We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it's even better when you can stretch it out into a leisurely brunch. Whether you like your first meal to be sweet or savory, topped with poached or scrambled eggs or served on pancakes or waffles, we've got you covered with the best breakfast and brunch spots in every state.

A favorite for brunch, you'll find FIVE in the Alabama cities of Birmingham, Mobile and Tuscaloosa, plus one in Athens, Georgia. Fluffy beignets, a breakfast cheeseburger and signature Bloody Marys are just a few of the reasons why diners love this brunch spot – but the chicken 'n' waffles (pictured) is the standout dish. Fresh chicken thigh and drumstick are covered in the joint's famous batter and fried to perfection before they're served with honey and walnut waffles, whipped butter and maple syrup.

Even though this Anchorage spot serves food all day, it's the breakfasts that you can't miss. From omelets you'll only find in Alaska (snow crab, anyone?) to poached eggs on Alaskan red king crab cakes and a selection of delicious pancakes, there's everything you need to start the day right. The stuffed French toast is a customer favorite, shown here served with walnut and mandarin orange cream cheese, toasted walnuts, raspberry butter and syrup.

A strong favorite for breakfast and brunch, Prep & Pastry has two outlets in Tucson and one in Scottsdale, where you can find everything from traditional breakfasts to French toast and avocado toast with a spicy twist. The brunch crowd especially love the mimosas (with options including blueberry and lemon and peach and orange) and the Monte Cristo (pictured) – brioche French toast served with honey-roasted ham, Swiss cheese, and pineapple-jalapeño mascarpone.

With an ethos centered around locally grown and sourced produce and a mission to benefit the community through food, Little Rock's Root Cafe does a lot that's great, including breakfast. The favorites are the Root Benny (poached eggs served over local greens, ham, and hollandaise), the tofu scrambler and the breakfast bánh mì. The latter is a take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich, served here with fried eggs and toasted baguette on the side.

There are simply too many fantastic breakfast and brunch options in California to choose from – but if we have to highlight a spot you won't want to miss, it's East Hollywood's Sqirl, an LA brunch classic. There's pretty much always a line here and for very good reason. Favorites include the sorrel pesto rice bowl (pictured) – a healthy morning rice bowl with a poached egg and watermelon radish plus optional bacon, kale, and avocado – or ricotta brioche toast with seasonal jam.

Self-proclaimed 'A.M. eatery' Snooze has a dozen outlets across Colorado plus a few in other states. There's something for everyone on the menu, from omelets and huevos rancheros to pancakes and eggs Benedict, plus a selection of Bloody Marys and morning cocktails too. You won't go wrong by ordering the pineapple upside-down pancakes (pictured) – the dish is a firm customer favorite.

A part of the Bridgeport community for decades, Harborview is a classic American diner with a family feel that focuses on excellent breakfast sandwiches and wraps, omelets, and pancake platters. Customers praise the almond croissants and other baked goods, as well as the French toast. For a slice of nostalgia, though, go for the homemade build-your-own waffles – they'll taste just like the ones your mum used to make.

Angelo's Luncheonette was founded by the Muzzi family more than 50 years ago and they proudly profess that they're in it to make friends, not money. Staff members make everyone feel welcome and serve consistently great food at even better prices. The menu features grilled cheeses, pancakes, eggs with bacon, and breakfast muffins – it's nothing fancy, but sometimes it doesn't have to be complicated to be brilliant.

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Florida is another state full of family-run breakfast diners, bakeries, and modern brunch spots, so it's hard to pick just one. Yet, although Honey Uninhibited has only been open since 2019, it quickly gained a loyal local following and glowing reviews – be prepared to wait even if you have a booking. The brunch menu has many lip-smacking options from lobster Benedict to shrimp and grits with a twist.

In Georgia, biscuits – whether plain, smothered in gravy or accompanied by fried chicken – are pretty much a given on breakfast menus. Stop by Atlanta's Home grown GA and start your day with a sort of a build-your-own biscuit. You can add ham, pork sausage, bacon, or eggs, or just go all out with an open-faced chicken biscuit blanketed in sausage gravy.

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If you like to kick off your day with something sweet, the place to go in Honolulu is Leonard's Bakery. The longstanding spot is known for its excellent malasadas (pictured). Descendants of Portuguese fritters, these donut-like delights are coated in sugar or filled with custard, dobash (Hawaiian chocolate cake icing), guava custard, or haupia (Hawaiian coconut dessert). There's also a monthly special flavor.

You can't really do much better for breakfast or brunch than Goldy's create-your-own. First, pick your eggs from sunny-side up, scrambled or an omelet, add your choice of meat (options include everything from pork sausage and bacon to chorizo), and finish the plate with some potatoes and bread, biscuits, or pancakes. And if you think chicken-fried steak for breakfast is off-limits, Goldy's proves otherwise.

