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The Best Dallas Breakfasts by Neighborhood

From casual diners to restaurants where you can linger all morning, this is the ultimate list.
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Kevin Marple




Breakfast can be casual. Something you run out the door with. A bagel with a brush of schmear, a smoothie flecked with blueberries, a slice of cold pizza. Breakfast can also be an experience. A sit-down meal with your entire family, a bustling diner, a gourmet vegan spread, a business meeting.

We gathered the best breakfasts from Far North Dallas to Oak Cliff to Lakewood, the casual drop-in diners and the places you want to linger for a bit. Whether you’re an eggs-over-easy person or somebody who prefers to get the day started with a bottle of green juice, there’s something for you. We’ve found the best and grouped them by neighborhood. So up and at ’em.

Downtown


Commissary


When: Daily from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
What: Everything from coconut oatmeal with roasted bananas to a smoked salmon bagel smeared with dill cream cheese, served in a sleek downtown café.
Tip: It’s an easy place to drop in and grab something to eat at your desk downtown. And the tile has a fascinating backstory.

Ellen’s Southern Kitchen


When: All day, so long as the doors are open. (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily)
What: Massive, over-the-top plates of biscuits gravy, and Benedicts in Dallas’ West End. If you’re super hungry, order the pancake pot pie: layers of pancakes, sweet maple cream sausage gravy, bacon, crumbled sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese.
Tip: Expect a line on the weekends.

Granola at Ascension

Ascension


When: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
What: Simple items like a croissant with house-made jam and more indulgent dishes like a croque madame Benedict dripping in hollandaise.
Tip: They roast their own coffee here, so bring a bag home with you. They’re available at each location.

Uptown


The Henry


When: Daily, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
What: Health-conscious dishes like a quinoa breakfast burrito, egg white turkey omelette, and smoked Norwegian salmon, served in a spacious modern environment.
Tip: Their pastries are stellar.

The Dream Cafe’s cloud cakes

Dream Café


When: Daily 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
What: They’re known for their Cloud Cakes: fluffy ricotta pancakes topped with crème fraiche, strawberries, and powdered sugar. But you can get breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, hash browns, smoked bacon, and eggs Benedict.
Tip: This is a very, very, very kid-friendly restaurant.

Origin Kitchen + Bar


When: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
What: One of the best spots for a mix of healthy and over-the-top indulgent items. All served in a relaxed, yet upscale, environment.
Tip: For some early morning entertainment, sit at the bar and watch the cooks prepare your breakfast

San Martin Bakery


When: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. until noon on Saturday and Sunday.
What: This spacious bakery and café on McKinney Ave. specializes in homemade breads and Latin American items like the Salvadoreno: corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, chicharron or cheese with loroco, topped with fried eggs, and ranchera sauce. Oh, and don’t miss the banana pancakes.
Tip: Every item has a photo of it on the menu. So you don’t need to decide ahead of time.

Deep Ellum


Tiki Loco


When: All day, from 7 a.m. to midnight.
What: Vegan and gluten-free bagels, breakfast tacos, smoothies and more served in a casual Deep Ellum café.
Tip: They make their salsa in-house. Make sure to ask for some to douse your tacos. Everything is vegan here.

Oak Lawn


Snooze


When: Daily 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (multiple locations)
What: Over-the-top plates like fluffy buttermilk pineapple upside-down pancakes topped with caramelized hunks of pineapple, house-made vanilla créme anglaise, and cinnamon butter. Oh, and six kinds of eggs Benedict.
Tip: Expect a wait on the weekends, but don’t worry because there’s complimentary coffee to get you through the line.

Lucky’s Cafe


When: Daily 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Sundays)
What: This lively Oak Lawn diner has been serving comfort food for more than 30 years. You can go healthy with the Trainer’s Choice: an egg white omelet with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and serranos, with a side of oatmeal and nine-grain toast. Or go decadent with banana cognac pancakes or chicken and waffles.
Tip: Sit at the bar and chat with the regulars. Look to your right and you may see the mayor.

