Breakfast authorities

I seldom eat breakfast. Although I understand it’s the most important meal of the day, as eating the right foods helps initiate brain function and gets the blood flowing in the morning, I just don’t have time for it.

But occasionally I avoid hitting the snooze button and know exactly where to start my morning.

Everyone should grab breakfast at Wee Willie’s at some point in his or her college career. Located on the south side near a very poor excuse for a strip club sits a mom-and-pop eatery that serves a mean breakfast. Upon entering the establishment, you get an immediate feel for the experience, as the wheezing of the crowd is reminiscent of a nursing-home brunch. I prefer to believe that with age comes a veteran quality of dining.

Wee Willie’s has a wait staff that’s been there for a while. The breakfast menu has all the classics and just that, but it’s hot, it’s fast and it’s comfort food. For those on a diet or in opposition to grease, this isn’t the place to start your day. But for those in need of a hangover cure or an amazing, cheap breakfast, Wee Willie’s is the place to go. It’s cash-only. Like their delightful breakfast menu, Wee Willie’s is simple.

It’s a cardinal sin to leave Village Deli off the list of best breakfasts in B-Town. I would hope you’ve all been there — the Costellos have done an amazing job serving some of the most creative and delicious plates in town. Their massive specialty pancakes and unlimited house coffee are a treat before a long day of classes or after a rough Saturday night, but what really stands out are the Paxton potatoes.

“Paxtonizing” one’s potatoes is an integral piece in the breakfast puzzle. Village Deli takes their traditional home fries and suffocates them in melted cheese, gravy and chives. Cholula hot sauce expertly completes the paxtonization process.

While I wouldn’t personally recommend Village Deli for lunch or dinner, if you don’t mind crowding into the place for a truly kingly breakfast, it’s worth the wait.

I’d also like to highlight Uptown Café. Owner Michael Cassidy and his entire staff have mastered every aspect of restauranteering. Uptown has the exquisite soccer-bar, an expert take on Cajun-Creole cooking and one hell of a breakfast.

I always get the “Number Two,” a remarkably flavorful approach to a traditional breakfast of two eggs, Michael’s home fries and whole-wheat toast as well as a choice of applewood smoked bacon, andouille sausage or chargrilled ham.

This simple breakfast delivers anything but simple flavor. It’s impossible to explain the diversity Uptown brings to this simple alliance of items, so you’ll have to try it yourself. Feel free to experiment with other plates, as well, like Uptown’s Crème Brûlée French Toast.

If you want a classy start to the day, dine in the loft at Scholar’s Inn Gourmet Café and order the Southern Style Benedict with a Bellini or Mimosa. This breakfast puts a pulled-pork twist on traditional benedicts, and the boring English muffin is replaced with moist, sweet cornbread. Leaving with a slight buzz and happy taste buds is the greatest start to a productive day.

If you want an odd and intricate breakfast, try Runcible Spoon. If you love bagels (and who doesn’t?) head to Bloomington Bagel Company. I don’t have room left to delve into these fine establishments, but they deserve a spot on the list, as well.