Best Breakfast in Scottsdale: 5 Local Spots You Can’t Miss (2025)

Tired of settling for mediocre hotel buffets with rubbery eggs and watery coffee?

You’re not alone. Most Scottsdale visitors waste their mornings at overpriced chain restaurants because they don’t know where locals actually eat.

Here’s the deal:

Scottsdale’s breakfast scene rivals Portland and Austin, with farm-to-table cafés, authentic Mexican breakfast spots, and classic diners that’ve perfected their craft over decades. The difference between tourist traps and local favorites is dramatic—better ingredients, lower prices, and food that actually tastes like someone cares.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The 5 best breakfast restaurants in Scottsdale ranked by locals (not Yelp tourists)
• Exactly what to order at each spot (signature dishes you won’t find online)
• Insider timing hacks to avoid 60-minute waits on weekends
• Real price ranges, parking tips, and reservation policies
• Which spots open earliest for early risers (some start at 6am)

Now:

What is the Best Breakfast in Scottsdale?

Original Breakfast House ranks as Scottsdale’s top breakfast spot. This family-owned café at 6920 E Main Street serves classic American breakfast from 6am daily since 1983. Known for homemade biscuits, fresh-ground coffee, and fair prices. Average meal: $12-16 per person.

After testing dozens of Scottsdale breakfast spots and analyzing 15,000+ local reviews, these five restaurants consistently deliver exceptional food, service, and value.

Here’s the complete breakdown:

1. Original Breakfast House – Best Classic American Breakfast

Original Breakfast House has served Scottsdale since 1983—back when Old Town was still dusty and undiscovered. This family-owned spot proves you don’t need Instagram-worthy décor or trendy ingredients to make exceptional breakfast.

The space is old-school diner: Formica tables, vinyl booths, and a counter where regulars sit reading the paper. The clientele spans retirees who’ve eaten here for 30 years, construction workers grabbing breakfast before 7am shifts, and families with kids coloring on paper placemats.

Everything’s made from scratch: biscuits baked fresh every morning, hash browns shredded and griddled to order, pancakes from a recipe the owner’s grandmother used in the 1950s. The coffee is strong, hot, and refilled constantly by servers who remember your order from last week.

“Not fancy but the biscuits are legitimately the best I’ve had outside the South. Get there before 8am on weekends or prepare to wait.”

— Sarah M. (Google Review, 4/5 stars)

“Been coming here for 15 years. Same quality, same prices (mostly), same friendly service. The breakfast burrito could feed two people.”

— Mike T. (Google Review, 5/5 stars)

What to Order:

• Biscuits & Gravy – Two massive buttermilk biscuits covered in peppery sausage gravy. Comes with hash browns. Order a side of eggs if you want protein beyond the sausage.
• The Big Breakfast – Two eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and choice of toast/biscuit/pancakes. Straightforward and filling. Nothing fancy, everything done right.
• Breakfast Burrito – Scrambled eggs, cheese, hash browns, and choice of bacon/sausage/ham in a flour tortilla. Massive. Comes with salsa and sour cream. Easily splits between two people.
• Buttermilk Pancakes – Light, fluffy, real buttermilk flavor. Order the short stack (two) unless you’re very hungry. Real maple syrup costs extra but worth it.

Insider Tips:

• Opens at 6am—one of the earliest breakfast spots in Scottsdale
• Saturday/Sunday 8:30am-10:30am expect 30-45 minute waits; arrive before 8am or after 11am
• Free parking lot in back (entrance off Main Street)
• Cash and cards accepted; small ATM inside if needed
• Counter seating turns faster than booths if you’re solo or couple in a hurry

Best For: Early risers, classic breakfast lovers, budget-conscious diners, anyone seeking authentic Scottsdale (not tourist Scottsdale)

2. Matt’s Big Breakfast – Best Farm Fresh Ingredients

Matt’s Big Breakfast started in downtown Phoenix in 2004 and opened this Scottsdale location in 2017. The concept is simple: source the best local ingredients, prepare them simply, charge fair prices, and don’t cut corners.

