Houston’s got a gaggle of breakfast classics around town — the Breakfast Klub, La Guadalupana and Fountain View Cafe, among others. But a new crop of breakfast options has popped up over the last year or two, giving our golden standards some healthy competition.
Here are 10 of my more recent favorites to try. All are places that serve a weekday morning repast — no brunch options included.
Adair Kitchen
This Galleria-area newcomer wins our seal of approval as our favorite new breakfast in town. The menu offers updated looks at the classics: omelets, chicken and waffles, oatmeal and more.
First time? Try the whole wheat banana pancakes — seriously. Adair Kitchen has recently added a juice menu, too; not all of the combos work for me, but they’re fun for a try.
Eatsie Boys
A hearty breakfast at the new Eatsie Boys Café on M-M-M-Montrose sets you up well for the day. The staple Eggman Sandwich is great, of course, but our current favorite is the Disco Biscuit: a fresh-baked biscuit loaded up with two sunny-side-up eggs and sinfully good chorizo gravy.
Don’t overlook the E-Boys coffee program, which is praiseworthy in its own right.
Pondicheri
Pondicheri’s breakfast is wonderful on its own accord — but it’s also unlike any other breakfast in the city, making it a fun and festive way to start your day. It’s hard to beat the masala eggs and breakfast frankie, but the green dosa (filled with saag and fresh greens) sure provides a delicious energy kick.
The new juice list is a revelation. Flavors are tasty and clean, without the jumbled confusion of many juice concoctions.
Tiny Boxwood’s
Join the pretty people in the gardens at Tiny Boxwood’s for a serene morning start. The breakfast menu is short, but sufficient, featuring things like oatmeal, migas and pulled pork breakfast tacos.
I sure liked the “simple breakfast,” a beautiful plate of scrambled eggs, refried black beans, toast and strawberry jam. Pastries are top-notch, too.
Blacksmith
The menu at Blacksmith is available all day — not just at breakfast — but we love starting our morning with a gorgeous plate of Vietnamese steak and eggs. Need something smaller?
The beauteous biscuit certainly deserves all the praise it has garnered, and it comes with a sweet side of marmalade and whipped crème fraîche. And then, of course, there’s the coffee. Oh sweet Lord, the coffee.
Down House
There’s something about the vintage feel of Down House that puts you in a sustainably great mood. You’ll find better breakfast tacos elsewhere, so go with something more Down-House-esque — like the Vermonter: an English muffin topped with bacon, Cheddar, tomato and a sunny-side-up egg.
The Chicken & Waffles and classic Down Breakfast are also worthy choices, and the coffee program is a winner, too.
Kraftsmen Cafe
The Kraftsmen Cafe, a hidden favorite in the Heights, is an understated place with underrated sandwiches and pastries. Breakfast is a fantastic time to stop by. After all, that’s when they serve croissant sandwiches, French Toast (made with Kraftsmen brioche), bagels and quiche.
Plus, the light-filled dining room is a lovely spot to read the paper or catch up with friends.
Breakfast Burritos Anonymous
Hit up Inversion Coffee House on Montrose any weekday morning to find the friendly Breakfast Burritos Anonymous food truck. While the build-your-own tacos and burritos are the most popular items, we sure liked the breakfast egg sandwich with sausage and caramelized onions on Texas toast. (Mmmmm, Texas toast!)
Plus, you can head inside to grab a coffee during your short wait for food.
Sweet Paris
Feeling French? Chassé on over to the Sweet Paris creperie and cafe in Rice Village for a warm breakfast crepe. Most options are savory, egg-filled creations, lovingly ladled with gooey cheese and fresh toppings.
But there are a few sweet options, too, including a yogurt parfait crepe. It’s nice to note that Sweet Paris can do vegan and gluten-free crepes as well.
Lola
This funky diner at 11th and Yale in the Heights offers traditional breakfast favorites, served up in no time. I’ve always had great chicken and waffles there, but the pancakes and omelets earn high marks as well.
Nope, I haven’t had the guts to try the morning chicken fried steak yet, but it’s there for the taking. Report back if you try it, please.
The whole wheat banana pancakes at Adair Kitchen satisfy your sweet cravings without leaving you with a sugar hangover.