For a Nordic-inspired breakfast on the other side of the Atlantic, head to Chicago's beloved Tre Kronor. There, Swedish cinnamon rolls, Danish pastries, vanilla and orange French toast, and omelets with salmon, sausage, or Danish blue cheese await. Anything with lingonberries comes highly recommended but, really, it's all good.

Since 2014, Milktooth has been the go-to breakfast place in Indiana and has attracted many visitors from other states too. When it opened, chef Jonathan Brooks excited everyone with Dutch baby pancakes and a rotating selection of toppings. Not much has changed since then, although the menu is a bit more refined with options like key lime beignet donuts and herbed sausages on a milk muffin. And it's still so good that you'll want to eat as much as you possibly can.

For a slice of Australia in the middle of Iowa, head straight for St. Kilda, with two Des Moines locations and one just outside the city, in Clive. Serving up photogenic plates of grain and salad bowls, as well as a Cheddar and chive biscuit sandwich and Spanish eggs, it's a breakfast spot you won't want to miss. The avocado toast (pictured) is by far the favorite, combining smashed avocado, roast sweet potato, chickpeas, feta, pomegranate molasses, and hazelnut dukkah with poached or scrambled eggs, all on toasted sourdough bread.

Trendy artisan café and bakery WheatFields is loved by Lawrence's young and hip university crowd. Here, zingy breakfast burritos and egg-topped ciabattina (ciabatta made with semolina) sandwiches sit alongside more traditional menu options like breakfast hash and biscuits and gravy. Everything is spectacular. Don't miss a chance to pick up a freshly baked loaf of artisan bread on the way out too.

While the three guest rooms at Gralehaus are almost always fully booked, the staff try their best to feed all the hungry people flocking to this hip Louisville establishment for the incredible weekend brunch menu of whipped burrata toast, pimento cheese and pickle biscuits, and egg sandwiches served in a biscuit, brioche bun, or pretzel croissant.

Commander's Palace is without a doubt one of the must-visit places in New Orleans. Brunch – usually served to live jazz – is just as much of an event as dinner, with an array of Louisiana classics like Creole gumbo and fried catfish offered alongside more traditional brunch favorites with a twist. The eggs Benedict come on buttermilk biscuits with slow-cooked shoulder of pork.

Portland is home to countless breakfast spots but Palace Diner in Biddeford, south of the bigger city, has the edge partly because it's set up in a vintage dining car. The all-day breakfast menu ranges from buttermilk flapjacks, French toast (pictured) and several plates featuring the exceptional crispy potatoes. Really hungry? Stuff yourself silly with the lumberjack breakfast – flapjacks, two eggs, potatoes, and breakfast meat.

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With three locations in Baltimore (including one at the airport) and one in Annapolis, Miss Shirley’s is a Maryland institution for breakfast or brunch. Because it’s so popular, you’ll probably have to wait to be seated – but those who’ve tried dishes like the chicken and waffles (pictured) and plates of ham and eggs recommend hanging around. It’s also known for fabulous pancakes, with a new flavor released each month.

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Cape Cod has several exceptional French bakeries but the half-hour wait at Maison Villatte is still worth enduring. Once you get to order, there's an overwhelming choice of stunning French pastries, breads and other bakes, as well as French-style sandwiches, mini quiches, cakes and tarts. Customers can't stop raving about the croissants, as well as the fougasse and challah bread (pictured). The bakery often closes for a few months during the winter period, reopening in mid-March.

The reputation of this Detroit brunch bar precedes it and one glance at the mouthwatering menu is enough to see why. Since it opened downtown in 2014, Dime Store has been dishing out tasty eggs Benedict, omelets, waffles, and French toast. Looking for something with that extra oomph? Check the chef's specials for creative and consistently delicious dishes.

Hell's Kitchen is kind of a big deal in Minneapolis. Famous for the unusually named sausage bread (made with toasted walnuts, blackcurrants, black coffee, a ton of spices and, of course, sausage), there's much more to love on its daytime menu. You'll want to save space for the hash and eggs served with crispy walleye fish and blanketed in wild mushroom cream sauce – or, if you've got a sweet tooth, try the famous lemon ricotta pancakes.

Determined to "give the proper respect to the most important meal of the day", Big Bad Breakfast is the vision of James Beard Award–winning chef John Currence. The sprawling menu offers everything from biscuits and various egg dishes to sandwiches and chef's special breakfast picks. Whatever you get, make sure it's slathered in tomato gravy – an incredibly delicious regional alternative to the usual sausage.

