Enjoy a quick, affordable and original breakfast at a counter-service restaurant.
At Common Roots Cafe, the day should automatically commence with one of the kitchen's first-rate bagels, but a smart start can also be had via addictive granola, vegan- and gluten-free scrambles and a Benedict built with buttermilk biscuits.
2558 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-2360, www.commonrootscafe.com
Lucia's to Go keeps its a.m. routine simple. And delicious. Start with what is surely the tastiest plate of scrambled eggs in the seven-county metro area (splurge and order a side of the crisp, smoky bacon, which hails from Fischer Family Farms Pork in Waseca) along with beautifully prepared sweet and savory crêpes and an always-appealing daily frittata. The bakery works overtime in the morning — don't miss the cinnamon-swirled mini-muffins.
1432 W. 31st St., Mpls., 612-825-9800, www.lucias.com
Cheerful Moose & Sadie's keeps it simple during the week, focusing on excellent cornmeal pancakes, superb quiche, a handful of organic eggs-any-style options, what might be the city's best huevos rancheros and a long line of baker Susan Muskat's homey baked goods. On weekends, the menu expands to include a pair of omelets and a few other ever-changing entrees.
212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-371-0464, www. mooseandsadies.com
