Boston’s Top Breakfast Joints

What is the halllmark of a truly great breakfast spot? A line out the door! Here are five of Boston’s must-try breakfast haunts that serve a top-notch breakfast, feature reasonable prices, and offer visitors a chance to mix with locals.

The Paramount (44 Charles St., Boston)(Map). On tony Beacon Hill, this cafeteria-like restaurant serves a real breakfast, cooked to order. Good bets here are the Western omelette ($8.50)  or a stack of  buttermilk pancakes ($5).

Flour Bakery & Cafe (1595 Washington St., Boston)(Map) This South End neighborhood hot spot is famous for its  homemade breakfast goodies like croissants ($2.25) and cinnamon cream brioche( $3.25) . Their irresitstable sticky buns ($2.95) fly out the door- come early if that is your craving.

The Friendly Toast ( 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge)(Map) At this funky Cambridge eatery, the encyclopedic menu of all-day breakfast fare will convert even the most die-hard breakfast skipper. The Drunkard’s French Toast ($6.75) is too die for.

The Trident (338 Newbury St., Boston)(Map) Located on the lower end of Newbury Street, this independent bookstore also boasts an excellent restaurant that specializes in breakfast . Treat yourself to the smoked salmon scramble with a bagel and cream cheese($12.95).

Mike and Patty’s (12 Church St., Boston)(Map). A local secret to South End residents and Copley Square office workers, the bacon and egg fancy ($7.25)with cheddar cheese, avocado and red onion on multigrain will set you up nicely for the day.

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