Zaguan Latin Cafe

Zaguan Latin Cafe & Bakery


When: All day, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. 10:30 p.m. on the weekends.
What: You can order simple scrambled eggs, but we recommend the egg and cheese cachapa (Spanish word for “crumpets,” a sweet corn turnover) or one of their flaky and buttery croissants.
Tip: Ask for a complimentary side of salsa with your breakfast.

Original Market Diner


When: All day, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day but Sunday, when they close at 3 p.m.
What: An authentic down-home diner serving eggs any way you can imagine; specialty omelets; French toast; biscuits and gravy; and anything else you’d expect along those lines.
Tip: Get a slice of homemade pie on your way out.

Crickles and Co.


When: Served as long as the doors are open, which is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
What: House-made breakfast served in an open and casual environment. Yeah, OK, the plates are made of plastic, but everything else is made from scratch.
Tip: Ask for extra house-made jam with your toast. The $6 French 75 is the best deal you’ll find on a decent one of these.


Start


When: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
What: Organic, health-conscious options include an egg white and vegetable sandwich with curry butter served on a wheat English muffin, and a cage-free egg white burrito. You can also get a peanut butter and banana sandwich drizzled with local honey.
Tip: They have a drive-thru.

Roots Juices


When: All day, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. They close at 5 p.m. on Sundays.
What: Some may argue that juice is a breakfast component and not the entire meal, but we disagree. These juices are complex, nutrient-packed, and filling. And if that doesn’t do the trick, you can order a smoothie.
Tip: If you’re feeling under the weather, or just need an energy boost, order one of the shots.

East Dallas


Goldrush Cafe


When: All day, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays, you’re looking at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What: Affordable standards like sunny side-up eggs, hash browns, and bacon; pancakes and waffles; and omelets served in a no-frills strip-mall diner.
Tip: Nothing on the menu is over $10, and most things are under $7. Go nuts.

Kozy Kitchen


When: All day. So 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. 8 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. And 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
What: A popular neighborhood spot serving generous portions. Standouts include challah French toast, omelets, and a massive grass-fed beef tenderloin folded into a three-egg omelet.
Tip: To go even sweeter, opt for the stuffed French toast. Their challah French toast is stuffed with a yogurt cream cheese filling, bananas, and berry compote. It’s topped with whipped cream.

Benny’s Bagels


When: Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 3p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
What: House-made bagels and house-made schmear.
Tip: The veggie spread is where it’s at.

The Heights


When: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
What: A Lakewood restaurant with the feel of a neighborhood pub serving biscuits and gravy, toasted oatmeal granola pancakes, and potato hash with honey ham.
Tip: This is a good place to dine with friends.

Village Baking Co.


When: All day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Not a typical breakfast spot, rather, a quaint café serving some of the best baked goods in town.
Tip: If they have quiche, that should be your order.


North Oak Cliff


El Jordan


When: 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. every day, closed on Tuesdays
What: Simple, to-the-point breakfast tacos and sausage and eggs is served at this small, Bishop Arts Tex-Mex café,
Tip: Bring a newspaper and relax—there may be a wait on weekends.

Tribal All Day Café


When: All day. (It’s in the name.) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day but Sunday, when it’s 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What: Fresh, vibrant Instagramable dishes like florescent pink smoothie bowls and oatmeal topped with fresh berries.
Tip: Don’t skip the beet latte. You can even order it to go.

Short Stack and Bacon at Norma’s Cafe

Norma’s Cafe


When: All day, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sundays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What: Serving Dallas since 1956. You can get an eight-ounce ribeye steak with three eggs served with a cinnamon roll, hash browns or grits, biscuits or toast for $8.99. They also have Mexican-style breakfasts, which include migas, breakfast tacos, and chilaquiles.
Tip: Ask for an extra side of gravy.

