Big Bad Breakfast offers a mouthwatering menu that combines Southern comfort food with innovative breakfast dishes. This popular chain, founded by James Beard award-winning chef John Currence, has gained a loyal following for its hearty and flavorful meals.
The menu features classic breakfast staples like biscuits, grits, omelets, and skillets alongside creative specialties that showcase local ingredients and bold flavors. Diners can indulge in savory options like the Big Bad Breakfast Plate or opt for sweeter fare such as pancakes and waffles. The restaurant also serves lunch items, including sandwiches and salads, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Beyond the food, Big Bad Breakfast is known for its welcoming atmosphere and attention to detail. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its beverage offerings, which include expertly crafted cocktails and locally roasted coffee. With its blend of traditional and contemporary breakfast cuisine, Big Bad Breakfast has established itself as a go-to spot for those seeking a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Big Bad Breakfast Philosophy
Big Bad Breakfast emphasizes quality ingredients, scratch-made dishes, and a dedication to elevating breakfast fare. Their approach centers on creating memorable meals with local flavors and attentive service.
Commitment to Quality
Big Bad Breakfast prides itself on preparing dishes from scratch daily. The restaurant’s kitchen team starts each morning crafting biscuits, sauces, and other components fresh. This dedication ensures customers receive meals made with care and precision.
Their coffee program features a custom blend, roasted to exacting standards. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to training staff to brew and serve coffee properly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Quick service remains a priority, with efficient kitchen processes allowing for timely meal delivery without sacrificing taste or presentation.
Focus on Local Ingredients
Big Bad Breakfast sources ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible. This practice supports regional agriculture and provides diners with fresh, seasonal flavors.
The menu adapts to highlight ingredients at their peak, showcasing the best of local produce, meats, and dairy products. Eggs often come from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and quality.
By prioritizing local sourcing, Big Bad Breakfast creates unique regional variations across its locations. This approach allows each restaurant to offer dishes that reflect the tastes and agricultural strengths of its community.
Morning Starters
Big Bad Breakfast offers a variety of morning starters to kickstart your day. From refreshing beverages to appetizing small bites, these options set the tone for a satisfying breakfast experience.
Beverages
Big Bad Breakfast’s beverage selection caters to diverse tastes. Coffee lovers can enjoy a robust cup of freshly brewed coffee or opt for a chilled iced coffee. For those seeking a fruity start, the menu features an array of juices.
Fresh squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice provide a zesty, vitamin-packed option. Apple juice and cranberry juice are also available for those who prefer their familiar flavors. These juices complement the hearty breakfast dishes perfectly.
The restaurant takes pride in its coffee offerings, ensuring each cup is brewed to perfection. Guests can customize their coffee with various milk options and sweeteners to suit their preferences.
Appetizers
Big Bad Breakfast’s appetizers serve as delightful preludes to the main breakfast dishes. These small bites are designed to stimulate the appetite without overwhelming it.
One popular choice is the fluffy buttermilk biscuit, often served with house-made jams or honey. For those seeking a savory start, the menu may include options like mini breakfast tacos or bite-sized quiches.
Some locations offer seasonal fruit plates, featuring a selection of fresh, locally sourced fruits. These provide a light and refreshing option for health-conscious diners.
The appetizer menu at Big Bad Breakfast changes periodically to incorporate seasonal ingredients and new culinary creations. This ensures that regular patrons always have something new to try alongside their favorite staples.
Big Bad Breakfast Specialties
Big Bad Breakfast offers a range of enticing specialty dishes crafted by Chef John Currence. These unique creations showcase innovative flavor combinations and hearty portions to satisfy diverse breakfast cravings.
Signature Omelets
The Creole Omelet stands out as a customer favorite. It features a savory blend of shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese. The finishing touch is a ladle of rich tomato gravy and a sprinkle of green onions.
For those seeking a classic twist, the BLT Omelet combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. Cheese lovers can opt for the Veggie Omelet, packed with seasonal vegetables and a generous helping of melted cheese.
Each omelet comes with a side of crispy hash browns or grits and toast or a biscuit.
Classic Skillets
Big Bad Breakfast’s skillets offer a hearty start to the day. The signature Big Bad Breakfast Plate includes two eggs cooked to order, choice of bacon or sausage, and a side of grits or hash browns. It’s served with toast or a fresh-baked biscuit.
For seafood enthusiasts, the Oyster Scramble provides a unique twist. Fresh Gulf oysters are lightly fried and folded into fluffy scrambled eggs, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Skillets are presented in cast-iron pans, keeping the food hot throughout the meal.
Unique Plates
Huevos Rancheros shine as a standout dish among the unique offerings. Two fried eggs rest atop crispy corn tortillas, smothered in spicy ranchero sauce and melted cheese. Black beans, avocado, and pico de gallo complete this Mexican-inspired breakfast.
For those with a sweet tooth, the kitchen whips up creative pancake and French toast specials that change seasonally. These often feature local fruits and homemade syrups.
