Happy Friday blog readers and friends! If you’re like me, you’re already thinking about your weekend plans and how you can make the most of your time with family and friends… Why not kick the weekend off right with a delicious Saturday morning breakfast date with your significant other of some alone time with one of your kids?!

I’d like to point out a few things about my breakfast preferences, as I write this post about some of my favorite morning spots around the Tampa Bay area….

1) I love quiche but that is THE only way I’ll eat eggs (well I’ll eat them in cookies and cake of course!). So there will be no omelette posts to follow…..

2) I like to utilize breakfast outings as alone time with my middle son. I’m not a huge breakfast person but going with him makes it feel special and ceremonial. Have no fear, I don’t exclude the other two, my 17 year old just happens to be an early riser like me!

3) Any restaurant that offers a to-go coffee as you leave gets more points in my book since I rarely ever get a coffee refill while I’m eating.

4) I’m not a chain fan when it comes to eating out but for breakfast I prefer it.

5) I will travel for food, so I may stay predominantly in the Brandon area but have no problem heading to Seminole Heights for a great waffle… So feel free to leave me feed back on your favorite breakfast spots around Tampa Bay!

I seriously enjoyed the Sticky Maple from Maple Street Biscuit Company in Bloomingdale. This scrumptious breakfast sandwich is layered on top of flaky biscuit, with their all-natural fried chicken breast, pecanwood smoked bacon, topped with a generous pour of real maple syrup. Perfect selection for a non-egg eater like myself! Check out their menu here : https://maplestreetbiscuits.com/our-menu-2/

Metro Diner in South Tampa is one of my most favorite breakfast spots! I go crazy for their fried chicken and waffles!!! Crispy fried chicken and a golden brown Belgian waffle, topped with powdered sugar and their decedent strawberry butter. Your server also makes their signature sweet & spicy sauce tableside. I usually skip this and ask for extra strawberry butter… It is phenomenal and probably why I drive nearly 15 miles for breakfast! You can ask your server for a half order as well, you get 2 pieces of fried chicken and half of a waffle for $9.99. You can browse there menu here : https://metrodiner.com/menus

I’ve been to the new First Watch in Bloomingdale a few times now. Both times were iffy with their service. But I hate to taint a good pancake dish for subpar service. That being said, my favorite breakfast there is the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Two light and airy pancakes served with lemon curd that just brightens up this hearty stack! They add whipped ricotta cheese to the multigrain pancake batter giving it more depth. It is topped with marinated berries and brought out nice and warm! Browse the breakfast menu here : https://www.firstwatch.com/menu/griddle

Nothing, and I mean, beats a bag full of fresh made, still warm NY style bagels!! It’s quick, convienient and shareable! I usually opt for a weekend breakfast that my whole family will be able to eat together… And bagels are totally approved by four out of five members of my family! The fifth ones opinion doesn’t count, he doesn’t eat bread! You can purchase a hand flavored cream cheese right there at the bagel shop and even breakfast sandwiches. I usually opt to run into Publix on he way home and buy a small cream cheese since I’m the only one that eats it. The earlier you go, the better your chances are for the bagel variety you want, including bialys!

Have an amazing weekend friends!

Rachel