They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but even if it wasn’t, who can resist fluffy pancakes drenched in maple syrup sitting next to two perfectly fried eggs? Of course, finding a good breakfast restaurant in Seattle that isn’t a usual run-of-the-mill chain restaurant can be hard enough, let alone one that caters to families and can put up with squirmy kids (not yours, of course!). Don’t worry! We’ve done the hard work for you. Here are some of the best locally-owned places for breakfast in Seattle.
Geraldine's Counter - Columbia City
Everyone raves about Geraldine’s pleasant atmosphere. What’s not to love with the bright colors, the airy space and the movie posters on the walls? Your kids will definitely want to eat at the counter, so this might make for a great space to take one child for a special morning out with mom or dad. This popular spot consistently gets rave reviews for its breakfast menu, and especially the French Toast. Breakfast is so important here that it's served all day long! From the simple House-Made Granola to Geraldine’s Casserole (full of pork sausage, hash browns and pepper jack cheese), there is something for everyone. Your kids might even want to break with tradition and go with the Peanut Butter & Jelly with Fries.
4872 Rainier Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-723-2080
Online: geraldinescounter.com
Fat's Chicken and Waffles - Cherry Street
For families who are late risers or prefer to eat breakfast for lunch, Fat’s is your place. The New Orleans-influenced restaurant serves breakfast every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here, you can enjoy the traditional Fat’s Breakfast, which includes two eggs, three sausage links or four slices of bacon, breakfast potatoes or grits and a waffle or a biscuit, but we suggest going for the Fried Chicken and Waffle plate where you can add a side of three eggs for $3. The chicken here is incredible. Your kids might like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Sandwich or split a plate with you … if you think you can share. Note: Fat’s is closed on Mondays.
Fat’s Chicken and Waffles
2726 E. Cherry St.
Seattle, WA 98122
206-602-6863
Online: fatschickenandwaffles.com
Bacon Breakfast Cafe - Marysville
This unassuming restaurant surprises everyone who gives it a try. It’s a small place, and chances are great that you’ll have to wait for a table on the weekends, but it’s totally worth it. Featuring over 50 breakfast items, the Bacon Breakfast Café will please everyone in the family with everything from vegetarian dishes to the incredible Bacon Omelette. The service here is quick and friendly, and the prices are reasonable too. The kids’ menu features dishes ranging from $2.99-$3.99 and includes Texas French Toast and a variety of pancake choices including chocolate chip, blueberry and banana. Rumor has it that they are hoping to expand. Let’s hope so.
3943 116th St. NE Suite 113
Marysville, WA 98072
360.548.3252
Online: baconbreakfastcafe.com
Portage Bay Cafe - Four Seattle Locations
Brunch is a big deal at Portage Bay Café. It's served all day, seven days a week at the Portage Bay Ballard and 65th Street locations. The other spots serve brunch all day on the weekends and until 11:30 a.m. during the week. What’s the big fuss? Well, for some, it’s the huge Breakfast Bar topping buffet. Here’s the deal—you order from a select list of items, and then you can load up from a huge selection of seasonal fruit, nuts and whipped cream. You can share with your kids, or they can order from their own menu, which includes scrambled eggs, French toast and pancakes. The menu also features plenty of other breakfast favorites.
900 N.E. 65th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
206-529-3252
4130 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-547-8230
2821 N.W. Market
Seattle, WA 98107
206-783-1547
391 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-462-6400
Online: portagebaycafe.com
B3 Breakfast & Burger Bar - Lynnwood
If you like biscuits bigger than your head (and who doesn’t?), then you have got to experience B3 in Lynnwood. This unique restaurant offers upscale choices you won’t find at other restaurants alongside many favorite breakfast staples. Here you can enjoy Fried Chicken and Brioche French Toast, Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes or Gluten-Free Seeded Cinnamon Raisin French Toast. The young ones will just about die if they don’t get the Mickey Mouse pancakes with bacon or sausage and fruit.
4027 196th St. SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-672-3666
Online: b3wa.com
The Crumpet Shop - Pike Place Market
Located in Pike Place Market, this eatery first opened in 1976 and was originally called The United Metropolitan Improved Crumpet Baking & Punctual Delivery Company, but according to the founder Gary Lasater, “customers just nodded and smiled and called us The Crumpet Shop.” Either way, your family will enjoy these English griddle cakes which are cooked, then toasted and then topped with either sweet or savory toppings. Enjoy with a fresh espresso or freshly brewed cup of whole leaf tea.
The Crumpet Shop
1503 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98117
Online: thecrumpetshop.com
Glo's - East Olive Way
Glo’s considers itself as “an original coffee shop,” but a quick glance at their website of the photos posted on Yelp say otherwise. Since 1987, Gloreen Raineri has been serving up warmth and hospitality with her delicious breakfast combinations. The different variations of Glo’s Eggs Benedict is the restaurant’s pride and joy, but “honorable mentions also go to our home-style corned beef hash, fresh-made buttermilk biscuits and creamy vegetarian mushroom gravy,” she says on her website. Your kid might enjoy a One Egg Breakfast (with hash browns and toast) or a Belgian Waffle topped with fruit (ask for a to-go box to take the rest home!) They are popular, so expect a wait on the weekends, but they will offer you a cup of coffee while you wait.
Glo’s
1621 East Olive Way
Seattle, WA 98102
Online: gloscafe.com
Chace's Pancake Corral - Bellevue
With a name like Chace’s Pancake Corral, you have a pretty good idea of what you are going to find here. Nothing fancy, this Bellevue hangout has been a favorite of the locals since it opened in 1958, and not much has changed over the years. They are still serving up their famous pancakes (buttermilk, Swedish, Banana and potato) and waffles (pecan, strawberry, chocolate and sour cream) to the applause of many. What kid would refuse a plate of dollar-sized pancakes? If it is good enough for Seattle Mariners’ Felix Hernandez, it is good enough for us!
Chace’s Pancake Corral
1606 Bellevue Way SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Online: facebook.com/Pancake-Corral
425-454-8888
5 Spot - Queen Anne
“We make a concerted effort to offer your child as wholesome a meal as they are likely to eat in a restaurant setting,” says 5 Spot. “Please note that we develop and offer a seasonal menu item on our children's menu, so they too can enjoy our seasonal picks as well!” 5 Spot isn't kidding. They offer a pretty extensive kid’s menu, including fun items like the 5 Spot Waffle Stomper, Eaton-Wright Ham Scram and Better’N Mom’s Oatmeal. Serving breakfast all day, parents might enjoy items like the Red Flannel Hash, Pan Rumbles or settle in for a Fat Cat’s Head Cinnamon Roll. Of course, you’ll find a lot of traditional breakfast faves as well here.
5 Spot
1502 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-285-7768
Online: chowfoods.com/5-spot
Chantrelle - Edmonds
Located in a historic building in historic Edmonds, you’ll find the beautiful and popular bistro, Chanterelle. While the service and food are top notch, the prices are a lot more affordable than you would expect. Mom and dad will appreciate the breakfast choices like the Crab Avocado Omelette, the Portobello Benedict and the Orange Cornmeal Waffle as well as the freshly made Orange Cranberry Muffins and Sour Cream Walnut Coffee Cake. Fresh espresso beverages are available in addition to the regular Joe too. The kids' menu features mix-and-match items such as Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Muffins and more. Located just three blocks away from Puget Sound, consider taking a short walk after eating.
316 Main St.
Edmonds, WA 98020
425-774-0650
Online: chanterellewa.com
—Jeff Totey
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