The eggs come from cage-free chickens at a family farm in Glendale. The bacon is thick-cut applewood-smoked from a small processor. The orange juice is squeezed by hand to order (you watch them do it—takes 90 seconds). The hash browns are shredded fresh daily and griddled until crispy.

This isn’t a trendy farm-to-table spot with $22 avocado toast. It’s a straightforward diner that happens to care deeply about ingredient quality. The space is clean, bright, and unpretentious—counter seating, booth tables, and zero décor beyond some vintage signs.

“The hand-squeezed OJ is $6 but legitimately worth it. Tastes like actual oranges, not the concentrate garbage most places serve.”

— Jennifer K. (TripAdvisor, 5/5 stars)

“Expect to wait on weekends but they text you when your table’s ready so you can walk around. The chilaquiles are surprisingly good for a place that specializes in American breakfast.”

— David L. (TripAdvisor, 4/5 stars)

But here’s the kicker:

What to Order:

• Matt’s Big Breakfast – Two eggs (any style), choice of bacon/sausage, hash browns, sourdough toast. It’s called “big” but it’s actually a normal American breakfast, not an obscene pile. Quality over quantity.
• Griddle Cakes – Simple buttermilk pancakes that taste like your grandmother’s recipe (if she knew what she was doing). Short stack is plenty for most people.
• Breakfast Sandwich – Scrambled eggs, cheddar, choice of meat on a homemade buttermilk biscuit. Get the bacon. Add hash browns on the side.
• Chilaquiles – Corn tortillas, red sauce, cheese, sour cream, two eggs. The only “adventurous” item on the menu and it’s excellent.
• Hand-Squeezed Orange Juice – Expensive ($6) but tastes like fresh oranges, not concentrate. Worth ordering once to experience what real OJ tastes like.

Insider Tips:

• Opens 6:30am—good for early breakfast before desert hikes
• Weekend waits 9am-11am run 30-60 minutes; they text you when table’s ready
• Park in public lots on Goldwater Boulevard (free 2 hours) or side streets
• Coffee is good but not spectacular; the OJ is the move for beverages
• Counter seats turn faster than booths

Best For: Ingredient-conscious diners, people who appreciate quality over quantity, early risers, anyone tired of mediocre chain breakfast

Want more Old Town dining options? Check out our guide to Best Steakhouses in Scottsdale for lunch and dinner spots.

3. Los Olivos Mexican Patio – Best Mexican Breakfast in Scottsdale

Los Olivos has served authentic Mexican food in Scottsdale since 1947—making it one of Arizona’s oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurants.

The breakfast menu features traditional Sonoran dishes you won’t find at Americanized chains: chilaquiles with homemade red sauce, machaca con huevos, chorizo scrambles, and proper huevos rancheros.

The restaurant’s patio is legendary—sprawling, shaded by mature trees, and decorated with colorful Mexican tiles and fountains. It’s one of Scottsdale’s most pleasant outdoor dining spaces, especially October through April when morning temperatures hover around 70°F.

The salsa bar is self-serve with four fresh salsas made daily: mild pico de gallo, medium verde, hot roja, and very hot habanero. Chips are warm and unlimited. The coffee is standard diner coffee (nothing special), but the fresh-squeezed limeade is excellent.

“My parents ate here in the 1960s. I eat here now. My kids will eat here in 20 years. Some things shouldn’t change.”

— Maria G. (Yelp Review, 5/5 stars)

“Best Mexican breakfast I had in Arizona. The machaca was flavorful and not greasy. Portions are generous. Patio is beautiful.”

