Forget the gratitude journal. The best way to start your day is with thoughtful questions like “How do you like your eggs?” and “White, wheat, whole-wheat, or sourdough?” Especially on weekends, you deserve more than just rushing through a cup of coffee, settling for a mediocre protein bar, or clinging to the boredom of a nutritious (but repetitive) smoothie. Whether it’s bagels, benedicts, pancakes, pastries, sandwiches, classic diner fare, waffles, or something with an international twist, breakfast—and the experience surrounding it—should be considered a form of self-care. Fortunately, we hand-picked 25 of the best morning meals that are worth waking up for. 

I’ll Stop the World and Melt with You: Waffles

Placerville’s Golden Waffle Café is a classic diner that delivers on their name with a dizzying lineup of waffles, as well as omelets, skillets, specialty breakfasts, and lunch. But it’s the namesake waffles we come for: from bacon, blackberry, and blueberry, to strawberry almond, apple raisin, and more, there’s one for everyone. The fan favorite is the Bacon Pecan Waffle featuring bacon and pecans cooked into the batter, topped with more pecans, and a slice of bacon; because there’s no such thing as “too much bacon” or “too many pecans.” 1449 Broadway, Placerville, 530-642-9322, thegoldenwafflecafe.com

Roseville’s Four Sisters Café is all about good eats, friendly service, and truth in advertising: It’s owned and run by four actual sisters. Breakfast-wise, popular favorites range from their famous Four Sisters omelet to mango stuffed French toast, but I’m all about tropical waffles—so take me down to paradise waffle city, where the grass is green, and the girls are pretty! What exactly is the Paradise Waffle? It’s a scratch-made macadamia nut Belgian-style waffle topped with fresh bananas and strawberries, sprinkled with toasted coconut, and served with fresh whipped cream and hot maple syrup. Vacation schmacation, just load me up on paradise waffles, and I’m happy!  9050 Fairway Drive, Suite 165, Roseville, 916-797-0770, foursisterscafe.com

El Dorado Hills’ Milestone delivers exceptional service, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and a blue-ribbon brunch menu. At the top of the list is their Fried Chicken & Malted Waffles. How could any mere mortal resist the salty-sweet flavor combo of crispy malted waffles, topped with tender buttermilk panko-breaded fried chicken, crushed bacon, Fuji apples, and hot maple syrup (that’s been steeped with said bacon and apples)? If your taste buds don’t stand up and sing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” from Oklahoma, I’ll have questions for you because for my money, this is capital-G great. No. All-caps GREAT. Throw their bottomless mimosa bar into the mix, and you know I’m going to have to be dragged out of here. I won’t leave. I refuse. 4359 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 116, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-0790, milestoneedh.com

We Are the World: International Breakfasts

For a Mexican-inspired breakfast, look no further than Folsom’s Mexquite, where they offer a delicious array of regional specials, including huevos rancheros, classic chorizo and eggs, and molletes, plus pancakes, a huge array of omelets, and French toast. You can't go wrong with the Huevos Divorciados (divorced eggs): two over-medium eggs, one topped with Mexquite’s specialty red sauce and queso fresco, the other with green tomatillo salsa, cilantro, and onions, served with refried beans and your choice of corn or flour tortillas. Pair it with a mimosa or a bloody mary and your day is already looking up! 25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

With their grand opening in late 2024, The Pantry in Roseville is a newcomer to the area, but don’t let that fool you: They’re already building a devoted following for their creative breakfast and lunch offerings—from breakfast gnocchi and Turkish eggs to baklava pancakes, pistachio French toast, and lemon ricotta pancakes, to name a few. Our go-to is the Cast Iron Skillet Shakshuka, their take on a Middle Eastern classic, with baked tomatoes, peppers, and chickpeas, an egg of your choice (we suggest over-easy), topped with seasoned yogurt and served with your choice of paratha, naan, or toast in a neat little skillet. 1410 East Roseville Parkway, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-222-1610, thepantryroseville.com

Kiss My Grits: Delicious Diner Breakfasts

Greenhouse Café—whose original location is in Citrus Heights—now has a second location in Penryn. At both outposts you can expect stylish, plant-filled environs and an upscale brunch menu with an Eastern European flair (i.e., breakfast made to warm the cockles of your heart). From sweet (lemon blueberry French toast and Nutella crepes) to savory (caprese avocado toast and salmon benedict), you won't leave hungry. For those seeking something that’s both popular and traditional, try the Syriniki: ricotta cheese pancakes with sour cherry compote, creamy vanilla bean custard, and crushed pistachios, aka brunching at its finest and most flavorsome. 8493 Auburn Boulevard, Citrus Heights, 916-745-3322; 3129 Penryn Road, Penryn, 916-259-1881, greenhousepenryn.com

