WARNING: This post may cause stomach growling, drooling and discontentment with the food in your fridge.
There’s just no other way to start this post than… I LOVE BREAKFAST FOODS. Everyday, ALLLL day. I don’t think I’ve ever met a breakfast food I don’t like. Eggs – yum. Pancakes – duh! Biscuits and gravy – yes please. French toast – drool. Ooo Avocado toast – best creation ever! Hashbrowns/home fries – I’m dying over here. Doughnuts, bagels, muffins, danishes, cinnamon rolls – I mean what other meal has so many delicious bread varieties?! Sausage, BACON – do I need to say more?!?!
With my girls all in school and my husband having Friday off each week, I get to have breakfast dates most Friday mornings. It’s the epitome of my BEST life. And luckily the Athens breakfast scene is legit. There is something for all breakfast preferences. Here’s just a few of my favorites in and around Athens!
Casa Nueva – An Athens staple, this place does not disappoint on breakfast. A little hippie, a little flavors of Mexico, a whole lot of fresh and a whole lot of deliciousness! To be honest I didn’t really like eggs and salsa until Casa came into my life. Maybe it’s Casa’s housemade salsa varieties or their fresh, local eggs, whatever the case it’s amazing and you should definitely check it out! I think their most popular breakfast item is probably the Huevos Rancheros (my husband’s go to). My pick is always The Scrambler. With both of those you get to pick your own salsa – my advice, ALWAYS pick Verde! Casa is also a great place for specific dietary preferences – with plenty of vegan and gluten free options!
Village Bakery – While the menu here isn’t huge, this place delivers on quality. The quiche at Village Bakery literally melts in your mouth. I have no idea how they make it so creamy and light, but it’s amazing. My personal favorite is the Quiche Lorraine. Their baked goods are also amazing. I like their cinnamon twists or the crumb muffins! With a cup of coffee or tea, it’s a great start to the day! It’s also a great place to enjoy some fresh air while you eat on their front porch.
Parks Place – a few minutes outside of town, this unassuming spot is not to be missed! When we go to Parks Place, it is a MUST for us to order their french toast. With a crispy crust, and the perfect touch of sourdough (homemade & so fresh) a mix of delicious warming spices and syrup… perfection! Parks Place sources their ingredients as local as possible, including eggs from High Bottom Farm in Guysville, bread from the Athens Bread Company and bacon from King Family Farm in Albany. It’s a little drive outside of Athens, but sometimes it’s refreshing to get out of town and slow down a bit. This is the perfect place to do just that!
Fluff– Located uptown on Court St., Fluff Bakery has been serving Athens delicious bakery and breakfast eats for over ten years. Whether you’re simply looking for a hot cup of coffee paired with a sweet treat, or are in need of a heartier start to your day, Fluff is here for you. They boast a broad lineup of breakfast pastries that includes scones, croissants, and danish’s, and their breakfast sandwich game is on point. Need to feed a hungry belly in your life on a Saturday morning?- the chorizo scrambler might be your ticket. Another great feature to Fluff is their selection of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options and they proudly brew local Silverbridge coffee.
Union Street Diner – This place is usually open 24/7 (not sure if COVID has impacted their hours so check before you go!). It’s your typical diner food, but honestly just better. When I think of a can’t-fail breakfast spot in Athens, USD’s 2 egg breakfast plate immediately comes to mind. It checks all the boxes, and my go-to is scrambled eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns. You wouldn’t guess it at first glance (thanks to the diner-vibe) but their fruit bowl, as a side, is wonderfully fresh and the perfect compliment to a comfort food start or (let’s face it, this is Athens) end to your day.
Triple Nickel – this one is also a bit of a drive outside of Athens, but you won’t be disappointed. One because the drive is actually really pretty (though a bit windy) and, two, the breakfast is really, really good! Truth be told, pancakes aren’t one of my top breakfast foods, but the pancakes at Triple Nickel are pretty much DIVINE! I get them every time! Also good here are their omelets made with local cage free eggs and biscuits and gravy! If you didn’t fill up so much that you swear off food for the rest of the day, pick up a piece of their homemade pie to go! Triple Nickel is also highly committed to serving up local fare including fresh veggies and herbs that come from their own garden just behind the restaurant!
There are plenty of delicious options, which one will you choose?! Not looking for a whole breakfast, just need some coffee? Check out my Athens Ohio coffee shop recommendations here.