Each unique plate comes with a choice of bacon, sausage, or country ham to round out the meal.
From The Griddle
Big Bad Breakfast’s griddle offerings showcase a mix of sweet and savory breakfast classics. These hot-off-the-iron dishes satisfy cravings with their fluffy textures and rich flavors.
Sweet Selections
Pancakes take center stage on the griddle menu. Made with a secret family recipe, these fluffy stacks come in classic buttermilk or with added fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or chocolate chips. The restaurant uses fresh baking powder to achieve a light, airy texture.
Waffles offer a crispy alternative, featuring deep pockets perfect for holding syrup and butter. French toast, made with thick-cut bread, provides a custardy interior and golden exterior.
All sweet griddle items are served with a real maple syrup blend, free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavorings.
Savory Delights
For those preferring savory options, Big Bad Breakfast doesn’t disappoint. The griddle turns out crispy hash browns and golden potato cakes as savory sides.
Skillets feature prominently, combining eggs, meats, and vegetables in cast iron pans. These hearty dishes often include local ingredients and house-made meats.
The Ham Po’ Boy stands out as a recent addition. This griddle-pressed sandwich combines ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, tomato, onion, mayo, and mustard for a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Lunch Options
Big Bad Breakfast offers a diverse lunch menu featuring hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and homestyle burgers. These midday options combine Southern flavors with high-quality ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Hearty Sandwiches
The sandwich selection at Big Bad Breakfast includes classic favorites and unique creations. The Big Bad BLT stands out as a popular choice, featuring thick-cut bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes on toasted bread.
Another standout is the Chicken Salad Sandwich, made with white meat chicken and served on soft bread or a flaky croissant. For those craving a New Orleans-inspired dish, the Po’ Boy offers a taste of the Gulf Coast with crispy fried shrimp or catfish.
Wraps are also available for a lighter option, filled with fresh vegetables and proteins like grilled chicken or turkey.
Fresh Salads
Health-conscious diners will appreciate the variety of fresh salads on offer. The menu typically includes a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, house-made dressing, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
For a heartier option, try the Cobb salad, loaded with grilled chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and blue cheese crumbles. A seasonal salad featuring locally-sourced ingredients often rotates onto the menu, providing a taste of what’s fresh and in season.
All salads can be customized with additional toppings or protein choices to suit individual preferences.
Homestyle Burgers
The centerpiece of Big Bad Breakfast’s lunch menu is the Big Bad Burger. This hefty creation features a hand-formed patty made from high-quality beef, cooked to order and served on a toasted bun.
Toppings for the Big Bad Burger typically include crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, onion, and pickle, with cheese available as an add-on. For those seeking variety, specialty burgers might include options like a mushroom Swiss burger or a spicy jalapeño burger.
All burgers come with a side of crispy fries or upgrade to sweet potato fries for a slight upcharge. Vegetarian diners can opt for a plant-based patty substitute on any burger.
Healthy & Light Fare
Big Bad Breakfast offers a variety of nutritious options for health-conscious diners. The menu features lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh produce to start the day right.
Lean Plates
Avocado toast stands out as a popular lean choice. Served on whole wheat bread, it comes topped with pico de gallo, arugula, and chili flakes. Two poached eggs add protein without excess calories.
Steel cut oatmeal provides a hearty, fiber-rich breakfast. It’s often paired with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
Egg white omelets offer a low-fat protein boost. Diners can customize these with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Fresh fruit bowls showcase seasonal selections. These colorful plates provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Vegetarian Selections
The menu caters to vegetarian diners with several meat-free options. Whole grain pancakes topped with fresh fruit offer a satisfying start to the day.
Veggie-packed breakfast burritos wrap scrambled eggs or tofu with grilled vegetables in a whole wheat tortilla.
A Greek yogurt parfait layers tangy yogurt with granola and fresh berries. It’s both protein-rich and probiotic-friendly.
Avocado and tomato on multigrain toast provides healthy fats and lycopene. It’s often served with a side of mixed greens for added nutrients.
Sides & Extras
Big Bad Breakfast offers a variety of sides and extras to complement their main dishes. These options allow diners to customize their meals and add extra flavors to their breakfast experience.
One popular side is the Crispy Hash Cake, a crispy potato dish that pairs well with eggs and meats. For those craving something heartier, the Mother Of All Biscuits is a standout choice.
The restaurant’s biscuits are a highlight, with options like plain biscuits or the more indulgent Cathead Chicken Biscuit. This oversized biscuit comes stuffed with fried chicken, making it a meal in itself.
Other sides include:
- Grits
- Toast
- Fresh fruit
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Ham
Diners can also add extras like cheese, gravy, or hollandaise sauce to their dishes for an additional charge. These sides and extras allow guests to build their ideal breakfast plate.
Kids’ Favorites
Big Bad Breakfast offers a range of kid-friendly options to satisfy young appetites. The menu features smaller portions and familiar favorites tailored for children.
