Harpers Ferry, where every cobblestone and corner tells a tale, is also home to a quaint and vibrant brunch scene that beckons foodies and adventurers alike.
Though this town is best known for its place in American history and serene natural surroundings, Harpers Ferry has several restaurants perfect for grabbing brunch. There are even more options just outside of town, too, so you’ll have plenty of mid-morning spots to choose from.
Whether you want to snag a meal before heading out to hike the trails or kayak the rivers, these seven brunch spots with the perfect ambiance and classic entrees have you covered.
1. Country Café
- Price point: $
- Address: 1723 W Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Favorite menu item: Chicken and Waffles
Dishing up hearty, home-style dishes for breakfast and lunch, the Country Café provides a country casual dining experience, outdoor seating, and the signature warm and friendly service found throughout town. The crisped to perfection Chicken and Waffles or French toast are must-tries. Equally filling are the Country Ham Breakfast or the Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
Just a heads up: You may have to wait for a table on weekends when visitors stream in for breakfast and brunch—but that’s just proof of the Country Café’s well-earned popularity!
2. Battle Grounds Bakery and Coffee
- Price point: $
- Address: 180 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Favorite menu item: BLT Breakfast Sandwich
Right in the heart of Harpers Ferry, Battle Grounds Bakery and Coffee has been a local institution since 2017. Just about any of their pastries and breakfast sandwiches, made with freshly baked bread, will serve as an ideal on-the-go brunch. But if you have the time, we recommend you pull up a seat at one of the indoor or outdoor tables.
You’ll likely want a refill or two of your coffee, or you might find yourself eyeing another one of Battle Grounds’ gooey cinnamon rolls. While you eat, enjoy the sights and sounds of Harpers Ferry’s quaint downtown area and the Potomac River.
Pro tip: This is a great option for any gluten free visitors with a selection of sandwiches that fit the bill!
3. Bia Kitchen
- Price point: $$
- Address: 108 N 21st St, Purcellville, VA
- Favorite menu item: Shrimp and grits
While most fare in the tri-state area tends toward homestyle Southern cooking, Bia Kitchen in Purcellville, Virginia, puts a European spin on country classics. The shrimp and grits and the Andouille sausage hash are both staples of this fine dining restaurant’s popular Sunday brunch, and we mean popular—make sure to reserve your table well ahead of time. When you’re sipping on one of Bia’s craft cocktails, you’ll be glad you did.
Chef and owner Shane O’Connor also frequently hosts special holiday meals, so check the restaurant’s website to see what’s cooking around Easter or St. Patrick’s Day.
4. Beans in the Belfry
- Price point: $
- Address: 122 W Potomac St, Brunswick, MD
- Favorite menu item: Any of the quiches
Housed in a restored historic church, Beans in the Belfry is a thriving spot just off the C&O Canal towpath in Brunswick, Maryland – just 10 minutes east of Harpers Ferry. When you’re done marveling at the stained glass windows and original hardwood flooring, order up a slice of house made quiche or a plate of fresh, hot biscuits doused in sausage gravy.
If the delicious food wasn’t enough of a draw already, live music accompanies Saturday brunch.
Though many patrons come by for brunch, necessitating an early arrival if you hope to snag a first-come-first-serve table, the afternoon tea is an equally fantastic dining option. In fact, it seems like there’s always something new happening at this lively spot — Beans in the Belfry stays open into the evenings on select dates, and guests can join in on everything from music jam sessions to board game meetups.
5. Betty’s Restaurant
- Price point: $
- Address: 112 E German St, Shepherdstown, WV
- Favorite menu item: Sausage gravy on biscuits
This cozy, family-friendly restaurant 15 minutes north of Harpers Ferry in Shepherdstown serves an all-day breakfast menu that features more than a few down-home brunch favorites. But Betty’s bills itself as the “home of the world’s best sausage gravy” for a reason.
Though we admittedly haven’t tried all the sausage gravy in the world, let’s just say that Betty’s gravy could very well live up to the title, particularly when ladled over piping hot biscuits. As for other dishes, the jumbo lump crab cakes are another majorly popular choice.
Whichever meal you choose, make sure to bring cash or be prepared to use the on-site ATM to pay. Betty’s also offers takeout!
6. MJ’s on German DeliCafe
- Price point: $
- Address: 104 E German St, Shepherdstown, WV
- Favorite menu item: Bagel and lox
A relatively new entrant to the area’s dining scene, MJ’s on German Delicafe is close to Betty’s and has quickly become a local favorite since opening in 2022. There’s the above-and-beyond friendly service to commend it, of course, but the breakfast menu, served until 11 am, will also impress anyone on the hunt for a good brunch.
Enjoy a bagel with lox while seated at one of the comfy tables, or try one of the breakfast sandwiches made with local Bolivar Bakery bread. There’s even a bagel with vegan “lox” and schmear for all you plant-based eaters out there.
7. Bistro 112
- Price point: $
- Address: 112 W German St, Shepherdstown, WV
- Favorite menu item: Oueffs Benedict
Last but certainly not least, Bistro 112 is another option just north of Harpers Ferry, adding French flair to all your brunch favorites. The Oueffs Benedict is an especially popular choice, but it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu here. The prices are also among the best around, meaning you can order several dishes for the table without breaking the bank.
When you’re not oohing and aahing over the photo-worthy pastries and croque monsieur, you’ll be equally dazzled by the circa 1830 brick building around you. Opened just a year ago, this is one of the trendiest brunch spots in the area, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
Get Your Brunch On In Harpers Ferry
From healthful farm-to-table offerings to the greasiest, down-home comfort food you can imagine, the seven best brunch spots in Harpers Ferry have it all.
Of course, you could also cook brunch at home when you stay with Mountain Mama Cabins. Our rental properties are all fully furnished with kitchens perfect for whisking up a plate of frittata or French toast, which can be enjoyed from the comfort and privacy of your very own back patio. Book your stay today.