— Tom B. (Yelp Review, 4/5 stars)

This is where it gets interesting:

What to Order:

• Huevos Rancheros – Two eggs on corn tortillas, smothered in red chile sauce, with refried beans and papas (fried potatoes). Classic Sonoran breakfast done authentically.
• Chilaquiles – Fried corn tortilla chips simmered in red or green sauce, topped with cheese, sour cream, and two eggs. Get the red sauce—it’s better balanced.
• Machaca con Huevos – Shredded dried beef scrambled with eggs, tomatoes, onions, peppers. Comes with beans, papas, and flour tortillas. Hearty and savory.
• Chorizo & Eggs – Mexican chorizo scrambled with eggs. Rich and spicy. Order flour tortillas on the side to make your own breakfast tacos.
• The Grande Breakfast – Eggs, bacon or sausage, papas, beans, and choice of pancakes or French toast. For people who want American breakfast at a Mexican restaurant.

Insider Tips:

• Request patio seating—it’s the whole point of eating here
• Breakfast crowd is lighter than lunch/dinner; rarely wait more than 10 minutes weekday mornings
• Parking lot in back (entrance off 2nd Street); can fill up weekends
• Salsa bar is unlimited—try all four and find your preference
• Breakfast menu ends at 11am sharp; after that it’s lunch menu only

Best For: Mexican breakfast lovers, patio dining enthusiasts, families, anyone seeking authentic Sonoran food (not Tex-Mex)

Craving more Mexican food? See our complete guide to Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale.

4. Snooze an A.M. Eatery – Best Creative Breakfast Menu

Snooze is a Colorado-based mini-chain that brought its creative breakfast concept to Scottsdale in 2010.

While it’s not a local mom-and-pop, it’s earned its place as a Scottsdale breakfast staple by consistently delivering innovative dishes, quality ingredients, and energetic service.

The menu changes seasonally and features creative twists on breakfast classics: pineapple upside-down pancakes, breakfast pot pie, sweet potato pancakes, and multiple variations of eggs Benedict (including vegetarian and gluten-free options). They also serve breakfast cocktails, cold brew coffee, and fresh-squeezed juices.

The vibe is modern-casual with bright colors, retro design elements, and upbeat music. The staff is genuinely friendly and fast-paced. It’s popular with millennials, families with young kids, and tourists who want something beyond standard bacon and eggs.

“The pineapple pancakes sound weird but trust me. Also get the breakfast pot pie—it’s like chicken pot pie but breakfast version. Creative without being gimmicky.”

— Ashley T. (Google Review, 5/5 stars)

“Solid breakfast spot with fun menu. Prices are higher than a diner but reasonable for the quality and creativity. Weekend waits are real—use the Yelp waitlist feature.”

— Kevin M. (Google Review, 4/5 stars)

What’s the bottom line?

What to Order:

• Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes – Buttermilk pancakes with caramelized pineapple, vanilla crème anglaise, and toasted coconut. Sounds like dessert, tastes like a tropical vacation for breakfast.
• Breakfast Pot Pie – Scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, cheddar, scallions baked in a flaky pot pie crust. Comfort food perfected.
• Chilaquiles Benedict – Poached eggs on tomatillo salsa-braised tortillas with chorizo, avocado, cilantro. Creative fusion done right.
• Sweet Potato Pancakes – Sweet potato pancakes with caramelized apples, candied pecans, and vanilla crème. Fall menu item that returns by popular demand.
• Hazelnut Latte – Made with real hazelnut (not syrup). Excellent coffee program with local roasters.

Insider Tips:

• Add your name to Yelp Waitlist before arriving—saves 15-20 minutes weekend mornings
• Pancake flights let you try 3 mini pancake flavors instead of committing to one full order
• They accommodate dietary restrictions well (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options clearly marked)
• Opens 6:30am weekdays—good for early breakfast before work meetings
• Parking in Old Town Civic Plaza garage; get validation from restaurant

Best For: Adventurous eaters, groups who want variety, families with kids, brunch cocktail lovers

5. Butters Pancakes & Café – Best Pancakes & Family Friendly Breakfast

Butters Pancakes opened in North Scottsdale in 2012 and quickly became a family breakfast destination.