For a cozy, leisurely breakfast or brunch, look no further than Rooster in downtown St. Louis. Made with locally sourced ingredients, the dishes range from crêpes and sandwiches to scrambled eggs and breakfast classics. Much-loved among customers is the Rooster slinger – andouille sausage, eggs, breakfast potatoes, and sausage gravy, served over thick-cut toast.

There's no better place to fuel up for a day exploring Montana's natural wonders than the Echo Lake Cafe, and one of its most popular dishes, eggs Benedict, is sure to hit the spot. Two English muffins are topped with Canadian bacon and poached eggs, slathered in house-made hollandaise and served with a generous helping of pan-fried potatoes. Now that's a breakfast.

Omaha's top destination for trendy breakfast dishes like banana pancakes, omelets with kimchi, and burrata toast with strawberry and rhubarb jam, Saddle Creek Breakfast Club has set up shop in a former gas station. Customers constantly praise the friendly service, the creative menu and the delicious coffee that makes their breakfasts even better. The Cali club sandwich is among the favorites.

In Nevada, you'll find everything from greasy spoons serving towering stacks of pancakes to fine-dining brunches. For something in the middle, try AmeriBrunch Cafe – a family-run restaurant in downtown Las Vegas that serves great coffee and perfectly prepared brunch favorites. Customers can't get enough of the avocado toast with cherry tomatoes, pesto, radish, basil, crushed red pepper, and white balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Largely unchanged since 1938, Polly's Pancake Parlor in the aptly named town of Sugar Hill is a must-visit for any pancake fan. Buckwheat, cornmeal and whole-wheat pancakes are made with flour ground on the premises, and come topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and an array of toppings. One of the favorite choices is Kathie's Combo, a selection of three pancakes with two eggs and sausage, bacon, or locally smoked ham.

In a state that loves its diners, Tops Diner tops them all. This classic spot, open since 1972, serves huge portions from the early hours in the morning to very late at night. Breakfast comes highly recommended, with a menu of favorites like French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and chicken and waffles.

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Open since 1971, Frontier is one of Albuquerque's most popular casual restaurants and the breakfasts here are as delicious as the enchiladas and burritos. The huevos rancheros are great, plus there are several egg and hash brown combinations with bacon, tortilla or carne adovada (New Mexican red chile pork stew). A real stand out, though, is the breakfast burrito. Combining an egg, hash browns, Cheddar, green chili and your choice of meat, it's a great way to start the day with a zing.

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Sure, you could have a salmon and cream cheese bagel from the city's iconic Russ & Daughters, enjoy exceptional bakes from Buffalo's Five Points Bakery or head to the Catskills for breakfast at the charming Phoenicia Diner – but stop by Buvette in NYC's West Village and you'll be instantly transported to Paris. There is no bad choice here, but the waffle sandwich (pictured) – with a sunny-side up egg, bacon, and Gruyère – is a thing of beauty. Buvette also has branches in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico City.

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The Sunny Point Café is pretty small and very famous, so chances are you won't get to sit down and order straight away. Wait it out though and you'll be rewarded with the best huevos rancheros (pictured) you've ever had. It departs from tradition with feta, green salsa and cilantro crema covering black bean cakes, served with two eggs, avocado, tortilla chips, and optional chorizo. Those with a sweet tooth will also love the French toast.

There's no doubt BernBaum's bagels are very special, which is what keeps customers coming back time and again. For a heartier breakfast, order one of the bagel plates, which come with anything from cream cheese and onion pickles to baba ghanoush and salmon gravlax. You can also substitute the bagel for focaccia, rye or challah bun, while the breakfast menu includes options like savory porridge and shakshuka.

If you can't imagine your morning without a proper cup of coffee, this is the place for you. With a selection of artisan coffees, rustic-style baked goods (from blueberry scones to individual apple pies) and three locations in Columbus and New Albany, Fox in the Snow is a morning haven. Alongside the pastries and the coffee, you'll want to order the souffléd egg sandwich (pictured) for breakfast. The toasted ciabatta is packed with fluffy souffléd egg, candied bacon, Swiss cheese, rocket, and Dijon cream.

With several locations across Oklahoma, Neighborhood Jam is a top spot for breakfast classics and brunch favorites, served every day. The breakfast menu is huge, featuring everything from pancakes and eggs Benedict with a twist to breakfast tacos and sandwiches. Customers particularly love the avocado toast and the Heap – a generous portion of hash browns covered with cheese, two eggs, a choice of meat, and avocado.

Serving brunch seven days a week, Portland's Screen Door focuses on Southern soul food and has received countless accolades since it opened in 2006. It's famous for its incredibly tender fried chicken (pictured) and praline bacon, but other menu highlights include breakfast shrimp and grits, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, and waffles.

