I hear it all the time … “We really lack in breakfast options here in Little Rock .”  It’s a fair assessment, and while the food scene would be much improved with more quality breakfast spots, for this post, I wanted to focus on what we do have … and break things down into various groups.

Group 1 – Places I’d Highly Recommend (3)

The Root Cafe, At the Corner, Boulevard Bistro

Details: These three places are the three elite breakfast options in town. At the Corner and The Root both have great pancakes, but the go-to items are the breakfast burrito at At the Corner and the biscuits and gravy at The Root. The smoked salmon bialy and The Breakfast Sandwich are the stars at Boulevard.

Group 2 – Places I’ve Never Had Breakfast At, But Would be Shocked if it Wasn’t Great (2)

One Eleven at the Capital, Leo’s Greek Castle

Details: Granted, One Eleven is a pretty upscale place for breakfast, something many of us just aren’t looking for. But if you’re in the area and want to treat yourself to something special,  I imagine the breakfast at One Eleven is pretty fantastic. In terms of atmosphere, Leo’s is the complete opposite of One Eleven, but if the breakfast is half as good as their cheeseburger, then we’ve got ourselves a winner.

Group 3 – Places I’ve Never Been To, But REALLY Want to Try (2)

Taqueria Guadalajara, Gadwall’s Grill

Details: I give folks shit all the time for not getting in their cars and literally driving the extra mile to eat at different restaurants across the city. But I can be a hypocrite at times, because the reason I’ve never been to either Guadalajara or Gadwall’s is directly related to distance. From the looks of it, Guadalajara has a limited, 4-item breakfast. Gadwall’s does biscuits with chocolate gravy, from what I’m told.

Group 4 – Places I Know Nothing About, But Were Mentioned on the Blog (4)

BJ’s Market Cafe, Red Door, Littlefields, B Side

Details: As stated, I know nothing about the breakfast at these places. Maybe you do … and maybe they are great.

Group 5 – Place That is Just Plain Solid, But Not Spectacular (1)

Mugs Cafe

Details: Mugs Cafe has changed ownership and I haven’t been there in several months, but the place always served a very solid breakfast, including dishes like an egg-white omelet and breakfast tacos. The service has always been consistent, and although the menu won’t wow you, I’ve never left Mugs disappointed.

Group 6 – Places I Know Exist, But Ain’t Knocking Down the Door to Try (6)

Ozark Country Restaurant, Homer’s East and West, DownHome Restaurant & Catering, Frontier Diner, Delicious Temptations

Details: I haven’t heard many good things about Ozark, and while I’ve had good lunches at Homer’s East, the dinner at Homer’s West didn’t inspire a return visit. Truthfully, I’ve eaten breakfast at DownHome once, right when it first opened, but didn’t care for the food. That said, it was early in its existence, and it wouldn’t surprise me if things got a lot better. Frontier Diner makes a mean patty melt for lunch but is a difficult location for me to get to in the morning.

Group 7 – Places to Grab a Quick Donut, Pastry, Smoothie, Etc. (3)

Mark’s Do-Nut Shop, Mylo Coffee Co., I Love Juice Bar, El Torito

Details: Of course there are more than three of these types of places in town, but these are the three I recommend for a quick bite. The chocolate banana muffin at Mylo is elite and donuts at Mark’s are the best you’ll find in this area. Get the Acai Bowl at I Love Juice Bar … you’ll be good ’til lunch.