Metro Diner


When: 24 hours, every day.
What: A quaint 24-hour diner, which serves egg combos, buttermilk pancakes, breakfast tacos, and cinnamon rolls.
Tip: Order a tall stack of pancakes at 3 a.m. just because you can.

Shayna’s Place


When: All day, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What: A limited menu of standards like eggs and cheddar on an English muffin; bagel and lox; and avocado toast.
Tip: Ideal for a quiet and casual start to the morning. Bring a book or a newspaper, even.

Jonathon's Oak Cliff
A sample of what to expect at Jonathon’s

Jonathon’s Oak Cliff


When: Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
What: Over-the-top decadent dishes like gravy-covered biscuits; Belgian waffles covered in peanut butter and berry preserves; and a pork chop.
Tip: These are some of the best chicken and waffles in Oak Cliff. Heck, in all of Dallas. Maybe even Texas?

Spiral


When: All day. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays.
What: This popular Dallas restaurant serves Vegan comfort food in a diner environment. We recommend the Sunshine Sandwich: tofu scramble with onions, bell peppers, and potatoes grilled with vegan bacon served in a (vegan) mayo-smeared grilled toast.
Tip: Expect a wait on the weekends.

Park Cities


Bubba’s


When: Daily from 6:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.
What: Known for their legendary homestyle fried chicken, but their breakfast is also fabulous. We dig the simple, yet satisfying, two eggs with biscuits and gravy with sausage.
Tip: There is a drive-thru.

Kuby’s Sausage House


When: Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. until 11 a.m.,  Sunday (brunch only).
What: The European-style meat market is best known for their house-made German sausages, but their breakfast, served in a cozy and kitschy café, is pretty great, too. Here, you can get everything from a pork chop and eggs, to a build-your-own omelet.
Tip: Enjoy some A+ people watching in Snider Plaza.

Design District


Mama’s Daughter’s Diner


When: All day until 3 p.m. They open at 6 a.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively.
What: Comfort food since 1958. Enjoy daily specials as well as staples like pancakes flecked with chocolate chips, blueberries, or pecans; three-egg omelets; and a fried egg sandwich.
Tip: There will be a wait on weekends.

South Dallas/Fair Park


The Market at Bonton Farms


When: All day. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
What: Affordable breakfast made from vegetables, sausage, eggs, and honey produced at their own farm. We especially dig the sweet potato hash.
Tip: Pet the goats on your way out. Seriously.

Far North Dallas and Addison


One of the many biscuits at Ida Claire.

Ida Claire


When: 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. Monday through Friday
What: Over-the-top plates of country-inspired dishes like sausage sliders, which sandwich scrambled eggs, white American cheese, sausage patties, and black pepper between miniature buttermilk biscuits. There’s Instagrammable stuff like avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and an acai bowl with seasonal fruit, pomegranate, chia, coconut, and almonds.
Tip: Weather permitting, grab a seat on the patio. It’s nice out there.

Crossroads Diner


When: Daily from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
What: Frittatas, buttermilk pancakes, chicken-fried steak and eggs. All of the classics, served in a relaxed, strip-mall diner atmosphere.
Tip: This is another incredibly kid-friendly spot.

Maple Leaf Diner


When: All day, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What: This Canadian strip-mall diner offers crispy potato latkes and eggs; an Irish corned beef skillet with sautéed potatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs; and a stack of waffles topped with fried chicken, crispy bacon, strawberries, whipped cream, and cream puffs.
Tip: Save some room for poutine and pierogis. Eh!

Deli News


When: All day. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
What: A New York-style deli and bakery offering omelets, several styles of eggs Benedicts, and breakfast sandwiches.
Tip: Bring a bag of homemade bagels home with you.

Cindi’s New York Delicatessen


When: All day, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. (Multiple locations)
What: A classic New York-style deli serving omelets, waffle platters, and bagel and lox.
Tip: Grab a black and white cookie as you leave.

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