Best Breakfast in Gilmer, TX
If there's one thing East Texas does right, it's breakfast. In Gilmer, you don't need a reservation or a dress code. You need an appetite and a little local knowledge. Whether you're fueling up before a day at Barnwell Mountain, passing through on Highway 271, or just waking up hungry, Gilmer's breakfast scene has you covered.
From decades-old home cooking recipes to fresh-roasted local coffee, here's where the locals go when the sun comes up.
Quick Comparison
| Spot | Must-Try | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeBe's | Home-cooked specials, breakfast plate | Classic diner, no frills | Big portions, daily specials |
| Eagle's Nest Cafe | Omelettes, homemade rolls, pies | Quality-focused, from-scratch | Fresh ingredients, friendly |
| Huey's Coffee | Coffee, shaved ice, flavored tea | Modern, local-owned | Coffee on the go |
| Uncle Joe's Coffee | Smoothies, frappes, bubble tea | Fun, creative drinks | Something different |
| Midway Cafe | Breakfast classics | Local word-of-mouth favorite | Past Walmart, worth the drive |
BeBe's (Formerly Lori's Home Cooking)
Must-try: Daily breakfast specials, home-cooked classics Phone: (903) 680-3287
BeBe's sits on the road behind McDonald's, and it's been serving Gilmer for years under one name or another. The place was formerly Lori's Eats & Sweets, a local hidden gem so popular it developed a cult following on Yelp. BeBe's carries on that tradition with a wide variety of home-cooked dishes that change regularly.
This is the kind of place where the portions are generous, the coffee is always hot, and the regulars have their own booths. No pretense, no Instagram aesthetic—just honest East Texas breakfast cooking.
Insider tip: Check their Facebook page before you go. The menu changes daily, and they post their specials there.
Eagle's Nest Cafe
Must-try: Omelettes, homemade rolls, hand-breaded fried chicken Phone: (903) 806-6748 Hours: Tue–Fri 6:00 AM–3:00 PM, Sat 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, Closed Mon & Sun Breakfast served: 7:00 AM–12:00 noon
Eagle's Nest is a little out of the way, but the locals will tell you it's worth finding. This is a from-scratch kitchen that takes pride in doing things the hard way—because the hard way tastes better.
They make their own ranch dressing. They bake their pies and rolls fresh every morning. The lettuce isn't from a bag; it's washed and prepped daily. They use fresh Angus beef. As they put it: "We are not about bulk-poured-from-the-can food; we are about the quality and taste you deserve."
The omelettes are fluffy and packed, the fried chicken is hand-breaded and crispy, and the homemade rolls are the kind of thing you think about later in the day.
Insider tip: Get there before 9 AM on weekends. The parking lot fills up fast, and once the rolls are gone, they're gone.
Huey's Coffee
Must-try: Fresh brewed coffee, shaved ice, flavored tea Website: hueyscoffee.com
Huey's is the new coffee shop on the main drag, and it's become a fast favorite for locals who want something better than chain coffee. They serve fresh brewed coffee, creamy lattes, shaved ice, flavored tea, and regular tea—and the menu keeps growing.
The vibe is friendly and local. As one regular put it: "I got the feeling that if you could come up with a drink, they could make it."
Insider tip: They're locally owned and building their menu based on what customers ask for. If you want something specific, ask—chances are they'll figure out how to make it.
Uncle Joe's Coffee
Must-try: Real fruit smoothies, specialty frappes, bubble tea
Uncle Joe's is where you go when you want breakfast that doesn't feel like breakfast. They serve fresh brewed coffee and creamy lattes, but the real stars are the real fruit smoothies, specialty frappes, bubble tea, and "Rock Your Socks" energy drinks. They also make homemade ice cream and treats.
The tagline says it all: "Made with Love and Positivity!"
Insider tip: This is a great spot if you're traveling with kids or teens who aren't into traditional diner breakfast. The bubble tea and frappes are hits with the younger crowd.
Midway Cafe
Must-try: Breakfast classics Location: Past Walmart and the Civic Center on the right
Midway Cafe doesn't get the same buzz as BeBe's or Eagle's Nest, but the locals who know about it swear by it. It's past Walmart on the edge of town, which means it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Word-of-mouth says it's worth the short drive.
Insider tip: If you're coming from the south side of town, Midway is on your way in. Stop before you hit the main drag.
Donuts & Quick Breakfast
Gilmer has three donut shops for when you need something fast and sweet:
If you're more of a drive-through person, you've got the usual suspects: McDonald's, Sonic, Whataburger, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, Dairy Queen, Subway, and Schlotzsky's all serve breakfast with varying hours.
Insider tip: Taco Bell's breakfast window is short. Jack in the Box serves breakfast all day, and their sausage lovers breakfast burrito is a guilty pleasure worth the calories.
What to Know Before You Go
Breakfast Timing in Gilmer
Breakfast by the Numbers
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Breakfast plate (2 eggs, meat, toast) | $8–12 |
| Omelette | $9–14 |
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Smoothie / Frappe | $5–7 |
| Donut dozen | $8–12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the biggest breakfast portions in Gilmer? BeBe's is the local favorite for plate-filling portions. Their daily specials are built for people who plan to work outside afterward.
Is Eagle's Nest Cafe worth the trip? Absolutely. If you care about fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking, Eagle's Nest is the best breakfast in town. The homemade rolls alone justify the drive.
Where can I get good coffee in Gilmer? Huey's Coffee on the main drag for traditional coffee and lattes. Uncle Joe's for smoothies, frappes, and bubble tea. Both are locally owned.
Are any of these places open on Sunday? Most local spots (BeBe's, Eagle's Nest) are closed Sundays. Your Sunday breakfast options are chain drive-throughs or donut shops.
Where's the best place for a quick breakfast before Barnwell Mountain? Eagle's Nest Cafe opens at 6:00 AM Tuesday through Friday. On weekends, BeBe's or a chain drive-through are your fastest options.
Last updated: July 2026