Good Morning

Breakfast, brunch, whatever you call your morning- to late-morning meal, is (health-wise) the most important and (trend-wise) the most social meal of the day. We've all waited in line for the most popular brunch spots (one writer even felt the need to rant about it), and we've assembled some suggestions for those who can't afford to make breakfast an all-day affair.

One Writer's Biggest Complaint

I can't eat brunch. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, no one goes to Bella Vista's revered brunch spots anymore -- they're too crowded. I used to love weekend brunch at Sabrina's, or the Morning Glory, or Carman's. Now I've gotta stand in line for like five hours behind a bunch of brunch carpetbaggers who I just know aren't from the 'hood. Can't anyone else in this town make stuffed french toast? Brunch in your own backyard, people! I'm hesitant to mention that the Royal Tavern's new brunch hours have been a godsend of late. Guess I'll have to start waiting in line there, too.--BHo

Best No-Wait Weekend Breakfast

Sure, the biscuits in Bella Vista are fantastic, but is it really necessary to wait an hour -- sometimes two! -- for them? Join us in breaking free of the hype, and head to Tenth Street Pour House. Picture it: It's Sunday morning, you're likely hung-over, hungry and need coffee like never before. So, you walk right into this sunny little spot, sit down at one of many tables and before you know it, you've ordered and you're sipping your first cup of perfect coffee. In a flash, you're eating, your refilled mug nestled cozily in your grasp. The food is fresh, tasty and well-prepared. You're out in an hour, while the folks a few blocks away are still waiting for their first cuppa joe.--NA

262 S. 10th St., 215-922-5626.

Best Place to Avoid the Morning Glory Brunch Line

True, they may not be Glory cakes, but that's fine, because Beau Monde's crepes, whether they're stuffed with berries or salmon, exist on their own plane of decadence. (Need more convincing? Try these three words: Nutella for breakfast.) The brunch menu is supplemented by some more traditional fare, including savory, thick slabs of bacon. And a bonus: Those who are suffering from the aftereffects of weekend imbibing can try one of Beau Monde's mimosas or bloody marys from the fully stocked bar.--MJ

624 S. Sixth St., 215-592-0656.

Best Breakfast Through a Straw

Though not just for breakfast, the Hot Smoothies from Old City's Thinkers Grille kick Carnation Instant Breakfast to the curb. Imagine sipping a warm, low-fat, smooth-as-silk oatmeal-and-fruit-based concoction through a straw, and not only liking it, but wondering if you can make these things at home. Surprisingly tasty and available in nine flavors, these stick-to-your-ribs blends will jump-start even your most butt-dragging morning. At $2.49 for a 14-ounce container, they won't break the bank, and flavors like hot apple pie, blueberry muffin, peach cobbler and pineapple upside-down cake keep things interesting.--TB

111 S. Fourth St., (lower level at The Bourse), 215-625-THIN.

Best Diner Breakfast for Under $4

It's never easy to find a mouthwatering bargain breakfast, even in a diner-littered city such as this, so thank goodness for Sulimay's. Chef/owner Lucretia Sulimay's signature dish -- homemade buttermilk pancakes -- can be had for a staggering $2.50. For a couple more bucks, order her frittata wrap: a perfect blend of sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions and impossibly fluffy eggs wrapped in a spinach tortilla with a hearty side of roasted potatoes. You'll be hard-pressed to find a meal that good anywhere else for the same price. And the wait staff is unbelievably friendly, even during the morning rush.--AW

632 E. Girard Ave., 215-423-1773.

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