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For a casual, no-frills breakfast that's easy on the wallet too, look no further than Café La Maude. The excellent all-day breakfast menu offers pain perdu (a type of French toast), shakshukas and French omelets alongside more traditional options likes eggs Benedict and plates of fried eggs with hash browns, and sausage patties. The breakfast crowd also loves healthier options like warm oatmeal or lemon yogurt topped with nuts, berries, seeds, and shaved coconut.

A modern spot in the heart of Providence, Nick's on Broadway focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients that are transformed into delicious and inventive meals. Customers love the French toast, while the scrumptious honey chili chicken and biscuit sandwich with chipotle sauce, egg, and Vermont Cheddar (pictured) won't disappoint.

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Offering elegant plates of comfort food, Millers All Day is a Charleston favorite. Serving an all-day brunch menu, it's a pretty spot to enjoy a cup of morning coffee and fuel up for the day. Customers love the biscuits, which are served with a wide variety of toppings like fried chicken and mustard, fried bologna sausage and American cheese or ham and fig jam. Other popular options include the grit bowl and the Millers plate – bacon, two eggs, a biscuit and grits, or home fries.

Pancakes at Rapid City's Tally’s Silver Spoon are an absolute must, and so is pretty much everything else on the menu. You can get a stack of blueberry, chocolate chip or plain, or bury a pancake, French toast or waffles in a heap of banana, blueberries, or strawberries. Fancy something savory? Opt for a topping of egg with bacon, ham, or sausage instead. There are lots of other great breakfast dishes and omelets too.

It's not hard to guess what Biscuit Love, one of Nashville's hottest places for breakfast, is known for. Forget about sharing and instead go all in with the East Nasty – a buttermilk biscuit topped with fried boneless chicken thigh, aged Cheddar, sausage gravy, and an optional egg. There's also the classic biscuits with sausage gravy, plus a few options for those who don't want biscuits.

A Canadian diner in the heart of Texas, Maple Leaf serves oversized plates of incredibly delicious food. Thankfully breakfast here is served all day, every day, so you're never too far away from the diner's famous country sausage waffle, steak waffle or chicken and bacon waffle (pictured). Don't forget to order a Bloody Caesar too – a take on a Bloody Mary, it's the ultimate Canadian breakfast cocktail.

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The main thing to order at this brunch favorite is the Hoss (pictured). A definite customer favorite across the locations in Salt Lake City, Draper and American Fork, this epic breakfast consists of a fried chicken breast, egg, bacon and Cheddar stacked on a biscuit, then slathered in sausage gravy and topped with green onion. Other equally outrageous options include the biscuit bread pudding French toast, made with blueberry biscuits, yogurt, and slivered almonds.

Vermont is the top producer of maple syrup in the US, so it wouldn't be right to have a breakfast in the state without it. Sugar and Spice is a working sugarhouse that produces maple syrup and also happens to run a café serving all-day breakfasts and lunch classics. Diners especially love the pancakes and the French toast. Sliced thick and fried in egg batter, it's then drowned in the house maple syrup.

Located in historic downtown Abingdon, this restaurant and juice bar offers a locally sourced menu offering brunch every Sunday, and an all-day breakfast all week. Here, they specialize in an array of cold-pressed juices that burst with freshness and flavor, and the customers love the scrumptious smoothie bowls (pictured) and farm-to-table approach. The menu includes gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options too.

Known for having the best coffee in the state (no mean feat in Washington), Camber's Flagship Cafe serves excellent brunch food alongside its perfect brews. Both the sweet and savory Dutch baby pancakes are second to none, with whipped maple ricotta in one and poached eggs and mustard crema in the other. The breakfast sandwiches are incredible too.

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With branches in Beckley, Dublin, and Parkersburg, the Omelet Shoppe has been turning out big breakfasts for more than four decades. Unsurprisingly, omelets are this venue's forte. Get yours Western-style with ham, onions, peppers, and cheese, try the Country Boy with sausage, hash browns, cheese, and sausage gravy, or order a Spanish-style omelet.

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Luckily for the late risers, breakfast at Brunch never ends. Decorated in bright colours, the interior reflects the vibrant menu. Options include breakfast tacos and eggrolls, plus a selection of Benedicts, omelets, and pancakes. Because this is Wisconsin, there's also the breakfast sandwich, featuring cheese curds with scrambled eggs and grilled ham, all packed into a croissant and served with a side of breakfast potatoes.

Cute, French-style bakery Persephone is highly rated for its coffee, breakfasts and pastries. The perfectly sized breakfast menu has French toast and a herbed omelet on offer, as well as customer favorites like the croque madame and the incredible egg sandwich. The latter comes on a croissant with Gruyère, a delicious Dijon aioli and a choice of ham, bacon or Swiss chard.

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