All aboard! Pacific Street Café in Roseville’s historic downtown district is your one-way ticket to a feel-good breakfast; they’ve been serving locals for 32 years and they’re showing no signs of stopping. Come for the working electric train set in the dining room (you read that right), and stay for the great food, train memorabilia, toy train table for kiddos, G Scale train running through the restaurant, and actual trains (they’re right across from the Union Pacific Railyard). First stop on the eats list is their Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, featuring homemade corned beef, onions, and potatoes—all grilled—then topped with two eggs and a side of toast. Tickets, please! 301 Lincoln Street, Roseville, 916-782-5673, pacificstcafe.com

Established in 1977, Katrina’s Café has been Auburn’s go-to diner for almost 50 years, loading up plates with a big helping of friendly foothills service and scratch-made meals; it’s what keeps the whole region returning for more. Their Chicken-Fried Steak & Eggs might confuse Jessica Simpson, but it’s a local favorite: fork-tender steak in seasoned batter, topped with homemade gravy, and served with your choice of fresh fruit, potatoes, or biscuits and gravy. Shout-out to the die-hards who get biscuits and gravy on the side of their steak and gravy: not all heroes wear capes. 456 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, 530-888-1166, katrinasauburn.com

Gold Miner Café is a Folsom classic that’s so beloved the original owner returned in 2020 to keep running it! Come for their home-style comfort food and stay for the friendly smiles. Breakfast-wise, J&J’s Taco Omelet is a local favorite, filled with spicy ground beef, tomatoes, onions, olives, jack and cheddar cheeses, and topped with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and tortilla strips; be sure to add a flaky homemade biscuit on the side, too (gravy not optional). They also serve boozy breakfast beverages, whether you’re thirsty for a mimosa, hibiscus (champagne and cranberry juice), or bloody mary (add extra bacon!). Afternoon plans? Naps. So many naps. 426 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-984-4181, goldminercafe.net

Benny & the Jets: Eggs Benedicts

At Hotel Sutter Restaurant the vibes are historic, harkening all the way back to 1858. Whether you’re dining indoors or taking in the views from the heated outdoor balcony of this notable landmark, vibe-wise, it’ll be a weekend brunch to remember. Try the Sutter Benedict—offered on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.—featuring a croissant with your choice of ham or smoked salmon (go for the salmon!), topped with poached eggs and hollandaise, alongside breakfast potatoes. Avail yourself of their “infinite mimosas” or build your own with their DIY mimosas, where your bottle of choice (Brut or Mumm) is served alongside four juices (pineapple, orange, cranberry, and lavender). 53 Main Street, Sutter Creek, 209-267-0242, hotelsutter.com/sutter-creek-restaurant

Perhaps you prefer your breakfast a little brinier and more upscale, in which case Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse should be your next port of call. Located in the heart of the Folsom Historic District with a sublime atmosphere for both indoor or outdoor dining, their brunch offerings include an oyster bar and a raw bar. But it’s their Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict that just might be the catch of the morning: an English muffin topped with a deliciously fresh Dungeness crab cake, thick-sliced hot house tomatoes, and poached eggs, all finished with lashings of hollandaise. No boat required! 824 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-989-6711, scottsseafoodroundhouse.com

Casual hip vibes are on the menu at South Fork Grille in El Dorado Hills, and their creative brunch offerings make it hard to choose a favorite. Our vote is for the Cheesesteak Benedict, featuring perfectly poached eggs with thinly sliced steak, diced onions, creamy white American cheese, garlic aioli, and chipotle hollandaise served on freshly baked biscuits with crispy hash browns. Bottomless mimosas are available with the purchase of an entrée (wee!) or try their “Hospital Bar Bloody Mary,” featuring Tahoe Blue vodka and South Fork’s own house-made bloody mary mix. 4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 124, El Dorado Hills, 916-458-0206, southforkrestaurants.com

