The651.com

Ah, breakfast. Not only is it notorious for being the most important meal of the day, but – regardless of how late in the day you like to call morning – there always seems to be a place just around the corner waiting to satisfy your “pancake and bloody mary” cravings. This weekend, resolve to resurrect the classic Sunday brunch tradition with a great St. Paul diner that understand each and every one of your morning needs, whether they be caffeine or “hair of the dog” related.

Each of these St. Paul breakfast spots are bursting with local flavor and possess that certain “je ne sais quois” that set them apart from the ubiquitous breakfast chains. Because if you’re going to get up early on the weekend, there had better be some righteous perks involved.

Bread, Coffee, Cake (385 S. Wabasha St., St. Paul, 651.222.7608)

AKA BC2, this family-owned cafe is the Artisan baked heart of the West Side. Featuring environmentally-friendly Rio Lobo Coffee and a vast selection of homemade breads, baked goods, breakfast bakery sweets (including their famous Streusel coffee cake and caramel pecan rolls) and Blue Plate breakfast specials. BC2 is dedicated to bringing local hand-made goods to the Twin Cities and even sells their freshly baked items every Saturday at Downtown MPLS’ Mill City Farmers Market.

Note: BC2 is closed Sunday, so for a tasty weekend morning delight stop in Saturday.

Weekend Hours: Saturday 8 AM – 4 PM

Jerabek’s New Bohemian Coffeehouse and Bakery (63 W. Winifred St., St. Paul, 651.228.1245)

Who better to fry up a delectable morning course than a place that’s been in the business of breakfast for over a century. In addition to fresh brewed Dunn Bros. coffee, Jarabek’s also serves homemade quiche, breakfast burritos, pastries and a variety of vegan and vegetarian specialties, all reasonably priced. This local nook has been featured in the mag Midwest Living and voted “Best Coffeecake” by City Pages in 2001 and although they’ve come under new ownership in the last year, the delicious recipes and 32-year-experienced baker remain unchanged factors.

Weekend Hours: Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM

Capital View Cafe (637 S. Smith Ave., St. Paul, 651.290.0218)

If you’re looking for a mom and pop breakfast diner feel, don’t head to Denny’s, Capital View Cafe has all the casual feel and generous portions you want but with a local, family-owned twist. Their American meets Tex-Mex cuisine definitely doesn’t cater to vegetarians, but if you’re a carnivore-loving breakfast seekers their served anytime breakfast menu looks mighty tasty.

Note: CVC doesn’t accept credit cards purchases under $50. There is an ATM at the restaurant, but I suggest coming with cash already in pocket.

Weekend Hours: Saturday 7 AM – 2:30 PM, Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM

The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar (308 Prince St., St. Paul, 651.228.9274)

Known for it’s finest locally-roasted espresso and coffee selects for your weekend morning pick-me-up, Lowertown’s Black Dog is a mostly organic cafe with daily brunch specials and delicious weekend-only waffles. Grab some coffee, a quick bite to eat and then visit the St. Paul Farmer’s Market, which is just across the street.

Weekend Hours: Saturday 7 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 8 AM – 8 PM

Swede Hollow Cafe (725 E. 7^th St. St. Paul, 651.776.8810)

Located in St. Paul’s unique East Side neighborhood, this late 90′s diner has a fantastic view of the downtown skyline and a perfect outdoor patio to enjoy it – and your meal – on. Their recently expanded Saturday Breakfast Special features daily quiches varieties, potato cheddar pie, French toast, strata as well as muffins, hash browns and boasts an “incredible” breakfast croissant sandwich. We hear that it is also home to a few attractive punky counter staff.

Weekend Hours: Saturday 8 AM – 2 PM, Closed Sundays

Pizza Luce (1183 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651.288.0186)

Twin Cities infamous pizza parlor and hipstery hangout just got better, for St. Paulians at least. In addition to hosting local art and being a great place to grab lunch, dinner or late-night eats with friends, St. Paul’s Luce now offers a to-die-for weekend brunch menu from 10 AM to 2 PM every Saturday and Sunday which includes delights like the massive Breakfast Burrito and Brie Stuffed French Toast. Highlights: cage-free eggs, Fair Trade Peace Coffee, vegan and vegetarians items and $1 mimosas! Can’t beat that!

Chatterbox Pub (800 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651.699.1154)

Served only at St. Paul’s Highland and MPLS’ Linden Hills locations, the note-worthy home to micro-brews and signature ales is now a yummy weekend breakfast hot spot. Beer promises to go great with any of the Chatterbox specials, including Steak & Eggs, Chatterbox Benedict or a plate of their made from scratch Old Fashioned Buttermilk Flapjacks. While you wait for your food, start your morning off right with a few rounds of their featured old-school Atari and Nintendo games.

Weekend Hours: Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM

The Liffey ( 175 W. 7^th St., St. Paul, 651.556.1420)

The local Irish bar turns family-friendly every Sunday morning serving classic breakfast from 7 AM to 10:30 AM. and then Brunc from 11 AM – 2 PM. Their brunch special features an “Eat Until You Are Full” breakfast buffet, A La Carte Eggs Benedict and a Bloody Mary Bar. For a bit of Irish culture flavor, traditional Irish musicians drop by the restaurant to serenade you while you digest.

All hail morning food!