The Best College Town Breakfast Spots

The Spoon Choice Awards celebrate eateries in college towns for providing the most delicious food and inviting environments to students in the area. All of the winners are chosen by college students at universities around the country.

A solid breakfast diner is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy college ecosystem. Treating yourself after taking a super hard test? Order a short stack of pancakes with *extra* chocolate chips and whipped cream. Recovering from a Saturday night where you indulged in too many White Claws? A full breakfast complete with bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast will basically cure you. Hosting your parents for the weekend and showing them your favorite places? Send them off with a bagel breakfast sandwich with the university stamp of approval.

Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, it’s the best meal of the day! No one is asking to have dinner food at 8 a.m. in the same way people crave waffles for dinner, right? From oatmeal topped with seasonal fruit and locally-made granola and fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate croissants to tomato-topped bagels and lox and spice-tinged huevos rancheros, breakfast foods are unbeatable. College students from across the country shared their favorite pastry bakeries, egg-centric cafes, and brunch eateries that deserve all the praise and are worth the wait in long lines on Sunday morning. So, order a fresh cup of coffee, and get ready to be blown away by these Spoon Choice Award-winning breakfast spots. 

Click on the map above to check out all the winners.

Chef's Table, Fairfield, CT

Established in 1995, this shop has remained a warm and delicious go-to for Connecticut natives and tourists, alike. Featuring colorful rainbow bagels, chocolate-dipped croissants, and more, this is a baked goods-lover haven. Plus, breakfast is served until 1:45 p.m., which is ideal.

Nominated by Fairfield University

Dog Bar Jim, Brunswick, ME

Cozy and comforting, Dog Bar Jim is an inviting spot with a mouthwatering array of beverages, pastries, and breakfast burritos. If you need to cram for a test, consider this the ideal study fuel. 

Nominated by Bowdoin College

Milkweed, Boston, MA

Brunch squad, line up! Milkweed is best known for its sweet and aesthetically-pleasing French toast offerings, savory omelets, and gorgeous cocktail menu. This restaurant has "a menu fit for a monarch" and offers a beautiful backdrop for Instagram photos. 

Nominated by Northeastern University

Pavement Coffeehouse, Boston, MA

The best way to wake up is definitely with a bagel in hand. Pavement Coffeehouse boasts a myriad of locations in Boston and Cambridge and serves up authentic kettle-boiled bagels on the daily. From classic egg and cheese to Vegan Tequila Sunrise breakfast sandwiches, the sky is the limit for your ideal bagel experience. 

Nominated by Boston University

Tatte, Boston, MA

French food fans need to add Tatte, a Massachusetts- and Washington D.C.-based restaurant, to their must-try list. The bakery is a dream come true with croissants, tartines, hot cross buns, and scones overflowing in the display case. Brunch is also a delight as Tatte offers various shakshuka options, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh salads. 

Nominated by Emerson College

Kupel's Bakery, Brookline, MA

Bagels and muffins and danish, oh my! Kupel's is the premier kosher bakery in the area with the best bagel sandwiches hungry commuters could want. 

Nominated by Boston University

Cafe 72, Ewing, NJ

Where are my egg lovers at? Cafe 72 has several options for Benedicts, omelets, and scrambles. Plus, you have to grab something sweet, too, and the seasonal donuts are definitely the move. 

Nominated by The College of New Jersey

Tortoise & Hare, Bronx, NY

Fill your weekend with Bloody Marys, bellinis, and mimosas at Tortoise & Hare's beloved brunch. At this establishment, you're allowed to have a loaded baked mac & cheese as your first meal of the day.

Nominated by Manhattan College

Crazy Beans, Stony Brook, NY

Misfits, rebels, trouble-makers, and more are always invited into the wonderful walls of Crazy Beans. From hearty chicken and waffles to fully loaded home fries, you will leave this spot satisfied and caffeinated. 

Nominated by Stony Brook University

Trivet Diner, Allentown, PA

Simple and nostalgia-inducing, Trivet Diner is a classically American breakfast restaurant. With cost-effective omelette offerings (including a pizza and pierogi option) and hotcake choices, you'll rock around the clock with this menu. 

Nominated by Muhlenberg College

Ard's Farm, Lewisburg, PA

Ard's Farm is the ultimate place for a fresh, locally-sourced breakfast, which includes seasonal quiches, Maryland crab bennys, and beyond. After you pay your check, make sure to take a stroll through the market and pick up some chocolates, produce, wine, and beyond. 

Nominated by Bucknell University

All Star Bagels, Lewisburg, PA

With a name like All Star Bagels, you'll have a tough time picking just one bagel to eat in the morning. From tried and true everything-seasoned and sesame-topped bagels all the way to French toast and tomato basil-flavored, there's a sweet or savory option for you. 

Nominated by Bucknell University

Gram's Eatery, Lewisburg, PA

A drunken night out requires a hungover morning at Gram's Eatery. Its breakfast paninis and tacos will certainly revive any patron who walks through the door. 