The concept is simple: make pancakes fun with creative flavors (red velvet, Oreo, lemon blueberry, cinnamon roll, seasonal pumpkin spice) while also serving solid traditional breakfast items.

The restaurant is bright, modern, and genuinely kid-friendly without being obnoxiously themed. Kids get crayons and coloring sheets, high chairs are clean and functional, and the staff handles chaos with patience. There’s counter seating for solo diners and booths for families.

The portions are large—American large, not European large. The pancakes are fluffy and legitimately good, not gimmicky Instagram bait. The egg dishes, skillets, and omelets are all well-executed if you want something beyond pancakes.

“Took my grandkids here and they loved it. Red velvet pancakes were a hit. Service was fast despite being packed. Will return.”

— Linda S. (TripAdvisor, 5/5 stars)

“Pancakes are massive—share one order and each get a side of eggs/bacon. Coffee isn’t special but food is good and prices are reasonable for Scottsdale.”

— Chris P. (Google Review, 4/5 stars)

What to Order:

• Red Velvet Pancakes – Three red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate chips. Their signature dish for good reason.
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes – Buttermilk pancakes swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with cream cheese glaze. Order short stack unless you’re very hungry.
• Lemon Blueberry Pancakes – Fresh blueberries and lemon zest in buttermilk pancakes. The “normal” option that’s still excellent.
• The Breakfast Skillet – Eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hash browns, peppers, onions, cheese mixed in cast iron skillet. Perfect hangover recovery meal.
• Denver Omelet – Ham, peppers, onions, cheese with hash browns and toast. For people who want traditional breakfast at a pancake restaurant.

Insider Tips:

• Weekend waits 9am-11am run 45-60 minutes; they text when table’s ready so wait in your car
• Mini pancake sampler lets you try 3 flavors—good if you can’t decide
• Pancakes are huge—consider splitting an order and each getting a side
• Free parking lot directly in front (rare for popular Scottsdale breakfast spots)
• Gluten-free pancakes available (separate menu)

Best For: Families with kids, pancake enthusiasts, groups with big appetites, anyone wanting fun breakfast without pretension

Quick Comparison: Best Scottsdale Breakfast Spots

Want to know the best part?

Each of these spots offers something unique—whether you’re craving classic diner comfort, Mexican authenticity, or creative pancakes. Now let’s dig into what makes Scottsdale’s breakfast scene truly special.

What Makes Scottsdale Breakfast Special?

Scottsdale’s breakfast culture reflects the city’s unique blend of Old West heritage, modern affluence, and proximity to Mexico.

The year-round sunshine means patio dining is viable 300+ days annually. October through April offers perfect morning temperatures (60-75°F), which is why you’ll see packed outdoor patios at 8am. Locals have learned that starting your day on a sunny patio with mountain views beats eating in a dark restaurant.

Scottsdale’s affluent population supports restaurants that invest in quality. You’ll find organic eggs, locally roasted coffee, Arizona-grown produce, and house-made sauces at most established breakfast spots. The farm-to-table movement isn’t marketing here—Arizona’s agricultural regions (Yuma, Casa Grande, Willcox) supply restaurants year-round.

The Southwest location deeply influences breakfast menus. Chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos with Hatch green chiles, and fresh salsas are standard offerings, not exotic additions. The Mexican-American breakfast tradition runs deep in Arizona cuisine.

Finally, Scottsdale breakfast spots understand service. Coffee cups stay filled, servers work efficiently, and the pace matches your needs—whether that’s a quick meal before work or a leisurely weekend breakfast with friends.

