We’re all familiar with the expression "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." But on a lazy weekend morning, on the first day of a much-needed vacation, on your birthday, on a day when a friend is in town and you can’t wait to catch up… and on many, many other days… a late morning brunch beats an early breakfast as the best meal.

Not quite lunch but a little late for a traditional breakfast, brunch is in its own category of restaurant meals. You’ll typically have options ranging from classic morning delicacies to lunch specialties, with plenty of coffee and cocktails to sip along with them. Montana is full of wonderful brunch options, and these 12 restaurants have especially "eggsellent" menus.

1. The Fieldhouse, Billings

You’ve got to love a place with menu items like "Boring," which consists of local bacon, eggs and toast. They also serve some creative options, like a "chef's choice" waffle and quinoa with almond milk, pecans, blackberries, pomegranates, and honey.

2. The Nova Cafe, Bozeman

The Benedict menu at the Nova Cafe is the stuff dreams are made of, and the savory breakfast bowls (like the "Eggless Angle") are also delicious.

3. The Ranch Club, Missoula

On Sundays from 9-3, you can enjoy an outstanding brunch at the beautiful, picturesque Ranch Club. From pancakes and scrambles to the sophisticated Croque-Monsieur, you’ll find something delicious to fill you up. The double berry mimosas don't hurt, either.

4. Cafe at Park & Main, Butte

The brunch food here is very good, and the coffee is even better. You can enjoy brunch here until their 2 PM closing time.

5. Lilac, Billings

With practically perfect Yelp ratings and their beautifully presented food, it’s no wonder Lilac is a local favorite. Everything on the menu is local and made from scratch, so you’re in for a treat if you brunch here.

6. Rise and Shine Cafe & Bakery, Bozeman

With a great selection of breakfast items (served until noon on weekends) and lunch favorites, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular brunch spots in Bozeman.

7. Gourmet Galley, Bigfork

The menu at Gourmet Galley isn’t extensive, but they clearly believe in quality over quantity. The Bay Breakfast comes with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, chili, country potatoes and toast, or your can get it wrapped up burrito-style. This is one brunch you’ll want to end with a dessert, like a chocolate tart with French cream filling,

8. Mission Bistro, Stevensville

Mission Bistro is a popular place for dinner in Stevensville, but on Sundays from 9-3, they serve a delicious brunch.

9. Farmhouse, Lakeside

Farmhouse is the kind of place you have to go for brunch multiple times, because everything on the menu sounds appealing.

10. CC's Family Cafe, Glendive

This family restaurant has a friendly staff and great comfort food, including a big selection of "stick to your ribs" breakfast items.

11. Burns Street Bistro, Missoula

Burns Street Bistro serves breakfast all week (and it’s delightful), but on Saturday and Sunday they break out the brunch menu, which includes the Brunch Burger, a Croque Madame and tasty Veggie Browns.

12. No Sweat Cafe, Helena

You might have a bit of a wait for brunch at No Sweat Cafe, but it’ll be worth it. Their food is made from scratch, and it’s some of the best in town.

Montana is full of delicious places to enjoy brunch, and these are only a few of our favorites. We’d love to hear about yours!