skeleton rooster outside , I knew I was b the right place for me! Let's start with the coffee! It was delicious! Our server Hannah let us know that the coffee is local. It's a must try item. We asked Hanna what's popular and what she recommends as we are from San Diego. We ordered two out of the three things she suggested and they both did not disappoint. Right after we ordered shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles I saw the banana pudding pancake and you can in fact order just one! Do not skip this either. It had real bananas and the pudding swirl was delicious and props to the nilla wafers on top too. The chicken and waffles; the chicken was two boneless chicken breasts and cinnamon waffles. I couldn't even finish half. It is a huge plate. The chicken was juicy and fried perfectly. The sauce for the chicken, I couldn't even finish literally bathe in. The shrimp and grits were absolutely scrumptious. The shrimps was also cooked perfectly and this was stick to your ribs good. Un pictured, the biscuit that came with was delicious and so fresh tasting. I see why this place is so busy. There is plenty to see when you walk inside. It seems like they support a lot of local artists and I appreciate that Thanks for excellent service Hannah!

    Omelette
    Amy D.

    A Charleston institution! Love the local art and comfy vibe. Ordered the special omelette which had scallions, jalapeño, corn, and cheese. Super delicious. Their biscuits are fire!

    Seyla T.

    My parents and I came in for lunch on a Wednesday and it was pretty busy! Service was attentive - our food took a while and someone came by after 40 minutes to let us know our ticket fell and so wasn't seen by but they were working on it immediately which we appreciated! I'm sure service is typically quicker. Portions of food are pretty good but not large to where you feel horribly stuffed. Very casual diner serving up brunch classics but some with a fun spin. I absolutely loved my corn cake benedict as my pancake was like a corn fritter which I love.

    French toast

    Great food and service. Best grits!! Bought some humble hot sauce too! Diner vibe and food came quick.

    Pecan Fried Chicken Tenders
    Matt B.

    What a cool local diner in West Ashley, I enjoyed the throwback to old school restaurant days. The food was top notch, chicken tenders were fried perfectly and the fries were tasty. Then the biscuits and gravy were fantastic, the white gravy was excellent.

    Chicken biscuit
    Jessica C.

    Service was great. An employee at the front seats you when you walk in. Has a diner-like atmosphere. Parking availability is the only negative thing about this place. Grits were thick, creamy, and flavorful. One of the best I've had in Charleston. Chicken biscuit was great. The chicken was crispy. The biscuit was nice and fluffy. Also tasted the pancake, which I will definitely be ordering next time! Tasted as though there was cinnamon in the batter and I loved it. Will be returning!

    Cool sign in the restaurant
    Doresa I.

    Pancakes are a must get. I loved the pancakes. The service was good not exceptional. It's an old diner so the feel was a diner with one bathroom. Oh my daughter ordered blueberry pancakes and the blueberries were so juicy.

    Counter area! Love the vibe!
    David G.

    The place was amazing. I get a great hipster vibe. Everyone is chill and very nice! The food as you can see by the pictures was excellent! Coffee was great and the service was equally good. Just a local diner with a great reputation. It was featured on diners, drive in's and dives!

    Pork chop and scrambled eggs.

    Their food is consistently amazing year after year. Check out this HUGE pork chop! Service is always exceptional. Parking is challenging but worth the hassle.

    The pancake

    See all

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    22 days ago

    Amazing breakfast! Staff were extremely nice and it's a typical breakfast diner, which I love!

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    Ask the Community - Early Bird Diner

    How is the pot likker bowl? What does it taste like?

    I haven't tried it yet. Please let me know your opinion, if you try it.

    Is this place any good? My cousin Emily Key said it was.

    It's very good..... chicken & waffles a must try.

    View All 4 Questions

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    I have absolutely fallen in love with this place and all the employees. The girls just are…read morefantastic, and every regard in the cooks are top-notch. One of the waitresses actually took my number down because I kept calling to see if they had a certain special added to the menu and she called me this morning at 7:15 and told me they didn't have it and I rushed right down and she made it feel like it was such a big deal anyways I just can't say enough good things about these wonderful people who run it! The prices are pretty typical for Charleston prices, but you're getting what you're pay for. I've been here eight years now and it's some of the best food I've had down here in the Low Country! The fellows sitting behind me had the seafood omelette. I've never seen anything quite like it, but it looked Delicious and Amazing! .

    Bear E Patch Cafe was just ok. Prices were fair and the menu offered your standard diner style…read moreoptions. I ordered the Chicken Caesar wrap with fries, but ended up getting onion rings instead. It was not a big deal. They were still decent, just not what I ordered. The food itself was slightly above average and fine for a casual meal. The service was average as well. Our waitress was polite but nothing really stood out in terms of attentiveness. The inside of the restaurant was pretty basic, with a simple setup that did not add much to the overall experience. I don't think I will be back.

    Photos
    Cozy spot with friendly staff all working together
    Cozy spot with friendly staff all working together
    Menu April 2025
    Menu April 2025
    The grits were perfect and the sour dough bread was excellent with the gravy

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    The grits were perfect and the sour dough bread was excellent with the gravy

    Early Bird Diner - diners - Updated July 2026

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