What’s your favorite breakfast? Is it a stack of piping-hot buttermilk pancakes, slathered in butter and maple syrup or are you a classic-breakfast type: bacon and eggs (over easy) with a side of hashbrowns and toast? No matter what you like to eat to start your morning, there are plenty of restaurants that serve great breakfasts right here in Genesee County. These featured eateries were the top picks in My City Magazine’s 2019 City’s Choice Awards.
The Corner Bar
Fenton
cbgfenton.com
This place is famous for its scrumptious weekend brunch menu served from 9am-1pm. They also serve breakfast during the week, from 8-11am. By far, their two most popular breakfast items (brunch only) are Chicken & Waffles, and Avocado Toast, according to Owner, Justin Knight. “Our customers rave about them!” he exclaims. And how could they not? The house-made Belgian bacon waffle with spicy, buttermilk-dipped fried chicken tenders and vanilla crème anglaise, are topped with bourbon maple syrup. The popular Avocado Toast is two eggs any style nestled on grilled whole-grain bread with fresh-sliced avocado and house-made Pico de Gallo, with arugula salad topped with sprouts. “We serve a lot of avocado toast!” Knight exclaims. Brunch offers other favorites such as yummy Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, Brew Cakes, Breakfast Hash and a loaded or veggie omelet … and more.
Flag City Diner
Davison
810.412.4111
The most popular breakfast at this popular eatery is definitely the Strawberry Cream French Toast, which is made with their Country French Toast, topped with cream cheese, fresh strawberries and candied walnuts. And, everything is house-made at the busy Davison diner. Flag City also serves classic breakfasts including fabulous omelets, pancakes and bacon and eggs. If you really need to fuel up for your day, try the Star-Spangled Breakfast Special with three eggs, two sausage links, two pieces of bacon and a slice of ham, served with toast and jelly and two sweet cream pancakes!
Krystal Jo’s Diner
Flint
810.424.3272
You can sit on an old-fashioned stool at this tiny Flint restaurant and watch while Owner Tony Tucker cooks and serves up one of Krystal Jo’s hearty breakfasts, including mouth-watering omelets and skillet scrambles. The popular corned-beef hash is made from scratch and the hashbrowns are fresh cut. What’s most popular? It’s a toss-up between the Steak Skillet and the Southern Skillet scrambles. The Steak Skillet is made with shaved rib-steak, sautéed peppers and onions, scrambled eggs and served over freshly shaved hashbrowns. The hearty Southern Skillet is scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, peppers and ham, served over a hot biscuit, then smothered with cheddar cheese and Krystal Jo’s house-made sausage gravy.
The Laundry
Fenton
lunchandbeyond.com
A part of the Fenton community for decades, The Laundry’s menu features breakfast classics focusing on upscale comfort food made with the highest quality local ingredients they can find. Enjoy a stack of sweet hotcakes topped with fresh strawberries and house-made whipped cream, or one of their piping hot skillets fresh from the stove-top! The Spanish Conquistador is a Laundry favorite! This savory breakfast is served in a cast-iron skillet loaded with crispy tater tots, chorizo sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions and smoked mozzarella cheese. It is oven-baked and topped with two over-easy eggs plus a house-made Spanish romesco sauce.
Leo’s Coney Island
Davison, Fenton, Flint and Grand Blanc
leosconeyisland.com
If your go-to morning meal is a warm, delicious, classic breakfast, Leo’s is the place to go. All of the omelets are made with three eggs and served with a side of crispy hashbrowns, toast and jelly. The best-seller is the Western Omelet made with ham and green pepper. Feel free to add some cheese! The Meat Lover’s Omelet, another customer favorite, is stuffed with ham, bacon, sausage and cheese. Of course, there is nothing better than a classic plate of bacon and eggs served with hashbrowns, toast and jelly.
Starlite Diner &
Coney Island
Burton
starlite1966.com
Starlite has been “making it from scratch since 1966” and is a well-known breakfast spot with two locations. According to Co-owner, Jim Naum, customers love the Big Farmer Breakfast – two farm-fresh eggs, two crisp bacon strips, two sausage links and a slice of ham with breakfast potatoes. This hearty breakfast is served with a stack of buttermilk pancakes on the side. You definitely won’t leave the table hungry! Customers love Starlite’s Belgian waffles, too. “We sell a ton of everything!” Naum exclaims.
CRUST — A Baking Company
Fenton
crustandbeyond.com
A favorite Fenton bakery and restaurant, CRUST is a traditional, artisan bakery complete with a delightful dining room and a full bar, serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Featuring cuisine created with fresh baked goods from the bakery, you can begin your morning with CRUST Bread Pudding French Toast, made with a grilled blend of CRUST breads, egg custard, cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla, served with real whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Want something savory? Try the bruschetta with sautéed spinach, prosciutto, Roma tomatoes, two poached eggs and stone-ground mustard hollandaise on a slice of 104 Sourdough bread. CRUST also offers a daily breakfast special. On the breakfast menu, you will also find a delicious frittata, quiche, bagels, omelets and more!
Flint Crepe Company
Downtown Flint
flintcrepe.com
At Flint Crepe Company, the most popular breakfast item is the Monte Cristo, according to Ryan Beuthin, co-owner of the popular Downtown eatery. This mouthwatering crepe has a great balance of sweet and savory, filled with local ham, an egg gently turned in butter and two Michigan cheeses – a white cheddar and Jack. This is all folded into the crepe, which is topped with house-made powdered sugar (from organic sugar) and served with a side of Black Raspberry Jam from Wee Bee Jammin’, an artisan jam made right here in Michigan.
A close second to the Monte Cristo is the versatile egg & cheese crepe (made with egg, mild and white cheddars) with add-on choices including local greens, ham, tempeh, bacon, house-made aioli sauce or even chicken. “That’s what makes our crepes so popular,” says Beuthin. “There is something for everyone.” The line for Sunday Brunch is often out the door, he adds. And, some people even enjoy a Turkey Reuben for breakfast. “People like that freedom. Crepes can be breakfast, lunch or dinner!”
Steady Eddy’s Café
Flint Farmers’ Market
810.235.1968
Steady Eddy’s is well-known for yummy breakfast fare, according to Nichol Albiar, who co-owns the place along with Chris Veihl. Breakfast is served all day and what customers love most is the delicious South of the Border Omelet stuffed with vegan or turkey chili and Monterey Jack cheese, then topped with fresh avocado, cheddar, tomatoes and sour cream. The omelet is served with home fries and a side of house-made salsa. Other breakfast favorites include the Sweet Nut French Toast, topped with warm syrup, nuts and bananas – a taste sensation and Steady Eddy’s menu staple for many years. “Our pancakes are also very popular,” says Albiar. New to the menu is a vegan breakfast burrito, made with tofu, potatoes, vegan cheese and Impossible (meatless) sausage. “It’s wonderful!”
Photography by Kayce McClure
