They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While some people may just wish to grab a big travel mug of coffee and head to work, there are others who have such a passion for breakfast that it’s the one meal that, come hell or high water, they will not skip.

And what’s not to love about breakfast? The crispy hash browns, the fluffy eggs, buttermilk biscuits…we’re almost salivating just thinking about it! So, if you are someone for whom brunch was created, then it’s time you hopped out of bed and into your car to make your way to some of these too-good-to-be-true breakfast nooks in Illinois.

1. Teaspoons Café, Edwardsville

Who doesn’t love when the coffee is flowing and breakfast foods are made completely from scratch? We didn’t think we’d hear any complaints. If a steaming, freshly brewed cup of coffee doesn’t tickle your fancy enjoy choosing from almost 50 loose-leaf teas. Enjoy the quiche du jour or try one of their homemade pastries.

2. Harbaugh’s Café, Carbondale

Sometimes people are tired of frilly, eclectic brunch items and just want a classic down-home breakfast (you know what we’re talking about: just a heaping plate of sausage, bacon, eggs and toast). While the décor might be a bit eclectic, the breakfast at Harbaugh’s Cafe is pretty darn traditional. Discover why so many people are raving about their ranch potatoes, or just come in for classic eggs Benedict. Your taste buds will certainly be satiated here.

3. The Vault Café on the Square, Marion

If you are looking for a true breakfast nook that only caters to customers from 6AM-2PM, then head to this cafe that was once a historic bank. Build your own omelette or enjoy some hot cakes right off the griddle. With reasonable prices and quick service, what’s not to love about this breakfast spot?

4. Thyme Square Cafe, Quincy

If you’re always concerned about where your food comes from then rest assured that you can get a healthy and locally sourced breakfast from the delicious cooks at Thyme Square. This cozy little café has homemade frittatas with farm-fresh eggs, as well as house-made cheddar biscuits (made fresh every morning) that are swimming in mouthwatering sausage gravy.

5. Otto’s Place, Galena

If you want to soak up some small-town charm ,enjoy a conversation with those around you, and relax with a large cup o’ joe and a hearty breakfast, then it’s time you went to Otto’s Place. Enjoy breakfast classics like pigs in a blanket and ham steak and eggs. They even have some great vegetarian options for all you veggie lovers out there!

6. Autre Monde Cafe, Berwyn

There is something to be said about the Mediterranean diet. After all, these Mediterranean countries have produced some of the oldest-living people in the world, so there must be something to their diets. Most of the ingredients at Autre Monde come from their very own Greenhouse and farms, and what they can’t get from their very own farms is locally and sustainably sourced.

7. Fresh Start Café, Elmhurst

Whether you want to relax and dine in on your Sunday or you want to take your breakfast to go, Fresh Start Café is sure to be the best way to wake up. With a laundry list of breakfast items like frittatas, crepes, eggs, skillets and Benedicts, if you can’t find something on this list that you love you’d have to be plumb crazy!

8. Savoury Restaurant & Pancake House, Bartlett

This unassuming café is home to a full espresso bar (for all you coffee connoisseurs out there) and light breakfast fare. If you are someone who can’t imagine brunch without a short stack or Belgian waffles, then this is the breakfast joint for you. Of course, if you don't have much of a sweet tooth you can still enjoy Savoury’s caprese Benedict or breakfast wrap with a homemade, foam-kissed cappuccino.

9. The Drake Hotel, Oak Brook

Whether you are celebrating a recent engagement or you just want a fancy new brunch spot, the luxurious Drake Hotel in Oak Brook is sure to satisfy. Enjoy a celebratory champagne Sunday brunch with the family while choosing from an amazing and delicious array of meals buffet-style. If buffets aren’t your style, don’t worry! You sit down for table service and enjoy a beautiful traditional breakfast at the Café at the Drake.

10. Lula Café, Chicago

There is a reason why Lula Café, located in Chicago’s northwest neighborhood of Logan Square, has become a hot spot for foodies and brunch lovers alike. This restaurant has been boasting farm-to-table meals since it opened 16 years ago. To calm that sweet tooth opt for the seasonal pumpkin bread French toast. If savory is what you crave, enjoy Lula’s classic breakfast burrito, which contains green chile, eggs, potatoes, cheddar cheese and avocado.

11. One World Café, Peoria

You may expect this unpretentious café to be able to whip up a mean latte but did you know that you can also get a pretty amazing breakfast, too? They pride themselves on crafting a variety of multicultural and eclectic breakfast dishes to satisfy any cravings. Enjoy the "Elvis" waffle (which is topped with bananas, peanut butter cream and bacon) or opt for a savory chorizo scramble served with fresh salsa.

Once you wipe the drool from your keyboard we would love to hear about even more amazing breakfast spots in Illinois that are sure to quell even the most uncontrollable hunger. We would love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!

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