A warm breakfast is the perfect cure for chilly winter mornings. While homemade meals are an enjoyable option, the Triangle offers multiple highly-rated breakfast restaurants for both convenience and a tasty alternative. To navigate the plethora of breakfast options around the area, the GH Falcon curated a list of the best breakfast spots in the Triangle!
Bruegger’s Bagels
Founded in 1983, Bruegger’s Bagels is committed to serving authentic New York style kettle-boiled bagels. Some of the fan favorites include the classic salt bagel, the savory everything bagel, the sweet (but not too sweet) cinnamon raisin bagel and the unique sesame bagel. Bruegger’s prides itself on using only five wholesome ingredients in its basic bagel: flour, water, yeast, malt and salt. You can top your bagel of choice with the many delicious cream cheese options to pick from. If you’re not in the mood for a bagel, Bruegger’s also serves a variety of breakfast sandwiches. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Bruegger’s Bagels is sure to offer you a seasoned taste of New York City breakfast items at their Raleigh and Cary locations.
First Watch
Founded in 1938 and native to California, First Watch is a popular restaurant chain with many locations around the Triangle area. First Watch gets its name from the early risers who work the very first shift of the day, and exclusively serves only breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Their menu is full of classic breakfast dishes, with some special healthy versions as well. For those new to First Watch, the Classic Farm Stand breakfast tacos, elevated egg sandwich, avocado toast, and AM Superfood bowl are great dishes to begin with. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with their ChickiChanga, a tortilla filled with whipped eggs, spicy chicken, cheese and avocados – one of their most beloved innovations. First Watch prides itself on delivering freshly made food using fresh ingredients. Their friendly customer service and wide selection of breakfast items has made First Watch one of the most rapidly growing breakfast and lunch chains in America.
Coffee and Crepes
Located on Crossroads Boulevard, Coffee and Crepes houses a cozy atmosphere with a wide variety of delectable crepes to enjoy. Crepes, French delicacy, are thin pancakes that can be paired with sweet or savory toppings. Since 2003, Coffee and Crepes has specialized in their versatile selection of savory and sweet crepes, with a full espresso bar filled with locally roasted coffee. Coffee and Crepes has nearly every flavor you could think of, but if you’re not in the mood for a crepe, there are plenty of sandwich and waffle options available as well. Open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends, Coffee and Crepes is a great location to try something new, meet up with friends, hang out with family or just enjoy alone time.
Brigs at the Crossing
Making full use of a nostalgic 90’s restaurant vibe, Brigs at the Crossing serves a wide variety of all- day breakfast items. From eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, French toast and omelets to a seasoned variety of sandwiches, salads and burgers, Brigs at the Crossing provides an exceptional collection of flavors and unique combinations, with festive November and December holiday specials. Located at Maynard Crossing and open all seven days of the week from 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Brigs at the Crossing is a perfect brunch place to meet with friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal.
The Shiny Diner
The Shiny Diner is a retro and vintage style diner that is known for its classic and specialty breakfast items. The Shiny Diner delivers all the most beloved breakfast specialities – fried apples, waffles, eggs to order, crispy fries, bacon and grits. If you’re looking for a taste of southern flavors, you can indulge in the southern biscuits and gravy for $5.99. If you are more adventurous, you may want to consider the Big Bopper Breakfast, a plate that consists of southern style buttermilk biscuits, your choice of eggs, bacon or city ham, and plated with a side of hash browns, home fries and grits. The Shiny Diner is the Triangle’s only diner and has served over 2 million guests since its opening in 1997. It’s hard to miss the Shiny Diner as it’s open seven days a week – if you’re not in the mood for breakfast, the Shiny Diner also serves lunch and dinner.
Regardless of whether you enjoy syrup-soaked pancakes or a savory sandwich for breakfast, there is a restaurant to suit your needs. Feel free to check out one of these locations to enjoy the breakfast experience!