Nominated by Bucknell University

Cracked, Champaign, IL

Lovers of eggs, cheese, and bacon, rejoice! Cracked originally started as a food truck, but garnered so much popularity, it turned into a beloved and busy storefront. The Morning Bender is the ideal breakfast sandwich order to nurse your weekend bender. 

Nominated by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ann Sather, Chicago, IL

Ann Sather's cinnamon rolls will have you on cloud nine. Plus, you can save your money on overpriced brunch mimosas as this spot is BYOB.

Nominated by Loyola University Chicago

Ovo Frito Café, Evanston, IL

This Spanish-American inspired breakfast and lunch place boasts a vast menu with flair. Whether you prefer a savory, meat-filled breakfast plate or a sweet, syrupy start to your day, there's a menu item for every palate at this Evanston hot spot. 

Nominated by Northwestern University

Le Peep, Valparaiso, IN

At Le Peep, some breakfasts are served on normal plates, such as the cinnamon swirl pancakes or breakfast poutine, but others are served in a skillet, like the impeccable smoked brisket hash. With speedy and kind service, this just might become a weekly pit stop.  

Nominated by Valparaiso University

The Roost, Lawrence, KS

If your idea of a perfect breakfast mostly involves a huge plate of seasoned hash browns, The Roost should be your first stop in the morning. Known for delicious potatoes and succulent sandwiches, you might have a hard time choosing what to pair with your espresso drink. However, you can also never go wrong with ordering the biscuits and gravy. 

Nominated by The University of Kansas

Benny's Family Dining, Ann Arbor, MI

No matter how far you may have traveled to be on the University of Michigan campus, Benny's Family Dining will make you feel right at home. Traditional American comfort foods such as steak and eggs and buttermilk pancakes will help you start your day off right. 

Nominated by University of Michigan

Stray Hen, Ann Arbor, MI

Why get a beer flight when you can get a mini waffle flight at Stray Hen? Sample these sweets as an appetizer before you chow down on a decadent breakfast bowl or a fancy pesto toast. 

Nominated by University of Michigan

For Crêpe Sake, East Lansing, MI

You can't be sad when you're eating a crêpe — that's just breakfast science. Customize your crêpe with sweet lemon and sugar filling, melty ham and Swiss cheese, and much more. 

Nominated by Michigan State University

Fox In The Snow Cafe, Columbus, OH

Fancy, fresh pastries anyone? Grab a blueberry galette, banana bread slice, or scone for a sweet start to the day. Plus, this is the best place in Ohio to score New Orleans-style iced coffee with the signature chicory flavor. 

Nominated by The Ohio State University

Hangover Easy, Columbus, OH

Not only does Hangover Easy have the greasiest, saltiest, most delicious breakfast food on OSU's campus, it also has a sense of humor that every college kid will love. For example, its buttermilk pancake stack is called "Struggling To Get Up" on the menu. 

Nominated by The Ohio State University

Short Stack Eatery, Madison, WI

Short Stack Eatery is the ultimate breakfast spot that serves the best meal of the day...all day long. It's even vegan- and gluten-free-friendly, offering a satisfying meal to all in need of a good breakfast burrito or pancake stack. 

Nominated by University of Wisconsin-Madison

JOJO Coffeehouse, Scottsdale, AZ

Let's face it — picking one iced coffee in the morning is overrated. Enter JOJO Coffehouse's coffee flight, featuring cold brew, mocha, caramel macchiato, and more, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping to yourself. The avocado toast and "Scramble" are restaurant faves. 

Nominated by Grand Canyon University

Prep & Pastry, Tucson, AZ

Fresh pastries baked daily, friendly service, an array of mimosa flavors...what else could you ask for? Prep & Pastry offers all of these as well as brunch sandwiches, scrambles, and even mocktails. 

Nominated by University of Arizona

Afternoon, Gainesville, FL

The groovy atmosphere of this Gainesville breakfast spot isn't the only thing that keeps patrons coming back. Delicious seasonal offerings including its whipped feta toast and staples such as the Dutch baby are crave-worthy. Plus, Afternoon's extensive coffee bar is worth a visit at any hour of the day. 

Nominated by University of Florida

The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery, Tallahassee, FL

The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery is absolutely, positively bread heaven. Rotating scone flavors, brioche French toast, and sourdough pop-tarts are just the beginning of this vast and glutenous menu. 

Nominated by Florida State University

The General Muir, Atlanta, GA

This Jewish deli-style diner is the bagel hot spot near Emory University. Build your own open-faced bagel by first choosing from a variety of flavored schmears, then pick your fish, and of course, don't forget to order tomato, onion, and capers.  

Nominated by Emory University

Buttermilk Kitchen, Atlanta, GA

Coffee lovers have some tough choices to make when heading into Buttermilk Kitchen. Options include French press, espresso drinks, cold brew beverages, and bottomless local drip coffee. Once you finally decide between Almond Joy cold brew or the green tea latte, you'll definitely have to put an order in for the biscuit basket served with house-made jams and jellies. 