Pull up to Roseville’s Junior Restaurant and Lounge for brunch at the club! They’ve got a great vibe with occasional live music on the weekends, and not one, not two, but five benedicts on their menu. We’re into the Cornbread & Brisket Benedict, featuring poached eggs with BBQ beef brisket, black pepper bearnaise, and crispy onions on top of their delicious cornbread (plus your choice of potatoes or fruit). Pair it with Junior’s bottomless mimosas, naturally, or book a “mimosa flight,” featuring flavors like Mexican Candy with mango, tajin, and tamarind vodka. 390 North Sunrise Avenue, Roseville, 916-886-8092, jrlounge.com

Flip Fantasia: Perfect Pancakes

Tucked in the heart of downtown Loomis, The Mug & Company is a cozy, friendly breakfast spot serving delicious creations to get your day off to a perfect start. From breakfast burritos to benedicts, they’ve got the works. Their “Sticky & Sweet” menu section features Chunky Monkey Pancakes, guaranteed to please the most die-hard pancake fan: two buttermilk hotcakes topped with sliced bananas, chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, whipped cream, and caramel sauce. Need a little extra gas? They’ve got you covered with mimosa flights or a bloody mary. Fill ‘er up! 3589 Taylor Road, Suite H, Loomis, 916-652-5241, themugandcompany.com

Iron Horse Tavern interweaves industrial heritage with a sleek international feel in an expansive, well-designed space. And their exciting brunch menu can’t be beat. From Korean fried chicken to loco moco, you can explore all corners of the globe, or simply delight in creative classics like their delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: three BIG fluffy pancakes topped with cream cheese icing and powdered sugar. They’ve also got bottomless mimosas to go with your breakfast entrée, and we highly recommend an order of beignets “for the table” (wink). 460 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-618-4322; 1800 15th Street, Suite B, Sacramento, 916-448-4488, ironhorsetavern.net

If you’re looking for both breakfast and lunch in warm, inviting, kid-friendly environs (think games, toys, coloring books, and crayons), look no further than The Place on South Pine. Get your day off to a flavorful start with their popular Housemade Pancakes: four fluffy flapjacks prepared with simple, straightforward ingredients of the highest quality (flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, honey, butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract), plus powdered sugar, melted butter, and real organic maple syrup. They also serve freshly squeezed OJ and offer ample “grab-and-go” options—ideal if you’re heading to a nearby hike or other outdoor diversion! 110 S Pine Street, Nevada City, 530-265-0260, theplaceonsouthpine.com

Fried Egg I’m In Love: Breakfast Sandwiches

Mario’s Early Toast has built their mini empire on great breakfasts (check out their brand-new location in El Dorado Hills and soon-to-open Auburn outpost). In amongst all their delectable offerings, the Breakfast Sandwich is a favorite; piled high with sliced ham, bacon, jack and cheddar cheese, avocado, scrambled eggs, sour cream, and tomatoes on grilled sourdough, plus your choice of house potatoes or hash browns. They also have 25-30 types of mimosas and a bacon bloody mary, because as their saying goes, “It’s never too early for a good time!” 8425 Sierra College Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-771-2173; 1950 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 7A, Roseville, 916-347-7741; 4460 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, 916-259-1616; 6693 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-510-2430; 3375 Bass Lake Road, Suite 100, El Dorado Hills, 916-293-9644, mariosearlytoast.com

Can't decide between a sweet or savory breakfast? The Monte Cristo at Buttercup Pantry combines the best of both in one irresistible dish. Thick, hearty slices of sourdough are generously stuffed with layers of creamy jack cheese, savory ham, and tender turkey, all enveloped in a light egg batter before being grilled to golden, crispy perfection. As a delightful finishing touch, the sandwich is lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of house-made raspberry habanero sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy goodness with every bite. 222 Main Street, Placerville, 530-621-1320, buttercuppantry.com

When it comes to avocado toast, it’s oftentimes just “avocado” on “toast,” but the Toast with the Most at Wally’s Pizza Bar is so much more. Imagine a thick slice of parmesan-crusted French bread topped with creamy, freshly sliced avocado. Add a handful of crisp alfalfa sprouts, sharp feta cheese, and a burst of sweetness from ripe cherry tomatoes. Pickled red onions provide a subtle kick, while a delicate balsamic reduction ties everything together in perfect harmony. To top it all off, an egg cooked to your liking completes the dish. Packed with protein, rich in flavor, and a delicious balance of textures, this isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience. 4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com

