It’s the most important meal of the day, so here are 10 places in the East Valley to get a great breakfast:
Brunchies
Owned by the same family that runs neighboring Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, this downtown Chandler favorite offers American dishes as well as Mexican breakfast fare. The latter includes enchiladas rancheras ($6.75), chorizo burros ($6.25) and machaca skillets ($7.95). Breakfast served 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends. 17 E. Boston St., Chandler, (480) 899-5036, serranosaz.com/asp/brunchies.
Culinary Solutions Cafe
This café in the former Albertson’s center on the northwest corner of Rural and Guadalupe roads may be small, but the menu is big. Look for such items as Spanish omelets ($7.50), bacon herbed frittatas ($7.50), chorizo wraps ($6.75), country-fried steak ($7.75) and banana-pecan Belgian waffles ($6.50). Breakfast served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 6340 S. Rural Road, Tempe, (480) 839-6455, culinary-solutions.com.
Hangar Cafe
Aviation ethusiasts and children alike will enjoy this café (pictured at left) located just off the runway at Chandler Municipal Airport. Options include Hangar Hash ($6.95), spinach and feta omelets ($7.50) and Ultimate Hangar Burritos made with sausage, ham, bacon, green chiles, cheese and eggs in a tomato-basil tortilla ($6.95). Breakfast served 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. weekends. 1725 E. Ryan Road, Chandler, (480) 899-6965.
Farmhouse
Two dozen omelets and scrambles ($6.50-$7.75) are the highlights of the menu at this cozy and friendly hangout in downtown Gilbert. Indulge your sweet tooth with a big-enough-for-two Famous Farmhouse Cinnamon Roll ($3.25) or homemade walnut granola ($4.50), served with milk or yogurt. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 228 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 926-0676.
Liberty Market
One door north of the Farmhouse, this historic grocery store recently renovated by Gilbert restaurateur Joe Johnston (Joe’s Real BBQ, Joe’s Farm Grill) launched its breakfast menu last week. Savor a grilled vegetable scramble ($8.50) or griddled bread pudding with espresso-maple syrup ($8) while sipping Mimosas ($7). Breakfast is served 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily. 230 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 892-1900, libertymarket.com.
Daily Dose
Chef Matt Long and wife JenLyn just opened this stylish but comfortable downtown Scottsdale eatery a couple blocks from their fabulous restaurant Fusion. Eggs Benedict come in nine varieties, including prime rib ($9.95) and crab cake ($11.95). Other fun items are banana split pancakes with ice cream ($9.95) and a Hangover breakfast sandwich ($9.95). Breakfast is served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 994-3673.
T.C. Eggington’s
For more than 20 years, this shopping-center eatery (pictured at right) just off U.S. 60 has been offering a chicken-wire-covered menu whose highlights include “English Toast with a French Flair” ($7.75), pear-granache omelets ($8.95), crab-stuffed pastry shells ($8.95), fresh-baked English muffins ($1.95) and English fruit shakes it calls “shoogles.” Breakfast served 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. 1660 S. Alma School, Mesa, (480) 345-9288, tcegg.com.
Original Pancake House
This Portland, Ore., chain uses their own sourdough yeast to make more than a dozen kinds of pancakes. Don’t-miss items are the oven-baked apple pancake ($9.95), about the size of deflated volleyball with sauteed apples and cinnamon glaze, and the Dutch Baby ($7.95), an air-filled pastry with butter, lemon and powdered sugar. Breakfast is served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 6840 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, (480) 946-4902, originalpancakehouse.com.
Crackers & Co. Cafe
The décor is a bit “old lady,” but this industrial park hideaway can satisfy the heartiest appetites with nine omelets and five skillets. Homemade blintzes ($6.79), European crepes ($5.59) and cinnamon swirl French toast ($6.59) are sure to boost your blood sugar levels. Breakfast is served 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekends. 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa, (480) 898-1717, crackersandcompanycafe.com.
U.S. Egg
This longtime East Valley favorite offers top-notch omelets, skillets and breakfast burritos, but the real stars of the menu are the Chalé French Toast ($6.95) and the signature Protein Pancakes ($9.25, pictured at left) filled with blueberries, granola, cinnamon and almonds. Breakfast is served 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. 131 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, (480) 831-0070; 3238 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 947-7344; useggrestaurant.com.
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Original Pancake House is outstanding……they do not take credit cards. Not a problem the food is that good and the service is great.
Also Randy’s in the shopping center at Chaparral Road and Hayden Road. Good breakfast selection and reasonable prices and good service.
Arcadia Farms started doing breakfast in June 2008 and they open at A.M. Food is outstanding and great brunch type menu. Prices are good and the service is wonderful and the coffee is great.l
How about “Red Mountain” at Greenfield and University? OR “Wildberry” at Main between Higley and Greenfield? Both have BIG breakfast and Value Prices and GREAT FOOD….
Why all the chain places? Get out in the real world……
Love Randy’s, US Egg & Original Pancake house but you are in for a treat for weekend bruch served at The Mission, new in Old Town Scottsdale - 1st St & Brown. I ate there after going to the farmers market directly across the street a few Saturdays and I have returned twice. May I recommend the cinnamon waffles w/ pecans, carmel and a scoop of ice cream on top! (1st I thought its was a big blob of butter, nice surprise). Also the chiliquiles (sp?) are delicious.