Breakfast isn’t just important. It’s sometimes downright legendary, and these breakfast joints prove it. From creative chilaquiles in NYC to soul-soothing shrimp and grits in Asheville, these spots aren’t your everyday Sunday brunch destinations—they serve breakfast all day, every day, with serious style. We scoured the U.S. to find the 22 best breakfast places, and let’s just say: we tested the biscuits and gravy so you don’t have to. Ready to start your morning off with fireworks?
Atla’s Mexico-City–In-NY Flair
Atla, tucked in NoHo, feels like a Mexico City café—even mid-blizzard in NYC. Think precision chilaquiles with flaxseed and house-made coconut yogurt, ranchero eggs, and weekend-only treats like sweet conchas. It’s artistic, unexpected, and constructed with chef Daniela Soto‑Innes’s signature finesse. Breakfast here is not just a meal—it’s a mini getaway.
Milktooth—Garage-Chic Innovation
This Indianapolis garage-turned-café is anything but basic. The menu bursts with creativity: Dutch baby pancakes with pears and yogurt, fermented quinoa grits with chickpeas and poached eggs, plus playful brunch drinks like Hamm’s mimosas. It’s inventive, bold, and perfectly Instagram‑ready.
Beachside’s Surfer-Cool Plates
In laid‑back Ocean Beach, SF, Beachside Coffee Bar & Kitchen feels casual but delivers knockout bites. Their Irish Breakfast Sandwich and bacon-in-the-batter fried chicken waffle stand out in a sea of surfer cafés. The coffee shines—but the food steals the vibe.
Baker Miller’s Grain-Mill Magic
In Chicago, Baker Miller is the literal wafer‑thin line between grain and greatness: they mill their own flour, bake legendary breads and cinnamon rolls, and layer their breakfasts with grit-enriched oatmeal, biscuit towers with egg custard, and a ploughman’s feast with “bread soldiers.” It’s carbs you’ll feel good about.
Friendly Toast’s Breakfast Gone Wild
Forget your morning routine—Friendly Toast in New Hampshire serves breakfast egg rolls filled with kimchi slaw, corned beef hash, eggs, and cheese, plus Sklarmageddon omelets stuffed with bacon, sausage, ham, and pecans. It’s quirky, over-the-top, and impossibly fun.
Call’s Nordic-Artistry
Denver’s Call reimagines breakfast with Scandinavian flair: aebleskiver pancake puffs, rye tartines with smoked salmon or curried onion, and citrusy granola with seasonal fruit. The ever‑evolving pastry board—cardamom knots, galettes, smoked s’mores brownies—makes every visit an edible encore.
Counter Cafe’s Classic Charm
Austin’s Counter Cafe nails the greasy‑spoon vibe with gravity: think biscuits drowned in sausage‑studded gravy, griddle‑hot and bacon-scented. It’s familiar, comforting, and addictive in the best way.
The Wandering Goose’s Global Gravy
Seattle’s Wandering Goose reinvents comfort food with specimens like biscuits & gravy alongside fusion hits like Hangtown Fry with oysters & pork belly, and Bubble & Squeak with brisket. It’s homey meets adventurous on every plate.
Sunny Pointe’s Garden-Fresh Grits
Asheville’s Sunny Pointe serves shrimp & grits with roasted tomatoes, chipotle cheese grit, and maple-glazed bacon—much of it grown right in their garden. It’s as fresh as it is indulgent, with a side of sunshine.
Sqirl’s Photogenic Sweet-Savory
In LA, Sqirl nails the balance between health and decadence. Crispy rice bowls with kale and cauliflower and chocolate‑hazelnut brioche toast are matched only by their famed preserves. Breakfast here tastes as good as it looks.
Paul’s Pancakes from the Past
Montana’s Paul’s Pancake Parlor relies on a century‑old sourdough starter for its legendary blueberry pancakes. Tangy and fluffy, these historic cakes are a taste of tradition.
Hamburg Inn No. 2’s Presidential Plates
Iowa City’s Hamburg Inn No. 2 is a legend—loved by presidents and locals alike. Try the Hawkeye Hog omelet packed with sausage, hash browns, topped with cheese and gravy. Or indulge in the Cinnamon Roll French Toast. It’s iconic, indulgent, memorable.
Slim Goodies’ Creole Hangover Fix
New Orleans’ Slim Goodies tempts long lines for a certain reason: the Creole Slammer stacks hash browns, runny eggs, and crawfish étouffée—and a Bloody Mary to match. Worth every minute spent waiting.
Folk’s Farmer-Focused Freshness
In Detroit, Folk champions local sourcing and fairness. Think avocado toast with beet hummus, Aussie meat pie, and a colorful bowl of kale, fennel, and spiced carrots. Turmeric milk or a slice from Sister Pie seals the wholesome deal.
Kopitiam’s Malaysian Morning
NYC’s Kopitiam introduces you to nasi lemak, kaya butter toast, and anchovy pan mee noodles with a kopi finish. Malaysian Nyonya breakfast deserves a bigger spotlight, and this café gives it one.
The Little Grill’s Veggie-Diner Vibe
Harrisonburg’s worker-owned Little Grill Collective (now reopened) offers vegetarian takes on Southern favorites: whole‑wheat biscuits, tempeh sandwiches, buckwheat or flaxseed pancakes—all with a community, live-music vibe built-in.
Palace Diner’s 1928 Classic
This tiny Maine diner has been turning out classic breakfasts since 1928. Go for the Deluxe Sandwich—bacon, baked egg, cheddar, jalapeños on an English muffin—and don’t skip the Palace Potatoes. It’s vintage perfection.
