Make Time For Breakfast: Bites Nearby

Skipping breakfast can make you feel out of whack as if the planets have become unaligned (refer to the Jimmy Dean’s breakfast commercials). 

And yet, hurried and harried each morning, many adults run out the door with empty stomachs—perhaps even after making sure their kids have eaten breakfast.

Eating breakfast out doesn’t have to break the bank or take very long, but it does take planning and perhaps a little extra effort. If weekday mornings are impossible, get out on the weekend or on school holidays.

Here’s a round up of a few local eateries who offer a chance to start your day on the right foot.

And if time is of the essence, call ahead to have your order ready for pick-up.

Side note: Many and perhaps even all of these establishments donate to local school and community fundraisers and events.

Prices listed do not include tax and gratuity. Feel free to add your own favorite breakfast nook not listed here.

Darien

It sounds like dessert and could possibly be shared, but the Stuffed French Toast with peaches for $9.95 is a popular item. Of course the large selection may have you back again soon to try something different.

Blueberry Hill Pancake House How about the Blue Plate Special, customized to your liking? It includes two eggs, cooked to order, one of six meat sides and a half-order of some tempting carbs, including pancakes, French toast, waffles, fruit or biscuits and gravy—all for $6.39. Or, try their signature Baked Blueberry Pancakes

Lemont

 Spice up your morning with a Mexican omelet made with tomatoes, green pepper, onion, bacon, mushrooms, Mexican cheese and served with potatoes and toast for $7.95. Or substitute chorizo for bacon for $8.95.

Pancake Cafe They carry all the staples you would expect in addition to a seasonal menu currently featuring a Black Forest Waffle—a thick Belgian waffle with chocolate chips, cherries, powdered sugar and whipped cream for $8.45. A coupon for $5 off the seasonal menu is available online.

Woodridge

 The Mediterranean Skillet includes potatoes, green peppers, onion, tomatoes, feta cheese and gyro meat topped with eggs and served with toast or pancakes for $8.50. Southern Eggs Benedict for $7.95 layers a poached egg with a sausage patty on an English muffin topped with country gravy and served with a side of potatoes.

Steven’s Family Restaurant The Steven’s Skillet Deluxe, only $7.49, mixes hash browns with mushrooms, ham, peppers, cheese and onions and then tops it off with two eggs. The leftovers could be breakfast for the next day.