Little Bad Breakfast
The Little Bad Breakfast is a popular choice for kids at Big Bad Breakfast. Priced at $7.5, this meal includes one egg cooked to order, giving children a protein-packed start to their day.
Kids can choose their preferred breakfast meat to accompany the egg. The meal also comes with a side of either grits or another breakfast staple. This combination provides a balanced and filling breakfast option for younger diners.
Kid Friendly Plates
Big Bad Breakfast extends its menu to cater to diverse tastes among children. The Kid Burger, priced at $4.50, is a classic option that many kids enjoy. It’s sized appropriately for smaller appetites.
For those preferring breakfast flavors, a cheese omelet might be available upon request. Some locations may offer kid-sized pancakes as well, perfect for young guests with a sweet tooth. These dishes are designed to be familiar and appealing to children while providing satisfying portions.
Amenities & Services
Big Bad Breakfast prioritizes customer comfort and convenience. The restaurant offers a range of features to enhance the dining experience for all patrons.
Accessibility Features
Big Bad Breakfast ensures inclusivity with wheelchair accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms. The restaurant provides wheelchair accessible seating options throughout the dining area. These accommodations allow guests with mobility challenges to navigate the space comfortably and independently.
Restrooms are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring grab bars and ample space for maneuverability. The staff receives training to assist guests with special needs, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Convenience Offerings
The restaurant caters to various dining preferences. High chairs are available for families with young children. Outdoor seating options allow guests to enjoy their meals in the fresh air when weather permits.
Big Bad Breakfast offers fast service for those on tight schedules. Curbside pickup and delivery services provide flexibility for customers who prefer to enjoy their meals at home or on-the-go.
Ample parking is available, making it easy for guests to access the restaurant. The establishment maintains clean, well-maintained restrooms for customer use.
Guest Considerations
Big Bad Breakfast offers an array of options to enhance the dining experience for all guests. The restaurant caters to various preferences and dietary needs while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Dining Experience
Big Bad Breakfast provides dine-in service for both solo diners and groups. The restaurant’s ambiance suits various occasions, from casual meals to special gatherings. Guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere, especially during peak hours.
There’s usually a wait during busy times, so arriving early is recommended. The bar onsite offers a selection of alcoholic beverages for those who enjoy a morning cocktail. Options include custom Bloody Marys, mimosas, and breakfast-themed cocktails.
Beer and hard liquor are also available for those seeking alternatives. For non-alcoholic options, Big Bad Breakfast boasts a great tea selection alongside their locally roasted coffee.
Specialty Needs
Big Bad Breakfast strives to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or preferences. The menu features diverse options to suit different tastes and requirements.
Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are available upon request. Guests with allergies or specific dietary needs should inform the staff, who can provide guidance on suitable menu items.
The restaurant offers a kids’ menu for younger diners. For those with a sweet tooth, dessert options are available to round off the meal. Takeout service is offered for guests preferring to enjoy their meal elsewhere.
Community & Culture
Big Bad Breakfast has become a vibrant part of the local community, attracting a diverse clientele and establishing itself as a popular dining destination. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality food have made it a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
Catering to Diverse Patrons
Big Bad Breakfast appeals to a wide range of customers. College students flock to the restaurant for hearty meals between classes or on weekends. The casual environment makes it an ideal spot for study groups or catching up with friends.
Families appreciate the child-friendly menu options and relaxed setting. Working professionals often choose Big Bad Breakfast for business meetings over delicious food. The restaurant’s friendly staff ensures a positive experience for all guests, regardless of age or background.
Local Attraction
Big Bad Breakfast has quickly become a local attraction, drawing both residents and tourists. Its reputation for exceptional breakfast and lunch dishes has spread, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts exploring the area.
The restaurant’s commitment to using local ingredients and supporting regional suppliers has endeared it to the community. This approach not only ensures fresh, high-quality meals but also strengthens ties with local farmers and producers.
Big Bad Breakfast often participates in community events and food festivals, further cementing its status as a beloved local establishment. Its popularity has made it a go-to recommendation for hotel concierges and tourist information centers.
Health & Safety Measures
Big Bad Breakfast prioritizes customer and staff safety through rigorous protocols. The restaurant has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a clean and secure dining environment.
Covid-19 Response
Big Bad Breakfast has adapted swiftly to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Face masks are required for all staff members while interacting with customers. Hand sanitizer stations are placed strategically throughout the restaurant for easy access.
The establishment maintains strict social distancing guidelines. Tables are spaced at least six feet apart to minimize close contact between diners. Outdoor seating options have been expanded where possible to provide well-ventilated dining areas.
Staff members are required to disinfect surfaces between visits. This includes thorough cleaning of tables, chairs, menus, and payment terminals after each use. High-touch areas like door handles and restrooms are sanitized frequently throughout the day.
The restaurant has also implemented contactless payment options to reduce physical interactions. Online ordering and curbside pickup services are available for customers who prefer takeout meals.