Everyone has heard that saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many of us skip it or are always on the go. While brunch has become increasingly popular, what about the old-fashioned, sit-down weekday breakfast? It’s not as hard to find as you’d think. Here are some great breakfast spots, even a few with quick carry-out options to help you savor the morning meal again.
Amphora
Amphora is a local landmark that has been serving the area for more than 40 years with a focus on made-from-scratch delicious food in a family friendly atmosphere 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, just in case you get a midnight craving for pancakes. Locals rave about their signature buttermilk pancakes, which are made with farm fresh egg yolks giving it a hearty flavor and texture. Or, opt for one of their golden Belgian waffles, heavenly Hollandaise, or eggs Benedict. Create your own omelet or try their French toast, made from their distinctive house-made brioche. There is surely something for everyone.
377 Maple Ave. West
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7877
www.amphoragroup.com
Silver Diner
Serving breakfast all day, this is not the greasy spoon that you grew up with. The Silver Diner has been revitalized to offer healthy choices for the whole family. Expect a lighter, fresher, and healthier menu created by Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst, who sources only the freshest, high quality all-natural ingredients available from local farms. Enjoy omelets made with farm fresh Amish eggs with nitrate-free bacon on the side, pancakes, French toast and more. After jumping on the local, fresh, seasonal bandwagon, the Silver Diner has once again become a family favorite.
Two Tysons Corner locations:
8101 Fletcher St.
McLean, VA 22102
703-821-5666
8150 Porter Rd.
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-204-0812
Metro 29
Once small time Mom ’n’ Pop diner, Metro 29 became an overnight sensation when it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2010. Now families come from far and wide to indulge in this New York style diner which serves breakfast ’round the clock. Enjoy made-from-scratch fluffy pancakes and waffles anytime—or the thick and eggy French toast made with house-made challah.
4711 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22207
703-528-2426
www.metro29diner.com
Sweetleaf Cafe
Sweetleaf Cafe is a homegrown local favorite known for fresh salads and sandwiches.They also offer delicious breakfast options with your coffee including the Morning Glory with all-natural egg, cheddar cheese on multi-grain house-made bread with your choice of bacon or sausage. Looking for something lighter? Try one of their smoothies, shakes or muffins made in-house. Sweet leaf uses local growers, farmers, ranchers and producers whenever possible.
Two Tysons Corner area locations:
1359 Chain Bridge Rd.
McLean, VA 22101
703-893-2323
262 Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-281-0111
Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers offers classic farm-inspired dishes made from scratch with sustainably farmed products and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Sip on a coffee or espresso, try one of their cold-pressed juice blends, or even a breakfast cocktail while you’re devouring the best stuffed French toast or farmhouse waffles you’ve ever had. How about some made-to-order Beignets with raspberry coulis or chocolate? On the lighter side, try their Drag Through the Garden with scrambled egg whites and seasonal vegetables. Serving breakfast Mon- Fri 7-11am; weekends 9am-2pm. In a hurry? Founding Farmer also offers grab-n-go and carry-out. The Tysons Brunch is a Farmers Market style unlimited buffet brunch for $30 per person. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, from 9AM-2PM, and most holiday Mondays.
1800 Tysons Blvd.
McLean, VA 22102
703-442-8783
www.wearefoundingfarmers.com
The Virginian Restaurant
Enjoy a little piece of Americana in this old-fashioned neighborhood diner known for hearty breakfasts and Southern comfort food. It’s a popular stop for families with young children who love the pancakes and biscuits with their famous sweet gravy served any time of the day. The vintage high swivel chairs and campy signs offer a fun nostalgic appeal.
The Vienna Shopping Center
169 Glyndon Street, SE
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-2333
www.thevirginianrestaurant.com
McLean Family Restaurant (MFR)
For many families, weekend breakfasts are a tradition, especially when it’s at this family-owned restaurant established in 1969. From cozy booths come peals of laughter as kids feast on their famous chocolate chip pancakes, where breakfast is served daily till 3 p.m.
1321 Chain Bridge Rd.
McLean, VA 22101
703-356-9883
www.themcleanfamilyrestaurant.com
Vienna Inn
While this Vienna institution is well-known for its chili dogs and cold brews, it’s also the place to go for a hearty home-style breakfast. The youthful placemat art on the walls and teeming trophy shelves give it a very the family-friendly vibe. The menu has something for everyone, from hot cakes, to omelets, to scrambled eggs with salami. Breakfast is served Monday through Friday: 7 – 11am and Saturday: 7am – 12pm and Sunday: 9am – 12pm.
120 East Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-9548
www.viennainn.com
Ted’s Bulletin
Located in the Mosaic District, Ted’s re-imagines a real 1930’s American classic diner complete with nostalgic homemade comfort food all in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Like an old fashioned cake shop the scent of heavenly pastries and coffee greets you as you walk in. Gape at their throwback pastry case filled with homemade pop tarts, pies, cakes and muffins. Wash down that poptart with a custom milkshake—with or without alcohol—or a coffee favorite made in front of your very own eyes by the ‘shaketender’ and barista. Serving all-day breakfast starting at 7 am.
2911 District Ave.
Fairfax, VA 22031
571-830-6680
www.tedsbulletin.com
Original Pancake House
Kids, pancakes. Pancakes, kids. Yes these two things go together nicely. So, if your kid loves pancakes, they will love the food here. It’s a cheery place with enormous portions that can be easily shared. The OPH is known for its popular Dutch Baby, a puffy donut with lemon and powdered sugar, and for their fluffy crepes. They also serve gluten-free dishes.
7395 Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-698-6292
www.ophrestaurants.com