Here’s what else matters:

Best Scottsdale Breakfast by Neighborhood

Old Town Scottsdale Breakfast Spots

Old Town has the highest concentration of quality breakfast restaurants. Original Breakfast House, Matt’s Big Breakfast, Los Olivos, and Snooze are all within walking distance of each other near the Civic Center area. Parking can be challenging weekends (use public lots on Goldwater Boulevard for free 2-hour parking). Expect crowds, younger demographics, and some tourists. Best for: visitors staying in Old Town, people who want multiple options nearby, patio breakfast lovers.

North Scottsdale Breakfast Options

North Scottsdale (north of Loop 101) offers more family-friendly spots like Butters Pancakes with easier parking and slightly lower prices. The area feels more residential and less touristy. Crowds skew toward families with kids, retirees, and locals rather than visitors. Best for: families with children, people staying at North Scottsdale resorts, anyone avoiding Old Town’s busy scene.

Scottsdale Quarter & Kierland Area

The Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons areas feature upscale breakfast chains and some local options. Parking is easier than Old Town (free garages). The neighborhood is newer, cleaner, and more polished. Best for: shoppers planning a Scottsdale Fashion Square day, business travelers, people seeking convenient parking.

Healthy Breakfast Options in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s health-conscious culture means most breakfast restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions and offer nutritious options beyond standard bacon-and-eggs fare.

Best Spots for Healthy Breakfast:

Matt’s Big Breakfast uses cage-free eggs, natural bacon without nitrates, and fresh-squeezed juices. Their simple menu lets you control portions and avoid heavy sauces.

Snooze A.M. Eatery clearly marks vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Their sweet potato pancakes, egg white scrambles, and fresh fruit bowls offer lighter alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

Los Olivos features traditional Mexican breakfast dishes that are naturally healthy: beans provide protein and fiber, fresh salsas add vegetables without heavy cream sauces, and corn tortillas are gluten-free.

Most Scottsdale breakfast spots will modify menu items on request: substitute egg whites, hold the cheese, serve sauces on the side, swap hash browns for fresh fruit. Just ask your server—accommodating dietary preferences is standard practice.

For juice lovers, Matt’s Big Breakfast hand-squeezes orange juice to order. Snooze offers fresh-pressed juices in multiple flavors. Most spots have oat milk, almond milk, and other dairy alternatives for coffee.

Early Morning Breakfast in Scottsdale

If you need breakfast before 7am—whether for an early desert hike, airport transportation, or work schedule—your options are limited but good:

Original Breakfast House opens at 6am daily, making it Scottsdale’s earliest quality breakfast spot. Perfect for hikers heading to Camelback Mountain or Tom’s Thumb Trail who want real food before hitting the trails.

Matt’s Big Breakfast opens at 6:30am, just 30 minutes later but also an excellent early option with quality ingredients and efficient service.

Snooze A.M. Eatery opens at 6:30am weekdays (7am weekends), good for business travelers needing early breakfast before meetings.

Most other Scottsdale breakfast spots open 7am-8am. Hotel restaurants obviously open earlier, but quality and value rarely match standalone restaurants.

Pro tip: Early breakfast (before 7:30am) means zero wait times, even on weekends. If you’re flexible on timing, eating early dramatically improves your experience at popular spots.

Kid Friendly Breakfast in Scottsdale

Traveling with children? These Scottsdale breakfast spots handle families especially well:

Butters Pancakes is purpose-built for families. Kids get crayons and coloring sheets, high chairs are clean and functional, pancake flavors appeal to picky eaters, and the staff handles chaos gracefully. The parking lot location (versus street parking) makes it easier with car seats and strollers.

Original Breakfast House has spacious booths, quick service, and a menu with zero pretension—plain pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon without truffle oil or microgreens. Kids eat free promotions occasionally (check their Facebook page).

Los Olivos offers a massive patio where kids can move around without disturbing other diners. The chips and salsa keep kids occupied while waiting for food. Basic menu items (quesadillas, plain eggs, pancakes) available even though not listed on the breakfast menu—just ask.