The Flying Biscuit Cafe, Atlanta, GA

The Flying Biscuit Cafe's whole menu is dedicated to Southern food lovers. Featuring build-your-own grits bowls and myriad chicken and waffles options, you may have to order a little bit of everything. Of course, you can't leave without having a signature Fluffy Flying Biscuit...or three. 

Nominated by Emory University

Lou Lou's Café at Spare-Time, Alexandria, KY

Even if you live in a dorm with a microwave and mini fridge, home cooking is not far away when you're at Northern Kentucky University. Lou Lou's Café serves up all of the essentials including chocolate chip pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and omelets. 

Nominated by Northern Kentucky University

Leola's Cafe, Baton Rouge, LA

Breakfast boards? Yes, please! Leola's Cafe is a flowery and fun restaurant offering a fruit and brie board, a pancake flight, and a whole breakfast plate beautifully placed on a board for one. Plus, brunch fans can delight in seasonal salads and fancy brie-filled grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Nominated by Louisiana State University

Satsuma Café, New Orleans, LA

This breakfast and lunch hot spot is within walking distance from campus, and the options are endless. You can hydrate with fresh cold-pressed juices and caffeinate with teas, lattes, and coffee. These breakfast sandwiches and burritos are a necessity for the Tulane student on the go. 

Nominated by Tulane University

Counter Cafe, Austin, TX

Breakfast is served all day at the beloved Counter Cafe in Austin. Featuring crab cake Benedict, quail and eggs, southern poached eggs, and beyond, students will find fresh and local food here after a morning at the gym or an 8 a.m. lecture.

Nominated by The University of Texas at Austin

Urban Table, College Station, TX

Fresh takes on classic American dishes combine familiar flavors with thrilling foodie fun. For example, if you don't settle for a typical eggs Benedict, order Urban Table's Benedict burger. 

Nominated by Texas A&M University

Esperanza's, Fort Worth, TX

Start your day with an authentic and award-winning Mexican breakfast if you're near Texas Christian University. Chicharron con huevos, chilaquiles, and breakfast tacos are just a handful of many delectable options to order for the table. 

Nominated by Texas Christian University

First Watch, Fairfax, VA & Richardson, TX

First Watch doesn't just do scrambled eggs and omelettes. It also has very elegant frittata options. Brunch fans definitely have to order a glass of the Cinnamon Toast Cereal Milk cocktail. Big portions, myriad sweet and savory options, and coffee galore are what make this spot a UT Dallas staple. You can always count on the chile chorizo omelet as a fantastic order.

Nominated by George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) & The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX)

Village Cafe, Richmond, VA

If plain buttermilk pancakes just don't cut it anymore, Village Cafe has you covered with options ranging from banana and blueberry mix-ins all the way to Oreo additions. If you're not into sweet breakfasts, the breakfast quesadilla might be your new favorite way to start the day. 

Nominated by Virginia Commonwealth University

Mezzo's, Berkeley, CA

Who could resist a build-your-own breakfast burrito? Yes, avocado does cost extra, but it's totally worth it. Not a burrito fan? Mezzo's loaded toasts are sure to satisfy, too. 

Nominated by University of California, Berkeley

Bagel Cafe, Isla Vista, CA

This bagel sandwich haven will never leave you bored. From the Hangover melt featuring bacon, jalapeño salsa, and cheddar cheese all the way to Nutty Banana with honey walnut cream cheese, banana, and cinnamon sugar, there's a mix for every mood. 

Nominated by University of California, Santa Barbara

Gold Coast Bagel Co., La Mesa, CA

A lovely staff with bagel passion offers nothing but delicious sandwiches and spreads with quick service. Patrons will attain these fresh, house-made bagels for the perfect price, too. 

Nominated by San Diego State University

Kitchen Story, San Francisco, CA

This totally Instagram-worthy San Fran spot is the best place to settle in for bottomless brunch mimosas. Plus, bacon connoisseurs definitely have to order the cinnamon or rosemary bacon for a uniquely seasoned treat. 

Nominated by San Francisco State University

Addi's Diner, Eugene, OR

Cute and homey, Addi's Diner serves breakfast delights, including its famous hotcake. This single hotcake is so massive, it takes up half of the table.

Nominated by University of Oregon

Jeremiah's Restaurant, Ogden, UT

Jeremiah's Restaurant is the place to fuel up whether your morning consists of prepping for hiking and biking or is merely a moment to eat before you take a noon nap. From quick handheld breakfast wraps to massive cinnamon rolls and scones, you'll be ready to go for a good day in beautiful Utah. 

Nominated by Weber State University

Click here for more from the Spoon Choice Awards.

Header photos courtesy of Afternoon Restaurant, The General Muir by Andrew Thomas Lee, First Watch.