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The 15 Best Breakfast Spots in the United States

06/14/2023

IN SEARCH OF THE perfect American Breakfast

Breakfast in the United States can be an unforgettable experience. Be it sweet or savory, traditional or innovative, vegetarian or a meat feast with sausage, bacon & co., your options are truly endless. Pair your meal with a cup of artisanal coffee, milk, freshly squeezed juices, or, for special occasions, delicious cocktails for a complete experience.

From New York to Atlanta, these 15 establishments offer a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. For those traveling across the U.S., start your day with an authentic American breakfast to fully appreciate the richness and diversity of our beautiful country.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Reservation for breakfast is not always available, but if offered, we recommend booking your spot ahead of time to avoid long waits.

1 - Russ & Daughters Cafe (New York City, NY)

If you're vacationing in New York City, the best place to kickstart your day is the Russ & Daughters Cafe. Located in the Lower East Side, this charming venue with over a century of history offers one of the best breakfasts in the United States.

Here, you can savor their renowned bagels with salmon, served with a generous dollop of cream cheese and accompanied by tomatoes and capers. Other specialties include French toast, latkes (sweet potato pancakes), chocolate babka, and other delightful Jewish fares.

2 - Phoenicia Diner (Phoenicia, NY)

While traveling through New York state, it's worth planning a gastronomic pitstop at the Phoenicia Diner, where you can enjoy an exceptional American breakfast. The cozy eatery is furnished in classic diner style, featuring high tops and an open kitchen.

From slices of French toast generously laden with fresh fruit, beef brisket skewers, smoked trout, and fried eggs, there's nothing that can't satiate even the most discerning palate. An absolute must-try!

3 - Willa Jean (New Orleans, LA)

Most patrons choose Willa Jean for its savory biscuits. Crafted by Chef Kelly Fields, these delightful squares of puff pastry and butter are served either plain or stuffed with typical Louisiana ingredients like Tabasco honey and spicy cheese.

These house specials are best paired with seafood dishes like the crab omelet or shrimp served with grits. After a hearty breakfast, you can stop by the counter to pick up some chocolate biscuits and slices of banana bread.

4 - Kihei Caffe (Maui, HI)

If you are vacationing in Maui, Hawaii, you should sample the unique breakfast offerings at the Kihei Caffe. The menu is extensive and suitable for breakfast (or brunch) and a quick lunch.

Choose from savory dishes (like the egg burrito, guacamole, and fries) to sweet treats (like coconut pancakes, macadamia nuts, pineapple or chocolate, and cinnamon rolls.) Additionally, don't forget to try some classic delights like sausages and bacon & eggs.

5 - Plow (San Francisco, CA)

Lemon ricotta pancakes, vanilla mascarpone French toast, bacon, pork, or chicken sausages served with apple sauce— these are just a few of the delicious dishes served at Plow in San Francisco.

Breakfast at this restaurant comes highly recommended, although it's best not to plan it during peak hours, as you might find yourself waiting up to an hour and a half. Their authentic specialties attract a large clientele!

6 - Paperboy (Austin, TX)

Waking up late in Austin, Texas's capital, offers the opportunity to brunch at Paperboy. The eatery provides a wide selection of local dishes including migas (eggs with pico de gallo sauce and tortillas) and the so-called Texas Hash (made with pork and sweet potatoes).

In addition to these options, there's an assortment of sweet treats, pastries, and breakfast cocktails. For the late risers, takeout is also an option.

7 - Palace Diner (Biddeford, ME)

Step back in time and feast on a classic American breakfast at Palace Diner. Nestled in a 1927 railway car with just 15 bar stools, this quaint restaurant promises a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Amongst the crowd favorites are the famous Palace Potatoes—cooked, crushed, and finally fried to perfection—and the Lumberjack Breakfast— with eggs, meat, and potatoes. These tasty treats have put Palace Diner on the culinary map of Biddeford.

8 - Half & Half (St. Louis, MO)

Half & Half, a unique family-run establishment by Liz and Mike Randolph, a dynamic chef couple, excels in its dessert offerings.

Treats such as cinnamon doughnuts slathered with warm, gooey chocolate, berry pancakes with mascarpone and granola, and French toast with white chocolate blueberries are just a few of the irresistible delicacies served at this eatery.

15 BEST BREAKFASTS IN THE U.S.: THE MAP

9 - Milktooth (Indianapolis, IN)

Travelers passing through Indianapolis must drop by this culinary paradise known for offering one of the best breakfasts in the U.S. Milktooth is located in what was once a garage, now tastefully renovated.

The menu at Milktooth changes often, but it always maintains a balance of savory and sweet. Do not miss out on their savory pastries and the light and tempting chiffon cake.

10 - Bread Furst Bakery (Washington, D.C.)

As soon as you cross the threshold of Bread Furst Bakery, you're immediately enveloped by the inviting fragrance of freshly baked bread. This bakery offers a wide selection of sweet and savory treats, like monkey bread, crisp walnut baguettes, and fruit baguettes.

On weekends, you can pair bread and croissants with exquisite vegetable omelets, egg and cheese sandwiches, and other delightful treats to kick off your day in Washington.

11 - Onefold (Denver, CO)

At Onefold in Denver, breakfast is a delicious blend of American with Asian and Mexican influences. You can't go wrong with their eggs, prepared in numerous ways, from boiled in congee to scrambled atop homemade crispy tacos.

Besides eggs, other fusion specialties of this restaurant include burritos stuffed with meat, asadero cheese, and French fries, and fried rice with bacon, served with eggs cooked in duck fat.

12 - Polly's Pancake Parlor (Sugar Hill, NH)

Nothing beats starting the day with a scrumptious American breakfast at this charming restaurant in New Hampshire. In addition to the food, the beauty of the 1830s building and the stunning mountain views draw in patrons every morning.

By popular opinion, Polly's Pancake Parlor boasts the region's best pancakes, prepared with buckwheat, corn, and whole wheat flour and served with warm maple syrup.

13 - Little Griddle (Portland, OR)

Don't be fooled by the name: breakfast at Little Griddle is far from little. Since its launch in 2017, this spot has become a local and tourist favorite in Portland.

The menu includes classics like bacon, eggs & cheese (served with red pepper jam) as well as more unique dishes. For example, the chicken with coleslaw, pickles & spicy mustard, or the numerous sweet options, are definitely worth a try.

14 - Sunny Point Café (Asheville, NC)

The Sunny Point Café in Asheville offers a remarkable culinary experience on its covered patio. This family-run establishment stands out not only for its cooking but also for its "farm-to-table" approach.

Alongside a generous coffee (or a Bloody Mary), you can savor a sophisticated and unique American breakfast, with both savory and sweet dishes, as well as a good selection of vegetarian options.

15 - Muchacho (Atlanta, GA)

At Muchacho, located in the Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta, you can enjoy a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and equally delicious beverages (from rosemary milk to cocktails). The breakfast menu offers imaginative specialties, especially tacos, and burritos, complemented by avocado bread, salmon, or lemon ricotta.

These 15 establishments offer a wide variety of exquisite and unique dishes, catering to all preferences and taste buds. Experiencing the best breakfasts the United States has to offer is an unforgettable experience, perfect for starting off your day the right way before tackling a day full of exploration and adventure.