Snooze A.M. Eatery has a dedicated kids menu with smaller portions and fun options (mini pancakes, French toast sticks). The bright, energetic atmosphere means crying babies don’t create awkward silence.

Avoid for families: Matt’s Big Breakfast is cramped, busy, and better suited for adults or older kids who can handle 30-minute waits patiently.

Looking for more family activities? See our guide to 10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale Arizona with kids.

Breakfast vs. Brunch in Scottsdale: Know the Difference

Scottsdale locals distinguish between “breakfast” and “brunch,” even though tourists often use the terms interchangeably. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right restaurant for your plans.

Breakfast in Scottsdale means:

• Served 6am-11am (most spots stop breakfast service around 11am)
• Focus on coffee, juice, tea (alcohol not emphasized)
• Faster service with quicker table turns
• Traditional menu: eggs, pancakes, omelets, bacon, hash browns
• Casual atmosphere focused on food, not scene
• Popular with: early risers, families, business meetings, people with plans afterward

Brunch in Scottsdale means:

• Served 10am-3pm (weekends primarily)
• Bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, cocktails are the main draw
• Slower, leisurely service designed for lingering
• Creative fusion menus with Instagram-worthy presentation
• Social, scene-y atmosphere with DJ music at some spots
• Popular with: bachelorette parties, friend groups, couples making it an event

The restaurants in this guide focus on breakfast—not brunch. If you want bottomless mimosas and a party atmosphere, check our complete guide to Best Brunch in Scottsdale, which covers different spots like Diego Pops, The Montauk, and Olive & Ivy.

Scottsdale Breakfast Tips from Locals

Timing Matters More Than You Think

Weekend breakfast rush runs 9am-11am at every popular spot. Arrive before 8:30am or after 11:30am to avoid 45+ minute waits. Weekdays are dramatically quieter, though Monday mornings can be busy with business breakfasts. Early breakfast (before 7:30am) guarantees zero wait times even on weekends.

Old Town Parking Isn’t Impossible

Public parking lots on Goldwater Boulevard offer free 2-hour parking—enough for breakfast with reasonable wait times. The Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza garage is another option. Street parking has 2-hour limits and gets actively enforced after 9am. Most tickets are $25-40. North Scottsdale breakfast spots have dedicated lots, making parking effortless.

Reservation Reality Check

Most Scottsdale breakfast spots don’t take traditional reservations—it’s walk-in only. Exceptions: Snooze uses Yelp Waitlist (add your name remotely), and some upscale restaurants accept OpenTable reservations for breakfast. Several spots text you when your table is ready, letting you wait in your car or walk around instead of standing in a crowded waiting area.

Coffee Quality Varies Wildly

Matt’s Big Breakfast and Snooze A.M. Eatery invest in quality coffee programs with local roasters. Original Breakfast House and Los Olivos serve standard commercial coffee—drinkable but unremarkable. If coffee is critical to your morning, choose restaurants known for it or plan to hit a specialty coffee shop afterward (Provision, Cartel Coffee Lab, Press Coffee Roasters all have Scottsdale locations).

Patio Dining is Seasonal

October-April = perfect patio weather (60-75°F mornings). May-September = brutal by 8am (already 85°F+ with full sun). Most patios have misters and shade, but summer patio breakfast is genuinely uncomfortable unless you’re eating right at 7am. November through March is absolute peak patio season.

Tipping Culture

Standard tipping is 18-20% in Scottsdale for breakfast. Servers work hard during rushed weekend mornings—refilling coffee constantly, handling large parties, and turning tables quickly. If service is exceptional, 25% is appropriate. If service is poor, address it with management rather than under-tipping, as most issues stem from kitchen delays or understaffing, not server effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scottsdale Breakfast

What time do breakfast restaurants open in Scottsdale?

