If anyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it's Montanans. We also know that sometimes it's the small town eateries that serve the absolute best breakfasts in the world. These 10 spots are perfect examples.

1. Mel's Diner, 121 Main St., Augusta

Slide into one of these booths and treat yourself to a good-old fashioned hearty breakfast here. Mel's Diner never disappoints.

2. The Ranch House Grill, 221 N Center Ave., Hardin

Hardin's Ranch House Grill is owned by two people with a combined 45 years in the restaurant industry, and this spot is known for its friendly service as well as its delicious food (especially the breakfast, served daily).

3. Faye's Cafe, 415 E. Lewis St., Livingston

The breakfast tacos at Faye's are out of this world. But you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here, especially if you let chef Sarah Faye create something special for you.

4. Yellowstone Grill, 404 Scott St., Gardiner

The food here is fresh, mostly local, and absolutely outstanding. It's a great spot to grab breakfast before heading to Yellowstone.

5. Ok Cafe, 549 Mt. Hwy 135, Saint Regis

Don't let the name fool you -- this stop on the highway serves a breakfast that is far more than okay. The cooks here have mastered the art of perfectly prepared eggs and hashbrowns.

6. CC’s Family Cafe, 1902 N. Merrill Ave., Glendive

CC's Cafe is located in a renovated country kitchen building, and their hearty home-cooked breakfasts are (thankfully) served all day.

7. The Wild Table, 113 N Broadway Ave., Red Lodge

Charming and inviting, the Wild Table is a beloved icon in Red Lodge. Whether you're craving a donut or a pastry or something more savory, like a quiche, there's something for everyone on the breakfast menu.

8. The Griddle, 215 Main St., Shelby

If your idea of a good breakfast comes smothered in country gravy, you'll want to pull over when you see the sign with the big frying pan on Main Street in Shelby. They're open for breakfast and lunch daily, and people tend to leave feeling very full and very happy.

9. Echo Lake Cafe, 1195 Swan Highway, Bigfork

Breakfast is served all day at Echo Lake Cafe, and that's a good thing, because you may want to eat here twice a day. From the light and healthy fruit plates with Greek yogurt to the Benedict menu and the long list of specials, deciding what to eat here can be tricky. Luckily, it's all good.

10. Montana Cafe, 614 N Main St., Darby

Darby is a small town, so when people say Montana Cafe has the best breakfast in the area, it might not seem like much of a compliment. But rest assured, they'd be saying the same thing if the cafe was in a bigger city, because the food -- especially the breakfast -- is outstanding.

This is just a small sample of the exceptional breakfast joints you'll find throughout Montana. When you're in the mood for a leisurely brunch, head to one of the spots on this list.