Butter Be Good to Me: Breakfast Pastries

Julian’s specializes in house-made croissants, pastries, desserts, and savory items, with an expansive brunch and lunch menu (plus dinner Friday-Sunday from 5-9 p.m. in Folsom!). But if binge-watching The Great British Bake Off has made you loopy for lamination (it’s a thing), might we suggest their fan-favorite twist on a Cinnamon Roll? Made from croissant-style dough full of buttery, flaky layers, and topped with oodles of delectable cream cheese frosting, it’s the sweet breakfast treat you’ve been dreaming about. Julian’s is truly lamination city, with cheese Danishes, chocolate croissants, almond croissants, and croissant sandwiches; the only thing you’ll ever find that’s “overworked” is the man himself! 6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-936-4735; 1490 Eureka Road, Suite 170, Roseville, 916-474-5475, julianscafe.com

The Baker and the Cakemaker is where it’s at for scratch-made breakfast pastry delights. Focused on simple, pure, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible (and organic flour!), what they do is make a darn good croissant...and brioche...and muffin...and scone...okay, everything here is good. But the local favorite is by far the Almond Croissant. Slightly sweet, buttery, flaky, and crunchy, it’s the perfect way to kick off your morning. While you’re there, grab a loaf of their scratch-made, organic sourdough (they also sell it at over 30 grocery stores throughout the area). And then come back for one of their famous sandwiches. Or salads. Or soups. Or cakes. 1102 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-537-2056, thebakerandthecakemaker.com

Karen’s Bakery and Café has earned legendary status for its bevy of baked goods and breakfast offerings, but it’s their exceptional Apple Walnut Muffin that has us singing our praises. The entirely vegan treat, made fresh daily, strikes the perfect balance between soft and crumbly on the inside, with a satisfyingly crisp exterior. Bursting with chunks of tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy, freshly chopped walnuts, each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and nutty depth—a must-try for anyone who appreciates a sweet, wholesome start to their day. 705 Gold Lake Drive, Suite 340, Folsom, 916-985-2665, karensbakery.com

Hole Hearted: Homemade Bagels

Located on historic Main Street, Placerville’s Bagel Works provides fresh bagels every morning—courtesy of Truckee Sourdough Company—along with plenty of coffee, smoothies, heartier breakfast options, and all the foothill charm you can handle. Bagels range from classic plain to sweet and savory; they also have a range of homemade schmears (we love both honey walnut and sun-dried tomato!). Don’t sleep on their Jalapeño Scramble, a filling sandwich with eggs, sausage, pepper jack cheese, and pickled jalapeños on your choice of bagel (for some serious pep in your step, we recommend jalapeño). 541 Main Street, Placerville, 530-622-2337, bagelworksplacerville.com

Roseville’s Rose Café & Bagel specializes in freshly baked bagels along with coffee, espresso, blended beverages, sourdough bread, pizzas, beer, and wine. Bagels range from savory (plain, poppyseed, everything, onion) to sweet (chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, blueberry) with every cream cheese flavor one could ever want (strawberry, garlic-herb, garden veggie, and jalapeño-dill, to name a few). Hankering for something hearty? Try their Bacon Sunrise (a toasted bagel of your choice with bacon, eggs, American cheese, tomatoes, and mayo), and thank us later. 4070 Baseline Road, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-746-9890, rosecafeandbagel.com

New York Bagel & Café is a family-owned spot dishing up, you guessed it, New York-style bagels, plus all-day breakfast, coffee, espresso, smoothies, and more. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss their Nova Lox: a generous portion of cold-smoked salmon, plus capers, red onions, tomatoes, and cream cheese on the bagel of your choice (if you opt for spinach, it counts as being halfway healthy, right?). 10929 Olson Drive, Rancho Cordova, 916-631-9509, newyorkbagelsshop.com

by Sharon Penny

Photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations. Milestone photo by Nick DeKalb. Mexquite photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia. The Pantry photo by Lyda Lee of Lyda Studios. Greenhouse Cafe photo by Stephen Leondardi @leo_visions_. Pacific Street Café photo by Dante Fontana ©stylereadersmedia. Katrina's Café photo by @cpanaroma11. Gold Miner Café photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Scott's Seafood Roundhouse photo by Jacob Cantu of Voyage Creative. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations. Junior Restaurant and Lounge photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.  The Place on South Pine photo by @crystallinelensphotog. Mario's Early Toast photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Buttercup Pantry photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia. Wally’s Pizza Bar photo courtesy of Wally's Pizza Bar. Photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations. Karen's Bakery & Cafe photo by Elle Jaye. Rose Cafe & Bagel photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia. NY Bagel & Cafe photo by @productnotfound. Bagel Works photo courtesy of Bagel Works.