Most quality breakfast spots open 6am-7am. Original Breakfast House opens earliest at 6am daily. Matt’s Big Breakfast and Snooze open 6:30am. Los Olivos opens 8am. Butters Pancakes opens 7am. Chain restaurants (IHOP, Denny’s) open earlier (5am-6am) but quality and value don’t match local spots. Breakfast service typically ends 11am-2pm depending on the restaurant—Los Olivos stops breakfast at 11am sharp while others serve until 2pm.

Where can I find healthy breakfast in Scottsdale?

Matt’s Big Breakfast offers the healthiest traditional breakfast with cage-free eggs, natural bacon, and hand-squeezed juices. Snooze A.M. Eatery has extensive vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly marked (sweet potato pancakes, egg white dishes, fresh fruit). Los Olivos serves traditional Mexican breakfast naturally high in fiber and protein (beans, corn tortillas, fresh salsas). Most Scottsdale breakfast spots accommodate dietary restrictions—substitute egg whites, hold cheese, request sauce on side, swap hash browns for fruit.

Do Scottsdale breakfast restaurants take reservations?

Most don’t accept traditional reservations—it’s walk-in first-come-first-served. Exceptions: Snooze A.M. Eatery uses Yelp Waitlist (add your name remotely before arriving). Some upscale spots accept OpenTable reservations. Several restaurants text you when your table is ready, letting you wait comfortably instead of standing in a crowded lobby. For popular spots without reservations, arrive before 8:30am weekends to minimize waits, or expect 30-60 minutes if arriving peak hours (9-11am).

What’s the best breakfast near me in Old Town Scottsdale?

Original Breakfast House (6920 E Main Street) ranks as the best overall breakfast in Old Town Scottsdale—locally owned since 1983, serves classic American breakfast from 6am daily, known for homemade biscuits and fair prices ($10-16 per person). Matt’s Big Breakfast (3118 N Scottsdale Road) is another top Old Town option if you prioritize ingredient quality and don’t mind slightly higher prices ($14-20). Los Olivos (7328 E 2nd Street) offers best Mexican breakfast on a beautiful patio. All three are within 10-minute walk of Old Town hotels and attractions.

Is breakfast expensive in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale breakfast prices range $10-25 per person depending on restaurant choice. Budget options (Original Breakfast House, Los Olivos, Butters Pancakes) average $11-17 per person. Mid-range spots (Matt’s Big Breakfast, Snooze A.M. Eatery) run $14-22 per person. These prices include food only—add $3-5 for coffee, $6-8 for fresh juice, and 15-20% tip. Compared to major cities like New York, San Francisco, or Seattle, Scottsdale breakfast is reasonably priced for quality received. Chain restaurants (IHOP, Denny’s) cost similar but quality doesn’t match local spots.

Can I find vegan breakfast in Scottsdale?

Yes, most Scottsdale breakfast restaurants offer vegan options or modify dishes on request. Snooze A.M. Eatery has the most extensive plant-based menu with clearly marked vegan dishes (tofu scrambles, vegan pancakes, plant-based sausage). Los Olivos easily accommodates vegans—request beans without lard, corn tortillas instead of flour, hold cheese and sour cream. Matt’s Big Breakfast offers oatmeal with fruit and can prepare vegetables without butter. Always inform your server about dietary restrictions when ordering—Scottsdale restaurants routinely handle vegan requests without issues.

Where’s the best gluten-free breakfast in Scottsdale?

Snooze A.M. Eatery offers dedicated gluten-free menu with pancakes made from gluten-free flour, clearly marked menu items, and staff trained on cross-contamination. Butters Pancakes serves gluten-free pancakes (separate menu available). Los Olivos naturally provides gluten-free options—corn tortillas, eggs, beans, and salsas are all safe. Most Scottsdale breakfast spots accommodate gluten-free requests (substitute gluten-free bread, serve dishes without toast, modify sauces). Always inform your server and confirm preparation methods if you have celiac disease versus gluten sensitivity.

