Fluffy buttermilk biscuits, an assortment of gravies, creamy grits. In Mississippi, breakfast isn’t just the most important meal of the day, it’s easily the best. And while there’s no substitute for a home cooked southern style breakfast, these 10 restaurants come pretty darn close.

1. Big Bad Breakfast, Oxford

Be warned, indulging at this amazing Oxford eatery just once will have you hooked. The all-day breakfast menu is jam-packed (pun intended) with everything from standard egg plates and tomato and sausage gravy to signature skillets and even fried chicken.

2. Blue and White Restaurant, Tunica

Serving the area since 1924, the Blue and White Restaurant has become somewhat of a Tunica landmark. Running the restaurant is a family affair, complete with authentic southern recipes that have been passed down for over 70 years. Aside from the standard breakfast fare, the Blue and White offers freshly-made donuts and cinnamon rolls - all of which are served with a side of hospitality, of course.

3. The Neighborhood Grill, Olive Branch

Some of the best restaurants are the ones only the locals know about, and that is exactly the case with The Neighborhood Grill. This Olive Branch gem may be a bit small but its traditional southern-style breakfast has scored big amongst diners, with some even comparing it to "grandma’s cooking." And for anyone that has eaten a southern grandmother’s food, you know what a compliment that is.

4. Shockley’s Restaurant, Tupelo

What was once one of Tupelo’s best kept secrets is now among the city’s top dining spots, even making Southern Living’s list, "10 Reasons to Visit Tupelo Now." The family-owned eatery opens bright and early at 6:00 am to serve up a delicious traditional breakfast, which includes an impressive variety of pancakes.

5. Country 35 Diner, Foxworth

Mention this diner to any local and, aside from the out-of-this-world food, they’ll be sure to mention the "warm and friendly" owner, Candia Love. A true representation of southern hospitality, Ms. Candia chats with all of her customers, that is, after she stuffs them with some of the best food of their lives. The breakfast menu is filled with classics, including tomato gravy that is so good, you’ll swear your grandma made it.

6. In and Out Breakfast and Lunch, Biloxi

This Biloxi gem is proof that a New York-style deli can be a great place to grab breakfast. In and Out’s signature 3" thick breakfast sandwiches, which are the creation of formally-trained Chef Monti, are made with only the freshest of ingredients. Guaranteed to have your order at the table in five minutes or less, In and Out lives up to its promise of providing "fresh food fast, never fast food."

7. 2 Sisters Diner, New Albany

The self-described "simply southern, nothing fancy" diner has been wowing customers with old-fashioned country cooking for years now. Breakfast can be ordered as early as 6:00 am, and according to customer reviews, the chocolate gravy and southern hospitality can’t be beat.

8. Bayview Gourmet Restaurant, Ocean Springs

Putting its own twist on breakfast, Bayview Gourmet has become known for unusual pairings, such as incorporating succulent seafood into typical breakfast dishes and serving biscuits topped with gravy and tender pot roast. Not feeling too adventurous? No problem! The menu includes standard fare, complete with breakfast cocktails like Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, Irish Whiskey, and Bailey’s and coffee. Consistently described as having the coast’s "best breakfast," Bayview Gourmet is definitely a must.

9. Starkville Café, Starkville

This legendary café has been serving Starkville for over 70 years now, attracting everyone from the young and old to locals and transplants. Dining at the local mainstay is basically a Starkville tradition at this point, especially when it comes to breakfast - the café’s most popular meal.

10. Betty K’s, Picayune

A gem only the locals are aware of, Betty K’s has been serving the city of Picayune for well over 20 years now. The longtime icon is known not only for its delicious food but for its consistently low prices and exceptional customer service - the kind of customer service that can only be experienced at a small town, family-run business. For all those early birds out there, breakfast begins at 5:30 am, and be sure to bring cash since Betty K’s doesn’t take plastic. (And from personal experience, you won’t regret it.)

Where else in Mississippi can you get breakfast so good it'll make you rise and shine before the alarm sounds? Dined at any of the places listed above? Share your thoughts below.