We all know the most important meal of the day is breakfast, but, sadly, we don't always treat it that way. More often than not, we’re too busy dashing out the front door with a slice of toast in one hand and a thermos of slightly cold coffee in the other. Before your first meeting, you're counting down the minutes until lunchtime.
If breakfast really is the most important part of our day, we need to start acting like it. We scoured the country for the best breakfast spots across America. They’re packed with carbs, flavor, and enough butter to make Paula Dean smile. Put on your stretchy pants and tell the boss you’re going to be in late because these breakfast spots are worth savoring.
Jack's Wife Freda - New York City
Owned by immigrants and named for their grandparents, this relatively young New York restaurant has taken the city’s hipsters by storm. Jack’s Wife Freda plates up American breakfast classics with a sassy nod to its South African and Israeli roots. The orange blossom pancakes are a phenomenon sweeping the city, but it's the duck bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich that'll keep you coming back again and again. Once you’ve tried their lunch and dinner specials, you’ll have a hard time convincing yourself to eat elsewhere.
Chez Elle Creperie & Coffeehouse - Kansas City
It’s not all about barbecue in these parts. Chez Elle’s Creperie & Coffeehouse’s authentic French crepes is one of the best-kept secrets in Kansas City. The menu includes both sweet and savory delights with gluten-free and vegan options. All the crepes are fairly large with less-than-traditional fillings so be sure to bring a friend to swap bites.
Cutty’s - Brookline
Originally a sandwich shop, this New England favorite has made a name for itself on its impressive breakfast sandwiches. All of them are piled high with gooey cheese and finished with a perfectly fried egg. It might sound plain, but don’t knock it until you try it.
Brennan’s - New Orleans
In the middle of the French Quarter, Brennan's unassuming pink building features a swanky interior, plenty of booze, and a Creole-inspired menu you'll leave dreaming about. Classic New Orleans from top to bottom, this is the sort of place where rules are merely suggestions. Instead of coffee, order an “eye opener” like the Brandy Milk Punch, and, yes, oysters are perfectly acceptable before noon. Everything on the menu is delicious (literally, everything), but the best-known dish is the Bananas Foster, which can be ordered even as a morning delight.
Clary’s Café - Savannah
In typical Southern fashion, Clary’s Café serves only stick-to-your-ribs breakfast dishes in epic portions. Locals will tell you there’s not much on the menu not worth trying, but if you have to pick one, head straight to the house specials for the Crab Cake Benedict.
Huckleberry - Los Angeles
Huckleberry is proof that green eggs and ham aren’t just for Sam I Am. The real life version is way more appetizing and includes just the right amount of pesto to balance out the saltiness of thinly sliced prosciutto. Like true Californians, all the ingredients are locally sourced and veggie-friendly.