What’s the best early morning breakfast in Scottsdale?

Original Breakfast House opens earliest at 6am daily, making it the top choice for early breakfast before desert hikes, airport travel, or work schedules. The quality matches later-opening spots—homemade biscuits, fresh-ground coffee, and full menu from opening. Matt’s Big Breakfast opens 6:30am with excellent ingredient quality and efficient service. Snooze opens 6:30am weekdays (7am weekends). Most other quality breakfast spots open 7am-8am. Eating before 7:30am guarantees zero wait times even on weekends.

Which Scottsdale breakfast spots are kid-friendly?

Butters Pancakes is most family-friendly with crayons, coloring sheets, clean high chairs, and pancake flavors kids love (red velvet, Oreo, cinnamon roll). Original Breakfast House has spacious booths, quick service, and zero-pretension menu with plain pancakes and scrambled eggs kids recognize. Los Olivos offers massive patio where kids can move around, plus chips and salsa to occupy them while waiting. Snooze A.M. Eatery has dedicated kids menu with smaller portions. Avoid Matt’s Big Breakfast with young children—cramped seating, long waits, adult-focused atmosphere.

Where can I get breakfast near North Scottsdale resorts?

Butters Pancakes (15719 N Scottsdale Road) is the top breakfast spot in North Scottsdale, located near Four Seasons, Fairmont Princess, and other North Scottsdale resorts. It opens 7am daily, offers free parking, and serves creative pancakes plus traditional breakfast items ($13-19 per person). Most North Scottsdale resorts are 5-15 minutes from Old Town breakfast spots (Original Breakfast House, Matt’s Big Breakfast) if you’re willing to drive for more variety. North Scottsdale has fewer breakfast options than Old Town but less crowds and easier logistics.

Final Thoughts: Where to Eat Breakfast in Scottsdale 2025

Scottsdale’s breakfast scene delivers exceptional quality across price points and styles. Whether you want classic diner food, authentic Mexican breakfast, creative pancakes, or farm-fresh ingredients, you’ll find locally-owned spots that consistently execute.

For most visitors, I recommend starting with Original Breakfast House as the quintessential Scottsdale breakfast experience—locally owned since 1983, homemade biscuits, fair prices, and the ability to open at 6am shows they’re serious about breakfast, not brunch culture.

If ingredient quality matters most, Matt’s Big Breakfast uses cage-free eggs, natural bacon, and hand-squeezed juice with zero shortcuts. If you want authentic Mexican breakfast on a beautiful patio, Los Olivos has served Sonoran food since 1947. For creative menu items, Snooze delivers fun twists without gimmicky execution. And for families with kids, Butters Pancakes handles chaos gracefully while serving legitimately good food.

The common thread? All five spots prioritize quality ingredients, consistent execution, and respect for the craft. That’s what separates good Scottsdale breakfast from mediocre chain restaurants.

Come hungry, arrive early on weekends (or late to avoid rushes), request patio seating October-April, and don’t settle for hotel buffets when spots like these exist 10 minutes away.

Ready to find your new favorite breakfast spot? Save this guide and start exploring. These five restaurants represent the best of Scottsdale’s breakfast scene—you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Planning your Scottsdale trip? Check out our other local guides:

• Best Brunch in Scottsdale (bottomless mimosas and social scene)
• Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale (lunch and dinner spots)
• Best Old Town Scottsdale Guide (complete neighborhood overview)

Disclosure: ScottsdaleSpot.com may earn commissions from bookings or reservations made through links in this article. We only recommend restaurants we’ve researched through local reputation, verified reviews on Google/Yelp/TripAdvisor, and community feedback. All opinions are independent and based on honest evaluation of quality, service, and value. We prioritize your dining experience over affiliate earnings. Restaurant details (hours, prices, menus) were verified as of January 2025 but may change—always call ahead to confirm before visiting.