There’s something extra cozy about breakfast. Sitting down with a steaming cup of coffee, sun breaking on a new morning, starting out your day with something delicious. When we get around to actually taking the time to eat breakfast (which doesn’t happen nearly as often as it ought to), it kickstarts the day like nothing else. Luckily for us, there are a few local chefs who romanticize breakfast nearly as much as we do and have mustered up all their culinary skills to create some out-of-this-world morning meals. So to help out the next time you drag yourself out of bed to dine before work or organize a get-together on the weekend, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite St. Augustine breakfast dishes.
CHICKEN & WAFFLES
Metro Diner
If you’re not from the South, the idea of chicken and waffles might be an odd one. But trust us, the savory and sweet combo is an unforgettable one. And – knowing the deliciousness of the dish – Metro Diner doesn’t skimp out on portions. Half a fried chicken is served on top of a Belgian waffle with strawberry butter and their signature sweet and spicy sauce.
www.metrodiner.com
POPPYSEED BAGEL
Everything Bagel
And so we make a smooth transition from the somewhat decadent to the simple and straightforward. But don’t get us wrong. Even though poppyseed bagels are a classic, on-the-go type breakfast, there’s hardly anyone that does them better than this little shop. And the helping of poppyseeds is generous (to say the least).
www.everythingbagelstaugustine.com
HOT BROWN BENEDICT
Moon & Sun Cafe
The traditional breakfast dish is given an upgrade with the Hot Brown Benedict. Served on a toasted English muffin, turkey and bacon, as well as tomatoes and poached eggs, are topped with a swiss cheese sauce. If there’s anything that this cafe can do well, it’s eggs benedict. And this preparation is no exception.
www.facebook.com/moonandsuncafe
GYRO & FETA OMELETTE
Georgie’s Diner
Arguably, omelettes are the perfect breakfast vehicle. You can go pretty crazy with the ingredients you throw in, and it’s pretty hard to get it wrong. And though there are quite a few omelettes on their menu, Georgie’s Diner has created the Gyro & Feta with a nod to their Greek heritage. Gyro meat and feta cheese are the perfect combination.
www.thealcazarcafe.com/georgies-diner
BUTTERMILK PANCAKES
Sea Oats Caffe
Another classic cooked to perfection, Sea Oats Caffe is always full of people clamoring for their buttermilk pancakes. Try them with just a little syrup and butter or freshen them up with some fruit. You’ll also find some pretty delicious pancake specials on the menu every once in a while.
www.facebook.com/Sea-Oats-Caffe
BLUE CRAB QUICHE
Blue Hen Cafe
Salmon isn’t the only seafood that’s a breakfast star. The Blue Crab Quiche at the Blue Hen Cafe is comfort food with a twist. The quiche is a delectable mix of fresh eggs, blue crab, swiss cheese, and scallions. The dish is then served with a side of home fries, a biscuit, and pickled cucumbers.
www.facebook.com/The-Blue-Hen-Cafe
SQUAWKING GOAT
Maple Street Biscuit Company
This restaurant has kicked the chicken biscuit up an extra notch in the Squawking Goat by adding pepper jelly and a fried goat cheese medallion. The heat of the jelly is curtailed by the creaminess of the goat cheese and the richness of the biscuit. It may not be biscuits like mama used to make, but mama could learn a thing or two from these guys.
www.maplestreetbiscuits.com
HUEVOS RANCHEROS
The Spot Cafe
Get ready for a flavor explosion for breakfast. The Spot’s Huevos Rancheros start with fried corn tortillas topped with black beans, poached eggs, and beef chili. Add some cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa, and serve it with a choice of home fries or grits. Can we get an amen?
www.thespotstaugustine.com
BOULANGERIE PORK CROISSANT
Dessert First Bistro
Don’t let the name fool you – desserts aren’t the only thing that this bistro makes with an expert hand. The Boulangerie Pork Croissant starts with a warm, soft croissant that’s coated in a mouthwatering house-made remoulade before a hearty portion of in-house slow roasted pork is piled on alongside avocado, swiss cheese, and an egg.
www.dessertfirstbistro.com
Featured image by Rob Futrell