Breakfast. Booze. Brunch is the best of both worlds. Not only is it (arguably) the perfect meal, but it’s the perfect way to spend your weekend leisure. It’s a special time to slow down, graze, revel in a cocktail or caffeinated beverage, and enjoy conversation with friends or family.
Whether you’re in the mood for a Sunday-morning staple or something more adventurous, there are plenty of must-visit brunch destinations in Downtown Fort Wayne—sure to please every palate.
Searching for a spot for your next brunch outing? Here’s the 4-1-1 on all things brunch in DTFW:
Arbor
Arbor is on the ground level of The Bradley—Fort Wayne’s first and finest boutique hotel—and feels equally luxe. The atmosphere is carefully curated, each dish a work of art. At Arbor, you’ll find elevated classics—Benedicts, biscuits and gravy, pancakes with flourishes. Gather your brunch besties, and don’t forget your camera!
When: Sunday: 7am – 3pm & Monday – Saturday: 7am – 5pm
View menu here. For more about Arbor, visit their website.
Bistro Nota
Bistro Nota is a self-proclaimed “hidden gem” on Calhoun. And most visitors agree. The chefs at Bistro Nota fuse together Midwestern and French fare, creating dishes that are at once decadent and comforting. And they do it all from scratch. One of their chefs is a twice-nominated James Beard Award nominee, so you know everything is bound to be top-notch. Don’t snooze on their Saturday brunch menu!
When: Saturdays: 10am – 2pm
View menu here. For more about Bistro Nota, visit their website.
Conner’s Kitchen + Bar
Located on the first floor of the Courtyard Marriott, Conner’s offers all the brunch standards (plus an espresso bar!) in a modern, casual setting. And since it’s just a few steps from the TinCaps stadium, Grand Wayne Convention Center, and Embassy Theatre, Conner’s is great for a pop-in before or after catching a game, performance, or convention.
When: Saturdays and Sundays: 10am – 6pm
View menu here. For more about Conner’s Kitchen + Bar, visit their website.
Dash-In
A local favorite, Dash-In is a veteran brunch spot, boasting build-your-own omelets and an inventive list of Benedicts. In this cozy café, you can browse rotating art exhibits, sip locally roasted coffee, grab a brew from their selection of 20 taps, and enjoy the quiet (it’s 21+ and therefore, kid-free). It’s a favorite for a reason—check it out!
When: Saturdays and Sundays: 9am – 3pm
View menu here. For more about Dash-In, visit their website.
The Hoppy Gnome
The Hoppy Gnome may be known for their tacos, but their weekend brunch will leave you dreaming about breakfast burritos. Attached to a brewery, the Gnome also offers beer-focused brunch cocktails, using brews made on-site. Bonus: in the warm weather months, you can dine al fresco, overlooking views of the Allen County courthouse across the street.
When: Saturdays and Sundays: 10am – 4pm
View menu here. For more about The Hoppy Gnome, visit their website.
Mercado
Brunch, but Mexicali style! That’s what you’ll find at Mercado every Saturday. Think chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, and avocado toast, all made with Chef Perez’s signature style. And if you’re a fan of agave spirits, like tequila and mezcal, you’ve come to the right place. Their house cocktails and margaritas are what dreams are made of. Visit them on The Landing!
When: Saturdays: 11am – 4pm
View menu here. For more about Mercado, visit their website.
Penny Drip
Penny Drip is a go-to spot for anyone who’s serious about their coffee and their coffee cocktails. They don’t have a brunch menu, per se. Instead, they’re slinging some of the best breakfast sandwiches all day, seven days a week. Seats are limited, but if you can snag one, you’re in for a treat—from their locally-sourced ingredients to their award-winning bar program.
When: Sunday – Thursday: 7am – 10pm & Friday – Saturday: 7am – 11pm
View menu here. For more about Penny Drip, visit their website.
Proximo
Proximo was voted “Fort Wayne’s Best Brunch” by the 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards, making it an obvious must-try. Proximo serves their signature Latin cuisine and breakfast classics made with their own twist. With Proximo’s elegant ambiance, it’s the perfect brunch spot for a special occasion. Weekends are special occasions, right?
When: Saturdays and Sundays: 10am – 4pm
To download their brunch menu or learn more, visit their website.
Tolon
Last but certainly not least, there’s Tolon, another local brunch favorite, specializing in seasonal, farm-to-fork fare. Chef Nolot melds the finest ingredients with the heartiest of portions to make the most indulgent brunch dishes around. Prepare your tastebuds for a culinary journey (and prepare the rest of yourself with some extra stretchy pants).
When: Sundays: 10am – 2pm
View menu here. To learn more about Tolon, visit their website.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.